AGP Executive Report

Pentagon Faith Fight: Utah lawmakers are pushing back after a new Department of Defense policy recategorized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as separate from “Christian” faiths, with Sen. John Curtis and Rep. Mike Kennedy calling it inaccurate and urging a correction. World Cup Security: Local police and the FBI are racing to protect the tournament from drones as officials admit defenses are behind schedule. D-Day in Utah Style: Praesidus is launching two limited-edition D-Day watches, including a Utah Beach model with sand from the landing site. Culture & Politics Clash: Candace Owens reignited her feud with Erika Kirk after a heckling incident at a Turning Point USA event, escalating online outrage. Utah Legal Snapshot: Utah State Bar data shows active attorneys across the Wasatch Front—Cottonwood Heights (113), West Valley City (69), Kaysville (60), Midvale (85), and more—highlighting a busy legal ecosystem. Public Health Watch: Measles cases are surging nationwide, with Utah among the hardest-hit states. Youth Sports Access: Utah Youth Sports Giving Day aims to expand sports participation for kids facing cost barriers. Sports Culture: Utahns weigh in on whether the World Cup is bigger than the Olympics as the tournament kicks off.

Pentagon & LDS Identity: Utah Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee are pushing back after a Pentagon reclassification puts The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a separate category from “Christian,” sparking fresh debate over how faiths are labeled for military chaplaincy. Culture-War June Branding: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has stepped away from a Pride Month declaration and joined the trend of conservative “June” rebrands like “Fidelity Month,” framed as family-focused counter-programming. Data Center Backlash: A Utah Clean Energy analysis says the proposed Stratos data center could use up to 16.6B gallons of water a year, while developers say plans are still “under design” and scaled acreage after protests. Local Politics & Messaging: A Democratic firm is spending to oust Box Elder County commissioners tied to the Stratos project, using mailers and ads aimed at the GOP primary. Health & Safety: A Saratoga Springs brush fire led to evacuations for homes near Mahogany and Roman streets before orders were lifted. Community & Faith Life: Provo residents joined “Come to the Table” to experience homelessness scenarios, while a Willamette Valley Oregon Temple open house drew tens of thousands.

Pentagon & Faith: Utah Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee are pushing back after the Department of War’s new religious code list doesn’t classify the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under “Christian,” even as it keeps LDS as its own category—sparking a fresh Utah-to-Washington fight over how the military labels faith. Great Salt Lake Funding: Rep. Celeste Maloy secured initial $10M toward a Great Salt Lake Watershed Recovery Program, a first step toward a larger $1B push for long-term water recovery. Community Care: Doulas of Utah and the Utah Food Bank are teaming up for a diaper drive (June 15–July 6) to tackle diaper insecurity. Immigration Through Art: Utah filmmaker Ross Boothe is developing the musical film “Brotherhood,” aiming to humanize immigration debates through faith-centered storytelling. Local Leadership Race: Davis County sheriff candidates Aaron Perry and Jon Atkin are laying out competing plans for public safety and department coordination. Youth Culture: Chandler Children’s Choir is expanding with a new San Tan Children’s Choir branch for Queen Creek and East Valley families.

Utah & Community Health: USU Extension is running a statewide virtual “Marathon Kids” program (June 8–Aug. 8) to get youth moving toward a 26.2-mile goal through runs, walks, and play, with miles tracked online and prizes for finishers. Public Safety & Rights: Salt Lake City released body-camera videos tied to the May 22 shooting death of Thomas Nelson, who police say refused to put his gun down; the footage shows neighbors describing suicidal threats and officers repeatedly ordering him to drop the weapon. Culture & Faith: The LDS Church is encouraging a July 5 fast to “express gratitude for religious liberty” ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, framing the day as a prayer for religious freedom worldwide. Civic Life: Salt Lake police stepped up enforcement around the “999 Ride” after complaints about traffic disruption, wrong-way riding, vandalism, assaults, and alcohol use. Local Politics: Utah Supreme Court nominees Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent face scrutiny over the lack of prior judicial experience as Cox fills newly created seats. Data Center Tension: Iron County’s planning commission approved a conditional use permit for a major data center campus (Project Antelope), despite resident concerns about water, wildlife, noise, and long-term impacts. Sports & Identity: Utah’s youth sports and summer programming got a boost with a statewide marathon-kids push, while Utah ties also show up in national sports coverage.

Utah Health & Families: CMS guidance on Medicaid work rules could hit more than 180,000 Utahns starting Jan. 2027, with advocates warning there aren’t enough “guardrails” to protect vulnerable people. Community Care: Doulas of Utah and the Utah Food Bank are teaming up for a summer diaper drive (June 15–July 6) with drop-offs in Provo, Holladay and West Jordan. Local Governance & Culture: Park City High School seniors received 149 scholarships totaling about $199,300, with speakers spotlighting first-generation support and mentorship. Education & Opportunity: BYU promoted longtime assistant Todd Miller to head men’s golf coach, continuing a deep program legacy. Civic Life & Faith: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepted a donated locket holding a daguerreotype reportedly from the 1840s, tied to Joseph Smith lore. Utah Politics & Identity: Gov. Spencer Cox stepped away from a Pride month declaration, aligning with a “Fidelity Month” framing. Big Local Debate: Stratos’ data center fight in northern Utah continues as officials weigh environmental impacts and possible footprint reductions. Arts & Community Events: Heber City’s Market on Main kicks off summer with local vendors, including a long-running crepe favorite.

Immigration Funding Showdown: The Senate passed a $70B immigration enforcement package for ICE and Border Patrol, but the fight over the DOJ “anti-weaponization” fund stayed messy—Utah Sen. John Curtis backed dismantling it while other GOP senators tried to keep the broader funding moving. Utah Tech & Security: Utah-based Fortem is highlighted for drone defense at major venues, as the World Cup tests how to protect packed stadiums from autonomous threats. Local Health & Care: The University of Utah named David B. Larson as its next radiology chair, bringing AI lab leadership from Stanford. Community Safety Tech: Brigham City rolled out emergency-vehicle tech that can change traffic lights to speed first responders. Sports & Wellness: The Utah Royals joined the American Heart Association and NWSL’s CPR push with a 2026 ambassador class. Culture & Belonging: Weber State students are still feeling the impact of DEI-era closures of identity-based campus centers. Pride Counterprogramming: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s “Fidelity Month” move kept the national debate over Pride alternatives front and center. Data Center Backlash: Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos plan was cut in half after Utah lawmakers pushed back over water and power concerns.

CPR & Community Health: The American Heart Association and NWSL unveiled the 2026 “Nation of Lifesavers” ambassador class during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, with Utah Royals FC listed among the league’s CPR advocates. Education & Tech Debate: A new wave of state laws aims to curb cellphone use in schools, as researchers question whether screen bans deliver the promised benefits. Utah Data Center Showdown: Investor Kevin O’Leary pushed back against Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams’ request to shrink the Stratos AI data center footprint by 75%, keeping the fight centered on water, heat, and transparency concerns. Local Culture & Outdoors: Wasatch Trails Foundation kicked off a busy June with trail work, rides, and community events, including a Dig Day and a free National Trails Day celebration. Park City Housing Pushback: Park City faced renewed criticism over the Bonanza Park housing concept, with residents urging a park instead of income-restricted development. Community & Inclusion Research: Utah Women & Leadership Project released a new report on immigrant and refugee women and girls in Utah, highlighting barriers and contributions across the state. Public Safety: A Utah bus driver was sentenced to five years for setting a school bus on fire, with prosecutors citing multiple prior fires and attempted surveillance tampering. Arts & Theater: Hale Center Theatre in Sandy is set to bring “The Lord of the Rings” to the stage in 2027, leaning on immersive tech while keeping storytelling front and center.

Local Arts & Community: Marmot Art Space opens June with Indigenous sculptor Greyshoes’ “Southwest Sculptures,” tracing how the artist’s late start in stone carving became a lifelong calling. Music & Youth Culture: Iron Mountain’s 906 Fest returns with two days of live sets, food trucks, artisan vendors, and a Kid Rave—plus Poolhouse headlining Saturday night. Civic Fight Over Tech: Box Elder County data-center opponents (BEAR) filed an appeal in district court to push the Stratos hyperscale project to a voter referendum, arguing the county attorney wrongly blocked their bid. Health & Aging Watch: CMS data spotlights Utah nursing homes—Orem Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (2/5), Monument Healthcare Murray Creek (2/5), and Monument Healthcare Pioneer Trail (4/5)—as older-adult demand keeps rising. Higher Ed Sports Policy: Nick Saban and college athletics leaders testified on the Protect College Sports Act, urging national standards for NIL, athlete protections, and transfer rules. Utah Politics & Next-Gen Leadership: A State Street episode profiles Democratic primary candidate Liban Mohamed, pitching a progressive agenda shaped by his Big Tech background and younger voters. Family & Tech Debate: A new report warns AI could use more water than all Earth’s people need to drink, adding fuel to Utah’s ongoing conversations about data centers and sustainability. Utah Pride & Identity: Utah Gov. Cox’s “Fidelity Month” move continues to draw pushback from LGBTQ+ groups and leaders.

Culture War in June: Gov. Spencer Cox declared Utah “Fidelity Month,” joining other red states in pushing conservative alternatives to Pride Month, as national debates over family and faith keep heating up. Student Aid Fraud: Utah Rep. Burgess Owens backs the No Aid for Ghost Students Act after “ghost students” allegedly steal identities, grab FAFSA money, then vanish—aiming for identity-fraud screening before aid is released. Local Loss & Legacy: Karen Huntsman, a major Utah philanthropist and business leader, died at 88, remembered for family giving tied to health and education. Public Safety: A man riding an electric scooter was killed after a crash in Kearns when a vehicle cut him off, sending him into another car. College Sports Policy: Utah’s Lance Holtzclaw is among voices as Congress debates the Protect College Sports Act, targeting NIL, transfers, and athlete protections. Utah Civic/Legal Watch: Cox’s picks for two new Utah Supreme Court seats—Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent—face criticism over lack of prior judicial experience. Utah Arts & Community: The Singing Mormons project reunites the original Denmark group members for new performances, with plans to bring the story back to Denmark. Big-Project Impact: Salt Palace redevelopment will fully close the convention center for three years starting fall 2027, reshaping downtown convention plans.

Public Health: Federal investigators reopened a salmonella probe tied to imported “super greens” moringa leaf powder after new illnesses surfaced, bringing the total to 119 sick across 36 states and prompting fresh recall checks. Education & Youth: A growing wave of states is moving toward cellphone bans in schools, with new research questioning whether the promised benefits actually show up for students. Utah Politics & Community: In Utah House District 69, voters choose in the June 23 primary between Rep. Logan Monson and challenger Dan Gardner, with affordability, public lands, water, and corruption trust front and center. Local Culture & Care: Grand County’s Children’s Justice Center highlights how its “forever home” and tele-forensic interviews are expanding trauma-informed support for rural kids, including Spanish-speaking families. Sports & Pride: Utah’s “Fidelity Month” proclamation lands amid a broader national shift away from Pride Month, as red states roll out alternative June observances.

Utah Supreme Court Shake-Up: Gov. Spencer Cox appointed Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent to two newly created seats as Utah expands the court from five to seven justices, with both facing Senate confirmation. Public Safety & Community: Southern Utah University ran a multi-agency active shooter training exercise using “run, hide, fight” and “stop the bleed,” with no live weapons allowed. Heat Preparedness: The Red Cross of Utah urged residents to plan for extreme summer temperatures—cool places, water, breaks, and knowing heat illness warning signs. Arts & Culture: Salt Lake City’s UMOCA highlighted new exhibitions and its 10th-anniversary “Out Loud” plus a major 2026 Gala Art Auction, while The Blocks launched a free “Art Garten” with live music, art, and lawn games. Local Outdoors: Wasatch County unveiled its first pump track in Heber City, designed for riders of many ages and abilities. Health Tech: Intermountain researchers say AI-enabled care for COPD and asthma cut hospitalizations and costs. Sports Spotlight: BYU women’s gymnastics hired Shannon Evans as an assistant coach, and BYU golfer Kihei Akina tied for 8th at the NCAA Championship. Politics: Utah’s 2nd District GOP debate reignited the Prop 4 redistricting fight.

Utah Data Center Debate: In Utah’s 2nd District GOP primary, Rep. Blake Moore and challenger Karianne Lisonbee spar over the Box Elder “hyperscale” data center, with Lisonbee pushing for more transparency and Moore arguing Utah can’t “lose this race to China” while protecting water. Public Health & Outdoors: A possible Super El Niño could boost hantavirus risk indirectly by swelling rodent populations after wetter, warmer conditions—relevant to the Four Corners region that includes Utah. Community Milestone: Utah’s Newborn Safe Haven law turns 25, with advocates and an early baby adoption story highlighting how anonymous surrender at hospitals has saved lives. Sports & Local Pride: BYU women’s gymnastics brings back Shannon Evans as an assistant coach; BYU freshman Kihei Akina ties for 8th at the NCAA men’s golf championships. Culture & Identity: A Pride reflection piece argues the rainbow flag is more than decoration—personal sanctuary and survival for many Utah-area readers. Legal Watch: A judge orders a hearing in the Tyler Robinson case after claims prosecutors violated a gag order.

Community & Tradition: Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade filled downtown with marching bands, floats, and folklórico dancers, turning a morning downtown walk into a full-on Western heritage celebration. Film Festival Buzz: Sundance, long rooted in Park City, is planning for a 2027 move to Boulder and is ramping up community partnerships across the Denver/Boulder area ahead of its debut. Courts & Free Speech: A Utah judge ruled that the public and media can attend key parts of the Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson’s upcoming preliminary hearing, setting up a high-profile, evidence-forward courtroom moment. Education Through the Arts: Magna STEAM Academy is seeing early gains after adding arts integration—absences dropped sharply and early test scores rose—showing how creative learning can shift outcomes. Sports Momentum: Utah State soccer’s rise is tied to Manny Martins’ championship standards, while BYU football is gearing up for June recruiting with a relatively small 2027 commitment list. Health Watch: Measles and whooping cough are spiking nationally amid low vaccination rates, with Utah already seeing hundreds of cases.

Great Salt Lake Watch: A new Deseret News-Hinckley poll finds Utahns’ concern about the lake’s water levels jumped to 86% in May, with 51% “very concerned,” as leaders push for federal help and drought conservation. Utah Politics: In the new, blue-leaning 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, Liban Mohamed, Ben McAdams, Michael Farrell, and Nate Blouin are battling over issues like the Great Salt Lake, affordability, immigration enforcement, and data centers. Community Safety & Justice: A Utah judge will decide whether to restrict public access and seal exhibits in the Charlie Kirk murder case preliminary hearing. Local Culture & Lifestyle: West Valley tattoo artist Kiera Miller is using ink to fund food and support for people experiencing homelessness through Ink for Impact. Sports & Faith: BYU-linked football and Utah sports stories keep rolling, from recruiting commitments to athletes balancing faith and competition.

Utah Courts: Gov. Spencer Cox is reshaping the Utah Supreme Court—new nomination rules, a bigger bench, and more transparency—after a fast-moving stretch of retirements and political pressure. Local Governance: A new “framework” for Utah data centers is in the spotlight as residents and activists push back on secrecy, water use, and electricity impacts. Community & Culture: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation launched “Native Saints: The Washakie Ward,” a new website tracing Northwestern Shoshone Latter-day Saints history near the Utah-Idaho border. Sports & Youth: BYU hosted Korea Republic for a sold-out friendly at South Field, turning Provo into a mini Seoul for fans and families. Outdoors & Lifestyle: Utah boating rules for aquatic invasive species are getting clearer for 2026, with mussel-aware course requirements and new fee details. Arts & Faith: A Utah stunt performer’s path from “Studio C” to “Marshals” highlights how local talent keeps finding its way to bigger stages.

Data Center Rules in Utah: Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order raising the bar for data center development after community backlash over the massive Stratos Project, directing agencies to apply a phased, permit-by-permit approach and focus on water, air, wildlife, utility rates, and public input. Indigenous Art Spotlight: Hopi sculptor Greyshoes (Upton “Greyshoes” Ethelbah Jr.) brings stonework tied to “sounds, colors, rhythms” and spiritual meaning to Marmot Art Space for June events. AI + Faith Research: A BYU-led consortium reports major AI models consistently leave out faith and religion in responses, arguing for more respectful, accurate inclusion. Women’s Sports in Utah’s Orbit: The Utah Royals extended their unbeaten run to 10 with a 2-2 draw at Portland, while the Thorns staged a women’s sports doubleheader with the WNBA’s Fire. Utah Community Giving: Salt Lake County unveiled America 250 CANstruction sculptures made from nearly 28,000 donated food cans with Utah Food Bank and AIA Utah. Local Sports: BYU track’s Taylor Lovell won the steeplechase at NCAA West prelims, helping the Cougars secure 10 national championship bids.