AGP Executive Report

Education & Sports Funding: Wyoming school leaders are weighing how to handle an 8.4% statewide funding reduction, with officials stressing that athletics and activities help students build leadership, teamwork, character, and belonging. Public Health & Treatment Access: A major NIH grant aims to expand a model that helps primary care clinics prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, scaling work across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Local Safety & Mental Health: After a shelter-in-place at Skyway Elementary tied to a reported gun threat, educators and community members are pushing for more local mental health treatment and stronger collaboration. Wyoming Spotlight: The 53rd annual Wyoming Shrine Bowl drew top state football talent to Casper, with Senator John Barrasso speaking at halftime. Space & Science: NASA loaded parts of its Moon rocket onto a giant train spotted rolling through Wyoming as Artemis preparations continue. Agriculture & Risk: Screwworm cases are spreading beyond Texas, including a New Mexico dog case, raising stakes for the cattle industry. Culture & Outdoors: A Wyoming-set documentary, “Outside Ain’t Free,” is taking a summer film tour to inspire more Black and brown people to spend time outdoors.

Colorado River Deadline Pressure: Utah and Wyoming are pushing for a Colorado River deal as the Oct. 1 deadline nears, warning that without agreement the Interior Department could impose cuts—Arizona could face up to 77% reductions, and litigation could cost states key conservation money. Local Law & Immigration: The ACLU of Wyoming filed public records requests tied to 287(g) agreements, arguing local agencies have become a “force multiplier” for ICE. Education & Activities: Wyoming school leaders are weighing how to handle an 8.4% reduction in state school funding, with concerns that athletics and other activities could be cut. Sheriff Selection in Sweetwater County: A GOP ballot count is narrowing candidates for interim sheriff after John Grossnickle’s term ends, with Rich Fischer, Richard Kaumo, and Ozzie Knezovich leading. Wyoming Wildlife Tracking: UW’s Wyoming Migration Initiative is following Mule Deer 665’s spring trek toward the Tetons; she’s pregnant with twins and has already cleared major bottlenecks. UFO Files Mention Colorado: New Pentagon declassified UAP releases include a “potato-shaped” sighting over the Cheyenne Mountains. Wyoming Student Milestone: Rawlins’ Kate Hernandez became the first Rawlins High School student to earn a college degree alongside her high school diploma.

Education & Athletics Funding: Wyoming school leaders are weighing how to handle an 8.4% cut in state school funding, with concerns that activities and athletics could be reduced or eliminated. Public Safety & Community: Cheyenne-area ACLU of Wyoming filed public records requests tied to 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements, arguing local agencies are being used as “force multipliers” for ICE. Courts & Federal Policy: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore national park signs altered under a directive to remove “non-aligned” information, setting up a likely appeal. Water & Western Politics: Utah and other Colorado River basin states are warning that litigation could cost states access to about $354 million in conservation aid, as negotiations race toward an Oct. 1 deadline. Wyoming Wildlife: The Wyoming Migration Initiative tracked Mule Deer 665’s spring trek from the Red Desert toward the Tetons, noting she’s pregnant with twins and faced bottlenecks like Fremont and Willow Lakes. Wyoming Economy & Infrastructure: USDA announced $52M+ for rural communities nationwide, with Wyoming receiving $2.4M for five counties. Local Culture: Minot’s Levitt Amp music series drew a crowd for its downtown kickoff, backed by a multi-year Levitt Foundation matching grant.

Wyoming Courts & Health Care: A Wyoming judge struck down three abortion laws, saying they violate the state constitution’s protection for personal healthcare decisions, continuing a string of court setbacks for abortion restrictions. Water & Energy Costs: Rocky Mountain Power is seeking a rate hike that would hit pump irrigators hardest, while Utah and Wyoming are pushing for a seven-state Colorado River deal before an Oct. 1 deadline to avoid federal intervention and likely litigation. Rural Support: The USDA is sending more than $52 million nationwide to rural communities, with Wyoming getting $2.4 million for five counties. Jobs & Economy: A new hiring-demand map shows Wyoming job openings down sharply since 2020, while states like Idaho and Texas remain elevated. Education & Community: Teton Science Schools and the Wyoming DOE launched a place-based education microcredential for teachers, and Smart Spoon Café moved its summer meals program to LCCC to better reach kids. Business & Innovation: A Wyoming “chancery court” business dispute is tied to a new Trump-themed mobile golf game, highlighting how Wyoming’s courts are being used for faster business resolution. Outdoors & Wildlife: Dry conditions are stressing fisheries and water levels, and Wyoming anglers are getting guidance as creel surveys track walleye productivity.

Cheyenne Utilities: Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities approved water and sewer rate hikes effective Oct. 1, 2026—3% higher monthly service fees, with residential water tiers rising 5% (Tier 1-2) and 9% (Tier 3-4), adding about $2.55/month for a typical 3,000-gallon user. Colorado River: Arizona faces up to 77% cuts if Colorado River talks stay deadlocked, with a federal “no deal” plan looming while states debate voluntary conservation and compensation. Wyoming Energy Politics: Sen. John Barrasso pushed “clean Wyoming coal” as a jobs-and-prices strategy, backing keeping the Dave Johnston plant open and expanding coal exports. Wildlife Under Drought: A new Mountain West study finds severe drought is shrinking high-quality habitat for mule deer, black bears, and cougars—worst for cougars—and cutting fawn recruitment by more than a third in extreme years. Data Center Fallout: Crusoe says it “paused” its Cheyenne data center after customer concerns, with other partners likely to buy out its interest. Local Sports & Community: Ethan Leslie (Kelly Walsh) won Gatorade Wyoming Boys Soccer Player of the Year after leading a state title run; and CNFR is set to bring major crowds to Casper starting Sunday. Education Funding Watch: WHSAA leaders are weighing how to respond to an 8.4% statewide school funding reduction that could threaten athletics and other activities.

Wyoming Education & Pay: Teachers and staff in Valley Center are set for a 2% pay increase for 2026-27, with health insurance rates staying flat and new paid leave options approved by the school board. Wyoming Schools & Activities: Across the country, districts are weighing cuts that could hit school sports and arts; Wyoming leaders are facing an 8.4% reduction in school funding and discussing how to protect activities. ACLU vs. 287(g): The ACLU is looking into Wyoming agencies’ ICE 287(g) agreements after a lawsuit challenged Laramie County Sheriff’s Office practices, with possible follow-on legal fights if courts rule favorably. Data Centers & Power Supply: CG Power’s major Tallgrass data-center transformer order is under scrutiny after reports say a Wyoming AI campus project is running into trouble; separately, MTAR Technologies shares jumped after management said it received no notice of a Bloom Energy-linked project pause. Colorado River Politics: Sen. Mike Lee warned Arizona and other Lower Basin states that suing over Colorado River operations could cost them about $354M in conservation aid. Public Safety & Environment: Park County is weighing wildfire risk as drought deepens, while Teton County considers testing town water after CWD was found on the National Elk Refuge. Cheyenne Community: Cheyenne locals picked World Cup teams as the tournament kicks off, and goats are back for Cheyenne’s annual creek cleanup.

School Funding & Activities: Wyoming school leaders and the WHSAA are bracing for an 8.4% cut in statewide education funding, raising fears that athletics and other student activities could shrink. Property Taxes & Local Services: The Joint Revenue Committee is drafting new versions of past property tax reform bills as voters decide in November on a People’s Initiative to cut property taxes by 50%; Carbon County says it could close most libraries if the cuts pass. Federal Surveillance Fight: The House failed to extend FISA Section 702, and at least 19 Republicans—including Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman—voted against renewal, setting up a lapse. Public Lands Policy: A push to nullify the Roadless Rule is moving through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a party-line vote, with Wyoming’s wildfire and forest policy implications looming. Wyoming Tourism & Safety: Aramark’s Teton Tour Company is tied to two fatal snowmobile trips in four days, renewing scrutiny of winter safety practices. Community & Culture: Hell’s Half Acre reopened to visitors with new access amenities, and Cheyenne-area theater is closing its season with the Winnie Awards June 13.

Wyoming Politics: The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the state’s crossover-voting ban violates the Wyoming Constitution, with plaintiffs pushing for voters to be able to affiliate with parties again. Water & Western Economy: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon met with Utah and federal leaders in Washington on long-term Colorado River management, as Flaming Gorge is set to be lowered to protect downstream supplies. Energy & Environment: Rare Element Resources says its Bear Lodge rare earth project is moving through permitting and expects full demo-plant processing operations in late summer 2026, while a new Mountain West refinery risk map estimates health impacts from air pollution near refineries. Public Safety & Community: Cheyenne brought in about 600 goats to graze overgrown creek beds for flood control and fire mitigation, and Wyoming Game and Fish outlined the upcoming limited quota draw results and leftover license timeline for deer, elk, and antelope. Sports & Local Life: The Wyoming Shrine Bowl all-star game is set for June 13 in Casper, and Wyoming’s rodeo season momentum continues with multiple athletes heading to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper.

Wyoming Politics & Campaigns: Meet-the-candidate events are ramping up across the Equality State, with forums and “cookout” style meet-and-greets scheduled in places like Glenrock, Casper, Cheyenne, and Gillette. Congressional Race Watch: Steve Friess is making the rounds in Wyoming’s U.S. House race, pitching his agenda on border security, taxes/regulation, and energy—plus a “meet him” tour for voters. Energy & Industry: Black Hills Corp. says its 1.8-gigawatt Cheyenne data center project is still on track for early 2028 service, with progress on equipment procurement and substation planning. Local Economy: Rock Springs Urban Renewal Executive Director Chad Banks received a statewide economic development award for downtown revitalization efforts. Community & Safety: A reminder for outdoor plans—bison encounters can turn dangerous, and Utah wildlife officials urge visitors to keep distance and follow park guidance. Business News: Koi Peptides says it’s speeding domestic research-peptide fulfillment from its Sheridan base and posting per-batch certificates online.

Colorado River Crisis: Federal officials say a seven-state deal is slipping, so the Bureau of Reclamation will move to a shorter-term 10-year framework with new operating guidelines every two years—meaning Wyoming and other Upper Basin states could face federal management if talks fail. Western Water Leadership: Trump is reportedly set to name Aubrey Bettencourt to lead the Bureau of Reclamation, a choice that could reshape how the administration handles the river fight. Wyoming Housing Funding: The Wyoming SLIB approved $8.8M for Business Ready community grants, backing housing projects in Douglas and Wright to help workers and local businesses. Broadband on Federal Land: Sen. John Barrasso introduced a bill to streamline broadband permitting on federal property, including standardized rules and an online portal. Healthcare Access: Campbell County Health says it will take over after Hoskinson Health and Wellness Clinic closes July 31, with some specialty care likely requiring travel. Local Public Safety: A Carbon County deputy was shot while responding to a man with a gun; authorities say the suspect later died after firing at pursuing deputies. Community Spotlight: Cheyenne Frontier Days is nearing launch of the Morning Star American Indian Village, with finishing touches underway.

Wyoming Politics & Elections: Wyoming voters who changed party affiliation largely moved from Democratic to Republican, with clerks reporting big GOP gains ahead of the May 13 party-change deadline—an effect amplified by Wyoming’s closed primaries. Public Safety: Fire danger stays high across eastern Wyoming, with multiple Red Flag Warnings and strong winds expected to spread fast-moving grassland fires. Water & Power: Colorado River talks are headed toward a rocky mediation as Interior prepares a summer plan that could impose drought-driven delivery cuts—setting upstream states like Wyoming against downstream proposals. State Government Watch: A Wyoming GOP lawsuit aims to shape who gets endorsed and financed before primaries, raising concerns about voters’ control over nominees. Local Life: Casper’s Ford Wyoming Center hosts the College National Finals Rodeo June 14–20, and a Northeast Texas team roping duo is headed to compete. Community & Culture: The Trueness Project and ACL Global are teaming up for a Grand Butterfly Gathering in Jackson Hole on June 27. Sports: The Wyoming Walleye Stampede’s Governor’s Cup went to the Ken & Ken Zuber team, with the next event set for Boysen Reservoir June 27–28.

Wyoming Politics & Governance: Cheyenne resident Victor Miller’s AI bid for the U.S. Senate was rejected by the Secretary of State and the court, with officials saying candidates must be human beings. Elections & Voting: The Trump administration is moving to restrict voting by mail, while DHS plans to let states access federal citizenship data and monitor mail ballots for fraud signals. Public Health: More than 50 Planned Parenthood clinics have closed, driven by funding limits tied to Title X and Medicaid rules, threatening access for low-income patients. State Government Watch: Laramie plans to apply larvicide to curb mosquitoes in nearby rural areas, citing West Nile risk. Sports & College: Wyoming AD Tom Burman criticized a court decision letting Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby play after NCAA gambling violations, calling enforcement “at risk.” Local Community & Culture: Cheyenne’s Asher Building won a historic preservation award for adaptive reuse. Wyoming Economy & Energy: Chariot Resources expanded its lithium claims at the Resurgent project, nearly doubling its footprint in Nevada-Oregon’s battery-metal region. Weather: Severe storms prompted a tornado watch for parts of Colorado, including Cheyenne County.

Road Safety Updates: WYDOT crews will install thermoplastic markings starting Monday evening (June 8) on US 26/89/189/191, Broadway Avenue, WY-22 and near Hoback Junction, running 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for about two weeks with lane closures and possible detours. Severe Weather Watch: The Cheyenne National Weather Service warns of strong to severe storms Monday afternoon into evening, with large hail and strong winds most likely along the I-80 corridor, plus an isolated tornado or flash flooding. Wyoming Economy & Tech: A Business Insider map flags data-center growth beyond traditional hubs, including outside Cheyenne, and notes many projects plan dedicated power sources—raising questions for local electricity costs. Energy Costs: A report argues behind-the-meter gas plants tied to data centers could push up energy bills for homes and small businesses. Sports & Community: Wyoming football reloaded for the offseason with key returnees and a new quarterback transfer, while the Pros & Pokes camp in Casper focused on the mental side of the game. Local Business Spotlight: Gem State Comic Con in Idaho hit a record attendance, drawing more vendors and celebrity guests.

Wyoming Politics: Secretary of State Chuck Gray held a Rock Springs meet-and-greet June 6, pitching his U.S. House run and promising to push election integrity laws while backing Wyoming industries. Wildlife Management: Wyoming plans to cut the wolf hunt in half after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades, with a 22-wolf cap in the Greater Yellowstone area. Public Safety: The Wyoming Air National Guard held a 153rd Maintenance Group change of command in Cheyenne, transitioning leadership from Lt. Col. Brett Trippel to Lt. Col. John Jasper. Disaster Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought losses affecting a long list of Wyoming counties, including working capital and nonprofit eligibility. Community & Economy: Wyoming National Guard planners ran a rehearsal of concept drill for America 250 in Cheyenne, coordinating public safety, traffic, emergency response, and aviation support for July 4. Weather Watch: A stormy Sunday is easing into a quieter Monday in the Billings area, with more rounds of showers and thunderstorms later in the week.

Wyoming Energy & Land: The BLM reported a record year for onshore oil and gas lease sales and production, touting faster permit processing and more output on fewer acres. Wolf Management: Wyoming wildlife managers plan to cut the wolf hunt by half after a canine distemper outbreak pushed wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades. Tribal Housing Finance: Lakota Funds joined a USDA home loan program, bringing $764,000 to expand mortgage access for borrowers on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Public Safety & Weather: North Cheyenne Canyon Road and Gold Camp Road in Colorado Springs closed due to storm debris and damage. Wyoming National Guard: The Guard held a planning exercise in Cheyenne for Wyoming’s America 250 celebration, coordinating agencies and emergency response for July 4. Climate & Courts: A U.S. Supreme Court case on climate-related lawsuits against oil companies is moving forward, keeping pressure on fossil-fuel liability fights. Health Equity: Walking Forward cancer navigation is returning to Monument Health, aiming to expand screening and support for Native communities across eastern Wyoming and western South Dakota.

Wyoming America 250 prep: The Wyoming National Guard held a Rehearsal of Concept drill in Cheyenne to coordinate public safety, traffic, emergency response, and aviation support for the July 4 celebration, including Black Hawk and C-130 flyovers. Wyoming politics & economy: Three Wyoming governor candidates met in Cheyenne for a Chamber panel, focusing on rural healthcare, keeping young people in-state, military development, and how Wyoming should handle data centers amid a boom-or-bust budget tied to mineral revenues. Energy fight with national ripple effects: A coalition of 21 states and industry groups backed the U.S. Air Force in a lawsuit over the Tarague Beach detonation range in Guam, arguing a major win could reshape permitting battles nationwide. Climate science under pressure: A federal judge blocked efforts to break up NCAR’s supercomputing center by moving it to UW, while reports say Trump officials have started removing hundreds of deep-ocean monitoring sensors. Local health equity: Walking Forward, a Native-focused cancer navigation and screening program, is returning to Monument Health after decades serving western South Dakota communities. Jobs snapshot: May saw fewer mass layoff notices alongside stronger hiring, with unemployment steady at 4.3%. Public safety at summer camps: A new warning highlights risks like abuse, drownings, and active-shooter concerns as camps reopen.