June 8, 2020 Update

Happy Monday, everyone.   Lots of things going on as you know.  Between budget, pandemic, protests and other kinds of public issues, we seem to have our hands full, before we even consider what it takes to run a city organization!  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 1,938,823 cases with 110,375 fatalities.

Utah: 12,322 cases; 918 hospitalizations; 124 deaths 

Utah County:  2,310  cases; 122 hospitalizations; 17 deaths

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• A man was airlifted to the hospital Sunday morning after he was struck by lightning in Eagle Mountain. He was knocked unconscious after the lightning struck directly behind him around 10 a.m. while walking on a trail near Orrin Circle. He is expected to survive.
• Ballots will be mailed this week for the primary election on Tuesday, June 30. This will be a vote-by-mail election. For additional information and to learn about the impact of COVID-19 on this election, please click here.
• Between 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday about 70 people met in front of the Provo City building to peacefully protest. The unique thing about this group was that it consisted of about 30 elementary school-aged children and their parents, who wanted to help their children learn about protesting peacefully. Mayor Michelle Kaufusi and Provo Lt. Brian Taylor made an appearance at the event as well.
• The SCERA has reopened their outdoor theater to allow for social distancing. The Scarlet Pimpernel plays nightly (except Wednesdays and Sundays) at 8 PM at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre (699 S. State Street, Orem) through June 20. Tickets are $10-16.
• A vigil was held in Provo Friday night for victims of police brutality. One of the founders of the event, Izzy Herring said “All we’re trying to do is connect the community. This is not a protest. We are honoring and venerating the people who have died to police brutality.” Nearly 1,000 individuals were in attendance. 
• A 20-year-old woman was shot by police officers when she pointed a gun at them here in Provo on Thursday evening. The woman was not killed and medical aid was immediately rendered at the scene. She was then transported to Utah Valley Hospital.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with Fire Chief Miguel
• Met with Police Chief Ferguson
• Met with Utah County leaders regarding COVID-19
• Held a meeting with Mayor's office staff
• Met with the Deputy Mayor
• Met with her executive team
• Met with the City's PIO
• Met with the Assistant CAO
• Met on the City Center Project with the project team and public works

FUN STUFF

2 Truths and a Lie: Mayor's Office Edition

This Week: Public Information Officer Nicole Martin

1. I'm a true crime show fanatic.

2. I had a brief stint as a stand-up comedian in college.

3. I've eaten guinea pig.

Thanks, everyone.  Stay safe we will chat again tomorrow!

Wayne