AGP Executive Report

Fuel Supply: Gov. Mark Gordon temporarily eased federal driving-hour limits for fuel haulers, aiming to boost gasoline and diesel deliveries as Wyoming’s average price reached $4.49 a gallon. Energy and Development: Black Hills plans $1.8 billion in new gas generation near Cheyenne to help power Google’s proposed data center, alongside a privately managed microgrid. Elections: Laramie County logged 1,212 early voters in the first three days—up from 290 over the same period in 2022. Wildlife: Game and Fish is asking sage-grouse hunters to submit wings to help track population health, and is seeking information after an illegally introduced northern pike was found in Lake DeSmet. Local Services: Ranchester’s volunteer fire chief warned the district could lose up to 40% of its budget depending on November ballot results, including Proposition 1. Cowgirls Soccer: Wyoming beat San Jose State 4-0, with Alyssa Glover setting the program’s career scoring record.

Winter Costs: Wyoming families face higher heating bills, with natural-gas costs projected to average $726 this winter, up from $686 last year; electricity-heated homes could see a 9% increase. LIEAP applications are open for households needing help. Growth & Housing: Laramie County is moving toward requiring large industrial projects to house construction workers outside the local market, aiming to limit pressure on scarce rentals as data center and energy proposals grow. Property Taxes: Natrona County officials oppose Proposition 1’s proposed 50% homeowner tax exemption, warning that lost revenue could strain local services as voters weigh tax relief. Jobs & Education: UW’s WORTH Institute received a $2.5 million federal grant to build rural career pathways in tourism and outdoor recreation, with a goal of serving 2,000 people. Local News: A six-hour standoff in east Cheyenne ended with a man’s arrest on assault and stalking charges. Rawlins City Manager Matt Hall received a state press association award for government transparency. Cowboys: Wyoming visits San Jose State tonight, looking to rebound after a 28-0 loss to North Dakota State.

Health Costs: Wyoming’s health affordability task force is weighing a model that would treat essential hospital services as a utility while leaving elective procedures to the market. Members also agreed to continue the work beyond next year’s legislative session. Food Assistance: SNAP changes expand work requirements to more Wyoming adults, including some parents, and shift more administrative costs to the state. A two-year ban on using benefits for sweetened carbonated drinks starts in February 2027; more than 25,000 Wyomingites receive SNAP. Boys’ School Lawsuit: A federal judge denied qualified immunity to Wyoming Boys’ School staff in one of six lawsuits alleging abuse and civil rights violations, allowing some claims to proceed. Winter Bills: Home heating costs are forecast to rise; natural-gas households could pay an average $726 this winter, up from $686. Applications are open for LIEAP assistance through April 30. Targhee Expansion: Opponents are pressing the Forest Service to reconsider a proposed 700-acre Grand Targhee expansion, citing risks to bighorn sheep habitat, housing, traffic and water. Resort owner Geordie Gillett defended concentrating growth near developed areas. Family Support: Wyoming received $2.4 million in federal funding to continue home visits for families with young children; the program made about 4,500 visits last year.

Election 2026: Albany County legislative candidates faced questions at a public forum as November’s election approaches. Mental Health: Natrona, Laramie and Sheridan counties will receive state reimbursements for holding and treating people with mental illness in jail, under a new program backed by $5 million through 2028. Property Taxes: Proposition 1, which would cut homeowner property taxes by another 50%, has drawn opposition from education and taxpayer groups despite Wyoming Republican Party support; state estimates say it could reduce revenue by more than $92 million in fiscal 2028. Data Centers: Fremont County’s Lost Cabin project is part of a proposed $66 billion development, while Cheyenne planners delayed rules for data centers and power facilities to seek more information on water, noise and scale. Black Hills Energy separately plans $1.8 billion in new generation to supply a Google data center in Cheyenne. Energy Costs: A think tank projects Wyoming households could pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040 because of federal policy changes. Cowgirls: Wyoming soccer beat San Jose State 4-0; Alyssa Glover set the program record with her 26th goal.

Data Center Debate: A facility under construction near Lost Cabin is the first phase of a proposed $66 billion project, raising fresh concerns in Fremont County, where officials say a lack of zoning rules limits their ability to regulate development. Wildfire Response: A BNSF train sparked multiple grass fires near the Montana-Wyoming border; crews contained them after agencies and local landowners joined the response. Health Care: Wyoming lawmakers advanced a proposal allowing qualified foreign-trained doctors to practice under supervision, offering another possible way to address physician shortages. Elections: General-election early and absentee voting is underway in Wyoming, as candidates for statewide offices make their case to voters. Health Costs: Wyoming is set to lose 43% of its Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 and face the nation’s largest premium increase, according to a report. Preservation: Three 2026 Preserve Wyoming Awards recognized historic-building restoration and preservation work across the state.

WNBA Injury Watch: Atlanta’s Allisha Gray is ruled out for Game 2 with a finger injury, while Las Vegas’ Jewell Loyd is listed doubtful with a left leg issue as the semifinals resume Wednesday. Cheyenne Health & Tech: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center will host its annual diabetes conference Nov. 7, and LCCC is set for “Cyber Cheyenne 2026” on Oct. 16 to boost digital security and workforce skills. Local Government & Growth: Cheyenne City Council’s Public Services Committee advanced plans for the Hitching Post District and the Orchard Hills data center, moving annexation and zoning steps toward final approval. Food Access: Meals on Wheels Cheyenne and Fortis Construction are adding small community pantries across the city to expand access to shelf-stable food. Sports: UW men’s rodeo won the team title at Lamar Community College’s Antelope Stampede, and Teton Valley’s Ellie Schumacher committed to play Division I lacrosse at La Salle. Elections: Wyoming’s early/absentee voting period is underway statewide ahead of the November general election.

Wyoming Politics: President Trump endorsed Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray for the state’s at-large U.S. House seat, boosting a crowded GOP race as voters head toward the November election. Ballot Measure Watch: Proposition 1 would cut homeowners’ property taxes in half, but opponents warn it could squeeze state services even as supporters promise lasting relief. Wildlife & Courts: A Uinta County judge jailed a man in a moose abuse case, delivering a blunt message that Wyoming wildlife “belongs to the people of Wyoming.” Energy & Utilities: Wyoming’s PUC candidates are debating how to handle data centers and keep utility pricing affordable as demand grows. Local Higher Ed: Central Wyoming College announced public community sessions in Riverton, Lander and Jackson with presidential finalists as it searches for its next president. Sports: The Wyoming Cowgirls earned their first Mountain West win of the season with a straight-set sweep over San Jose State. Community Health: A community baby shower in Pennsylvania highlighted prenatal and postpartum resources through a Medicaid managed care program.

Wyoming Politics & Policy: Lawmakers in Jackson are weighing a draft bill that would extend workers’ compensation coverage to volunteer ski patrollers, including mental health benefits for “mental injury.” Elections & Voting: Early voting is underway in Wyoming and other states, with officials reporting ballots already moving and voters choosing mail or in-person at different rates. Public Safety: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Cheyenne, Casper and parts of Wyoming, urging residents to avoid outdoor burning amid hot, dry, windy conditions. Wyoming Economy & Travel: Gas prices in Wyoming fell 10.1 cents per gallon over the past week, averaging $4.42. Cheyenne Regional Airport also announced added United Express flights to Denver starting January 2027. Wildlife & Outdoors: Wyoming approved a fencing project near Pinedale using wildlife conservation license plate funds to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions along US191. Community & Culture: The Wyoming State Archives will host a Speaker Series Oct. 8 in Cheyenne featuring commercial art historian Colton Bowden on Edgar Church. Sports: UW football coach Jay Sawvel says Wyoming must fix offensive mistakes after a 28-0 loss to North Dakota State, while Christian Taylor faces early-season production struggles.

Wildlife & Courts: A Uinta County judge jailed a man for 30 days after moose abuse charges, warning that “Wyoming values wildlife” and that such conduct won’t be tolerated. Drought Relief: USDA designated Carter County a primary natural disaster area due to drought, opening the door to emergency Farm Service Agency credit for eligible Wyoming producers. Cybersecurity in Cheyenne: Cyber Cheyenne 2026 is set for Oct. 16, bringing Northern Colorado and Wyoming professionals together to focus on AI, cyber threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Transit Costs in Jackson: START bus fares are changing Nov. 27, with new $2 one-way pricing and paid routes replacing some previously free services. Arts & Community: The Wyoming Arts Council board will meet Oct. 19-20 in Pinedale, with public comment planned and virtual access available. Sports: North Dakota State shut out Wyoming 28-0 in the Battle of the Basins, and Donovan Woolen earned MW Defensive Player of the Week honors. Weather: A warm, mostly dry pattern is supporting autumn fieldwork, though elevated wildfire risk remains in parts of Montana and Wyoming.

Cowboys vs. NDSU: Wyoming’s rivalry opener at the Fargodome turned into a 28-0 shutout, with coach Jay Sawvel calling the offensive struggles “maddening” after just two first downs on 11 third downs. High School Football: Week 5 scores rolled in across Wyoming, including big wins for Natrona County (60-0 over South), Star Valley (28-27 OT over Cody), and Cokeville’s 41-0 upset of Mountain View. Cowgirls Volleyball: Wyoming rebounded with a 3-0 sweep over San Jose State, winning 25-23, 25-20, 25-18. Local Politics: Wyoming Realtors and the Wyoming Taxpayers Association announced opposition to Proposition 1, warning that cutting property tax revenue without replacement funding could strain local services. Mental Health & Community: Western Wyoming College held a “Walk with the Light” event to end Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, urging students to know help is available. Sports Notes: The Battle of the Basins Trophy stayed in North Dakota after NDSU’s 28-0 win, and Wyoming’s offense remains the main question heading into the next matchup.

Wyoming Fire Response: Gov. Mark Gordon joined state forestry officials to cut the ribbon on a new $7.5 million Casper aviation helibase, built to speed wildfire suppression and improve coordination with federal partners. Local Governance: In Rock Springs, a mayoral forum put incumbent Max Mickelson and challenger Rick Milonas side by side on budgeting, infrastructure, and how to manage community growth. Workforce & Health: Gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow met Rock Springs residents to discuss education-driven job growth, small-business regulatory relief, and healthcare access, including mental health and youth retention. Suicide Prevention: Western Wyoming College hosted “Walk with the Light,” a lantern walk and release to mark Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and stress that help is available. Water & Recreation Rules: Wyoming’s new BTNF and WGFD permit fees are shaping Snake River use, with changes affecting how people access and enjoy the area. Sports (Wyoming): North Dakota State shut out Wyoming 28-0 in the Battle of the Basins, while San Jose State beat Hawaii 20-16 as Luke Weaver returned to his former school. Food Safety: EAK Distribution of Casper recalled HOME GROWN Green Sprouting Calabrese broccoli seeds sold on Amazon nationwide due to possible salmonella contamination.

Battle of the Basins: Wyoming’s offense collapsed early and never recovered, falling 28-0 to North Dakota State in Fargo. Tyler Hughes threw 5-of-14 for 52 yards and an interception on the first play, while the Cowboys managed just eight first downs and were 2-of-11 on third down. Local Sports: Wyoming volleyball bounced back with a win at San Jose State, and the Cowgirls snapped a three-match skid behind Paige Lauterwasser’s 13 kills. Education Finance: The U.S. Senate passed a bill giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage the permanent school trust fund, updating investment rules that supporters say could boost annual returns for K-12. Community & Culture: Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra kicked off its Masterworks Tour with Brahms and Respighi, bringing more classical music to the region. High School Sports: Cheyenne Central topped No. 2-ranked Thunder Basin in volleyball, while Tinora swept the Edgerton Invite in cross country.

Clean Water Partnership: A 20-year East Metro Water education program is credited with helping restore more than 20 lakes and major stream and river projects across the region, stressing that community buy-in is key to lasting results. Wyoming Politics: Constitution Party gubernatorial nominee Rebecca Bextel met voters in Cheyenne, arguing Wyoming politics are riddled with fraud and weak leadership and pitching housing and public-lands priorities. Healthcare Costs: A new ACA marketplace study says 2026 plan selections dropped and premiums rose as enhanced federal subsidies ended, with Wyoming seeing a steep decline in new shoppers. Local Government & Taxes: Cheyenne tourism funding and a lodging-tax renewal question are in focus, while statewide debate over Proposition 1 property-tax cuts continues with opponents warning of knock-on effects for local services. Community Events: Skate Laramie’s free Stoke-a-thon returns to support a new indoor skatepark, and UW’s Buchanan Center announced Grammy-nominated The War and Treaty for Oct. 16. Sports: Wyoming’s football heads to North Dakota State on Saturday, with GameDay coverage set for Fargo.

Wyoming Politics & Elections: Wyoming Supreme Court upheld the state’s primary system, keeping the ban on crossover voting in primary elections and affirming Secretary of State Chuck Gray’s approach. Road Safety: WYDOT launched the Safe Pass Program, requiring heavy vehicles to self-certify before driving Teton Pass beyond the Idaho/Wyoming border, with signs and online materials to help drivers understand steep-grade rules. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council’s “Council Corner” update shows annexations moving toward October final votes, including Orchard Hills and the Hitching Post District, plus other zoning actions. Statewide Education & Schools: Two candidates are vying to replace Wyoming’s superintendent of public instruction, with both sides focusing on how public voucher dollars should be monitored and certified. Sports: Wyoming women’s soccer lost 3-2 at UC Davis, snapping a six-match win streak; Wyoming volleyball’s Kelly Walsh swept Laramie. Community Events: Cheyenne’s Old West Museum is recruiting volunteers for an Oct. 9 breakfast social, and the Wyoming Congressional Award Council is hosting a statewide Day of Service on Oct. 8.

Public Health: The CDC reported 3,887 measles cases in the U.S. as of Oct. 1, with 95% tied to outbreaks, including 18 cases among international visitors—Wyoming is among the 47 jurisdictions reporting cases. Local Outdoors & Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish lifted several voluntary catch-and-release fishing closures statewide after cooler weather reduced stress on trout. Road Safety: Safe Pass enforcement is now underway on Teton Pass, with WYDOT signs in place and drivers required to self-certify before crossing. Community & Mental Health: Southwest Counseling Service received a five-year federal grant totaling about $2.69 million to expand assisted outpatient mental health treatment for adults with serious mental illness in Sweetwater County. Education & Culture: UW’s Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium kicks off October with a new full-dome film and Halloween-themed events later this month. Civic Life: A Green River mayor and city council forum is set for Oct. 7 at Western Wyoming Community College’s Green River Center. Sports: MLB dropped its Grand Teton National Park game proposal after local opposition.

WNBA Playoffs: Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 94-83 in Game 3, with A’ja Wilson pouring in 36 points and the team advancing to the semifinals. Cheyenne Water Work: BOPU says water main replacement work will shift east on East 19th Street, with a westbound lane closure from Rayor Avenue to the Converse roundabout for about six more weeks. School Board Race: A forum in Cheyenne featured candidates for Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees, including At-Large contenders Dr. Rene Hinkle and Tanya Barcelona. Local Education: LCCC reports record enrollment growth and its largest graduating class, citing strong student success and workforce outcomes. Wyoming Legislature: Democrats launched a new website and brand for the Wyoming Democratic Legislative Caucus. City Planning: Cheyenne City Council advanced data center items and discussed a climate action plan as a planning resource. Road Closures: WYDOT will close parts of WYO 376 (the Belt Loop) and also has a short culvert repair closure planned on Boulder Lake Road. Public Health: A boil advisory near Idaho Falls was lifted after testing cleared the Taylor Mountain Water system. Sports Calendar: High school football and volleyball schedules and results rolled through the weekend.