AGP Executive Report

Endangered Species Act Rollback: The Interior Department canceled a rule that gave threatened species automatic protections, shifting to slower, case-by-case plans that critics say could let oil, gas, and mining seek exemptions. Grizzly Bear Management Shift: Governors and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum say grizzly management is moving back to states (not delisting), with a reopened public comment period on a revised 4(d) rule. Wyoming Air Quality: New state-by-state data ranks Wyoming among the cleanest for particle pollution, with Casper and Cheyenne highlighted in the top tier. Wyoming Politics & Money: With about a month to go before the primary, GOP candidates for Wyoming’s open U.S. House seat are self-funding heavily, with reported totals nearing $6 million. Local Business/Community: Laramie’s LCBA is seeking proposals to lease a city-owned commercial building, with preference for programs benefiting children and families. Disability Access Spotlight: Rock Springs’ Mason McDowell is recognizing accessible businesses through a “Good Access, Good Business” sticker program.

Grizzly management shake-up: The Interior Department canceled an automatic Endangered Species Act protections rule and is reopening a public comment period on a revised plan that would shift grizzly bear management to states without delisting. Election logistics: Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee says early voting and absentee voting start July 21 at the county atrium in Cheyenne, with a long Aug. 18 primary ballot. Healthcare cost pressure: A Natrona Collective Health Trust statewide survey finds Wyoming voters across the board are most worried about the cost of healthcare. Community hunger help: Food Bank of Wyoming is rolling out “To-Go Volunteer Projects” so volunteers statewide can build produce bags and hygiene kits locally. Energy economy note: Black Hills Energy released its annual community impact report, citing $1.65 billion in direct economic impact across its service area, including Wyoming. Local business & jobs: Decker’s Market in Newcastle completed an ESOP deal so employees become shareholders while the Decker family keeps control. CFD culture: Cheyenne Frontier Days opened its new Morning Star American Indian Village, replacing the prior site with expanded space for performances and education.

Food Safety: General Mills recalled more than 735,000 Pillsbury frozen bread rolls sold at Walmart after glass contamination concerns, including “Hard Roll Dough” and “Kaiser Roll Dough.” Education Politics: Wyoming’s GOP candidates for education chief—Steve Harshman, Chad Auer, and Tom Kelly—took aim at school choice, funding, and testing, while Democrats Ana Cordova and Sergio Maldonado skipped the forum. Water & Drought: Colorado is moving toward a $100 million, two-year program to pay ranchers and irrigation districts to conserve Colorado River water, but officials say it’s unclear how much will truly be saved. Banking & Scams: Regulators signaled banks can keep the most sensitive exam records off government systems, and new state rules in other states aim to let banks pause suspicious payments. Wyoming Community: Sweetwater County Library Foundation hired Lisa Frint as executive director, and Cheyenne Frontier Days opens a bigger Morning Star American Indian Village. Wildlife & Science: Wyoming researchers found that only a tiny fraction of dinosaur bones from a quarry show real bite marks tied to T. rex. Local Events: Public work sessions for the Wyoming Business Council run July 20-21 in Cheyenne.

Wyoming Politics & Elections: Cheyenne House races heat up as Rep. Steve Johnson seeks to defend his District 8 seat and faces a GOP primary challenge from Luke Reiner, while Rep. Bob Nicholas in District 7 gets a new primary opponent in Deb Mutter Shamley. Community & Pride: Casper Pride Center reopens July 20 with expanded hours, and Cheyenne Frontier Days keeps its volunteer engine running with more than 2,700 “heels.” Local Improvements: Kiwanis Park in Cheyenne starts upgrades this week, adding wetlands, trails, and new wildlife viewing features. Public Safety & Courts: Laramie County Sheriff’s Office turns over requested immigration arrest video footage after a legal fight. Health & Policy: FDA approved Merck’s first-of-its-kind cholesterol pill that targets PCSK9 without injections. National Watch: Senators back renewed Russia sanctions legislation, while a new study finds speeding saves drivers little time but costs more money. Wyoming Water & Agriculture: Drought pressures farmers in the Greybull River Valley, leaving some fields unplanted.

Grizzly Bear Rule Shift: The Interior Department proposed a new Endangered Species Act rule that would let Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho manage grizzlies under a tiered, state-led approach—Wyoming Farm Bureau called it a practical, science-based step. Public Safety on Roads: Weston County ranchers warned Cheyenne River Road is getting more dangerous as oilfield truck traffic boosts dust, cuts visibility, and contributes to livestock health problems. Wyoming Politics: GOP gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow says voters—not the state party—should decide a contested primary, refusing party endorsements. Federal Finance/Justice: The U.S. Senate unanimously opposed presidential clemency for FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, with Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis co-sponsoring. Energy/Tech: Ault Capital unveiled a Cosmos-based tokenized-asset network aimed at reducing “debanking” risks for compliant businesses. Everyday Costs: A new study finds speeding barely saves time but burns extra fuel and money. Local & Community: Cheyenne restored an iconic downtown cowboy statue for Frontier Days; YWCA Sweetwater County marked its 50th year with a July 23 celebration. Sports & Youth: Wyoming’s high school rodeo athletes head to the NHSFR in Lincoln July 19–25, with 51 Wyoming competitors.

Grizzly Bear Management Shift: The Interior Department is proposing new flexibility that would move more grizzly bear authority to western states, with Wyoming leaders backing the change and critics warning it could raise bear mortality and risk recovery. Daylight Saving Time Push: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, sending it to the Senate; Wyoming’s GOP delegation largely supported it while some agriculture-heavy states raised concerns about darker winter mornings. Cheyenne Data Center Fallout: Meta appealed a Cheyenne BOPU violation tied to a wastewater bacteria discharge traced to a data center contractor, arguing it needs more testing details. Healthcare Access in Wyoming: Healthy Wyoming’s Cost of Care roadshow brought affordability and Medicaid expansion arguments to Laramie County Community College. Wild Horse Adoption: BLM Wyoming will offer trained wild horses for adoption during Cheyenne Frontier Days as part of the Day of the American West. Local Business Pulse: NFIB’s small business optimism rose in June, with owners citing improved conditions but still cautious hiring and capital spending. Water Worries: Pathfinder Irrigation District warned drought and canal losses could exhaust seasonal supplies by early August without efficiency gains. Public Health Alert: A measles case was confirmed in Teton County, Idaho, with possible exposure at a Driggs grocery; Wyoming’s nearby outbreak remains a concern.

Grizzly Bear Policy Shift: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says grizzlies will stay on the Endangered Species List, but management would move to states—announced with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and others—while conservation groups warn it could make killing easier and promise court fights. Wildfire Risk in Wyoming: Yellowstone’s fire danger is raised to HIGH, with stricter campfire rules as dry conditions and spot fires push risk across southern Montana and northern Wyoming. Measles in Teton County: A fifth measles case is reported in Teton County; health officials expand MMR eligibility, including an early infant dose during the outbreak. Drug Pricing Accountability: Wyoming and other states are part of multistate settlements over alleged generic-drug price inflation; Glenmark faces a $29.6M deal, with consumers urged to check eligibility. Cybersecurity for Small Business: UW and the Wyoming SBDC Network host a July 20 webinar to help local businesses assess and improve cybersecurity readiness. Local Sports Spotlight: Three Wyoming Cowboys earn Mountain West preseason honors—punter Bart Edmiston, lineman Rex Johnsen, and linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz. Community & Culture: Pinedale’s Soundcheck Summer Music Series returns July 18 with Nashville’s Tony Hannah, and Laramie’s Jubilee Days hosts the Betty Kiser Memorial CASI Chili Cook Off.

Grizzly Bear Management Shift: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and others, unveiled a proposal to give states more flexibility over grizzly management under the ESA’s 4(d) rule—keeping bears threatened, but moving day-to-day control closer to local agencies. Cheyenne Data Center Fight: Cheyenne City Council approved Microsoft’s annexation of about 3,460 acres after hours of debate, with residents raising concerns about water use, environmental impacts, infrastructure strain, and data privacy. SNAP Transparency Pressure: A new push targets states refusing SNAP data sharing; the federal government is pursuing court action to force compliance, while penalties raise the stakes for states that won’t cooperate. 23andMe Settlement: Attorneys general announced an $18 million settlement tied to the 23andMe breach, with payouts expected for affected customers after legal fees. WyoGives Day: Wyoming’s statewide giving day is set for July 15, with groups like the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault urging donations and awareness. Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome over the northern Rockies drove record temperatures across parts of Montana and Wyoming, adding urgency to wildfire and heat-safety planning. Local Sports: Laramie’s Rangers punched a state tournament berth with a doubleheader win over Cheyenne. Community & Culture: Cheyenne installed temporary fencing around historic railcars ahead of 2027 improvements, and AARP Wyoming is hosting a public rural health program discussion.

Wyoming Boys’ School Lawsuit: The Wyoming Department of Family Services says the restraint chair at the center of an abuse lawsuit “will be disposed of” after litigation ends, noting it hasn’t been used on residents since 2022 and is kept only to preserve evidence. Public Safety & Privacy: Green River City Council debated installing automated license plate readers at city entrances, with residents pushing back over privacy while police say the system would be used reactively for serious crimes and missing persons. Health Watch: Wyoming Department of Health confirmed a fourth measles case in Teton County, tied to the same Grand Teton-area chain of transmission; officials listed possible exposure times at a Jackson Target. Local Care Funding: Sweetwater Breast Boutique in Rock Springs received a $9,500 Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative grant to restock wigs and post-surgical supplies, filling a “quiet but critical gap.” Heat Risk: A major heat and humidity push has extreme heat warnings in Wyoming and nearby states, urging people to limit time outside and watch for heat illness. Truck Parking Dollars: Wyoming is among five states sharing $62 million for truck parking and action plans to reduce the shortage of safe places to park.

Wildlife & Safety: A Washington man is recovering after a bull bison charged him at Yellowstone, tossing him high into the air before other campers intervened—another reminder to keep distance from wildlife. Public Lands & Conservation: President Trump is shrinking Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments again, cutting them to under 10% of their prior sizes and setting up new fights with conservation groups. Wyoming Economy & Housing: The VA says it issued 224 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Wyoming in Q2 2026 (up from 211 in Q1), totaling $87.7 million. State Watch: Wyoming’s average gas price ticked up 2.2 cents to $3.82 per gallon this week, still down versus a month ago. Cheyenne Local: Construction starts Thursday on the Kiwanis Park Trail and Wetlands project, with gravel trails, bird blinds, and education signage planned to finish by December. Education Policy: Gov. Mark Gordon shared Wyoming’s education innovation model at a D.C. forum, pitching a “CHANGE Playbook” for community-tailored reforms. Health & Politics: The McConnell health timeline continues to draw scrutiny after his latest hospitalization and calls for more transparency.

Wyoming Health: Teton County confirmed a third adult measles case tied to the same chain of transmission, with public exposure spots listed around Jackson and Grand Teton National Park—officials say there’s no proof of community spread yet. Public Safety: Yellowstone reported another serious bison attack at Bridge Bay Campground, where a bull tossed a grandfather about eight feet into the air; the victim is recovering after surgery. State Politics: Cheyenne Roundup previews Wyoming’s Aug. 18 primary, focusing on the Legislature and whether the hard-line Freedom Caucus can grow its House majority and add allies in the Senate. Energy & Policy: Wyoming’s drugs commissioner won’t reschedule cannabis under state law, even as federal reforms move FDA-approved marijuana products to lower schedules—AG says only the Legislature can change Wyoming’s approach. Business & Finance: Wyoming’s presence in the crypto-regulation fight shows up as Sen. Cynthia Lummis pushes the CLARITY Act deadline, while the SEC readies additional digital-asset rules. Weather: The Tri-Counties face an Extreme Heat Watch with potentially dangerous highs and possible mountain thunderstorms.

U.S. Senate: South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham died at 71 after an aortic dissection tied to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with officials saying the final cause will wait on toxicology and microscopic testing; Trump ordered flags half-staff and praised Graham as a close ally. Public Health: Wyoming Department of Health confirmed a third measles case of 2026, this time in a second unvaccinated adult in Teton County, listing specific Jackson and Grand Teton exposure spots and urging symptom watch for 21 days. Weather & Safety: A dangerous heat wave is breaking records across the region, with Montana highs smashing old marks and Wyoming seeing extreme heat warnings; officials stress hydration, shade, and wildfire caution. Local Community: Bluepeak hit 500,000 fiber passings across six states, including Wyoming, as it continues rural broadband expansion. Wildlife: Yellowstone reported a bull bison attack that tossed a tourist about 8 feet at Bridge Bay Campground, captured on video. Sports: Rawlins won the Wyoming Senior Little League State Championship, and Green River’s Minors and Majors posted tournament games in District 1 action.

Public Health: Wyoming Department of Health confirmed a third measles case of 2026, tied to an unvaccinated adult in Teton County, with possible exposure listed at Jackson-area locations and guidance for residents to watch for symptoms for 21 days. Local Politics: Four Republicans are battling for Sweetwater County Commission seats, debating how to balance infrastructure needs with a tight county budget and priorities for youth and seniors. Community & Food Access: Central Wyoming College and One22 Resource Center are launching “Community Eats,” free events sharing pantry-staple recipes aimed at helping families facing food insecurity. Wildlife & Safety: A bull bison attack at Yellowstone’s Bridge Bay Campground seriously injured a tourist after the animal charged through the campground, underscoring how fast encounters can turn dangerous. Weather: Another heatwave is building, with dangerous temperatures expected across much of the U.S., including Wyoming. Fundraising: WyoGives returns as a statewide 24-hour online fundraiser on Tuesday, July 15, supporting local Wyoming nonprofits.

Sports & Community: Laramie Lightning’s under-18 club softball team went 3-0 in pool play at the Wyoming state tournament in Gillette, setting up quarterfinal action. Local Sports: The Rock Springs Stallions finished South Conference play winless, dropping two games to Wheatland. Golf: Parker Paxton leads the Wyoming State Open at Cheyenne’s Airport Golf Course after a 6-under 64 in round two. Public Health: Wyoming Department of Health confirmed a second measles case this year in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County, listing Jackson and Grand Teton exposure spots and urging symptom watch for 21 days. State Education: Gov. Mark Gordon spoke in Washington, D.C., about Wyoming’s education initiatives, including RIDE and WHIP, at an education commission event. Weather & Safety: A dangerous heat wave is building nationwide, with record highs possible and officials urging hydration and cooling plans. Tech & Privacy: Green River residents pushed back on automated license plate readers, arguing privacy concerns while police say the system would be used for flagged vehicles. Wildlife Management: A 30,000-acre wild horse refuge near Craig aims to change how mustangs are managed as herd reductions raise genetic concerns.

Heat Dome Watch: A powerful, long-lasting heat dome is expected to intensify across the West and Northern Plains, with temperatures 15–25 degrees above normal and record risk—raising heat illness and wildfire danger. Public Safety Tech Debate: Green River residents and officials clashed over a federally funded plan to install automated license plate readers at city entrances, with police saying it’s for reactive alerts tied to serious-crime and missing-person flags. Rural Health Funding: Wyoming’s Rural Health Transformation Program opened applications for projects like physician residencies, emergency resource pooling, and telespecialist platforms, as the state seeks to shore up fragile rural care. Agriculture Research Day: UW is hosting a free field day near Lingle highlighting weed control, organic systems, forage and early-weaning research, plus solar-powered grazing collar demos. Wyoming Politics & LGBTQ Lawsuit: Casper-area GOP House candidate Reid Rasner sued fellow Republicans over alleged homophobic defamation, including claims he says target his family and reputation. Community & Schools: Teton County reported a second measles case this week (state total now 3), while Gillette athletes announced next-level commitments and Union City graduates earned $1.3M in scholarships and grants.

Heat Dome Warning: The National Weather Service says a “widespread and significant” heat wave could hit the drought-hit West this weekend, with record highs and dangerous overnight temperatures pushing HeatRisk to the highest level. Rural Health Funding: Wyoming is inviting hospitals and partners to apply for a share of $205 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program money aimed at strengthening emergency care, hospital services, and workforce options. Energy & Jobs: Peabody’s Powder River Basin rare-earth push is getting a major boost, with a new federal DOE award tied to a pilot processing facility near Gillette. Public Safety & Fire Prevention: WYDOT is urging drivers to avoid roadside sparks—especially cigarette butts and dragging chains—as extreme fire risk continues. Local Governance: Green River residents are pushing back on automated license plate readers, arguing privacy concerns while police say the system would be used reactively for serious-crime alerts. Health Alert: Teton County reports a second measles case this year, with possible exposure sites listed in and around Grand Teton National Park. Education & Community: Wyoming’s K-12 scholarship applications are open again, and UW hosted a Play Institute for early childhood educators. Wyoming Money Back: The state Treasurer says unclaimed property payouts topped $160M total, with $23.76M returned in FY26.