Tag: The Provo Tribune

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State News

Sister Kathleen J. Eyring Passes Away at Age 82

Photo by Gerry Avant, Church News.
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By Mike Romero

Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring — the wife of President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in her home in Bountiful, Utah, surrounded by her family. She was 82.

Through over 60 years of marriage, Sister Eyring remained her husband’s biggest support, counselor and confidante.

During an address he gave at the Vatican on November 18, 2014, Henry B. Eyring said, “I have become a better person as I have loved and lived with her. We have been complementary beyond anything I could have imagined. … I realize now that we grew together into one — slowly lifting and shaping each other, year by year. As we absorbed strength from each other, it did not diminish our personal gifts.”

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Sister Eyring was born in San Francisco, California, on May 11, 1941. She was the daughter of J. Cyril “Sid” and LaPrele Lindsay Johnson. Her parents instilled in her a deep commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was great at sports, loved the outdoors, and was an intellectual. She was the captain of the tennis team at her prep school, and was student body president and valedictorian. After graduating, she attended the University of California at Berkeley. She also studied at Sorbonne University in the heart of Paris and the University of Vienna, where she learned to speak both French and German.

When she and a friend decided to do a summer semester of school at Harvard in 1961, she met and fell in love with Henry Bennion Eyring. They were married in July 27, 1962, in the Logan Utah Temple by President Spencer W. Kimball. They have six children — four sons and two daughters.

One of the Eyrings’ bishops once told her husband: “I’m amazed. Every time I hear of a person in the ward who is in trouble, I hurry to help. Yet by the time I arrive, it seems that your wife has always already been there.” 

Funeral services will be announced soon.

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University News

UVU Professor Helps Find CO2 on Distant Exoplanet

Photos courtesy of NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute
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By Mike Romero

In a remarkable achievement, Utah Valley University science professor Joshua Lothringer helped an international team of planetary researchers discover carbon dioxide (CO2) on an exoplanet. It’s located an astonishing 700 light-years away from Earth. Employing NASA’s state-of-the-art James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), this revelation has potential compelling ramifications for our understanding of distant planetary systems.

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How did they pull this off? Through meticulous observation orchestrated by Lothringer and his fellow scientists. By intently focusing the JWST on a remote star and closely tracking its luminosity over time, a dimming pattern emerged. This phenomenon was the telltale sign of an exoplanet, known as Hot Jupiter WASP-39b, casting a shadow as it passed between the star and the telescope.

The light emitted by stars near the exoplanets that orbit them presents a formidable challenge to direct observation. But infrared cameras, similar to the tech behind night vision technology, track variations in the infrared spectrum emanating from these faraway worlds.

Lothringer’s job was to determine if carbon dioxide was present on the planet. Gases absorb light in distinct fashions, manifesting in discernable color combinations. Carbon dioxide, in particular, absorbs a specific wavelength of red infrared light, a phenomenon that escapes the naked eye. Infrared cameras decode this crucial information.

Joshua Lothringer of UVU

Lothringer used sophisticated computer programs and algorithms to document the light spectrum. “It took months to assemble and sort the data,” said Lothringer about finding CO2. “It is a painstaking process because the wavelengths of the light are measured between 3 and 5.5 microns, and the data has to be exact. However, when all was said and done, it was thrilling to know that we have this ability and that we are contributing to a science that will hopefully someday lead us to habitable planets.”

Hot Jupiter WAS-39b lives up to its name. Made up of hot gas, its temperature is approximately 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit or 900 degrees Celsius. Lothringer’s research has already been published on NASA’s Early Release Science program website: “NASA’s Webb Detects Carbon Dioxide in Exoplanet Atmosphere,” and in Nature: “Identification of carbon dioxide in an exoplanet atmosphere,” a weekly international journal that publishes peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology.

WAS stands for “Wide Angle Search for Planets.” Scientists use number and letter designations coupled with the WASP descriptions to keep track of the exoplanets.

Lothringer worked with more than 100 other scientists, who, in addition to CO2, found water vapor, sodium, and potassium in the atmosphere. These findings establish a foundation pivotal for the exploration of smaller, potentially habitable planets. This is especially relevant, given recent congressional discussions surrounding the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

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Provo City News

Sound of Freedom: Provo Distributor Smashes Box Office

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By Richard Provost

The independent film industry is captivated by the surprising anomaly Sound of Freedom, a non-major-studio production with faith-based undertones. Initial predictions indicated that the film would gross $11 million to $15 million over six days, but it has already surpassed those projections. In fact, rumors suggest that the movie might even reach $20 million in its first six days.

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Adding to its success, Sound of Freedom received an A+ CinemaScore, and is sitting at 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. While that’s only based on 16 reviews, more reviews are coming in. And they’re getting more impressive.

In their review of the film, Owen Glieberman of Variety said, “Let’s assume that, like me, you’re not a right-wing fundamentalist conspiracy theorist looking for a dark, faith-based suspense film… Even then, you needn’t hold extreme beliefs to experience Sound of Freedom as a compelling movie that shines an authentic light on one of the crucial criminal horrors of our time.”

Angel Studios, the Provo-headquartered distributor behind the movie, has adopted an innovative crowdfunding platform called Pay It Forward to boost ticket sales. This patent-pending technology empowers moviegoers to purchase tickets for others, creating a unique and engaging communal experience. Angel Studios previously used this platform for the release of His Only Son in March, a film centered around the prophet Abraham. His Only Son earned $5.5 million on its opening weekend and ultimately grossed $12 million in the United States against a budget of only $250,000.

Promotional art for the movie, starring Jim Caviezel in the lead role of Tim Ballard.

Angel Studios recently announced that crowdfunding efforts for Sound of Freedom have raised an additional $2.6 million, bringing the total gross to $14 million. Earlier reports indicated that presales through crowdfunding had reached $10 million for the movie, which depicts the true story of Tim Ballard, a homeland security officer who personally took on the mission of rescuing abducted children worldwide.

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Comparable films to Sound of Freedom include other faith-based titles based on true stories. However, Sound of Freedom is surpassing the performance of these films as well. Notable examples include Soul Surfer from 2011, which opened with $3.6 million on its first Friday, $10.6 million in its first three days, and ultimately grossed $43.8 million. Similarly, Fireproof from 2008 opened with $6.8 million over three days and reached a total domestic gross of over $33 million.

In a separate development, Disney’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny had an unexpectedly strong July 4th (typically not a peak moviegoing day) with only a 3% decline from Monday’s earnings of $11.8 million. As a result, the film has amassed $83.6 million over its five-day run. If Dial of Destiny follows the trend of other films targeting an older male audience, like No Time to Die, it might experience a 57% to 60% decline and earn approximately $24 million to $25 million in the upcoming weekend. Many industry analysts are already considering Dial of Destiny (which had a budget of $300 million) a box office bomb.

We’re certainly living in strange times. Few would’ve predicted that an indie movie studio from Provo, Utah would one day produce a film more profitable than an Indiana Jones movie – by a margin of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Sound of Freedom is in theaters now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiZgs7dyBZg
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Provo City News

Provo Municipal Candidates Will Address City on Thursday

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By Charlie G. Patreus

Candidates vying for municipal office in Provo are gearing up for the upcoming fall elections. The Municipal Council seats will be up for grabs, and Provo voters will have the chance to choose their representatives in this year’s general election. The primary election is scheduled for September 5, but before that, an opportunity awaits Provo voters to hear directly from the candidates on Thursday.

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Utah Representative Tyler Clancy, a first-term legislator representing a substantial portion of Provo (the area east of State Street and generally between 2620 North and 300 North) will host the forum. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 PM in the Bullock Room of the Provo City Library.

Clancy has emphasized the importance of an informed electorate for a thriving republic and highlights the forum as a platform to actively engage in the political process and make well-informed decisions on election day. In a press release, Clancy expresses his hope that the event will foster open dialogue between the candidates and the citizens of Provo, build community trust, and lead to a more responsive government.

With a total of thirteen candidates vying for the four open seats, there is only one incumbent seeking re-election. In District 1, Craig Christensen and Stan Jensen are contending for the seat currently held by Bill Fillmore. For the District 3 seat, currently occupied by Shannon Ellsworth, the candidates are David Lewis and Becky Bogdin. Incumbent council member Travis Hoban is the sole candidate for District 4.

Meanwhile, Council member David Shipley has decided not to run for re-election for the City Wide II seat. Eight candidates are stepping forward to replace him: Joseph Penrose, Beth Hedengren, Ari Emmanuel Webb, Gary Garrett, Wendy Ahlman, Tanner Bennett, McKay Jensen, and Nathan Smith Jones.

The forum will allow the candidates to address crucial topics, respond to audience questions, and present their ideas for improving the community. After the event, the candidates will have tables set up for further discussions. The forum is free and open to the public, welcoming everyone interested in participating. See the map of Provo Council Districts below.

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Provo City News

Fork Fest 2023 Kicks Off Tonight

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By Mike Romero

The Aces will be headlining Fork Fest 2023 in American Fork, Utah, which begins tonight and runs through tomorrow evening. A long-time staple of the Utah music, The Aces have found national and international success after signing to Red Bull Records, with performances on late night shows like Late Night With Seth Myers and 2023 performances in England, Belgium, and Austria.

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The band has been releasing new material all year: the singles “Girls Make Me Wanna Die,” “Always Get This Way,” and “Solo.” This culminated in the release of their new album I’ve Loved You For So Long.

Fork Fest begins tonight with a stripped down kickoff concert featuring NPR’s Tiny Desk winner Little Moon, Book On Tape Worm, Kyle Henderson, Stuart Wheeler, and Stephanie Mabey (whose music recently received a high profile placement in Netflix’s First Kill).

Other significant acts to appear on the Fork Fest stage on Saturday are local legends Joshua James and The Strike; 2023 The Voice contestant EJ Michels; and Velour Battle of the Bands winners Beeson and Cardinal Bloom.

Fork Fest 2023 will feature a total of 32 bands, three stages, and a varied selection of local food trucks, artists, and vendors. Presented by The Harrington Center for the Arts in partnership with Velour Live Music Gallery, this year’s Fork Fest will begin tonight, June 16. The main festival will take place tomorrow, June 17, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at ForkFest.org.

You can check out the full lineup and hear The Aces’ new song “I’ve Loved You For So Long” below.

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Provo City News

Unprecedented Snowpack Presents Challenging Spring

Photo of Lone Peak by Saul Flores.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

The excessive snowpack this winter has led to avalanches, floods, and the closure of various trails around Utah. The state experienced an extraordinary accumulation of snow this winter, with the Utah Department of Natural Resources reporting a staggering 201% above the normal snowpack levels in April.

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While this surplus snow has provided excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts, enabling ski resorts and primary state economic drivers like Snowbird to remain open until June, it has also resulted in unwelcome consequences for summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, and river sports.

As things stand, there is an increased likelihood of avalanches during the 2023 spring season. As the snow begins to warm up and melt, especially later in the day when exposed to sunlight, the risk of avalanches becomes significantly higher. Venturing into higher elevations of the mountains this spring demands greater preparation and equipment compared to previous years, primarily due to trail conditions and the potential risk of avalanches.

Bridal Veil Falls remains closed due to debris and ice left behind from an avalanche in January. The Provo River Parkway Trail in front of the waterfall is also closed. Provo residents are advised to avoid the Provo River, which doubled in volume last week.

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Provo City News

Provo Planting 1,000 Trees

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By Richard Provost

The city of Provo is taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future by planting 1,000 trees throughout the community. To facilitate community participation, Provo focused on organizing tree planting events in local parks. These gatherings attracted volunteers from across the city and served as a starting point for the initiative.

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Hannah Salzl, the sustainability coordinator for Provo City, believes this initiative is a wise investment in the city’s well-being. “We felt like it was a good way to invest in our future, invest in our infrastructure, invest in mental and social health, and invest in property values,” she says. “There’s not really a downside to putting more trees in your community.”

Originally scheduled to begin in March 2020, the initiative faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it officially launched on May 21, 2022, at Pioneer Park, and has since gained momentum with volunteers planting trees in various locations throughout the city. The Thousand Trees Initiative website reports that 353 trees have already been planted as part of the program.

Hannah Salzl, Provo City Sustainability Coordinator. Photo via LinkedIn.
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The involvement of volunteers, including city residents and student groups, has played a crucial role in the initiative’s success. Generous contributions from The Nature Conservancy and the Ivory Foundation have also supplied trees for developing areas in Provo.

Salzl emphasizes that multiple areas in Provo are undergoing development and require additional trees. She states, “There are others that are just starting to develop, just starting to get space to put more trees in. So we’re trying to spread that tree canopy out for better citywide coverage.”

One of the primary objectives of the initiative is to plant street trees throughout the city. Street trees are planted in the area between the sidewalk and the road, offering shade for pedestrians, a buffer between traffic and pedestrians, and reduced heat from asphalt roads.

Ultimately, the goal of the 1,000 trees initiative is to transform Provo into a more beautiful, clean, and sustainable city.

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University News

BYU’s Annual China Conference Strengthens Cultural and Diplomatic Ties

Photo by Kurk Fullmer.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

On March 11, 2023, BYU students, faculty, and members of the Chinese community united for the highly anticipated BYU China Conference. This annual event featured academic and diplomatic speakers, including Xiaofeng Wang, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America. Attendees were treated to insightful presentations, a networking luncheon, and an engaging question-and-answer panel session.

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Since its establishment in 2015, the conference has been dedicated to promoting the core values of BYU: faith, lifelong learning, and service – all while fostering an inclusive community. Its primary goal is to provide educational, professional, and cultural opportunities that strengthen the bonds between the United States and China. The conference is organized and hosted by a student committee. It is overseen by an advisory board consisting of faculty and staff from various departments, including the College of Humanities Chinese Flagship Center and the Center for Language Studies.

Photo by Kurk Fullmer, BYU
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Adjunct Associate Professor Peter Chan, Chair of the advisory board, commended the exceptional work of the student committee, emphasizing their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit.

Each year, the conference invites speakers from both the BYU community and esteemed Chinese associates. These experts cover a wide range of topics, like demographics, business and finance, politics, history, and current events. Notable speakers in 2023 included Counselor Wang, Changyun Kang (Associate Dean at Beijing Normal University), and Zhihong Yi (Professor of Finance and former Vice President of Renmin University of China).

Additionally, three speakers from BYU also presented: Robert Griffiths (political science adjunct faculty in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and former consul general at the US Consulate General in Shanghai), Renata Forste (International Vice President of BYU), and Kirk Larsen (Associate Professor of History in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences).

The overarching theme of the 2023 conference centered on fostering friendly international relations between China and the United States, exploring the past, present, and future while highlighting the importance of a liberal approach to education in China.

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Attending as a member of the Chinese Flagship Program, BYU student Alex Keogh expressed his appreciation for the conference’s diplomatic focus, emphasizing the significance of cross-cultural understanding. Keogh recognized the positive atmosphere that emphasized collaboration, effective communication, and mutual understanding.

The BYU China Conference serves as a platform for fostering understanding and forging connections, with attendees often referred to as “young ambassadors” by the speakers. This inclusive event takes place every winter semester, and individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to participate, regardless of their language experience.

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Provo City News

Reclaiming Utah Lake: Increased Funding Will Reduce Reeds

Utah Lake shorline. Photo by Ethan Gowans.
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By Zach Collier

The Utah state government has given Utah County $113,088 to combat the growth of the common reed. Officially known as Phragmites Australis, it was introduced to American waterways in the 1800s and has proliferated around Utah Lake and other bodies of water in Utah since the 2000s, posing a threat to native vegetation by competing for natural resources.

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The grant, approved by the Utah County Commission on May 10, comes from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Jake Johnson, Utah County’s weed control supervisor, says it’s important to remove these plants in order to enhance wildlife habitats, promote natural vegetation, improve recreational access, and reduce the risk of fires.

The primary focus of the funding will be on Phragmites control, which involves spot treatments with herbicides and subsequent mechanical treatments such as mowing to facilitate future follow-up actions.

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Since 2006, Utah has been actively working on an eradication program for Phragmites, utilizing various methods including herbicide spraying, crushing, mowing, and even allowing cows to graze on the plants. The restoration of Utah Lake’s shoreline has been a priority since 2010, resulting in the removal of over 70% of the Phragmites biomass, leading to improved ecosystem health and biodiversity. The Utah Lake Authority has implemented an adopt-a-shoreline program to maintain the cleanliness of access points, with all 27 points being adopted.

The agreement for the removal and restoration of Phragmites along the Utah Lake shoreline will take effect on July 1 and expire on June 30, 2024. However, since the invasive species is difficult to fully eliminate due to numerous tributaries feeding into the lake, the need for continued funding is anticipated.

Other efforts to ensure the long-term health of Utah Lake include fisheries management, algae remediation, the nearly-complete Provo River Delta Project, and revitalization projects at marinas and harbors throughout the lake.

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