AGP Executive Report

Tragedy: Five people, including four children, were found dead at a Richmond home in a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning; alarms had reportedly been sounding. Weather: Storm remnants stranded about 70 Moab 240 runners and volunteers overnight before rescuers evacuated them safely. More rain brought flooding, while forecasters expect up to a foot of snow in the Cottonwood Canyons and heavier totals in the Uintas. Elections: Utah mail ballots begin arriving this week. Clerks are defending the system’s safeguards as national attacks on mail voting fuel distrust. Sports: Utah stayed unbeaten with a 41-24 win over Kansas, powered by Wayshawn Parker’s 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns. BYU now faces Notre Dame in a top-10 showdown in Provo. Community: Pamela Atkinson, a longtime advocate for Utah’s homeless and vulnerable residents, has died at 93. Growth: Backlash is mounting against proposed Utah data centers, with residents raising concerns about water use, noise and how projects are approved. Faith: Apostle Ronald A. Rasband dedicated the new Ephraim Latter-day Saint temple on Sunday.

Election Watch: Utah’s general-election ballots start arriving Tuesday, and clerks are pushing back against claims that voting by mail is insecure, walking voters through the safeguards. Voters will also see contests across newly drawn congressional districts and state races; Election Day is Nov. 3. Utes: No. 12 Utah stayed unbeaten with a 41-24 win over Kansas. Wayshawn Parker ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Devon Dampier accounted for four scores. Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds and mountain snow threaten Utah through midweek, with flooding already damaging roads and limiting canyon access. Surveillance: The Utah Civic Compact says UDOT could end its contract with Flock camera company without waiting for new legislation, amid public concern over license-plate tracking. Rural Economy: Utah farmers say rising costs and competition for workers are tightening already-thin margins, while finding and keeping skilled labor remains difficult.

Utes Stay Unbeaten: No. 12 Utah beat Kansas 41-24 behind Wayshawn Parker’s 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns, moving up to No. 11 in the AP poll. Big Test in Provo: No. 8 BYU will host No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday in the Cougars’ first top-10 matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Storm Disrupts Moab Race: About 70 runners and volunteers stranded overnight near Canyonlands were safely evacuated; a flood watch remains in effect for much of Utah through Monday afternoon. Utah Remembers Pamela Atkinson: The longtime advocate for children, people in poverty and Utah’s homeless community has died at 93. Colorado River Concern: A live zebra mussel was confirmed in Utah’s stretch of the river, raising concern about the invasive species spreading.

Utah Football: No. 12 Utah stayed unbeaten with a 41-24 win over Kansas, powered by Wayshawn Parker’s 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Utah State also rallied from 13 points down to beat Washington State, 17-16. BYU: The 5-0 Cougars’ 24-10 win over Iowa State earned them a marquee test: ESPN’s “College GameDay” is headed to Provo for next week’s matchup with Notre Dame. Accessible Outdoors: Zion and four other national parks now offer free all-terrain wheelchairs to help visitors reach rugged trails; supplies are limited, so parks advise checking ahead. Community: Pamela Atkinson, a longtime advocate for Utahns experiencing homelessness and adviser to several governors, has died. Energy Policy: Utah Sen. Mike Lee is coauthoring a bipartisan bill to speed permits for power projects, including renewables and fossil-fuel infrastructure, as demand from data centers rises.

College Football: Utah State rallied from a 16-3 deficit to beat Washington State 17-16, earning its first Pac-12 win. No. 8 BYU beat Iowa State 24-10 behind Bear Bachmeier and a dominant defense, setting up next week’s clash with unbeaten Notre Dame. Severe Weather: Tropical Storm Rachel’s remnants are bringing heavy rain and flash-flood risks across Utah; communities are preparing with sandbags, and a flood watch is in effect. Environment: Live zebra mussels have been confirmed in Utah’s stretch of the Colorado River, raising concerns about the invasive species’ spread. Health Technology: Utah is testing AI-issued initial prescriptions for acne, while Gov. Spencer Cox’s new order directs state agencies to use AI in a “pro-human” way. Public Lands: Conservation groups are suing over a plan to blast a Utah canyon bearing historic inscriptions for an oil-truck highway. National Parks: Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway reopened ahead of schedule after a rockfall, restoring the route through the park. Death Penalty Debate: Sen. John Curtis urged the administration not to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution, saying the spectacle would violate American values.

Storm Preparations: Utahns are filling sandbags as Tropical Storm Rachel’s remnants bring a flood threat through the weekend. Sandy crews are clearing drains and preparing pumps, while officials warn of heavy rain and strong winds. College Football: BYU improved to 5-0 with a 24-10 win over Iowa State, led by Bear Bachmeier’s 329 passing yards. Utah State rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to beat Washington State 17-16 for its first Pac-12 victory. Utah’s game against Kansas was moved up to 6 p.m. Saturday to get ahead of the weather. Public Safety: ICE says it values its agreement with North Valley police after the department’s chief criticized a ride-along operation that led to five detentions. He is reconsidering the partnership. Schools: Provo officials are weighing changes to dual-language programs, prompting concern among students and families. Environment: Wildlife officials confirmed a live zebra mussel in Utah’s stretch of the Colorado River, raising concerns for waterways and infrastructure. Health and Technology: Utah’s experiment allowing AI to issue initial acne prescriptions is drawing national attention and questions about oversight.

Flood Threat: Remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel are bringing heavy rain and flash-flood concerns to Utah, especially near burn scars. Communities have opened sandbag stations for residents. Colorado River: Wildlife officials confirmed a live zebra mussel in Utah’s stretch of the river, prompting efforts to contain the invasive species and urging boaters to clean, drain and dry their gear. Election Watch: Utah’s Amendment B would require 60% voter approval for citizen initiatives that raise taxes. Candidates in the 4th Congressional District debated affordability, gas prices and the Iran war. Courts and Accountability: Two Utah sheriffs face obstruction charges in a case tied to the prosecution of Kouri Richins; Wasatch County officials are reviewing the indictment. Health: Utah’s measles count has reached 535 this year. A federal lawsuit challenging the state’s restrictions on most kratom products was dropped, leaving the ban in place. College Football: No. 8 BYU hosts Iowa State without injured running back LJ Martin, while No. 12 Utah welcomes Kansas.

Flood Threat: Tropical Storm Rachel is expected to bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk to southern Utah, as federal disaster aid is approved for two counties hit by fire and flooding. Colorado River: Utah wildlife officials confirmed invasive zebra mussels in the state’s stretch of the river, raising concern for ecosystems and water infrastructure. AI and Health: Utah has become the first state to allow an AI tool to issue initial acne prescriptions; Gov. Spencer Cox also ordered a “pro-human” approach to AI in state government. Election 2026: Utah’s 4th District candidates clashed over housing costs, data centers and gas prices in a debate ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Courts: Two Utah sheriffs face obstruction charges in a case tied to the prosecution of Kouri Richins. Sports: No. 17 Utah State soccer beat Washington State 2-0 to move to 3-0 in Pac-12 play; No. 8 BYU hosts Iowa State tonight while dealing with key injuries.

Disaster Recovery: President Trump approved federal aid for Beaver and Piute counties after the Cottonwood Fire and subsequent flooding; state officials estimate at least $47 million in eligible damage. Water & Wildlife: Utah confirmed live zebra mussels in the Colorado River below Westwater Recreation Area, prompting officials to urge boaters to clean, drain and dry their gear. Public Trust: Two Utah sheriffs have been charged with obstruction in a case tied to the Kouri Richins prosecution. Health & Technology: Utah’s new pilot allows AI to issue initial acne prescriptions, while the state expands other health-care AI trials. Election 2026: Candidates for the new 2nd Congressional District cite affordability, water and government accountability; opposition to a proposed northern Utah data center crosses party lines. Sports: No. 8 BYU faces Iowa State Friday without leading running back LJ Martin, who is expected to miss four to six weeks. Utah State also hosts Washington State, with both teams seeking their first FBS win of the season. Consumer Alert: Utahns who bought certain generic drugs from 2009 to 2019 may qualify for settlement compensation; claims are due March 8, 2027.

AI & Health: Utah has authorized what Nolla Health calls the nation’s first state-approved pilot for AI-issued initial prescriptions. Adults can use its app to seek acne treatment without an office visit; Gov. Spencer Cox also ordered state agencies to adopt a “pro-human” approach to AI. Public Safety: Utah officials warn that kratom-related products, including some labeled “cat’s claw,” have been linked to four deaths. Courts: A grand jury indicted the Wasatch County sheriff and a former Summit County sheriff over alleged interference in the Kouri Richins murder investigation. Education: More than 8,000 people are wait-listed at Utah’s 11 technical colleges; new state funding and a tuition increase could help expand capacity. Growth & Recreation: St. George is working to revive its downtown as the city grows, while ski resorts prepare new lifts and other upgrades for next season. College Football: BYU star running back LJ Martin is expected to miss four to six weeks, including Friday’s game against Iowa State and a looming matchup with Notre Dame.

Health and AI: Utah has authorized a first-in-the-nation pilot for an AI system to issue initial acne prescriptions, with physicians involved in the rollout. State officials also warn that kratom and “cat’s claw” products have been linked to four deaths in Utah. Water and Environment: The Great Salt Lake has fallen below 30% full, while record-low runoff continues to strain supplies and researchers seek answers about dust from the lakebed. Government: The Utah Supreme Court is weighing challenges to the Legislature’s new three-judge panel for constitutional cases. College Football: No. 12 Utah hosts Kansas Saturday night, while No. 8 BYU faces Iowa State with two key players expected to miss the game. Homeless Services: A state board approved $1.8 million for winter shelters in Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Ogden, though local leaders say the funding falls short of costs.

Utah Election Watch (Grand County): Grand County voters head to the polls Nov. 3 for key commission races, including District 4 (Shalee Holland vs. Diego Velasquez) and District 5 (Mike McCurdy vs. Everett Hildenbrandt), with at-large also on the ballot; the Times-Independent published candidate positions on housing, tourism, spending and leadership. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Utah’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program won a national hardrock safety award for work closing dangerous openings along Kane Creek near Moab, part of a broader effort tied to hundreds of abandoned uranium mines. Health Policy & Controversy: Utah officials are pushing “pro-human” AI in healthcare, including AI-issued initial acne prescriptions, while also issuing urgent warnings about fatal overdoses linked to illegal kratom and “cat’s claw” products. Business & Jobs: Anson Resources says Utah approved major post-performance tax incentives for its Green River lithium project, alongside a POSCO demonstration plant deal. Sports (Local): Utah’s Will Hardy credited rookie Darryn Peterson’s growth after a preseason opener, and BYU will be without LJ Martin and Isaiah Glasker vs. Iowa State. Crash Update: A head-on collision near Beaver Dam sent two people to hospitals, including one airlifted after being cut from a vehicle.

Utah AI push: Gov. Spencer Cox signed an executive order setting a “pro-human” framework for AI in state government, calling for workforce training, privacy safeguards, and human-guided use of digital identity tools. Great Salt Lake: A Pineview-linked release from Willard Bay is sending nearly 10,000 acre-feet to help wetlands during peak fall bird migration, while researchers say dust health questions are still being worked out. Election changes: Utah voters will see two constitutional amendments in November—Amendment A shifts how amendments are published, and Amendment B raises the bar to 60% for citizen tax measures. Park City Olympics planning: Park City is weighing an “Olympic Readiness Grant” idea to help businesses prepare for the 2034 Winter Games. Local government watch: Wasatch County Council agenda includes tax appeals, development debt, and the Heber bypass as UDOT targets a spring timeline for an environmental review. Business & tech leadership: NASCIO named Utah CIO Alan Fuller as president for 2026-27, with other state CIO leadership roles filled across the group.

Utah Water Watch: Utah’s new water year is starting with reservoirs at about 45% of capacity after record-poor runoff, with southern supplies especially tight at just 5% to 10%—officials say the timing of snowmelt matters most and they’re hoping for a stronger snowpack. AI in Healthcare: Utah is moving fast on AI prescriptions: Nolla Health got permission to launch an end-to-end acne prescribing pilot, and August AI is approved to pilot AI-assisted prescription renewals for chronic conditions with physician review and outside evaluators. Public Health: New York declared a measles disaster emergency as cases climb, while Pennsylvania has topped 1,000—another reminder for Utah families to check MMR vaccination status. Local Safety: A motorcyclist died in a Cedar City crash involving a school bus; officials say no students were on board. Sports (Utah-area): Boise State rolled past Utah State 37-18 in the first-ever Pac-12 matchup for both programs, while Utah State looks ahead to Washington State at home.

Utah Public Lands & Energy Debate: In the Utah 3rd District debate, Celeste Maloy and Kent Udell sparred over how to manage the district’s land, with Maloy backing a mix of energy sources including nuclear and Udell warning nuclear needs lots of water and hasn’t proved safe or economical. BYU Injury Watch: BYU coach Kalani Sitake said star RB LJ Martin and LB Isaiah Glasker both look doubtful for the Iowa State game, adding to an already long injury list. Food Security Win: Utah Attorney General Derek Brown announced the first shipment of 1.512 million eggs from the state’s price-fixing settlement will go to the Utah Food Bank for distribution statewide. Public Health Alert: Utah Poison Control warned about illegal “Cat’s Claw” kratom products linked to recent deaths, saying only pure leaf kratom is allowed in the state. Local Safety: A motorcyclist died in a Cedar City crash involving a school bus; officials said no students were on board. Education: USU Eastern in Price unveiled a new three-story student housing project for about 95 residents.

Utah Sports & Community: The Utah Jazz opened preseason with a 109-97 win over the Denver Nuggets, with Lauri Markkanen leading and the team showing an unselfish, fast-moving style. Local Sports Spotlight: BYU’s Kihei Akina posted a career-best PGA Tour finish at the Bank of Utah Championship, landing solo ninth and earning a spot in the next event. Big Event Buzz: UFC 332 returned to the Delta Center, with Salt Lake fans packing the venue again as the promotion continues to build Utah as a regular stop. Public Safety & Accountability: A new report says Utah’s domestic violence “warm handoff” system is leaving thousands of high-risk cases without immediate advocate contact, with survivors “slipping through the cracks.” Health & Tech: Meta’s “sight” program is helping Utah blind veterans use Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses and training to regain independence. Economy & Housing Pressure: Utah’s childcare subsidy cuts are hitting thousands of families, adding to affordability strain.