AGP Executive Report

School Sports Funding: Wyoming school and state association leaders are weighing how to handle an 8.4% reduction in school funding, with worries that athletics and other activities could be cut. Public Health & Opioids: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand primary-care support for prescribing medication for opioid use disorder across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Data Centers vs. Local Backlash: Crusoe paused a Cheyenne-area data center project at a customer’s request, while Avista halted a Spokane request after thousands of complaints and a proposed moratorium—another sign AI power and data-center growth is colliding with local politics. Wyoming Agriculture Costs: Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed rate hike could hit irrigators hardest, with one schedule raising bills by 37.7% as drought pushes farmers to start pumping earlier. Fire Weather: Southeast Wyoming faces Red Flag Warnings with very low humidity and wind gusts 40–60 mph, raising the risk of rapid fire spread. Community Housing Push: Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County’s Blitz Build is racing to complete 4 homes in 10 days, aiming to build at least eight homes a year going forward. Elections & Voter Data: Wyoming AG Keith Kautz says two independent reviews found no criminal charges after a complaint alleged Secretary of State Chuck Gray shared sensitive voter data with the federal government.

Wyoming Politics & Policy: Wyoming’s school leaders are bracing for an 8.4% cut in school funding, with the Wyoming High School Activities Association weighing how to protect athletics and other student activities as budgets tighten. Public Safety & Justice: A Cheyenne auto shop manager faces felony theft charges after prosecutors allege he embezzled $105,000 from Nick’s Fast Track by canceling work in the shop’s system while taking cash. State Government & Military: Wyoming Air National Guard crews are forming the first C-130J training cadre in Cheyenne ahead of the 2028 aircraft arrival, with pilots and loadmasters preparing for both airlift and MAFFS firefighting missions. Tech & Economy: Senator Cynthia Lummis says the CLARITY Act would set aside $150 million for law enforcement to pursue crypto scams and digital asset crimes. Community & Culture: Wyoming’s “Apple City” food scene is growing, and Lander’s Central Wyoming College is expanding regenerative agriculture training with a hands-on crop production practicum. Sports: Wyoming Cowboys earned multiple preseason Mountain West honors, including first-team selections for running back Samuel “Tote” Harris and linebacker Ethan Stuhlsatz.

Wyoming Education & Schools: Wyoming’s new “silo” education funding model is hitting small districts hard, with Crook County and Weston County School District 7 facing $200,000+ shortfalls and weighing cuts to student activities as budgets tighten ahead of July 1. Local Utilities & Roads: Cheyenne residents should expect higher water and sewer bills starting Oct. 1, and Dell Range Boulevard is closed in parts starting June 15 for storm sewer, sidewalks, and signal work running into fall. Casper Air Service: C/NCIA says it’s negotiating new flights after Delta’s 2024 exit, but airlines need proof of demand and viable routes before adding service. Community & Culture: Casper’s “Pride Lives Here” event drew strong turnout, and Wyoming’s child well-being ranking improved—Wyoming jumped to 12th in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report. Wildlife & Safety: Wyoming Game and Fish is urging residents to secure attractants after reports of multiple bear conflicts. National Watch: Lake Mead is projected to sink to record-low levels again by July, with drought likely to keep conditions grim.

Wyoming Public Transit Cuts: WYDOT reduced federal transit funding, hitting local authorities hard—Sheridan down 51%, UW down 37%, and Riverton’s senior/WRTA partnership facing about a $238,000 federal loss (plus matching funds), with officials saying they were blindsided. State Tax System Shake-Up: The Wyoming State Board of Equalization says a 2024 property tax cap created “value inversions” and may prevent it from certifying residential values for 2026—raising the risk local governments can’t collect key property taxes for schools, roads, and public safety. Energy Bills Debate: Wyoming lawmakers are considering a new electricity-generation tax that could shift costs away from average customers, with discussion explicitly tying it to data center growth and the state’s power mix. Older Adults Missing Benefits: Wyoming’s seniors are under-enrolled in Medicare Savings Program, SNAP, and SSI—missing out on an estimated $58 billion nationwide, with Wyoming at the lowest participation rate for the Medicare Savings Program. School Activities Funding Pressure: Reports note Wyoming school leaders are facing an 8.4% reduction in school funding, with WHSAA discussing how to protect athletics and other student activities.

Wyoming Jobs: Sheridan and Johnson County unemployment rates fell in April, with Sheridan dropping to 2.8% and Johnson to 2.7%, while the statewide rate edged to 3.5% (from 3.6% in March). Local Business & Growth: Greater Cheyenne Chamber leaders say Wyoming should keep talking about long-term expectations for data centers as the state offers sales-tax breaks on equipment purchases. Education & Community: Across the country, budget pressure is putting school activities at risk; Wyoming’s school funding discussions include potential impacts to athletics and other programs. Health Care: Regional West in the region earned recertification as a Primary Stroke Center, highlighting faster stroke response and treatment. Sports Spotlight: Lucy Paczosa, a Minnesota swimmer, verbally committed to the University of Wyoming for fall 2027. Wyoming Events: The 53rd annual Wyoming Shrine Bowl All-Star Game drew major state figures, including Sen. John Barrasso, and ended with a 55-0 North-team win.

Education & Sports Funding: Wyoming school leaders are weighing how to handle an 8.4% statewide funding reduction, with officials stressing that athletics and activities help students build leadership, teamwork, character, and belonging. Public Health & Treatment Access: A major NIH grant aims to expand a model that helps primary care clinics prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, scaling work across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Local Safety & Mental Health: After a shelter-in-place at Skyway Elementary tied to a reported gun threat, educators and community members are pushing for more local mental health treatment and stronger collaboration. Wyoming Spotlight: The 53rd annual Wyoming Shrine Bowl drew top state football talent to Casper, with Senator John Barrasso speaking at halftime. Space & Science: NASA loaded parts of its Moon rocket onto a giant train spotted rolling through Wyoming as Artemis preparations continue. Agriculture & Risk: Screwworm cases are spreading beyond Texas, including a New Mexico dog case, raising stakes for the cattle industry. Culture & Outdoors: A Wyoming-set documentary, “Outside Ain’t Free,” is taking a summer film tour to inspire more Black and brown people to spend time outdoors.

Colorado River Deadline Pressure: Utah and Wyoming are pushing for a Colorado River deal as the Oct. 1 deadline nears, warning that without agreement the Interior Department could impose cuts—Arizona could face up to 77% reductions, and litigation could cost states key conservation money. Local Law & Immigration: The ACLU of Wyoming filed public records requests tied to 287(g) agreements, arguing local agencies have become a “force multiplier” for ICE. Education & Activities: Wyoming school leaders are weighing how to handle an 8.4% reduction in state school funding, with concerns that athletics and other activities could be cut. Sheriff Selection in Sweetwater County: A GOP ballot count is narrowing candidates for interim sheriff after John Grossnickle’s term ends, with Rich Fischer, Richard Kaumo, and Ozzie Knezovich leading. Wyoming Wildlife Tracking: UW’s Wyoming Migration Initiative is following Mule Deer 665’s spring trek toward the Tetons; she’s pregnant with twins and has already cleared major bottlenecks. UFO Files Mention Colorado: New Pentagon declassified UAP releases include a “potato-shaped” sighting over the Cheyenne Mountains. Wyoming Student Milestone: Rawlins’ Kate Hernandez became the first Rawlins High School student to earn a college degree alongside her high school diploma.

Education & Athletics Funding: Wyoming school leaders are weighing how to handle an 8.4% cut in state school funding, with concerns that activities and athletics could be reduced or eliminated. Public Safety & Community: Cheyenne-area ACLU of Wyoming filed public records requests tied to 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements, arguing local agencies are being used as “force multipliers” for ICE. Courts & Federal Policy: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore national park signs altered under a directive to remove “non-aligned” information, setting up a likely appeal. Water & Western Politics: Utah and other Colorado River basin states are warning that litigation could cost states access to about $354 million in conservation aid, as negotiations race toward an Oct. 1 deadline. Wyoming Wildlife: The Wyoming Migration Initiative tracked Mule Deer 665’s spring trek from the Red Desert toward the Tetons, noting she’s pregnant with twins and faced bottlenecks like Fremont and Willow Lakes. Wyoming Economy & Infrastructure: USDA announced $52M+ for rural communities nationwide, with Wyoming receiving $2.4M for five counties. Local Culture: Minot’s Levitt Amp music series drew a crowd for its downtown kickoff, backed by a multi-year Levitt Foundation matching grant.

Wyoming Courts & Health Care: A Wyoming judge struck down three abortion laws, saying they violate the state constitution’s protection for personal healthcare decisions, continuing a string of court setbacks for abortion restrictions. Water & Energy Costs: Rocky Mountain Power is seeking a rate hike that would hit pump irrigators hardest, while Utah and Wyoming are pushing for a seven-state Colorado River deal before an Oct. 1 deadline to avoid federal intervention and likely litigation. Rural Support: The USDA is sending more than $52 million nationwide to rural communities, with Wyoming getting $2.4 million for five counties. Jobs & Economy: A new hiring-demand map shows Wyoming job openings down sharply since 2020, while states like Idaho and Texas remain elevated. Education & Community: Teton Science Schools and the Wyoming DOE launched a place-based education microcredential for teachers, and Smart Spoon Café moved its summer meals program to LCCC to better reach kids. Business & Innovation: A Wyoming “chancery court” business dispute is tied to a new Trump-themed mobile golf game, highlighting how Wyoming’s courts are being used for faster business resolution. Outdoors & Wildlife: Dry conditions are stressing fisheries and water levels, and Wyoming anglers are getting guidance as creel surveys track walleye productivity.

Cheyenne Utilities: Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities approved water and sewer rate hikes effective Oct. 1, 2026—3% higher monthly service fees, with residential water tiers rising 5% (Tier 1-2) and 9% (Tier 3-4), adding about $2.55/month for a typical 3,000-gallon user. Colorado River: Arizona faces up to 77% cuts if Colorado River talks stay deadlocked, with a federal “no deal” plan looming while states debate voluntary conservation and compensation. Wyoming Energy Politics: Sen. John Barrasso pushed “clean Wyoming coal” as a jobs-and-prices strategy, backing keeping the Dave Johnston plant open and expanding coal exports. Wildlife Under Drought: A new Mountain West study finds severe drought is shrinking high-quality habitat for mule deer, black bears, and cougars—worst for cougars—and cutting fawn recruitment by more than a third in extreme years. Data Center Fallout: Crusoe says it “paused” its Cheyenne data center after customer concerns, with other partners likely to buy out its interest. Local Sports & Community: Ethan Leslie (Kelly Walsh) won Gatorade Wyoming Boys Soccer Player of the Year after leading a state title run; and CNFR is set to bring major crowds to Casper starting Sunday. Education Funding Watch: WHSAA leaders are weighing how to respond to an 8.4% statewide school funding reduction that could threaten athletics and other activities.

Wyoming Education & Pay: Teachers and staff in Valley Center are set for a 2% pay increase for 2026-27, with health insurance rates staying flat and new paid leave options approved by the school board. Wyoming Schools & Activities: Across the country, districts are weighing cuts that could hit school sports and arts; Wyoming leaders are facing an 8.4% reduction in school funding and discussing how to protect activities. ACLU vs. 287(g): The ACLU is looking into Wyoming agencies’ ICE 287(g) agreements after a lawsuit challenged Laramie County Sheriff’s Office practices, with possible follow-on legal fights if courts rule favorably. Data Centers & Power Supply: CG Power’s major Tallgrass data-center transformer order is under scrutiny after reports say a Wyoming AI campus project is running into trouble; separately, MTAR Technologies shares jumped after management said it received no notice of a Bloom Energy-linked project pause. Colorado River Politics: Sen. Mike Lee warned Arizona and other Lower Basin states that suing over Colorado River operations could cost them about $354M in conservation aid. Public Safety & Environment: Park County is weighing wildfire risk as drought deepens, while Teton County considers testing town water after CWD was found on the National Elk Refuge. Cheyenne Community: Cheyenne locals picked World Cup teams as the tournament kicks off, and goats are back for Cheyenne’s annual creek cleanup.

School Funding & Activities: Wyoming school leaders and the WHSAA are bracing for an 8.4% cut in statewide education funding, raising fears that athletics and other student activities could shrink. Property Taxes & Local Services: The Joint Revenue Committee is drafting new versions of past property tax reform bills as voters decide in November on a People’s Initiative to cut property taxes by 50%; Carbon County says it could close most libraries if the cuts pass. Federal Surveillance Fight: The House failed to extend FISA Section 702, and at least 19 Republicans—including Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman—voted against renewal, setting up a lapse. Public Lands Policy: A push to nullify the Roadless Rule is moving through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a party-line vote, with Wyoming’s wildfire and forest policy implications looming. Wyoming Tourism & Safety: Aramark’s Teton Tour Company is tied to two fatal snowmobile trips in four days, renewing scrutiny of winter safety practices. Community & Culture: Hell’s Half Acre reopened to visitors with new access amenities, and Cheyenne-area theater is closing its season with the Winnie Awards June 13.

Wyoming Politics: The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the state’s crossover-voting ban violates the Wyoming Constitution, with plaintiffs pushing for voters to be able to affiliate with parties again. Water & Western Economy: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon met with Utah and federal leaders in Washington on long-term Colorado River management, as Flaming Gorge is set to be lowered to protect downstream supplies. Energy & Environment: Rare Element Resources says its Bear Lodge rare earth project is moving through permitting and expects full demo-plant processing operations in late summer 2026, while a new Mountain West refinery risk map estimates health impacts from air pollution near refineries. Public Safety & Community: Cheyenne brought in about 600 goats to graze overgrown creek beds for flood control and fire mitigation, and Wyoming Game and Fish outlined the upcoming limited quota draw results and leftover license timeline for deer, elk, and antelope. Sports & Local Life: The Wyoming Shrine Bowl all-star game is set for June 13 in Casper, and Wyoming’s rodeo season momentum continues with multiple athletes heading to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper.

Wyoming Politics & Campaigns: Meet-the-candidate events are ramping up across the Equality State, with forums and “cookout” style meet-and-greets scheduled in places like Glenrock, Casper, Cheyenne, and Gillette. Congressional Race Watch: Steve Friess is making the rounds in Wyoming’s U.S. House race, pitching his agenda on border security, taxes/regulation, and energy—plus a “meet him” tour for voters. Energy & Industry: Black Hills Corp. says its 1.8-gigawatt Cheyenne data center project is still on track for early 2028 service, with progress on equipment procurement and substation planning. Local Economy: Rock Springs Urban Renewal Executive Director Chad Banks received a statewide economic development award for downtown revitalization efforts. Community & Safety: A reminder for outdoor plans—bison encounters can turn dangerous, and Utah wildlife officials urge visitors to keep distance and follow park guidance. Business News: Koi Peptides says it’s speeding domestic research-peptide fulfillment from its Sheridan base and posting per-batch certificates online.

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.