Daily
Provo
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Provo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sundance has shaped Utah’s independent film community for 40 years and will move to Boulder for 10 years starting in 2027; the Utah Film Center continues to support local filmmakers + advance year-round programs. FOX 13
- ➤ Elder Matthew S. Holland delivered an emotional BYU devotional at Marriott Center on Tuesday, Jan. 20, sharing grief over his father’s death on Dec. 27 and how he turned to the Book of Mormon for comfort (and renewed faith in Christ). Deseret News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Utah Valley University opened its Scott M. Smith College of Engineering and Technology Building on Jan. 22 in Orem. The four-story 197,000 sqft facility has 14 classrooms, 116 offices and labs for virtual reality, aerodynamics and cybersecurity, made possible by a $25 million gift from Scott and Karen Smith. Daily Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 22, a 4.7 earthquake struck 25 miles south of Evanston (Wyoming) near the Utah-Wyoming border and was felt along the Wasatch Front, including Provo, with no injuries or damage reported. KUTV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, a House committee unanimously approved HB79, a bill requiring data centers of 10,000 sqft or more to report their monthly water use to the State Engineer — a step aimed at protecting our scarce water in a desert state — and the bill now advances to the full House. FOX 13
- ➤ Utah lawmakers debate proposals to ban synthetic kratom and tighten rules for natural forms as families cite addiction and death risks. The measures, discussed at the Capitol, could soon affect products sold at gas stations and smoke shops (calls for faster action persist). KUTV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local doctors advise residents to get a flu shot amid a severe flu season; state data shows lower hospitalizations yet a mid-February peak occurred, and health officials warn the season may continue into late winter and spring (especially for infants and older adults). Daily Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former BYU guard Dallin Hall, a Provo native, led Virginia to a 72-68 win over SMU last Saturday at Moody Coliseum by recording a season-high 9 assists + a key block. He continues to focus on his new ACC role while staying connected to his home community. Deseret News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Family Art Class
5-6 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Registration required — Explore creativity through painting, clay, and collaborative projects in a family-friendly environment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
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