AGP Executive Report

Utah Data Center Fight: A second lawsuit targets Box Elder County and the Military Installation Development Authority over the Stratos data center, arguing the approvals violate the Utah Constitution and could harm air quality and worsen water scarcity. Local Politics: A Democratic firm is behind a campaign urging rural Republicans to oust Box Elder commissioners who approved the project, using mailers and ads branded “Republicans Against the Stratos Project Data Center.” Water & Numbers Under Scrutiny: Utah Clean Energy’s preliminary analysis says the proposal could use 2 billion to 16.6 billion gallons of water a year, while developers say plans are still “under design” and won’t estimate yet. National Security & Utah Jobs: Janicki Industries highlighted F-35 maintenance work near Hill Air Force Base, including $6.5 million in funding for a new canopy maintenance facility. Remembering Utah’s D-Day Five: A researcher in Sandy is pushing to keep the stories of five Utah soldiers killed on June 6, 1944, from fading from public memory. Social Security Watch: A new report warns the Old-Age and Survivors fund could hit insolvency in 2032, cutting benefits to about 76%—with Utah readers likely to feel the impact.

Box Elder Data Center Legal Fight: A second lawsuit targets the Stratos Project in Box Elder County, arguing the Military Installation Development Authority and county commissioners violated the Utah Constitution as they approved the plan—an effort that could halt the project over concerns tied to public health, safety, and welfare. Local Governance & Community Impact: The dispute comes as Kevin O’Leary’s proposal faces mounting backlash and earlier scale-down demands, keeping the fight centered on who gets power over land use and local decision-making. Energy & Tech: The U.S. Energy Department says an advanced microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached first criticality, a milestone aimed at moving toward electricity generation in the next few years. Public Health & Daily Costs: Utah families are being urged to tackle diaper insecurity via a June 15–July 6 drive with drop-offs in Provo, Holladay, and West Jordan. Utah Politics & Law Enforcement: Davis County sheriff candidate Jon Atkin says he’s running to address what he calls urgent, fast-changing challenges in law enforcement. National Voting Update: The U.S. Senate rejected the SAVE America Act, a blow to Trump-backed voting restrictions. Water Watch: New reporting highlights AI data centers’ water demands as drought pressure grows, adding fuel to the broader data-center backlash.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE announced arrests of “worst of the worst” criminals, including a Salt Lake City heroin and cocaine case, as well as rapists and domestic-violence offenders. Forest Service Restructuring: The Forest Service says it’s closing offices to cut costs, but critics argue the numbers don’t add up. Utah Politics—Elections: Utah County GOP primary ballots are out, with two county commission seats up and candidates pitching budget cuts and efficiency. Box Elder Data Center Fight: A Democratic consulting firm is behind a campaign urging GOP voters to oust two Box Elder County commissioners tied to a controversial data center zoning deal. Utah Courts: KSL Investigators report Utah Supreme Court nominees Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent lack prior judicial experience, raising questions ahead of Senate confirmation. Youth Sports Access: Utah leaders launched a statewide “Youth Sports Giving Day” aiming to raise $3 million so more kids can afford to play. Water & Western Policy: Federal officials say they’ll use a shorter-term Colorado River management framework if states can’t agree, with new operational guidelines every two years. Community & Culture: Torrey near Capitol Reef was named America’s top stargazing town, highlighting Utah’s dark-sky draw.

Utah Politics & Elections: Summit County Clerk candidate Malena Stevens is pitching the clerk’s office as a trust-and-access job, emphasizing secure elections, public participation, and responsive services if elected to a full term. Local Government & Courts: A judge ruled Spoil to Soil can’t operate its Browns Canyon composting and recycling facility until a lawsuit over the county’s conditional use permit suspension is resolved. Utah Economy & Business: Utah’s largest farmers market is returning with a new layout and new faces as Pioneer Park construction reshapes the weekly event. Community & Health: A Park City man seeking a living kidney donor is asking for community support as he prepares for another transplant. Statewide Consumer/Finance: Utah’s Division of Securities issued an emergency cease-and-desist against BG Wealth Sharing, alleging a crypto MLM Ponzi and advance-fee scheme targeting Utah residents. Utah Data Center Fight: Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos project backlash continues as he agrees to shrink the planned facility after pressure from Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and protests organized by the B.E.A.R. group. Sports & Local Events: BYU named Todd Miller its new men’s golf coach after Bruce Brockbank’s retirement.

Utah Data Center Fight: Kevin O’Leary’s Box Elder County AI data center plan just got cut in half, from 40,000 to 20,000 acres, after Utah Senate President Stuart Adams pushed back over water and power concerns tied to the Great Salt Lake. Energy & Water Pressure: A new Colorado River study warns another dry winter could trigger a “system crash,” with major reservoir drops that would hit agriculture hardest. Local Governance & Power Access: Maryland and Virginia are moving ahead with “balcony solar” plug-in systems, a model that’s already spreading to places like Utah. Utah Economy & Food Costs: A LendingTree analysis ranks Utah as the priciest state for groceries, averaging $11,008 per household in 2024. Health & Education: The University of Utah named David B. Larson as its new radiology chair, bringing Stanford AI lab leadership back to Salt Lake City. Business & Industry: Utah-based Bricks and Minifigs says it’s ending ties with franchise owners tied to a viral Lego dispute in Oregon. Sports & Community: Southern Utah University kicks off the 40th annual Utah Summer Games today in Cedar City.

Utah Data Centers: Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos AI data center in Box Elder County is getting scaled back after pressure from Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, with O’Leary agreeing to remove 19,430 acres near the Locomotive Springs Waterfowl Management Area and dedicate excess water to the Great Salt Lake, though the project still faces a long review process. Local Planning: Provo residents packed City Hall to question the proposed Vesper Amphitheater at the mouth of Provo Canyon, including zoning changes and the project’s 20,000-person capacity. Public Health: Utah State University researchers are part of new CRISPR work aimed at selectively killing cells, showing promise in petri dishes and mice. Health Policy: A national report says weakened public health powers since COVID-era backlash are raising outbreak risks, with states and localities limiting emergency authority. Social Security: A new analysis warns Utah retirees could face an average $500-plus monthly cut by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act. Community & Culture: Utah’s BYU released its 2026 gameday fan shirt, priced at $14.99, as the season opener approaches.

Data Centers vs. Great Salt Lake: Box Elder County commissioners reportedly met with the Military Installation Development Authority about Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos data center project before the public was told, and opponents have now sued to force a local referendum—adding fresh pressure on Gov. Cox’s push for higher data-center standards near the shrinking Great Salt Lake. Sports Policy in Utah’s Orbit: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred warned a salary-cap push could trigger another 1994-style work stoppage, while college athletics leaders—including Nick Saban—pressed Congress for national rules as NIL and the transfer portal keep reshaping the game. Utah Politics & Elections: Utah Gov. Cox signed a proclamation replacing Pride Month with “Fidelity Month,” and Utah’s June filing deadline calendar includes an unaffiliated candidate deadline on June 15. Public Health & Tech: A University of Utah-led team unveiled a smartwatch approach to estimate blood pressure continuously without a cuff, and Mayo Clinic and Microsoft announced a healthcare-focused frontier AI model. Local Courts & Crime: A tow truck operator convicted in the Ogden Canyon crash that killed two people was sentenced, and a Logan man faces money-laundering charges tied to alleged dietary supplement return fraud.

Utah Supreme Court Fight: Gov. Spencer Cox named Jay Jorgensen (a Church attorney) and Stephen Dent (a federal prosecutor) to fill two new seats on the expanded Utah Supreme Court, but Co-Equal Utah says the picks lack judicial experience and questions Cox’s “merit” promise ahead of a June 17 Senate vote. Salt Palace Shutdown: Salt Lake County plans to fully close the Salt Palace Convention Center starting fall 2027 for three years as redevelopment begins, aiming to support a new downtown sports-and-entertainment district while warning of major convention-driven economic disruption. College Sports Overhaul: Utah defensive end Lance Holtzclaw testified in Washington for the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, joining Nick Saban and others pushing for a national framework to rein in NIL and transfer chaos. Data Center Pressure: Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams urged Kevin O’Leary to shrink his Box Elder County AI data center plan by 75%, citing water, environmental review, heat reduction, and transparency concerns. Energy Costs Clash: Utah Clean Energy is again challenging PacifiCorp’s long-term planning, arguing the utility missed time-sensitive federal tax credits and could be costing ratepayers about $10 billion. Social Security Warning: A new analysis projects Utah retirees could see average Social Security cuts of about $523 per month in 2032 if the retirement trust fund becomes insolvent.

Utah Supreme Court: Gov. Spencer Cox’s latest picks are headed for public review, with the Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee asking for comments on Jay T. Jorgensen and Stephen P. Dent ahead of a June 16 deadline. Local Government & Housing: Ogden Valley City is facing a $2.2 million budget shortfall after incorporation, with residents potentially staring down a major tax hike or new fees to close the gap. Business & Growth: Buckner is expanding again, opening an eighth office in St. George, while Newport National Corporation completed its acquisition of Hobble Creek Business Park in Springville and plans more industrial construction. Sports & Community: South Korea’s full 26-man World Cup squad trained together for the first time at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, and defender Cho Yu-min left camp for injury recovery after a plantar fascia tear. Public Health: A new report warns the CDC’s wastewater COVID surveillance could lose major funding, just as a “cicada” variant spreads across the U.S. State Money Watch: Utah’s unclaimed property total hit $178 million, and the treasurer’s office is pushing a webathon to reunite people with lost funds.

Utah Courts & Transparency: Gov. Spencer Cox appointed Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent to two new Utah Supreme Court seats after the Legislature expanded the bench to seven, setting up Senate confirmation. Public Safety & Environment: Utah Senate President Stuart Adams escalated pressure on Kevin O’Leary’s Box Elder County data center, urging a 75% size cut and stronger water, heat, and conservation safeguards. Local Politics: In Utah’s 3rd District GOP primary, Celeste Maloy defended her record while Phil Lyman attacked the establishment and argued for sharper differentiation. Outdoor Utah: The state awarded $19M for 81 outdoor recreation projects, including upgrades in Summit and Wasatch counties and improvements at Salt Lake City’s Glendale Park. Health & Agriculture: Utah’s agriculture department ordered mandatory weekly HPAI surveillance after a dairy in Cache County tested positive, with quarantine rules if more positives appear. Community Life: The Blocks’ “Art Garten” launches in downtown Salt Lake’s old Pantages Theater lot with free music, art, and lawn games. Business & Travel: Volaris begins direct Salt Lake City–Guadalajara flights, adding another Mexico option for Utah travelers. Arts & Culture: BYU Astronomical Society hosts free Thursday planetarium documentary watch parties.

Utah Politics & Elections: In the GOP 2nd District primary debate, Rep. Blake Moore and challenger Karianne Lisonbee sparred over the Box Elder County data center, with Lisonbee calling it a “failure of process” and Moore backing it only if water is protected and stakeholders stay engaged. Utah Courts: A judge ordered prosecutors to answer claims they violated a gag order in the Tyler Robinson case tied to the Charlie Kirk killing, setting a June 12 hearing. Utah Federal/Policy: Utah’s 3rd District GOP debate centered on affordability, public lands, and AI/data centers, with both candidates using the Box Elder project as a test case for how Utah should handle future development. Public Safety & Health: A Phase 3 prostate cancer trial led by Huntsman Cancer Institute found talazoparib plus enzalutamide cut progression or death risk by 52% for select patients. Local Community: Heber City won a referendum lawsuit over the North Village annexation after the appeals court said residents missed the filing deadline. Sports & Culture: Korea’s national team trained in Herriman and will play El Salvador at BYU South Field as World Cup prep continues.

Data Center Showdown: Utah Senate President Stuart Adams asked Kevin O’Leary to shrink his Stratos Project footprint 75%—from 40,000 acres to about 10,000—and demanded tighter water, wildlife, and transparency rules as the Box Elder plan faces mounting public backlash. Courts & Cameras: A Utah judge ruled the public and media can attend parts of the Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case, rejecting a full closure request while the case heads toward July 6–10. Utah Politics (Primary): State Sen. Nate Blouin released new polling in Utah’s 1st District Democratic primary, arguing progressive voters should consolidate to beat Ben McAdams. Economy & Jobs: A new WalletHub ranking highlights which states have the strongest economies, with Massachusetts topping the list—useful context for Utah’s growth and labor questions. Health Policy (Cannabis): Utah’s agriculture department and the University of Utah’s MCORE team released a 2025 medical cannabis market analysis showing improved adoption but still citing cost and paperwork barriers. Business & Local Growth: Salt Lake’s Sugar House Chamber is seeking a special assessment district to fund events, signage, and holiday lighting as redevelopment money flows in.

Utah Water Watch: A new Deseret News poll finds Utahns’ concern about the Great Salt Lake is climbing fast, with 86% worried about water levels and Gov. Spencer Cox pushing a statewide drought emergency as leaders seek major federal help. AI Data Center Fallout: Sen. Elizabeth Warren is escalating pressure on AI data centers, arguing communities near them are hit with higher utility costs and environmental strain—an issue Utah leaders have also been grappling with through new rules. Public Safety & Accountability: Washington County leaders back a proposed domestic violence offender registry (“Morgan’s Law”), aiming to make repeat-risk histories more accessible to the public. Sports & Community Pride: Celtic boys from Utah won a national MLS NEXT Cup run of four straight titles, while Utah Tech women’s basketball added transfer guard Kendall Dykstra. Local Courts: Gov. Cox continues reshaping the Utah Supreme Court, setting up new nominations after recent judicial shakeups. Business/Resources: Canadian Phosphate signed to acquire Utah’s Diamond Mountain phosphate project, betting on fertilizer and battery markets.

Utah Data Centers: Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order setting a “higher bar” for data center development after protests over a massive 9-gigawatt Stratos project backed by Kevin O’Leary, directing agencies to use an eight-principle framework covering water, air quality, wildlife, utility-rate impacts, and public input, with phased permitting instead of one blanket approval. Courts & Governance: Cox is reshaping the Utah Supreme Court—expanding the bench, tightening nomination rules, and pushing more transparency—while the state’s judicial selection system remains a flashpoint amid political pressure and recent turnover. Local Sports & Community: BYU’s South Field turned into a mini international stage as the Korea Republic men’s team beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in front of a sold-out crowd, with fans packing in for World Cup tune-up energy. Health & Research: A University of Utah-led clinical trial suggests a simple walking adjustment can ease knee osteoarthritis pain as well as common medications and may slow cartilage damage. Energy & Education: Southern Utah University’s hydropower team earned second place overall and won the design challenge at a national hydropower competition, showing students turning classroom work into real-world clean-energy solutions. Environment: A new study finds drought is shrinking highly suitable wildlife habitat across Utah and Nevada for mule deer, black bears, and cougars, with severe drought cutting suitable areas by at least 10% for each species.

Data Center Fight in Utah: Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order setting a “higher bar” for AI data center development after public backlash over the Stratos project in Box Elder County, with eight principles aimed at protecting the Great Salt Lake and other water, air quality, wildlife, utility rates, and requiring transparent public comment. Local Fallout and Politics: A former Utah congressman, Jason Chaffetz, says he helped connect Kevin O’Leary to Utah for Stratos and could be compensated depending on the project’s outcome, even as protests continue. National Pressure on AI Builds: A new Gallup poll finds 71% of Americans oppose AI data centers in their area, citing water, electricity, and environmental and cost concerns. Public Safety and Drought: Park City Fire District is running a free wood chipping program for residents to reduce wildfire fuel as Utah faces drought emergency conditions. Utah Housing/Finance Snapshot: VA data show 659 VA home purchases in Utah in Q1 FY2026 totaling $345.3M, up from 733 purchases and $385M in Q4 FY2025. Sports: John Tortorella’s quick turnaround with the Vegas Golden Knights has them headed back to the Stanley Cup Final.

Utah Jobs Watch: Utah’s April jobs report shows the unemployment rate holding at 3.8% for the second straight month, with the state adding about 11,100 jobs over the past year, even as labor force growth stays flat. Data Center Fight: A new Utah voter-privacy concern is emerging after at-risk registration details were routed through a third-party Salesforce system, raising questions about whether people can get their information removed. AI in Healthcare: Utah’s Medical Licensing Board wants the state’s AI prescription-renewal pilot paused, arguing refills are clinical decisions, while regulators say a physician still signs off and the AI declined renewal in 28% of cases. Energy & Environment: Kearns officials backed away from a community clean energy program after residents raised cost worries, while Gov. Spencer Cox continues pushing nuclear as part of his Operation Gigawatt Summit push for faster critical infrastructure. Local Business & Community: Wasatch Food Co-op opened in Salt Lake City’s Liberty Wells neighborhood, aiming for at least 20% locally sourced stock, and the 2034 Olympic fundraising drive (Podium34) is reported around $250M toward its $300M goal.