AGP Executive Report

Jackson Hole & Inflation: Three Fed officials warned inflation is still “stubborn” and “sticky” as Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid said policy may not be restrictive enough, with markets now watching Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first Jackson Hole speech for clues on rates. Housing Costs: Mortgage rates inched up to 6.66% (30-year fixed) as investors weigh Warsh’s remarks and bond-yield pressure. Meta Youth Safety: Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz announced Wyoming will receive $13.3 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with Instagram and Facebook required to add child-safety limits like daily time caps, nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks. Local Schools & AI: Laramie County School District 1 is expanding access to ChatGPT Edu for staff as part of an OpenAI K-12 rollout, aiming for teacher oversight and student privacy. Wyoming Politics: Gov. Mark Gordon raised concerns about “aggressive” DOJ election monitors during the state’s primary, asking the attorney general to look into the visits. Wyoming Courts/Policy: Legislators discussed closing a roughly $18 million gap between school food service spending and revenue, tied to a dispute over how districts can fund meals. Wyoming Public Lands/Religion: A lawsuit alleges a USDA-funded food bank cut ties with a Wyoming Christian ministry after a sermon sparked online backlash.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz announced the state will receive $13.3 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate deal over Instagram and Facebook youth harms, with required safety changes like daily time limits, overnight restrictions, stronger age checks, and expanded parental controls. Jackson Hole Watch: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is set to deliver his first major speech in Jackson Hole, with markets looking for clarity as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s bond-yield moves raise questions about how much the Fed will lean on markets versus direct action. Firearms Ruling: A Texas federal judge struck down key parts of the National Firearms Act tied to registration and taxes on items like silencers and short-barrel firearms, leaving guidance questions for the industry. Local Governance & Growth: Wyoming DEQ held a public forum on how environmental permitting works amid the Laramie County data center boom, while Cheyenne-area officials also continued work on school funding shortfalls tied to court findings. Community Notes: Laramie County Library System launched Library Card Sign-up Month with new community-designed cards; WDOC and UW marked the first cohort graduation from the Wyoming Women’s Center. Food Safety: Dreyer’s recalled select Outshine Fruit Bars in Wyoming due to possible glass contamination.

Wyoming DEQ Leadership: Gov. Mark Gordon announced Todd Parfitt will retire as DEQ director Oct. 1 after more than 14 years leading the agency. Rare Earth Mine Oversight: County commissioners in Sundance brought in state agencies to answer questions about Rare Element Resources’ rare earth mine permitting as the comment deadline nears. Game & Fish Shakeup: Records suggest Angi Bruce’s departure as Wyoming Game and Fish director may have been involuntary, after she was moved into a new policy role. Road Work: Casper approved intermittent closures of Second Street Aug. 28–Sept. 4 for Banner Wyoming Medical Center construction. Local Community & Health: Crook County Medical Services District added counseling at all three clinic locations. Adopt-A-Highway: An Edmonds family retired after 31 years cleaning a WY-296 stretch, and WYDOT is inviting new volunteers. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Wyoming is among states tied to a sweeping multistate Meta deal totaling up to $17.1B, requiring major Instagram/Facebook changes for teens and children.

Wyoming Economy: Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.0% in July, down from 3.2% in June, with most counties seeing little change and some notable drops in Carbon, Big Horn and Uinta. Cheyenne Local Government: Cheyenne City Council will hold an Aug. 28 work session on the Cox Ranch annexation proposal for a planned data center, with no votes taken and public comment reserved for later meetings. Wildlife & Land Management: Wyoming Game and Fish is moving forward under Interim Director Eric Wiltanger, with priorities including budget, efficiency, communication, invasive species, wildlife movement and habitat protection. Public Safety & Health: Cheyenne’s Elks Lodge is taking entries for its Drug Abuse Prevention Poster Contest, offering $150 prizes for youth and adults and displaying winners at an Oct. 6 drug take-back dinner. Education & Training: Casper College approved two new Bachelor of Applied Science degrees—Human Services and Agribusiness—its first bachelor’s programs offered directly on campus. Community & Culture: A Wyoming PBS documentary, “Before the Wire: The Legacy of the Pony Express,” was selected for the WYO Film Festival in Sheridan (Oct. 1–4).

Wyoming Courts & Transparency: A new push to expand public access to Wyoming court records is back in focus, with a bill debated by the Legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee that would broaden what the public can see. Public Lands & Fire Risk: The BLM is reopening public lands around Pinedale after the Bare Fire closure, but Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect across much of western Wyoming. Wildlife Health: Wyoming Game and Fish is investigating a mountain whitefish die-off on the Salt River, with lab tests pending and concern that parasites could be involved, especially under low-flow, warm-water conditions. Energy & Water: Nevada has sued the federal government over Colorado River water cuts, setting up more legal fights over how the shrinking river is managed—while Wyoming is not subject to mandatory upper-basin cuts. Economy & Costs: Fed officials are warning rates may need to rise again if inflation progress stalls, as businesses and households remain worried about high prices. Wild Horses: A New York Times investigation alleges a loophole lets federally protected wild horses end up in a “slaughter pipeline,” after BLM sales increased.

Colorado River Fight: Nevada sued the U.S. Department of the Interior over its Colorado River water management plan, arguing the Lower Basin will take steep cuts while Upper Basin states including Wyoming face only voluntary conservation. Wyoming Arts & Parks: Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council are inviting the public to the final 2026 Artist in Residence programs across state parks this September, with public events tied to each residency. Historic Preservation: The Preserve Wyoming Conference returns to Casper Sept. 17–19 for the first time in 15 years, bringing preservation professionals and community leaders together for talks, networking, and an awards banquet. Cheyenne Sports Spotlight: Laramie’s Tessa Dodd was named Cheyenne’s Female Prep Athlete of the Year after a standout season and a club volleyball national title, now heading to Kansas. Local Weather: Southeast Wyoming saw some drought relief from August rain, but officials say the real fix depends on a strong mountain snowpack this fall and winter.

Wyoming Politics & Public Safety: U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman introduced a bill aimed at keeping “improperly licensed” and unqualified drivers off highways by requiring federal audits of certain commercial driver’s licenses and cutting off funding to noncompliant states. Wildlife & Public Lands: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says a proposed separated bike path along Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton would harm grizzly bears but likely wouldn’t jeopardize the species, setting up another round of debate over the project. Water & Courts: Nevada sued the federal government over the Trump administration’s Colorado River cut plan, arguing Nevada could lose more than 70% of its allocation while upper-basin states like Wyoming face no required reductions. Local Wyoming Community: Rock Springs Pride rebranded as Sweetwater County Pride to reflect expanded, year-round support across Southwest Wyoming after Green River Pride dissolved. Wyoming Education: Stanley County Public School District starts the year with a new no-cell-phone policy during school hours, using Yondr bags and routing emergencies through the school office. Wyoming Business: The Wyoming Business Council named Jadeen Mathis its new Southeast Regional Director, covering Albany, Laramie, Goshen and Carbon counties.

Jackson Hole Watch: Markets are bracing for Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first Jackson Hole speech in Wyoming, with investors looking for clues on interest rates even as Warsh is known for avoiding forward guidance. Colorado River Cuts: The federal government unveiled a new 10-year Colorado River plan that would reduce water for California, Nevada and Arizona, while upper-basin states including Wyoming avoid cuts for now—though the deal is set to be revisited and could still trigger disputes. Wyoming Injury Update: Wyoming football commit Michael Vander Luitgaren made a big splash in his 2026 high school debut, throwing for 439 yards and five touchdowns in a win. Teton Pass Crash Fundraiser: An 11-year-old from Meridian, Idaho, remains in critical condition after an RV crash on Teton Pass, and a GoFundMe has been launched to support her mother. Local Weather: A cold front is expected to bring strong thunderstorms to parts of northern Wyoming and Montana before a quieter stretch.

Education & Safety: Laramie County School District #1 says fall classes start Monday, Aug. 24, and local law enforcement is reminding drivers to slow down in school zones. Higher Ed Naming: LCCC President Joe Schaffer recommends renaming the college to “Wyoming State College,” with a board vote set for Sept. 16. Health Care Costs: Wyoming saw the nation’s biggest ACA premium jump for a 60-year-old—up 421%—as lawmakers weigh a possible state-run catastrophic plan dubbed “BearCare.” State Politics: Sen. John Barrasso says Democrats are opposing the SAVE America Act and warns of escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and market impacts. Local Food Access: The Farm Jackson Hole plans a year-round local food market and education hub, aiming to open within 4–6 weeks. Water Policy: Under the new Colorado River operating plan for 2027–2028, Wyoming is in the “Upper Basin” with no set cuts, while Arizona, California and Nevada face reductions.

Local Sports: Laramie held the grand opening of its new 9-acre Laramie Bike Park, with downhill trails, a skills course, progressive jump lines, and Wyoming’s first asphalt pump track—hundreds of riders showed up for the Saturday debut. Cheyenne-Area Schools: Cheyenne East tennis teams fell in home duals Saturday, while Cheyenne Central swept Natrona County and topped Kelly Walsh in girls action, with boys also winning both matches. Community & Culture: Wyoming libraries are asking voters to approve two Laramie County sales tax measures that would fund repairs and expand services like makerspaces, telehealth booths, workforce support, and a “library of things.” Weather Watch: Thunderstorms and severe weather risk continued across parts of Wyoming, including warnings affecting Cheyenne and nearby counties. Prep Sports: Salt Lake Community College beat Laramie County CC 4-0 in men’s soccer, while Laramie High’s Claire Arens and Jovee Stender posted big wins in girls tennis.

Public Lands Fight: The Trump administration unveiled a plan to rescind the 2001 National Forest Roadless Rule, opening road-building across roadless areas covering about 4% of Wyoming—an area the size of the Shoshone National Forest—potentially pitting motorists and timber interests against hunters, anglers and other non-motorized users. Outdoor Recreation & Wildlife: The federal notice warns new motorized networks could increase user conflicts and reduce “quiet, remote” recreation, while conservationists say it’s a giveaway to the timber industry. Wyoming Education: Riverton K-5 computer science teacher Reva Lobatos was named Wyoming’s first National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, earning an 11-day expedition to Greece and Turkey to bring back classroom projects. Health Care: Weston County Health Services in Newcastle completed corrective actions after regulators found five EMTALA emergency-care deficiencies that could have jeopardized Medicare certification. Game Day Traditions: UW ROTC will test the football cannon Aug. 27, with residents in the area expected to hear it. Local Spotlight: Centennial is set to celebrate 150 years with a free Sept. 12 sesquicentennial parade and events.

Wyoming Politics: U.S. Sen. John Barrasso named Erin Dempsey, a Cheyenne native and Cheyenne Central High School graduate, as his new legislative director, overseeing his legislative agenda and healthcare portfolio. Game & Fish Leadership: Wyoming Game and Fish announced Deputy Director Eric Wiltanger will serve as interim director after Angi Bruce resigned earlier this month. Cheyenne Schools: LCSD1 will hold an instrument preview night for fifth- and sixth-graders on Aug. 26 at Storey Gym. Community & Sports: Cheyenne will host the Special Olympics Wyoming Truck Convoy on Sept. 19, with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the convoy rolling at 10:30 a.m. State Data: The Economic Analysis Division released the 12th “Wyoming and County Profiles,” updating county-by-county demographics, housing, jobs, and revenue stats. Land & Rights: Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Byrd criticized a BLM proposal that would reduce notice and public comment for landowners affected by oil and gas under private property. Colorado River: Federal officials finalized Colorado River operating guidelines for 2027-2028, requiring major cuts for California, Nevada, and Arizona while leaving Wyoming and other upper basin states without mandatory reductions for now.

Colorado River Crunch: Officials warn the Colorado River deal is headed for failure as current rules expire end of year, with the Trump administration ordering major water cuts that could hit Arizona hardest. Wyoming Energy Costs: Black Hills Energy is seeking a 32% average electric bill jump (about $32/month) for northeast Wyoming customers, drawing pushback over affordability. Local Governance & Data Centers: Albany County and Laramie city leaders held a joint work session to learn how data centers could be regulated before any projects arrive. Public Lands & Drilling: Ranchers are alarmed by a federal proposal that would stop BLM from notifying landowners about drilling under private property. Wildlife & Fire Risk: Wyoming Game and Fish will treat cheatgrass across multiple counties to improve habitat, reduce wildfire risk, and help native plants recover. Sheridan Naming Effort: A push is underway to rename Sheridan County’s highest peak for fallen Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, pending federal approval. Sports & Recruiting: University of Wyoming added multiple new commitments, including Noah Reid and Levi Rillos.

Federal Land Policy: USDA has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move that would lift long-standing limits on roads and logging across millions of acres of national forest land, with the public comment deadline set for Sept. 21. Wyoming Education: Laramie County School District 1 set a Sept. 22 immunization deadline; students who don’t comply will be excluded starting Sept. 23, and the district also released its fall 2026 open house schedule. Local Community: Cheyenne’s Greenway Fall Cleanup runs Sept. 5-27, with four Greenway segments open for group adoption. Corrections: Wyoming Department of Corrections says all inmates previously housed in Mississippi have been returned to in-state facilities. Sports (Cheyenne/Laramie): Wyoming soccer fell 2-1 at home to Weber State; in Cheyenne prep tennis, Central beat Sheridan 4-1 while East dropped its dual 3-2. Weather/Water: Drought remains widespread across the Intermountain West, and monsoon rains have not delivered broad relief.

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation: The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation is kicking off fall meetings for its 12 Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives, with public comment built in—starting Sept. 1 in Ten Sleep (Bighorn Basin) and Sept. 2 in Buffalo (Cloud Peak). Wyoming Politics: In Big Horn County’s Senate District 19 GOP primary, R.J. Kost won the nomination over Paul Hoeft, 2,752 to 2,395, with Kost carrying multiple towns despite negative mailers. Local Elections: In House District 26, Cowley Republican Dalton Banks cruised to a third term, beating J. Addison Aagard, 1,811 to 577. Public Safety & Health: A new partnership will expand behavioral health access in Carbon County, with Cody Regional Health’s psychiatric nurse practitioner set to see patients monthly at Beartooth Billings Clinic in Red Lodge. Sports: Wyoming volleyball standout Paige Lauterwasser earned a spot on the 2026 preseason All-Mountain West team, and the Cowgirls were picked to finish fourth. Environment: Sage-grouse monitoring shows fewer males at 2026 leks, continuing a long-term downward trend.

Wyoming Politics: With Tuesday’s primary results in, Wyoming’s next phase is already underway: unofficial tallies show Harriet Hageman leading the GOP U.S. Senate primary, James Byrd projected to win the Democratic nomination, Chuck Gray atop the crowded GOP House field, and Eric Barlow leading the governor’s race—while coverage also points to a broader shake-up after Freedom Caucus losses. Local Governance: Laramie County voters backed 13 of 14 Sixth Penny propositions, but Proposition 5 (Cheyenne municipal building remodel) failed in the latest unofficial results. Statewide Issues: A new Wyoming Game and Fish push will treat cheatgrass by air across multiple counties to improve habitat and reduce wildfire risk. Wildlife & Safety: WGFD relocated a young black bear found near Buffalo Ridge Elementary in Gillette, citing drought-driven food shortages. Energy & Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Uinta County at $3.99 for the week ending Aug. 8. Community & Culture: Arts Cheyenne announced the inaugural Cheyenne Studio Tour on Sept. 12, a free self-guided arts event.