AGP Executive Report

College Football Kickoff Clash: Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek blasted ESPN and the SEC over 2026 kickoff times, calling the Sept. 12 Utah game a “welfare issue” after a late-night travel plan followed by an 11 a.m. home game six days later. Utah Sports on TV: Utah State says 11 of its 2026 games will be nationally televised, with kickoff times released across CBS Sports Network, USA Network, The CW, FOX, and Big Ten Network. Great Salt Lake Ecology: Utah officials are using controlled burns to manage phragmites spreading near the Great Salt Lake, aiming to reduce water-hungry stands that crowd out native habitat. Wildlife Safety: A Park City neighborhood saw a moose give birth to two calves, prompting reminders from the state on how to stay safe around mother moose and babies. Data Center Water Fight: A second water-rights transfer application tied to Kevin O’Leary’s Box Elder data center plan was withdrawn after protests over drought and wildlife impacts. Local Education: Utah Connections Academy held commencement for 91 graduates, including students from Nibley and Hyrum.

Stanley Cup Spotlight: Vegas is headed back to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in franchise history after a 2-1 Game 4 win over Colorado, completing an improbable sweep; Mark Stone and Cole Smith scored as the Golden Knights shut down the Presidents’ Trophy champs and now wait for Carolina or Montreal. Utah Politics & Voting Maps: Redistricting battles are heating up nationwide, with Democrats eyeing gains in California and Utah while Republicans push new maps ahead of the midterms—South Carolina and Alabama both saw major setbacks in the latest legal and legislative moves. Utah Water & Drought Relief: After a long freeze on Inflation Reduction Act spending, Utah is set to receive $35M for Colorado River drought mitigation projects, with the money routed to the state Division of Wildlife Resources. Local Community & Outdoors: Bank of Utah is bringing back its “My Utah” photo contest, inviting Utahns to share outdoor and activity shots for a chance at cash prizes and a featured calendar spot. Public Safety: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of Utah, signaling critical wildfire conditions and urging extreme caution. Sports (World Stage): South Korea captain Son Heung-min says he’s “feeling great” as the team trains in Salt Lake City ahead of the World Cup.

US World Cup roster shock: Diego Luna, a star in Nike’s 2026 World Cup promos, was left off the USMNT’s 26-man roster—turning a marketing favorite into the biggest headline snub. Utah politics: Christina “CJ” Hernandez is pitching a moderate, people-first message in her Senate District 5 bid, focusing on housing, clean air, and saving the Great Salt Lake. Legal fallout over speech: A woman fired by Ball State over a Facebook post criticizing Charlie Kirk will receive a $225,000 settlement, adding to a growing First Amendment fight over social-media backlash. Public safety alert: Utah authorities say a father accused of abducting two toddlers may have crossed into Mexico, as the search continues. Local life: A new study ranks Salt Lake City among the safest major metros for cyclists. Sports and schools: Weber State’s Ethan Ecker heads to NCAA regionals after a Big Sky javelin title; Ben Lomond sprinter Hadley Chadwick signs with Weber State.

Food & Trends: McDonald’s is bringing back the “dirty soda” craze with six new CosMc’s-style drinks launching May 6 nationwide, including foam-topped options like Dirty Dr. Pepper and Orange Dream. Sports: The Spurs and Thunder are locked in a Western Conference finals chess match, tied 2-2 with Game 5 set Tuesday. Tech & Privacy: A new report highlights how chatbots’ “long memory” can get stuck on outdated or personal moments—making it harder to move on. Utah & Health: Utah’s April jobless rate held at 3.8%, while the state added jobs over the past year, but economists warn hiring is still cautious. Local Infrastructure: UDOT says fiber optic construction along SR-9 into Zion starts June 1, with lane narrowing and possible delays. Policy & Defense: TriCelX announced XytriX™—a DoD-linked cell therapy filing targeting blast-related TBI/CTE. Data Center Politics: A national fight over data centers is intensifying in Congress, with foreign funding claims fueling opposition.

Immigration Legal Fight: Utah lawyers are preparing a potential lawsuit to halt ICE’s planned Salt Lake City immigrant detention center after the agency bought a warehouse for $145.44 million, with a formal announcement possible in early June. City Building: Salt Lake City opened the 400 South Viaduct Trail, linking the 300 West Bikeway to the 9-Line Trail and adding a long art piece nearly 2,000 feet long. Public Safety: Police are investigating a “suspicious death” of a middle-aged man found Monday morning near 1723 S. 300 East. Drought Watch: Gov. Spencer Cox declared a drought emergency as federal forecasts offer some hope for above-normal precipitation this summer, though El Niño could still complicate things. Sports Spotlight: Utah Royals FC are atop the NWSL table for the first time in club history after another strong week.

Wildfire & Evacuations: Iron County’s Christy Lane brush fire near Summit has grown to about 15 acres and triggered an evacuation order for the Allard Ranch and Red Canyon areas, with evacuees staged at Cedar City High School while crews work to protect threatened structures. Public Safety: In Cedar City, police say one person is suspected dead after a trailer fire spread to a neighboring home; officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Missing Children: An Amber Alert remains active for two Utah toddlers—Will (22 months) and Wesley (10 months) Richman—reported missing after their father allegedly missed a custody exchange; authorities say they’re in “imminent danger.” Health Access: A West High School clinic in Salt Lake City is bringing mental healthcare closer to teens, logging thousands of visits since opening in 2024. Sports Spotlight: Erin Jackson—first Black woman to win Winter Olympic gold in an individual event—talks about her next push for another medal. Legal Update: A federal appeals court upheld dismissal in an RTX class action, ruling American Pipe tolling ends when class status is denied.

Davis County Fallout: A five-month investigation into Davis County Commissioner John Crofts’ conduct—covering claims of a hostile work environment, political favoritism, religion concerns, LGBTQ discrimination, defamation, and fitness-for-duty—has been sent to county attorneys, with Crofts emailing a redacted report to the Standard-Examiner while a GRAMA request is still pending. Amber Alert: Police issued a statewide Amber Alert for two Saratoga Springs boys allegedly abducted by their father, Dane Stephen Richman, believed to be driving a black Toyota Camry. Public Health & Growth: Huntsman Cancer Institute marked a major expansion of its Hatch Proton Therapy Center, doubling capacity after a local teen helped break ground. Environment & Policy: A Utah legislative panel voted to study how data centers could affect wildlife and natural resources, as Box Elder County’s Stratos project keeps drawing scrutiny. Local Life: St. George hosted an “Adult Prom” for couples seeking a formal night out. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices remain volatile heading into Memorial Day weekend, with Utah counties reporting some of the week’s lowest regular and premium rates.

Great Salt Lake & drought response: EPA head Lee Zeldin toured Farmington Bay as water sits just inches deep in spots, with officials pushing efforts to protect the lake as Utah’s record-low snowpack bites. Data center fight: Hundreds rallied at the Capitol against the Stratos AI data center in Box Elder County, arguing it threatens air, water, and transparency—while protesters in St. George echoed the same concerns. Public health: A salmonella recall hit specialty drink powders sold across 25 states, including Utah. Housing pressure: Mortgage rates jumped to 6.51% for a 30-year fixed loan, the highest since Aug. 2025, as Middle East uncertainty weighs on costs. Local transportation: Salt Lake City moved to close part of 200 South to help create a rail quiet zone and reduce disruptive train horns. Sports (Utah): Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals both played to keep momentum—RSL drew 1-1 with Minnesota, while URFC extended its unbeaten run to nine with a 2-1 win over Denver Summit.

Box Elder Data Center Backlash: Hundreds of Utahns rallied at the Capitol Saturday against the proposed Stratos project, warning it could strain northern water supplies and affect the Great Salt Lake—while a recent poll shows most voters oppose it. Public Safety—Road Rage: A West Valley man was arrested after police say he threatened a woman with a baseball bat and tried to break her car window during traffic. Memorial Day Remembrance: Utah leaders and communities marked the weekend with veterans memorial efforts, including a Logan firefighter-led flag retirement. Health & Training: Two people were hospitalized after an SUU helicopter crash at Cedar City Airport; officials say injuries weren’t life-threatening and the FAA/NTSB are investigating. Wildfire Prep: State agencies urged residents to get ready as drought and early-dry conditions raise wildfire risk. Immigration Policy: The Trump administration says green-card applicants on temporary status must return home first before applying, drawing sharp criticism from advocates and business groups.

China-US Trade: CCPIT says U.S. firms keep topping the list of foreign participants at China’s supply chain expo ahead of the June event, framing it as a stability-driven business push after last week’s leader talks. Local Business & Community: Bridgerland Adventure Park reopens as Bear Lake Adventure Park near Garden City, adding adult-focused amenities after a year idle. Family Fun: USU Extension’s “Hidden Gems” guides offer free, research-based relationship activities for couples and families. Utah Tech & Politics: Kevin O’Leary’s proposed rural Utah AI data center in Box Elder County is drawing mounting resident backlash over environmental impacts, even as backers tout jobs and taxes. Public Safety: Salt Lake City police investigated a fatal officer-involved shooting near the Ballpark neighborhood after a call about an armed, possibly suicidal person. Travel & Roads: UDOT reopened Alpine Loop and Mirror Lake Highway for the Memorial Day rush, warning of higher-elevation conditions and delays.

Drought emergency hits hard, fast: Gov. Cox declared a statewide emergency after a “no-pack” winter left Utah short on water, with 61% of the state in extreme drought and local districts asking residents to cut outdoor use (Salt Lake City: 20%). Fire danger spikes across the state: Zion National Park and other southwest Utah public lands moved into new restrictions ahead of Memorial Day, including limits on campfires/open fires and fireworks. Summer travel gets squeezed: UDOT reopened Mirror Lake Highway and the Alpine Loop for the holiday rush, but drivers are still warned to expect delays. Water limits reach everyday life: Some Utah splash pads are reducing hours or closing as drought worsens. Housing and costs keep climbing: Mortgage rates rose sharply this week, and a new national look shows home prices have surged far faster than incomes over the past decade. Tech and growth, with controversy: Utah Broadband is pushing fast internet into rural Cache Valley, while the broader data-center fight continues to shape public debate.

Drought Emergency: Gov. Spencer Cox issued a statewide emergency declaration as Utah’s drought worsens, activating the state emergency plan, pushing agencies to follow weekly water guidance, and urging tighter outdoor watering. AI Data Center Backlash: A new Deseret News–Hinckley Institute poll finds Utah voters sour on Box Elder’s Stratos AI data center, with 53% opposing and 30% supporting, as water and local-control concerns keep driving the fight. Education Politics: House Republicans advanced a bill tying federal school funding to parental consent for changes to students’ gender markers, pronouns, and preferred names. Public Health: Measles cases were detected at two Heber City schools, and unvaccinated students are being told to stay home for the rest of the school year. Leadership & Safety: Weber State named Chris Mallett its next president; Mountainland and Bridgerland technical college presidents stepped down the same day; and a drunken driver was arrested after allegedly hitting 84 mph in a 35 mph zone in Panguitch.

Geothermal Watch: Fervo’s Cape Station project in Beaver County is moving toward first power in 2026, targeting 100 MW by early 2027 and 400 MW more by 2028. Health & Safety: Intermountain opened a new Behavioral Health Center at Alta View Hospital in Sandy, doubling beds to 56 and expanding access starting in June. Courts & Accountability: A federal case alleges a former health payment CEO stole about $30 million through risky stock trades and luxury purchases. Local Governance: County leaders are set to hold a public hearing on new rules for data centers, with residents weighing in on size and impacts. Sports: Provo girls lacrosse finished runner-up to Bear River; Skyridge fell in overtime for the 6A title; Utah teams kept rolling in state baseball/softball matchups. Drought Response: Utah’s emergency drought measures are also driving new support for farmers, including emergency disaster relief loans.

NBA Rookies: The league unveiled the 2025-26 All-Rookie teams, with Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel and Philly’s VJ Edgecombe earning unanimous first-team spots. Utah’s Ace Bailey landed on the second team, alongside New Orleans’ Jeremiah Fears, Sacramento’s Maxime Raynaud, Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles and Utah’s Bailey. Utah Recruiting: BYU added Granger High defensive lineman Maa’imoa “Moa” Havili, a late-rising commitment after a fast surge of offers. Great Salt Lake & Data Centers: A fresh water-rights filing tied to a northern Utah mega data center is stoking new fears for the Great Salt Lake, even as opponents say the smaller request could still be used to build up larger impacts. Local Travel: St. George Regional Airport (SGU) will close its runway for five days in late July for taxiway repairs. Sports (Utah High School): West Field’s first 5A playoff run ended with a 1-0 loss to Salem Hills, while Park City boys lacrosse advanced with a 12-6 win over East.

Science & Community: A new CRISPR tool from University of Utah Health researchers, Cas12a2, aims to destroy virus-infected or cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones, with results reported in Nature. Local Education: Springville High School officially opened to the public this week, with students already debating which old traditions can carry over. Public Safety & Environment: Warm, dry conditions are raising the risk of harmful algal blooms in the Jordan River, and wildfire officials are urging Southern Utah residents to lock in evacuation plans early. Utah Culture & Food: The Wasatch Food Co-op opened in Salt Lake City after nearly 18 years of planning, with thousands already signed up as member-owners. Sports: The Knicks stunned the Cavaliers from a 22-point deficit in overtime, and BYU baseball crushed Texas Tech 18-8 in the Big 12 Tournament opener. Policy Watch: Utah tech leaders are set to testify in Congress on cybersecurity and the still-unfunded State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.

Wildfire Risk, Measured in Money and Lives: A new UC Davis study says prescribed burns and mechanical thinning in the Western U.S. over six years prevented 2.7 million tons of carbon dioxide, nearly 60 premature deaths, and about $2.8 billion in damages—plus cut fine particle pollution by more than 25,000 tons. Utah Sports, Playoff Pressure: In Big 12 baseball, No. 10 Utah lost its first-ever Big 12 tournament game as Kansas State scored four in the eighth to win 9-5. State Tournament Drama: Utah high school lacrosse is set for championship games after Fremont edged Olympus 14-13 in 5A OT, while Skyridge thumped Lone Peak 23-6 in 6A. Local Heroics: A West Valley City crossing guard is credited with stopping a pit bull attack on an 11-year-old by hitting the dog with her stop sign. Utah Culture Spotlight: Bank of Utah’s “My Utah” photo contest is back for its seventh year, running through July 6.