Energy Prices: Americans brace for record-high Labor Day weekend gas prices, with the national average projected to hit about $4.03 a gallon as Middle East tensions keep energy costs elevated. Power Grid Policy: Utah lawmakers are watching a Trump order banning certain foreign-made grid equipment, warning that how broadly “risky” gear is defined could affect local utility rates. Geothermal Push: The U.S. Department of Energy opened a Geothermal Center of Excellence in Golden to help companies drill hot rock and scale next-gen geothermal, with Utah positioned as a key player. Workforce Impact: Utah workers continue to feel layoffs and shutdowns, with Tyson Foods, Qualtrics, Crumbl and Sheraton among firms cutting Utah jobs in 2026. Tech & Privacy: Utah’s education tech investigation found some apps collected or shared student data beyond what vendors promised, raising new questions for schools and parents. Infrastructure & Construction: UDOT recycled about 15,000 cubic yards of concrete on site for road base work, cutting truck trips while upgrading major corridors. Robotics Research: A new NSF center will study how assistive robots learn and adapt alongside people in real settings, with University of Utah researchers in the mix. Local Development: Provo Canyon’s Vesper Amphitheater plans are paused after public pushback, with developers set to resubmit a revised application. Public Safety Tech: Salt Lake City’s growing network of security cameras and ALPR use is drawing scrutiny over potential misuse and tracking concerns.