AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Election Watch: Laramie County opens a 28-day early voting period Oct. 6–Nov. 2, with weekday hours plus two weekend sites and a Sunday option, as voters head toward the Nov. 3 general election. Property Tax Fight: The Wyoming Republican Party backs a ballot initiative for a statewide 50% homeowner property tax exemption (Proposition One), while local services and community colleges have warned about budget strain and loss of local control. Governor Race: Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel says she’s running as a conservative alternative to GOP nominee Eric Barlow, citing “checkgate” fallout and pushing to eliminate residential property taxes and roll back energy regulations. Courts & Accountability: Darrick Mittlestadt’s child abuse trial begins after his wife’s guilty plea; prosecutors seek major prison time tied to aggravated child abuse and conspiracy charges. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council committee members advanced Orchard Hills data center items, recommending overruling the Planning Commission’s denial for parts of the project. Public Safety: WYDOT warns of cloned online vehicle/auction websites and urges buyers to verify dealers and avoid wiring money. Energy & Wildlife: Conservation groups sue the BLM over oil and gas leases in big game migration corridors, arguing the agency failed to properly protect mule deer and pronghorn habitat. Outdoor Access & Recreation: A Montana policy debate highlights “corner-crossing” on public lands, with Wyoming’s recent 10th Circuit ruling and Supreme Court refusal to hear an appeal fueling calls for clearer state rules. Parks & Recreation Funding: Wyoming recreation leaders say demand is rising but budgets and staffing shortages keep services vulnerable, with election-related ballot concerns adding pressure.

Press Freedom Clash: CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued after the White House barred them from the presidential press pool, while other networks refused to replace CNN—turning the fight into a First Amendment showdown. Federal Elections & Voting Rules: Alabama AG Steve Marshall led a 26-state Supreme Court brief arguing states should control voter qualifications and be able to remove noncitizens from voter rolls under the National Voter Registration Act. Wyoming Outdoors & Public Lands: President Trump issued an executive order aimed at expanding hunting and recreation access on federally managed lands, tied to the Elk Mountain “corner-crossing” dispute. Wyoming Game & Fish: Hunters and anglers are reminded they must stop at Wyoming Game and Fish check stations by law. Cybercrime: A new analysis finds most U.S. business losses from cybercrime come from email scams, not ransomware or data breaches. Local Growth & Infrastructure: Wyoming Outdoor Council and Cheyenne leaders are weighing how to manage economic development pressures, including data centers, with community guardrails. State Politics Watch: Sen. John Barrasso defended the press ban on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” drawing criticism over constitutional protections. Energy/Water Policy: Federal Colorado River guidance would require major Lower Basin cuts if reservoirs keep dropping, with Wyoming among the basin states watching closely.

Press Freedom Fight: CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the Trump administration in federal court after being barred from White House access, while major TV networks halted shared pool coverage and the White House launched “Trump TV” to keep broadcasting. Wyoming Transportation: WYDOT rolled out the WY22 SAFE PASS self-certification for Teton Pass starting Oct. 1, and warned about cloned online vehicle/auction scams. Local Governance (Cheyenne): A Cheyenne council committee advanced parts of the Orchard Hills data center plan, including annexation and zoning map changes, while postponing one item to align with the annexation process. Data Centers & Public Lands: Wyoming Outdoor Council pushed for “responsible” data center development as concerns grow over public-land siting and guardrails. Colorado River: A statewide Colorado River call-in in the region focused on what new federal rules and drought-driven cuts could mean for Upper Basin states like Wyoming. Public Safety & Community: Wyoming’s domestic violence awareness message tied to the Gabby Petito anniversary underscored how abuse can be “hiding in plain sight.”

Press Freedom Fight: CNN, MS NOW and Politico say they’ve filed a First Amendment lawsuit after Trump barred them from White House access, alleging retaliation without notice or due process; the dispute escalated as major TV networks halted their presidential pool coverage after CNN was removed from rotation. Wyoming Energy & Defense: CAE won a $300M contract to keep training U.S. Air Force crews on the C-130, with training planned at bases including Wyoming through 2035—despite Trump’s Canadian procurement ban. Local Ballot Watch: Sweetwater County Conservation District voters will decide Nov. 3 on a proposed up-to-¼ mill levy to fund conservation services and projects. Data Centers, Water, Wildlife: The Wyoming Outdoor Council held a Cheyenne community meeting and will tour more cities to push for “responsible” data center development, focusing on water, energy, wildlife and local impacts. Federal Rules, Local Projects: Carbon County commissioners delayed signing after receiving a Notice of Federal Interest tied to a senior center parking lot grant, requiring WYDOT notification before transferring ownership.

White House Press Crackdown: President Trump moved to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House access after aide Natalie Harp reportedly showed him critical TV clips, with reporters turned away Saturday as badges were disabled or confiscated—prompting First Amendment backlash and court threats. Wyoming Federal Focus: Sen. John Barrasso defended the ban and urged Republicans to “do more” on the economy, while the U.S. Air Force’s Sentinel ICBM program continues to point to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming for future deployment. Local Government & Speech: Sweetwater County School District No. 1 suspended public comment at board meetings after questions about whether its policy meets First Amendment standards. State Policy Watch: Wyoming lawmakers and conservatives push SAVE-style voter ID and proof-of-citizenship efforts through state action, including Wyoming. Wyoming Community Notes: WY International Film Festival is still accepting applications for its 2026 Wyoming Filmmaker Grant through Sept. 25. Public Safety: WYDOT warned of a new email phishing scam impersonating the agency with a fake DocuSign “compliance notice.” Hate Crime Aftermath: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times in Wyoming, with reporting tying the attack to a broader rise in anti–South Asian rhetoric.

White House Press Fight: President Trump followed through on his Friday threat, barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters from White House access, with credentials deactivated or confiscated; Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso says it’s constitutional and that the press must “report fairly,” while the outlets and press groups vow legal action. Wyoming Public Safety: WYDOT warned of a new email phishing scam impersonating a WYDOT employee and pushing a DocuSign “compliance notice” link—don’t click. Invasive Species Watch: A destructive nonnative grass, ventenata, has been found sweeping west across Wyoming, prompting aerial herbicide treatment efforts near Cody/Meeteetse. Water Policy: Wyoming’s water board approved a conservation program, aiming to reduce demand through a state-run approach. Wildlife Connectivity: A Wyoming-to-Canada conservation effort is a finalist for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, citing 204 wildlife crossings supported across 59 million acres. Economy & Rates: The Fed raised interest rates a quarter-point to 3.75–4.00%, adding pressure to households and businesses already dealing with sticky inflation.

Press Freedom Clash: Trump’s White House ban took effect, with CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters turned away and badges disabled or confiscated—prompting vows of legal action and First Amendment pushback from the White House Correspondents’ Association. Wyoming Politics & Policy: A Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority “rain tax” debate is reigniting, with critics arguing the stormwater runoff fee is being mislabeled and supporters pointing to runoff control as the real goal. National Politics With Wyoming Ties: U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Ashley Hinson tied GOP control of Congress to protecting 2025 tax cuts on overtime and tips from Democratic reversal. Security & Community Concerns: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop, fueling renewed fears of hate incidents and community anxiety. Local Governance Watch: Hamilton County, Tennessee school board members approved Ten Commandments displays—an example of how culture-war legal fights keep spilling into classrooms.

Press Freedom Clash: Trump moved from rhetoric to action by barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds, with reporters turned away and badges confiscated or disabled—prompting vows to fight the move as an unconstitutional hit on First Amendment rights. Wyoming Public Safety & Community: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop; officials say the suspect was arrested and motive is unclear, but community leaders are urging a serious look at hate-crime or civil-rights angles. State Government Personnel: Wyoming DOT named Maj. KC Ramsey as the next colonel/administrator of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, effective immediately pending an Oct. 1 appointment. Local Governance & Taxes: A Wyoming opinion piece targets “silent” property-tax windfalls driven by inflation and assessments, arguing voters weren’t asked but governments kept the gains. Higher Ed & Civic Service: UW’s School of Politics and Public Affairs announced its inaugural Stewart Family Distinguished Lecture on public service, with applications for 2027 service awards now open.

Data Centers & Local Guardrails: The Wyoming Outdoor Council held a statewide forum series kickoff in Albany County, warning residents about hyperscale AI data centers’ huge power and water demands and pushing for “reasonable guardrails” rather than a blanket ban. City of Cheyenne Tech Input: Cheyenne is taking applications for its Community Technology Advisory Council, aimed at shaping e-government and affordable tech access. School Safety Upgrades: Laramie County School District 1 is tightening event safety rules after SROs warned violence is rising and equipment is outdated. WYDOT Winter Prep: WYDOT mowing operations are underway as part of fall maintenance to improve winter safety and visibility. Cheyenne Federal Court Fight: Sorority alumnae returned to federal court seeking to revive their Kappa Kappa Gamma lawsuit over alleged improper handling of a transgender member. Public Land & Forest Policy: Sweetwater County backed federal moves to rescind the Roadless Rule and revise Forest Service travel management. Public Safety—Rest Stop Stabbing: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming I-80 rest area; officials say motive is unknown and the suspect was arrested. Law Enforcement Leadership: Major KC Ramsey was named the next Wyoming Highway Patrol colonel and administrator, effective Oct. 1. Federal Health Policy: Senate committees held confirmation hearings for Trump administration HHS nominees while House Ways and Means advanced health care bills.

Public Lands & Environment: A new push to scrap the Roadless Area Conservation Rule is framed as a threat to Wyoming/Montana water quality, wildlife habitat, and wildfire prevention. Federal Contracting: An analysis says public land agency contractor work fell by $1.3B in 2025, hitting small businesses and shifting wildfire spending toward aviation. Elections & Voting Access: Absentee voting begins, while a coalition of state attorneys general touts Supreme Court wins protecting mail-in voting rules. Wyoming Courts & Schools: The Wyoming Supreme Court decision on school funding is in focus as districts and families digest what changes next. Property Taxes & Community Colleges: Gillette College’s board opposes a ballot measure that would cut residential property taxes by 50%, warning of major funding losses and reduced local control. Cheyenne Governance: A local debate over whether the mayor is backing Cheyenne voters and planning priorities ties into data-center planning questions. Public Safety & Hate Crime Concerns: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a southern Wyoming rest stop days after a DHS “Mr. Singh” post; lawmakers and advocates are demanding accountability and safer conditions for South Asian drivers. Local Economy: A 2026 aviation impact study says Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport supports $59.3M in annual economic activity, up sharply from 2020. Health Watch: CDC reports measles cases continue rising nationwide, including Wyoming.

Wyoming Supreme Court & Schools: The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled the state must do more to fund K-12 teacher salaries and properly account for inflation in the school funding model, while striking down other lower-court demands tied to items like school resource officers, nutrition, and computers. Public Safety & Hate Crime Concerns: A Sikh truck driver, Gurvinder Singh, was stabbed 17 times at the Bitter Creek rest area on I-80; officials say the motive is still unknown, but the attack has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, including from U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who linked it to a recent DHS “Mr. Singh” post. Local Government Compliance: Greybull’s town council actions were voided after a reported violation of Wyoming’s Public Meetings Act; the council later ratified the items. Data Centers & Power: Uinta County approved a conditional use permit for an incoming data center’s independent power production, and Cheyenne council moved the Cox Ranch data center project toward a final vote. State Politics & Elections: Laramie County Community College trustees adopted a resolution opposing a 50% property tax exemption on the Nov. 3 ballot, warning of major funding pressure. Wyoming Education Updates: Laramie County School District 1 set Sept. 22 as the deadline for required immunizations, and two more schools were named Wyoming Purple Star recipients for supporting military-connected students. Energy & Nuclear Policy: Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ MORE American Fuel Act advanced in the Senate EPW Committee, aiming to modernize uranium enrichment licensing.

Cheyenne City Council: The council advanced the Cox Ranch annexation and zoning steps for a proposed data center campus, with residents raising concerns about noise, lighting, water use, wildlife, traffic, and the speed of development. Laramie Courts: A trans woman accused in a self-defense case is seeking to review a witness’s past conduct; the state says the request is a “fishing expedition.” Wyoming Energy & Rates: Logan leaders defended 2030 renewable goals after an update showed renewable power slipping from 30.3% to 21.3% amid drought and gas investments, while Basin approved another electric rate hike tied to transmission changes. Public Safety: Wyoming’s Game and Fish lifted voluntary fishing closures on the North Platte and Encampment rivers as conditions cooled. Federal/Health Policy: Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for people in states using the federal exchange, including Wyoming. National Economy: Mortgage rates rose again, pushing the 30-year fixed average to 6.76%.

Federal & State Policy: The White House says it will refund about $500 per person to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. Economy & Housing: The Fed’s latest rate move is pushing up borrowing costs, with mortgage rates rising again to 6.76% for the 30-year fixed—bad news for Wyoming homebuyers already squeezed by affordability. Wyoming Courts & Justice: Judge Michael L. Greer (Ret.) received the 2026 Larry L. Lehman Award for Judicial Excellence, praised for mentoring and steady, accessible courtroom leadership. Local Governance & Public Safety: Cheyenne police say a Central High School homecoming disturbance involved teens “rage baiting” students, escalating into physical confrontations; charges are pending. Energy & Environment: Emigration Canyon residents are raising concerns over HF Sinclair’s proposed Westline Connect pipeline expansion, including plans to boost capacity on the Pioneer Pipeline that already brings refined fuel from Wyoming. Elections & Voting Access: Wyoming-related federal election oversight is in the spotlight as the DOJ says it will monitor polling sites in Wyoming for transparency and compliance. Community & Culture: A Central High graduate won a national “Unsung Heroes” documentary prize for work on Armin T. Wegner and the Armenian genocide.

Federal Reserve Watch: The Fed is expected to raise interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years, with markets pricing in a quarter-point hike and investors focused on how Chair Kevin Warsh frames the move. Wyoming Energy & Environment: Wyoming’s governor praised the EPA’s repeal of power-plant greenhouse-gas rules, while Seminoe pumped-storage opponents cheered BLM’s push for more environmental review before FERC acts. Local Governance: Jackson-area officials are drafting a resolution after a flood of public comment urging support for the local immigrant community. Property Taxes: Laramie and Albany County held a joint work session on a proposed statewide property-tax initiative that would expand homeowner exemptions—raising concerns about funding gaps for local services and special districts. Public Safety & Courts: Wyoming expanded its Court Navigator Program to Albany County to help self-represented litigants navigate civil cases. Wyoming Politics & Privacy: Cheyenne City Council kept Flock automatic license plate readers despite privacy concerns. Crime & Safety: A Sweetwater County stabbing suspect was arrested near Rawlins after fleeing on I-80.

Federal Reserve Watch: The Fed is widely expected to raise its short-term rate Wednesday for the first time in three years, as stubborn inflation and higher oil prices keep pressure on policymakers and could clash with President Trump’s push for lower borrowing costs. Wyoming Higher Ed: Casper College won a $444,000 NSF grant to launch the statewide “Quantum Pipeline,” sending portable K-12 kits, running a quantum science camp, and adding new coursework. Cheyenne Data Centers: Cheyenne City Council advanced the Cox Ranch annexation and zoning steps for a proposed data center campus, with residents raising concerns about noise, lighting, water use, wildlife, and traffic. Laramie County College Name Fight: Central Wyoming College is opposing LCCC’s proposed name change to “Wyoming State College,” warning it could confuse students about statewide status. Northern Cheyenne Governance: The Northern Cheyenne tribal president shut a key building amid a dispute over which council is legitimate and which election will be recognized, with the fight tied to federal funds and audits. Crypto Politics: The Senate failed to move forward on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, leaving the crypto framework stalled as lawmakers argue over ethics and consumer protections. ACLU of Wyoming: The ACLU renewed “Know Your Rights” resources in English and Spanish to help immigrants understand what to do if questioned, stopped, arrested, or taken into ICE custody. Local Budgets: Sheridan County rural fire districts warn property-tax cuts could limit equipment replacement, citing reduced funding tied to Wyoming’s homeowner exemption.

Federal Reserve Watch: The Fed is widely expected to raise its short-term rate Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation stays stubborn, with oil prices above $100 adding pressure and President Trump pushing for cuts. Healthcare Refunds: The White House says it will issue $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged overcharges from federal exchange “user fees.” Crypto & Ethics: The U.S. Senate is set to vote Tuesday on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, with Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis saying Democrats keep demanding more changes—especially ethics limits aimed at preventing Trump family profits. Wyoming Water & Infrastructure: Saratoga officials approved releasing retainage after completing sewer work under the North Platte River, setting up the next phase of upgrades. Public Safety & Data: AG Lynn Fitch and other attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb robocall scams. Sports Betting Harassment: Major pro leagues and unions want states to ban repeat bettors who threaten athletes, with Wyoming noted among states that already have blacklists. Wyoming Courts: A 76-year-old man convicted in a 1979 rape and murder case has been released from a Wyoming prison after 37 years.