AGP Executive Report

Colorado River Crisis: Federal officials say a seven-state deal is slipping, so the Bureau of Reclamation will move to a shorter-term 10-year framework with new operating guidelines every two years—meaning Wyoming and other Upper Basin states could face federal management if talks fail. Western Water Leadership: Trump is reportedly set to name Aubrey Bettencourt to lead the Bureau of Reclamation, a choice that could reshape how the administration handles the river fight. Wyoming Housing Funding: The Wyoming SLIB approved $8.8M for Business Ready community grants, backing housing projects in Douglas and Wright to help workers and local businesses. Broadband on Federal Land: Sen. John Barrasso introduced a bill to streamline broadband permitting on federal property, including standardized rules and an online portal. Healthcare Access: Campbell County Health says it will take over after Hoskinson Health and Wellness Clinic closes July 31, with some specialty care likely requiring travel. Local Public Safety: A Carbon County deputy was shot while responding to a man with a gun; authorities say the suspect later died after firing at pursuing deputies. Community Spotlight: Cheyenne Frontier Days is nearing launch of the Morning Star American Indian Village, with finishing touches underway.

Wyoming Politics & Elections: Wyoming voters who changed party affiliation largely moved from Democratic to Republican, with clerks reporting big GOP gains ahead of the May 13 party-change deadline—an effect amplified by Wyoming’s closed primaries. Public Safety: Fire danger stays high across eastern Wyoming, with multiple Red Flag Warnings and strong winds expected to spread fast-moving grassland fires. Water & Power: Colorado River talks are headed toward a rocky mediation as Interior prepares a summer plan that could impose drought-driven delivery cuts—setting upstream states like Wyoming against downstream proposals. State Government Watch: A Wyoming GOP lawsuit aims to shape who gets endorsed and financed before primaries, raising concerns about voters’ control over nominees. Local Life: Casper’s Ford Wyoming Center hosts the College National Finals Rodeo June 14–20, and a Northeast Texas team roping duo is headed to compete. Community & Culture: The Trueness Project and ACL Global are teaming up for a Grand Butterfly Gathering in Jackson Hole on June 27. Sports: The Wyoming Walleye Stampede’s Governor’s Cup went to the Ken & Ken Zuber team, with the next event set for Boysen Reservoir June 27–28.

Wyoming Politics & Governance: Cheyenne resident Victor Miller’s AI bid for the U.S. Senate was rejected by the Secretary of State and the court, with officials saying candidates must be human beings. Elections & Voting: The Trump administration is moving to restrict voting by mail, while DHS plans to let states access federal citizenship data and monitor mail ballots for fraud signals. Public Health: More than 50 Planned Parenthood clinics have closed, driven by funding limits tied to Title X and Medicaid rules, threatening access for low-income patients. State Government Watch: Laramie plans to apply larvicide to curb mosquitoes in nearby rural areas, citing West Nile risk. Sports & College: Wyoming AD Tom Burman criticized a court decision letting Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby play after NCAA gambling violations, calling enforcement “at risk.” Local Community & Culture: Cheyenne’s Asher Building won a historic preservation award for adaptive reuse. Wyoming Economy & Energy: Chariot Resources expanded its lithium claims at the Resurgent project, nearly doubling its footprint in Nevada-Oregon’s battery-metal region. Weather: Severe storms prompted a tornado watch for parts of Colorado, including Cheyenne County.

Road Safety Updates: WYDOT crews will install thermoplastic markings starting Monday evening (June 8) on US 26/89/189/191, Broadway Avenue, WY-22 and near Hoback Junction, running 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for about two weeks with lane closures and possible detours. Severe Weather Watch: The Cheyenne National Weather Service warns of strong to severe storms Monday afternoon into evening, with large hail and strong winds most likely along the I-80 corridor, plus an isolated tornado or flash flooding. Wyoming Economy & Tech: A Business Insider map flags data-center growth beyond traditional hubs, including outside Cheyenne, and notes many projects plan dedicated power sources—raising questions for local electricity costs. Energy Costs: A report argues behind-the-meter gas plants tied to data centers could push up energy bills for homes and small businesses. Sports & Community: Wyoming football reloaded for the offseason with key returnees and a new quarterback transfer, while the Pros & Pokes camp in Casper focused on the mental side of the game. Local Business Spotlight: Gem State Comic Con in Idaho hit a record attendance, drawing more vendors and celebrity guests.

Wyoming Politics: Secretary of State Chuck Gray held a Rock Springs meet-and-greet June 6, pitching his U.S. House run and promising to push election integrity laws while backing Wyoming industries. Wildlife Management: Wyoming plans to cut the wolf hunt in half after a canine distemper outbreak drove wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades, with a 22-wolf cap in the Greater Yellowstone area. Public Safety: The Wyoming Air National Guard held a 153rd Maintenance Group change of command in Cheyenne, transitioning leadership from Lt. Col. Brett Trippel to Lt. Col. John Jasper. Disaster Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought losses affecting a long list of Wyoming counties, including working capital and nonprofit eligibility. Community & Economy: Wyoming National Guard planners ran a rehearsal of concept drill for America 250 in Cheyenne, coordinating public safety, traffic, emergency response, and aviation support for July 4. Weather Watch: A stormy Sunday is easing into a quieter Monday in the Billings area, with more rounds of showers and thunderstorms later in the week.

Wyoming Energy & Land: The BLM reported a record year for onshore oil and gas lease sales and production, touting faster permit processing and more output on fewer acres. Wolf Management: Wyoming wildlife managers plan to cut the wolf hunt by half after a canine distemper outbreak pushed wolf numbers to their lowest level in two decades. Tribal Housing Finance: Lakota Funds joined a USDA home loan program, bringing $764,000 to expand mortgage access for borrowers on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Public Safety & Weather: North Cheyenne Canyon Road and Gold Camp Road in Colorado Springs closed due to storm debris and damage. Wyoming National Guard: The Guard held a planning exercise in Cheyenne for Wyoming’s America 250 celebration, coordinating agencies and emergency response for July 4. Climate & Courts: A U.S. Supreme Court case on climate-related lawsuits against oil companies is moving forward, keeping pressure on fossil-fuel liability fights. Health Equity: Walking Forward cancer navigation is returning to Monument Health, aiming to expand screening and support for Native communities across eastern Wyoming and western South Dakota.

Wyoming America 250 prep: The Wyoming National Guard held a Rehearsal of Concept drill in Cheyenne to coordinate public safety, traffic, emergency response, and aviation support for the July 4 celebration, including Black Hawk and C-130 flyovers. Wyoming politics & economy: Three Wyoming governor candidates met in Cheyenne for a Chamber panel, focusing on rural healthcare, keeping young people in-state, military development, and how Wyoming should handle data centers amid a boom-or-bust budget tied to mineral revenues. Energy fight with national ripple effects: A coalition of 21 states and industry groups backed the U.S. Air Force in a lawsuit over the Tarague Beach detonation range in Guam, arguing a major win could reshape permitting battles nationwide. Climate science under pressure: A federal judge blocked efforts to break up NCAR’s supercomputing center by moving it to UW, while reports say Trump officials have started removing hundreds of deep-ocean monitoring sensors. Local health equity: Walking Forward, a Native-focused cancer navigation and screening program, is returning to Monument Health after decades serving western South Dakota communities. Jobs snapshot: May saw fewer mass layoff notices alongside stronger hiring, with unemployment steady at 4.3%. Public safety at summer camps: A new warning highlights risks like abuse, drownings, and active-shooter concerns as camps reopen.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: The Trump administration is set to funnel nearly $700 million into the U.S. coal industry, using a Cold War-era Defense Production Act to prop up existing plants and fund new builds, including a proposed Oakland export terminal that could boost Wyoming coal shipments. Wildfire Readiness: Wyoming officials and the National Guard held a wildfire tabletop exercise in Cheyenne to tighten coordination and communication before incidents. Colorado River Alarm: A new expert paper warns the Colorado River Basin could face a “system crash” unless water cuts happen fast, with Lake Mead and Lake Powell at risk. Wyoming Politics: Three gubernatorial candidates met at a Cheyenne Chamber forum, focusing on keeping youth in Wyoming, rural healthcare, and how data centers fit into the state’s economy. Local Government Watch: In Eads, council approved bills and minutes, swore in new board members, and discussed water shares tied to incoming wind farm projects. Tech & Privacy: A new survey finds many Americans don’t realize how easily their digital footprint shows up in search and AI tools.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: Gov. Mark Gordon joined U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the White House to tout nearly $700 million in federal support for coal, including $75 million for a long-delayed Oakland export terminal aimed at shipping Wyoming coal abroad. Power Bills Rising: A new national map shows residential electricity prices climbing fast in many places, with Wyoming up about 9.5% year over year—partly tied to grid costs and demand. Wildfire Readiness: The Wyoming National Guard held a tabletop exercise with state and local partners to tighten coordination for wildfire response, including aviation support requests. Rural Health Funding: The UW School of Medicine received a $25 million gift to expand rural and Indigenous medical scholarships across the WWAMI region, including Wyoming. Cheatgrass and Fire Risk: UW Extension research highlights how cheatgrass is helping drive more frequent burns in the Bighorn Basin, changing the sagebrush landscape. Local Elections: Weston County appointed a new election clerk after years of investigations and charges against the prior clerk. Community Life: Cheyenne’s Summer on the Streets kicks off Saturday, while downtown Casper’s Nic Fest and Art Walk drew crowds.

Wyoming Cannabis & City Staffing: Cheyenne’s neighbor Wyoming City Council approved two recreational cannabis requests—adding greenhouses to an approved grow site and approving “Happy Daze” for a Highway 8 building—while also hiring a Community Service Officer. Energy & Jobs Politics: Gov. Gordon backed Trump’s nearly $700M coal push, and EPA proposed freeing a Wyoming coal plant from a 2014 shutdown deal, aiming to keep it running past 2027. Drought Pressure on Ranching: USDA reports drought is tightening pasture and hay supplies, with over half of U.S. cattle in moderate drought or worse areas. Wyoming Elections Watch: A guide to Wyoming’s 2026 primaries highlights crowded races and the GOP’s internal split shaping who advances. Local Community Calendar: Cheyenne and Laramie listings spotlight free summer events, rodeos, and youth activities.

Wyoming Politics & Courts: The Wyoming GOP is suing the state over a law that bars parties from financially backing primary candidates before voters decide, arguing it violates free speech and association. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M in coal support using Cold War-era emergency powers, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon praising steps that could keep the Dave Johnston plant running longer. Wildlife & Land Use: At the Wyoming Capitol, a “Save the Eagles, Stop Wind” rally urged a halt and deeper review of industrial wind projects in southeast Wyoming, citing golden eagle concerns. Wyoming Economy & Families: The Wyoming Childcare Provider Start-up Grant is back for a fourth round, offering up to $10,000 for new or expanding licensed providers in high-need areas. Infrastructure: A new national roadway ranking highlights Wyoming’s comparatively strong condition of major roads, while broader reporting warns funding for repairs is still at risk after 2026. Public Safety & Health: Range is hosting an internet safety luncheon for seniors in Broadus, aimed at helping older residents spot scams and protect personal info.

U.S. Senate filings: Five Republicans and two Democrats have filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 U.S. Senate primaries, with Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sam Mead among the best-known GOP names. Open government: Crook County Clerk Melissa Jones won the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government for routine transparency and fast public records access. Energy politics: Trump plans to use wartime powers to push $700 million to coal-fired power plants, a move Wyoming lawmakers and coal-state allies are backing. Wyoming AI/data centers: Wyoming is moving ahead with an “AI data center” development framework under Gov. Mark Gordon’s executive order, even as other Mountain West communities debate or pause similar projects. Wildfire watch: Federal outlooks warn big Western fire risk is arriving early, with above-normal temperatures and dry conditions driving heightened potential. Food security: Hole Food Rescue’s free summer lunches (“Sprout”) return in Jackson starting June 15, targeting 10,000 meals through late August. Local governance: Gov. Gordon is set to hold a Worland town hall June 6 to discuss Wyoming’s future with residents.

Wyoming Data Centers: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order laying out a “Wyoming Way” framework for data centers and advanced computing, aiming to attract investment while pushing agencies to protect water, wildlife, workforce needs, and residential electricity customers. State Politics: Wyoming’s U.S. Senate field is getting bigger: Billy Benavidez announced a run as a Democrat, setting up a primary matchup with former Rep. James Byrd. Elections & Courts: The Wyoming AG filed an objection to federal marijuana rescheduling, arguing the decision should be made by the Wyoming Legislature. Public Safety & Infrastructure: WYDOT reminded residents that signage in state right-of-way is illegal and will be removed; Range also announced new fiber expansion in rural Crook and Weston counties. Water & Wildlife: State and federal officials toured Sierra Valley on wolf management, following 2025 livestock losses tied to the Beyem Seyo pack. Health & Budget Watch: A new report ranks Wyoming among the most fiscally stable states, while a separate national look warns many rural hospitals face closure risk.

WYDOT Road Work: Two Bear River bridge deck replacements on WYO 89 near Evanston start Thursday, June 4, with alternating one-lane traffic and stop delays up to 15 minutes through summer, targeting completion by Oct. 31, 2027. Drought & Fishing: Wyoming Game and Fish says low water still matters statewide, but central fisheries like Boysen Reservoir are in good shape; runoff may hit earlier than usual. Wildfire Readiness: Experts warn federal staff cuts at public-lands agencies are already slowing prescribed burning and thinning, raising concern for the coming fire year. Childcare Support: Wyoming’s childcare provider grants reopen June 1, with up to $10,000 awards and applications due July 15 to expand access, especially for infant/toddler care. Local Events & Community: Grand Teton hosts National Trails Day volunteer work June 6 at Taggart Lake; Lander’s Popo Agie River celebration is June 5; and Plympton-Wyoming marks 25 years with a free fairgrounds bash June 13. UW & Sports: University of Wyoming renews its partnership with the Buffalo Bills for 2026-28 marketing and game-week visibility. Politics & Courts: A federal judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration’s push to dismantle NCAR, including a planned management transfer tied to Wyoming’s supercomputing center.

Federal Courts & Research: A Colorado judge blocked the Trump administration from transferring control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, saying the move looked arbitrary and possibly politically retaliatory, keeping the facility under UCAR’s stewardship while the case plays out. Wyoming Politics: A Cheyenne attorney asked the Wyoming Supreme Court to step in over a voter-data complaint against Secretary of State Chuck Gray, alleging sensitive voter information was shared with the U.S. Department of Justice. Gaming & Jobs: Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing broke ground on an $80 million destination near I-25, targeting a spring 2027 opening and projecting major local tax and job impacts. Drought Help: UW Extension announced a free three-part June webinar series on managing gardens, trees, and turf during drought. Public Safety & Courts: A Cheyenne man, Jessie Murphy Johnson, was sentenced to 110 months after pleading guilty to meth trafficking. Local Sports: Cheyenne’s Alexa Luethy earned Prep Athlete of the Week honors after helping Cheyenne Extreme start 6-0. Weather: Southeast Wyoming is moving into a drier, warmer stretch after storms, with another round possible Sunday.

Local Elections: Green River’s Paul D. Stevens says he’s running for the Ward 3 City Council seat on a platform of lowering water and sewer rates, expanding recreation, and working with the state on wildlife management. University of Wyoming: UW leaders have started an organizational self-review to meet legislative demands, with a plan that could eventually mean course cuts or position changes. Climate & Weather Research: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle NCAR, keeping UCAR’s Wyoming-based supercomputing operation intact while the case plays out. Severe Weather Tech: Colorado State University and Nvidia unveiled an AI system that can forecast severe hail 2–3 hours ahead—aimed at Colorado and Wyoming communities. Health Care Access: A new report finds Wyoming among states with the highest uninsured rates for children under 6, as Medicaid renewals continue to reshape coverage. Immigration Detention Medical Care: Multiple detainees allege serious medical neglect across the U.S., including untreated infections and delayed medications. Local Politics (Jackson): Town Councilor Jonathan Schechter announced a bid for a third term, citing housing, traffic, and ecological pressures. Wildfire Risk: New federal funding targets hazardous fuel reduction in Nevada, part of a broader push to protect communities at the wildland-urban edge. Sports: Marian’s baseball team rolled to a District 11 Class 2A title with an 11-1 win over Wyoming Seminary.