Good morning, Provo.

Luke J. Nichols, creator of Outdoor Boys, was named to the Young Men General Advisory Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; he is one of 14 men tasked to advise church youth programs, with service that began on Dec.

1.

Utah’s final Sundance Film Festival is set for Jan.

22-Feb. 1 with screenings in Park City and online, showcasing 90 films that cover environmental documentaries and reunions of ‘Wednesday’ stars + exciting premieres for local audiences.

Utahn businesses warn that a shortage of pennies will affect cash transactions this holiday season.

Utah Division of Consumer Protection director Katie Hass said stores may round prices following the Treasury's decision to halt penny production amid rising costs.

A Utah State Board of Education report shows that high school graduation rates have improved to 89.9% and dropout rates have halved from 16.2% to 8.5% for the 2025 cohort; the report highlights improvements among groups that previously faced barriers (efforts also include targeted reading support programs to boost proficiency).

Utah’s snowpack is off to a slow start, recording 46% of normal by the end of November due to warm and dry conditions even after heavy rain in October.

Forecasts predict more dry weather and inversion haze on the Wasatch Front, but experts expect potential improvements later this season.

Real Salt Lake reported nearly 30,000 fans joined a priority waitlist to see Lionel Messi play his first (and possibly only) game in Utah on April 22.

The club contacted season ticket members before opening ticket sales to the public as excitement builds ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The No. 10 BYU Cougars will head to New York City Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. MST to face Clemson at MSG in the Jimmy V Classic.

Coach Kevin Young said (via Zoom) the team will showcase its evolving roster and enjoy a team dinner after the game.

No. 10 BYU staged its largest second-half comeback in school history with a buzzer-beater from guard Rob Wright III that edged past Clemson 67-64 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Dec.

9. The Cougars will play at the Marriott Center this Saturday against UC Riverside.

The Organizing Committee unveiled the new Utah 2034 name and logo last month to unite all Utah communities ahead of the winter Games - IOC President Kirsty Coventry said similar practices are used internationally, even as some local leaders raised mixed views about the design.

Utah Metropolitan Ballet - The Nutcracker

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Covey Center for the Arts — $30 to $65 — Experience magic in a winter wonderland with Clara and her enchanting adventure.

The Nutcracker by Utah Metropolitan Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Covey Center for the Arts — $30-$65 — Experience a magical journey through a winter wonderland with Clara and her enchanting adventures.

Johnson Files Christmas Show

4:00–5:30 p.m. — Covey Center for the Arts — $27-$42 — Enjoy a fully improvised holiday comedy show with Shaun Johnson and friends, filled with festive fun and audience suggestions.

Beginner Tai Chi for Kids

9-10 a.m. — United Way Community Center - South Franklin — Cost info not specified — Learn Chen Style Tai Chi basics, build confidence, and enjoy teamwork.