Good morning, Provo.

At BYU's Religious Freedom Annual Review in Provo, Elder Robert M.

Daines urged believers to bolster future religious freedom by showing respect and kindness, a message reinforced by President Oaks and other leaders. The event highlighted how building strong community ties + respectful dialogue helps protect this essential right.

Local teen author Mary Ann Jensen (18 from Cottonwood Heights) finished her seventh self-published book, 'Rebound,' in April and is working on her eighth while planning to compete in the Miss Utah pageant and start English at BYU this fall.

The Provo City School District approved its proposed certified tax rate for the 2027 school year — an estimated 2.3% revenue boost expected to add $1.3 million for teacher salaries and capital projects; a Truth-in-Taxation hearing is set for Aug.

5.

A recent poll shows that 72% of Utahns say political violence is never justified while 15% allow it in extreme cases (young residents are more likely to favor defensive measures amid rising safety concerns).

Developers representing the Osmonds unveiled plans for Vesper Amphitheater, a multi-use venue with a 25,000-seat concert space, hotel, and retail area at a former mining facility at the base of Provo Canyon near Mount Timpanogos.

City meetings on June 24 and July 14 will review zoning changes & legal approvals.

The Bosnian soccer team is training at Real Salt Lake’s facilities in Sandy during their World Cup break — an opportunity to explore local sites — and will visit the world’s largest Costco, Temple Square, Arches National Park and the Great Salt Lake area before their next game.

Riverton’s standout Maggie Hamblin earned the 2026 Deseret News Ms. Softball award after hitting key home runs in the championship game, and she signed with Utah after touring its facilities (fulfilling a long-held dream).

Catherine Raney Norman, the vice president of development and athlete relations for Utah 2034, is leaving after leading the 250M Podium34 fundraising effort.

Abby Osborne is named VP of Impact & Engagement & Enterprise operations as Darren Hughes and Olympic speedskater Julie Letai assume new roles.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Provo

2:00 p.m. — Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — All materials included — Learn traditional Turkish art and create your own stunning mosaic lamp.

Canopy Capers

12:00 – 12:30 PM — Provo City Library at Academy Square — Free entry — Enjoy songs, stories, and a puppet show under the canopy while you have lunch.

Destination Utah Youth Camp 2026

8 a.m. — Peaks Ice Arena — Cost varies per class — Experience two days of expert skating classes with Olympic champions in scenic Provo.

Wasatch Classic 27

4-8 p.m. — The Shops At Riverwoods — $15 registration — Celebrate all things Volkswagen at Utah County's longest running VW show.

2026 Freedom Days

All day — Downtown Provo — Free entry — Celebrate with food vendors, handmade crafts, and live entertainment at this vibrant community festival.

Russian Playgroup for Young Children

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Free — A weekly gathering for young children to play and for parents to connect.

Utah Valley Oasis Community Meeting

10-11 a.m. — Lehi Arts Center — Free entry — Engage with Britt Hartley for a thought-provoking conversation on personal growth and community building.

2026 Bowhunter Rendezvous

Event Saturday — All Day — Timpanogos Archers — Registration required — Participate in a thrilling archery match at a premier range in Provo.

Designing Products for Accessibility

4-6 p.m. — Pelion Venture Partners — Free entry — Engage in a hands-on workshop to integrate accessibility into product design from the start.