AGP Executive Report

Airport Update: St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is scheduling a 5-day runway closure—Runway 01/19 shuts July 28 through Aug. 1—for a Taxiway Rehabilitation project, while travelers get a bright spot: non-stop SGU-to-Chicago flights start this weekend. Road & Travel Disruptions: Memorial Day traffic is expected to be brutal, with UDOT warning of delays up to 90 minutes in spots, and a multi-vehicle crash in Draper snarled northbound I-15 near 15000 South. Outdoor & Energy: Utah is teaming with Mountain West neighbors to push geothermal development, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon reopens after wildfire damage. Local Life: Russet Rollers is bringing a board-game hangout to Shelley, and Grand County is moving ahead with a proposed Arches shuttle pilot. Sports & Community: Utah prep playoffs keep rolling—Box Elder softball is headed to the final after a comeback, and BYU landed a commitment from Granger DL Maa’imoa “Moa” Havili. Cost Watch: Rising fuel and inflation pressures are already reshaping summer travel plans.

Springville Schools: Springville High School officially opened Monday, May 18, with students debating how to carry forward beloved traditions—like the “untouchable” mural—into the new building. Historic Places Watch: The National Trust’s 2026 “most endangered” list spotlights equality-era sites, including Stonewall and Utah-area connections, as preservation groups push back against neglect and development. Public Safety for Travelers: UDOT is warning of Memorial Day delays, including up to 90 minutes on US-6 in Spanish Fork Canyon, while safety leaders roll out crash-story displays to urge safer driving. Moab/Arches Transit: Grand County voted to commit $500,000 toward a proposed Arches shuttle pilot as timed-entry reservations shift. Health & Environment: Warm, dry conditions raise the risk of harmful algal blooms in the Jordan River, and measles research suggests official case counts may miss much of what’s really spreading. Utah Sports & Community: UVU hired Snow College’s Andrew May as assistant/offensive coordinator, and Utah City in Vineyard is set to open a next-gen racquet club June 13.

Utah Travel & Culture: Bank of Utah kicks off its 7th annual “My Utah” photo contest, inviting photographers to submit outdoor landscape/activity shots through July 6 for billboard and calendar prizes. Indigenous Storytelling: “Navajo Highways” picked up two Emmy nominations, spotlighting Navajo-language kids’ storytelling and set design. Wasatch Weekend Energy: Kilby Block Party drew about 90,000 fans across its three-day run, with big-name indie acts like Lorde headlining. Big-Project Watch: Renderings for a proposed Box Elder data center show a massive campus vision, but permits could take years. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA expects 45 million Americans to travel for Memorial Day, with Utah-area drivers likely feeling the pinch from higher gas prices. Local Outdoors & Safety: Garfield County is chip-sealing the first 10 miles of Hole-in-the-Rock Road as visitation climbs, even as a legal fight continues. Sports (for the drive home): Skyridge girls lacrosse advanced after a 23-6 semifinal win, and Lone Peak boys soccer reached the 6A finals with a 2-0 win.

BLM Leadership Shake-Up: The U.S. Senate confirmed Steve Pearce as head of the Bureau of Land Management in a 46-43 vote, with Colorado Democrats opposing him over past comments about selling public lands—an issue that matters a lot in the West, including Utah’s public-land travel plans. Memorial Day Travel Watch: AAA expects about 45 million Americans to travel for Memorial Day, with road trips dominating—and higher gas prices likely shaping how far families go. Utah Hospitality Buzz: Salt Lake City’s Granary District keeps stacking big-name dining and entertainment, with The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel planned for Silo Park in summer 2027. Provo’s Dirty Soda Boom: More “dirty soda” shops are clustering near BYU, and the trend is still spreading beyond Utah. Health & Tech in Utah: Altitude Lab says its Salt Lake City biotech accelerator has topped $205M in early-stage funding since 2020. Sports Spotlight: The Utah Jazz’s newest NBA story—Hayden Gray—keeps turning heads as he talks about debuting in the league.

Data Center Power Crunch: Nevada’s AI data-center boom is pushing NV Energy to cut electricity to about 49,000 Californians near Lake Tahoe next year, raising fears of higher rates and big ripple effects for Utah-area travelers heading to the region. Clean Energy Shift in Utah: Despite federal pullbacks, Utah communities are banding together to add renewable power to the grid by 2030, including Salt Lake City’s push through Utah Renewable Communities. Temple Square Opens Up: The new Temple Square Visitors’ Center is now open, with a Christus statue, Salt Lake Temple model, and guided “Inside the Temple” tours—an easy add-on for spring and summer trips. Airport Family-Friendly Upgrade: The FAA is funding Salt Lake City International to build a permanent family security lane, aiming to reduce backups for travelers with strollers and car seats. Road Safety Spotlight: KSL highlights Utah’s top five deadliest roads and the fixes meant to prevent the next tragedy. Sports on the Move: Utah baseball’s Cal Miller is turning heads in postseason play, while Skyridge and Park City are making noise in state tournaments.

Memorial Day travel hit a rough patch: AAA says gas prices are set to be the highest for the holiday since 2022, with the national average around $4.51 and oil still elevated—so road trips may cost more even if prices dip in spots. Forest Service shake-up: A major Trump-era plan is moving Forest Service HQ to Salt Lake City and consolidating regional offices while cutting research, sparking debate over whether public lands will be protected. Utah transit upgrade: UDOT cleared the Big Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Assessment, paving the way for final design and winter congestion relief—more frequent bus service and a new mobility hub near the canyon mouth. Water watch: Lake Mead projections warn levels could fall dramatically by 2027, keeping Colorado River tensions front and center. Sports + culture on the move: Kilby Block Party keeps Salt Lake’s music spotlight burning, while the Pac-12 and Mountain West appear to be nearing a settlement in their long-running fees lawsuit.

Rural health tech hits Utah’s orbit: A University of Michigan team is rolling out a federally funded plan for AI-assisted medical care in underserved rural areas—patients could meet a clinician locally, then use an AI-guided setup for diagnostics like ultrasounds, aiming to cut the “hundreds of miles” problem. Family policy debate: Utah Rep. Blake Moore is pushing to narrow federal child-neglect rules so parents aren’t punished for kids doing normal independent play. Great Salt Lake pressure: Grow the Flow is taking its case to Harvard, pitching the lake’s decline as a national public-health and economic risk. Tourism watch: Grand County is set to consider $500,000 for a Moab-to-Arches shuttle pilot starting fall 2026. Travel-friendly culture: Kilby Block Party drew about 90,000 to the State Fairpark, boosting Salt Lake City businesses. Water reality check: Piute State Park’s visitation is tied to reservoir levels, with low water already hurting fishing and swimming.

Winter Weather Watch: A late-season storm is moving into Utah with valley rain and mountain snow Sunday into Monday; Park City and the Wasatch Back could see a few inches, while the Western Uintas and southwest Wyoming are forecast for the heaviest totals (with advisories and possible traction limits). Outdoor Safety: Utah also marked its first Adventure Safe Day, pushing simple prep steps—water, condition checks, dressing for the weather, and telling someone your plans—before Memorial Day crowds hit trails and parks. Heber Valley Events: The Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship & Festival returns over Memorial Day weekend, pairing top working-dog trials with family activities at an Olympic venue. Sports (Utah): Real Salt Lake took the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup 2-1 over Colorado in Sandy, and the Colorado Rapids just announced their roster for the next RSL matchup at America First Field. Utah State Athletics: Utah State wrapped Mountain West Outdoor Championships with seven medals and 83 team points.

Outdoor Safety Push: Utah just launched its first Adventure Safe Day, urging hikers and families to plan ahead—water, conditions, smart clothing, knowing limits, and sharing routes—backed by Always Adventure Safe ambassadors and resources at parks and events. Wildlife & Weather Watch: With record-low snowpack, Utah and federal officials are warning that bears may show up earlier than usual, while wildfire risk is easing in parts of the West and rain is expected to follow. Travel-Friendly Airports: Salt Lake City International is set to receive major FAA funding for “family-friendly” upgrades, including expanded TSA screening and dedicated family lanes. Utah on the Move: Real Salt Lake opened the Rocky Mountain Cup with a 2-1 win over Colorado, and Ogden’s 25th Marathon delivered a women’s record from Paige Nelson. Science & Ethics: Advocates say there’s “no substitute” for research at New Hampshire’s Bartlett Experimental Forest as the Forest Service reconsiders closures—an echo of how land decisions shape long-term knowledge.

Tourism Season Prep: Zion Regional Collaborative members met May 7 in Virgin and focused on one big theme—better regional communication as summer traffic ramps up, including UDOT and BLM updates tied to vehicle rules on the Zion-Carmel Highway and campground changes near SR-9. Local Housing Pressure: An Orem guest opinion argues short-term rentals are eroding the “Family City USA” identity, citing neighborhood safety and stability concerns. Family Travel Upgrade: Salt Lake City International Airport won $6.6M in federal funding for family-friendly security lanes and expanded screening checkpoints. Rural Delivery Race: Walmart and Amazon are pushing faster delivery to rural America, betting remote areas are the next growth frontier. Health Watch: Virginia experts broke down hantavirus risk after a cruise-related cluster, noting different virus types and how exposure happens. Utah Safety Incident: An Eagle Mountain father was arrested after police allege he forcibly shaved his 14-year-old daughter’s hair. Arts & Culture: KRCL is opening its doors with a new “third space” in Salt Lake’s Guadalupe neighborhood for community performances and gatherings.

Memorial Day gas watch: AAA says the national average dipped after days of declines, then started climbing again—so drivers are still staring at some of the highest Memorial Day prices in four years, with crude hovering around $100/barrel. Utah courts: Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without parole for killing her husband with a fentanyl-laced cocktail in Kamas. Road-trip tech: A new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy is rolling out with long-distance EV comfort—and now access to Tesla Superchargers—aimed right at Utah-to-Colorado style getaways. Schools planning ahead: Timpanogos School District is laying groundwork for a July 2027 launch, tackling the split with transparency as families look for answers. Weekend plans: Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids kick off the Rocky Mountain Cup in Sandy, with a parallel Special Olympics Unified match right after. Outdoor safety: A paragliding fatality in Draper is being blamed on wind gusts that caused loss of lift.

Cedar City Crackdown: Cedar City Police arrested four e-motorcycle riders (including a juvenile) after alleged reckless driving and a high-speed attempt to flee officers near the police station, with suspects reportedly wearing black helmets with GoPro-style cameras and face coverings. Public Health Watch: In Washington County, crews are inspecting and treating for an invasive mosquito species (Aedes aegypti) that’s been detected across Southern Utah since 2013, with no known local dengue/Zika spread so far. Trail Access Fight: Trail users near Clarkston scored a win in court while a broader dispute over public access trails and a continuing legal battle remains unresolved. Utah Arts Weekend: Salt Lake City’s first indoor fine art-and-design show kicks off at the Mountain America Expo Center, aiming to make galleries feel more family-friendly and approachable. Great Salt Lake Update: With hotter-than-normal weather and early garden watering pressure, the lake’s record-low risk is back in focus.

Sentencing in the Richins case: Kouri Richins told her three sons “be like your dad” moments before a Utah judge sentenced her to life in prison without parole for murdering her husband, Eric Richins, with a fentanyl-laced drink—while victim statements said the boys fear she’ll be released and the judge called her “too dangerous to ever be free.” Road safety: A deadly Saratoga Springs crash killed a 13-year-old boy and left an adult woman and another child in critical condition after a semi hit a minivan at Pony Express Road and Mountain View Corridor. Utah outdoors & travel: Kilby Block Party hits Salt Lake City this weekend with big-name indie acts and an estimated 30,000 attendees per day; plus Utah leaders are pushing the Walk250 Challenge to get people moving across parks and trails. Local business: Ray Citte RV in Roy marked 80 years with a ribbon cutting, celebrating decades of family vacations and camping traditions. Policy watch: Utah’s new education law lets students opt out of coursework that conflicts with their beliefs.

Drought Reality Check: Utah is now 100% in drought, with 59% in extreme conditions as low snowpack and early runoff squeeze reservoirs, recreation, fishing, and wildlife—officials warn this could feel like 2021. Summer Travel Safety: The state is pushing “adventure safe” messaging ahead of peak outdoor season, urging people not to turn recreation into a rescue. Local Flavor on the Move: Utah’s Swig (dirty soda) is headed to Baton Rouge, with an opening targeted for September. Road-Trip Practicalities: Nevada travelers are being reminded that out-of-state tolls and speed-camera tickets can still follow you home. Sports & Schedules: BYU and Nebraska set an Oct. 16 exhibition at the Marriott Center, and the Utah Grizzlies’ hockey neighbors are already mapping next season. Outdoor Incident: A San Rafael Swell rappelling rescue saved a canyoneer and even a poodle strapped to his chest after a failed anchor.

Fishing Season Boost: Stix Liquor & Sporting Goods says Lake Powell fishing is heating up, with striped bass, largemouth/smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish all biting—plus staff picks for bait and gear and in-store Utah licenses. Big Cottonwood Canyon Traffic Plan: UDOT finalized its record of decision for a ski-bus expansion and new parking/mobility hub, with tolling part of the long-term plan to cut hours-long backups. Weather Disruptions: Wind knocked out power for thousands across northern Utah, with Rocky Mountain Power reporting thousands still without service late Wednesday. Wildfire Watch: The Wild Horse Fire in Millard County hit about 1,000 acres and triggered road closures near Leamington Pass/Fool Creek Roads. Local Governance: Ogden Valley City is weighing possible names (survey open until May 18). Community & Safety: A Herriman man was sentenced to probation in a case tied to explicit messages with a missing Utah teen. Travel Deals: Maverik is upping Nitro fuel savings to 15 cents off per gallon through Labor Day.

Sentencing Shock in Summit County: Kouri Richins was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the fentanyl-laced murder of her husband, Eric Richins, with prosecutors saying she tried to deflect blame and profit afterward. Winter-Travel Fix for Big Cottonwood: UDOT cleared the environmental study for a Big Cottonwood Canyon transit plan aimed at cutting ski-season congestion—more buses, a 1,750-stall mobility hub, and transit priority lanes instead of widening roads or adding parking. Colorado River Pressure Mounts: Lake Powell is down to about 23% full, and a coalition is urging Congress to send at least $2B to protect the reservoir and downstream water deliveries. NHL Winter Classic in Utah: The NHL released the Utah Mammoth Winter Classic logo; presales are underway and general tickets are expected in June. Local Debate: A proposed Maverik fueling station in Pinon Hills got approval, but residents are pushing back over safety and traffic near an elementary school. Sports & Culture: Jaren Hall retired from football; USA Curling named Brad Gushue high-performance director; and the NHL’s outdoor game heads to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Dec. 31.