AGP Executive Report

AI vs. workers: A Vancouver tech crowd is debating whether AI will create freedom or pressure—one startup worker says “spend like it’s rent” to delegate work, while others push back. Cheyenne data-center pause: The Public Services Committee heard hours of public comment on a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data centers, with residents citing noise, pollution, water and boom-bust fears. Historic Pumphouse fire: Cheyenne’s Historic Pumphouse suffered major damage after a weekend blaze; officials said homeless people lit a fire and the roof collapsed as crews arrived. Weather watch: Southeast Wyoming’s freeze watch is now a freeze warning, with near-record lows expected. Local politics: Sheridan County commissioner candidate Christi Haswell says she’ll bring a “pragmatic leader” approach to growth and tough priorities. VA housing numbers: VA refinance loan averages rose in multiple states, including Wyoming at $378,730 for Q1 2026.

Sports Spotlight: Wyoming’s Cowgirls opened the Women’s National Golf Invitational with a nine-stroke lead, paced by freshman Kiley Reisner’s 3-under 69 and a steady team round. Outdoor & Campus Wins: Mountain West track wrapped with Holtzen and Burkett taking titles on night two, while Western Wyoming Community College honored top dual/concurrent enrollment students through its College Now program. Wyoming Business & Energy: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas are moving forward on the Cheyenne Power Hub, delivering first turbines for a dedicated AI-focused power project. Public Safety: Colorado authorities seized about 90 bison from a ranch near Craig, citing animal neglect; two died during the roundup. Housing & Veterans: VA interest-rate refinance averages rose in both Oregon and Oklahoma, with Q1 2026 figures reported by the VA Home Loans Index. Health & Workplace Risk: A national report flags rising silicosis concerns for countertop workers, with California weighing a potential high-silica quartz cutting ban. Tech & Local Economy: Tecta America acquired Big Horn Roofing, expanding its commercial roofing footprint in Wyoming.

Data Center Clash: Utah’s proposed Stratos hyperscale data center in Box Elder County is drawing fresh fire after scientists warned its waste heat could push parts of the state toward “Sahara-like” conditions, with critics pointing to approvals that bypassed public comment and environmental review. Public Safety & Courts: In Wyoming, authorities moved to charge a man after an alleged hammer attack tied to fears about reduced Social Security benefits. Infrastructure Push: Three regional fiber providers announced the $700M Heartland Fiber Project—an expanded Denver-to-Chicago backbone spanning seven states. Weather Watch: Southeast Wyoming is under a Freeze Watch for Monday night, with snow also possible around the I-80 corridor. Sports & Community: Wyoming’s Cowgirls won the National Golf Invitational with a record score, while District 2 baseball/softball brackets were set for the coming week.

Data Center Backlash: Utah’s proposed Stratos hyperscale data center in Box Elder County is drawing fresh fire after scientists warned its waste heat could shift local conditions “from semi-arid to Sahara-like,” with critics also pointing to approval without public comment or environmental review. Middle-Class Math: A new state-by-state analysis shows “middle class” income thresholds swing wildly—coastal states require far more than the South. Wyoming Education & Giving: University of Wyoming got a major boost as Carol and Ramon Tomé announced a $20 million gift to expand scholarships. Local Community Life: Wyoming’s Vestal Asphalt Foundation held its second annual Carnival for the Children’s Home of Wyoming, while students across the region kept competing—Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network also racked up national TV production awards. Sports & Weather: Mountain West track wrapped in Clovis, and severe storm risk continues to loom in parts of the Plains.

Colorado River Water Fight: The federal government is moving toward a 10-year plan that would cut Colorado River deliveries by 40%, a move that could hit California, Arizona, and Nevada hard as reservoirs keep dropping. Wyoming Data-Center Push: Wyoming’s AI pitch to big tech is colliding with local backlash—Cheyenne residents are packing meetings as more campuses are proposed. Utah Climate Alarm: Scientists warn a proposed Stratos hyperscale data center in Box Elder County could dramatically shift local temperatures, with critics saying approvals came without meaningful public review. Broadband Rollout: Nebraska marked a milestone with the nation’s first live BEAD broadband connection, showing how fixed wireless can speed rural buildouts. Weather Watch: Oklahoma’s tornado threat returns Sunday into Monday, while Plains and Southwest states stay under critical fire-weather alerts. Community & Education: Pikes Peak State College celebrates Native scholarship graduates, and WYOHOOPS launches a new Casper showcase aimed at keeping more basketball talent in-state.

Data Center Clash: Utah scientists warn Kevin O’Leary’s proposed Stratos data center could turn Box Elder County’s semi-arid climate toward “Sahara-like” conditions, with waste heat potentially spiking daytime and nighttime temperatures—while critics say the project was approved without public comment or a full environmental review. Wyoming Local Politics: Sheridan City Council is set to consider placing the county’s GPET tax continuation on the November ballot, alongside wastewater and city contract items. Community & Growth: Rock Springs will unveil four new bronze sculptures next Saturday at the Historical Museum, adding to its public history lineup. Sports & Schools: Laramie County’s 2026 Outstanding Graduates were named, and Wyoming’s East High signs three athletes for college programs. Wildlife Watch: Chronic wasting disease has been found on the National Elk Refuge, prompting renewed monitoring and bio-security steps.

Workforce Housing Clash in Laramie County: Residents packed the historic courthouse as the county Planning Commission advanced a workforce “man camp” conditional use permit, with many speakers warning the area is being built up “too many things too quick” and that access plans don’t fit neighborhood roads. Federal Court Fallout in Wyoming: Three federal judges dismissed nine felony indictments tied to interim U.S. Attorney Darin Smith’s “deeply concerning” misconduct, with the government able to restart cases. Energy + Data Center Momentum: Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power announced turbine delivery for the Cheyenne Power Hub, while a separate Utah proposal for a massive data center drew fresh scientific alarm over waste heat and Great Salt Lake impacts. Drought + Water Watch: Wyoming water managers say the driest year on record is shaping up, and Jackson Lake forecasts point to high flows now with low fall storage. Community Life: East High’s athletes signed for college programs, and Laramie kicked off Bike to Work Day with coffee and a commuter ride.

Local Infrastructure & Public Safety: WYDOT has started a district-wide paving project in Laramie County, with lane changes and reduced speeds expected as work moves across Laramie and Albany before finishing in Carbon later this season. City Repairs: Casper is pushing Proposition #08 to fund $1.5 million for crucial repairs to the 1939 Bandshell—fixing drainage damage, upgrading aging lighting/sound, and improving accessibility. Community & Culture: Wilkes-Barre’s Fine Arts Fiesta is celebrating its 70th year through Sunday, filling Public Square with juried art, performances, and vendors. Accountability & Elections: Montana’s court temporarily blocked a law tightening Election Day registration hours while keeping voter ID rules in place. Sports: Wyoming’s track teams kicked off Mountain West Championships with early points from Eowyn Dalbec and others as day two approaches.

Rare-Earth Rush: The U.S. is scrambling to build a rare-earth supply chain that doesn’t rely on China, as Iran conflict and depleted stockpiles raise the stakes for missiles, drones, and high-tech gear. Return-to-Office Push: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pressing to bring state workers back to offices this summer, arguing “we want to get it done” after years of remote work. Colorado River Reality Check: Lower Basin states are advancing big Lake Powell cuts to stabilize the system, with negotiations aimed at preventing a deeper collapse. Wyoming Wolf Management: Wyoming wildlife officials plan to cut the wolf hunt by half after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to their lowest in two decades. Medicaid + Immigration Data: A new report says some states are going beyond federal rules by using Medicaid programs to flag people for immigration enforcement. Cheyenne Growth Debate: Cheyenne is weighing an ordinance that could create entertainment corridors, shifting how historic horse racing businesses are approved. Utah Data-Center Backlash: Scientists warn a proposed Utah hyperscale data center could trigger major local climate impacts, after approvals moved fast.

Energy & Taxes: Wyoming’s April oil price uptick helped lift statewide sales and use tax collections to $77.9M (+2.6% year over year), while natural gas prices eased—an early read on how energy swings are landing in state budgets. Climate & Land Use: A proposed Utah hyperscale data center in Box Elder County is drawing fresh backlash after scientists warned its waste heat could dramatically shift local temperatures and stress the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Health Care Expansion: Sanford Health is pushing deeper into Minnesota with a proposed merger with North Memorial Health, backed by about $600M in investment. Environment Watch: The Forest Service withdrew a deforestation project near Yellowstone that would have logged and burned thousands of acres, after legal challenges from conservation groups. Local Life: Cheyenne’s Black Dog Animal Rescue is urging more foster families as costs and surrenders strain the system, while the Medicine Wheel plan is again under scrutiny. Sports & Culture: Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network won national TV production honors, and Cheyenne’s Hummingbird Festival returns this weekend.

CWD Alarm in Wyoming’s Elk Refuge: Federal and state officials confirmed chronic wasting disease in an elk on the National Elk Refuge, triggering tighter monitoring and renewed debate over herd size and even long-running traditions tied to the Jackson elk herd. Montana “Corner Crossing” Gets More Complicated: Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras told lawmakers corner crossing is unlawful in Montana, but the public is still demanding clear rules—now with drones and other access scenarios adding fuel to the confusion. Wyoming Food Help Expands: After repeated setbacks, SUN Bucks is finally launching as a one-year summer pilot to cover kids’ meals when school ends. Local Watch: Laramie County crews began district-wide paving, while Cheyenne’s carriage collection and park upgrades keep the spotlight on community life. Politics on the Move: Sen. John Cornyn pushed a bill to rename US-287 as “Trump Interstate,” and New Mexico Democrats are wrestling with oil-war windfalls that fund popular programs.

Abortion Pill Fight: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the “unregulated flow” of mail-order abortion pills, backing a Fifth Circuit ruling that said the Biden approach unlawfully bypassed state protections. Water Watch: Lake Powell’s new time-lapse underscores how fast the Colorado River system is shrinking—federal forecasts now peg spring-summer inflows at just 13% of normal, with record-low risk for 2026. Data Center Backlash: Utah researchers warn a proposed hyperscale data center could push local temperatures toward “Sahara-like” conditions, while Cheyenne residents keep pushing for a data-center moratorium as power and water questions grow. School & Community Pressure: In Wyoming, parents and a state rep packed a school board meeting to oppose cuts to extracurriculars tied to activity-funding fallout from the state’s school finance recalibration. Local Color: Castle Rock is getting a new mural celebrating its history, and Wyoming’s sports scene keeps rolling into district meets and playoffs.

Data Center Clash in Utah: Scientists warn Kevin O’Leary’s proposed Stratos hyperscale data center in Box Elder County could push local conditions from semi-arid toward “Sahara-like” heat, with waste heat potentially spiking daytime and especially nighttime temperatures—while critics say it was approved without public comment or a full environmental review. Wyoming Traffic & Repairs: I-80 eastbound traffic will detour in Green River Thursday morning as crews replace damaged tunnel glare shields after an oversized truck incident. Cheyenne Data Center Pause: Cheyenne City Council is considering a temporary moratorium on new data centers to study impacts like water, electricity, and groundwater before more approvals. Food Insecurity Push: Ken Garff’s “Drive Out Hunger” campaign will pack 600 red bags for Cheyenne-area students and run a community food drive through June 20. Public Health Watch: A new study reports “brain-eating amoeba” in water samples from major national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Sports & Culture: NBA trailblazer Jason Collins dies at 47 after an eight-month battle with a brain tumor.

Reality-TV Ethics: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is rolling out an unscripted “Great American Road Trip” funded by firms he regulates—sparking immediate backlash as gas prices stay high. Competition & Costs: North Carolina Senate hopeful Roy Cooper vows to block grocery mergers to “make stuff cost less,” but critics note he didn’t fight the Kroger-Albertsons deal while in office. Water Under Pressure: Scientists warn Utah’s proposed Stratos hyperscale data center could turn Box Elder County hotter and drier—potentially reshaping the local climate and worsening Great Salt Lake impacts. Election Access: Montana courts temporarily block a law tightening Election Day voter registration hours while keeping voter ID rules alive. Wyoming Watch: Party-switch deadlines for the August 18 primary hit Wednesday at 5 p.m., and Rock Springs Main Street/URA earns another Main Street America accreditation. Outdoor Policy: Trump administration moves to ease hunting and fishing rules across many federal lands and parks.

Data Center Clash: Scientists warn a proposed Utah hyperscale data center could flip Box Elder County’s semi-arid climate toward “Sahara-like” conditions, citing massive power demand and waste heat—plus approval without public comment or environmental review. Local Governance: Cheyenne’s Orchard Valley Park is getting a new playground after the old one was torn down, with installation slated for late May/early June. Elections: Casper’s City Council filing window opens May 14, while Cheyenne’s municipal filing period runs May 14–29. Voting Rights: A Montana judge blocked a law that would have cut Election Day registration, saying it would disproportionately hit Native and younger voters. Public Lands: The Interior Department is canceling a Biden-era rule that treated conservation on par with development—Wyoming’s governor praised the move. Crypto/Finance: Kraken parent Payward is seeking fresh funding at a $20B valuation as it pushes for a federal crypto bank charter. Wyoming Economy & Health: AARP Wyoming is pressing for overdue pension COLAs, and FDA reports only one Teton-area company inspected in Q1, with “no action indicated.”

Colorado River Talks: Arizona, California, and Nevada say they’re ready to return to the negotiating table with the seven basin states, but they’re “too far apart” to expect a full deal before a July federal deadline—so the lower-basin proposal is likely to move forward in pieces. Water Stress in the West: Phoenix is also lining up mutual-aid and water-transaction agreements as rules for 2027 could cut its supply, while Rock Springs is holding a budget and Colorado River Compact briefing next week. Wildlife & Climate: A new Smithsonian exhibit spotlights bison’s near-extinction and comeback, even as the West braces for a bad wildfire season after record-low snowpack. Pay & Care: Florida’s teacher pay still ranks near the bottom, and New Mexico’s no-cost child care push highlights how affordability gaps can shape kids’ futures. Local Sports: Barton Community College softball advances after splitting regionals; Cheyenne-area legion baseball wraps a rough weekend.