Today marks three years since we sent our first newsletter.

• Whether you've been with us from the start or just subscribed, we're truly thankful to have you along for the ride.

Why it matters: Each day, we aim to keep you smart and informed about what's happening in and around Salt Lake City and Utah, all while keeping our coverage brief, focused and fresh.

Catch up quick: It's been a newsy year for us, so let's take a look at the highlights.

We kicked off last summer with one of the biggest stories of the year: Salt Lake City will once again host the Winter Olympics.

• We explored Indigenous issues, including fears of harassment from immigration enforcement officials and the removal of the Navajo Code Talkers from military websites after President Trump's DEI order.
• We — literally — chased down bar owners about how the state's strict liquor laws were stifling their creativity.
• We covered the aftermath of Trump's government overhaul.
• We dove into the internet's obsession with billboard matriarch Julia Reagan.
• And because we all gotta eat, we dished on the hottest restaurant and bar openings lighting up Utah's capital.

What's next: As we wrap up the first six months of Trump 2.0, we plan to cover every twist and what it means for Utahns.

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As we look back at the last three years, we're also grateful for our former editor Ross Terrell, who departed this week for a new job in Oklahoma. (We're trying not to take it personally.)

Catch up quick: Ross was with us from the start and helped get our newsletter off the ground.

• Besides editing our stories, he also contributed to our sports coverage.
• A highlight was when he wrote about the time he auditioned to sing the national anthem before a Utah Jazz game, although it was cut short after the line, "And the rockets red glare."

Kim's thought bubble: It will take a while to get used to morning pitch meetings without Ross. He brought a chill, fun energy to the team that will be hard to replace.

Erin's thought bubble: Who will make fun of my sportswriting now?!

What's next: We'll become experts on Oklahoma soon as we plan to read his new newsroom's work.

🇷🇺 Russia's government labeled BYU an "undesirable" institution on the same day the school hosted an event titled "Russia as a Global Threat." (Salt Lake Tribune)

• The designation means BYU cannot operate in Russia, which could affect study abroad programs.

🚨 Hundreds of inmates evacuated an area of the Salt Lake County Jail when a fire broke out yesterday morning. (FOX 13)

• Inmates were moved to other parts of the jail and no one was injured — but bookings were backed up for two hours.

🧑‍🍳 Hruska's Kolaches is getting a $200,000 loan from Salt Lake City to offset its move to the former "Brownies! Brownies! Brownies!" location near 1700 South and 1100 East. (KSL.com)

• The city hopes the popular bakery can revitalize its new neighborhood.

This is one of Salt Lake's biggest weekends of the year, with tons of events in addition to Pride.

🎡 SoJo Summerfest: The carnival is underway at North City Park, with rides, a bird show, butterfly encounter, performers, chalk art, a petting zoo and tons of scheduled events, including:

• Music festival: 5:30pm-10pm today and tomorrow
• Movie in the park: 9:15pm today
• Parade: 9am tomorrow
• Car show: 1pm tomorrow
• Fireworks: 10pm tomorrow

🇧🇷 Festa Junina: Braza Grill in Murray is hosting live music, games, dancing and food at a free festival to celebrate the Brazilian holiday honoring St. John the Baptist.

• When: 5pm-10pm today and noon to 10pm tomorrow
• Admission: Free

🫛 Downtown Farmer's Market: Utah's biggest weekly market kicks off its summer season at 8am tomorrow.

⛵️Sailfest: Watch the free regatta and enjoy live music and vendors at the Great Salt Lake Marina while the lake is still deep enough for boats.

• When: 10am-4pm tomorrow

🏕️ Great Outdoors Market: Millcreek Common is filled with outdoor gear vendors until tomorrow, when the market will feature games, campfire snacks, a climbing expo, gear demos and a scooter rally.

🎨 Holi Festival of Colors: Head to the Krishna Temple in Millcreek for dancing, music and hourly color throws 11am to 5pm.

• Tickets: $8 online, $10 at the gate. Free for kids 12 and younger.

🍱 Utah Asian Festival: One of the fastest-growing celebrations of the year brings a variety of food, entertainment and family activities to the Utah State Fairpark.

• When: 11am-8pm tomorrow

🧑‍🎨 Los Muros on Main: See the new murals on Midvale's Main Street at a free festival with live music, vendors, food trucks art activities and more.

• When: 4pm-9pm tomorrow

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Parking in downtown Salt Lake City could get pricier.

State of play: Salt Lake City Council members are weighing Mayor Erin Mendenhall's budget proposal, which includes raising metered parking downtown by 55.5%, from $2.25 an hour to $3.50.

• The policy change would also charge for parking on Saturdays and extend collection hours to 10pm.
• Currently, two-hour parking is free on Saturdays, and fees aren't collected after 8pm Monday through Saturday.

The big picture: As downtown grows busier, higher parking costs could encourage increased turnover of parking stalls.

• The hike is estimated to generate about $1 million in additional revenue, according to a council staff report.

What's next: The council must adopt the city budget by June 30.

• If approved, the new rates would begin July 1.

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