AGP Executive Report

Charter Schools Watch: Twelve Utah charter school hopefuls have submitted bids for the State Charter School Board’s next review cycle, with proposals spanning Waldorf, classical, arts-focused, and career-trades models. Music & Festivals: Idaho International Choral Festival returns July 15-18 in Pocatello, culminating in a grand finale gala, while Ballet West’s inaugural Summit Festival in Park City/Summit County blends farm-to-table, documentary film, and live dance. Local Arts Spotlight: Meanwhile Park’s “A French Toast” continues its rom-com run, and Salt Lake singer-songwriter Josaleigh Pollett teases her album with “Bed Of Quiet.” Community & Performance: BYU football brothers Bear and Tiger Bachmeier debut as “Music Bachs” at a free American Fork concert, and Logan’s Lyric Repertory marks 60 years with a Vosco Call Spotlight Concert. Reality TV Buzz: Taylor Frankie Paul addresses her “MomTok” fallout ahead of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” return, and Big Brother 28 welcomes polarizing Utah realtor Angela Murray back. Sports on the Side: NBA Summer League coverage spotlights Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa’s early impact and a Wizards-Bulls matchup streaming on Amazon Prime.

Reality TV: RHOSLC Season 7 is set to feel “so different” after Robert Cosby Jr.’s death, with cast members saying the tone will be far more somber as they process the loss while filming moves forward. Music & Touring: Ingrid Andress announced an eight-city “Nowhere Else to Go” tour this fall, with stops including Salt Lake City, plus new music expected ahead of her next album. Hip-Hop Live: Wu-Tang Clan added more dates to its “Final Chamber Tour,” including a Salt Lake City stop, with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony as special guests on many shows. Film & Cost of Going Out: A new nationwide study puts the average 2026 movie ticket at $16.30, with major regional gaps—good news for bargain hunters, but a reminder that cinema costs vary wildly. Local Arts & Community: Ogden’s Trails Foundation launched the inaugural Ogden Mountain Film Festival (Nov. 5 at Peery’s Egyptian Theater), inviting short films about local trails and outdoor recreation. Sports (Utah spotlight): The Jazz face the Bulls in NBA Summer League, with Utah’s Darryn Peterson up against Chicago’s Caleb Wilson. Health & Giving: The American Red Cross says Utah’s blood supply is down and is urging donations this summer.

Utah Arts & Community: The Lyric Rep’s “Gutenberg! The Musical!” is getting a hilarious, intimate run at Utah State University, built around a two-actor cast that plays dozens of roles. Local Film & Outdoors: Ogden’s Trails Foundation of Northern Utah is launching the Ogden Mountain Film Festival (Nov. 5 at Peery’s Egyptian Theater), inviting short films about trails and outdoor recreation—submissions due Oct. 9. Music & Culture: Wynton Marsalis brought the heat (and a storm) to Red Butte Garden & Arboretum, steering through rain threats with originals and jazz standards. Books & Censorship: Utah public schools have banned Stephen King’s “Different Seasons,” adding to a growing list of removed titles. Sports (Utah angle): BYU Football announced Entrata® will sponsor jersey patches starting in 2026. Health & Giving: The American Red Cross says Utah blood donations are down and needs are urgent, with donors able to get free movie tickets through July.

Food & TV: Food Network’s new BBQ competition “Pitmasters” kicks off Monday with Louisiana pitmaster duo Leslie Roark Scott and her son Jacob Scott, a Chef John Folse Culinary Institute grad who’s already racked up multiple Food Network appearances. Music: Mastodon announced its ninth album, “Marrow Deep,” arriving Aug. 28, with Josh Homme guesting on the new single “Snakes For Dinner.” Community & Local Stage: Price’s Miss Teen Carbon County and Junior Miss Carbon County team up for a Culture Connection donation drive July 23, featuring a special Elvis performance by “Utah Elvis.” Utah Arts: Meanwhile Park in Salt Lake City premieres “A French Toast,” a backyard production running through July 19 that explores faith, identity, and family. Sports (Utah ties): The Texas Rangers selected Utah Valley outfielder Kaden Carpenter in the ninth round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Arts & History: The University of Utah Marriott Library launches “America in the Archive: The Many Voices of Democracy,” running through Sept. 9 for America 250.

MLB Draft (Utah ties): The Texas Rangers selected Utah Valley outfielder Kaden Carpenter in the ninth round (267th overall) on Day 2, making him the first local-ties pick in this year’s class. WNBA front office: The Los Angeles Sparks fired GM Raegan Pebley, with assistant GMs Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen sharing interim duties. Local arts & theater: “A French Toast” premiered at Meanwhile Park in Salt Lake City, running through July 19, blending faith, identity, and family in a backyard setting. Utah history exhibit: The University of Utah’s Marriott Library opened “America in the Archive: The Many Voices of Democracy,” tracing U.S. democracy through Special Collections artifacts, including a facsimile made from an engraved copper plate. Community culture: Salt Lake City’s 90th annual Obon Festival drew more than a thousand people downtown despite triple-digit heat, with taiko, food, and ancestor remembrance. Sports spotlight: Wasatch Co-Op highlighted local vendors and community-first sourcing in a Wasatch Chronicle feature. Fire update: A West Jordan apartment building was deemed uninhabitable after an overnight fire displaced dozens of residents.

Pilgrimage & Faith: Utah faith leaders shared “life-changing” lessons from the Camino de Santiago, including how a forced pause in Spain became a turning point. Community & Culture: Hundreds packed Salt Lake City’s 90th annual Obon Festival at the Buddhist Temple and downtown Japantown, with organizers battling triple-digit heat using misters, shade, and extra water. Music & TV Buzz: “America’s Got Talent” spotlighted former Utahn Kodi Lee, whose 2019 audition remains the show’s most memorable moment, and what he’s doing now. Utah Events: Helper’s inaugural Helper Locomotive Car Show rolls in July 25 at Helper City Park, with classic cars, music, food, and proceeds for the Helper Museum. Arts in Utah: Springville Museum of Art continues celebrating Latter-day Saint painter John Hafen and his “art missionary” legacy. Sports on the Side: Utah’s NBA Summer League spotlight stays hot with BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and the Jazz’s Vegas opener.

Utah Arts & Events: The Lindquist Family Symphony Pops Concert (with a drone show) returns to Weber State University in Ogden July 12, featuring the New American Philharmonic and the long-running community tradition. Music & Nightlife: “Girls in Stereo” brought three female-fronted indie acts—The Alpines, Tomboy and Millergold—to the Big Dipper in Spokane, a reminder of how Utah’s scene keeps exporting talent. Local TV/Streaming: DIRECTV and E.W. Scripps ended a five-week blackout, restoring 54 local broadcast stations in major markets including Salt Lake City. Reality TV Buzz: Real Housewives original Vicki Gunvalson is making a full-time comeback for the franchise’s 20th anniversary season. Food Network Spotlight: St. George’s Hey Grill Hey owner Susie Bulloch is competing on Food Network’s “Pitmasters,” premiering July 13. Community Spotlight: A West Jordan apartment fire displaced residents across 24 units; a local community center opened as a temporary shelter.

AI & Inflation: A new report argues the AI boom is driving up everyday costs by consuming chips, electricity, water, and labor—turning “tech optimism” into a scarcity-and-price problem. Pioneer Day Picks: Utah’s July 24 Days of ’47 celebration is in full swing, with a roundup of parades, hikes, rodeo plans, and even Pie ‘N’ Beer Day events. Local Music Night: Girls in Stereo brought indie rock energy to the Big Dipper in a packed Thursday show featuring The Alpines and other local acts. Utah Arts Spotlight: The Utah Shakespeare Festival turns 65 with a lineup that includes “Hamlet,” “Troilus and Cressida,” “Something Rotten!” and “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” Sundance Uncertainty: Sundance Institute’s Local Lens program may be the last in Utah as the festival shifts to Boulder in 2027, leaving the future of the free series unclear. TV Access: DIRECTV and Scripps ended a retransmission blackout, restoring 54 local stations—including Salt Lake City—just in time for major sports and local coverage. Motorsports Fun: Desert Thunder Raceway in Price is set for a family-friendly dirt-track night with multiple IMCA classes. Craft & Community: ARC Guitar in Winters keeps acoustic guitar building alive, teaching the rare luthier craft.

Utah Shakespeare Festival (65th season): Cedar City’s Utah Shakespeare Festival is back with a full slate for its 65th year, including “Hamlet,” the lesser-known “Troilus and Cressida,” “Something Rotten!,” and “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” (opening July 13), plus “Twelfth Night” and “She Loves Me.” Local Arts & Community: CacheARTS announced a bigger 2026-27 National Touring Season at the Ellen Eccles Theatre with 15 shows from Sept. 22 through May, starting with “The Phil Collins Story,” and Oakley’s Summit Arts Market returns Saturday, July 11 with local artists, live music, and food. Music/TV Access: DirecTV and Scripps restored 54 local stations after a five-week blackout, bringing back local news and major sports coverage in markets including Salt Lake City. Utah Culture Under Pressure: The Utah Board of Education added Stephen King’s “Different Seasons” to its statewide banned list, marking 40 books removed statewide. Sports Spotlight: Utah’s presence in national entertainment continues with Food Network’s “Pitmasters” featuring Tacoma’s Grann chefs filmed in Utah, and NBA Summer League coverage highlights Utah’s AJ Dybantsa and the Jazz. Heber City Watch: The Heber City Council moved closer to voting on public infrastructure districts that would add a special property tax for a large new development.

Utah Jazz & NBA Summer League: AJ Dybantsa lit up the floor in Las Vegas, scoring 27 points as the Wizards held off the Jazz 92-88 in a marquee matchup against No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson. Local Sports Spotlight: Payton Sandfort stayed upbeat after a rough scoreless Summer League outing for OKC in Salt Lake City, despite a tough injury history. Music Releases: Role Model dropped “Joy,” the second single from upcoming album Chuck Timely & The Hourglass, and Teddy Swims returned with the vulnerable heartbreak track “Break Up in Reverse.” Stage & Screen: Cedar City’s InterMountain Performing Arts Conservatory is staging Little Shop of Horrors with its adult/youth dual-cast model, while Jagged Little Pill opened in Tallahassee. Film Festival Tech: A look at the Withoutabox vs. FilmFreeway submission battle. Reality TV: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 is back, but Taylor Frankie Paul’s role is reportedly reduced.

NBA Summer League: Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards meet in Las Vegas tonight with top 2026 draft picks AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson headlining the matchup on ESPN. Court Drama: In the Charlie Kirk case, a Utah courtroom played a redacted police interview where Robinson’s roommate/lover Lance Twiggs claimed Robinson confessed to the shooting, adding fresh pressure as the preliminary hearing continues. Park City Arts & Film: Park City Film’s July lineup includes Paul Rudd’s “Power Ballad” (July 10–12), plus Ballet West’s “Raising Voices on Point” and the Sundance Local Lens series. Music & Community: Ogden’s beloved Lindquist Family Symphony Pops Concert swaps traditional fireworks for a 500-drone finale due to fire-risk caution. Local Outdoors: Cedar City cut the ribbon on the Fort Cedar Railroad Trail’s new eastern section, completing part of a seven-year, $6.5M project. Reality TV: CBS announced the Big Brother 28 cast, featuring Survivor’s Rick Devens and returning houseguest Angela Murray.

Utah Arts & Culture: Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre’s “1776” drew big praise, with a letter calling it a polished, patriotic standout at the Eccles Theatre. Music & Nightlife: No Cure dropped a new music video for “Brain Matter Displacement” and announced a Salt Lake City stop at Kilby Court on July 22. Sports (Utah + national): The Utah Jazz kick off NBA Summer League action in Las Vegas with Utah vs. Washington on ESPN, featuring top draft storylines for Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. Local Events: Park City Ski & Snowboard hosts the 27th annual Springer Tournee at Utah Olympic Park with live music and summertime ski jumping. Community & Film: Sundance London returns in the West End as the UK extension of Robert Redford’s Utah festival, bringing UK premieres and public screenings. Big Picture (Utah relevance): Utah’s 2034 Winter Games plan gets a shake-up as the IOC adds freeride skiing/snowboarding and synchro skating while cutting Nordic combined.

Independence Day in Utah: Provo’s America’s Freedom Festival Grand Parade drew big crowds with military floats, classic cars, and patriotic stops as the city wrapped up months of volunteer work for the 250th anniversary. Patriotism on stage: BYU’s Stadium of Fire kept the tradition rolling with a packed crowd, fireworks, skydivers, and performances tied to America’s founding. Community memorial: Mt. Pleasant dedicated the North Sanpete Veterans Memorial after two years of fundraising and local support, honoring area veterans and launching a maintenance fund. Utah arts & music: Park City Ski & Snowboard hosts the 27th Springer Tournee at Utah Olympic Park with summer ski jumping, live music, and food trucks. Reality TV buzz: Whitney Leavitt teased what’s next for the final run of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5. Culture & books: Utah schools banned Stephen King’s Different Seasons, prompting ACLU of Utah legal action over the state’s book-ban law. Sports (Utah tie-in): The Utah Mammoth matched New Jersey’s offer sheet for Barrett Hayton, keeping a key center in Utah.

Utah Live Music: Interpol just dropped “Iron City,” the third single from their upcoming album This Mirror Weighs a Ton (out Aug. 28). The band’s North American run includes a Salt Lake City stop at Red Butte Garden - Complex on Aug. 4. Local Rock/Metal: DevilDriver released the “Strike And Kill” title track video ahead of the July 10 album, with a tour that hits Salt Lake City at The Depot on Aug. 30. More New Music: Chat Pile unveiled “PEN I S MALL” from Who Loves The Sun (Sept. 4). Community & Events: Darkness Con returns to Expo Idaho with Darkness Con and a Zombie Prom night event. Film/Indie Submissions: A look at how Sundance moved to FilmFreeway exclusively, ending the old Withoutabox era. Sports (Utah angle): Real Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni reflects on World Cup memories. Fireworks Safety: Weber State swaps its Ogden fireworks show for a drone show at the Lindquist Family Symphony Pops Concert. Big Picture (Utah-relevant): Tribes and states are still locked in a Colorado River water rights fight, with Utah among the stalling Upper Basin states.

Utah Film & TV Buzz: Angel Studios’ “Young Washington” roared out of the gate with a record-breaking $20.8M opening weekend, and director Jon Erwin says a Revolutionary War sequel (“1776”) is already in the works. Music Spotlight: Alabama Shakes announced their first album in more than a decade, “I Must Be Dreaming,” arriving Aug. 28, with Brittany Howard framing it as hope in a chaotic world. Local Live Music: BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and brother Tiger Bachmeier are teaming up for a free “Music Bachs” concert July 13 at the American Fork Amphitheater. Mystery TV Watch: “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch” returns for season 7, with a new episode Tuesday night investigating the Triangle—here’s how to stream. Utah Arts Calendar: Ballet West’s inaugural Summit Festival (July 15-17) brings dance, films, and performances to Park City, including free screenings and ticketed events. Sports Front: The Utah Mammoth have 24 hours to respond to a New Jersey offer sheet for restricted free agent Barrett Hayton, with a match carrying a major trade restriction.

Utah Arts & Culture: The Interpreter Foundation’s “Becoming Brigham” added a new installment, “Who Didn’t Hate the Mormons? – Becoming Brigham, Episode 24,” continuing its short documentary series. Music: Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee says she feared “Bring Me to Life” would brand the band as a one-hit wonder—pressure from the label even led to a guest male vocal. Film/TV: Angel Studios’ “Young Washington” is already spawning a sequel, with “1776” in development after a record-breaking debut. Local Entertainment & Community: Cedar City’s 250th Independence Day parade drew big crowds and featured dozens of entries, from civic groups to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and live patriotic music afterward. Sports/Events: Utah Talons stayed atop the AUSL Power Rankings after another strong week, while the Salt Lake City Summer League keeps rolling with Hawks vs. Grizzlies and Jazz vs. Thunder matchups on TV. Utah Spotlight: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $100 million for green-space projects that includes Salt Lake City, aiming to turn underused urban land into parks and wildlife habitat.