AGP Executive Report

Education & AI: A new report says K-12 AI spending is surging nationwide, even as research warns it can hurt how students think—raising fresh questions for Wyoming families about what’s actually helping in classrooms. Local Energy & Water: Lake Mead hit a new record low, underscoring how the Colorado River crisis could threaten drinking water, hydropower, and agriculture across the basin that includes Wyoming. Wyoming Environment & Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish is asking anglers to shift catch-and-release earlier in the day as warm water threatens trout survival. Public Safety & Health: A pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states—including Wyoming—was recalled over possible Salmonella contamination; officials say no illnesses have been reported yet. Local Governance & Immigration: The ACLU of Wyoming alleges several counties illegally deputized local law enforcement as ICE agents under the 287(g) program, without required notice or records. Mining Watch: Crook County residents raised concerns at a meeting about a proposed mine on Bull Hill in the Bearlodge, with Rare Element Resources outlining permitting and site plans. Cheyenne Updates: Cheyenne is set for a $2 million, monthlong repaving project on Cheyenne Avenue with weekday traffic restrictions. Consumer Alerts: Cheyenne saw one scam report for the week ending Aug. 1, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Data Center Debate: A nationwide fight over whether to allow data centers is intensifying, with Wyoming communities weighing water use, power reliability, and the risk of bad contracts against the tax windfall. Healthcare Innovation in Cheyenne: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center performed Wyoming’s first Amulet procedures for atrial fibrillation, giving some patients an option that can reduce reliance on long-term blood thinners. Local Government & Records: A new court filing asks a judge to hold Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak in contempt over records tied to an immigration case. Infrastructure Funding: The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board approved $20 million for Cheyenne lead service line investigations and replacements. Public Lands Poll: A new statewide survey finds Wyoming voters strongly oppose selling federally managed public lands. Wyoming Business Council: The Wyoming Business Council will host a virtual listening session Aug. 13 as part of its statewide “Team Wyoming Huddle.” Wildfire Response: A new incident response team took over command of three Walla Walla-area wildfires as smoke and fire growth concerns continue. Wildlife Safety: Wyoming Game and Fish warns drought is pushing big game animals toward roadsides, urging drivers to slow down and watch for wildlife.

Gun Rights (Federal Courts): A federal judge struck down parts of the National Firearms Act, ruling the government can’t enforce NFA registration rules for items like silencers and short-barreled rifles after taxes were removed. Public Safety (Cheyenne Frontier Days): Cheyenne-area agencies teamed up for a traffic safety push during Frontier Days, making 1,122 traffic stops and leading to 38 DUI arrests. Housing & Planning (Laramie): Laramie officials held an open house on a proposed West Side housing development, stressing the project isn’t finalized and will still face zoning, floodplain, and other public review steps. Energy & Climate (Data Centers): A federal report says coal generation rose as AI data center electricity demand reshaped the U.S. power grid, slowing retirements and increasing emissions pressure. Health (Salmonella): The CDC says a jalapeno-linked salmonella outbreak has spread to 27 states, with Chipotle and Qdoba removing jalapeños from menus. Wyoming Agriculture: Gov. Gordon issued an executive order allowing emergency transportation permits for oversize/overweight livestock feed and livestock amid drought impacts.

Wyoming Politics & Local Government: Run for Something endorsed Gavin Lobmeyer, the lone Democrat running for Wyoming House District 7, as he pitches a new generation of progressive leadership. In Cheyenne, Ward 2 candidate Christopher Camargo is campaigning on transparency, youth opportunities, and managing growth, while the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority board will hold a special Friday meeting on its long-term structure. State & Community Services: Wyoming Game and Fish is asking anglers to shift to early-morning fishing and stop catch-and-release after noon on warmer waters, with voluntary closures tied to trout stress. Agriculture & Emergency Response: Gov. Mark Gordon issued an executive order allowing emergency oversize/overweight transportation permits for livestock feed and livestock amid drought and wildfire impacts. Education: Laramie County Community College is launching an Emerging Agriculture Technology Program focused on drones, farmbots, and AI cameras, with a fall enrollment deadline of Aug. 22. Sports: Wyoming football opened fall camp for the 2026 season, but Taylor Hasselbeck is out with an ACL injury and the Cowboys are also dealing with offensive line absences. Public Safety & Health: Cheyenne Police released mid-year crime stats showing a 12% decrease from January 1 to June 30 compared with the same period in 2025. Recreation & Events: The 62nd annual Kiwanis FFA Livestock Sale of Champions is set for Friday in Cheyenne.

Library & Community Pride: Goshen County Library in Torrington was named the Best Small Library in America by Library Journal, with the award highlighting its expanded Friday youth programming after schools moved to a four-day week and its strong community support despite tight budgets. Wildlife Safety: WYDOT and Wyoming Game and Fish say the Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project on U.S. 189 is ahead of schedule, with a $30.6 million overpass and underpasses designed to cut wildlife-vehicle collisions. Local Government & Rates: Logan’s council tabled a workshop on proposed electricity rate hikes after a packed meeting, with a planned review of a resolution that would raise rates about 2.5% starting Sept. 1 and set a separate framework for very large users like data centers. Public Health & Weather: Cheyenne-area meteorologists explained a recent heat dome that tied Laramie’s record at 94 degrees and raised wildfire concerns, while Wyoming residents were urged to protect themselves from wildfire smoke. Food Safety: The FDA reported a Walmart recall of bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states, including Wyoming, due to possible salmonella contamination. Transportation Planning: WYDOT opened public comment on its 2027 State Transportation Improvement Plan.

Special Education Guidance: Wyoming Superintendent Megan Degenfelder is convening a state working group to develop written guidance on IDEA requirements, focusing on how districts can ensure special-education services are delivered by properly qualified staff with proper monitoring and supervision. Abortion Politics: Degenfelder’s campaign announced an endorsement from Wyoming Right to Life, framing her as a defender of “the sanctity of life.” Cheyenne Ballot Prep: Laramie County voters got a close look at the sixth-penny sales tax projects at a library open house, including proposals like a new fire station and repairs/replacement needs tied to Johnson Pool. Data Center Backlash: In Cheyenne, a petition drive against annexation for Microsoft data centers is nearing its signature goal, with volunteers reporting rapid growth in signatures. WYDOT Planning: WYDOT opened public comment on its 6-year State Transportation Improvement Plan, asking residents for ideas on amenities, development impacts, and construction timing. Archaeology Lawsuit: Wyoming archeologists sued over federal rules they say are shutting down access to Native American collections and disrupting research.

Hemp Policy: Wyoming AGs joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to keep 2025 federal hemp reforms in place and block any move to reopen the loophole that let intoxicating hemp products spread. Public Safety & Courts: A man accused of using a spike strip to keep children off his lawn faces charges in Minnesota; in Colorado Springs, police arrested a man after an alleged gun chase through an apartment complex. Health Care Access: A Jackson cancer patient story highlights how local radiation and comprehensive care can cut the hardest part of treatment—getting there. Elections & Voting Readiness: Weston County held a public test of voting machines ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, with equipment sealed after passing. Wildfire Impacts: Devils Tower reopened Monday after a nearby wildfire closure, though trails remain shut; smoke and haze lingered in parts of Wyoming. Wyoming Politics & Community: Wyoming PBS announced televised, livestreamed candidate debates for the Aug. 18 primary. Everyday Costs: Wyoming gas prices dipped slightly to about $4.09 a gallon. Food Recall: Walmart nut butter sold in 19 states, including Wyoming, was recalled over possible salmonella contamination.

Colorado River: The Interior Department released a final 10-year plan for the Colorado River, sparing Wyoming and other Upper Basin states from mandatory cuts in the short term while pushing major reductions onto Arizona, Nevada and California. Local Governance: Wyoming’s Office of Tourism named five “Mavericks of Wyoming,” spotlighting residents from across the state and delivering custom jackets to honor their community impact. Public Safety: Campbell County is moving ahead with a new security checkpoint in the courthouse lobby later this year, with glass panels and screening for anyone heading to the second floor. Weather: Cheyenne is cooling after tying a daily heat record, with highs dropping into the low 70s before warming back up later in the week. Elections: Laramie County’s campaign finance disclosure period starts Tuesday, with school trustee and special district filings beginning Wednesday. Community & Culture: Wyoming leaders remembered Ann Simpson after her death, praising her lifelong arts and civic work.

Wyoming Courts & Public Safety: A Douglas County judge ruled Aaron Wright is unfit for trial in a Lawrence woman’s stabbing death and ordered treatment at Larned State Hospital. Cheyenne Crime Trends: Cheyenne Police report overall crime down about 12% in the first half of 2026, with declines in crimes against people and property. Roads & Crashes: Rawlins police and Wyoming Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal bicycle-vehicle collision that killed a juvenile near East State Street and Jefferson Avenue. Wyoming Sports: Wyoming running back Samuel “Tote” Harris was added to the Maxwell Award watch list. Wyoming Football Camp: Wyoming plans to keep most August practice off the North 40 grass fields, citing past non-contact injuries and the team’s schedule. Wyoming Governance: The Wyoming Judicial Nominating Commission announced two judicial vacancies in Laramie and Campbell counties. Wyoming & the West: Upper Basin governors, including Gov. Mark Gordon, reacted to the Interior Department’s final Colorado River EIS, saying it’s a short-term framework while key agreements are still pending.

Cheyenne & Laramie County Fair: The Laramie County Fair renamed its ranch rodeo the Steve Price Memorial Ranch Rodeo, honoring the longtime ranch rodeo voice who died in May; 12 teams competed in branding, trailer loading, steer doctoring and milking, with Wahlert/Breeden Ranches winning in 2:22 and Derik West taking the bronc riding short-go. Wyoming Business Council: The Wyoming Business Council is holding listening sessions and hitting the road to hear what communities need to grow local business, after lawmakers cut its funding and pushed for statutory changes. Wildfire & weather: Lightning sparked multiple fires near Clearmont, with the Lumen Fire burning about 7,200 acres and a Type 3 incident management team ordered to take over. Public services: Carbon County Library System announced expanded open hours across all seven locations starting Aug. 1. Community safety & sports: Big Horn County Search and Rescue is a finalist for a national Land Rover Defender award that could bring critical equipment after budget cuts; and the Sheridan Jets qualified for the Northwest Class A Regional Tournament in Casper after a runner-up finish.

Wyoming U.S. House race heats up: With the 2026 primary about two weeks away, the race for Wyoming’s lone congressional seat is crowded after Rep. Harriet Hageman moves on to run for Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ open seat, leaving nine Republicans and two Democrats plus an independent in the mix. Coal under federal land: A new U.S. Geological Survey report estimates about 356 billion tons of coal could be developed in new areas across the lower 48, with roughly half of that potential in Wyoming, though the report notes demand and developability aren’t guaranteed. Local politics and community: Cheyenne-area election prep continues, including public voting machine testing ahead of the August primary. Weather and safety: A flood watch remains in effect in parts of the country, including Wyoming County, West Virginia, as heavy rain raises flash-flood risk. Northern lights: NOAA forecasts a geomagnetic storm with aurora possible across northern-tier states, including Wyoming. Sports and events: The Laramie County Fair runs through Saturday, Aug. 8, with livestock, rodeo, and family activities.

Colorado River Plan: Federal water managers unveiled a 10-year operating framework that replaces the 2007 rules and could mean major, recurring cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada through 2036—while Wyoming and other upper-basin states rely on voluntary conservation and future two-year negotiations. Cheyenne Politics: “Politics on the Plaza” drew candidates and petition organizers pushing a referendum vote against Cheyenne’s annexation of 3,460 acres for Microsoft data centers. Wyoming Elections: The GOP primary for Wyoming’s lone congressional seat is shaping up as a crowded, contentious fight to replace Harriet Hageman, with candidates trading positions on public lands, Social Security and energy. Wyoming Sports & Community: Natrona grad Lauren Taubert won bronze in the heptathlon at the USATF Outdoor Championships; and Cheyenne’s Fridays on the Plaza heads into its final nights with Jay Sean and more. Weather: Record heat is easing for many areas, but gusty conditions and haze/smoke linger into the weekend.

Colorado River: The Interior Department released a new 10-year framework for Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations, setting up possible steep cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada if conditions worsen—while Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming would rely more on voluntary conservation. Heat & fire risk: A dangerous heat dome is expected to push record-level temperatures across the West this weekend, with major public-health warnings and heightened fire danger. Wyoming politics & elections: Wyoming voters are being urged to back election security efforts as Laramie County officials detail ballot testing and safeguards ahead of voting. Local governance: Natrona County’s hospital board says it no longer oversees a hospital, raising questions about why the board still exists. Community & culture: Pinedale Mayor Matt Murdock was named the Wyoming Press Association’s Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government. Wildlife controversy: A Texas influencer posted a $10,000 bounty targeting Wyoming hunters who kill gray wolves that leave Yellowstone—prompting Game and Fish to call it outrageous.

Colorado River Fallout: The Interior Department released a long-awaited 10-year Colorado River management framework, setting steep potential cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada while asking upper basin states including Wyoming to pursue voluntary conservation—sparking sharp pushback from water officials. Wyoming Veterans: VA awarded $500,000 to the Wyoming Veterans Commission to help highly rural veterans get transportation to VA care. Cheyenne Public Safety: Two Ace Hardware robbery defendants had their cases bound over to district court, with bond issues argued before a Laramie County judge. Local Government & Community: Pinedale Mayor Matt Murdock received the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government. Cheyenne Animal Shelter: Adult dog adoption fees dropped to $26.27 through Aug. 9 as the shelter’s “Not My First Rodeo” campaign ramps up. Obituaries: Ann Simpson, longtime Wyoming arts advocate and wife of former Sen. Alan Simpson, died at 94. Roads & Work: WYDOT striping crews are repainting highway lines statewide—drivers are urged to watch for wet paint and slow down.

Colorado River Crunch: The Trump administration released a long-awaited 10-year Colorado River plan that could drive major cutbacks for Arizona, California and Nevada, while sparing Wyoming and other Upper Basin states from mandatory reductions for now—decisions would be revisited every two years. Heat Safety: A valley heat advisory is in effect for Jackson Hole this weekend, with officials urging hydration, cooling, and watching for heat illness. Wyoming Outdoors & Wildlife: Wyoming’s Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project on U.S. 189 is moving ahead to help deer and pronghorn safely cross, aiming to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Local Policy Watch: Wyoming lawmakers are drafting changes to the Wyoming Food Freedom Act that could expand where homemade foods can be sold, including at restaurants and coffee shops. Community & Culture: South Pass City State Historic Site will host The Tinderwoods for Tunes on the Trail on Aug. 15.

Heat & Fire Risk: A near-record heat wave is expected to push parts of Wyoming and the northern Rockies toward triple digits this weekend, with gusty winds and low humidity raising wildfire danger. Cheyenne Community & Safety: Rooted in Cheyenne is offering eligible residents up to two free street trees, with planting set for Sept. 19. Wildlife Warning: Wyoming Game and Fish says marmot reports of chewing into vehicles are higher than usual this year, especially around Casper Mountain—officials urge drivers to watch for damage and deter them safely. Rail History Returns: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 rolled back into Cheyenne Wednesday after a coast-to-coast run tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Grand Teton Boating Safety: Grand Teton National Park launched a life jacket loaner program at major water access points to reduce drowning risk. Local Crime Data: Cheyenne Police released Frontier Week stats showing fewer calls for service, arrests, and citations than in 2025. Wyoming Politics: Petroleum Association of Wyoming endorsed gubernatorial candidate Megan Degenfelder.