AGP Executive Report

F.E. Warren Modernization: A new $140 million helicopter and Tactical Response Force facility opened at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, supporting the shift to the MH-139A Gray Wolf and next steps in nuclear security. Standards & Schools: The Wyoming Department of Education is seeking informal public input on proposed 2026 Wyoming Social Studies Standards, with a virtual session and an Aug. 27 deadline. Wildlife Health: Wyoming Game and Fish is urging hunters to submit deer and elk for chronic wasting disease testing as the 2026 season ramps up. Water Crisis: Lake Powell hit a record low, raising alarms about hydropower and water reliability across the Colorado River system. Cheyenne Fundraiser: Cheyenne Botanic Gardens held its 4th annual Putt for a Purpose to help build its new EAT garden (Education, Agriculture and Trial). Local Public Safety: First responders rescued four people trapped after a possible tornado in southern Campbell County. Gas Prices: Albany County’s lowest midgrade gas price was reported at $3.89 for the week ending Aug. 8.

Colorado River Crisis: Lake Powell hit a record low Saturday, dropping to 3,519.91 feet—just shy of the level where Glen Canyon Dam can’t generate hydropower—after Lake Mead also reached historic lows, raising alarms for water, electricity, tourism, and the 40 million people in seven states who rely on the river. Public Safety: Wyoming Highway Patrol says motorcycle crashes and deaths are up across northern Wyoming, with troopers responding to roughly twice the usual yearly average on scenic routes like the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Immigration Enforcement: ICE is expanding 287(g)-style agreements with state police in Wyoming and other states, allowing troopers to question, detain, and transfer people during traffic stops—turning routine encounters into potential federal kidnappings. Local Governance & Civic Life: Gov. Mark Gordon is urging Wyoming residents to apply for state boards and commissions, highlighting the role they play in regulating professions and shaping policy. Wyoming Community: Green River leaders are moving forward on a proposed Zehawi Pond wetland and fishing enhancement project, targeting completion in 2028 with grant funding.

AI & Abuse Lawsuit: A Wyoming woman, “Jane Doe 4,” says her stepfather used Elon Musk’s xAI Grok to generate more than 7,000 explicit fake images from a childhood photo, leading to a federal raid and a class-action claim against the company. Water Crisis: Lake Powell hit a record-low level, underscoring how the Colorado River system is sliding into “uncharted territory” after Lake Mead’s historic drop. Wyoming Tech & Security: The U.S. Air Force is buying Chinese-made DJI drones for F.E. Warren AFB to train missile security forces against real-world small drone threats. Wyoming Outdoors: As hunting season nears, Wyoming Game and Fish is urging hunters to watch for CWD and increased bear activity. Local Culture: Douglas County Libraries is running “The Well-Fed West,” an exhibit on how food shaped the region, running through Sept. 13. Sports: Reggie Smith was inducted into the Dodgers’ Legends of Dodger Baseball, and the Little League World Series is gearing up in Williamsport.

Gubernatorial Showdown: Wyoming’s three Republican governor hopefuls—Eric Barlow, Megan Degenfelder, and Brent Bien—made their final pitch at Central Wyoming College, focusing on water, health care, economic development, and how to handle federal overreach ahead of Tuesday’s primary. Wildlife Policy: A new federal push would make it easier for states to authorize killing grizzly bears in the Lower 48, with public comments due Monday and Wyoming among the states affected. Local Sports: Kelly Walsh football is rebuilding for 2026 after a tough 3-7 season and major senior losses, leaning on a young sophomore group and leadership from returning players. Wyoming College Spotlight: University of Wyoming volleyball held a Brown and Gold scrimmage as the Cowgirls adjust to conference realignment and sort out key lineup questions before the Aug. 28 opener. Community & Culture: The Brinton Museum opened “William Gollings: Collected Treasures,” highlighting the Sheridan artist’s cowboy-life work through Dec. 21. Public Safety/Justice: A Casper woman, Alysha Ann Dahl, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for meth trafficking tied to Wyoming and Colorado.

Wyoming Politics: A records lawsuit against Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak is getting a fresh twist after former GOP chairman Drake Hill—who backed the challenger in the Republican primary—donated to Sheriff Kozak’s opponent, according to newly released campaign finance records. Wildlife & Public Safety: WGFD investigated a bear attack on Teton Pass where a hiker used bear spray during a surprise defensive encounter; the trail was temporarily closed and no further management is planned. Federal Land Use: The Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day public scoping period on 328 oil and gas parcels that could be included in a March 2027 lease sale in Wyoming, with comments due Sept. 10. Education & Community: The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation will host a Smithsonian-backed workshop for educators on place-based civic literacy through arts integration Aug. 17-18. Higher Ed: UW College of Law received a $1 million gift from the Spence Foundation for student enrichment, with state matching funds doubling it to $2 million.

F.E. Warren modernization: The base dedicated a new $140 million helicopter hangar facility to support the modern “Grey Wolf” platform, bringing more maintenance and tactical response under one roof. Health care costs: Wyoming’s Health Insurance Affordability Task force met to hear testimony on what state leaders can do to lower premiums, including rural workforce and health system transformation. Rural health funding: A statewide advisory committee divvied up Wyoming’s share of federal Rural Health Transformation Program money, aiming to build lasting rural care capacity over five years. Election season push: The Wyoming Business Alliance urged voters to participate in the Aug. 18 primary, arguing housing and amenities are key to keeping and growing jobs. WYDOT road work: I-80 lane impacts are coming—an Exit 173 off-ramp closure in Wamsutter Tuesday for paving, plus bridge-deck replacement on the Green River tunnels starting Monday with reduced speeds and a 10-foot width limit. Wildlife safety: WYDOT and Game and Fish are building wildlife crossings on a high-crash stretch of U.S. 189 near Kemmerer, targeting fewer deer/vehicle collisions. Drought response: Gov. Gordon authorized emergency transportation permits for oversized livestock feed shipments, while weed and pest officials warn producers to watch for invasive hitchhikers. Public safety updates: Wyoming Highway Patrol identified a fatal Wapiti-area motorcycle crash victim and reported other recent rescues and arrests.

Wyoming Politics & Civic Life: Gov. Mark Gordon is urging Wyoming residents to check the state’s boards and commissions vacancy list and apply to serve, highlighting how the more than 140 boards shape policy, regulate professions, and advise agencies. Courts & Transparency: The Wyoming Judiciary Committee voted against sponsoring a public access courts bill for next year, while UW also landed high on another national “best college towns” style ranking. Cheyenne & Laramie Spotlight: Laramie and the University of Wyoming ranked ninth on Business Insider’s “Best College Towns” list, adding to UW’s steady stream of national recognition. Sports: Wyoming’s Cowboys began fall camp practice this week, with preseason honors and new faces in the mix as the team works through early situational drills. Public Safety & Weather: Cheyenne Wells and surrounding areas face daily storm chances through the weekend, with Saturday’s severe threat including damaging winds and hail. Community Notes: Torrington’s downtown mural project is set to start this weekend, aiming to add a “front door” welcome to Main Street.

Colorado River water planning: Cheyenne BOPU says about 70% of its surface water comes from the Colorado River and is preparing for possible cut lines, urging conservation to “bank” water and avoid costly new supplies. Road safety: Wyoming Highway Patrol is now considering fatigue in a deadly Aug. 12 crash on US 14/16/20; the state is on pace to top last year’s fatal crash total, with seat belt use still a major concern. Education policy: The Wyoming Department of Education is seeking public comment on an Ed-Flex application that would let the state approve waivers from certain federal requirements, cutting district paperwork while keeping limits for civil rights, health/safety, parental involvement, and IDEA. Wildlife management: A federal proposal would loosen protections for Lower 48 grizzly bears, with public comments due Aug. 17. Local transit: Casper is asking riders for input on proposed bus route changes; the survey closes Aug. 21. Wyoming economy/industry: Doosan Enerbility won a contract to manufacture core TerraPower SMR components for the Kemmerer project. Sports: Alyssa Glover’s late goal lifted UW women’s soccer to a 1-0 season-opening win over Drake.

Cheyenne Annexation Fight: Cheyenne City Council voted to ask a judge whether a referendum petition over a Microsoft-linked annexation can move through the city’s normal process, setting up a potential November ballot vote if signatures hold. Local Public Safety & Weather: Eastern Idaho is under a flash flood watch as a moist air mass brings rain and thunderstorms, with extra risk in recent burn areas. Wyoming Health Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Mark Cruz as the new Director of the Indian Health Service, filling a vacancy and placing a Native leader at the helm of care for 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Community Spotlight: Cheyenne River Youth Project expanded Bear Butte-area programming with new day and teen camps, and it’s also running a school supplies distribution Aug. 13 plus a free produce drop Aug. 17. Statewide Reminder: Wyoming families have until Aug. 31 to apply for SUN Bucks summer food assistance.

Cheyenne & Courts: Wyoming’s Judiciary Committee voted 8-4 against House Bill 93, which would have required free online access to court records and audio/video of hearings, with limited exceptions for sensitive cases. Local Politics: In Cheyenne’s Ward 1 race, retired Air Force medic Jim Chiro says he’ll focus on community service, responsible growth, and fixing streets and curb issues. Public Safety/Fire: BLM is closing parts of Fremont County for public safety as the Weiser Knoll Fire burns near Lander; closures run through Sept. 1, with WY-28 and U.S. 287 staying open. Water & Western Economy: Wyoming’s State Engineer says Colorado River operating rules tied to Lake Powell and Lake Mead are expiring, and federal guidance could reshape future water cuts. Drought Impacts: Severe drought is pushing Johnson County ranchers to sell calves early and reduce breeding stock as hay and forage shortages worsen. Health Alert: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño peppers has sickened people in 27 states, including Wyoming.

Competency Ruling: A man accused in the 2025 Lawrence stabbing of Cheyenne River Sioux member Jina Reyes-Woehler has been declared incompetent to stand trial and ordered to receive treatment at Larned State Hospital. Death Penalty Watch: Florida is leading a new surge in executions, with three other states—Tennessee, Alabama and Oklahoma—scheduled to carry out executions on Aug. 13. Local Funding: The Boys & Girls Club of Sweetwater County received $60,000 from United Way to expand school-age reading support. Privacy & Surveillance Debate: Wyoming’s data-center fight and concerns about surveillance cameras are front and center in fresh commentary aimed at Gov. Gordon and candidates. Education & Rules: Wyoming’s Department of Education is seeking public comment on changes to K-3 reading assessment rules and the dual enrollment reimbursement program. Food Assistance Deadline: SUN Bucks summer benefits applications close Aug. 31, with more than 36,000 children enrolled so far. Public Safety: Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department and Pineville Police will hold a traffic safety checkpoint Aug. 21.

Healthcare Expansion: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center marked the topping off of an 11-story acute care tower that will add all-private rooms, expand the emergency department with 22 treatment areas (including three trauma bays), add 24 ICU beds, and bring six hybrid-capable operating rooms plus upgrades for its Heart Hospital. Local Planning: Cheyenne-area residents can weigh in on how Old Stratton Park should reopen and be managed, with a draft plan review running through Aug. 23 and a community meeting set for Aug. 18 in Colorado Springs. Weather & Climate: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 is expected to briefly cool the air and disrupt animal behavior, while Wyoming’s broader drought picture remains dry in parts of the Missouri River Basin. Public Safety Alerts: Summit County is investigating failures in evacuation alert software after an alert meant for 107 households instead blanketed parts of the county and Wyoming. Wyoming Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish reports sage-grouse lek attendance down 13% this spring, with just over 27,000 males counted. State Services: Wyoming’s SUN Bucks summer food program has a final Aug. 31 application deadline, with benefits already issued to more than 36,500 children. Road Work: WYDOT maintenance is set to begin Aug. 17 on Teton Pass, with weekday lane closures and a short-term closure of the Phillips Ridge dirt lot starting Aug. 24.

Grizzly Bear Safety: Two sub-adult grizzlies were trapped (with traps set Aug. 4) after being spotted browsing fields just 6.5 miles from Powell City Hall, raising fresh concerns for nearby ranchers and families. School Funding Clarity: Wyoming’s school funding formula finally got a clearer explanation after months of confusion over how the regional cost adjustment is calculated. Local Government & Data Centers: Laramie City Council and Albany County Commission will hold a 6 p.m. work session on data centers, with public comment and feasibility materials on the agenda. Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños has expanded to 27 states, including Wyoming, with downstream recalls reaching major retailers. Cybersecurity for Water: A DEF CON-linked initiative launched a “Water Watch Center” to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks. Climate Watch: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month on record for the contiguous U.S., with record overnight heat. Drought & Farm Economics: Rural producers face tighter finances as drought and high costs squeeze margins. Wildfire Updates: The Bare Fire in Wyoming’s Range was mapped at 443 acres, while the Weiser Knoll Fire in Fremont County is estimated at 13,350 acres.

Wyoming Economy & Tech: Gov. Mark Gordon and business leaders met in Cheyenne for “Economic Essentials: The Wyoming Way,” tying workforce and education to the state’s next 40 years as AI and data centers expand. Cheyenne Data Center Investment: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says Meta will create a “Future is for Everyone Fund” aimed at communities hosting its data centers, including Cheyenne. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council voted to ask a judge for guidance on whether an annexation referendum petition must follow a different process under Wyoming law. Energy Costs: Wyoming gas prices edged up 0.7 cents to average $4.10 per gallon, with diesel down nationally. Wildfire Watch: The Weiser Knoll Fire near South Pass has surged past 13,000 acres and is Wyoming’s largest wildfire of 2026. Drought Relief: Gordon signed an executive order to speed oversize livestock feed and hay deliveries, while weed officials warn hay can spread noxious weeds. Public Safety & Courts: A Natrona County judge dismissed a challenge to Wyoming’s closed primary system for the second time. Sports & Community: Wyoming’s Mountain West scholar-athletes were announced, and two Sweetwater County FedEx drivers won state titles to advance to nationals.

Wildfire & Evacuations: Fremont County ordered evacuations near Lander as the Weiser Knoll Fire grew to about 9,600 acres, with overnight winds pushing it toward Twin Creek Road; officials reported zero containment and damage to a conex storage container and an older barn. Public Safety: The county is using the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation scale, urging residents to leave immediately when told. Heat & Climate Watch: NOAA says July was the hottest month on record in the U.S., with record temperatures and widespread heat domes fueling major wildfire conditions. Scam Alerts: Wyoming tied for 57th in Michigan cities’ BBB Scam Tracker results for June, with two reported scams totaling about $42,094. Local Government: Rock Springs approved the sale of the old First Security Bank building, aiming to remove an estimated $8 million liability and convert it into retail and office condominiums. Road Work: Gillette contractors are gathering data for a multi-year street repair plan using its pavement tracking system. Colorado River Update: Lake Mead hit a new historic low, underscoring intensifying pressure on the Colorado River system that affects Wyoming and other states.

Colorado River Water Crisis: Lake Mead hit its lowest level since it was first filled nearly 90 years ago, underscoring how drought and overuse are forcing tough choices across the basin that includes Wyoming. Wyoming Conservation: The University of Wyoming released a documentary on pronghorn recovery in the Red Desert, highlighting habitat restoration and GPS data that helped fix migration-blocking fencing. Local Sports: UW soccer opened its preseason with a 1-0 exhibition win over Denver, with Alisa Bunn scoring in the 86th minute; the Cowgirls host Drake Thursday. Weather & Fire Risk: Severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of Wyoming and the region, while wildfire smoke and hot, dry conditions continue to drive air quality concerns and elevated fire danger. Community & Veterans: The Moving Wall—an exhibit honoring Vietnam veterans—will stop in Newcastle Aug. 13-17, free and open 24/7. Education & Governance: A legal advocacy group is pushing Sweetwater County School District No. 1 to change its public comment policy and release more records. Public Safety: Wyoming’s air quality advisories and fire weather warnings remain in play as smoke lingers and storms look more likely later in the week.