🌱 U Health Urges Booster + SLC Airport Expects Big Crowds

Salt Lake City UT

23 December, 2021

5:22 PM

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Hey, neighbors! Joseph Peterson here with a brand-new issue of the Salt Lake City Daily. First, today's weather: Rain in the afternoon. High: 45 Low: 35. Here are the top stories today in Salt Lake City: University of Utah Health is urging the public to get their vaccine and/or vaccine booster amid the anticipated holiday surge of COVID-19 and the more contagious variant, Omicron, which is fast becoming the nation's dominant variant. (ABC 4)In a heartwarming Christmas dream come true, Make-A-Wish Utah partnered with Ballet West to give a little girl her dream of performing in the Nutcracker, an idea she hatched during a hospital stay last year. (2KUTV)Roundabouts are a feature that's becoming more and more common on Salt Lake City's streets. They're not beloved by all — in fact some hate them — but they're here to say. The Salt Lake Tribune delves into why, explaining the benefits of roundabouts with regards to street safety and the environment. (Salt Lake Tribune) Homeless camp abatements seem not to be the solution they're intended to be, and take a toll on those moved, even as areas are cleaned up. While health and safety outcomes are the priority, actions like abatements are often a double-edged sword. In SLC, 49 days in 2021 were dedicated to moving and cleaning up after encampments. Some say sanctioned camping areas could be a better approach. (KUER 90.1) You can expect pre-pandemic level crowds at the Salt Lake City International Airport this holiday week with airport spokesperson Nancy Volmer saying to expect 25,000 passengers leaving SLC ahead of the 25th. Volmer also notes by comparison that last year only saw a little over half that number. The reminder to show up two hours early is still a good idea, particularly if you haven't been to the new airport yet. (KSL) Today's Salt Lake City Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Salt Lake City! Today in Salt Lake City: Enjoy Christmas Eve at the Little America Hotel downtown. Lucky H and The Coffee Shop will both offer a limited a la carte holiday menu today. No reservations will be accepted and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. (6:00 AM - Times Vary)Explore chemical engineering and create your own bouncy ball using the chemistry of polymers and slimes. It's Engineering Friday at the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum. Free with admission (10:00 AM)See the Temple Square Christmas lights, an annual tradition for many in Salt Lake City. Due to the ongoing Salt Lake Temple Renovation, as well as current COVID-19 conditions, the 2021 plans have been modified. See map online for details. (5:00 PM) From my notebook: "Headed to Pasadena? Check out this guide to the Rose Parade and other pertinent Rose Bowl information. (Thanks to Tournament of Roses volunteer and U parent Shannon McConnell for the insight!)" (The University of Utah) "Library Journal has announced the list of Star Libraries for 2021. The City Library is thrilled — and humbled — to be named a Five-Star Library, the highest honor on the list. Of 5,608 qualifying public library systems, only 85 were awarded five stars, and only one in the state of Utah" (Salt Lake City Public Library) "All Salt Lake City School District offices and schools are closed for Winter Recess. We can't wait to see you again on Monday, January 3, 2022!" (Salt Lake City School District) "Professional snowboarder and Utah local Brolin Mawejje is on track to become the first athlete from Uganda and the first African snowboarder to compete at the Winter Olympics. His journey has had its share of obstacles, but for Brolin, on the snow is where he finds his flow." (Visit Utah)This week's batch of adoptable pets in the Salt Lake City area are looking for their forever homes. Will one go home with you? Here is a list of the dogs, cats, and other pets available for adoption at shelters in Salt Lake and the surrounding area. (Salt Lake City Patch)Many Christmas traditions of today have endured since the Victorian era in England, like caroling door to door and stuffing stockings or sending cards. But a once-popular tradition has been all but forgotten: the telling of ghost stories on Christmas Eve. The Deseret News delves into the history of this tradition and offers up a bunch of fascinating anecdotes besides, noting that one popular ghost story can be seen on stages all across Utah every year, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. (Deseret News) 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] That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning for another 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.