AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Politics & Policy: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is campaigning for U.S. House in Rock Springs, pitching his record and taking questions from locals about jobs, energy, and data centers. Public Lands & Heritage: A Wyoming archaeologist is speaking out after petroglyph vandalism in the Bighorn Basin, including bullet holes and fresh engravings, with the BLM investigating multiple sites. Weather & Safety: Severe storms brought funnel-cloud reports, hail, and damaging winds across the region, with Wyoming-area impacts including gusts and road closures from storm debris. Economy & Energy: Wyoming’s public utilities sales tax collections rose to $5.9 million in 2024, up from $3.8 million the year before, according to Census Bureau data. Community & Culture: Sheridan Media swept major awards at the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters convention, winning 14 total honors. Business & Growth: Sheridan-based Total Botanical Solutions expanded its specialized growth model for botanical and supplement brands, aiming to help companies navigate ad limits and competition. Sports: The Pros & Pokes Elite Football Camp in Casper drew former NFL and UW talent to coach kids on the mental side of the game.

Wyoming Air National Guard: The 153rd Maintenance Group held a change of command in Cheyenne on June 6, with Lt. Col. Brett Trippel handing leadership to Lt. Col. John Jasper as the unit looks ahead to upcoming deployments and continued wildfire support. Severe Weather Watch: Northern Plains residents are bracing for another round of strong to severe storms Sunday, with hail and damaging winds possible across parts of Wyoming and neighboring states. Rabies Alert: The Wyoming Department of Health says rabies is back in the state, with the first confirmed 2026 case reported in Sheridan County, urging people to avoid wild animals and seek medical guidance after any bat contact or bite. Energy & Environment: The Interior Department asked a federal court to let it revise environmental reviews for older oil and gas leases in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado, after a ruling that found greenhouse gas analysis was not properly handled. Local Safety: Colorado Springs officials closed North Cheyenne Canyon Road and Gold Camp Road due to storm debris and damage, with no reopening timeline yet.

Wildlife Management: Wyoming will cut its wolf hunt in half after a canine distemper outbreak drove the state’s wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades, dropping the hunt cap to 22 wolves. Local Public Safety & Infrastructure: WYDOT says the Flat Creek Bridge repair on US89 near Jackson will run about six days longer, with crews adding traction grooves, railings, and transition milling before a tentative June 16 reopening. State Emergency Planning: The Wyoming National Guard held a Rehearsal of Concept drill in Cheyenne for America 250 on July 4, coordinating agencies on public safety, traffic, emergency response, and aviation support. Wyoming Newsroom Spotlight: Wyoming News Now won major Wyoming Association of Broadcasters awards, including Station of the Year and multiple category wins. Sports & Community: Casper College volleyball and Wyoming-area Legion baseball highlights drew attention, alongside Wyoming High School State Finals coverage.

America 250 Planning: The Wyoming National Guard held a Rehearsal of Concept drill in Cheyenne to coordinate public safety, traffic, communications, emergency response and aviation support for the July 4 Wyoming’s America 250 celebration, including UH-60 and C-130 flyovers. Local Infrastructure: WYDOT pushed back the Flat Creek Bridge on US89 near Jackson by six days; crews will finish deck work, traction grooves, railings and transition milling, with a tentative reopening Tuesday, June 16. Economy & Work: New federal job data shows U.S. hiring stayed strong in May while mass layoff notices hit their fewest level so far this year, though some companies—including Spirit—still filed major cuts. Wyoming Sports & Schools: Wyoming Area athletes announced college commitments (wrestling at Lackawanna, soccer/track at King’s, and track at Susquehanna), while Wyoming’s Ryker Holtzen returned to NCAA Championships competition and Wyoming Area’s Gianna Gashi earned Girls Field Athlete of the Meet honors. Energy & Environment: A coalition of 21 states and industry groups backed the U.S. Air Force in a Supreme Court-linked lawsuit over the Tarague Beach detonation range in Guam, arguing a ruling could trigger broader permitting fights nationwide.

Coal & Energy Policy: President Trump announced nearly $700 million to revive and build coal power infrastructure, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority; Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon backed the move, while critics argue it’s propping up an expensive, declining fuel. Gubernatorial Race: Three Wyoming governor candidates met in Cheyenne for a chamber forum, focusing on housing, rural healthcare, keeping young people in-state, and the growing debate over data centers. Wildfire Readiness: The Wyoming National Guard joined state and local partners for a tabletop exercise in Cheyenne to tighten coordination for wildfire response. Elections & Governance: Wyoming GOP sued the state over a ban on pre-primary candidate endorsements, and a Weston County election clerk was appointed after prior investigations into election mistakes. Outdoors & Wildlife: A new Jackson Hole Birding Festival drew crowds, while UW researchers warn cheatgrass is making some Wyoming landscapes burn far more often. Weather Watch: Severe storms are possible across the region this weekend, with damaging winds and hail threats.

Cheyenne Summer on the Streets: Downtown Cheyenne kicks off the annual summer tradition Saturday at 10 a.m. with shopping, live music, line dancing, and interactive activities. Casper Arts: Nic Fest and a Thursday Art Walk collaboration drew crowds to downtown Casper, with organizers crediting the partnership for bringing more people into local galleries and businesses. Public Safety: Wyoming Highway Patrol marks “Secure Your Load Day,” warning that loose cargo can fall onto highways and cause serious crashes. Crime Watch (Cheyenne): Cheyenne police say vehicle burglaries jumped sharply in May, with suspects reportedly checking unlocked cars—especially in the Sun Valley area. Wildlife & Weather: Bear alerts continue in Wyoming, and northern lights forecasts point to possible aurora visibility in parts of the region. Wyoming Politics/Courts: The Wyoming GOP sued the state over a ban on pre-primary candidate endorsements, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Energy & Environment: Wind project critics rallied at the Wyoming Capitol, warning about impacts on birds and eagles. Coal Push (National, Wyoming-linked): Trump announced $700M in coal support, including funding tied to a major Oakland export terminal expected to ship coal from the Mountain West.

EPA Action on Coal: The Trump administration proposed freeing a Wyoming coal plant from a 2014 shutdown deal, arguing it will protect regional haze rules and keep the state’s economy “booming.” National Parks Funding Fight: Yellowstone and Grand Teton are facing a combined $1.5 billion maintenance backlog, with critics saying entrance fees are being diverted to Washington projects. Energy Push for Coal Exports: The White House announced nearly $700 million to support coal plants and build an Oakland export terminal, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon backing the plan. Wyoming Data Center Policy: Gov. Gordon signed a “Data Centers the Wyoming Way” executive order laying out a framework for AI and data center growth, including water and grid resilience. Wildlife & Public Safety: Grand Teton temporarily closed the Hermitage Point trail system after bear encounters, and Wyoming confirmed its first rabies case of 2026 in a Sheridan County bat. Local Life: A bird banding project is underway in Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, and a Wyoming Outdoor Council River Bash returns to Lander City Park with music, food, and water education.

Data Centers in Wyoming: Gov. Gordon signed an executive order setting a “Wyoming Data Center Development Framework,” while Cheyenne LEADS says there are about 10 operational data center locations in Cheyenne and Laramie County, 5 under construction, and 9 more in planning. Courts & Voting Records: A fight over Wyoming’s voter records investigation is headed to the Wyoming Supreme Court. Child Safety Enforcement: Wyoming County and McDowell County formed a joint Crimes Against Children Task Force to coordinate investigations, digital forensics, and support for victims. Public Health & Agriculture: Researchers report wildfire smoke can harm bull reproductive health, with higher rates of bull sperm sample rejection after smoke exposure. Wildfire Risk: Federal outlooks warn parts of Wyoming face above-normal wildfire potential this summer, with new areas at higher risk of large fires. Local Housing: Laramie County commissioners delayed a vote on Iron Guard Workforce Housing’s workforce project after internal issues, pushing the public hearing/decision to June 16. Energy Policy: President Trump announced nearly $700 million in coal support using emergency wartime powers, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon backing the plan. Northern Lights: NOAA issued a strong geomagnetic storm watch, with auroras possible across Wyoming and many northern states.

Wyoming Data Centers: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order laying out a “Wyoming Way” framework for data center development, aiming to keep projects moving while pushing state agencies to set responsible guardrails—after other states like Utah and Denver have paused or slowed similar proposals. Wildfire Reality Check: New research finds fewer wildfires are starting in the West, but the fires that do ignite are burning far more land, with large-fire growth driven by hotter, drier conditions even as prevention efforts reduce small starts. Cheyenne Election Fight: A retired Cheyenne attorney has taken a voter-data complaint to the Wyoming Supreme Court, asking the court to order the AG’s office to recuse from investigating his allegations against Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Local Governance: Laramie County commissioners postponed a decision on the Iron Guard “man camp” workforce housing permit after the applicant requested a delay to work through internal contractual issues. Community & Sports: Casper College students won five gold medals at SkillsUSA Wyoming, advancing to nationals in Atlanta; and Wyoming high school rodeo runs this weekend at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buffalo.

Data Centers & Governance: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order creating a Wyoming Data Center Development Framework, aiming to balance investment with water use, wildlife, workforce needs, transparency, grid resilience, and community input. Public Safety & Health: Wyoming reported its first rabies case of the season in Sheridan County after a rabid bat was found in a downtown backyard; officials urged immediate medical contact after any bat contact or bite. Local Programs: Laramie County launched Wyoming’s first Blue Envelope program to help deputies and first responders communicate with residents who have autism, cognitive disabilities, or other communication challenges. Community & Infrastructure: Cheyenne will celebrate Depot Plaza improvements with a ribbon cutting Friday, and Casper officials are weighing options after the Tower Hill slash pile closure due to wildfire risk. Wildlife & Travel Alerts: Grand Teton closed the Hermitage Point trail system because of bear activity, and WYDOT plans up to 20-minute delays on Highway 120 south of Meeteetse as work resumes next week. Education & Policy: Lawmakers heard testimony on the “basket of goods” for students and PE requirements, while Wyoming Game and Fish opened public comment on the 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan.

Wyoming U.S. Senate Primaries: Five Republicans and two Democrats filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 junior U.S. senator nomination contests, with Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sam Mead among the best-known GOP names. Election Integrity: In North Dakota, a Minot-area candidate is challenging Ward County’s election equipment testing as early voting begins, saying the verification steps were handled incorrectly. School Phone Rules: Across the country, more states are moving toward cellphone limits in schools, even as new research questions the real-world benefits. NCAR Fight: A federal judge blocked efforts to dismantle the NCAR climate research operation, keeping the Wyoming supercomputing center under its university consortium while litigation continues. Local Governance: Sweetwater County set a process to fill a vacant sheriff seat, with the GOP selecting finalists for commissioners to consider. Public Health: A report warns COVID wastewater surveillance funding cuts could weaken early outbreak monitoring as a new variant spreads.

Cheyenne Frontier Days: Cheyenne Frontier Days will team up with the U.S. Department of the Interior to celebrate “Day of the American West” on July 23 as part of America 250, with CFD running July 17-26. Wyoming transportation & taxes: WYDOT warned that suspending Wyoming’s fuel tax would cost the agency roughly $9.5 million to $10.5 million per month, even as gas prices in Wyoming fell about 16 cents per gallon over the past week to average $4.32. Local public safety: A rear-end crash on Highway 22 near Jackson released about 250 gallons of raw sewage; crews built a berm and washed/suctioned the spill. State politics: A former Wyoming lawmaker, Keith B. Goodenough, filed as a Republican candidate for the state’s lone U.S. House seat. Health & drought: UW Extension is launching a free three-part drought landscaping webinar series starting June 11. Sports: Wyoming Legion Baseball schedules and scores rolled on, while Cheyenne Frontier Days and other community events keep summer momentum going.

Federal Courts: A judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle NCAR, halting efforts to strip UCAR of stewardship over the Wyoming supercomputing center and calling the move arbitrary and bypassing required public input. Cheyenne Transit: The Cheyenne Transit Program launched a new pilot circular bus route to improve summer access and handle higher ridership. Local Education: Alta Vista Elementary in Cheyenne earned National Gold Star School recognition, and a Cheyenne South High School grad, Denver Priest, was selected for the National Youth Science Camp. Wyoming Outdoors & Safety: A fatal hiking accident near Albany County’s Falls Overlook involved a man slipping into Mullen Creek; meanwhile, Campbell County fire updates and Lincoln County prescribed burns are expected to bring lingering smoke. Community & Culture: Casper’s free summer concert series kicks off this week, and a Cheyenne farm stand is operating on an honor system as costs squeeze small businesses. Energy & Wildlife: A federal lease sale could open elk migration habitat near Dinosaur National Monument to oil and gas drilling.

NCAR Fight in Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, keeping UCAR in control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, citing unlawful action tied to political retaliation claims. Wyoming Childcare Grants: Wyoming’s childcare provider grant program reopens June 1, with applications due July 15 and awards up to $10,000, aiming to ease a statewide childcare crunch that’s cost hundreds of licensed providers. Cheyenne Safety & Growth: Cheyenne City Council moved to strengthen its oversized vehicle ordinance after enforcement issues, while also weighing how to manage data center development. Severe Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of southeast Wyoming and nearby areas, with forecasts calling for damaging winds, large hail, and tornado risk. Local Culture: Ucross unveiled its new art exhibition, “In Company,” bringing 14 artists together at the Wyoming ranch gallery. Health Access: A new outpatient surgery center in Idaho Falls highlighted lower-cost procedures and expanded specialty options.

Public Lands & Hunting: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 95% of national refuge lands could be opened to hunting under proposed federal changes, following Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s push to remove barriers to hunting and fishing on public lands. Wyoming History: A new local library feature spotlights Major John Wesley Powell in Green River, explaining how the Civil War veteran lost an arm at Shiloh and later led the 1869 expedition through the Green and Colorado rivers. Cheyenne/State Policy: A Cheyenne-area severe weather setup has forecasters warning of hail and damaging winds Tuesday into northeastern Wyoming. Big Boy Train: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its America 250 tour after departing Cheyenne, with crowds expected as it heads east. Local Government: Sheridan County commissioners will consider pre-paying $200,000 for a new ambulance for Wyoming Regional EMS, plus other county business. Sports: Wyoming football is back in the spotlight with offseason roster updates, including a new quarterback transfer.

Local Sports: Wyoming Seminary capped a long wait with its first-ever District 2 baseball title, beating Elk Lake 21-4 behind 21 walks and a big inside-the-park homer from Leo Nockley. Community & Public Safety: Wyoming Area Regional Police dedicated a plaque to former State Rep. Aaron Kaufer for his role in creating the regional department. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service is flagging a severe-storm risk for southeast Wyoming Monday, with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds possible. Wildlife & Recreation: Yellowstone visitors were furious after a drone operator circled a mama grizzly and her cubs near Grizzly Lake, prompting a ranger warning and a quick retreat by the bears. Wyoming Politics: James Byrd, a Democrat, is challenging GOP candidates for Wyoming’s U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Cynthia Lummis. Wyoming Sports (College): UW women’s soccer released its 2026 schedule, opening Aug. 13 vs. Drake and starting Mountain West play Sept. 24 at Nevada.