Daily
Provo
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Provo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Preliminary data from UDOT & DPS shows a drop in Utah traffic deaths to 264 in 2025 from 277 in 2024, though motorcyclist fatalities rose 32% and teen deaths nearly doubled to 31. Zero Fatalities urged safer driving to reduce risks on Utah roads. Deseret News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Governor Spencer Cox and Senator Lincoln Fillmore proposed a bill today to ban cell phones from public schools from the opening bell to the closing bell to boost student focus. Critics express concerns over safety and funding, and the proposal will be debated during the upcoming legislative session. KUTV
- ➤ Gov. Cox and Sen. Fillmore introduced a bill that would ban cell phones from public schools bell-to-bell in the upcoming 2026 session to boost student engagement and test scores. Schools may offer exceptions (for medical or special needs) and adjust policies as needed. KUTV
- ➤ Utah school districts will receive record trust land funds for the 2026-27 school year after a 2024 amendment increased the draw. Alpine School District gets $15.8 million in its final year before splitting, Nebo will get $7.9 million, and Provo City receives $2.7 million to address key academic needs. Daily Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Great Salt Lake measured 4,191.1 feet on Tuesday, Jan. 6, its third-lowest level in 120 years, exposing dust hazards. Officials plan to add 261 billion gallons by incentivizing farmers to sell water (and by transporting water from other basins) to help improve air quality. Deseret News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Flu hospitalizations in Utah have reached or exceeded last year’s peak, with children under 4 and adults over 65 most affected. Health experts advise unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated and start antivirals within 48 hours (home tests are now available). Deseret News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ BYU football drew over 37 million TV viewers across 14 games in 2025 and recorded an average of 2.24 million viewers per game, second only to Texas Tech in the Big 12. The Dec. 6 title game peaked at nearly 9 million viewers, marking the season’s highest audience. Deseret News
- ➤ Utah Mammoth fans are excited for the team's upcoming winter classic at Rice Eccles next year as NHL officials will soon announce ticket details, leaving fans anticipating a nostalgic outdoor hockey experience (a nod to the sport's heritage). FOX 13
- ➤ BYU defeated Arizona State 104 — 76 on Wednesday night as Richie Saunders scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while AJ Dybantsa added 23 points and Robert Wright III scored 27. The Cougars dominated with fast-breaks and defensive blocks to shape their victory. KUTV
-
Beginner Tai Chi for Kids
9-10 a.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Cost info not specified — Learn Chen Style Tai Chi basics, build confidence, and enjoy teamwork.
-
Mandarin Language Practice Group
4-5 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Registration required — Join beginner and intermediate groups for immersive Mandarin practice.
-
Science Club for Grades 3-8
4-5:30 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Registration required — Explore diverse science fields through hands-on projects and activities.
-
Digital Literacy - Computer Class
6-7 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free entry — Enhance your computer skills and earn a computer through our engaging 10-week course.
-
African Dance and Drumming Class
6-7:30 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Registration required — Explore the vibrant cultures of Africa through music and movement in this engaging community class.
-
Pedals, Pipes & Pizza Youth Event
10 a.m. — Brigham Young University — RSVP required — A youth-friendly introduction to the pipe organ with music, demonstrations, and pizza.
-
Thursday Homework Assistance
6-7 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free — A valuable resource for grades 1-12 to catch up and stay on track with homework.
-
Family Art Class
5-6 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Cost not specified — Engage your family's creativity through various art mediums and collaborative projects.
-
Spanish Playgroup
11:30 a.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free entry — A weekly gathering for parents and their little ones to enjoy play and build community in Spanish.
-
Conversational English Class
5-6 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — free entry — Enhance your day-to-day English speaking skills in a supportive setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Provo
Welcome to the Daily Provo, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Provo, Utah community. If you like the Daily Provo, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Provo.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Provo and across Utah. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Provo
A free Provo community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyprovo.com/sitemap