AGP Executive Report

Election Watch (Washakie County): Two sales tax questions are headed to Wyoming’s Nov. 3 general election, including a new half-cent levy to fund emergency medical services, alongside the long-running one-cent optional general purpose sales tax. Local Governance: Senior centers in Worland and Ten Sleep are hosting forums next week on both measures, with a separate public discussion tonight in Worland tied to the property tax initiative. Wyoming Courts & Voting Tech: Wyoming’s elections chief praised a U.S. Supreme Court move that temporarily revived the SAVE voter-citizenship database, clearing the way for federal use ahead of November. Public Safety (WY22): The WY22 Safe Pass program becomes legally enforceable Oct. 1, with new fines for drivers towing trailers or in heavier vehicles who don’t follow the mountain-pass safety steps. State Parks: Wyoming State Parks won a $3 million Helmsley grant for a new visitor center at Keyhole State Park. Higher Ed & UW: University of Wyoming trustees heard priorities from student and campus leadership groups, including student financial support and AI-related academic policy. Health Policy (National): Attorney General William Tong led a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price inflation and reduced competition.

Judicial Appointments: Wyoming’s Judicial Nominating Commission has sent Gov. Mark Gordon three nominees to fill a District Court vacancy in Cheyenne’s First Judicial District: Greg B. Asay, Mark A. Klaassen, and Judge Susan K. Stipe. Education Funding Fight: A Wyoming Supreme Court ruling on teacher pay and inflation is raising fresh alarms because schools still face major unfunded operating costs beyond salaries. Game & Fish Budget Pressure: Wyoming Game and Fish’s interim director warned commissioners of “dire” financial strain as the 2027 budget rises to more than $108 million, driven by inflation and transportation costs. State Government Watch: UW and the Wyoming Community College Commission are revisiting how applied bachelor’s proposals move through the approval process after some applications left reviewers under tight deadlines with incomplete or shifting information. Local Government & Power Costs: Torrington says electricity transmission costs spiked without warning and is pressing providers/MEAN to explain and reduce the impact. Cheyenne Growth/Planning: Cheyenne City Council approved annexation and rezoning steps for the Cox Ranch data center plan west of town, despite earlier public confusion. Public Safety & Aviation: Wyoming State Forestry opened a new helibase in Casper to centralize wildfire aviation assets statewide. Health Policy (National, Wyoming on the list): Trump began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged federal exchange user-fee overcharges. Community & Courts: A Platte County filing seeks a mental evaluation for a former Wyoming journalist accused of forgery, while a Jackson-area hotel bookkeeper was sentenced to federal prison in a $1.78 million fraud case.

Election & Federal Policy: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s move to revive the SAVE voter-verification system, clearing the way for federal use of state-uploaded voter data ahead of November—an issue Wyoming and other states have challenged over citizenship checks and the risk of wrongly flagging eligible voters. Healthcare & Campaign Finance: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA “refund” checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Wyoming, starting Sept. 30—while Democrats also escalated scrutiny of Trump TV ads funded with $20 million in Homeland Security money. Wyoming Governance: Rawlins City Council approved a $79,000 change order for electrical resistance testing tied to the Sage Creek Pipeline, part of a broader effort to fix aging drinking-water infrastructure. State & Regional Water Policy: Gov. Armstrong joined western governors in pushing back against Missouri River diversion limits in a federal water bill, arguing it infringes state authority over water management. Local Politics: Laramie County School District 1 trustee candidate Rene Hinkle outlined priorities on reading/math gains, funding, and behavior, including support for limiting book restrictions. Energy & Industry: A new scoping study boosts the Cowboy State Mine’s projected rare-earth output and mine life, aiming to strengthen domestic rare-earth supply chains.

AI & Government Oversight: A Wyoming Legislature committee discussed a bill that would require meaningful human review for “consequential” AI decisions, with recordkeeping on who reviewed them. Public Safety & Mental Health: The VA awarded $673,196 in suicide-prevention grants to two Cheyenne-area nonprofits, part of a broader $112 million national effort. Tribal Justice: Federal charges were filed against 18 people tied to a surge of FBI resources on the Wind River Indian Reservation aimed at violent crime. State Operations & Wildfire Readiness: Wyoming opened a new $7.5 million helibase at Casper-Natrona to improve wildfire response and connect crews to state networks. Local Land-Use Fight: Cheyenne City Council voted down a proposed business park rezoning near Wyoming Hereford Ranch after residents raised concerns about habitat and an Important Bird Area. Budget Watch: Wyoming Game and Fish leaders warned the agency’s finances are “dire,” as a 2027 budget tops $110.6 million amid rising costs. Community & Infrastructure: Casper broke ground on a long-awaited second ice sheet, touting more tournaments and economic activity. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported Wyoming midgrade prices hitting lows around $4.25 in Laramie County for the week ending Sept. 19.

Teton Pass Safety: Starting Oct. 1, WYDOT will require RV and trailer drivers—and anyone over 10,000 pounds—to self-certify before crossing Teton Pass, with steep fines and possible jail for repeat offenders. Local Enforcement: Medicine Bow adopted new anti-dumping rules, including cameras at the burn pit and escalating fines up to $750, plus potential liens to recover cleanup costs. Military Contract: Amentum won a $572.3 million, seven-year NORAD contract tied to the Cheyenne Mountain warning and surveillance system. Energy & Water Politics: Governors from North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming urged Congress to reject limits on Missouri River water diversions, warning it would lock upstream states out and invite litigation. State Power Oversight: Watchdogs and advocates question PacifiCorp’s proposed sale of its Washington service area, arguing the deal could worsen public-interest concerns amid regulatory and wildfire pressures. Immigration Enforcement: A new report describes a quiet but sweeping ICE arrest surge this summer across the country, including Wyoming, with tens of thousands detained and little public backlash. Wyoming Voters & Campaigns: A roundup highlights lesser-known Wyoming candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

MLB vs. National Parks: Major League Baseball has reached out to the Trump administration about staging a game in Grand Teton National Park, and federal officials say the idea is being explored—prompting pushback from environmental groups and Wyoming lawmakers who argue parks should stay protected from construction. Local Governance: A Cheyenne resident is asking a court to overturn the city’s Microsoft data center annexation and nullify council steps tied to a citizen petition review, alleging the ordinance didn’t reflect the actual landowner. Public Health: Wyoming’s WY We Care suicide-prevention push is reshaping how communities talk about suicide, with training and fatality review recommendations aimed at closing gaps in the state’s care system. State & Federal Policy: The U.S. Senate approved a sweeping college sports bill on athlete pay, transfers, and NCAA rules—setting up a major federal role in how college athletics operates. Emergency Services: Fremont County’s EMS contract fight is still unresolved as a strike looms, raising fears that ambulance coverage could be disrupted right as the current contract expires. Wildfire Response: Wyoming State Forestry opened a new Casper helibase to centralize aerial firefighting resources and expand capacity for the state’s all-hands fire response.

Water & Federal Power Fight: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon joined a multi-state letter opposing a House-passed WRDA provision that would restrict Missouri River water diversions and even block the Army Corps from studying projects without unanimous governor approval. National Parks & Local Land Use: Reports say MLB approached the Trump administration about a baseball stadium at Grand Teton; Wyoming critics and conservation groups—including NPCA—are pushing back, arguing it’s a radical break from park purpose. Energy Infrastructure & Grid Policy: A DOE SPARK initiative is awarding $1.9B for transmission upgrades and grid-enhancing tech, aiming to add 23 gigawatts of capacity—an issue that hits Wyoming as power demand grows. Wyoming Courts & Youth Justice: A court piece revisits how Wyoming can treat minors as adults in serious cases, including a Campbell County sentencing tied to the Proffit murders. Civic Participation: Equality State Policy Center urges Wyoming voters to register, learn rules, and vote in the Nov. 3 general election. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports Wyoming diesel prices averaging $5.94 for the week ending Sept. 19, with the lowest spot in Crook County at $5.57.

Wyoming Energy & Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy renewed an emergency order keeping Colorado’s Craig coal plant running longer, citing regional reliability concerns tied to wind/hydro variability and delayed battery storage—an issue that matters across the Wyoming power region. Local Ballots & Conservation: Sweetwater County Conservation District voters will decide Nov. 3 on a proposed up-to-¼ mill levy to fund soil, water, rangeland and other conservation work. Congressional Politics: Carbon County Democrats are hosting U.S. House candidate Lisa Kinney Oct. 2 in Rawlins. Data Centers vs. Power: A national debate is heating up as AI-driven data centers strain electricity demand, with Wyoming communities watching how power costs and grid upgrades shape what gets built. Grand Teton & Federal Land: MLB is reportedly scouting Grand Teton National Park for a possible game, while the White House says it’s not a presidential directive and no permits are issued. Weather Watch: NOAA’s updated outlook points to a split winter across the West, with El Niño raising odds of drier conditions in Wyoming. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show Wyoming regular midgrade and diesel prices easing slightly in the week ending Sept. 19, with local lows varying by county.

Wyoming Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports midgrade at $4.28 in Carbon County and premium at $5.19 in Teton County for the week ending Sept. 19, with statewide midgrade averaging $4.74. School Budget Pressure: Across the country, diesel prices tied to the Iran conflict are forcing districts to cut routes, curb idling, and reduce field trips—“we rob Peter to pay Paul.” Federal Lands & Sports: MLB is reportedly scouting Grand Teton National Park for a possible regular-season game; the White House says it’s not a presidential directive and no permits are issued. National Politics & Press: Trump’s administration moved to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access; a judge later ordered access restored. Tech & Power Demand: AI data centers are driving a surge in electricity use, with projections that could reshape U.S. energy demand. Wyoming Community: UW opened the $65.3 million Wyoming Aquatic Center in Laramie, giving swim and dive teams a new competition home.

U.S. Press Freedom Fight: President Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds, and the outlets sued after access was revoked—setting up a major legal and political showdown over press access. Wyoming Elections & Power: A new push for property tax relief would exempt qualified homeowners’ primary residences up to 50% of assessed value, with major impacts projected for counties like Teton and knock-on effects for local governments. Wyoming Voters vs. Party Insiders: Commentary argues Wyoming Republicans are rejecting establishment candidate selection after primary picks were made by the GOP Central Committee, not rank-and-file voters. Wyoming Public Life: A packed Cheyenne-area church rally drew 1,400+ for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate run, mixing local candidates and a tribute tied to an ICE-related death. Local Government & Courts: Wyoming Supreme Court coverage suggests the court is largely staying in its lane on education policy. Community & State News: UW opened the $65.3 million Wyoming Aquatic Center, and Wyoming’s Clark will represent the state in an international National Museum of Women in the Arts exhibition.

Property Tax Ballot Fight: Wyoming voters face a “for” or “against” decision on a 50% assessed-value property tax exemption for qualified homeowners’ primary residences, with estimates pointing to major cuts in places like Teton County and knock-on impacts for counties and towns. Local Climate Policy: Cheyenne City Council is set to vote on a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan tied to an EPA grant, with critics warning it could raise costs and steer energy choices. UW & Public Life: UW President Shane Reeves will host pollster Frank Luntz for a free fireside chat, kicking off a Scholar Leader in Residence program. Arts & Conservation: UW’s Kayla Clark will represent Wyoming in an international book arts exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and UW students’ Namibia cheetah photography exhibit heads to Denver with proceeds supporting future internships. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Wyoming fuel prices remain volatile, with regular, premium, and diesel lows varying by county in the week ending Sept. 19.

Judicial Appointments: Wyoming’s Judicial Nominating Commission is taking applications to fill a vacancy created by Judge Peter Froelicher’s retirement, with commissioners explaining how the selection process works. Public Safety: Cheyenne police are investigating a Sept. 11 Central High vs. Kelly Walsh disturbance that involved “rage-bait” social media and could lead to criminal charges for 12 teens. Transportation Safety: WYDOT launched the WY22 Safe Pass self-certification for RVs, vehicles over 10,000 pounds, and towing rigs ahead of the Oct. 1 Teton Pass requirement, with penalties for willful noncompliance. Local Government Funding: The Wyoming County Commissioners Association named the Joint Appropriations Committee members “Legislators of the Year” for creating more predictable direct distribution funding for counties, cities, and towns. State Services Under Strain: Fremont County’s EMS contract fight with Priority Ambulance continues as the Sept. 30 deadline nears and a strike vote looms. Wildlife & Land Management: BLM announced $30 million for wild horse fertility control, aiming to slow herd growth while keeping roundup and adoption as part of the plan. Press Freedom: A federal judge ordered the White House to restore access for CNN, Politico, and MS NOW after a reporter credential ban.

Energy & Local Land Use: Weld County commissioners approved a $1.67B wind-and-solar project near Chalk Bluffs, spanning 25,000 acres and extending into southern Wyoming, with construction slated to start in 2027. Transportation Safety: WYDOT opened the WY22 SAFE PASS self-certification for Teton Pass heavy-vehicle drivers; starting Oct. 1, missing the one-year certification can trigger fines and jail time. Public Health: The CDC reported 3,659 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, with Wyoming among 47 jurisdictions reporting cases. City Planning & Data Centers: A Cheyenne council committee backed Orchard Hills data center items and recommended overruling the Planning Commission’s denial, while another Cheyenne committee advanced Orchard Hills annexation/zoning steps. Courts & Accountability: A Laramie County jury found Darrick Mittlestadt guilty in a teen starvation case, setting up major sentencing exposure. Wild Horses: The BLM announced $30M for fertility control efforts to manage wild horses. UW Leadership: UW President Shane Reeves updated trustees on campus culture and priorities during Homecoming Week. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports show Wyoming prices easing in spots, with multiple counties listing single-station lows for regular, midgrade, premium, and E85.

First Amendment & elections: Casper College hosted a Constitution Day seminar with former NBC correspondent Pete Williams, focusing on how young voters sort truth from bias and why press freedom matters to democracy. Public safety tech: Cheyenne River Reservation law enforcement is pursuing grant funding for mobile security trailers with cameras, lighting, and satellite links to boost patrol coverage and investigations. Courts & privacy: Casper College’s “You Be The Judge” mock trial had students weigh whether probation officers can access a suspect’s phone communications, with Wyoming Supreme Court justices helping guide the event. Energy & infrastructure: DOE is set to award Colorado and Xcel $250 million to strengthen the grid, with upgrades aimed at handling rising demand from electrification and data centers. Local governance & planning: Teton County and Jackson-area officials face renewed pressure over a proposed Moose-Wilson Road pathway, with advocates urging public opposition. Community needs: Expanded Learning Collective launched a confidential Teton County survey to map out-of-school needs for kids ages 0–18. Food insecurity: Wyoming food pantries report another year of increased hunger as federal TEFAP/SNAP cuts force more reliance on local donors. Media freedom fight: A judge ordered Trump’s administration to restore CNN, MS NOW, and Politico press credentials, rejecting national-security justifications at the preliminary stage.

Press Freedom: A federal judge ordered Trump’s White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, and the outlets returned after a 14-day temporary restraining order rejected the administration’s national-security justification. Wyoming Courts: The Wyoming Supreme Court largely upheld the status quo in a K-12 education funding fight, limiting a lower court’s demands while keeping the Legislature in charge of appropriations. Local Governance: Laramie City Council closed its surface water drainage fund and shifted remaining money into other city uses while keeping drainage work funded. Transportation Safety: WYDOT says Teton Pass drivers with RVs, trailers, or heavy loads must self-certify starting Oct. 1 or face fines, after crashes this summer. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Sheridan County at $4.79 (week ending Sept. 19) and the lowest regular in Teton County at $4.69, with statewide averages still volatile. Community & State Boards: Applications are open for the Wyoming Main Street Advisory Board, a governor-appointed volunteer group shaping downtown revitalization. Public Lands & Wildlife: BLM began actions to reduce overpopulation in the Fifteenmile Wild Horse Herd, planning removals to protect rangelands.

Wyoming Elections: Laramie County voters get a 28-day early voting window starting Oct. 6 through Nov. 2, with weekday hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the county atrium plus weekend sites in Burns, Albin and Cheyenne. Local Government: Cheyenne’s Public Services committee backed an off-track betting proposal for the former Old Chicago site, moving it toward city and state approvals. Public Safety & Courts: Laramie County sheriff candidate Robin Cozad held a town hall after incumbent Brian Kozak skipped it, citing concerns about how the host group treated him. State Politics: U.S. Sen. John Barrasso pushed back on claims Trump could “sell out” to China, arguing the U.S. is negotiating from strength on manufacturing, energy and critical minerals. Wyoming Law & Policy: A new Wyoming law targets EV “triple tax” issues tied to charging fees. Community & Military Families: Two Laramie County schools—Gilchrist and Coyote Ridge Elementary—earned Wyoming Purple Star School recognition for supporting military-connected students. Capitol Events: A fall freedom rally for International Day of Peace is set for Sept. 26 at the Wyoming State Capitol.