AGP Executive Report

Education & State Leadership: Gov. Mark Gordon spoke in Washington, D.C., at an education event tied to the release of “community hubs,” pushing his RIDE and WHIP education and trades initiatives and highlighting cross-sector strategies with other governors. Public Safety: The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office reported a fatal overnight shooting in south Cheyenne: a 15-year-old died and a 13-year-old is in custody; juvenile identities are withheld under state law. Health Alert: Wyoming health officials confirmed a second measles case in Teton County, with Grand Teton National Park and nearby locations listing possible exposure times for visitors. Weather & Fire Risk: A dangerous heat wave is building across the U.S., with record-breaking temperatures and prolonged overnight heat; in Wyoming and the region, officials warn to hydrate, cool off, and prepare for elevated fire danger. Local Sports: Laramie Lightning’s under-18 club softball team went 3-0 in pool play at the state tournament in Gillette.

Extreme Heat Watch: The National Weather Service is warning of a dangerous heat wave across much of Wyoming, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect from noon Sunday to 9 p.m. Monday and temperatures hitting 100–110 degrees below 6,000 feet. Energy & Environment: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon says he plans legal action against California efforts to block an Oakland coal export terminal, calling it essential for getting Wyoming coal to overseas markets. Local Government & Public Safety: Cheyenne is warning residents about flooding along the Greenway underpasses as heavy rain risk ramps up. State Politics & Elections: A Wyoming election-season op-ed urges voters not to be manipulated by fear-based attack ads, arguing negative campaigning rewards mudslingers instead of vision. Federal Land Use: The Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day comment period on a December 2026 sale of 284 oil and gas parcels in Wyoming, with comments due Aug. 5. Wyoming Community: The Laramie County Library is set to host a luchador-themed WyoGives event in its parking lot, aiming to boost record-setting giving.

Wyoming Infant Death Case: Two Manderson residents face child endangerment charges after a 2-month-old died while living in a camper; investigators cited dirt, lice/dandruff, and a saturated diaper, and court documents describe disturbing conditions. Cheyenne Frontier Days: After The Outlaw Saloon closed, Cheyenne venues are stepping in—The Lincoln is launching a new 21+ “after hours” concert series during Frontier Nights. Mitch McConnell Health Scrutiny: New reporting and calls from both parties are pushing for more transparency as the senator remains hospitalized after his June 14 illness. Wyoming Education Rules: The Wyoming Community College Commission is taking public comment on Chapter 5 rule changes, including Tomorrow Scholarship enrollment rules and updated funding metrics. Wellness Program: UW Extension and the Wyoming Department of Health are offering a free, self-paced “Ready, Set, Thrive” program encouraging outdoor wellness for families. Unclaimed Property: Wyoming’s Unclaimed Property Division paid out $23.76M in FY26 and has returned $160.2M since 1993, with virtual-currency-related funds driving recent growth. Heat & Safety: Meteorologists warn of dangerous heat across the region, with record risks and guidance to protect vulnerable residents.

Wyoming Politics & Accountability: Cheyenne officials traced a rare bacterium found in wastewater near Meta’s $800 million “Project Cosmo” data center to a contractor’s fill-and-flush process, prompting months of cleanup and wastewater shutdowns—raising new questions for local leaders and for Mark Zuckerberg. Public Safety & Health: With a heat dome building across the Plains, meteorologists warn Wyoming-area conditions could turn dangerous, and anglers are being told to adjust plans as warm water makes catch-and-release deadly for trout. Local Community & Events: WyoGives returns as a 24-hour statewide giving push for Wyoming nonprofits, while Frontier Days week includes church groups offering hot lunches for people experiencing homelessness. Sports & Education: Laramie’s Trenton Rogers won the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association bareback title after a sleepless night, and heads to the National High School Finals Rodeo next week; meanwhile, Chris Pohl is settling into University of Wyoming basketball workouts as he “evolve[s]” into his freshman season. Labor Watch: National park workers in the Mountain West voted to unionize, including sites in Wyoming, as organizing spreads across federal agencies.

Teton Pass Crash: Two people died and four were hurt after an out-of-control dump truck slammed into multiple vehicles on Wyoming Highway 22, shutting down the mountain corridor for hours as investigators looked at possible brake failure. Wildfire Watch: On Cheyenne Mountain, the Rock Creek fire reached 50% containment after cooler weather and rain helped crews, with officials using drones to check for hot spots. Heat & Yellowstone Fishing Limits: Yellowstone closed select rivers to afternoon fishing due to dangerously warm water, while Jackson Hole faces an extreme heat watch—another reminder to protect people and pets during the hottest stretch. Cheyenne Data Center Fallout: Cheyenne halted industrial wastewater discharge after a rare bacterium was found tied to a Meta data center contractor, prompting city action to protect the water system. Local Events & Community: The Wyoming International Film Festival returns in Cheyenne after near cancellation, and Whispering Chase held a ribbon-cutting for a new assisted-living community. Public Safety: The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council warned that cutting mosquito-control funding could raise West Nile risk. Sports: Can-Am Bowl in Meeteetse showcased top six-player talent from Canada and the U.S., with the event drawing more than 1,000 fans.

County Elections: Sweetwater County Clerk Cindy Lane Swensen and challenger Dale Davis traded priorities at a GOP debate, with Swensen stressing election security and paper ballot audits and Davis arguing the job demands deep Wyoming-law experience. America 250 in Cheyenne: Wyoming leaders marked the 250th with Capitol speeches and a time capsule sealed for 2090, urging residents to keep shaping democracy. Public Safety & Weather: Forecasters warned eastern Colorado plains could see strong to severe storms Thursday, with damaging wind the main threat. Corrections: Wyoming Department of Corrections reported an escaped inmate from the Wyoming Honor Farm was apprehended the same day. Local Government: Rawlins held its annual city cleanup and logged a record trash haul. Health & Community: Wyoming PBS plans to drop “PBS” branding and rebrand as “Wyoming’s storyteller,” with public input focus groups ahead. Environment & Infrastructure: Cheyenne officials traced a rare bacterium in wastewater to a Meta data center contractor and shut down the discharge.

Teton Pass Tragedy: A dump truck crash on Wyoming Highway 22 killed two and injured four, shutting down the pass for hours as investigators look at possible brake failure. Wildfire & Heat Watch: Fire activity across the West has surged with hundreds of thousands of acres burning, while Jackson Hole is bracing for a weekend heat wave with record-challenging temperatures. Cheyenne Frontier Days: Cheyenne’s 130th “Daddy of ’Em All” kicks off July 17, with Mike “Wilkie” Wilkinson returning as Contract Acts Committee Chairman. Local Road Work: WYDOT will start the final South Belt Loop concrete slab repairs in Rock Springs on July 15, with staged closures and limited access around West Center Street. Public Safety Tech: Wyoming is among states pushing the FCC for stronger rules to stop illegal robocalls by limiting scammers’ access to legitimate phone numbers. Cheyenne Tech Privacy: Cheyenne tightened wastewater rules after a Meta data center contractor was linked to a rare bacterium discharge, keeping the system offline for cleanup. Wildlife Incident: Two women escaped a black bear attack on their tents in the Big Horn Mountains, after the bear tore into their campsite.

Wildfire Watch (Cheyenne Mountain): A pre-evacuation warning went out early Wednesday for a fire burning near Cheyenne Mountain State Park, with officials urging residents in a 1.5-mile area around Rock Creek Canyon Rd to be ready to leave. Energy & Mining: Visionary Metals won $250,000 in Wyoming Energy Authority matching funds to support geophysical surveys for its King Solomon and Tin Cup nickel-copper projects in Fremont County. U.S. Senate Health Update (Barrasso): As speculation swirls around Sen. Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso says he spoke with McConnell by phone for about 20 minutes and that McConnell was “fully engaged” and eager to return. Marijuana Policy: Wyoming rejected federal marijuana rescheduling and will keep marijuana products classified as Schedule I under state law. Public Lands Grazing: A major federal overhaul of grazing rules would expand livestock grazing across 155 million acres while narrowing public input, according to reporting. Crash (Teton Pass): A dump truck crash on Teton Pass killed two and injured four, shutting down the corridor between Jackson Hole and Idaho for hours.

Teton Pass Crash: Teton Pass reopened late Tuesday after a multi-vehicle wreck near Wilson left two dead and four injured; WY Highway Patrol is still investigating. Local Roads & Construction: Casper’s Hereford Lane bridge demolition over I-25 will close parts of the interstate July 7-11, and WYDOT starts Flaming Gorge Way concrete repairs Monday, July 13. Public Safety & Weather: Wyoming braces for a weekend heat wave that could bring record highs, while wildfire risk remains elevated across parts of the West. Cheyenne Water System: Cheyenne BOPU suspended some industrial wastewater discharge after rare bacteria was found tied to a Meta data center contractor. State Notes: Wyoming Unclaimed Property Division returned nearly $24 million to owners in FY2026, and WyoGives is set to return next Wednesday to support 500+ Wyoming nonprofits. Community: Cheyenne Fire Rescue credited a wildland crew for defending a home during Colorado’s Aspen Acres Fire.

DOJ Gun-Licensing Probe: The U.S. Department of Justice opened a civil rights investigation into Philadelphia police after the city revoked gun permits for a Black Panthers-inspired mutual aid group, challenging the use of a vague “good cause” standard. Local Infrastructure: Green River City Council is set to consider awarding a $2.86 million bid for the Indian Hills Drive reconstruction and utility upgrades, plus an MOU for permanent power at the city’s BMX track. Wyoming Energy & Water: Uranium Energy Corp is asking Wyoming regulators to expand aquifer exemptions tied to in-situ uranium mining in the Powder River Basin. Public Lands Grazing: Federal grazing rules for 155 million acres are being overhauled, with critics warning the draft would cut public involvement while expanding grazing. Cheyenne Data Center Fallout: Cheyenne suspended industrial wastewater discharge after a Meta-linked contractor’s “fill-and-flush” was traced to a rare bacteria in the city’s water system. Sports & Community: Cheyenne Post Six’s Quentin King earned Prep Athlete of the Week after a standout week at the plate; Casper’s “Run the Runway” 5K returns July 11 to raise scholarship funds for the airport’s flight school.

Transportation Budget: The Wyoming Transportation Commission Budget Subcommittee meets Thursday, July 9, to discuss WYDOT’s FY 2027 budget, with both Zoom and in-person options in Cheyenne. Local Government & Courts: The Wyoming State Board of Equalization agreed to apply the property tax cap while a lawsuit over its constitutionality plays out, aiming to keep 2026 tax administration from getting derailed. Energy & Utilities: Cheyenne police cracked down on speeders and noise violations, making nearly 150 stops and issuing about 70 citations. Environment & Land Use: Wyoming regulators cleared a contested Bondurant gravel mine expansion near Dell Creek, finding the permit decision was supported by substantial evidence. Public Safety & Weather: Federal wildfire forecasters say Wyoming’s large-fire risk is improving in some areas, but normal potential remains and southern/western parts could still flare through August. Health: Vitalant warned of a critical type O blood shortage and urged donors to book appointments. Community: The Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo runs in Casper through Saturday, July 11. Cheyenne News: A Cheyenne autism clinic fraud case tied to Wyoming Medicaid claims ended with prison and restitution orders.

School Choice Fight: Wyoming is opening applications for private K-12 vouchers, offering up to $7,000 per student as a court challenge to the 2025 Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act continues. Public Safety: A Green River firefighter, Lt. Spencer Berry, received a regional American Legion Firefighter of the Year award for his tunnel-rescue actions during a 2025 crash. Wyoming Sports: Cheyenne’s Sixers fell 3-1 to Laramie in the Mark Robért Classic semifinals, while Laramie later edged the Rangers 7-3 for the championship. Tech & Health Debate: Utah’s AI chatbot prescription refill pilot is sparking a national legal and medical debate over whether non-doctors should be allowed to prescribe. Regional Water Talks: Western governors, including Wyoming’s, met to push a Colorado River deal and avoid litigation. Local Weather: Southeast Montana and north-central Wyoming face storm chances Monday through Wednesday, with hotter conditions building into the weekend. Wildlife Science: A new Teton Range study finds rock glaciers are holding up better than ordinary glaciers, potentially sustaining cold mountain water longer. Bitcoin Watch: A dormant wallet tied to a New York lost-property lawsuit moved 30 BTC after nearly 15 years.

Cheyenne Data Center Fallout: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities traced a rare, metal-resistant bacterium in reclaimed water to a Meta contractor, Goat Systems LLC, leading to months-long suspension of the reclaimed water program and tighter industrial discharge rules; drinking water wasn’t affected. Wildfire Risk: Federal and state fire officials warn that an unusually early, aggressive fire season is already underway across the West, with multiple large fires burning including in Wyoming. Wyoming Water & Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Mark Gordon backed additional Mineral Royalty Grants, sending $3.67 million to 11 towns and districts for projects like fire protection, water, cisterns, sewer, and street repairs. Energy Grid Push: Western governors, including Wyoming’s, endorsed a multi-state task force (WestTEC) aimed at updating the regional transmission grid to improve reliability and reduce congestion. Local Transit Update: Missoula’s Mountain Line added higher-frequency Saturday service on Route 10 starting July 6, boosting access to key neighborhoods and services. Community Giving: WyoGives returns July 15 as a 24-hour online day of giving, targeting 500+ nonprofits statewide. Rodeo/Local Sports: Team USA shut out Canada 60-0 in the Can-Am 6-man all-star game in Meeteetse, Wyoming, with Texas’ Bode Ham starring.

Tax Fight in Cheyenne: Gov. Mark Gordon sued the Wyoming State Board of Equalization to force it to certify 2026 residential property tax values, arguing the board overstepped after it said the 2024 property tax cap created unconstitutional disparities. Data Center Fallout: Cheyenne halted accepting wastewater tied to data center systems after a Meta contractor contaminated the city’s wastewater with a rare bacteria, leading to months of cleanup and new limits on data-center discharges. Forest Service Shake-Up: The U.S. Forest Service chief defended the agency’s biggest reorganization in a century, saying the new state director hiring push has drawn about 300 applications and interviews are coming soon. America 250 in Wyoming: Wyoming leaders sealed a time capsule for 2090 and urged civic participation during Capitol events marking the nation’s 250th, with the Wyoming National Guard supporting July 4 festivities in Cheyenne. Local Weather & Fire Risk: Near triple-digit heat and elevated fire danger prompted a first alert for parts of the region, including Sheridan, Wyo.

Wyoming National Guard & America 250: Soldiers and Airmen helped lead Cheyenne’s July 4 America 250 parade with flyovers, marching formations, and a C-130 over the Capitol as the state marked the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary. Local Economy: Sheridan and Johnson County unemployment rates fell in May, with Sheridan down to 2.5% and Johnson to 2.4%, while Wyoming’s statewide rate was 3.4%. Health Costs: Medicaid dental services spending in Sheridan jumped 11.1% in 2024, reaching $343,740, showing continued growth in local public health care demand. Public Safety & Travel: Wyoming’s holiday DUI enforcement is ramping up for the July 4 weekend, and fireworks rules remain a key concern for residents. Community & History: Laramie’s Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is hosting a Statehood Day event July 10 with free admission and family activities. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Wyoming midgrade averages around $4.28 for the week ending June 27, with some counties seeing lower single-station prices.

Wildfire Safety & Fireworks: With drought and dangerous fire-weather conditions across the West, more communities are canceling or restricting Fourth of July fireworks, including Utah’s temporary statewide limits and multiple Colorado cancellations as large fires remain uncontained. Yellowstone Travel Tips: Yellowstone is urging visitors to leave fireworks at home, use only approved campfires, check current fire conditions, and drive responsibly as summer crowds and wildlife sightings ramp up. Wyoming Independence Day Events: Cheyenne’s Liberty Parade runs today starting at 10 a.m., and the Wyoming Capitol is hosting a full day of 250th birthday programming with a fireworks finale. Public Lands & Wildlife: Wyoming marked a major pronghorn migration protection milestone with the first designation of a bottleneck corridor at Trapper’s Point, aiming to prevent surface-disturbing activity so herds can keep moving. Community & Culture: Northland Foundation awarded seven Maada’ookiing grants of $5,000 each to Indigenous culture- and community-focused projects. Local Sports: Cheyenne’s Sixers bounced back at the Mark Robért Classic with an 8-4 win over Idaho Falls.