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Provo City News

JK Studios Returns to Live Roots With Covey Center Performances

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By Mike Romero

Provo-based comedy troupe JK Studios is returning to its live-performance origins with two shows at the Covey Center for the Arts on October 3 and October 4, 2025. The group, formed by the original creators of BYUtv’s Studio C, has built a following through both live and digital projects, including the series Freelancers and Loving Lyfe. The upcoming Covey performances mark the first time JK Studios will tape a live sketch comedy show since departing from Studio C.

The group’s members trace their beginnings back to Divine Comedy, a Brigham Young University sketch troupe that first brought them together in 2007. Their collaboration eventually led to the launch of Studio C in 2011, a family-friendly sketch comedy show that became a staple on BYUtv. After several years, the original cast chose to leave and pursue new creative avenues, which resulted in the founding of JK Studios.

According to performers Whitney Call and Stephen Meek, the Covey performances are designed to recapture the energy of their early live shows. “We just want the environment to be fun, we want the energy to stay high for a live experience, and you’re hanging out with us as part of the gang,” Call said. Meek added that the live setting allows the group to gauge audience reactions more directly, noting, “A live audience can tell you what’s really funny.”

The shows will also serve as a recording opportunity. JK Studios plans to film the Covey performances with the intention of distributing the content through YouTube, social media, or other platforms. Call compared the effort to popular stand-up specials, saying the group hopes viewers will have the option to enjoy a polished sketch comedy experience from home.

In addition to reaching broader audiences, the tapings will allow JK Studios to refine material tested over the course of their live tour. Call said the October program represents “the best of the best” from the past year, shaped by the group’s 15 years of experience. For fans, the shows offer both familiar humor and fresh surprises, while giving JK Studios a chance to blend the immediacy of live comedy with the reach of digital distribution.

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State News

Utah Blocks Land Sale Near Provo Airport to Chinese-Owned Company

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By Mike Romero

Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced this week that state officials blocked a Chinese state-owned company from purchasing land near the Provo Airport.

According to Cox, the company involved was Cirrus Aircraft, which is majority-owned by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). AVIC is a restricted foreign entity under Utah law due to its connections to China’s military and its presence on multiple U.S. federal watch lists.

Cirrus Aircraft, originally an American company, manufactures small private aircraft. It was acquired by AVIC’s subsidiary in 2011. While Cirrus is not a military contractor, some analysts have raised concerns that its technology could benefit China’s military.

State officials did not disclose how much land was involved or its exact location. The Department of Public Safety said it was notified of the proposed purchase in early 2025. The sale was stopped under Utah’s HB516 law, which restricts land ownership by entities tied to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

County recorders are required to report suspicious transactions. Officials said the local recorder flagged this attempt, which led to the intervention.

Provo Airport. Photo courtesy of Provo City Government.

Governor Cox emphasized that Utah’s laws are designed to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring strategic land. He said the blocked sale demonstrates the effectiveness of recent legislation aimed at national security concerns.

Cox also addressed claims about the extent of Chinese land ownership in Utah. He said about 33,000 to 37,000 acres were previously owned by Chinese companies but that most of this land has been divested, leaving only a small amount under Chinese ownership.

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Utah has also closed Confucius Institutes at state universities due to similar concerns about foreign influence. Lawmakers say they plan additional legislation related to critical resources like water and minerals.

Cox linked the issue to broader concerns about religious freedom, citing China’s recent closures of congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Beijing. He said Utah will continue to oppose foreign efforts to limit religious freedom or gain leverage through economic deals.

Utah officials said their approach has drawn interest from other states and has been recognized by national defense organizations as a model for monitoring foreign land ownership.

Cox concluded that Utah will keep enforcing its restrictions to prevent foreign entities with ties to adversarial governments from acquiring land that could affect state security, infrastructure, or economic independence.

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Provo City News

How Utah Revived a Beloved Children’s Series

Image courtesy of Apple TV+
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In 2007, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. launched Yo Gabba Gabba!, a vibrant children’s show led by DJ Lance Rock and featuring quirky characters like Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Todee, and Plex. Known for blending education with great music, the series featured artists such as Questlove, Bootsy Collins, and Weezer.

The show has now been revived as Yo Gabba GabbaLand! on Apple TV+. Developed by the original creators Christian Jacobs (of The Aquabats!) and Scott Schultz, the revival includes 10 new episodes with updated musical guests, higher production values, and a new host, Kammy Kam (Kamryn Smith). The production was filmed at Utah Film Studios in Park City and also involved audio work done in downtown Provo, Utah at June Audio.

Chance Clift from June Audio worked on voiceovers and music for Yo Gabba Gabbaland! He told Provo Music Magazine that the experience of recording Anderson .Paak’s song for the show was a highlight. He worked in tandem with Provo’s Mason Winter, who edited the dialogue and prepared it for delivery.

The show remains engaging and educational for adults and preschoolers alike, with positive reviews from major outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and The Los Angeles Times. The Provo music industry is thriving, evidenced by June Audio’s work on Post Malone’s AUSTIN, NPR’s award-winning mini-series on the Provo music scene, and Grammy nominations for local composers on the Hogwarts Legacy soundtrack.

Yo Gabba Gabbaland! is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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Provo City News

Provo Woman Scammed Victims Out of $6 Million

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By McKinsleigh Smith

Last Thursday, Provo woman Nelly Idowu was convicted in federal court after participating in an online romance scheme. Idowu, age 39, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of money laundering conspiracy and two counts of money laundering.

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From 2017 to 2019, Idowu and three others created tons of fake online profiles on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Christian Mingle. They would then use these profiles to target victims, primarily single elderly women over 65, and flirt with them. Once a romantic bond had been formed, they would claim they were in dire financial circumstances and in need of help. All told, they scammed victims out of more than $6 million.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office, Idowu earned over $1 million into her personal and business bank accounts before sending the money out of the country in an attempt to conceal these earnings. These accounts were located in China and Nigeria.

The Salt Lake City FBI field office investigated the case. Charges were brought against Idowu and her co-conspirators in 2020. Idowu’s sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2024, at 10 AM at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

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State News

Plans Announced For Massive Development in Vineyard, Utah

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By Zach Collier

The vista overlooking Utah Lake from Vineyard used to house the Geneva Steel Works. For years, it’s sat barren and empty. Now, 700 acres are being prepared to host Vineyard’s largest development to date: a project called Utah City.

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Developed as a collaboration between The Flagship Companies and Woodbury Corp, this master-planned mixed use community aims to be sustainable, walkable, and transit-focused. Utah City will surpass the Point of the Mountain Development (currently under way and stretching from Lehi to Sandy) by over 100 acres.

Nate Hutchinson, a managing partner of Utah City, emphasizes that this development is intended to cater to everyone – from affluent citizens to those in need of affordable housing. The project officially began with the groundbreaking of 450 multi-family units last week.

By next year, the Huntsman Cancer Institute will break ground, bringing innovation and progress to the heart of Vineyard. The city’s Mayor, Julie Fullmer, has expressed her excitement for the development, grateful for the collaborative efforts involving city leaders, councils, and stakeholders.

Utah City’s master plan was designed by Jeff Speck and the town planning firm DPZ. Utahns will be able to access the community from the 1600 North, 800 North, and Center Street exits along I-15. Utah City will also connect to the Vineyard FrontRunner station.

The project promises 17 million square feet of mixed-use space, 2 million square feet of restaurant space, 2 million square feet of retail space, and 50+ acres of parks and green spaces.

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Nathan Smith Jones

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.

Who is Nathan Smith Jones?

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Nathan Smith Jones is a Doctor of Media, Education, and Epistemology (from University of Northern Colorado). He has taught for 20 years in schools in and around Provo, Utah.

A student of politics and history, he is running for Provo City Council in the City-Wide II primary election. He’s seeking public office because he believes that he can help Provo grow in healthy ways for all parties involved.

“I never had the honor of serving in the military,” he says. “But I want to serve my country by serving my community.”

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Joseph Penrose

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.

Who is Joseph Penrose?

Joseph Penrose is a 27-year-old entrepreneur running for Provo City Council in the City Wide II Primary Election. He wants to help build a prosperous and beneficial community for all of Provo’s residents. Joseph is originally from the suburbs of Chicago, but has made Provo his home with his spouse Gabi.

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Joseph is an avid hiker and loves the beautiful mountains and nature surrounding Provo. While at Utah Valley University, Joseph studied Aviation and Political Science. He has worked in construction since the age of 16 and has climbed the corporate ladder within the industry.

Not only does he know what it takes to build a house, he also knows how to build communities in healthy ways that don’t harm the current community or its ideals in the process. He promises to have unwavering dedication to his clear vision of a prosperous and compassionate Provo.

“Together we can create a city where opportunity and quality of life thrive for all,” says Joseph. His goal is to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table. He promises to be an advocate for citizens, and work tirelessly to build a bright future for every individual and family in Provo.

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Craig Christensen

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.

Who is Craig Christensen?

Craig Christensen has lived in Provo for over three decades. He has seen Provo grow over the course of 30 years, and he strongly believes that he understands Provo’s needs.

Before starting a family, Craig attended Brigham Young University and received a bachelor’s degree in English. Soon after, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. After attending Harvard, Craig and his wife Susan decided to settle in Provo to raise a family.

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Craig has since started four businesses, creating hundreds of local jobs. He understands the challenges faced by local business owners and has firsthand experience in fostering economic growth and job creation.

With more expansive growth coming to Provo, Craig believes that changes should be made within reasonable parameters to preserve the city’s unique charm, history, natural surroundings, and residents’ interests.

As a firm believer in the principles of stewardship, Craig has successfully led efforts to save Utah Lake and Bridal Veil Falls from being developed. This has allowed him to gain valuable experience advocating for his neighbors and his community.

If elected, Craig will focus on common sense growth, a business-friendly environment, and the preservation of open spaces that make Provo home.

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Provo City News

BYU Student Runs Provo City Council Bid on a $0 Budget

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By Zach Collier

A 24-year-old Brigham Young University student has announced his candidacy for Provo City Council’s City-Wide seat. His name is Tanner Bennett. Running what he calls a “$0 campaign,” his strategy involves taking no donations and instead encouraging people to give back to the community.

Bennett’s campaign centers around what he calls the “silent 50%.” This group consists of individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who historically have low turnout in local elections and make up roughly half of Provo’s population and tax base. 

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Bennett runs his $0 campaign primarily on social media (@bennett_for_provo). His efforts have already led to thousands of dollars in material and monetary donations to organizations like Food and Care Coalition and Community Action Services and Food Bank.

We asked why he decided to use this approach instead of traditional campaign funding approaches. “I believe it is a politician’s job to serve, educate, and uplift their community,” Bennett says. “I think it’s ridiculous to take thousands of dollars to run when there is so much that could be done with that money to meet others’ needs.”

Balancing his studies with a role as a global sales executive at a multimillion-dollar firm, Bennett brings a blend of youthful vigor and corporate leadership experience to his campaign. He also directs an International NGO fostering US-China relations. This has given him extensive experience in leading and directing non-profits, plus a unique understanding of government, nonprofit, and corporate spheres.

Bennett is running as an independent moderate, focusing on solutions instead of partisan politics. Bennett’s presence on social media has emphasized critical issues from both sides of the aisle while focusing on issues important to the “silent 50%.” These include housing, tenant rights, the well-being of vulnerable renters, and the inclusion of marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community. Bennett has made plans to do this all while working to balance resources, opposing higher taxes, and acting as a “careful steward of the citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars.”

“No one understands the value of a dollar better than a full-time student who refuses to take on debt,” says Bennett.

All individuals over 18 years old who have lived in Provo for 30 days or more are eligible to vote without needing a Utah driver’s license. Register to vote for Provo’s primary election today at vote.utah.gov. Provo’s primary election will be held from August 22 to September 5th, 2023.

You can follow Tanner Bennett on Instagram here. Hear him address issues personally below.

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State News

Through Pouring Water Into The Great Salt Lake, One Group Hopes to Submerge All of Utah

The Great Salt Lake. Photo by Mick Haupt.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

Much has been said about the issues facing Utah’s Great Salt Lake. The Great Salt Lake hit its lowest recorded water level ever in November 2022. Arsenic in the exposed lakebed threatens to poison the air. Scientists at Brigham Young University in Provo estimate that without policy changes, the lake will dry up in 2028, with local species killed off by overly salty water beforehand. Today’s exposed lakebed is currently strewn with the corpses of dead seagulls and swarms of brine flies.

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Even after recovering five feet of new water from this year’s massive snow runoff, the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands reported it’s not going to be enough to fix the problem. The entire lake still needs to rise another five to six feet – hopefully more. In the 1910s, the iconic Black Rock was completely surrounded by water.

Will we ever refill the Great Salt Lake? One group doesn’t just think it’s possible – they think it’s not a big enough goal.

View of Black Rock surrounded by the waters of Great Salt Lake in the 1910s. Photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society.

The ARCH-HIVE is a Utah-based art collective featuring “artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers exploring the unique perspectives & peculiarities of Utah, Mormonism, and the American West.” Art styles include folk, pop, esoteric, and psychedelic art. Known for their stylish design, tongue-in-cheek humor, and crowded art shows, the group frequently engages in quirky meet-ups. For instance: last October, the Mormon art group threw a Halloween gathering in Orem’s University Place Deseret Book – after it became a Spirit Halloween.

On August 12, 2023 they held a “Refill Lake Bonneville Protest” at the Black Rock Historic Site near the Great Salt Lake. The goal of the gathering was to not only save the lake, but to restore it to prehistoric levels. Lake Bonneville was a pluvial lake that covered most of the state during the Late Pleistocene, or Ice Age. The infographic below explains just how big these artists like to dream. And how much they value water over… pretty much all human life.

On the morning of the event, nearly two dozen attendees read poems, shouted protest chants, waved signs, and carried “Definitely Real and Definitely Not Cardboard Mitt Romney” to the shoreline before dumping “no more than 100 gallons” of water into the Great Salt Lake. According to the art collective, several attendees made a specific effort to ensure the water was sourced from outside the state of Utah. From what we observed, all water containers were recycled, and some participants removed existing trash and recyclables from the shore before heading home.

Hot dogs were consumed because the actual definitely-real-and-definitely-not-cardboard Mitt Romney’s “favorite meat is hot dog.” Many also gathered for frozen yogurt directly after the event.

Considering the fact that 2.5 billion gallons of water per day were flowing past the Willard Canal into the Great Salt Lake last May, “no more than 100 gallons” is statistically insignificant and will definitely not solve the environmental crisis. Despite this, The ARCH-HIVE insists that there is “definitely more water there than there was before” and “this is only the beginning.” Commenters on social media seemed to look forward to next year, when “dozens more gallons” would be added.

While certainly not the most effective means of delivering high volumes of water to our region’s iconic lake, if consistency turns this gathering into tradition, it could be a powerful and intriguing way to instill a love of environmental conservation in the hearts and minds of the average Utahn. Who knows?

At this point, we need all the help we can get.

Watch a recap of the gathering below.

@zachisatourist

Sometimes you gotta dream bigger than the Great Salt Lake. WE WILL REFILL THE VILLE 👊 #saltlake #saltlakecityutah #saltlakecity #greatsaltlake #utahliving #utahthings #totallynormal

♬ Halo Theme – L’Orchestra Cinematique
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