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March 17th

• Makeup Masterclass (for models) - Sun Mar 17 2024 at 10:00 am to 02:00 pm (GMT-06:00)

• Let's Meditate (Sunday) - Sun Mar 17 2024 at 11:30am

Local News

Major Fire Engulfs Provo Industrial Building Overnight, Multiple Crews Respond

A major structure fire occurred in Provo, Utah, on Friday night, according to Provo Fire & Rescue. Crews from Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove, and Springville fire departments responded to the three-alarm fire at an industrial building near 900 West 600 South. The building, currently leased to multiple businesses, was engulfed in flames. Firefighters battled the blaze until around 3 a.m. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, and no injuries have been reported. The incident remains under investigation.

BYU Academic Vice President Advocates for Virtue-Centric Education

In his essay, Justin Collings discusses the significance of character and virtue in education, particularly at Brigham Young University (BYU). He reflects on the historical emphasis placed on character education at BYU and references past university presidents' statements regarding the primacy of character. Collings explores Jeffrey Rosen's book, which explores how classical writers on virtue influenced America's founders. While he acknowledges the value of classical virtues, Collings suggests that Christian discipleship adds depth to the pursuit of virtue. He proposes a personal challenge to focus on one Christlike virtue each month for the rest of 2024 and emphasizes the importance of educators embodying the virtues they teach.

National News

Trump's Ohio Rally Goes Off-Script, Focusing on Grievances Over GOP Candidate Support

Former President Donald Trump delivered a rally in Dayton, Ohio, primarily aimed at boosting Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno's chances in the upcoming primary. However, Trump's speech largely veered off-script, focusing more on his grievances against Joe Biden and Democrats. He used dehumanizing language towards political opponents and immigrants, departing from his prepared remarks. The rally's attendance was notably smaller than his previous events, with some attendees leaving early. Despite continued support from loyalists, Trump's appeal among independents and non-supporters appears to be waning, raising questions about his future political influence.

Three Florida Residents Arrested in Utah for Counterfeit Money Fraud

Three Florida residents were arrested in American Fork, Utah, following an investigation into fraud involving counterfeit money. Jerry Garrett, Reginald Flowers, and Armond Willis were apprehended after being recognized by a loss prevention agent for attempting to use counterfeit money to purchase items and then return them for legitimate currency. During a traffic stop, counterfeit money, marijuana, and stolen items purchased with fake currency were discovered. Garrett faces multiple charges including forgery and possession of marijuana, while Flowers faces charges related to possession of counterfeit money and theft.

International News

Volcanic Eruption in Iceland Prompts Evacuation of Blue Lagoon and Town

An eruption in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula prompted the evacuation of the world-famous Blue Lagoon and the nearby town of Grindavik. Lava flow was reported towards Grindavik, threatening the town and the main road leading to it. Despite the eruption, Iceland's main international airport and regional airports remained operational, although volcanic gas was expected to be detectable in the area near the airport. Geophysicists noted that the current eruption is the most powerful in a recent sequence of seismic activities, with lava flow rapidly approaching the Grindavíkurvegur road. The Blue Lagoon, located just under an hour's drive from Reykjavik, is a popular tourist attraction situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its volcanic activity.

Russian Election Expected to Extend Putin's Rule Amid Tight Controls and Ukrainian Attacks

Voters across Russia participated in an election expected to extend President Vladimir Putin's rule for another six years. Putin, facing no significant challengers, has cracked down on dissent, with his prominent critic, Alexei Navalny, dead and others jailed or exiled. Despite tight controls, several cases of vandalism at polling stations, including firebombing and green liquid poured into ballot boxes, were reported. The election occurred amid Ukrainian attacks near the Russian border, with casualties reported in both countries. Putin attributed the attacks to Ukraine's attempt to disrupt the vote. The Kremlin seeks high turnout to signal approval of the war and legitimize Putin's continued leadership. However, the opposition movement has encouraged protest voting. International leaders criticized the election as lacking democracy, with limited options for independent monitoring.

College Sports

BYU Football Lands Commitment from Son of Former Player for 2025 Class

BYU's football program secured its second commitment for the 2025 recruiting class with Blake Bryce, a tight end from Newbury Park, California. Bryce, whose father Gary played for BYU in the early 2000s, announced his pledge to the Cougars via social media. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 228 pounds, Bryce received multiple scholarship offers, with his recruitment gaining momentum in recent weeks. He is regarded as a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports. Bryce joins Weber High linebacker Tyler Payne, son of former Cougar kicker Matt Payne, as part of BYU's 2025 recruiting class.

BYU Basketball's NCAA Tournament Projection: Back in Salt Lake City?

As Selection Sunday approaches, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi and Brian Bennet of The Athletic have updated their projections for BYU basketball's seeding and potential first-round matchups in the NCAA Tournament. Initially projected as a 5-seed playing in Salt Lake City, Lunardi shifted BYU to Pittsburgh before reverting back to Salt Lake City in his latest update. In Lunardi's scenario, BYU would face 12-seed Grand Canyon, while Bennet projects BYU as a 4-seed facing 13-seed Charleston in Salt Lake City. Both scenarios offer favorable matchups for BYU, with the majority of bracket projections placing BYU as a 5-seed or better. Only a small percentage of brackets have BYU as a 6-seed, with a 4-seed being more likely.

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