AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day Travel & Gas Prices: Americans are heading out anyway, but the pump is getting brutal—AAA says Wyoming’s average is about $4.50, roughly $1.35 higher than last year, and GasBuddy projects many states (including Wyoming) will hit Memorial Day record highs, with analysts warning drivers could spend about $2 billion more nationwide than last year. University of Wyoming Budget: UW is staring at a new operating-money shortfall of about $15 million as enrollment dips, costs rise, and investment income can’t cover recurring bills. Game & Fish Regulation Changes: Wyoming Game and Fish will hold a June 3 Lander meeting on proposed updates ranging from wolf hunting seasons to aquatic invasive species rules. Public Lands Fight: Rep. Harriet Hageman is pushing to block future “roadless areas” policies as the Roadless Rule repeal process moves forward. Local Public Safety: Thornton police say a March homicide case is closed after the suspect died by suicide, while Cheyenne police report an arrest tied to a historic pumphouse fire.

Defense & Readiness: A modernized Payload Transporter Replacement rolled into Minot Air Force Base, taking over for aging missile-transport gear and supporting Minuteman III field maintenance until the Sentinel system is fully operational. AI Policy: The White House’s long-awaited AI executive order got abruptly postponed, throwing tech firms back into uncertainty over how government will review and govern new frontier models. Human Rights: Wyoming law enforcement says labor trafficking is a “hidden crime” that’s harder to prove and often underreported, even as hotline data shows labor cases make up a notable share of confirmed trafficking in the state. Local Public Safety: Cheyenne police arrested a man tied to the May 16 fire that severely damaged the historic pump house, with investigators saying the blaze was human-caused. Severe Weather: The Cheyenne National Weather Service confirmed four tornadoes touched down across Laramie and Kimball counties. Roads & Travel: Beartooth Highway’s Wyoming opening was delayed by spring snow, with crews aiming for a Saturday start if conditions hold.

Federal permitting push: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon are urging Washington to speed up and simplify the permitting process for big energy and infrastructure projects, arguing federal reviews have defaulted to the longest, slowest path. AI backlash in Utah: A new poll says Utah voters are increasingly sour on a proposed Box Elder County data center tied to celebrity investor Kevin O’Leary, with concerns centered on water, energy, and local control. Wyoming Memorial Day logistics: Cheyenne is laying out modified Memorial Day schedules, including city office closures and a shifted trash/recycling pickup plan, plus transit buses not running. Local growth: Cheyenne Botanic Gardens broke ground on a new Smith Family Education, Agriculture, and Trial Garden aimed at food security and hands-on learning. Wyoming health & safety: Sheridan County Detention Center launched its first medication addiction treatment program in Wyoming, while boaters are being warned to prepare and avoid holiday alcohol-related risks. Sports: Wyoming high school action continues with state track meet updates and tournament results across classifications.

Nuclear Policy Shake-Up: A new U.S. Senate bill led by Sen. Cynthia Lummis could let nuclear plants use commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety areas, aiming to cut costs and speed construction—while critics warn it could weaken safety guardrails. Wildlife Health: Wyoming’s gray wolf recovery stayed above federal minimums in 2025, but a canine distemper outbreak hit hard—especially pups, with only about 31 to 34 surviving out of 87 born. Memorial Day Logistics: Kingston and Forty Fort will hold a Memorial Day parade Monday, May 25, with Wyoming Avenue closures and an Exit 5 shutdown affecting traffic for several hours. Local Food Help: Green River launched “Feed Green River,” adding emergency food kits between regular pantry distribution days. Wyoming Politics: Rep. Liz Storer announced her bid for a third term in House District 23, focusing on housing, education, conservation, and water quality. Road Watch: WYDOT reminds drivers to yield and move over for snowplows after a May 18 I-80 crash involving a semi and a WYDOT plow.

Airport Security Shake-Up: TSA is rolling out “Gold+,” a public-private program that would let contractors handle more screening at participating airports, aiming to reduce staffing headaches and cut wait times. Federal Court Fallout in Wyoming: Darin Smith was confirmed as U.S. attorney for Wyoming, even as nine felony cases were recently tossed over alleged misconduct tied to a grand jury process—setting up more legal fights ahead. Wyoming Summer Childcare Gap: With the Cheyenne YMCA closing for the season, Boys & Girls Clubs and Cheyenne Recreation are ramping up summer programs to absorb hundreds more kids. Drought Watch: May precipitation brought slight relief, but snowpack is still only 39% of the median statewide, keeping wildfire risk on the radar. Local Water Politics: Green River High students are pushing proposals to rethink the 1922 Colorado River Compact as climate change widens the shortfall.

Second Amendment Fight: A new lawsuit filed in Chicago challenges Illinois’ FOID gun-owner licensing law, arguing it violates the Second Amendment and due process by forcing people to get state permission before owning or carrying firearms. Public Safety: Fremont County’s DUI Task Force is stepping up patrols over Memorial Day weekend after five impaired-driving deaths so far in 2026, with SafeRide rides available in Lander and Riverton. Wildlife Watch: Wyoming wolves are at their lowest count since 2005, with canine distemper blamed for the drop and especially low pup survival. Energy + Tech: Enbridge and Meta are expanding Wyoming’s “Cowboy Project,” adding a 365MW solar plus battery storage deal tied to Meta data center power near Cheyenne. Local Governance: Weston County’s clerk appointment fight is headed to court, with a judge set to decide who temporarily fills the vacancy after commissioners deadlocked. Cost of Living: Gas in Wyoming rose about 11.8 cents per gallon in a week, averaging $4.49.

State Politics: Rep. Jamie Walsh won the GOP primary for Wyoming’s 117th District, beating Bill Jones 72.14% to 27.86%, and will face Democrat Jeremy Benscoter in November. Walsh has made data centers a top issue, pushing for stronger local protections and an 18-month moratorium. Sports & Community: The University of Wyoming’s women’s golf team used Motocaddy electric caddies to win the Golfweek Women’s National Golf Invitational, marking the first time electric caddies were used in NCAA golf. Local Growth: Grow Casper Urban Farm is expanding with more produce, volunteer opportunities, and plans for additional greenhouses and an apiary. County Politics: City of Mills IT director Cameron Savage announced a run for Natrona County commissioner, pitching a “technology and energy friendly” county. Infrastructure: WYDOT will hold a public meeting on Laramie’s Grand Avenue project, with mill-and-overlay work expected to start mid-June after Memorial Day.

U.S. Attorney Fight in Wyoming: The Senate confirmed Darin Smith as Wyoming’s U.S. attorney on May 18, despite sharp objections from Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho leaders who say Smith made improper comments during grand jury proceedings; the dispute follows reports that federal judges dismissed indictments against nine defendants over alleged misconduct. BLM Leadership: The Senate also confirmed Steve Pearce as BLM director, with Sen. Cynthia Lummis praising him for overseeing about a third of Wyoming’s land while conservation groups warn about the direction of public-land management. State Watch: WYDOT launched the final online public meeting for the Statewide Rail Plan update (feedback open through June 15) and says U.S. 14A will open Thursday, May 21 at noon. Community & Health: Cheyenne Police are planning Neighborhood Night and are inviting block captains; Cherry Health’s Mobile Vision Clinic will rotate among six sites this summer. Safety & Services: Wyoming agencies are coordinating for wildfire season; the Court Navigator Program is expanding virtually to Carbon County.

Winter Weather & Power Disruptions: A late-season storm is hitting Wyoming hard, with blizzard conditions and power outages sweeping parts of the state and WYDOT closing stretches of I-80 as visibility drops and travel becomes dangerous. Local Governance: Cheyenne residents are debating a proposed 12-month pause on new data center construction, with public comment running for hours over concerns about noise, air and water impacts, and transparency. Public Safety: Rural families outside Cheyenne got hands-on emergency training at a fire open house, including CPR and “Stop the Bleed,” aimed at helping people when help is far away. Education & Community: The Charter School Authorizing Board is set to take public comment on a proposed Wyoming Classical Academy campus in Riverton. Sports: Sheridan’s Broncs topped 4A East Regionals in Cheyenne, while Casper’s new junior roller derby team debuted after a long gap. Business/Industry: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas announced the first two gas turbines for a Cheyenne power hub tied to a major data center investment.

America 250: Communities across the U.S. are marking the nation’s 250th birthday with parades, drone shows, and local history reflections—often timed for summer travel despite higher costs. Wyoming Roads: WYDOT is ramping up road work, including I-80 construction set to start in Cheyenne and Kimball counties and ongoing regional paving/bridge projects. Local Safety: An Amazon delivery driver in Wyoming, Minnesota allegedly interrupted a hammer attack and helped save a woman; the suspect faces attempted murder charges. Education & Money: The University of Wyoming is warning lawmakers about a roughly $15 million operating shortfall tied to enrollment, inflation, and reduced investment income. Health Care: Wyoming lawmakers heard testimony on “maternity care deserts” as labor-and-delivery closures leave fewer birthing options statewide. Wildlife: Wyoming is cutting the gray wolf hunting cap in half amid a distemper outbreak.

AI Energy Buildout in Wyoming: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas say they’re delivering the first two Mitsubishi M501JAC gas turbines for the Cheyenne Power Hub—about 1,150MW of site-ready power—aimed at feeding a planned AI/data-center campus in southeast Wyoming and reducing strain on the grid. Wildlife & Housing: A new Wyoming-led study finds rural houses can block big-game migration, and it lays out how much space animals need between homes and key routes. Health & Safety Watch: A national spotlight is growing on silicosis risk for countertop workers, with California officials weighing whether to ban cutting high-silica quartz. Wyoming Sports: The Wyoming Cowgirls won the National Golf Invitational in Maricopa, setting a tournament record and finishing wire-to-wire. Weather: Cold air and snow are moving into parts of the region, including the Black Hills, with more wintry conditions possible. Local Notes: Wyoming interim meetings are open for public input, and a legal guide on protecting rights early in a case is circulating.

Mental Health Awareness: Hundreds walked and gathered at Kirby Park for a Mental Health Awareness Month event aimed at breaking stigma and pushing people toward help. Historic Preservation: Cheyenne’s Historic Pumphouse is under investigation after a Saturday night fire; the city had approved nearly $199,000 for adaptive reuse as the Clean and Safe program HQ, and the building has been on the Alliance for Historic Wyoming’s Watchlist since 2023. Weather Watch: A late-season storm is set to bring valley rain and mountain snow into Monday, with winter advisories/warnings for parts of Wyoming and nearby areas. Northern Lights: Aurora viewing chances may dip farther south than usual this weekend, including Wyoming, though likely as a faint glow. Local Sports: Sheridan and Buffalo both head to state soccer tournaments at Gillette this week, with Sheridan’s boys and Buffalo’s teams set for Thursday starts. Community & Safety: Gas prices remain a pressure point, with Washakie County’s lowest regular reported at $4.15 in the week ending May 9.

Wyoming Weather Watch: A cold front is set to slam into Wyoming and Montana, ending the week’s warm stretch and bringing rain, mountain snow, and colder lows—plus winter weather advisories for higher elevations Sunday into Monday. Severe Storms Beyond the State: The Plains stay on edge with fire-weather alerts across 11 states and a fresh severe-weather/tornado threat building into Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Wyoming Sports: Wyoming Seminary beat Holy Cross 6-2 in extra innings, setting up District 2 Class 2A tournament play. Community & Culture: Vestal Asphalt Foundation held its second annual Carnival benefiting the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference, and Cheyenne River Youth Project marked the growing season with a Winyan Toka Win garden blessing. Nuclear Tech: Bill Gates-backed TerraPower says it’s bringing Korean sodium-fast reactor safety testing know-how to Wyoming’s Natrium effort.

Wyoming Fire Danger: The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings across parts of the Plains and West, urging people in 11 states to avoid outdoor burning as warm temps, low humidity, and strong winds raise wildfire risk. Gas Prices Watch: In the week ending May 9, Wyoming’s average premium rose to about $4.91 a gallon, with local “lowest” deals popping up in multiple counties—while analysts warn prices stay elevated and volatile due to global oil uncertainty. Local Sports Spotlight: Wyoming-area athletes kept busy at the District 2 track meet, including Wyoming Area’s Janesa Sancho stacking medals and a state berth in Class 3A girls, plus Luke Kopetchny and Josh Mruk winning titles for the boys. Community & Veterans: The Wyoming Veterans’ Memorial Museum is set to unveil renovations tied to America’s birthday, and more graduation and local events are lining up for the weekend.

Northern Lights Alert: A G1 geomagnetic storm could bring aurora to northern states Saturday night into Sunday, with Wyoming possibly seeing it if conditions upgrade. Weather Watch: Dry, breezy conditions are also keeping wildfire risk on the radar across parts of the Plains and Wyoming. Local Roads: WYDOT says a $3.05M pavement project east of Dubois starts after Memorial Day, with milling and delays up to 20 minutes. Wildlife Safety: Togwotee Pass officials are cracking down on unsafe bear viewing—stay in your car, park only in pullouts, and don’t get too close. Wyoming Politics: A new push in Secretary of State races elsewhere highlights election-fraud concerns, while Wyoming’s own legal battles around public education funding continue to move through courts. Business & Power: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power announced turbine delivery for the Cheyenne Power Hub, aiming to support a major data center with dedicated power. Sports: East High’s Taylor Schaffer, Tessa Florita, and Jackson Isenberger signed for college athletics.

Credentials Clash: Cheyenne Bryant is doubling down on using the “doctor” title despite backlash over whether she has the right therapy license, telling Fox5 DC she’s “earned” the name and arguing licensing is mainly for insurance billing. Roadwork Watch: WYDOT says a $4.3 million 37-mile pavement improvement/patching project starts after Memorial Day on U.S. 20/26 east of Shoshoni, with delays up to 20 minutes and work stretching to Aug. 31, 2026. Federal Court Shock: As a Senate confirmation vote for interim U.S. Attorney Darin Smith loomed, a federal court dismissed nine felony cases tied to alleged misconduct—without prejudice—leaving the government a path to refile. Local Politics: Laramie County incumbents filed for reelection, including Sheriff Brian Kozak and others, as candidate filing opened Thursday. Mental Health Update: U.S. Sens. Barrasso and Luján say the Senate unanimously passed their bill to improve 988 geolocation routing so callers reach the right emergency services.