🌱 Salt Lake Man Takes Plea Deal + Flood State Of Emergency Extended

Good morning, Salt Lake City! I'm Sean Peek and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 71 Low: 54.

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Here are the top three stories in Salt Lake City today:

1. Michael Tyson Nance, 34, of Salt Lake City, pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and felony discharge of a firearm in a plea deal with prosecutors. Nance admitted to shooting and killing his girlfriend Natalie Thurber and shooting at police officers, injuring one officer. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dismissed one charge of aggravated kidnapping and another charge of aggravated assault. (KSL.com)
2. Salt Lake County (SLCo) Mayor Jenny Wilson has extended the local state of emergency for another 30 days until Jun. 13 as flooding risk remains high in the area. Despite the extension, the SLCo Flood Control expects to be on high alert until early July. The flooding results from the record-breaking snowpack Utah received this past season, which is now melting into rivers and streams due to increasing temperatures. (ABC4.com)
3. Salt Lake City School District is considering closing its virtual elementary school after a decrease in enrollment. The school was created in 2021 as a pilot program and was funded with federal COVID relief funds. Enrollment has decreased from 259 in October 2022 to 87 in March 2023, and district officials have recommended closing the school after this school year based on funding and attendance data. The board will have two more opportunities for public comment before taking a deciding vote in June. (KUER 90.1)

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Today in Salt Lake City:

• Spring Mayor's Bike To Work Day At Finch Lane Gallery (7:30 AM)
• Skills: Taking Charge Of Your Privacy On iPhone At Apple City Creek Center (1:15 PM)
• Teen Zine Team At The City Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• According to recent data, the state of Utah had the seventh-lowest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that "young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents." (Bumper.com)
• Don’t miss the Utah Arts Festival Jun. 23-25, 2023! A few of the headliners have been announced, including Adeem The Artist, Lyrics Born, and Joslyn And The Sweet Compression! More acts will be announced in the coming weeks. (Utah Arts Festival via Facebook)
• Calling all young poets and aspiring wordsmiths! Enter The City Library’s Third Annual Teen Poetry Contest! The theme is "All Together Now." The submission period ends Jul. 15. (Salt Lake City Public Library via Facebook)
• Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum! There will be free admission for all mothers with the purchase of a child’s admission. (Discovery Gateway Children's Museum via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.