AGP Executive Report

Labor Day Safety: Cheyenne officials say they’re stepping up patrols and DUI enforcement for the holiday weekend, while Cheyenne Regional Airport and TSA staff prep for heavier travel. Wildfire & Drought Watch: Wyoming remains under drought conditions driving more red flag fire warnings, with officials noting fast-moving grass fires can spread quickly in wind. Local Government: Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins and Pinedale Mayor Matt Murdock were named to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee. Education & Community: Laramie County School District 1 opens 2026-27 meal applications and will hold a surplus sale Sept. 10; LCCC trustees set Sept. 16 meetings. Housing & Development: Laramie County approved limited operations for Bit-O-Wyo Ranch while BLM access is still pending. Ballot News: Wyoming’s general election ballot is getting more crowded with several minor-party candidates certified for Nov. 3. Public Health: Cheyenne OBGYN added two new physicians, Dr. Tianna Mack and Dr. Mitchell Oberhelman.

AI & Higher Education: The University of Wyoming is rolling out BoodleBox, a secure enterprise AI platform for faculty, staff and students, aiming to help Wyoming lead in responsible AI use. Reproductive Rights & Demographics: A Wyoming business owner and reproductive-rights advocate pushes back on claims that women’s freedom is behind the state’s population challenges, pointing instead to housing, childcare, wages and health care. Public Safety & Justice: Wyoming brought home all 240 inmates from a Mississippi facility after staffing improved, and a suspect arrested in Wyoming is charged with first-degree murder tied to a Sioux City Riverside Park death. Energy & Permitting: The state’s Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind project after a long review, following a county denial. Health Care Quality: A new look at medical error finds Wyoming’s death rate from complications of care is higher than the national average. Community & Outdoors: Game and Fish is hosting a bear spray giveaway and training at the National Elk Refuge, and Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing reported record 2026 purse payouts and attendance. Weather & Water: Extreme drought eased in parts of Nebraska, but long-term deficits remain, with Wyoming still facing broader dryness concerns.

Crime & Courts: A famous bounty hunter helped land a Billings homicide suspect behind bars after tracking him to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation; the suspect is tied to a 2025 killing, and an extradition hearing is set. Public Safety: Wyoming’s wildfire season remains active, with the state reporting far more new starts than at the same point in 2024 and highlighting expanded air and firefighting resources. State Government & Policy: Gov. Mark Gordon extended emergency oversize livestock-feed transport permits through early October as drought and wildfire strain pasture and forage. Energy & Local Economy: Natrona County residents packed a meeting over a proposed 940-acre Prometheus data center, with supporters pitching jobs and opponents raising concerns about impacts and bypassing state review. Sports & Community: Wyoming Game and Fish released the 2026 hunt forecast, and Cheyenne Frontier Days announced its Hall of Fame induction ceremony and a free organ concert in late September. Corrections & Health: Wyoming brought home 240 inmates from a Mississippi facility after staffing improved, while officials warned prisons are now at full capacity.

Wyoming Crime & Courts: A 36-year-old Arizona man, Dalton Renollet, was arrested in South Dakota after Wyoming investigators tracked a vehicle tied to the abduction of a 15-year-old Wyoming girl using license plate reader tech; the teen was found safe and more charges are expected in Wyoming. Wildlife & Public Safety: Riverton police needed help from a nearby dealership after a bull snake got under a woman’s car and wedged into the inner workings. Chronic Wasting Disease & Public Lands: The National Elk Refuge’s long-range plan would keep feeding elk for the long haul while trying to cut the Jackson Herd to 5,000 animals over 10 years, even as CWD spreads. Energy & Industry: TerraPower named 12 supplier awards for Natrium components as it builds its first commercial-scale advanced nuclear plant in Kemmerer, aiming for completion in 2030. State Tech & Transparency: Wyoming expanded its Chainlink partnership for Frontier Stable Token (FRNT) reserve verification, moving toward stronger on-chain proof of reserves. Local Governance & Schools: Four candidates are vying for three seats on the Teton County School District board, including newcomer Ashley Sinclair. Food Security: Food Bank of Wyoming is urging statewide action during Hunger Action Month, citing high levels of food insecurity. Sports: Wyoming and Colorado State announced an eight-year Border War scheduling agreement in four sports starting in 2028-29. National Parks: NPS identified two Grand Canyon flash-flood victims and says a Wyoming pilot remains missing.

Wyoming Energy & Taxes: The Legislature’s Joint Revenue Committee weighed proposals that could reshape how Wyoming taxes energy and property, including a new tax on solar and nuclear power and a possible shift from property tax to a 2% sales tax. Local Housing & Community Funding: Cheyenne released CDBG funding for public service projects, with priority on food insecurity and shelter, and applications due Sept. 30. Wind Power Decision: After nearly 18 hours of debate, the state Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind permit—clearing a path after county commissioners previously denied it. Food Security for Hunters: Wyoming Hunger Initiative launched its 2026 “Food from the Field” program, letting hunters donate deer, elk, moose, and antelope for processing and distribution. Mental Health Access: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center completed renovations to expand Behavioral Health Services, including more high-acuity rooms and outpatient therapy space. Public Lands: Hunters and conservationists pushed back on a proposed rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, urging more public comment. Sports: Wyoming opens the 118th Border War against Colorado State Saturday in Fort Collins.

Higher Education in Prisons: University of Wyoming’s Pathways from Prison program is helping incarcerated women in Lusk earn bachelor’s degrees, with the latest cohort graduating after years of classes. Election Integrity: Albany County’s primary audit used hand counting on 5% of ballots to compare people’s totals with machine tabulators. Water Woes: Drought-driven restrictions are tightening in Hudson, where outdoor watering is now limited and timed until at least Oct. 1. Wildfire Tech: Jackson Hole Fire/EMS installed AI cameras on Snow King and Rendezvous to spot wildfires early, with public live feeds via AlertWest. Public Lands: Wyoming groups are hosting “Postcards for Public Lands” events in Cody and urging comments on the USDA’s proposed rollback of the Roadless Rule, with a Sept. 21 deadline. Food Insecurity: The Food Bank of Wyoming is calling for help during Hunger Action Month as hunger levels remain high. Wildlife Alerts: Wyoming Game and Fish warns residents not to release pet goldfish, citing ecosystem and disease risks. Border War Football: Wyoming opens the season Saturday at Colorado State in the 118th Border War.

Border War Kickoff: Wyoming opens the 2026 season with the 118th Border War against Colorado State in Laramie, even as CSU moves to the Pac-12—still a rivalry the Cowboys are treating like a must-win. Federal Reserve Watch: Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech is being read as a signal that rate hikes could be back on the table, with markets reacting and economists split on what it means next. Local Government & Wildfire Policy: Sweetwater County commissioners will consider a letter backing rescission of a 2021 USDA rule tied to more motorized trails/roads, alongside updates on fire restrictions. Wyoming Mental Health Access: Wyoming joins the Counseling Compact, letting licensed counselors practice across state lines—aimed at easing provider shortages. Wyoming Sports: The UW Cowgirls start 2026 with a 2-0 Rumble in the Rockies sweep, and Paige Lauterwasser earns Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week honors. Cheyenne Community & History: High Plains Arboretum renovations in Cheyenne are upgrading historic buildings and irrigation while improving accessibility.

Front Range Rail Vote: Colorado’s Front Range Passenger Rail District voted 14-1 to put a sales-tax measure on November ballots, aiming to fund the Colorado Connector passenger rail build-out along I-25. Immigration Enforcement Fight: A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s 287(g) immigration agreements. Public Lands Policy: The USDA is seeking public comment on a proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has governed road building and timber harvesting on millions of acres. Wyoming Nuclear Push: Former state Rep. Don Burkhart briefed Carbon County commissioners on nuclear power’s role in U.S. electricity, including uranium supply steps. UW Football Season Opener: The Cowboys shift into game prep for Sept. 5 at Colorado State, with a key focus on a revamped wide receiver room. NFL Roster News: Wyoming tight end Treyton Welch has landed on the New Orleans Saints’ 53-man roster. Community & Culture: Thompson Free Library is planning a busy September, including free community events and a limited-ticket viewing run for the Declaration of Independence.

Fed Watch: Jackson Hole chair Kevin Warsh tried to restore credibility after earlier comments left markets unsure, but the big question is whether he’ll push for rate hikes when the Fed meets again. Water Worries: A new federal Colorado River plan is raising anxiety for cities, farmers and tribal nations, with Nevada suing over potential cuts that could hit basic needs. Wyoming Health Alert: The state issued harmful cyanobacteria bloom recreational advisories for Fontenelle and Viva Naughton reservoirs, urging people and pets to avoid contact near blooms. Wyoming Sports: Wyoming Cowboys football preview spotlights a new-look offense with Christian Taylor and QB Tyler Hughes ahead of the Sept. 5 Border War at Colorado State. Local Culture & Community: The Wyoming Valley Mushroom Club hosted its annual Mushroom Fair at Frances Slocum State Park, with booths and forays for beginners and experts alike. Military Spotlight: Wyoming Army National Guard soldiers Carlos Montes and Colby Stockton competed in the Region VI Best Warrior Competition, highlighting leadership and camaraderie across states.

Colorado River fight in court: Nevada sued the Trump administration over proposed Colorado River water cuts, arguing Lower Basin states could face reductions up to 70% while Upper Basin states—including Wyoming—aren’t required to give up water. Wyoming water quality plan: In Wilson, the Fish Creek Watershed Plan lays out 38 projects from 2027-2032 to cut E. coli and nutrient pollution tied to algae and protect trout habitat, including fencing and possible sewer connections. Jackson Hole Fed signals: Fed chair Kevin Warsh said inflation is still too high and hinted rates may need to rise if underlying trends don’t improve, as Jackson Hole discussions continue. Cheyenne Medicaid spending jump: Cheyenne providers billed $126,383 for Medicaid anesthesia services in 2024, up 78% from 2023. Cheyenne-area culture: The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson will unveil “Against All Odds,” a monument to Grizzly 399 and her cubs, Sept. 9. Local governance & services: Wyoming’s Medicaid billing data also show rising procedure/professional services costs in Laramie in 2024.

Federal Reserve Watch: Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole remarks put Wyoming and the nation on alert for possible rate hikes if inflation stays “concerning,” with markets already pricing in a September move. Local Sports: Cheyenne’s Addy DeLay won the Laramie Pentathlon individual title, while Laramie’s volleyball team rebounded to go 2-0 at the Cheyenne Invitational. Arts & Community: Sheridan College art students are building careers through internships and partnerships with museums and theaters across northern Wyoming. Wyoming Culture: A Rock Springs walking tour highlighted “Cowboys and Miners,” tying local cemetery stories to the coal era that shaped the town. Water & Drought: Nevada sued over the federal Colorado River plan, arguing upstream states dodge cuts while southern Nevada faces steep reductions. Public Safety/Health: Harmful cyanobacteria advisories were issued for Fontenelle and Viva Naughton Reservoirs. Elections: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon criticized DOJ election monitors over what he called “aggressive” and “irregular” behavior during the Aug. 18 primary.

Fed in Jackson Hole: Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation remains “concerning” and warned the Fed may have “work to do,” hinting interest-rate hikes could be coming if underlying prices don’t cool. Wyoming politics: Gov. Mark Gordon ordered an investigation after DOJ election monitors were “aggressive, unexpected, disruptive” during the state’s primary, including requests to question voters and access equipment in Cheyenne. Local public safety: Wyoming’s high school football season kicks off amid a shortage of officials, with one plea to “let the players play” and protect the game by treating referees better. Sports in Laramie: The Cowboys’ offense gets a new look with Tyler Hughes named starting QB, plus updates on the tight end room and defensive line depth. Community support: The SAFE Project’s Brunch & Bubbly fundraiser Sunday will raise money for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Albany County. Wyoming agriculture: The Wyoming Wool Initiative launched its 5th annual Lamb-a-Year program for UW students and sheep producers. Energy costs: AAA data shows gas prices jumped more than 60% in Wyoming since the Iran war began.

Federal Reserve Watch: Fed chair Kevin Warsh used his Jackson Hole keynote in Wyoming to warn inflation is still too high, saying the central bank has “work to do” and could raise rates again if underlying price pressures don’t keep easing. Cheyenne City Hall: Cheyenne City Council toured construction at the High Plains Arboretum and also reviewed ongoing Cox Ranch annexation talks tied to a proposed data center, with a mausoleum issue noted. Utilities & Cost of Living: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities reminded residents that water and sewer rates rise Oct. 1, including a 3% monthly fee bump and higher per-gallon water tiers. Community Calendar: VOA Northern Rockies’ Cheyenne Empty Bowl fundraiser is set for Sept. 24, supporting mental health, addiction treatment, housing and veteran services. Local Economy: Wyoming’s August Economic Indicators report shows a 3.2% June unemployment rate and continued growth signals in payroll jobs and tax collections. Sports: Wyoming high school football opened with big results, including Kelly Walsh’s 70-0 loss to Cheyenne South and Wyoming Valley West falling to Williamsport 41-21.

Fed Watch (Jackson Hole): Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh told markets inflation is still too high and warned the Fed may need to raise interest rates unless price pressures ease, even as he said recent data shows some cooling. Wyoming Tech & Security: Wyoming’s CISO is using AI to speed up cyber defense response, aiming to help analysts act faster during attacks. Yellowstone Update: Yellowstone lifted full fishing closures on the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers, allowing anglers back in from sunrise to 2 p.m. Local Infrastructure: WYDOT is preparing to repair a damaged bridge near Rawlins after a July crash; contractor work is expected to be sought in October. Hot Springs State Park: The outdoor soaking pool at the State Bath House in Hot Springs State Park will close Aug. 24 for about a month for ADA and safety upgrades. Politics (Wyoming): Gov. Mark Gordon asked the state AG to look into what he called “aggressive” DOJ election monitor behavior during Wyoming’s primary. Community & Culture: Cheyenne’s Studio Tour is set to showcase local artists, including a studio tour preview at Open Door Studio & Gallery.

Jackson Hole Watch: Investors are bracing for Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first big Jackson Hole speech, looking for clarity on interest rates as inflation stays above target and bond yields remain jumpy. Cheyenne Public Safety: Cheyenne Fire Rescue will put its first ambulance into service Sept. 1, adding emergency medical transport alongside AMR. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council approved a $186,500 study to improve safety at a busy roundabout at Pershing Blvd., Converse Ave. and E. 19th St. Wyoming Courts: A Laramie judge is weighing a felony case tied to Wyoming’s “Stand Your Ground” law for a woman charged after a 2025 confrontation outside the Crowbar. Economy & Housing: A new Cheyenne Economic Indicators report says the county’s unemployment rate fell to 2.7% and home values rose, while sales tax collections jumped. Sports: Preston’s girls and boys both started the season with wins in Thursday’s soccer action. Business & Policy: Wyoming lawmakers discussed bills that would reshape or cut Wyoming Business Council programs as the agency’s budget shrank.

Federal Reserve in Jackson Hole: Two Fed officials warned inflation is still “sticky” as Chair Kevin Warsh prepares his first Jackson Hole keynote in Wyoming, with markets watching for clarity on rates. Meta youth-safety settlement: Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz announced the state will receive about $13.3 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement, with required safety changes for Instagram and Facebook. Local schools and AI: Laramie County School District 1 is expanding staff access to ChatGPT Edu as part of an OpenAI K-12 rollout, aiming for responsible use with teacher oversight. Search and rescue in the Wind Rivers: Missouri Deputy AG Shaun Mackelprang was found alive after six days missing while trying to summit Wyoming’s highest peak, Gannett Peak. Public health: A mosquito trap in Green Township tested positive for West Nile virus, with no confirmed human cases reported so far. Community and culture: Cody’s LDS temple opens to the public Aug. 27 through Sept. 12, offering a rare look inside.