Good morning, Provo.

During yesterday’s girls’ basketball game at Payson High School, players & coaches paused to honor 14-year-old Jalee Anderson, a student who died over the weekend in an off-road vehicle rollover while wearing mourning ribbons and urging donations for her family.

A recent WalletHub study ranked Utah as the second-best state for starting businesses, citing access to capital, skilled talent and affordable real estate & low employee benefit costs.

Local business owners have a supportive environment to grow their companies.

The Utah State Board of Education recommended cutting $10.6 million from early literacy software funding to meet a mandated 5% reduction after data showed nearly half of young students struggle with reading.

The Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee is reviewing the proposal today (aiming to address budget priorities amid reading concerns).

A new study by SmartAsset shows Utah is the healthiest state even after a recent inversion, thanks to low smoking rates, high levels of exercise, and clean air (the study rated 10 health factors including obesity and sleep).

Utah’s housing market is freezing as many homeowners hold on to their low 3% mortgage rates rather than face new 6% rates.

Experts say this lock-in effect will shrink inventory — leaving fewer homes available for new buyers.

BYU and Utah ended the season with top 15 finishes when the final AP Top 25 poll was released, with the Cougars (12-2) at No. 11 and the Utes (11-2) at No. 14.

Fremont girls basketball coach Lisa Dalebout added alum Emma Calvert to her staff amid a strong season start.

The roundup also notes football commitments by Salesi Moa to Michigan, Weber High’s Sparrow and Morgan’s Keele joining Weber State, and Bear River coach Trampis Waite leaving for Nampa High School.

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.

Reading Club for Kids

5-6 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free entry — Help kids grades K-8 foster a love for reading while enjoying pizza and a book to take home.

English Playgroup for Kids

10:30-11:30 a.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free — A friendly space for children to play and parents to connect.

Family Art Class

5-6 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — General registration required — Explore creativity through various artistic mediums for all ages.

LEGO Storytime for Kids

4-5 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Register early — A fun-filled time with storytelling and LEGO building for young creators.

Russian Playgroup for Children

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free entry — A weekly playgroup for parents and kids aged 1-5 to learn, socialize, and build community.

Community Café

6-7:30 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free entry — Enjoy a potluck dinner and engage in community discussions to support local families.