AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Fight Over 9/11 Victims’ Claims: Iowa AG Brenna Bird led 30 state attorneys general—including Wyoming—in a friend-of-the-court brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to let 9/11 victims and families access frozen Taliban funds, arguing a lower court misread a federal statute. Cybersecurity in Cheyenne: Cyber Cheyenne 2026 is set for Oct. 16 in Cheyenne, bringing Wyoming and Northern Colorado professionals together to focus on AI, cyber threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Wildlife Protection in Court: A Uinta County judge jailed three men in a moose abuse case, warning that Wyoming “values wildlife” and that cruelty will bring prison time. Wyoming Mental Health Holds Get Funding: Three sheriff’s offices (Natrona, Laramie, Sheridan) can now bill the state for mental-health holding and treatment under a new Wyoming law, with $100 holding and $250 treatment payments per person per day. Tribal Data Center Moratorium: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year pause on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, and transparency concerns. Energy Costs Warning: A think tank says federal policy changes could raise energy bills through 2040, with Wyoming among the hardest-hit states. School Board Race: Keith Gingery seeks a fourth term on the Jackson school board, emphasizing the Regional Cost Adjustment, staff housing, security upgrades, and math curriculum. Arts Council Meeting: Wyoming Arts Council’s quarterly board meeting runs Oct. 19–20 in Pinedale, with public comment on Oct. 20.

Wyoming Federal Funds & Energy Costs: A new think-tank model says federal energy policy changes could push Wyoming households to pay about $9,000 more for energy than they otherwise would, with higher electricity and gasoline demand driving the increase. Wyoming Education Trust: The U.S. Senate passed the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage its permanent school trust fund and potentially boosting annual returns for K-12. Wildfire Response Infrastructure: Gov. Mark Gordon joined state officials for the ribbon cutting of a new $7.5 million Casper helibase meant to speed wildfire response and improve interagency aviation operations. Local Governance & Property Taxes: Wyoming Realtors and the Wyoming Taxpayers Association announced opposition to Proposition 1, arguing cutting primary-residence assessed values could drain local budgets without a clear replacement funding plan. Tribal Data Center Policy: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, economic, and transparency concerns. Election & Oversight: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised a Wyoming Supreme Court decision upholding the state’s primary system.

Wyoming Politics & Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage its permanent school trust fund and potentially boosting annual returns for K-12 education; the bill now heads to the House. Local Governance: A Rock Springs mayoral forum featured incumbent Max Mickelson and challenger Rick Milonas trading plans on budgeting, infrastructure, and growth. State & Community: Gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow met Rock Springs residents to discuss workforce development, healthcare access, and youth retention, emphasizing education-to-jobs pathways and streamlined regulation for small businesses. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Wyoming cut the ribbon on a new $7.5 million Casper helibase to speed wildfire response, funded through SIPA and built to integrate state aviation with federal partners. Tribal Affairs: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, economic, and transparency concerns. Elections & Courts: Wyoming’s Supreme Court upheld the state’s controversial primary system, and the state elections chief praised the ruling.

Federal Education Finance: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage its permanent school trust fund and potentially boosting annual returns—moving next to the House. Wyoming Elections & Oversight: Wyoming’s secretary of state candidates are sparring over election oversight, while Wyoming superintendent candidates align against a school voucher program. Property Tax Ballot Fight: Proposition 1 is drawing heavy debate ahead of Nov. 3, with opponents warning it could cut local funding for services like fire, law enforcement, and schools. Local Government Watch: Cheyenne tourism funding and a Cheyenne City Council “Council Corner” update highlight how local decisions and votes shape state-level outcomes. Campaign Trail: Constitution Party gubernatorial nominee Rebecca Bextel is pitching an anti-corruption message, while Democratic House candidate Lisa Kinney is centering housing affordability and public lands. Public Safety & Courts: A Wyoming DUI case included a claim the driver was hunting Josh Allen to recruit him for the Cowboys. Immigration Enforcement Transparency: A Virginia town’s 287(g) ICE partnership resumed without Town Council knowledge, fueling transparency concerns.

Wyoming Election 2026: The Nov. 3 ballot’s biggest fight is Proposition 1, which would cut residential property tax assessments on primary homes in half—supporters see relief, while opponents warn it could ripple through funding for local services like fire, law enforcement, schools, and water/sewer. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council advanced multiple annexations and zoning actions, including Orchard Hills and the Hitching Post District, with final votes expected in October. State Policy & Transportation: WYDOT’s Safe Pass Program now requires steep Teton Pass drivers over 10,000 GVW to pre-certify before crossing beyond the Idaho/Wyoming border. Public Safety & Accountability: A Laramie County Sheriff advisory reiterates state law on notifying residents when a registered sex offender lives within 750 feet of schools and youth-related sites. Federal & Regional Water: Governors including Wyoming’s Mark Gordon urged Congress to remove a Missouri River diversion/export restriction from the 2026 Water Resources Development Act. Politics & Campaigns: Secretary of State candidates are pitching election oversight and fraud prevention as Wyoming’s business filings surge. Congressional Outlook: Polling shows Trump’s approval is negative in most battleground states, with Wyoming still his strongest.

Wyoming Election 2026: The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on crossover voting in primary elections, backing Secretary of State Chuck Gray’s 2023 push and confirming the system used in 2024 and 2026 primaries. Secretary of State Race: Three candidates—Brian McCarty (D), Tamara Trujillo (Constitution), and Robert Short (R)—are competing to replace Gray, all promising tighter election oversight and fraud prevention amid Wyoming’s booming business filings. Governor’s Race: Democrat Ken Casner and Republican Eric Barlow are pitching different priorities—Casner wants easier elections and more independent access, while Barlow highlights education, healthcare, and water rights. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge denied qualified immunity for Wyoming Boys’ School staff in an abuse lawsuit, with the first case set for trial Nov. 9. State Policy: WYDOT’s Safe Pass Program now requires steep Teton Pass drivers over 10,000 GVW to self-certify before crossing. Local Government: Cheyenne’s Council Corner reports annexation public hearings moving toward October final votes, including Orchard Hills and the Hitching Post District. Energy Costs: Torrington is disputing a 189% jump in electricity transmission charges after a provider change, seeking interim relief through the PSC. Federal Law Enforcement: U.S. officials announced the final chapter of a multi-county meth trafficking ring, sentencing seven people to a combined 83.5 years.

Wyoming Politics & Government: Wyoming’s Safe Pass enforcement is now underway on Teton Pass, with WYDOT posting new regulatory signs and the Highway Patrol warning drivers that ignoring the safety materials could put lives at risk. Federal Policy Impact: A nonpartisan think tank says federal policy changes will push Wyoming households to pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040, driven by canceled clean-energy projects and higher demand for natural gas and gasoline. Elections & Governance: A new analysis of November ballot measures flags elections/redistricting, taxes, and transgender policy as top themes, with many states weighing multiple direct-democracy questions. Courts & Security: A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general is urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a sharp rise in serious incidents. Local Wyoming Politics: Green River’s mayoral and city council candidates will face off at a public forum Oct. 7 at Western Wyoming Community College’s Green River Center, with Wyo4News streaming. Public Health: The CDC reports 3,887 measles cases nationwide as of Oct. 1, including cases reported by Wyoming and 42 outbreaks in 2026.

School Board Watch: Laramie County School District 1 candidates for the Nov. ballot faced questions at a Cheyenne Teachers Education Association forum, with At-Large incumbent Dr. Rene Hinkle taking on challenger Tanya Barcelona and other triad races drawing attention. State Politics: Wyoming Democrats rolled out a new legislative caucus website and brand—“Defend. Deliver. Demand Better”—to lay out positions on public lands, health care, schools, housing, and “honest government.” Elections & Courts: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised the Wyoming Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the state’s primary system and ban on crossover voting. Healthcare Policy: A Wyoming Legislature committee advanced a bill creating an alternative licensing path for internationally trained physicians, including provisional licensure and a path to full practice. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council advanced key steps for the Orchard Hills data center project, approving annexation and zoning changes despite resident objections. Public Safety/Transportation: WY22 Safe Pass certification for certain heavy-vehicle and towing drivers on Teton Pass took effect Oct. 1. Economy & Jobs: Wyoming’s labor market improved in Q2 2026, with unemployment easing and job growth led by private education and health services. Federal/Legal: A fugitive wanted since 2021 was arrested after a U-Haul chase in Cheyenne. Energy Costs: A think tank says federal policy changes could raise Wyoming energy bills by about $9,000 for households by 2040.

Election Watch (Washakie County): Two sales tax questions are headed to Wyoming’s Nov. 3 general election, including a new half-cent levy to fund emergency medical services, alongside the long-running one-cent optional general purpose sales tax. Local Governance: Senior centers in Worland and Ten Sleep are hosting forums next week on both measures, with a separate public discussion tonight in Worland tied to the property tax initiative. Wyoming Courts & Voting Tech: Wyoming’s elections chief praised a U.S. Supreme Court move that temporarily revived the SAVE voter-citizenship database, clearing the way for federal use ahead of November. Public Safety (WY22): The WY22 Safe Pass program becomes legally enforceable Oct. 1, with new fines for drivers towing trailers or in heavier vehicles who don’t follow the mountain-pass safety steps. State Parks: Wyoming State Parks won a $3 million Helmsley grant for a new visitor center at Keyhole State Park. Higher Ed & UW: University of Wyoming trustees heard priorities from student and campus leadership groups, including student financial support and AI-related academic policy. Health Policy (National): Attorney General William Tong led a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price inflation and reduced competition.

Judicial Appointments: Wyoming’s Judicial Nominating Commission has sent Gov. Mark Gordon three nominees to fill a District Court vacancy in Cheyenne’s First Judicial District: Greg B. Asay, Mark A. Klaassen, and Judge Susan K. Stipe. Education Funding Fight: A Wyoming Supreme Court ruling on teacher pay and inflation is raising fresh alarms because schools still face major unfunded operating costs beyond salaries. Game & Fish Budget Pressure: Wyoming Game and Fish’s interim director warned commissioners of “dire” financial strain as the 2027 budget rises to more than $108 million, driven by inflation and transportation costs. State Government Watch: UW and the Wyoming Community College Commission are revisiting how applied bachelor’s proposals move through the approval process after some applications left reviewers under tight deadlines with incomplete or shifting information. Local Government & Power Costs: Torrington says electricity transmission costs spiked without warning and is pressing providers/MEAN to explain and reduce the impact. Cheyenne Growth/Planning: Cheyenne City Council approved annexation and rezoning steps for the Cox Ranch data center plan west of town, despite earlier public confusion. Public Safety & Aviation: Wyoming State Forestry opened a new helibase in Casper to centralize wildfire aviation assets statewide. Health Policy (National, Wyoming on the list): Trump began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged federal exchange user-fee overcharges. Community & Courts: A Platte County filing seeks a mental evaluation for a former Wyoming journalist accused of forgery, while a Jackson-area hotel bookkeeper was sentenced to federal prison in a $1.78 million fraud case.

Election & Federal Policy: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s move to revive the SAVE voter-verification system, clearing the way for federal use of state-uploaded voter data ahead of November—an issue Wyoming and other states have challenged over citizenship checks and the risk of wrongly flagging eligible voters. Healthcare & Campaign Finance: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA “refund” checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Wyoming, starting Sept. 30—while Democrats also escalated scrutiny of Trump TV ads funded with $20 million in Homeland Security money. Wyoming Governance: Rawlins City Council approved a $79,000 change order for electrical resistance testing tied to the Sage Creek Pipeline, part of a broader effort to fix aging drinking-water infrastructure. State & Regional Water Policy: Gov. Armstrong joined western governors in pushing back against Missouri River diversion limits in a federal water bill, arguing it infringes state authority over water management. Local Politics: Laramie County School District 1 trustee candidate Rene Hinkle outlined priorities on reading/math gains, funding, and behavior, including support for limiting book restrictions. Energy & Industry: A new scoping study boosts the Cowboy State Mine’s projected rare-earth output and mine life, aiming to strengthen domestic rare-earth supply chains.

AI & Government Oversight: A Wyoming Legislature committee discussed a bill that would require meaningful human review for “consequential” AI decisions, with recordkeeping on who reviewed them. Public Safety & Mental Health: The VA awarded $673,196 in suicide-prevention grants to two Cheyenne-area nonprofits, part of a broader $112 million national effort. Tribal Justice: Federal charges were filed against 18 people tied to a surge of FBI resources on the Wind River Indian Reservation aimed at violent crime. State Operations & Wildfire Readiness: Wyoming opened a new $7.5 million helibase at Casper-Natrona to improve wildfire response and connect crews to state networks. Local Land-Use Fight: Cheyenne City Council voted down a proposed business park rezoning near Wyoming Hereford Ranch after residents raised concerns about habitat and an Important Bird Area. Budget Watch: Wyoming Game and Fish leaders warned the agency’s finances are “dire,” as a 2027 budget tops $110.6 million amid rising costs. Community & Infrastructure: Casper broke ground on a long-awaited second ice sheet, touting more tournaments and economic activity. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported Wyoming midgrade prices hitting lows around $4.25 in Laramie County for the week ending Sept. 19.

Teton Pass Safety: Starting Oct. 1, WYDOT will require RV and trailer drivers—and anyone over 10,000 pounds—to self-certify before crossing Teton Pass, with steep fines and possible jail for repeat offenders. Local Enforcement: Medicine Bow adopted new anti-dumping rules, including cameras at the burn pit and escalating fines up to $750, plus potential liens to recover cleanup costs. Military Contract: Amentum won a $572.3 million, seven-year NORAD contract tied to the Cheyenne Mountain warning and surveillance system. Energy & Water Politics: Governors from North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming urged Congress to reject limits on Missouri River water diversions, warning it would lock upstream states out and invite litigation. State Power Oversight: Watchdogs and advocates question PacifiCorp’s proposed sale of its Washington service area, arguing the deal could worsen public-interest concerns amid regulatory and wildfire pressures. Immigration Enforcement: A new report describes a quiet but sweeping ICE arrest surge this summer across the country, including Wyoming, with tens of thousands detained and little public backlash. Wyoming Voters & Campaigns: A roundup highlights lesser-known Wyoming candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

MLB vs. National Parks: Major League Baseball has reached out to the Trump administration about staging a game in Grand Teton National Park, and federal officials say the idea is being explored—prompting pushback from environmental groups and Wyoming lawmakers who argue parks should stay protected from construction. Local Governance: A Cheyenne resident is asking a court to overturn the city’s Microsoft data center annexation and nullify council steps tied to a citizen petition review, alleging the ordinance didn’t reflect the actual landowner. Public Health: Wyoming’s WY We Care suicide-prevention push is reshaping how communities talk about suicide, with training and fatality review recommendations aimed at closing gaps in the state’s care system. State & Federal Policy: The U.S. Senate approved a sweeping college sports bill on athlete pay, transfers, and NCAA rules—setting up a major federal role in how college athletics operates. Emergency Services: Fremont County’s EMS contract fight is still unresolved as a strike looms, raising fears that ambulance coverage could be disrupted right as the current contract expires. Wildfire Response: Wyoming State Forestry opened a new Casper helibase to centralize aerial firefighting resources and expand capacity for the state’s all-hands fire response.

Water & Federal Power Fight: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon joined a multi-state letter opposing a House-passed WRDA provision that would restrict Missouri River water diversions and even block the Army Corps from studying projects without unanimous governor approval. National Parks & Local Land Use: Reports say MLB approached the Trump administration about a baseball stadium at Grand Teton; Wyoming critics and conservation groups—including NPCA—are pushing back, arguing it’s a radical break from park purpose. Energy Infrastructure & Grid Policy: A DOE SPARK initiative is awarding $1.9B for transmission upgrades and grid-enhancing tech, aiming to add 23 gigawatts of capacity—an issue that hits Wyoming as power demand grows. Wyoming Courts & Youth Justice: A court piece revisits how Wyoming can treat minors as adults in serious cases, including a Campbell County sentencing tied to the Proffit murders. Civic Participation: Equality State Policy Center urges Wyoming voters to register, learn rules, and vote in the Nov. 3 general election. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports Wyoming diesel prices averaging $5.94 for the week ending Sept. 19, with the lowest spot in Crook County at $5.57.

Wyoming Energy & Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy renewed an emergency order keeping Colorado’s Craig coal plant running longer, citing regional reliability concerns tied to wind/hydro variability and delayed battery storage—an issue that matters across the Wyoming power region. Local Ballots & Conservation: Sweetwater County Conservation District voters will decide Nov. 3 on a proposed up-to-¼ mill levy to fund soil, water, rangeland and other conservation work. Congressional Politics: Carbon County Democrats are hosting U.S. House candidate Lisa Kinney Oct. 2 in Rawlins. Data Centers vs. Power: A national debate is heating up as AI-driven data centers strain electricity demand, with Wyoming communities watching how power costs and grid upgrades shape what gets built. Grand Teton & Federal Land: MLB is reportedly scouting Grand Teton National Park for a possible game, while the White House says it’s not a presidential directive and no permits are issued. Weather Watch: NOAA’s updated outlook points to a split winter across the West, with El Niño raising odds of drier conditions in Wyoming. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show Wyoming regular midgrade and diesel prices easing slightly in the week ending Sept. 19, with local lows varying by county.