AGP Executive Report

Crypto Regulation Showdown: Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the revised CLARITY Act includes 114+ Democratic changes ahead of a Sept. 15 Senate procedural vote, warning Democrats will own what comes next if it fails. University Transit Cuts: UW Transportation Services is shifting evening service to its SafeRide on-call van system after a 37% federal funding drop for FY27. Wyoming Tech & Policy: Gov. Mark Gordon and Caitlin Long are set to speak at UW’s Sept. 30 Wyoming Blockchain Stampede, tied to a Sept. 28-29 legislative select committee meeting. Cheyenne Preservation Stalls: Efforts to put Cheyenne’s historic airport terminal on the National Register of Historic Places have been shelved as the airport board weighs rehabilitation costs. Energy Planning: The Wyoming Energy Authority hired Energy Strategies for a statewide electricity transmission planning study, with two phases starting to map constraints and market impacts. Local Public Safety: An Idaho Falls man and his dog were found alive after a weeklong search in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains. Science Spotlight: UW received a $14.8M NSF grant to operate and maintain its new King Air atmospheric research aircraft. Community & Culture: Laramie’s World War I monument honoring Albany County and UW service members will be rededicated Sept. 20. Sports & Culture: A new Wyoming fossil “squid butt” relative has been identified as a new species.

Health Care Politics: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wyoming—will get $500 refunds for Affordable Care Act “overcharges,” tied to federal exchange “user fees” from the Biden era. Wyoming Transportation & Safety: WYDOT is rolling out the WY22 Safe Pass program for Teton Pass, requiring self-certification for drivers of certain heavy vehicles, RVs, and trailers starting this fall. Local Government & Water: Cheyenne adopted an outdoor watering ban during drought conditions, with fines and possible service shutoffs for violations, while also setting a preliminary 2027 levy. Public Lands Participation: The Bureau of Land Management is inviting nominations for Resource Advisory Councils, including a statewide Wyoming council, with applications due Oct. 26. Law Enforcement: Natrona County deputies joined “Operation Jessica” for 229 sex-offender compliance checks, leading to two arrests. Community & Commemoration: Cheyenne and Casper-area events marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, including a F.E. Warren remembrance and a Casper JROTC stair climb.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will send $500 checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wyoming—starting in October, claiming Biden-era “user fees” left a surplus; eligibility hinges on using the federal HealthCare.gov exchange and not receiving premium assistance. Property Tax Relief Push: A citizen-led ballot initiative is moving toward the November general election to seek a 50% homeowner property tax exemption statewide, aiming at homeowners frustrated by rising bills after years of legislative debate. Cost of Living Pressure: New inflation data shows August prices up 3.4% year over year, with gasoline and diesel driving much of the increase as Iran-related energy disruptions continue. Wyoming Courts & Justice: The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Court dismissed banishment violation cases, calling the lifetime-style bans unconstitutional as applied. Local Civic Life: The League of Women Voters of Laramie is hosting candidate forums for City Council races ahead of the Oct. 6 start of absentee/early voting. Public Safety: Hilltop Bank is slowly reopening after a cyberattack, with five branches back online for limited services and select Casper ATMs operating.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wyoming—will get $500 checks starting in October, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges for federal exchange enrollees. State Energy Planning: The Wyoming Energy Authority hired Energy Strategies for a statewide electricity transmission planning study required by recent legislation, aiming to map constraints and future build needs. Public Lands Input: BLM is opening nominations for Wyoming and other Resource Advisory Councils, inviting residents to help shape how public lands are managed. Election Watch: Email records show Wyoming’s Secretary of State Chuck Gray was the only state official told in advance that federal agents would monitor the Aug. 18 Cheyenne primary. Teton Pass Safety: WYDOT is developing the WY22 SAFE PASS self-certification program for RVs, trailers, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds, with Teton Pass restrictions for untrained drivers. Local Politics: Republican Phillip Hanamaikai withdrew from the Teton County Commissioner race, citing a conflict of interest; Dan Powers is now unopposed. Elections Coverage: Wyoming PBS set 2026 general election debates for Oct. 14-15 in Riverton. Public Safety: The Moonshine Fire in the Laramie Range has grown to 3,458 acres with 0% containment.

Education & Policy: Campbell County teachers say Wyoming’s expanded K-12 literacy law means more ungraded reading tests and individualized reading plans for students who fall behind, while districts work to keep interventions from squeezing core classes. Higher Ed: University of Wyoming President Shane Reeves delivered his first State of the University address, with Gov. Mark Gordon highlighting UW’s role in workforce, agriculture, energy, and the need to adapt as AI and enrollment pressures reshape higher education. Elections & Governance: A new push for a major third party in Wyoming is gaining traction after GOP primary results left winners short of a majority, with Constitution and Libertarian candidates positioning themselves as “alternatives” to the mainline GOP. Public Safety: Officials are searching for missing Idaho Falls man Jonathan Bailey, last seen during a Wind River Mountains hike; and Wyoming’s new cellphone law requires districts to publish clear device-use policies rather than impose a statewide ban. Federal Health: Trump announced $500 ACA “rebate” checks for about 1 million people in 30 states using Healthcare.gov, starting in October. Energy & Industry: Enbridge’s $2.55B acquisition adds Wyoming pipeline and storage capacity, while mortgage rates climbed again to the highest level in over 14 months. Environment: Wilderness advocates delayed removal of a Yellowstone Forest Reserve tree inscribed in 1893, arguing helicopter and equipment use conflicts with wilderness protections.

Wyoming Politics & Courts: The ACLU says it will appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court after a judge dismissed its immigration-related lawsuit against Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak, arguing the case should proceed on whether Kozak exceeded his authority by partnering with ICE without commissioners’ approval. Federal Land & Energy: Two conservation groups sued the Bureau of Land Management over Colorado and Wyoming oil-and-gas lease sales, alleging the agency violated federal law and failed to properly weigh impacts on big-game migration corridors and sensitive public lands. Public Lands Process: BLM is inviting Wyoming residents to join its Resource Advisory Councils, with nominations open until Oct. 26. State Government & Services: University of Wyoming President Shane Reeves delivered his first State of the University address, laying out priorities amid enrollment pressures and rising AI in education. Wildlife Policy: A federal push to delist gray wolves is underway under a new Trump order, with implications for ranchers and state management. Community & Safety: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center recognized DAISY and VIP award recipients, while Wyoming Game and Fish announced the 2026 Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees.

Federal Robocall Crackdown: Wyoming AG Brenna Bird joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls and texts. State Education: The Wyoming Department of Education opened public input on proposed Chapter 57 Language & Literacy rules, with a Sept. 16 hearing. Transportation Planning: WYDOT launched an online, self-guided meeting previewing the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan. Local Politics: Democrat Suzie Schmid is challenging Republican Jim Wamsley in House District 48 after winning the Democratic nomination. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Glenrock residents are pushing back on Flock surveillance cameras after learning the department operates multiple units. Hot Springs State Park Update: Star Plunge’s troubled restart plan got another setback after inspectors found gas leaks, sagging beams, and “significant” pool problems. Health Policy: A growing number of western states now let Medicaid reimburse doula care, and Wyoming advocates are watching closely. Climate & Outdoor Lands: A national report says the U.S. just logged its hottest August, hottest summer, and hottest year-to-date on record, while a federal move threatens to scrap the Roadless Rule that protects millions of acres in Wyoming and Montana.

Data Center Politics in Cheyenne: Alphabet and Blackstone’s “Project Braid” is running into permit and build delays, including a Cheyenne, Wyoming site that Google reportedly took over after losing confidence in a developer—local officials say the project will be scaled down. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council’s Public Services Committee advanced annexation and rezoning for the Cox Ranch property to enable a data center, after earlier postponements tied to concerns about developers already buying land post-annexation. Federal Wildlife Management: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened public comment on a draft plan for the National Elk Refuge that would reduce winter feeding but keep it running, with comments due Oct. 13. Wyoming Elections & Taxes: Wyoming lawmakers are still wrestling with whether voters should get a chance to eliminate property taxes via a constitutional amendment, as the Joint Revenue Committee debates removal. Public Safety & Accountability: A report says Cheyenne’s NWS office suffered a three-day outgoing communications failure and relied on nearby offices to keep forecasts flowing. Statewide Health & Services: Planned Parenthood of Montana announced a Bozeman clinic opening in summer 2027 to expand abortion access. Budget/Operations: Western Wyoming College’s board will consider how a November property tax initiative could hit funding and force cuts. Community Impact: Buffalo Mayor proclaimed September Hunger Action Month, citing food insecurity affecting about 14% of Johnson County residents. Legal/Policy Watch: The Senate’s Clarity Act faces a tough Sept. 15 procedural vote as Republicans warn it may fall short of needed support.

Wyoming Energy & Water Policy: Wyoming lawmakers are pushing back on the federal environmental review for the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project, questioning FERC’s NEPA analysis and warning of impacts to the Seminoe-Ferris bighorn sheep herd. Wyoming Public Safety & Local Government: Saratoga approved hiring a former Crook County deputy sheriff to fill a police staffing gap, with the new officer expected to start after a background check. Wyoming Federal Politics: Sen. Cynthia Lummis is ramping up support for the CLARITY Act ahead of a Sept. 15 Senate vote, framing the bill as a choice between U.S. leadership on digital asset rules and China setting them instead. Wyoming & the West’s Federal Workforce: Reporting says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply nationwide, including a major drop in Wyoming, raising concerns about enforcement and conservation capacity. Wyoming Tech & Environmental Risk: Cheyenne officials say wastewater tied to Meta’s under-construction AI data center contained a rare bacterium, prompting a shutdown that Meta disputes and that is now under appeal. National Court & Guns: The Supreme Court is set to hear a Second Amendment challenge to a modern semiautomatic firearms ban, with Wyoming among states backing full protection of existing precedents.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Drought-driven hunger is pushing bears into towns and cars across the Rockies, with Colorado officials reporting sharply higher bear conflicts this year. Drug Safety: A synthetic kratom compound, 7-OH, is tied to two Yampa Valley deaths, renewing calls for tighter controls and public awareness. Water Policy: Environmental groups are urging faster, more proactive action as Colorado River cutbacks loom, arguing for healthier river management and real reductions across sectors. Healthcare Access: Rural hospital obstetrics closures could force Medicaid patients to drive far longer distances for maternity care, as policy changes threaten already-thin hospital margins. Wyoming Justice & Tech: License plate reader cameras helped track down a Maricopa man accused of grooming and abducting a 15-year-old Wyoming girl, with Wyoming prosecutors filing seven felony charges. Federal Wildlife Staffing: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shed thousands of jobs, with steep losses reported in the West including Wyoming, raising concerns about enforcement and conservation capacity. Wyoming Civic Life: Cheyenne’s fallen veteran and first responder memorial is nearing completion at Lions Park. Cryptocurrency Regulation: Sen. Cynthia Lummis keeps pressing the CLARITY Act, warning that if it fails this Congress, market-structure work may slip to 2030. Wild Horses: An advocacy group flags possible federal wild horse roundup locations across the West this September, including Wyoming-linked areas. Local Government & Infrastructure: Cheyenne and other communities are weighing practical fixes and funding gaps as travel and development pressures mount.

Election Law Fight: Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis is warning that the Senate’s Sept. 15 procedural vote on the CLARITY Act could be the last chance this Congress to set federal crypto market rules—otherwise, she says the next realistic opening slips to 2030. Federal Power & Voting: A separate national legal battle is heating up over President Trump’s election changes, with judges and former Justice Department officials arguing rushed federal moves could disenfranchise voters and disrupt mail voting. Wildlife & Land Management: An advocacy group flagged seven Western wild-horse roundup locations it says could see activity this September, including Wyoming’s Fifteenmile Herd area. Wyoming Conservation: Wyoming’s governor designated eight segments of the Sublette pronghorn migration corridor, a move supporters say protects one of the state’s biggest wildlife movements. State Politics & Governance: Cheyenne is opening a public review period for its housing annual report, adding another local policy item to watch.

Water & Western Growth: Arizona’s Central Arizona Project is facing renewed Colorado River cut pressure as the Trump administration pushes a new split plan, reviving the “first in line for cuts” deal that helped fuel Phoenix’s boom. Wyoming Wildlife: Gov. Gordon formally designated eight segments of the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor, a move aimed at protecting the pronghorn route across ranches, highways, and public lands. State Politics & Parties: Wyoming Republicans are debating a new candidate endorsement policy they say could disenfranchise GOP voters and break with neutrality norms. Public Safety & Courts: A Campbell County jury convicted Evan Haywood of stalking his ex and violating a protection order, with sentencing set for Nov. 10. Local Governance & Housing/Infrastructure: Cheyenne opened a public review period for its housing annual report, as officials weigh how to keep services and costs aligned. Energy Costs: Gas prices are hitting record highs for Labor Day weekend, with the national average forecast to top $4 a gallon. Tech & Water Use: Data center expansion is drawing backlash over local water strain, including a Wyoming dispute tied to bacterial contamination.

Energy Costs & Politics: GasBuddy projects the national average could hit $4.03 on Labor Day, with prices already around $4.13—a fresh pressure point for Wyoming voters watching how Washington handles energy costs. AI + Water Strain: A growing data-center boom is colliding with local water realities, including reported contamination and leaks tied to AI and mining operations—raising the same kind of questions Wyoming communities are asking about siting and oversight. Wyoming Democrats on Labor Day: Johnson and Sheridan County Democrats held a joint event featuring DNC National Committeewoman Kim Bartlett, with discussion of labor’s changing role in Wyoming and party messaging ahead of elections. Local Giving in Powell: A Powell Economic Partnership VISTA volunteer is running “Loose Change for Local Change,” aiming to raise $4,000 for community development tied to food access, agriculture education, and outdoor recreation. Federal Staffing Cuts: New reporting says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has dropped sharply across the West, including Wyoming’s home-state losses—a direct hit to conservation capacity. Wyoming Infrastructure & Safety: WYDOT plans new signage and brake-check measures on Teton Pass as residents push for faster action after deadly crashes.

Energy & Cost of Living: Americans are heading into Labor Day with record-high gasoline prices, with the national average projected to hit about $4.03 a gallon—an all-time high for this late in the year—fueling fresh political pressure as midterm campaigns ramp up. Federal Workforce & Conservation: A new report says staffing at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has fallen sharply during Trump’s second term, including major drops across the West and in Wyoming’s home region, raising concerns about enforcement and species protection capacity. Local Governance & Data Centers: Fremont County commissioners are weighing how much authority they should have over data-center development after residents raised concerns about water use, noise, and impacts—while Cheyenne officials continue navigating data-center proposals and annexation questions. Wyoming Politics & Elections: Wyoming’s Freedom Caucus lost its House majority after August primaries, with reporting pointing to heavy backing from donor networks, business groups, and PACs that helped defeat Trump-endorsed and Freedom Caucus-aligned candidates. State Policy & Infrastructure: Wyoming’s property-tax reform debate continues as lawmakers adjust course amid shifting support, with local ballot discussions also moving forward. Border War Sports: Wyoming opens its season against Colorado State in the 118th Border War, with new CSU coach Jim Mora making his debut.

Federal Wildlife Cuts: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shed about 3,600 jobs in Trump’s second term, with steep drops across the West including Wyoming, raising alarms about capacity for species and habitat work. Gas Prices & Politics: Labor Day weekend is heading toward record-high gasoline costs, with the national average projected around $4.03 a gallon as Middle East tensions keep pressure on fuel supplies. Cheyenne Housing Input: Cheyenne opened a 15-day public review for its draft 2025 CAPER, inviting residents to weigh in on housing and community development progress through Sept. 19. Wyoming Roads Safety: WYDOT is urging drivers to slow down and check brakes for towing and steep grades as holiday traffic ramps up, with wind and blowover risk still a concern. BLM Lease Sale Question: A BLM error in Wyoming’s oil-and-gas lease paperwork has environmental groups challenging whether the agency properly reviewed parcels under its preference criteria. Industrial Wind Watch: The Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind Project, and critics warn multiple large wind builds could strain housing, lodging, and roads in the same corridor. Local Crime: Cheyenne police say a man faces felony charges after allegedly slashing 52 tires on dozens of vehicles. Labor Day History: A local archive roundup revisits past community headlines tied to Labor Day-era life.

Federal Wildlife Policy: President Trump signed an order directing Interior to consider stripping gray wolves of Endangered Species Act protections, with Wyoming and other northern states already managing wolves under state systems. Wyoming Courts & Public Lands: A federal judge blocked BLM from forcing American Prairie to remove more than 300 privately owned bison from grazing allotments, ruling BLM’s approach didn’t fit the Taylor Grazing Act. Wyoming Housing: Cheyenne opened a 15-day public review for its draft 2025 CAPER, inviting residents to comment through Sept. 19. Economy & Cost of Living: Mortgage rates climbed again, pushing the average 30-year fixed rate to 6.71%—the highest in more than a year. Wyoming Politics & Elections: Wyoming Freedom Caucus members faced fundraising disparities in the Aug. 18 primary, according to campaign finance reports. Energy & Industry: The Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind permit after a two-day hearing. Public Safety: WYDOT and local officials urged careful driving for Labor Day travel as fire danger and traffic risks remain top concerns. Wildlife Staffing Cuts: Reports say U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has dropped sharply, including major losses in Wyoming’s region.