Good morning, Provo.

After BYU's win in last week's Holy War game, Cougar fans stormed the field but the team avoided any fine while Crumbl CEO Jason McGowan had offered $50,000 to cover a penalty and instead paid off nearly $91,000 in school lunch debt for Salt Lake City and Provo school districts—redirecting his funds to benefit Cougar players through NIL deals. His actions helped local students and the team from northern Utah.

Gov. Spencer Cox announced a plan to raise the Great Salt Lake to 4,198 feet by 2034 so the lake becomes healthy—local groups and experts say the effort will need major water savings and new investments.

The plan calls for sharper water conservation by cities, farms, and residents to help reverse the lake’s decline.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox promoted the state's critical minerals opportunities at an international conference in Sydney on Oct.

22nd — he noted fast permit approvals and highlighted Utah's strong infrastructure and skilled workforce following a major U.S.-Australia minerals deal.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services announced that over 80,000 households will lose food stamp payments in November due to a federal government shutdown that halted SNAP benefits—beneficiaries are urged to call 211 for local food resources.

Utah’s Department of Workforce Services said SNAP food benefits will not be issued in November because of the ongoing government shutdown.

Roughly 86,000 households depend on these benefits and are advised to seek other food resources if the shutdown continues past November 1.

The Utah Supreme Court unanimously rejected Water Horse Resources' plan to pump 55,000 acre-feet of water from Utah's Green River to Fort Collins, Colorado—citing that the company did not prove the water would be used beneficially.

Water Horse CEO Aaron Million said the firm will revise its application and strengthen its engineering plans for a multiuse project.

The City of Provo is proposing a conservation easement to protect nearly 100 acres at Bunnell's Fork from future development, and City Councilor George Handley said the city will lock in land preservation (through an agreement with Utah Open Lands) to stop any future sales for building (a plan also used in Salt Lake City and Park City). An open house on the proposal will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at South Fork Park.

Read Local Book Festival

10 AM – 1 PM — Provo City Library at Academy Square — Free entry — Celebrate local authors with activities, giveaways, and signings across various genres.

Runtastic Haunted Half Marathon

Various times — Provo Utah — Entry fee varies — Dress up for Utah's favorite Halloween costume party run with courses for all ages.

FilmQuest Brunch

1:30-3:30 p.m. — The Continental, Provo — $30 and under — Celebrate FilmQuest with a delightful brunch featuring indigenous cuisine in a modern setting.

A Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel by Code Blue Revival

7:30-9 p.m. — Covey Center for the Arts — Free entry — Experience the timeless classic folk rock hits of Simon and Garfunkel performed by Code Blue Revival.

PMP Certification & Training Bootcamp

9 AM – 5 PM — Regus - Downtown Provo — Early Bird rates available — Engage in 32 hours of interactive project management training with industry experts.

Eternamente - A Día de Los Muertos Spectacular

7:30-9 p.m. — Covey Center for the Arts — Ticket required — Celebrate life and tradition with a stunning fusion of mariachi, folklórico, and vibrant storytelling in honor of Día de los Muertos.

Halloween Double Header - MacBeth and King Lear

8-11:30 p.m. — The Castle Amphitheater — Ticketed event — Experience Shakespeare’s chilling tales of ambition and madness this Halloween night.

Vocal Sport Competition

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Covey Center for the Arts — Tickets required — Experience Utah's premier vocal competition with high-energy performances and guest artists.

Start Drawing!

6-7 p.m. — Provo City Library at Academy Square — Registration required — Learn the basic steps to embark on your artistic journey for all ages.

Spanish Story Time for Babies

9:30-9:50 a.m. — Provo City Library at Academy Square — Free — Enjoy age-appropriate stories, songs, and finger games for babies and parents in Spanish.