AGP Executive Report

Pentagon Religious List Shake-Up: Utah Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis pushed back after the Pentagon’s streamlined “recognized religions” list didn’t label the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Christian; the Defense Department says it “fixed” the rubric by removing the Christian label from multiple traditions, not just LDS. Utah Elections & Local Governance: Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson is facing backlash after appointing a 23-year-old conservative influencer as chief deputy clerk, with critics citing his lack of elections experience and prior controversial remarks. Data Centers vs. Communities: Kevin O’Leary is doubling down on his Box Elder County hyperscale data center plan despite local resistance and a lawsuit, as national opposition to AI data centers keeps growing. Student Aid Fraud Crackdown: Rep. Burgess Owens’ bill to require screening for “ghost students” cleared the U.S. House, aiming to stop identity fraud tied to federal financial aid. Immigration Enforcement in Utah Courts: Two former Utah court clerks were charged for allegedly helping illegal aliens evade ICE arrest by using court databases and leading people out of a courthouse. Utah’s Water & Wildfire Context: Advocates for Great Salt Lake and drought monitoring efforts continue as the West braces for another high-risk season.

Roadless Rule Fight: Utah Sen. Mike Lee’s wildfire prevention push is moving in Congress, with an 11-9 Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee vote advancing a bill that would repeal the Roadless Rule and expand thinning and prescribed burns. Federal Surveillance Showdown: The House failed to extend FISA Section 702, leaving the warrantless spying authority set to lapse after lawmakers rejected a short-term fix tied to DNI acting chief Bill Pulte. Utah in the National Spotlight: Utah Rep. Burgess Owens’ bill cracking down on “ghost students” cleared the House, aiming to stop identity fraud that steals federal financial aid. Pentagon Religion Codes: After Utah Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis complained, the Pentagon updated its recognized religious list, removing the LDS “Christian” label controversy from a broader reshuffle. Foster Care Money: First Lady Melania Trump announced “Fostering the Future Accounts,” letting states open $1,000 seed accounts for eligible foster kids. Local Government: Ogden mayor Ben Nadolski nominated Taylor Nielsen to become the city’s next CAO. Public Safety & Health: Utah’s measles outbreak coverage continues to highlight pediatricians’ struggle to respond when parents refuse vaccines.

Pentagon Religion Shake-Up: Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. John Curtis pushed back after the Pentagon’s updated religious-label list removed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the “Christian” category, with the Defense Department saying the earlier labeling was “redundant and unnecessary” and that the fix is now posted. Utah Elections & Voting Access: Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson is holding a town hall to urge voters to track primary ballots and respond fast to signature-cure notices, while his challenger Corey Astill argues for new leadership and a more detail-focused office. Great Salt Lake Win: Utah Lake’s carp consumption advisory was lifted after testing found PCB levels low enough to be considered safe, a major milestone for lake restoration efforts. Data Center Backlash: A Box Elder County poll finds 71% oppose the data center plans and 74% disapprove of how commissioners advanced them without a public vote. Immigration Detention Lawsuits: A new Utah advocacy group says it will sue to stop a Salt Lake City ICE detention mega-center, echoing the city and county’s claims about rushed environmental reviews and raising due-process concerns. National Politics Watch: The SAVE America Act hit a key Senate milestone after Sen. Susan Collins switched to support Mike Lee’s version, but it still faces the Senate’s 60-vote hurdle.

Pentagon Religion Shake-Up: Utah Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis pushed back after the Pentagon’s streamlined religious list didn’t label the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Christian; the Defense Department says it “fixed” the mistake by removing the Christian label from 20 other traditions too. Utah Elections Watch: A new look at Utah’s congressional primary field across redrawn districts highlights a competitive CD-1 Democratic race (McAdams, Blouin, Mohamed, Farrell) as ballots roll toward June 23. Prediction Markets Rules: The Trump administration’s proposed CFTC regulations would ban bets on war and terror while keeping many sports bets alive, setting up another fight over federal vs. state gambling authority. Colorado River Talks: Wyoming and Utah governors and GOP senators met in Washington to press for long-term Colorado River management and a seven-basin-state approach. Utah Lake Win: Utah removed its advisory on eating carp from Utah Lake after testing found PCB levels low enough for safe consumption. Data Center Backlash: Utah and other states are weighing oversight as tech hubs face rising scrutiny over power, water, and costs.

Pentagon Religious Codes: The Pentagon revised its streamlined list of recognized religions after Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. John Curtis objected to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being left off the “Christian” label—now the LDS church is treated differently, and the department says the earlier labeling was “redundant and unnecessary.” Utah Elections: In Utah’s 2nd Congressional District GOP primary, Rep. Blake Moore and challenger Karianne Lisonbee are battling over redistricting and trust, with by-mail ballots already landing ahead of the June 23 vote. Salt Lake City Governance: The Salt Lake City Council filled the District 4 vacancy with Jennifer Napier-Pearce after a tie was broken by a coin toss, following the removal of Eva Lopez Chavez. Immigration Detention Fight: Salt Lake City and the county are suing to stop a planned ICE detention center, and a new Utah advocacy group says it will file its own lawsuit. Public Health: Utah’s measles outbreak is taking a toll, with doctors describing the strain on newborns and families. Federal Oversight: House Democrats plan a closed-door hearing with Bill Gates tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Water & Politics: Colorado River negotiators remain deadlocked, with Arizona warning it could face steep cuts if no deal is reached.

Pentagon Religious Codes: The Pentagon cut its military religion list from about 220 faith groups to 31 broader categories, a change that’s already drawing backlash over whether minority faiths—and LDS members—get less visibility. Utah Immigration Fight: A Utah nonprofit coalition says it will file a federal complaint to stop a proposed ICE detention center, echoing a fresh Salt Lake City–Salt Lake County lawsuit challenging DHS warehouse “mega center” plans. SAVE America Act Stalls: National Republicans are increasingly talking about moving on after the Senate failed to advance the SAVE America Act’s proof-of-citizenship and voter ID push. College Sports Pay: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA’s revenue-sharing cap, arguing it violates state NIL laws in 17 states. Utah Politics & Elections: Utah’s GOP Senate primary remains in focus, with candidates lining up to replace Sen. Jerry Stevenson in District 6. Water & Public Lands: Federal officials outlined a shorter-term Colorado River operations approach, while Utah and the BLM signed a “landmark” partnership for San Rafael Swell management. Tech & Labor: A Utah GOP lawmaker is pushing to make a $100,000 H-1B salary floor permanent through new legislation.

Pentagon Religious List: Utah’s Mike Lee and John Curtis helped force a reversal after the Defense Department briefly stripped The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from its “Christian” category, then narrowed and reworked the recognized faiths list again. Immigration Detention Fight: Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County sued DHS/ICE to block a west-side ICE warehouse from becoming a detention center that could hold up to 10,000, citing water/sewer strain, air quality, traffic, and public health concerns. Colorado River Deadlock: Negotiators for Utah and other basin states say talks are still stuck as federal officials move toward formalizing a new plan soon, with no voluntary agreement in sight. Utah Federal Land Management: Utah and the federal government signed a long-term deal to jointly manage the San Rafael Swell, shifting maintenance and law enforcement hours to the state. Utah Politics & Housing: Cox’s nominees for the Utah Housing Corporation board advanced, including Zions CEO Harris Simmons and former Utah Senate president Wayne Niederhauser. Local Pride Politics: Centerville’s councilmember vowed to keep flying a pride flag despite a state auditor inquiry tied to Utah’s flag ban.

Pentagon Religious Codes: After Utah lawmakers and Mormon leaders blasted the Pentagon’s faith-code update for not labeling the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as “Christian,” the DoD walked back the change—removing the “Christian” label from other groups instead, saying it was a “mistake” tied to redundant labeling. Local Immigration Fight: Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County sued DHS and ICE over a planned ICE detention warehouse near the airport, arguing the process was secret and that it raises environmental, economic, and public health concerns. Utah Primary Reminder: Utah’s 2026 primary voter registration deadline is Friday, with options to register online and vote provisionally if you miss the cutoff. Data Centers vs. Water/Power: Utah’s AI/data-center backlash keeps growing, with reporting highlighting how residents weigh AI benefits against water, air, and power impacts. Colorado River Pressure: The West’s water war is heading toward another crunch as negotiators face steep cuts and a looming deadline for a new Colorado River plan. Park City Pay Debate: Park City council leaders are revisiting recently approved mayor and council pay increases after community criticism.

Pentagon Religion Fight: Utah lawmakers Mike Lee, John Curtis, and Rep. Mike Kennedy are blasting a new Department of Defense religious affiliations list that keeps the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the roster but removes it from the “Christian” category, calling it wrong and urging a correction. Immigration Detention Watch: Protesters at a Salt Lake City ICE-owned mega-warehouse say semitrailers have appeared and multiplied in recent weeks, fueling concerns the largely paused site could be shifting toward holding detainees while the agency reviews contracts. AI + Water Stress: A new analysis finds most planned U.S. AI datacenters are slated for drought-hit areas, raising fresh alarms about water demand as drought expands and wildfire risk grows. Semiconductor Workforce: NSF and Commerce are expanding the CHIPS & Science Act’s microelectronics education network with new regional nodes to better align training with industry jobs. Utah Pride in Full Swing: Tens of thousands packed Salt Lake City’s annual Pride Parade, with city leaders and candidates joining the marchers along 100 South. Rural Connectivity Win: Emery Telcom finished a major fiber build that now brings high-speed internet to every public school in Utah, including remote Navajo Mountain. Wildfire Readiness: The Red Cross put shelter volunteers on standby as hot, dry, windy conditions raise fire danger statewide.

Pentagon Faith Classification Clash: Utah GOP Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis, plus Rep. Mike Kennedy, are pushing back hard after the Pentagon recategorized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as separate from “Christian” faiths—calling it inaccurate and demanding a correction. Surveillance Showdown: The U.S. Senate blocked extending the FISA Section 702 warrantless surveillance program, with seven Republicans joining Democrats; Utah Sen. Mike Lee voted no as the June 12 deadline nears. World Cup Security in Utah’s Orbit: Local police and federal agencies are racing to defend the World Cup from drones, with Homeland Security admitting the U.S. is behind on preparedness. Utah Legal Landscape (State Bar Data): Utah State Bar counts show Salt Lake City at 4,400 active attorneys, Provo at 457, and Park City at 186 as of May, alongside smaller community snapshots like Alta (1) and Newton (1). Utah Military & Public Lands: U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is renewing a public lands fight with a plan to end new oil and gas drilling on federal lands, including restoring Utah monuments to Obama-era boundaries.

Utah Data Center Fight: Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos project in Box Elder County is getting cut roughly in half after thousands of residents protested water rights and environmental concerns, with locals also challenging the plan in court and questioning claims about water use. Pentagon & LDS Classification: Utah Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee are pushing back hard after the Pentagon reclassified the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as separate from “Christian,” calling it unacceptable and demanding a fix. Elections & Messaging: In Utah’s GOP primary politics, Rep. Blake Moore faces a challenge from Karianne Lisonbee, who is tying her campaign to the national debt and criticizing performative politics. National Politics: The Senate blocked a key FISA surveillance extension as the June 12 deadline nears, while redistricting battles keep shaping House races. Public Safety: A 17-year-old died after falling off a paddleboard at Bear Lake; authorities say the incident is under investigation. Defense Industry in Utah: Janicki Industries highlighted F-35 maintenance expansion tied to Hill Air Force Base, with Rep. Blake Moore touting jobs and investment.

Utah & LDS in the Pentagon fight: Utah Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee are pushing back after a new Pentagon religion-code list leaves The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints out of the “Christian” designation, calling it “unacceptable” and urging a correction. Box Elder data center legal pressure: A second lawsuit targets the Stratos/Box Elder County data center approvals, arguing state officials and the Military Installation Development Authority violated Utah’s constitution; the project is already facing scaled-back plans after public backlash. Great Salt Lake funding push: Rep. Celeste Maloy secured initial $10M for a Great Salt Lake Watershed Recovery Program, aiming toward a larger $1B request. Election rules in Washington: The U.S. Senate blocked Trump’s SAVE America Act, a blow to efforts to impose new voting restrictions. Public safety & local politics: Davis County sheriff candidates Aaron Perry and Jon Atkin both frame the race around coordination, innovation, and department culture. National policy ripple: A coalition of 21 states and industry groups backed the U.S. Air Force in a Tarague Beach detonation lawsuit, while Utah’s senators keep spotlighting federal decisions that hit Utah directly.

Utah Supreme Court nominations: KSL Investigators reports Gov. Spencer Cox’s picks, Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent, would join the Utah Supreme Court without prior judicial experience—an unusual gap compared with current justices, raising questions for Senate confirmation. Utah politics & elections: Utah County GOP primary ballots are out, with two commissioner seats up and candidates pitching budget control and efficiency amid housing and tax pressure. Data center fight in Box Elder: A Democratic consulting effort is running “Republicans Against the Stratos Project Data Center” ads urging voters to oust two GOP commissioners tied to a special zoning deal. Local governance & permitting: Iron County’s Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a massive Cedar City-area data center despite resident concerns over water, traffic, wildlife, and air quality. Public safety: A Utah Highway Patrol trooper was ruled justified in a liquor store shooting where he returned fire during an active-shooter incident. Nursing home watch: CMS ratings spotlight mixed outcomes across Utah facilities, including a 5-star Pine View Transitional Rehab and lower ratings for others in Salt Lake and Utah counties.

Data Center Fight in Utah: A new report maps which states are handing out the biggest tax breaks for data centers, showing Washington and Texas leading while Utah gets fewer than 10 deals—fueling the debate over whether Utah should keep courting mega-builds. Box Elder Politics & Courts: A progressive nonprofit lawsuit challenges Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority framework tied to the Stratos Project, arguing it effectively locks in local decisions and limits citizens’ direct-democracy rights. Local Elections: Tooele County is reissuing ballots after about 9,000 voters received incorrect versions, with the error traced to a printer/vendor system. Voting Integrity Study: Utah’s lieutenant governor says a review found 99%+ of voters verified as U.S. citizens, with only a couple “likely” non-citizen cases in Wasatch County removed from rolls. Federal Surveillance: The U.S. Senate blocked debate on a warrantless spying law extension just days before it expires, with Utah Sen. Mike Lee among Republicans voting no. Public Safety: A 65-year-old woman was arrested in Southern Utah after allegedly refusing to pull over on I-15 and being spiked by deputies. Health & Security: The CDC reports U.S. measles cases topped 2,000 for the second year in a row.

Utah Data Center Showdown: Kevin O’Leary’s Stratos AI project just got a major rollback after pressure from Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams—O’Leary says the footprint will be cut in half to 20,000 acres, with claims of habitat protection and water-saving tech, as lawsuits and public backlash keep the fight hot. Federal Immigration Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate passed a $70B immigration bill, but Utah Sen. John Curtis broke with his party to vote to dismantle Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund—an effort that failed, leaving the dispute unresolved. Utah Courts & Public Safety: A West Jordan man faces serious charges for alleged sexual assaults during “hypnotherapy” sessions, while Utah Valley University’s Tyler Robinson continues pushing to block hearsay in his preliminary hearing tied to the Charlie Kirk killing case. Energy & Environment: Utah and neighboring states formed a Mountain West Geothermal Consortium to speed geothermal development, aiming for big baseload power gains—while Utah’s nursing homes saw low CMS ratings at multiple facilities. Culture War on June: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined other GOP leaders in rebranding June as “Fidelity Month,” keeping the Pride counterprogramming debate front and center.

Data Center Showdown: Utah Senate President Stuart Adams says Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary agreed to cut the Stratos AI data center footprint roughly in half after a public fight over water, wildlife, and environmental impacts. Local Governance: Provo residents packed City Hall to question the proposed Vesper Amphitheater at the mouth of Provo Canyon, pushing for clarity on zoning and community effects. Courts & Public Safety: Ogden police say a stabbing suspect was fatally shot by an officer Thursday morning after officers responded to a Madison Avenue apartment complex. Education Policy: A growing wave of state laws targets cellphone use in schools, while new research challenges claims that bans improve learning. Civil Rights & Law: Utah’s VPN law for blocking minors from explicit content is on hold amid a federal lawsuit from Pornhub’s parent company, raising questions about how location can be detected. Federal Politics: Utah Sen. John Curtis warns Trump’s attorney general nominee could face confirmation trouble tied to the fate of the DOJ’s “anti-weaponization” fund. Energy & Economy: Trump announced nearly $700 million in support for coal plants and exports, including a new push for an Oakland terminal. Health & Climate: A national report warns weakened public health powers post-COVID could raise outbreak risks, as extreme heat and climate disasters intensify.