The Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association (SUPISA) will present its vibrant Annual Polynesian Showcase from March 5 to 7 at 6 p.m. in the SUU Auditorium Theatre.

This year’s theme, “One Root, Many Islands: A Celebration of Culture, Connection & Kava,” highlights the enduring unity and shared values between Polynesian communities.

Audiences can expect spirited music, storytelling, and traditional dances from Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji, and Aotearoa (New Zealand).

The showcase centers on the kava root, cherished as a symbol of respect and community in Pacific Island cultures.

Guided by cultural experts, local students will honor their ancestral roots while celebrating modern island life.

Led by Tevita Sekeni and Noaese Taeatafa, SUPISA is welcoming students, families, and the local community.

Tickets start at $7 for students and $10 general admission, available on Venmo or at the door.

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman

This March, the American Red Cross of Utah is recognizing Red Cross Month by honoring the volunteers, donors, staff members and community partners who make its lifesaving mission possible in Utah.

From helping families after home fires to supporting military families, collecting lifesaving blood and teaching critical safety skills, these Utahns help the Red Cross deliver care and support every day.

Every contribution matters, and Red Cross Month is a meaningful time to get involved by volunteering, giving blood, making a financial donation or learning lifesaving skills.

Red Cross Month has been observed since 1943, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national proclamation. Every U.S. president since Roosevelt has continued the tradition.

When disasters strike, our volunteers respond, providing support to families and neighbors in need, said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. The support of our volunteers, donors and partners helps people prepare for emergencies and recover after disasters.

What’s a boomerang that doesn't come back?

A stick

The Iron County School District Board of Education has unanimously approved boundary changes that will affect six elementary schools beginning in the fall of 2026.

The changes impact North, East, South, Three Peaks, Iron Springs, and Escalante Valley elementary schools.

Superintendent Lance Hatch emphasized that the district followed all state requirements for the boundary adjustments, which were first announced in fall 2025. Parents have had multiple opportunities to provide input through comment forms, town halls, a public hearing on February 17, and public comment periods at regular board meetings.

Families affected by the boundary changes have 30 days to submit a variance request to remain at their current schools.

District administrators will review these requests on March 31 and notify families by mid-April. Parents who receive a variance will need to provide transportation for students attending school outside their assigned boundaries.

Check out the Southern Utah Museum of Art for some local culture and art appreciation in Cedar City!

Global Day of Unplugging is a worldwide 24-hour digital pause, observed this year from sundown March 6 to sundown March 7, that encourages people to disconnect from the electronic world, experience nature, and focus on real-world connections.

Digital devices can provide innumerable benefits, such as allowing us to work remotely, find our way around town and stay up to date on events.

However, overuse of these devices can interfere with daily functioning. Countless research studies show that excessive smartphone use can impact mental health by affecting sleep quality, social interactions and the ability to focus.

Setting boundaries around phone use can benefit mental, emotional and social health. Consider putting your smartphone in the friend zone starting on March 6 and beyond by trying these tips.

Turn off notifications, including work email when you are home and social media when you are at work. Mental health can be influenced by how connected we feel to our phone. Turning off notifications can help us set boundaries.

Visit the Cedar City Aquatic Center during the winter months for a fun and affordable indoor swimming experience.

Iron County is poised for significant change as officials consider a conditional use permit for a proposed AI data center west of Cedar City.

The public can weigh in Thursday evening as the Planning Commission reviews Pronghorn Development’s plan for a 640-acre campus on land owned by Blind Mice LLC, promising advanced artificial intelligence computing and on-site natural gas power facilities.

No operator has been confirmed yet, and the center’s own power plants would not serve local utilities, raising questions about local impact and environmental compliance.

A closed-loop cooling system and acquired water rights are part of efforts to address concerns about high water demand, with projected long-term use matching about three to six households annually.

The project’s full build-out, valued near $30 billion, could dramatically expand Iron County’s tax base, though a possible partnership with the Utah Inland Port Authority might divert much of this new revenue.

The 5:30 p.m. hearing at Festival Hall invites community input on this major development.