AGP Executive Report

Coal Funding Push: The Trump administration is set to pour nearly $700 million into the U.S. coal industry, using a Cold War-era law to prop up existing plants and help build new ones—an effort that could include a new Oakland export terminal tied to coal from Wyoming and Montana. Colorado River Crunch: Federal water managers say they’ll move to a shorter-term Colorado River plan with new operational guidelines every two years, as states still haven’t reached a seven-state agreement and experts warn Lake Mead could head toward a “system crash.” Wyoming Sports: Wyoming swimmer Jack Boysen has announced a transfer to Texas A&M after a strong freshman season with the Cowboys. Local Spotlight: Cheyenne and Laramie County community listings highlight events like a Mobile Library launch and local garage sales. Health & Community: Regional West Physicians Clinic-Oncology welcomed a new board-certified oncologist, Mark Hancock, expanding cancer care across eastern Wyoming and nearby regions.

UW Athletics: Ryker Holtzen is back in the NCAA Championships, returning to the national stage after last year’s near-miss in Eugene and a fresh push to race the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Wyoming Politics: Three Republican gubernatorial candidates met in Cheyenne to trade views on budget pressures, rural healthcare, keeping young people in Wyoming, and how data centers could reshape the state’s economy. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced $700 million for coal power infrastructure, framing it as “clean, beautiful coal” while critics argue renewables are cheaper and faster to build. Local Government: Weston County appointed a new election clerk after years of investigations into the former clerk’s election problems. Wildlife & Land: UW experts warn cheatgrass is speeding up wildfire cycles in the Bighorn Basin, while a new Jackson Hole birding festival shows how outdoor tourism is booming. Community: Casper’s Nic Fest and Cheyenne’s downtown flower thefts are both making headlines as local events and public spaces take center stage.

Data Center Tax Incentives: A new tracker finds 16 states have handed data centers hundreds of millions in tax breaks since 2020, with Washington and Texas leading the pack—raising fresh questions for Wyoming as lawmakers weigh a possible special session on the “Wyoming way” approach. Wind Energy Pushback: At the Wyoming Capitol, critics rallied over wind projects, warning about impacts on eagles and other wildlife as a court fight and revised plans for the Laramie Range project continue. Colorado River Deadline: Federal officials say a 10-year operating framework for the Colorado River could be imposed if the seven states can’t agree by late summer, with negotiations set to restart every two years. Medicaid Rules Fight: Rep. Rob Bresnahan says he’ll challenge proposed federal Medicaid work and re-eligibility rules that advocates fear could strip coverage for people with serious illnesses. Local Public Safety: Cheyenne police warn of a sharp jump in vehicle burglaries, often targeting unlocked cars. Wyoming Health: The state confirmed its first rabies case of the year in Sheridan County after a rabid bat was found in a backyard. Remembering Linda Barton: Community leaders mourn Linda Barton, who helped build Wyoming’s after-school network and pushed hard for voting rights and local civic engagement. Drought Help for Landscapes: UW Extension will host a free webinar series starting June 11 on managing gardens, trees and turf during drought.

Wyoming Energy & Industry: President Donald Trump announced nearly $700 million to prop up coal-fired power and exports, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority; Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon praised the move as it could affect Mountain West energy plans. Nuclear & AI in Wyoming: A reporter visited Kemmerer Unit 1 in Wyoming, where TerraPower is building an SMR tied to the rising power needs of the AI boom. Local Governance & Policy: At the Wyoming Capitol, a rally urged lawmakers to pause and review industrial wind projects in southeast Wyoming over concerns about impacts to golden eagles and rural landscapes. Public Safety: Wyoming confirmed its first 2026 rabies case in Sheridan County after a bat was found in a backyard; health officials urged anyone exposed to seek medical attention right away. Community & Events: Cheyenne’s weekend lineup highlights Friday’s on the Plaza and the return of Hell on Wheels. Sports: Wyoming football added depth on defense and special teams with new commitments, while UW’s roster continues to take shape for the season.

Trails & Public Lands: CDT Gateway communities in Colorado (Winter Park and Fraser) are hosting a June 4–6 series to celebrate the Continental Divide Trail and encourage access ahead of National Trails Day on June 6. Wyoming Infrastructure Watch: A new national look at road conditions warns that deferred maintenance is still a major problem, with funding set to expire in October 2026—raising concerns for safety and shipping costs. Cheyenne Data Centers: Cheyenne LEADS says there are 10 operational data center locations in Cheyenne and Laramie County, 5 under construction, and 9 more in planning or due diligence, pushing back on higher “all proposals” counts. Housing & Growth: Laramie County commissioners delayed a vote on Iron Guard Workforce Housing’s modular project, postponing action after internal contract issues; the next meeting is June 16. Wildfire Outlook: Federal forecasts keep above-normal wildfire potential in parts of Wyoming this summer, with drought and low snowpack driving higher risk. Energy Politics: President Trump announced nearly $700 million to support coal power and exports, using wartime authority to back plants and a new Oakland export terminal. Northern Lights: NOAA says a strong geomagnetic storm could bring aurora visibility as far south as Wyoming, depending on clouds.

Wyoming Politics: A retired Cheyenne attorney, George Powers, has taken a voter-data complaint to the Wyoming Supreme Court, asking for a writ of mandamus to force the AG’s office to recuse from investigating his allegations against Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Elections & Voting Access: AARP Wyoming says registered voters in the state fell to 270,925, down from 296,703 last year, urging people to check their status ahead of the 2026 primary. Local Development: Laramie County commissioners postponed a decision on the Iron Guard Workforce Housing “man camp” permit after the applicant requested more time to work through contractual issues. Public Safety: Wyoming reported its first rabies case of the season in Sheridan County, warning residents about bat exposure and urging immediate medical follow-up after any possible contact. Sports: Wyoming football reloaded for the season with a new QB transfer, Tyler Hughes, plus key returnees and additions. Rodeo & Community: CNFR is 11 days away, with a Wyoming premiere of “Outriding the Devil” tied to Angela Ganter’s comeback story.

Local Public Safety: Afton firefighters and EMS rescued a 3-year-old boy after he got stuck in a culvert at Canyon View Park; no serious injuries were reported, and officials urged parents to keep kids away from irrigation ditches and swift water. Law Enforcement & Disability Access: Laramie County launched Wyoming’s first Blue Envelope program, giving people with autism, cognitive disabilities, or communication challenges a simple kit to help first responders communicate better during stressful encounters. Education Oversight: Wyoming lawmakers on the Joint Education Committee reviewed interim work on charter enrollment calculations and a “basket of goods” funding model for high school course access, plus guidance on protecting PE from being cut as punishment. Community & Culture: Cheyenne police are evaluating whether to file charges after a man threw a burning book into the Laramie County Library and pulled a fire alarm; he was taken for a mental health evaluation. Sports & Community Pride: Taft Union High School honored spring athletes and eight Wildcats signed to continue competing in college, including UW diver Rylie Pendergrass.

Wyoming Politics: Five Republicans and two Democrats filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 U.S. Senate primary, setting up a crowded GOP race featuring Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sam Mead, with other contenders including Jill Edwards, Jimmy Skovgard, and more. School & Youth Tech: A new wave of state laws targets cellphone use in schools, as research and warnings raise fresh questions about whether phone bans help students. Public Health: Federal funding cuts could slash the CDC’s wastewater COVID surveillance program, raising alarms about losing an early-warning system as a new variant spreads. Wyoming Community & Culture: Cheyenne Frontier Days is gearing up for its America 250 role, with new venue upgrades including Morning Star Indian Village and Chute 9. Local Sports: Cheyenne’s Alexa Luethy is named Prep Athlete of the Week after a strong start with Cheyenne Extreme.

Cheyenne Frontier Days: Cheyenne Frontier Days will join the U.S. Department of the Interior in celebrating “Day of the American West” on July 23 as part of America 250, with CFD running July 17-26. Sports & Wyoming football talk: A new WyoSports.com podcast episode asks whether Wyoming and North Dakota State will become Mountain West rivals as realignment reshapes schedules. WYDOT funding pressure: A potential suspension of fuel taxes could hit WYDOT’s ability to fund major road projects, with officials warning the department could lose roughly $10 million per month. Drought help from UW Extension: UW Extension is hosting a free three-part drought webinar series starting June 11 on drip irrigation, trees, and turf management. Public health & animals: Utah’s Cache County dairy farms face mandatory weekly avian flu surveillance after a positive HPAI sample, with quarantine rules if another test comes back positive. Local community calendar: Sweetwater County Library is rolling out a full summer events lineup, including weekly themed quests and summer reading activities. Culture at Yellowstone: The Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center at Old Faithful is back for its fifth season, with rotating Native educators and arts demonstrations through early October.

Cheyenne Tourism & Culture: The Historic Plains Hotel is drawing attention again after a video tour highlights its spooky reputation, including stories tied to “Rosie” and reported sounds from the 4th-floor honeymoon suite. Outdoor Fun in Wyoming: Want a different kind of summer trip? Sand surfing is a real thing at the Killpecker Sand Dunes near Rock Springs, with rentals available at the visitor center and tips to go early or late to avoid scorching sand. Local Business: A new Cheyenne farm stand is open on an honor system, selling homemade baked goods with cash or QR payments—built for small-business survival as costs keep climbing. Wyoming Sports: Wyoming football is welcoming a new quarterback, Tyler Hughes, plus key returners and fresh additions as the Cowboys reload for the season. Health Policy (National, rural focus): U.S. Sen. Peter Welch says the Senate unanimously passed a bill extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, aimed at keeping rural care available. Community Mental Health: Wyoming’s “WY We Care Survivors Campaign” is sharing local stories to boost awareness and support for mental health.

NCAR Fight in Federal Court: A judge blocked the NSF from stripping control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, issuing a preliminary injunction that halts any removal of UCAR/NCAR rights tied to the supercomputer while the lawsuit plays out. Wyoming Primaries Watch: With Wyoming’s Aug. 18 primary packed, a dozen candidates filed for the lone U.S. House seat and more races are set for the governor, secretary of state, treasurer, and public schools—plus GOP Freedom Caucus battles in the Legislature. Wildlife & Water on the Range: Wyoming’s long push to protect the “Path of the Pronghorn” is nearing the end of a state-led process, aiming to safeguard the migration corridor that’s been under pressure for decades. Community Outdoors: Free Kids Fishing Day returns June 6 in Cody and Lovell, with early registration, loaner gear for some, and family-friendly activities at local waters. UW Athletics: Wyoming Cowgirl volleyball coach Kaylee Prigge announced four transfer signings for the 2026 season. State Finance: State Treasurer Curt Meier is again seeking sponsors for a Wyoming Generational Investment Account to move reserve funds into a permanent long-term fund.

Severe Weather Watch: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Tuesday across western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming, with forecasters warning of large hail and damaging winds, plus a low chance of a brief spin-up tornado as storms fire up around 3–5 p.m. Wyoming Sports: In El Paso, Stephanie Han retained her WBA lightweight title in a controversial majority decision rematch over Holly Holm, while Amanda Serrano tied Christy Martin’s women’s knockout record with a second-round TKO of Cheyenne Hanson. Local History & Community: Sheridan held its first Pedestrian Awareness Walk in tribute to Julie Fitzsimons, who was killed in a crash near Wyoming Rib & Chop House, with a community moment of silence and a drum-and-bugle corps leading the route. Wyoming Football: Wyoming reloaded for the upcoming season, bringing back key starters and adding William & Mary transfer quarterback Tyler Hughes, plus new offensive and line additions. Oil Industry Uncertainty: North Dakota oil leaders say the next era of Bakken production hinges on enhanced recovery tech, but executives warn there’s no guaranteed breakthrough.

High School Sports: Wyoming Seminary captured its first-ever District 2 baseball title, beating Elk Lake 21-4 at the University of Scranton with 21 walks and a big inside-the-park homer from Leo Nockley. Local Community & Public Safety: Wyoming Area Regional Police held a ceremony honoring former State Rep. Aaron Kaufer for helping form the regional department. Youth & Education: Luzerne County Head Start awarded $20,775 in scholarships to high school seniors across Luzerne and Wyoming counties. Wildlife & Outdoors: A cowbird egg in a nest may look like a mystery, but experts say it’s illegal to remove—cowbirds are brood parasites that can outcompete host species. Wyoming Sports: The University of Wyoming Cowgirls released their 2026 soccer schedule, opening Aug. 13 vs. Drake and starting Mountain West play Sept. 24 at Nevada. Wyoming Politics: James Byrd, a Democrat, is running to challenge GOP candidates for Wyoming’s U.S. Senate seat.

Cheyenne & State Policy: Wyoming lawmakers and school leaders are refining a proposed Gillette high school cellphone ban after public pushback, with educators pressing for clearer enforcement and medical exemptions. Public Lands & Wildlife: The Trump administration rescinded long-standing off-road vehicle limits on public lands, a move that could expand where dirt bikes and ATVs can operate. Conservation & Outdoors: Wyoming Game and Fish-backed “Trout in the Classroom” wrapped up with students on the Wind River Reservation releasing rainbow trout fry at Ray Lake. Energy & Water: Critics say a proposed pumped-water storage project at Seminoe Reservoir could harm the North Platte’s Miracle Mile trout fishery and affect bighorn sheep during construction. Sports: Wyoming Area’s Ben Gravine earned a state discus medal despite tough weather at the PIAA track meet. Health Care: Bipartisan rural hospital legislation cleared the Senate, extending a Medicare demonstration that includes Wyoming hospitals. Veterans Housing: VA home-loan data shows Wyoming had 279 VA-funded purchases in Q1 FY2026, down from 307 in Q4 FY2025.

Boxing Spotlight: Amanda Serrano defends her unified featherweight belts Saturday in El Paso against Cheyenne Hanson on ESPN, with Serrano chasing Christy Martin’s long-standing knockout record. Wyoming Community & Education: Laramie County School District 1 held Frontier Park graduation ceremonies for East, Central and South high schools, urging seniors to pick a “destination worth pursuing.” Public Safety: Rock Springs police found a credit card skimmer on a Maverik pump, warning travelers to stay alert for tampering. Affordability Watch: A new survey says 42% of Wyoming adults 30+ feel financially insecure as prices rise faster than income. Road Work: WYDOT hot-mix patching starts June 1 across Fremont County, including U.S. 20, Wyoming 789 and Togwotee Pass. Wildlife & Range Management: BLM Wyoming schedules wild horse and burro adoptions for June 6 and June 13. Local Culture: Cheyenne’s Old West Museum opens an America 250 exhibit highlighting major presidential ties to the city.

Cheyenne Data Center Debate: Microsoft is seeking major expansion approvals in Cheyenne, including two new sites totaling hundreds of acres and a much larger Laramie County footprint tied to land owned by Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ family, as residents question impacts during drought. Wyoming Politics: Secretary of State Chuck Gray moved to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s closed primaries, arguing party deadlines force voters into unwanted association. Training at Camp Guernsey: Air Force and interagency teams conducted a multi-command C-sUAS firing qualification at Camp Guernsey, testing small-drone countermeasures. Public Safety Scam Alert: Sheridan County warned residents about a text scam claiming an unpaid Laramie County traffic infraction and threatening a next-day court date. Community & Culture: The sixth annual “Native Voices” Indigenous culture celebration in Jackson drew thousands, including screenings tied to Leonard Peltier’s case. Sports: Sky View’s longtime boys basketball coach Kirk Hillyard announced retirement after 15 seasons and three state titles.