The Local Wire is Provo.com's news desk — short, original write-ups of stories that matter to people who live in, study in, or visit Utah Valley. We curate from Daily Herald, Provo.gov, BYU Daily Universe, KSL, and local outlets — then write everything in our own words with credit and links to the original sources.
We don't cover crime, individual high school sports results, or partisan politics. We focus on the stuff that moves the needle: new business openings, civic announcements, recreation programs, cultural events, and the everyday changes that shape the area. Read more about our editorial standards →
The Most Jaw-Dropping Homes of the 2026 Utah Valley Parade of Homes
A 26,000-square-foot Provo mansion, a 16-foot sauna, a glass-floor basketball court. A tour of the standout homes in the 2026 Utah Valley Parade of Homes — and how to still see them virtually through August 31.
Fourth of July in Provo 2026: An Hour-by-Hour Guide to the Big Day
How to spend July 4, 2026 in Provo — from the morning Grand Parade to Stadium of Fire and the free street dance. A full day-of itinerary with times, tips, and where to be.
Inside Oxford Road Estate: the 26,000-Square-Foot Provo Mansion Stealing the 2026 Parade of Homes
Home #23 in the 2026 Utah Valley Parade of Homes is a 26,573-square-foot Provo estate built for Crumbl co-founder Jason McGowan, designed by Studio McGee. Here's what's inside — and how to tour it before the parade closes June 20.
New FEMA flood maps take effect in Provo on June 23 — what homeowners and renters should know
Updated Federal flood maps become official across Provo and Utah County on June 23, 2026. Some properties will be newly mapped into flood zones, which can change insurance requirements — here's how to check yours.
Provo Airport is growing up: mainline jets, more routes, and a push to 10 gates
American Airlines has upgraded its Provo–Dallas route to full-size mainline jets, and the airport is mid-build on an expansion toward 10 gates — a sign of how fast air travel out of Utah Valley is changing.
Provo River Delta keeps getting better: new fishing platforms, boat ramps, and fresh trout
The restored Provo River Delta on the west side keeps adding amenities into 2026 — new fishing platforms, non-motorized boat ramps, freshly stocked trout, and newly paved trail connecting Delta Gateway Park.
Provo's Covey Center is bringing Broadway-caliber shows downtown — at half the price
The Covey Center for the Arts just topped Utah Valley Magazine's 2026 'Best Of' as Best Music Venue, and its new transparent ticket pricing puts national touring shows downtown for up to 50% less than bigger Utah venues.
Utah Valley Marathon returns to Provo Canyon June 6 — what runners and drivers should expect
One of the country's fastest downhill Boston qualifiers runs down Provo Canyon on Saturday, June 6, 2026, finishing in historic downtown Provo. Here's the race-weekend rundown, plus the canyon traffic to plan around.
Stadium of Fire 2026: Brad Paisley, the Full Lineup, and Your Fourth of July Game Plan
Everything to expect at the 2026 Altabank Stadium of Fire in Provo — Brad Paisley headlines, plus Nitro Circus, GENTRI, the night-of schedule, tickets, parking, and the free street dance after the fireworks.
Utah Valley's summer outdoor concert season is taking shape
Sundance's mountainside amphitheater and Orem's SCERA Shell have set their summer 2026 lineups — here's what's on and how to plan the perfect open-air show.
Rooftop Concert Series Returns May 15 — Why Provo Needs This Back
The free downtown concert series that ran from 2010 to 2019 is back at Nu Skin Plaza. Here's why this matters for Provo more than the average summer event.
Cheesecake Factory Coming to University Place This Fall
The Cheesecake Factory announced its first Utah County location at University Place in Orem, opening fall 2026 next to Dillard's. Here's what it means for the local dining scene.
Provo Rec Center Drops Student Membership to $25/Month for BYU and UVU
Provo's Countdown to Summer promo offers BYU and UVU students $25/month gym memberships from May 13–22, plus 10–20% off longer-term plans for residents.
EPIC Sports Park Opens for Free Drop-In Play Through Mid-October
Provo's EPIC Sports Park and select city fields are open for free community drop-in play from April through mid-October. Here's how to use them.
Sunset Farmers Market Returns to Orem City Center Park for 2026 Season
The Orem Sunset Farmers Market is back every Wednesday evening from May through October at City Center Park, featuring around 200 local vendors.
Orem Asian Festival Returns May 9 — A Sign of Where Utah Valley Is Heading
The second annual Orem Asian Festival at The Orchard at University Place is part of a quietly important shift in Utah Valley's cultural identity.