AGP Executive Report

America 250 & July 4 Planning: As the U.S. marks its 250th birthday, Wyoming public-land managers are urging safe Independence Day recreation, with BLM noting fireworks are prohibited on its Wyoming lands and reminding visitors to check local fire restrictions. Wildfire & Fireworks Rules: With dry conditions and active fire risk across the West, Wyoming Game and Fish is also asking hunters and anglers to report vandalism and misuse that damages access areas—while Colorado municipalities are tightening fireworks rules ahead of July 4. Cheyenne Local Government: Cheyenne is briefing residents on Laramie County’s upcoming sixth-penny sales tax ballot, including Cheyenne Police Department proposals for updated digital equipment and a new firearms training facility. Rural Health Funding: Wyoming Department of Health opened applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program, with $205 million available to expand emergency care, workforce training, and rural health technology. Public Access Protection: Game and Fish says it spends tens of thousands annually repairing vandalized signs and damaged access infrastructure, urging the public to help protect public access opportunities. Immigration Case in Rock Springs: A Rock Springs business owner says a traffic stop escalated into federal immigration detention that separated her family for months, with her release reported June 19. Cold Case Update: Sublette County identified human remains found near Sweetwater Gap as missing Scottish camper John Gillies after an international investigation. National Policy Watch: A Colorado River settlement for Native communities remains blocked as Wyoming and other Upper Basin states raise concerns in the ongoing water-rights fight.

Wyoming House Race: Stacy Becker filed to run for House District 41 as the sole Democrat, challenging Rep. Gary Brown and pitching her criminal justice and youth/mental health background as her edge. Counter-UAS in Cheyenne: Military and civilian partners held a Counter-UAS demonstration at the Joint Force Readiness Center to improve coordination against drone threats. Belvoir Ranch Opens: After more than 20 years, Cheyenne opened the Belvoir Ranch open-space trail network—13 miles now, with 20+ planned later—adding a new public outdoor option. America 250 in Cheyenne: Cheyenne unveiled “Echoes: Wyoming at America 250” bronze panels on Capitol Avenue and continues semiquincentennial programming, including a major WY250 Fourth of July celebration. Courts & Plea Deals: A Casper attorney is pushing for felony plea agreements to be presented in writing, arguing about how plea terms were handled in a long prison sentence case. Local Tax Update: Casper’s temporary 6th-cent sales tax (SPEC) ended July 1 after raising $18.2 million for four voter-approved projects. Public Safety/Justice: A federal appeals court ordered the Trump administration to provide bail hearings for many immigrant detainees held in 10th Circuit states, including Wyoming. Water Rights Fight: A Colorado River settlement for northern Arizona tribes is being blocked by Upper Basin states, including Wyoming, keeping some families without running water. State Wildlife Protections: Gov. Gordon is moving to designate the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor, tying into the “Path of the Pronghorn” protections. BOPU & Data Centers: Cheyenne utilities traced a rare bacteria discharge to a contractor tied to Meta’s data center work and changed discharge rules for data centers.

Wyoming Politics & Government: Gov. Mark Gordon is asking for public comment on proposed revisions to the Sage Grouse Executive Order, with written input due July 30. Ballot Measures: A coalition is pushing for more clarity on Wyoming’s property tax ballot initiative after conflicting revenue-impact numbers showed a $32 million discrepancy, raising concerns about what voters are being told. Local Government: Cheyenne opened the Belvoir Ranch 13-mile multi-use trail system after decades of planning, turning long-protected land into new recreation space. State Policy & Health: The Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act is being hailed as a major step toward earlier cancer detection—especially important for rural patients. Federal/Tribal Justice: A Rapid City man was sentenced to 5+ years in federal prison for assaulting tribal law enforcement officers during a pursuit on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Energy & Industry: Myriad Uranium says Phase II drilling has begun at its Copper Mountain project in Wyoming, starting with holes targeting the Lucky Cliff area. Campaign Finance: The Supreme Court struck down limits on coordinated party spending, potentially reshaping how parties support candidates nationwide.

Immigration & Courts: A Colorado-based federal appeals ruling says an ICE “no bond” policy is unlawful, ordering release for a detainee and highlighting how bond hearings are often blocked in the region, including Wyoming. Local Governance: Cheyenne-area officials and others are still sorting out community impacts of major decisions, including a North Valley mosque moving forward after an appeal was denied. Wyoming Elections & Law: A gubernatorial candidate is suing Secretary of State Chuck Gray over Wyoming residency rules, arguing they violate constitutional rights. State Budget & Infrastructure: Lawmakers are weighing whether to revive a countywide consensus funding program that could help towns and counties tackle big needs like water and sewer. Public Health Funding: Wyoming opened applications for a $205M Rural Health Transformation Program aimed at rural hospitals, workforce, and technology. Property Taxes: The Wyoming Board of Equalization is counter-suing Gov. Mark Gordon over the 2024 residential property tax cap, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Public Safety: Laramie County launched the Blue Envelope Program to help first responders communicate better with people with disabilities. Business Oversight: A Wyoming Business Council audit found no improper use of public funds, with only minor documentation improvements noted. Wildfire & Fireworks: After firefighter deaths, federal wildfire leadership warned Independence Day fireworks must be minimized or eliminated. Culture & 250th: Wyoming’s Capitol City Celebration is set for July 4 as part of the America 250 statewide effort.

Local Elections: Laramie’s Albany County Public Library hosted a League of Women Voters forum with seven City Council candidates, spotlighting housing, infrastructure, jobs, and poverty ahead of the upcoming primary. Energy Grid: Western governors—including Wyoming Gov. Spencer Cox’s successor lineup—back a multi-state task force (WestTEC) to map and speed transmission-line upgrades across the region. Rare Earths & Industry: American Rare Earths says its Halleck Creek project in northeastern Wyoming has moved into an accelerated pilot plant phase to prove rare-earth processing into refined oxide. Immigration Court Fight: A lawsuit alleges the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office blocked access to “critical evidence” tied to an immigration case, raising Wyoming Public Records Act claims. Public Safety (July 4): Cheyenne police and fire officials warn fireworks are illegal in the city, stress burn and eye-injury risks even from sparklers, and note the Capitol fireworks show timing. Federal Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a decades-old limit on coordinated party spending, potentially reshaping campaign money nationwide. Wildlife/Outdoors: Yellowstone reported unexpected late-June snow closures ahead of the July 4 weekend.

SNAP Oversight & Costs: USDA says most states will have to cover 5% to 15% of federal SNAP benefit costs tied to payment error rates, but Wyoming is in the rare “low-error” group—its 2025 SNAP error rate is 3.96% (below 6%), helping keep program costs down. Fourth of July Rules in Cheyenne: Cheyenne’s fireworks ordinance stays in effect year-round, even after Laramie County lifted Stage 1 fire restrictions—sparklers and smoke devices may be allowed, but no aerial explosives or spark fountains. Energy Grid Push: Western governors, including Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, backed a multi-state task force (WestTEC) aimed at updating transmission lines and speeding permitting to boost reliability and reduce congestion. Wildfire Pressure: The West is facing unusually active late-June fire conditions, with major fires burning across multiple states including Wyoming. Public Transit Hit: Federal transportation funding reductions are forcing Wyoming transit agencies to cut services, with some facing major losses as Covid-era add-ons end. Supreme Court Sports Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender women and girls competing in female sports, keeping the national patchwork in place. Cheyenne 250th Events: Cheyenne’s America 250 calendar includes a July 2 “1776” concert and July 4 parades and fireworks.

Right-to-Repair: A new Newsweek map shows only Massachusetts and Maine have comprehensive “fix your own car” protections, as the White House pushes federal regulators to clarify what owners can legally do—especially around emissions systems. Federal Voting Rules: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states may count mail ballots arriving after Election Day, dealing a blow to efforts to impose a strict postmark/arrival cutoff. Wyoming Wildlife: Gov. Mark Gordon designated a key pronghorn migration corridor, adding protections in the most constrained, high-use public-land bottlenecks while keeping surrounding areas voluntary. Fireworks & Fire Danger: Rock Springs and Green River fire officials reiterated that most fireworks are illegal year-round in city limits (sparklers excepted) and all fireworks are banned on public lands; they warned extreme southwest Wyoming fire risk. Courts Access: Wyoming’s Judicial Branch expanded its Court Navigator Program to Fremont County, offering virtual help for people handling civil legal matters without attorneys. Housing Help (Cheyenne): Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County wrapped a military-and-community build supporting 12 affordable homes. Digital-Asset Push: Wyoming GOP Rep. Cynthia Lummis’ CLARITY Act push is back in the Senate spotlight, with leaders racing to act before the August recess.

Wildlife & Public Lands: Gov. Mark Gordon finalized Wyoming’s first full pronghorn migration corridor protections, adding restrictions in high-traffic bottlenecks while keeping low- and medium-use areas voluntary—aimed at preserving connectivity from the Upper Green River Basin to Grand Teton. Local Law Enforcement: Fremont County’s DUI task force cracked down during Lander Brewfest with 204 traffic stops, 3 impaired driving arrests, and 69 speeding citations, part of a broader 2026 push to cut fatal crashes. State Politics & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to the Trump administration, ruling states may count mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day, upholding grace-period style rules. Community & Housing: Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County wrapped a homebuilding push with help from the 307th Engineer Utilities Detachment and local partners, boosting an ongoing 12-home effort. Public Safety: Sweetwater County fire chiefs warned that fireworks remain illegal on public lands (except sparklers) and stressed extreme fire danger heading into the holiday week. Wyoming Campaign Trail: Teton rancher Sam Mead says he’s running to challenge Harriet Hageman for Wyoming’s U.S. Senate seat, framing it as practical, ranch-rooted service. Food Assistance: Wyoming’s SUN Bucks program is now set to automatically enroll more than 37,000 kids, delivering $120 grocery cards for summer meals.

Sweetwater County Elections: After the primary, Island Richards, Robb Slaughter and Keaton West are set to appear on the Sweetwater County Commission ballot for the Nov. 8 general election, with three open seats driving a crowded local race. Local Civic Engagement: The League of Women Voters of Wyoming is pushing election resources in Sweetwater County, emphasizing nonpartisan voter education and registration after the group’s statewide transition following Linda Barton’s death. School Board Deadline: Rock Springs residents have until 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 2 to submit letters of interest for the Sweetwater County School District #1 Board of Trustees vacancy created by Chad Franks’ June 15 resignation. Wyoming Courts & Abortion: Wyoming’s anti-abortion lawmakers are facing renewed pushback after a judge struck down multiple 2025 restrictions, with House Speaker Chip Neiman arguing the legislature will keep going despite court rulings. Water & Tribes: A major Colorado River tribal water settlement is being blocked by neighboring states, including Wyoming, as Upper Basin states raise concerns about how the deal affects state rights and interests. Wyoming Appointments: Gov. Mark Gordon appointed Thayne LeRoy Peterson to the Third Judicial District circuit court seat in Uinta County. Public Lands & Wildlife: Gordon designated the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor, adding future development guidance and activity limits to protect pronghorn and mule deer movement.

Wyoming GOP infighting: A new op-ed argues the Freedom Caucus is asking the right questions on spending and accountability, but warns its push for sweeping, rigid fixes can miss the mark—while also noting the split is still producing some practical gains for places like Weston County. Colorado River crunch: Wyoming’s state engineer says gridlock among basin states has “real consequences,” as the Bureau of Reclamation warns Lake Powell could fall below power needs and negotiations miss deadlines. Judicial appointment: Gov. Mark Gordon named Thayne LeRoy Peterson to the Third Judicial District Circuit Court in Uinta County, filling a vacancy from Judge Greer’s retirement. Abortion fight: House Speaker Chip Neiman says anti-abortion lawmakers will keep pushing restrictions even after courts strike them down, following a June ruling against three 2025 laws. Land and wildlife: Gordon designated the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor, adding development guidance and limits in bottlenecks to protect pronghorn routes. Energy and business: Western stockgrowers are cheering loosened federal grazing rules, while a Laramie startup Airloom Energy secured major funding to scale a wind-based power system. Local politics: Sweetwater County’s sheriff debate was canceled, and filings are set for an Aug. 20 primary with multiple contested races.

Wild Horses & Wildfire Risk: A new “Save the Wild West” initiative argues free-roaming wild horses should be rewilded to cut wildfire fuel loads and restore grasslands, while critics say the current holding-and-roundup system is costly and ineffective. Energy & Innovation: Laramie startup Airloom Energy won major backing, including Wyoming Energy Authority matching funds and a U.S. Department of Defense contract, to scale wind tech that moves a winged device along a rail. Land & Water Tensions: Colorado River talks reportedly collapsed again, with Wyoming’s state engineer warning gridlock has real consequences as Lake Powell levels and power generation risks loom. Federal Land Management: Wyoming leaders praised Steve Pearce’s confirmation as BLM director, while conservation groups voiced concern about what it means for land and grazing policy. Local Elections & Governance: Sweetwater County’s sheriff debate was canceled, and filings show a busy Aug. 20 primary across county, city, and state legislative races. Wyoming Politics & Party Rules: A sharp critique says Wyoming GOP leadership is trying to steer primaries through lawsuits and endorsements rather than letting voters fully decide. Recreation Planning: Curt Gowdy State Park is launching a public master plan process after years of rising visitation and changing trail needs. Military Community: Colorado Springs received a new “Sentinel Landscape” designation aimed at reducing wildfire, flooding, and incompatible development risks around major bases.

Federal Immigration & Civil Liberties: Rep. Mark Takano drew sharp WWII parallels after Trump-era immigration sweeps, warning that mass roundups and detention echo “enemy alien” rhetoric. Wyoming in Washington: Wyoming’s U.S. senators backed Trump’s $1.776B “anti-weaponization” fund, a move critics call a slush fund with exemptions tied to IRS actions. Press Freedom Under Pressure: A White House Correspondent’s Association dinner shooting reignited debate over rising hostility toward media. Wyoming Housing: The Wyoming Community Development Authority urged local action as state lawmakers failed to prioritize workforce housing, highlighting Upton’s use of WCDA tools to plan for new demand. Cheyenne Growth & Infrastructure: Cheyenne Frontier Days outlined major 2026 changes, including a larger Indian Village and Chute 9 expansion. Energy & Permitting: Multiple op-eds argued Wyoming should not “cut just to cut,” while others pushed for faster permitting without weakening protections. Wildlife Management: Wyoming Game and Fish proposed cutting wolf mortality limits after distemper-driven declines. Elections & Voting Access: AARP Wyoming urged voters to re-check registration ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, noting roll purges can require re-registration. Tech & Local Impact: Cheyenne’s Project Cosmo data-center plans drew attention as the city weighs long-term infrastructure needs.

National Politics: Dick Cheney, the hard-charging vice president and Iraq-war architect, has died at 84, a reminder of how much his legacy still shapes today’s GOP fights. Election Law: A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to obtain Michigan voter registration data, saying the cited federal law doesn’t cover the personal details DOJ sought. Wyoming Elections: Wyoming’s 2026 campaign season is heating up fast, with multiple House and Senate races taking shape and new candidates filing for seats including House District 60. Cheyenne & Local Government: Cheyenne is weighing a roughly $4 million restoration and reuse plan for its 1892 historic pumphouse, while residents also get a sixth-penny ballot update tied to building a new Johnson Pool. Civic & Community: Workplace advocates rallied at the Capitol on Workers Memorial Day, citing Wyoming’s high workplace fatality rates and pushing lawmakers to end right-to-work policies. Environment & Public Lands: Conservation groups scored another win in the Greater Yellowstone region as the Forest Service withdrew a deforestation project near Yellowstone’s northeast border. Sports & Culture: UW athletics and local Cheyenne sports continue to draw attention, from Cowboys football expectations in Year 3 to youth and community events.

Elections & State Courts: The Wyoming Supreme Court declined to intervene in a Cheyenne lawyer’s dispute with the Wyoming AG over how an election complaint involving Secretary of State Chuck Gray was handled, leaving the matter to play out in the AG’s process. Campaign Trail: Seth Bard announced he’s running for House District 61, challenging Andrew Server in the GOP primary, while Democrat James Byrd says he’s stepping back into the race for the U.S. Senate with a focus on action for Wyoming. Local Government & Civic Life: Laramie is forming a Downtown Parking Task Force, and residents are pushing for stronger rules on data centers after a public comment-heavy City Council meeting. Energy & Wildlife: Critics testified against a $4 billion pumped-water storage plan near Seminoe, warning it could harm trout habitat and a bighorn sheep herd; meanwhile, Carbon County is holding open houses on the proposed Miller Generating Station. Community & Education: UW is launching a Controlled Environment Agriculture Network to build workforce and research partnerships, and Wyoming students competed in the State Civics Bee with a winner headed to nationals. Business & Ethics: Nominations are open for the 2026 Bill Daniels Ethical Leadership Award, to be announced at the Governor’s Business Forum in November. Sports & Service: Peyton Hunt wrapped up her UW career with recognition for community impact and mentorship work.

Wyoming Food Security: Wyoming’s SUN Bucks program is live, sending eligible school-aged kids a one-time $120 EBT card for summer groceries, with more than 37,000 children already automatically approved and cards starting to mail in early July. Public Safety Budgets: Laramie County fire districts warn they could be “out of business” as property tax cuts and annexations leave them stuck on a 2018 budget and facing a major shortfall, mirroring pressure on dozens of Wyoming special district departments. America 250 in Cheyenne: Cheyenne’s America 250 kickoff is approaching with a July 4 parade, Capitol events, and new bronze panels—“Echoes: Wyoming At America 250”—meant to keep state history visible for decades. Federal Courts / Elections: A federal appeals court upheld Michigan’s ability to limit release of sensitive voter data, a fresh setback for the Trump administration’s push for broader access. National Parks & History: A judge ordered Little Bighorn National Monument to restore signage flagged for removal over “divisive” language, keeping the 150-year commemoration—and the fight over how the battle is told—front and center. Wildfire Watch: Fire danger remains elevated across the West as hot, dry conditions and active large fires continue to strain response efforts.

Wyoming Economy: Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped to 3.4% in May 2026, down from 3.5% in April, with job growth across several sectors. Wyoming Energy Regulation: After public pushback, Wyoming delayed moving forward on a plan to repeal standardized wildlife monitoring rules at coal mines, leaving the future of the rule change in limbo. Wyoming Politics & Campaign Finance: GOP congressional candidate Reid Rasner was “discharged” by LPL Financial over alleged “unapproved outside business activity,” a new wrinkle in the race for Wyoming’s lone U.S. House seat. Water & Power (Westwide): Lake Powell is at its lowest level entering summer, with federal projections warning it could reach “minimum power pool” next spring—raising both electricity and “dead pool” environmental concerns. Federal Policy Pressure (SNAP): USDA says SNAP payment errors hit 10.62% nationwide in fiscal 2025, setting up potential state penalties tied to accuracy. National Security (War Powers): The Senate rejected a resolution blocking Trump from resuming Iran war powers, as GOP votes split and Democrats largely opposed the move. Wildfire Risk: A red-flag wildfire setup is forecast across parts of the West, with dry conditions and strong winds increasing the chance of fast-moving fires.