Things you should know today: 2/7/18

February 7, 2018

523

6 dead, 76 missing after strong quake hits Taiwan

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, center back-facing, is briefed at the site of a collapsed building from an earthquake, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, in Hualien, southeastern Taiwan. Rescuers continue to search for dozens of unaccounted people for in several buildings damaged by a strong earthquake near the island’s eastern coast. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

Rescuers worked Wednesday to free people trapped after a strong earthquake near Taiwan’s east coast caused several buildings to cave in and tilt dangerously. At least six people were killed and 76 could not be contacted following the quake.

Senate negotiators working to finalize long-term budget deal

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., flanked by Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, left, and Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., speaks with reporters as work continues on a plan to keep the government open as a funding deadline approaches, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Senate negotiators were finalizing a long-term budget deal Wednesday that would avert a looming government shutdown, as a leader of House conservatives predicted the group’s objections to big domestic spending increases would not be enough to block it.

Provo’s 311 Saves the Day

The good news is now you know that by dialing 3-1-1, Provo’s Customer Service Department can solve your problems. The bad news is that now this song will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. You’re welcome.

Space sports car now flying towards asteroid belt beyond Mars

A Falcon 9 SpaceX heavy rocket lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. The Falcon Heavy, has three first-stage boosters, strapped together with 27 engines in all. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

SpaceX chief Elon Musk confirmed the new, more distant route for his rocketing Tesla Roadster, which was launched aboard the company’s Falcon Heavy from Florida.
The Heavy became the most powerful rocket flying today with Tuesday’s inaugural test flight.