AGP Executive Report

Data Center Boom: A project near Lost Cabin is described as the first phase of a proposed $66 billion data center investment, raising questions about Fremont County’s limited zoning authority. Separately, Black Hills plans to invest $1.8 billion in power generation for Google’s planned Cheyenne data center. Health Care: Wyoming lawmakers are advancing a pathway for foreign-trained doctors to practice under supervision, while the state is set to lose 43% of its Medicare Advantage plans in 2027 and face the nation’s steepest premium increase. Election 2026: Wyoming’s general-election early and absentee voting period has begun. Fire Response: A BNSF train sparked multiple fires near the Montana-Wyoming border; crews contained them after several agencies and landowners responded. Preservation: This year’s Preserve Wyoming Awards honor three recipients for restoring and protecting historic buildings and cultural sites across the state.

Energy & Industry: Meta Critical Minerals says the BLM has approved a 10,500-foot drill program at the Dugout Creek deposit in Washakie County, with a $52,800 reclamation bond posted and plans for about 53 air-rotary and 19 diamond-core holes to support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council’s Public Services Committee advanced annexation, zoning, and land-use steps for the Hitching Post District and the Orchard Hills data center, setting up major votes ahead of final consideration. Tech & Power: Black Hills Corp. signed power service agreements with Google for a Cheyenne data center, planning $1.8 billion in new natural gas generation (564 MW) to support Google’s load. Community & Health: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center will host its annual diabetes conference Nov. 7, and Meals on Wheels Cheyenne added four small community pantries with Fortis Construction. Wyoming Sports: UW men’s rodeo won the Antelope Stampede team title, while UW swimming and diving swept Mountain West weekly awards; in high school sports, Teton Valley’s Ellie Schumacher committed to Division I lacrosse at La Salle.

Skilled Trades Boost: Mitchell Technical College Foundation received a $945,000 grant from BlackRock Future Builders to expand rural energy and utility trades training for 240 participants across the region, including Wyoming. Cheyenne Air Service: Cheyenne Regional Airport announced additional United Express flights to Denver starting January 2027, adding one more daily flight on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Wildlife Accountability: A Uinta County judge sentenced three men in a moose abuse case, warning that Wyoming “values our wildlife” and jail time will follow cruelty. Drug-Price Lawsuit: Wyoming Attorney General Nick Brown joined a 43-state coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing conspiracies. Wyoming Education Leadership: Central Wyoming College will hold public sessions in Riverton, Lander and Jackson with presidential finalists as it searches for its next president. Local Community Health: Cheyenne-area recovery support continues through The Salvation Army Cheyenne Corps’ weekly recovery classes, aimed at building community during early sobriety. Sports & Community: Wyoming Cowgirls earned their first Mountain West volleyball win with a straight-set sweep of San Jose State. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports lowest midgrade gas at $4.55 in Sheridan County and lowest diesel at $6.19 in Teton County for the week ending Sept. 26.

Wyoming politics & policy: A Colorado federal judge granted Wyoming’s request to join an oil-and-gas leasing lawsuit as an intervenor, keeping the state’s challenge alive. Elections: Wyoming voters are weighing Proposition 1, the 50% homeowner property tax exemption, with a new poll showing more support than opposition so far. State government: Lawmakers discussed covering volunteer ski patrollers with workers’ comp benefits, including mental health care, as a draft bill heads toward a November vote. Energy & transportation: Cheyenne Regional Airport added more daily United Express flights to Denver starting January 2027, and Wyoming gas prices fell 10.1 cents to average $4.42. Public safety: Casper police warned residents about fake invoice scams that push wire transfers—city departments don’t accept wires. Wildlife & outdoors: Game and Fish approved a fencing project near Pinedale using wildlife conservation license plate funds to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions. Sports: Wyoming football is regrouping after an offense-heavy struggle vs. North Dakota State ahead of a Friday trip to San Jose State.

Wyoming Wildlife & Courts: A Uinta County judge sentenced three men in a moose abuse case, warning that “Wildlife of Wyoming belongs to the people of Wyoming” and sending one defendant to jail for 30 days. Fire & Drought Watch: Southeast Wyoming faces a Red Flag Warning for elevated wildfire risk amid unseasonably warm, dry conditions, while the USDA designated Carter County a primary natural disaster area due to drought, opening emergency credit for producers. Cybersecurity in Cheyenne: Cyber Cheyenne 2026 is set for Oct. 16 in Cheyenne, bringing together regional professionals to focus on AI, cyber threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Education & Community: Wyoming Arts Council’s quarterly board meeting runs Oct. 19–20 in Pinedale, with public comment invited. Local Transit: Jackson-area START bus fares change Nov. 27 after $1.5 million in federal funding was lost, with some previously free services now charging riders. Sports: North Dakota State shut out Wyoming 28-0 in the Battle of the Basins, keeping the trophy in Fargo.

Wyoming Football: Jay Sawvel called the Cowboys’ 28-0 loss at North Dakota State “maddening,” pointing to an offense that stalled on third and fourth downs and never got traction after an early interception. Wyoming Sports (volleyball): The Cowgirls bounced back with a 3-0 sweep of San Jose State, winning 25-23, 25-20, 25-18 after a tight start. Property Taxes & Politics: Wyoming Realtors and the Wyoming Taxpayers Association oppose Proposition 1, warning that cutting property-tax revenue without a clear replacement plan could force local budget cuts. Local High School Football: Rock Springs fell 52-13 at Cheyenne Central, while Green River edged Powell 27-21 in a homecoming win. Education & Workforce: Sweetwater County School District 1 won a $15,000 CTE “Engineer Your Own Drone” grant to build an unmanned aircraft systems pathway. Public Health: A new study flags Wyoming clinicians as among the least likely to regularly check cholesterol for patients on statins. Wyoming in the News: Cheyenne and the Arapaho Tribes approved a data center ban.

Wyoming Wildfire Response: Gov. Mark Gordon joined state forestry officials to celebrate a new $7.5 million Casper aviation helibase, built to speed up wildfire suppression and improve coordination with federal partners. Local Governance: A Rock Springs mayoral forum highlighted competing plans for budgeting, infrastructure, and growth, with incumbent Max Mickelson emphasizing continuity and collaboration and challenger Rick Milonas pressing for different priorities. Suicide Prevention: Western Wyoming College held its first “Walk with the Light” event, releasing lanterns to raise awareness and connect students to help. Outdoor Recreation Rules: Wyoming Game and Fish says Teton County led permit sales for commercial fishing guides in the first year of the new regulation program, shaping how Snake River use is managed. Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes: Tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands. Food Safety: Casper-based EAK Distribution recalled sprouting broccoli seeds sold on Amazon nationwide over possible salmonella contamination.

Wyoming Football: The Cowboys’ “Battle of the Basins” ended fast in Fargo, with North Dakota State shutting out Wyoming 28-0. Tyler Hughes went 5-of-14 for 52 yards and threw an interception on the first play, and UW managed just eight first downs and 162 total yards. Wyoming Sports (Women’s Volleyball): The Cowgirls bounced back in San Jose, beating San Jose State 3-0 behind Paige Lauterwasser’s 13 kills; UW outkilled SJSU 43-34 and hosts Air Force Thursday. Local Law Enforcement: A Florida man was arrested for DUI after allegedly seeking Josh Allen to pitch himself to the Cowboys, according to Natrona County authorities. Education Finance: The U.S. Senate passed a bill giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage the permanent school trust fund, potentially boosting returns for K-12. High School Sports: Cheyenne Central’s volleyball team topped Thunder Basin (No. 2) in four sets, while Laramie volleyball fell to Sheridan in a tight five-set match.

Wyoming Politics & Elections: Constitution Party gubernatorial nominee Rebecca Bextel met with about 20 people in Cheyenne, arguing Wyoming politics is riddled with fraud and “weak men,” and pushing a housing-first message for keeping teachers, doctors and workers in the state. Property Taxes Debate: Cheyenne-area voices are lining up on Proposition 1, with opponents warning cutting residential assessments in half would ripple through funding for local services like rural fire, law enforcement, schools, and utilities. Healthcare Costs: A new ACA marketplace snapshot shows Wyoming among the biggest drop-offs in new plan selections, while premiums rose nationwide—signaling fewer people are buying coverage at the exchange. Public Safety & Community: Laramie County’s sheriff reminded residents about sex-offender notification rules, while Crystal Lake Fire Rescue unveiled an accessible fire safety trailer with Braille signage, strobe alarms, and bed shakers for residents with disabilities. UW & Local Life: UW’s College of Business hosted a career fair drawing nearly 500 students, and UW professor Tristan Wallhead was elected president of an international physical education organization. Sports: Wyoming opens Mountain West play with a focus on the Battle of the Basins vs. North Dakota State, with GameDay pregame coverage set for Saturday.

Local Government: Cheyenne City Council’s “Council Corner” update shows annexations moving toward October final votes, including Orchard Hills and the Hitching Post District, plus other zoning actions. Sports (Wyoming): UC Davis beat Wyoming women’s soccer 3-2, snapping the Cowgirls’ six-match win streak; in Riverton, Central Wyoming College topped Laramie County CC 3-1 in women’s soccer, while LCCC men edged Central 3-1 on penalty kicks. High School Football: Sheridan rolled past Laramie 35-27, and Wyoming Area rallied to beat Crestwood 30-13; Week 5/6 scoreboard coverage also highlights Natrona County’s 60-0 win over Cheyenne South and other statewide results. Public Safety & Courts: A Wyoming Boys’ School staff abuse case saw a judge deny qualified immunity, keeping the lawsuit alive. State Policy: Wyoming’s Safe Pass enforcement is underway on Teton Pass, and motorists face new self-certification rules for steep driving. Community: Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum plans a volunteer breakfast social Oct. 9, and the Wyoming Congressional Award Council hosts a statewide Day of Service Oct. 8.

Wyoming Community & Culture: A Wilsall Girl Scout, Teah Vennes, earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for creating Sedan Cow Camp and Show, a hands-on livestock camp now serving 150+ youth across multiple states. Public Health: The CDC reports 3,887 measles cases in the U.S. as of Oct. 1, with 95% tied to outbreaks—Wyoming is among the 47 jurisdictions reporting cases. Energy Costs: A new think-tank analysis says federal policy changes could push Wyoming households to pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040. Outdoor Recreation & Policy: The Forest Service is facing a massive backlash over proposed changes to how motorized vehicles would be allowed in national forests—99% of 134,000+ commenters opposed. Local Government: Green River voters will get a chance to hear from mayor and city council candidates at a free forum Oct. 7 at Western Wyoming Community College’s Green River Center. Mental Health: Southwest Counseling Service won a five-year, $2.69M federal grant to expand assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness in Sweetwater County.

WNBA Playoffs: A’ja Wilson poured in 36 points as the Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 94-83 in Game 3, sending the Aces to the semifinals and ending the Fever’s run. Cheyenne Utilities: BOPU says water main replacement work will shift east on East 19th Street, with a westbound lane closure from Rayor to the Converse roundabout for about six more weeks. School Board Race: Laramie County School District 1 trustee candidates faced questions at a forum hosted by the Cheyenne Teachers Education Association, including the At-Large matchup between incumbent Dr. Rene Hinkle and challenger Tanya Barcelona. Higher Ed: LCCC reports record enrollment growth, a record graduating class, and strong student success and workforce outcomes. Wyoming Policy: A Wyoming Legislature committee advanced a bill creating an alternative licensing path for internationally trained physicians. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council discussed a climate action plan and data center zoning items, including Orchard Hills. State Rules: Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture opened a 45-day comment period on proposed pesticide dealer/applicator rule changes. Road Work: WYDOT will close the Boulder Lake Road approach at WYO 353 on Oct. 5 for culvert replacement.

Ballot Watch: Wyoming voters heading to the Nov. 3 general election will see two sales tax questions in Washakie County, including a new “half-cent” emergency medical services measure alongside the long-running one-cent general purpose tax. Local Government & Seniors: Seven entities are seeking renewal of the one-cent sales tax, and senior centers in Worland and Ten Sleep are hosting forums next week to explain how the tax dollars would be distributed. Public Health: Cheyenne’s BOPU Granite Springs Reservoir has a harmful blue-green algae advisory for the West Causeway, with officials warning people and pets to avoid contact and not rely on boiling or filtration. State Parks: Wyoming State Parks won a $3 million Helmsley Charitable Trust grant to build a new visitor center at Keyhole State Park in the Coulter Bay area. Community & Safety: WY22 Safe Pass enforcement begins Oct. 1, making the self-certification program legally enforceable for certain vehicles on Teton Pass. Wyoming Economy: The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism Promotion Agency named Jaclynne Schofield as its new Director of Business & Visitor Engagement.

Water & Safety: Cheyenne’s BOPU modernized disinfection at the R.L. Sherard Water Treatment Plant, switching from chlorine gas to on-site sodium hypochlorite generation to reduce safety risks. Courts & Governance: The Wyoming Judicial Nominating Commission named three nominees to fill a District Court vacancy in the First Judicial District, sending the list to Gov. Mark Gordon. Public Health: Wyoming issued a harmful cyanobacterial bloom advisory for the West Causeway at Granite Springs Reservoir, warning residents and pets to avoid contact with affected water. Energy & Growth: Cheyenne City Council approved annexation and rezoning for the Cox Ranch data center plan, while the city also discussed electricity transmission cost pressures. Statewide Economy: A new WYDOT study says Wyoming airports generate $3.5 billion annually and support more than 21,600 jobs. Community Needs: Meals on Wheels is preparing frozen holiday meals to help clients during winter closures. Sports: Central High swept Wyoming state tennis team titles, while Rock Springs and Green River posted strong results at the state tournament. Wildlife: Game and Fish urged hunters to submit chronic wasting disease samples to help track the fatal disease.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wyoming—will start receiving $500 Affordable Care Act rebate checks in October, aimed at people who bought plans through HealthCare.gov and didn’t get premium assistance. Wyoming Water Infrastructure: Rawlins approved a $79,000 change order for electrical resistance testing on the Sage Creek Pipeline, part of a broader effort to fix aging drinking-water transmission equipment. Local Recognition: Brenda Roosa was inducted into the Wyoming Recreation and Park Association Hall of Fame for 33 years of work shaping parks and recreation in Green River. Education & Horses: Central Wyoming College student Giana Biagioni received a $10,000 equestrian scholarship tied to the National Western Stock Show arena groundbreaking in Denver. Rare Earths: American Rare Earths says its Cowboy State Mine scoping study boosts the potential 4.5 million-ton-per-year platform and improves the project’s economics. Sports: Wyoming’s Dilnaz Mashabayeva won the Delta Flight singles title at the Bedford Cup, capping a strong weekend for the Cowgirls.

Rare Earths & Energy: American Rare Earths says its Cowboy State Mine in Wyoming now has an updated scoping study with about $1.07B after-tax NPV, 4.5M tonnes/year processing, and a 26-year operating life after early 2026 drilling results. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council rejected a proposed Hereford Ranch zoning change that would have shifted nearly 74 acres to business park use, with opponents citing wildlife and bird habitat concerns. AI Oversight: A Wyoming legislative committee discussed a bill requiring meaningful human review for consequential AI decisions by government agencies. Public Safety: Cheyenne police arrested a Colorado man after he drove through a golf course and led officers on a slow-speed pursuit; he was also found with a rifle despite being a felon. Veterans: The VA awarded $673,196 in grants to Cheyenne-area groups for suicide prevention services. Economy/Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports Wyoming midgrade prices averaging about $4.74 statewide for the week ending Sept. 19.