🌱 Vigil For 117 Homeless Deaths + Vaccine Rates At Universities

Salt Lake City UT

22 December, 2021

3:58 PM

Description

Morning, people of Salt Lake City! It's me, Joseph Peterson, your host of the Salt Lake City Daily. First, today's weather: Shoo, inversion! It's rain and snow showers today. High: 47 Low: 40. Here are the top 3 stories in Salt Lake City today: Fox 13 surveyed university students across Utah and found that college kids were getting vaccinated at higher rates than other Utahns despite vaccination rates among 18-24-year-olds are still hovering around 60%. Of the 8 colleges surveyed across the state, the schools with campuses in Salt Lake City ranked among the highest, occupying 3 of the top 4 slots with Westminster College dramatically leading the rest with 93% of students fully vaccinated. (fox13now.com)In a somber candlelight vigil led by long-time homeless advocate, Pamela Atkinson, dozens gathered in Pioneer Park on the longest night of the year to honor the 117 lives lost due to homelessness in Utah in 2021, with the 117th added the same day as the vigil. Nine of those honored were veterans, and for many, this event stands as the only commemoration of their lives. (KSL.com) One Salt Lake woman, Lacey Haddon, details her continued experience after having COVID-19 and what that means for her heading into the end-of-year holidays. Dr. Stephen Goldstein, a virologist at University of Utah Health, warns of the especially infectious omicron variant and its potential effect on long-haulers and the unvaccinated like Lacey who is facing months of being on oxygen. (ABC 4) From our sponsor: Hey Salt Lake City, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs! Today in Salt Lake City: Head to the west end of downtown today and check out the Modern West art gallery's annual holiday show "RANGE | Big + Small," which is a group exhibition of new works by Modern West represented and select guest artists. (10:00 AM)In need of a holiday feast and coming up short? Those who need assistance can head to the Crossroads Urban Center Christmas Drive-up Food Giveaway at Rowland Hall to get a turkey and box of holiday food. (10:00 AM)Bundle up this evening and practice your figure-8 at the Gallivan Center's outdoor ice skating rink downtown. Skate rentals and hot cocoa available at concessions. (4:00 PM) From my notebook: "Highland Park Elementary Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Chris Moray, recently published her first book. In collaboration with her son, she authored The Great Snowman Snatch. She recently spent time in other Highland Park classes describing how and why she became an author." (Salt Lake City School District) "Our newest podcast episode is all about prairie dogs! DWR biologists Adam Kavalunas and Jessica Kinross talk about the unique balancing act of managing prairie dogs in Utah. Listen now!" (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources) "When a global crisis closed a door, it also opened up a window for countertenor John Holiday. See how one of the stars of "Flight" spread his wings and found his artistic identity during the pandemic." (Utah Opera)Local author and University of Utah professor Frank Page has a new novel: "Fiver and the Psychology of Rabbits," a story that draws from personal experiences from the author's life that lead to ruminations on the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. Page also weighs in on his own proximity to an infamous murder in Salt Lake City's storied Green Parrot Club, hinting that a book about that may also be in the works. (Utah Stories) 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] Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update! — 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.