Colorado River Water Cuts: New federal operating rules for 2027-2028 set major reductions for the Lower Basin—Arizona, California, and Nevada—while Utah (along with Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming) avoids mandatory cuts, even as Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record lows. Utah State Parks Boom: Utah logged more than 12.1 million visits to state parks over the past fiscal year, with Snow Canyon surging and water-focused parks still dominating the top draws. Local Budget Watch: Salt Lake City locked in a property tax increase to finish its FY27 budget, tying the roughly $13.5M hike to rising operating costs and continued funding for public safety, transit, housing stability, and capital projects. Data Center Backlash Turns Deadly: Across the country, officials say they’ve faced death threats over data center fights; Utah’s own debate continues as cities weigh code changes and privacy concerns. Nuclear Power Push Meets Tribal Worry: A drive to expand nuclear power is reviving uranium mining, but Utah’s White Mesa area tribes are raising renewed health and contamination concerns. Turning Point USA Returns to UVU: TPUSA plans an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 marking Charlie Kirk’s assassination anniversary, featuring Glenn Beck and Frank Turek. Utah Wildfire Anxiety: A new poll finds overwhelming concern about Utah’s wildfire season, with many residents reporting health impacts and limiting time outdoors.