Good morning, Orem.

The Utah Rivers Council announced it will distribute rain barrels in 16 Wasatch Front municipalities — including Orem — at events in May, with barrels subsidized to $57 from their normal $155 price.

Utah County residents can pick one up on May 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. as final details for other counties are being finalized.

Gov. Spencer Cox signed the Franchisee Protection Act, a law that bans companies from requiring shops to open on days that conflict with religious practices.

Local franchise owners in Orem, Lehi, and American Fork praised the law for protecting their day of rest while some business leaders worry it may reduce franchise opportunities and impact tax revenue—raising concerns about job growth.

Utah Valley University is working with the Utah System of Higher Education to make a new reinvestment plan after state lawmakers cut 10% of the budget, saving $8.9 million.

The plan is due by May 1 and may include a new artificial intelligence center—one that could help fill local jobs.

A poll by a medical cannabis advocacy group found that 52% of Utah voters support a citizen ballot initiative to legalize recreational cannabis—which matches the support level when medical use was approved in 2018.

Alex Iorg from Keep Utah Medical said his group will focus on improving medical cannabis access instead of moving toward recreational legalization.

The Utah Legislature passed several bills that, if signed by Gov. Cox, will make Utah the first state to ban many flags from schools and government buildings, end the addition of fluoride to public water, allow payments in gold and silver, and end universal vote-by-mail by 2029—another bill will change how college general education classes are taught while two social media measures set new rules for underage users and data sharing. Critics and supporters alike now await the governor’s decision on these groundbreaking proposals.

Residents along the Wasatch Front got relief from constant train horns after a one-year waiver was approved on March 18 to let cities resume quiet zone measures at two problematic crossings in the Woods Cross area.

The order requires work to start immediately and one crossing to stay closed until upgrades are finished — local officials will work to meet all federal safety standards before the waiver expires.

Kearns High School student Britton Buckingham—who has spina bifida—served as the public address announcer at Delta Center during an NBA G League game between the Salt Lake City Stars and Mexico City Capitanes, fulfilling a lifelong dream while inspiring his peers.

Les Misérables - School Edition in Orem

Experience a performance of Les Misérables School Edition at the SCERA Center for the Arts, where 50% of ticket proceeds support a cause of your choice.

Les Miserables - School Edition

7:30 PM - 12:30 AM | SCERA Center for the Arts | Tickets required | Experience the touching tale of Jean Valjean’s journey through redemption and struggles in 19th century France.

Les Miserables - School Edition

7:30-10 p.m. | SCERA Center for the Arts | Tickets may vary | Enjoy a heartfelt rendition of this classic musical while supporting a cause of your choice.

Les Miserables School Edition

7:30-11:30 p.m. | SCERA Center for the Arts | Ticket pricing varies | Experience the powerful and moving story of Les Miserables, reimagined for school audiences.

Utah Hockey Club vs. Chicago Blackhawks Watch Party

2-5 p.m. — Mountain Mike's Pizza — $15 includes pizza buffet and drinks — Enjoy an exciting watch party with giveaways and a live podcast recording for all hockey fans.

Snow White Film Screening

3:45-7:45 p.m. — SCERA Center for the Arts — Ticket purchase supports a cause — Enjoy a classic film and contribute to a good cause.

The Wizard of Oz School Edition

5 p.m. — SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a magical journey through the land of Oz with this school edition performance.

Power Chord Guitar Fest 2025

2-8 p.m. — The Boardwalk Sound — Presale tickets available — Celebrate the power of music with a lineup of local and touring bands at an energetic guitar festival.

Utah Shakespeare Festival: Henry IV

7-8:15 p.m. — Orem Public Library — Free admission — Experience the timeless drama of Shakespeare’s Henry IV at the Orem Public Library.

Easter Extravaganza

12-4 p.m. — University Place — Free activities — Enjoy photo sessions with the Easter Bunny and various fun springtime events.