🌱Inversion Hits SLC + Today Is UTA's Free Fare For Clean Air Day

Salt Lake City UT

21 December, 2021

2:25 PM

Description

Rise and shine, Salt Lake City! Let's get you started this Wednesday with everything you need to know going on today in Salt Lake City. First, today's weather: Freezing fog in the morning. High: 41 Low: 34. Here are the top 4 stories today in Salt Lake City: Today is the second 'Free Fare for Clean Air' day this month for riding Utah Transit Authority public transportation in Salt Lake City in an effort to curb the harmful effects of an expected inversion this week along the Wasatch Front. Free Fare days in August showed significant increases in ridership across buses and trains. The free fare this week will apply to all UTA bus and rail services, including UTA's On Demand microtransit service on Salt Lake City's Westside. (KUTV 2News) The Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) has given Utah's capital city a perfect score of 100 for inclusivity toward members of the LGBTQ+ community. The rating looked at municipal laws, policies, and social services, noting that coverage for gender-affirming surgeries for city employees and the presence of the Utah Pride Center and the Utah AIDS Foundation in SLC helped it score so high. (ABC 4) It's an all-too-familiar weather pattern for Salt Lake when warm air above caps colder temperatures on the valley floor below and prevents pollution from escaping. Yes, the dreaded inversion has settled in this week with negative health effects for everyone, but especially for those with respiratory conditions. As SLC's population grows, the problem continues to grow as well. (fox13now.com)The owners of the recently shuttered Coachman's diner weren't pleasantly surprised when the Salt Lake City Planning Commission stalled their proposal for a 100-condo, mixed-use development on the land where the diner once was along the 1300 block of State Street. Rather than vote for or against the project, the commission simply voted to table the application and allow more time for the enterprising family to iron the kinks out in the proposal. (Building Salt Lake) Today's Salt Lake City Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com. Today in Salt Lake City: Celebrate the longest night of the year with a take-home Winter Solstice Kit from Red Butte Garden full of crafts, games, and activities to help you enjoy a festive solstice celebration in the comfort of your home. Hand-make a snowman tea light ornament, beaded snowflakes, and a mini tote bag as you learn about the Winter Solstice and how people around the world celebrate this special day. (9:00 AM)Combine storytelling with science in "Snowmen at Night" at Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, then participate in a chemistry experiment and make your own baking soda snowmen to melt with vinegar. Free with Admission. (10:00 AM)Tonight at Beer Bar in SLC it's Paint on Tap with Starry Snowman presented by The Paint Mixer. Yes, it's actually a painting activity while you enjoy food and drinks as well as craft cocktails from Bar X, next door. The bar's stated goal is to encourage everyone to try something new and create something special. All artistic abilities are welcome. (6:00 PM)Tonight's FREE Excellence In The Community Concert at the Gallivan Main Stage features the talented Dean Kaelin quintet performing Christmas classics with a Jazz twist. (7:30 PM) From my notebook: A USO airport lounge is now open at the Salt Lake City International Airport for active-duty members of the Armed Forces. An official grand opening is planned for early February 2022, however, members can now enjoy the lounge while traveling through SLC. (Salt Lake City International Airport)Attractions that have gift shops, like zoos and museums, are great places to find unique gifts and do last-minute shopping while avoiding crowds at the big-box retail stores. Here are four such gift shops in Salt Lake City. (Salt Lake City Patch) Send some holiday cheer with the Marmalade Branch of the Salt Lake City Public Library's postcard writing station. You can take a postcard and write a note to someone you care about and the library will stamp and mail it for you, though at this point it's likely better timing to make it a New Year's card. (Salt Lake City Public Library) The Sundance Film Festival is fast approaching, and Visit Utah wants you to know that whether you're a festival veteran or a first-timer, here are some unique resources and local stops to check out during your stay. (Visit Utah) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Save 15 Percent On FTD's Christmas Collection (December 25) Social Security Seminar (January 6) Add your event Loving the Salt Lake City Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business listed in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon. — Joseph Peterson About me: Joseph is a writer and marketing communications strategist with a degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations from the University of Utah. He's keen on city life, public libraries, national parks, and promoting events that build community.