Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Provo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Utah has once again been ranked No. 1 for economic outlook, marking 19 consecutive years of leading growth as measured by the Rich States, Poor States index. Chief Economist Phil Dean said the state is well-positioned for job growth + stronger household incomes, although national trends influence local conditions. KUTV
- ➤ A Gardner Policy Institute report released Wednesday shows Utah is set to nearly triple its data center capacity, driven by rising AI demand. The rapid expansion along the Wasatch Front brings water and energy challenges that may lead to new policy measures. Deseret News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At the Pillar of the Valley gala on Tuesday, Apr. 14 in Provo, the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce honored BYU presidents for their contributions to both the university and community, with all living presidents present including former President Dallin H. Oaks (who stayed at the front table). Daily Herald
- ➤ Ensign College awarded certificates to 54 inmates (47 men and 7 women) at its first Prison Education Program graduation at the Utah State Correctional Facility on Wednesday, April 15. The school announced it will offer associate and bachelor’s degrees soon to expand educational opportunities for inmates. Deseret News
- ➤ Utah students are building documentaries, live performances, and museum-style exhibits for the National History Day competition as part of a nationwide program that challenges them to connect history with personal interests (organizers say the program builds research, storytelling, and critical thinking skills and can shape future college and career paths). KUTV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Officials say nursing home residents can contest discharges while assisted living residents cannot, prompting concern as more older adults face relocation stress syndrome and unsafe transitions. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office — working with assisted living providers — is discussing options after a failed bill stalled efforts to expand protections. FOX 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ BYU basketball star Rob Wright III has decided to remain with the Cougars after a recruiting visit to Kentucky that did not result in a commitment—he joins ex-Kentucky guard Collin Chandler and five-star freshman forward Bruce Branch to build a core for a deeper NCAA Tournament run. Deseret News
- ➤ U.S. Olympic officials will begin renewal talks with domestic sponsors including Delta Air Lines, Honda and Starbucks in January 2027 to support Utah’s 2034 Winter Games, officials said—sponsorships will help cover part of the projected $4 billion cost. Deseret News
-
Weekly English Playgroup
10:30-11:30 a.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free — Parents and children engage in learning and socialization in a supportive environment.
-
2026 Ice Breaker Shoot
Competition Round — Saturday & Sunday — Timpanogos Archers — Registration available online — Get ready to test your archery skills in this exciting two-day event.
-
Ballroom Book Sale
12-3 p.m. — Provo City Library at Academy Square — Most books $2 or less — Build your home library and support library programs at this gigantic book sale.
-
Utah Metropolitan Ballet: Tribute
7-10 p.m. — Covey Center for the Arts — $29-$60 — Experience a unique dance performance featuring the world premiere of a new piece by choreographer Vanessa Cook.
-
Ties & Tiaras Daddy-Daughter Dance
5-7 p.m. — Provo Recreation Center — $30 per couple, $5 for each additional child — Experience an enchanting evening of dance, crafts, and cherished moments for dads and daughters.
-
Russian Playgroup
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free entry — A weekly gathering for parents and toddlers in a supportive, social environment.
-
Stories and Music for Babies
9:30-9:50 a.m. — Provo City Library at Academy Square — Free event — Enjoy music, stories, and activities for children and their caregivers.
-
LEGO Storytime Program
4-5 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Registration required — Kids ages 5-8 enjoy stories and creative LEGO building at this engaging program.
-
Russian Play Group
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free entry — A weekly playgroup for children to learn and socialize while parents connect and share parenting tactics.
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
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
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