AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Surveillance Debate: Wyoming’s city of Wyoming approved a second one-year contract with Flock license-plate cameras, renewing concerns about civil liberties, data retention, and how long search history is kept. Courts & Transparency: Wyoming’s Judiciary Committee voted 8-4 against sponsoring a bill that would have put court records and hearing audio/video online for free, citing sensitive information and staff burdens. Public Lands Safety: BLM is closing parts of Fremont County near the Lander Field Office through Sept. 1 due to the Weiser Knoll Fire, with drones banned and only landowners allowed on some roads. Water Stress in the West: Wyoming’s State Engineer says Colorado River operating rules are expiring and federal guidance could drive major Lower Basin cuts, as negotiations stall. Drought Hits Ranching: Extreme drought and bad hay crops are pushing Johnson County ranchers to sell calves early and cut breeding stock. Heat & Health: A new Missoula heat map project shows neighborhoods with more trees and shade can run up to 7°F cooler—an early warning for Wyoming’s own warming summers. Business & Jobs: Mesa Power Solutions is expanding manufacturing in Evansville, while Wyoming’s Sheridan College warns a proposed property-tax change could cost it over $1.3M. Wyoming Sports: UW soccer opens its season Thursday vs. Drake, and Wyoming high school football practice starts next week for most classes.

Wyoming Water & Drought Response: The Wyoming Weed & Pest Council is urging producers to watch for invasive weeds as Governor Mark Gordon’s emergency permits speed hay deliveries to drought-stricken areas. Local Governance & Wealth: A Teton County Board race survey spotlights how candidates want to “channel local wealth,” with proposals ranging from new taxes/fees to shifting policy so wealth benefits working residents. Public Lands & Wildlife: Environmental groups are preparing to sue the U.S. Forest Service over cattle grazing approvals in grizzly conflict areas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Elections & State Office: Sweetwater County candidate CJ Young argues his elections background and military service make him ready to lead as Wyoming’s next secretary of state. Community & Culture: Cheyenne’s WyoLotto unveiled its 39th Big Boot, adding another public art landmark to the city’s identity. Education Funding: Sheridan College warned that a proposed property-tax change could cut more than $1.3 million and reduce programming if Wyoming Initiative 1 passes. Food Assistance: SUN Bucks applications close Aug. 31, with benefits for eligible school-age children. Health & Safety: A Jackson-area hiker was attacked by a black bear on Teton Pass; Game and Fish says it was a defensive encounter and won’t target the bear.

Powerball: The $1 billion jackpot is up for grabs Wednesday, Aug. 12, with the drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET and state-by-state ticket deadlines that can be an hour or more before the draw. Rural Health & Politics: Wyoming’s lone U.S. House race heats up as Republican Reid Rasner pushes a rural-focused health care agenda—keeping local hospitals open, boosting the medical workforce, and expanding insurance options. Cheyenne Annexation Fight: Cheyenne residents challenging a Microsoft-linked annexation say the City Council is moving with “arrogance,” after council voted to ask a judge whether the referendum petition can proceed under the usual process. Housing Affordability Study: The Jackson/Teton County Housing Authority is seeking a consultant for a study on “naturally occurring affordable housing,” funded by a $25,000 grant, with an Aug. 21 deadline. Food Security: Wyoming’s SUN Bucks summer food program has a final Aug. 31 application deadline, with enrollment now topping 36,000 children. Public Safety & Community: A Casper restaurant owner says four diners allegedly ate a full meal and ran off without paying a $130 tab, sparking online debate. Wyoming Agriculture: A new executive order aims to move more hay for drought-stressed livestock—while warning that invasive weeds could hitch a ride. Health Alert: Experts warn of rising cases of the deadly drug-resistant fungus Candida auris across 27 states.

Wyoming School Funding: A new look at the state’s school funding formula shows districts couldn’t get clear answers on how the regional cost adjustment was calculated while budgets were being built. Public Lands & Wilderness: The Interior Department is taking a broad review of wilderness policies, with conservation groups warning it could weaken protections even as the agency says it wants better recreation access. Colorado River: Reclamation released a post-2026 Colorado River plan without basin consensus, leaving Upper Basin and Lower Basin states still at odds over who should cut water use. Energy & Permitting: A proposed tar sands pipeline leg through eastern Montana hit a permitting snag after the state withdrew a waiver, setting up more legal fights. Wyoming Football: Fall camp updates include UW adding cornerback Dainsus Miller and lineman Chandler Donaway, while Wyoming high school football season previews flag class changes and Shoshoni’s canceled 9-man slate. Affordable Housing: A new LIHTC-backed affordable housing complex is opening in Rexburg, Idaho, as demand keeps pushing more projects into the region. Cybersecurity for Water: DEF CON Franklin and the NRWA launched a Water Watch Center to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks. Internet Speed: HighSpeedInternet.com’s 2026 ranking finds modest national gains in download speeds, with rural areas showing some of the biggest improvements. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports keep climbing in multiple states, underscoring ongoing fraud risk for consumers.

Uranium Update: Noble Plains Uranium says its seven-hole confirmation drill at the Shirley Central Project in Wyoming’s Shirley Basin hit uranium mineralization in every hole, including high-grade intercepts, strengthening the path toward a resource estimate. Cheyenne & Data Centers: Gov. Mark Gordon and business leaders met in Cheyenne on “Economic Essentials: The Wyoming Way,” tying AI and data-center growth to workforce and education. Meta Investment: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says Cheyenne will be part of a new “Future is for Everyone” fund aimed at long-term community benefits around its data centers. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council asked a judge to clarify whether a referendum petition on an annexation tied to a Microsoft data center expansion can proceed under normal referendum rules. Colorado River Planning: A federal Colorado River proposal could trigger major water cuts starting in 2027, with downstream towns like Gilbert studying what it means for shortages. Cybersecurity for Water: DEF CON Franklin and the National Rural Water Association launched a Water Watch Center to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks. Wyoming Politics: A judge dismissed a closed-primary lawsuit again, backing Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Wildfire Watch: The Weiser Knoll Fire in Wyoming’s South Pass area has surged past 13,000 acres amid wind and dry fuels.

County Elections: Teton County housing policy is front and center as nine candidates square off in the Aug. 18 primary, with responses split on what should be county-funded versus left to private developers. Local Governance: Park County commissioner Bucky Hall says he’s running for a one-term return, prioritizing quality services, smart use of taxpayer dollars, and support for the Yellowstone Regional Airport. Wildfire & Public Safety: Fremont County emergency managers ordered evacuations tied to the Weiser Knoll Fire near Lander, using a “Ready, Set, Go” scale as winds pushed the blaze and containment stayed at zero. Rangeland & Environment: Sheridan-area groups are hosting a free invasive grasses workshop on Aug. 12, targeting ventenata and medusahead that threaten forage and raise wildfire risk. Water & Energy: Federal managers unveiled a 10-year Colorado River plan that sets the stage for major, recurring negotiations over Lake Powell and Lake Mead releases. Business & Jobs: The SBA named Gillette’s Red River as a finalist for the $1 million Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition. Climate: NOAA says July was the hottest month on record nationwide, with Wyoming also hitting its warmest July on record.

Wyoming Water & Federal Policy: The Interior Department released a 10-year Colorado River framework through 2036, aiming to reshape how water is managed as reservoirs shrink and drought deepens—Wyoming is included, and the plan sets up future reassessments rather than immediate, one-size-fits-all cuts. Public Health & Environment: A new national study finds many U.S. parks sit near industrial sites that report toxic chemical handling and near Superfund areas, challenging the idea that recreation spaces are separate from pollution risk. Wyoming Energy Jobs: In Kemmerer, workers are building TerraPower’s Natrium small-scale nuclear plant, backed by Gates and Buffett, with $2 billion in federal assistance and hopes of new jobs as coal declines. Local Governance & Transparency: A legal advocacy group is pressing Sweetwater County School District No. 1 to revise its public comment rules and release unredacted records, alleging viewpoint discrimination and transparency violations. Community & Culture: Newcastle will host the Moving Wall Vietnam tribute Aug. 13–17, a free 24/7 memorial bringing national remembrance to Weston County during Sturgis week. Wyoming People: UW Extension added two new educators in Sweetwater County, including a new 4-H youth development educator.

Local Education & Youth Development: The University of Wyoming Extension added two new educators in Sweetwater County—Lindsay Baker as a community vitality and health educator and Chloe Willenborg as the new 4-H youth development educator. Public Meetings & Free Speech: A national legal advocacy group is pressing Sweetwater County School District No. 1 to revise its public comment policy and release unredacted records, alleging board practices violate free speech and state transparency rules. Wyoming Energy Politics: U.S. House candidate Steve Friess visited Rock Springs to pitch energy independence, regulatory reform, and more long-lasting economic opportunity for Wyoming families. Nuclear Power & Jobs in Wyoming: A report highlights TerraPower’s Natrium project near Kemmerer, describing a small-scale nuclear plant backed by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett and the local business boost as coal declines. Water Crisis Beyond Wyoming: Lake Mead hit a record low, underscoring how Colorado River stress is rippling across the West. Community & Aging: AARP Wyoming named Ann Clement as its new state director, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit and policy experience. Culture & History: The Hinckley Fire Museum marks its ongoing mission to preserve and educate about the 1894 disaster.

AARP Wyoming: Ann Clement has been named AARP Wyoming state director, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit and public-policy experience from her leadership of Wyoming 211 and prior work with the Alzheimer’s Association. Research & Energy: UW researchers published a “gas-aware” review for choosing underground storage sites for CO2, hydrogen, and natural gas, aiming to match geology and safety to each gas’s behavior. Wildlife History: A major Science study used bison genomes from Wyoming sites to map 20,000 years of bison evolution and found limited cattle ancestry in modern herds. Water & Climate: Lake Mead hit a new record low, underscoring the Colorado River crisis and the tough tradeoffs facing states like Wyoming. Air Quality: Pacific Northwest wildfires are pushing smoky conditions into Wyoming, with basins trapping the haze. Local Governance & Services: Wyoming State Parks reached a tentative settlement that could end the Star Plunge dispute and reopen the Thermopolis facility after a long closure. Civic Life: Wyoming’s election participation push continues, with reminders to plan for upcoming voting.

Wyoming Politics: The governor’s race keeps heating up as coverage asks who can lead next after 14 years in the legislature, with Eric Barlow and Megan Degenfelder both in the spotlight. State Government & Security: Campbell County is moving ahead with a security checkpoint in the courthouse lobby, adding screening for second-floor access. Elections & Participation: A letter urges Wyoming voters to show up—especially in the Aug. 18 primary—pointing to higher turnout in the 2024 general election. Higher Ed & Research: UW’s Board of Trustees budget committee advanced major funding requests, while UW also contributed to a new Science study using bison genomes to map 20,000 years of evolution. Water & Climate: Federal officials say no “cool water” releases from Lake Powell this year to protect threatened fish, as the Colorado River system keeps hitting record lows and worsening drought conditions. Community & Culture: Laramie’s new bike park opens Aug. 22, and UW’s planetarium is hosting Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Weekend” experience Aug. 13-14. Public Health: Wyoming Public Media reports longer ER waits tied to more uninsured patients.

Data Centers & Water: Cheyenne-area data center developers and utilities told the Greater Cheyenne Chamber they’re using closed-loop cooling to cut freshwater use, as residents press on water, power costs, and environmental impacts. Local Governance: Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority is hiring an executive director to lead downtown revitalization and partnerships. Public Safety: WY Highway Patrol is urging seatbelt use after a rise in fatal crashes, noting many victims weren’t buckled. Elections: Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee’s retirement has three GOP candidates vying for the clerk seat, and filings are open for school and community college trustee races. Health & Environment: Wyoming officials warn of cyanobacteria toxins at Hawk Springs Reservoir and ask Lander residents to pull bird feeders after sick songbirds. Community & Business: Wits End Adventure Park opens in Cheyenne, and the Wyoming Business Council holds a special virtual meeting Aug. 11. Sports: UW soccer opens its 2026 season Sunday with an exhibition vs. Denver.

Riverton Food Fight: Foundations For Nations Church says the Food Bank of Wyoming cut off their long-running pantry partnership on July 7, after a controversial sermon and a discrimination complaint tied to religious, political, and racial bias. Public Health: A jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with Ohio reporting cases; federal agencies say the peppers are being recalled as the investigation continues. Wyoming Water Watch: Lake Mead hit a record-low level of 1,040.5 feet, underscoring the Colorado River crisis and raising fears for hydropower and “dead pool” conditions. State Services: Wyoming’s Rural Health Transformation Advisory Committee will meet Aug. 11 in Casper to discuss Rural Health Transformation Fund awards. Conservation & Fishing: Wyoming Game and Fish is urging anglers to shift catch-and-release earlier in the day as warm water threatens trout survival. Local Economy: Cheyenne’s annual Farmers Market returns Aug. 15, with up to 40 vendors and local produce, honey, and specialty foods. Business/Tech: Crusoe appointed Matthew Potter to lead energy development for its Wyoming data-center plans.

Colorado River Fight: Federal officials say they won’t release “cool water” from Glen Canyon Dam this year, citing hydropower strain, as the Colorado River crisis deepens and legal battles loom. Wyoming Health Care: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center performed Wyoming’s first Amulet procedures for atrial fibrillation, offering some patients an option that can reduce reliance on long-term blood thinners. Public Lands: A new statewide poll finds 91% of Wyoming voters oppose selling federally managed public lands, with support cutting across political lines. Wyoming Business & Community Input: The Wyoming Business Council will host a virtual “Team Wyoming Huddle” Aug. 13 to gather ideas from residents and businesses. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños has sickened hundreds across 27 states; Chipotle and Qdoba removed the peppers. Local Events: Cheyenne’s week includes Fridays on the Plaza, a Cheyenne Arts Celebration, a downtown farmers market, and a roller derby jam. Wildfire Updates: Willow Fire evacuation zones were downgraded as containment held, with re-entry rules in place. Sports: Wyoming football fall camp continues with roster and eligibility uncertainty, while Cheyenne’s sports calendar stays busy.

Data Center Boom in Wyoming: A 716-acre Switchgrass Industrial Park site south of Cheyenne is being wired for a massive 2.7 gigawatts, with permits filed under “Project Jade” and “Project Tembo” and a builder that county officials didn’t expect to find. Critical Minerals Research: UW and partners in Nevada and Idaho are using non-generative AI to clean and digitize critical-minerals data into a searchable database. Public Health Update: Teton County rescinded its measles emergency after no new linked cases for a full incubation window, while warning the virus is still active nationally. Road Work: WYDOT crews will mill and pave WYO 22 starting the evening of Aug. 10, with night lane reductions and up to 20-minute delays. Agriculture & Drought: In the Big Horn Basin, irrigation remains crucial but this year’s outlook is mostly steady thanks to adequate water supplies. Livestock Relief: Gov. Mark Gordon issued an executive order allowing emergency oversize/overweight transportation permits for livestock feed and livestock for 30 days. Health Alert: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states, including Wyoming. Politics & Health Costs: Former Rep. James Byrd criticized the end of Medicare Part D stabilization subsidies after 2026, warning of premium spikes for rural seniors.

Wyoming Agriculture & Roads: Gov. Mark Gordon issued an emergency order allowing temporary permits for oversize/overweight loads of livestock feed and livestock, aiming to keep ranchers supplied as drought, heat, low humidity, and wildfires strain pasture and forage. Wyoming Politics: Cheyenne City Council Ward 2 candidate Christopher Camargo is campaigning on transparency, youth recreation, and keeping infrastructure ahead of growth. Wyoming Legislature: Run for Something endorsed Gavin Lobmeyer for Wyoming House District 7. Wyoming Education/Workforce: LCCC launched an Emerging Agriculture Technology Program, training students with farm tech like drones and AI cameras. Wyoming Sports: Wyoming opened fall football camp in Laramie; running back Samuel “Tote” Harris earned a Maxwell Award watch-list spot. National Policy: A new federal rule redefines “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, triggering lawsuits and fears habitat protections will weaken. Food Safety: Salmonella linked to jalapeños has sickened people across 27 states, with FDA/CDC reporting no deaths and ongoing recalls. Community: Kiwanis’ Cheyenne FFA Livestock Sale of Champions is set for Friday, plus a 50/50 raffle deadline is nearing.

Wyoming Politics & Elections: Laramie County voters are being walked through election security by County Clerk Debra Lee, highlighting public testing of ballot machines and tabulators plus safeguards like voter review and the ability to spoil a ballot. Property Taxes: A property tax relief initiative on the general election ballot in Jackson is drawing organized opposition, with a “Vote NO” coalition arguing property taxes fund essential services and warning about how the exemption would work. Road Safety: Residents are demanding faster action on Teton Pass after a July crash killed two people, pointing to decades-old safety concerns and a 2024 corridor study calling out major safety and capacity challenges. Health Policy: Wyoming’s 2025 abortion report shows abortions down 28%, while also noting the state data doesn’t capture out-of-state or self-managed abortions. Local Government: Green River City Council tabled a $3 million loan for a Teton water tank rehab, pending engineering work before construction planning. Tech & Business: SpaceX says Starlink’s new V5 dish won’t work with the $10 Standby Mode plan, a change that could affect backup internet users. UW & Research: UW’s IMAGINE institute released a film on a decade of invasive grass management in northeast Wyoming, touting large-scale acreage treated and near $30 million invested. Community & Culture: Cheyenne’s Wits End Adventure Park opened as a new family-friendly hangout, adding more options for teens and adults beyond sports.