AGP Executive Report

Energy & Local Land Use: Weld County commissioners approved a $1.67B wind-and-solar project near Chalk Bluffs, spanning 25,000 acres and extending into southern Wyoming, with construction slated to start in 2027. Transportation Safety: WYDOT opened the WY22 SAFE PASS self-certification for Teton Pass heavy-vehicle drivers; starting Oct. 1, missing the one-year certification can trigger fines and jail time. Public Health: The CDC reported 3,659 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, with Wyoming among 47 jurisdictions reporting cases. City Planning & Data Centers: A Cheyenne council committee backed Orchard Hills data center items and recommended overruling the Planning Commission’s denial, while another Cheyenne committee advanced Orchard Hills annexation/zoning steps. Courts & Accountability: A Laramie County jury found Darrick Mittlestadt guilty in a teen starvation case, setting up major sentencing exposure. Wild Horses: The BLM announced $30M for fertility control efforts to manage wild horses. UW Leadership: UW President Shane Reeves updated trustees on campus culture and priorities during Homecoming Week. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports show Wyoming prices easing in spots, with multiple counties listing single-station lows for regular, midgrade, premium, and E85.

First Amendment & elections: Casper College hosted a Constitution Day seminar with former NBC correspondent Pete Williams, focusing on how young voters sort truth from bias and why press freedom matters to democracy. Public safety tech: Cheyenne River Reservation law enforcement is pursuing grant funding for mobile security trailers with cameras, lighting, and satellite links to boost patrol coverage and investigations. Courts & privacy: Casper College’s “You Be The Judge” mock trial had students weigh whether probation officers can access a suspect’s phone communications, with Wyoming Supreme Court justices helping guide the event. Energy & infrastructure: DOE is set to award Colorado and Xcel $250 million to strengthen the grid, with upgrades aimed at handling rising demand from electrification and data centers. Local governance & planning: Teton County and Jackson-area officials face renewed pressure over a proposed Moose-Wilson Road pathway, with advocates urging public opposition. Community needs: Expanded Learning Collective launched a confidential Teton County survey to map out-of-school needs for kids ages 0–18. Food insecurity: Wyoming food pantries report another year of increased hunger as federal TEFAP/SNAP cuts force more reliance on local donors. Media freedom fight: A judge ordered Trump’s administration to restore CNN, MS NOW, and Politico press credentials, rejecting national-security justifications at the preliminary stage.

Press Freedom: A federal judge ordered Trump’s White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, and the outlets returned after a 14-day temporary restraining order rejected the administration’s national-security justification. Wyoming Courts: The Wyoming Supreme Court largely upheld the status quo in a K-12 education funding fight, limiting a lower court’s demands while keeping the Legislature in charge of appropriations. Local Governance: Laramie City Council closed its surface water drainage fund and shifted remaining money into other city uses while keeping drainage work funded. Transportation Safety: WYDOT says Teton Pass drivers with RVs, trailers, or heavy loads must self-certify starting Oct. 1 or face fines, after crashes this summer. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Sheridan County at $4.79 (week ending Sept. 19) and the lowest regular in Teton County at $4.69, with statewide averages still volatile. Community & State Boards: Applications are open for the Wyoming Main Street Advisory Board, a governor-appointed volunteer group shaping downtown revitalization. Public Lands & Wildlife: BLM began actions to reduce overpopulation in the Fifteenmile Wild Horse Herd, planning removals to protect rangelands.

Wyoming Elections: Laramie County voters get a 28-day early voting window starting Oct. 6 through Nov. 2, with weekday hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the county atrium plus weekend sites in Burns, Albin and Cheyenne. Local Government: Cheyenne’s Public Services committee backed an off-track betting proposal for the former Old Chicago site, moving it toward city and state approvals. Public Safety & Courts: Laramie County sheriff candidate Robin Cozad held a town hall after incumbent Brian Kozak skipped it, citing concerns about how the host group treated him. State Politics: U.S. Sen. John Barrasso pushed back on claims Trump could “sell out” to China, arguing the U.S. is negotiating from strength on manufacturing, energy and critical minerals. Wyoming Law & Policy: A new Wyoming law targets EV “triple tax” issues tied to charging fees. Community & Military Families: Two Laramie County schools—Gilchrist and Coyote Ridge Elementary—earned Wyoming Purple Star School recognition for supporting military-connected students. Capitol Events: A fall freedom rally for International Day of Peace is set for Sept. 26 at the Wyoming State Capitol.

Wyoming Transportation: WYDOT says truckers heading over Teton Pass must self-certify for the new WY 22 Safe Pass program starting Oct. 1, with proof required for RVs, towing trailers, and drivers above legal weight. Federal Courts/Politics: The Trump administration is defending its White House press ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, arguing access is a “privilege” and citing national security concerns as lawsuits and TV pool pullouts continue. Energy/Environment: A new analysis says Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico reported 5.8 million gallons of oil, gas, and byproducts spilled across 2,400 incidents, with thousands of missed spills at decommissioned wells in Colorado. Local Government/Development: North Port, Florida adopted an 18-month data center moratorium, pausing new applications while still allowing technical review of a pending project. Public Safety: A Punjabi Sikh truck driver was stabbed multiple times at a western Wyoming rest stop; authorities say motive is unclear. Civic Life: Early voting for the Nov. general election is underway in multiple states, including Wyoming.

Wyoming Election Watch: Laramie County opens a 28-day early voting period Oct. 6–Nov. 2, with weekday hours plus two weekend sites and a Sunday option, as voters head toward the Nov. 3 general election. Property Tax Fight: The Wyoming Republican Party backs a ballot initiative for a statewide 50% homeowner property tax exemption (Proposition One), while local services and community colleges have warned about budget strain and loss of local control. Governor Race: Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel says she’s running as a conservative alternative to GOP nominee Eric Barlow, citing “checkgate” fallout and pushing to eliminate residential property taxes and roll back energy regulations. Courts & Accountability: Darrick Mittlestadt’s child abuse trial begins after his wife’s guilty plea; prosecutors seek major prison time tied to aggravated child abuse and conspiracy charges. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council committee members advanced Orchard Hills data center items, recommending overruling the Planning Commission’s denial for parts of the project. Public Safety: WYDOT warns of cloned online vehicle/auction websites and urges buyers to verify dealers and avoid wiring money. Energy & Wildlife: Conservation groups sue the BLM over oil and gas leases in big game migration corridors, arguing the agency failed to properly protect mule deer and pronghorn habitat. Outdoor Access & Recreation: A Montana policy debate highlights “corner-crossing” on public lands, with Wyoming’s recent 10th Circuit ruling and Supreme Court refusal to hear an appeal fueling calls for clearer state rules. Parks & Recreation Funding: Wyoming recreation leaders say demand is rising but budgets and staffing shortages keep services vulnerable, with election-related ballot concerns adding pressure.

Press Freedom Clash: CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued after the White House barred them from the presidential press pool, while other networks refused to replace CNN—turning the fight into a First Amendment showdown. Federal Elections & Voting Rules: Alabama AG Steve Marshall led a 26-state Supreme Court brief arguing states should control voter qualifications and be able to remove noncitizens from voter rolls under the National Voter Registration Act. Wyoming Outdoors & Public Lands: President Trump issued an executive order aimed at expanding hunting and recreation access on federally managed lands, tied to the Elk Mountain “corner-crossing” dispute. Wyoming Game & Fish: Hunters and anglers are reminded they must stop at Wyoming Game and Fish check stations by law. Cybercrime: A new analysis finds most U.S. business losses from cybercrime come from email scams, not ransomware or data breaches. Local Growth & Infrastructure: Wyoming Outdoor Council and Cheyenne leaders are weighing how to manage economic development pressures, including data centers, with community guardrails. State Politics Watch: Sen. John Barrasso defended the press ban on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” drawing criticism over constitutional protections. Energy/Water Policy: Federal Colorado River guidance would require major Lower Basin cuts if reservoirs keep dropping, with Wyoming among the basin states watching closely.

Press Freedom Fight: CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the Trump administration in federal court after being barred from White House access, while major TV networks halted shared pool coverage and the White House launched “Trump TV” to keep broadcasting. Wyoming Transportation: WYDOT rolled out the WY22 SAFE PASS self-certification for Teton Pass starting Oct. 1, and warned about cloned online vehicle/auction scams. Local Governance (Cheyenne): A Cheyenne council committee advanced parts of the Orchard Hills data center plan, including annexation and zoning map changes, while postponing one item to align with the annexation process. Data Centers & Public Lands: Wyoming Outdoor Council pushed for “responsible” data center development as concerns grow over public-land siting and guardrails. Colorado River: A statewide Colorado River call-in in the region focused on what new federal rules and drought-driven cuts could mean for Upper Basin states like Wyoming. Public Safety & Community: Wyoming’s domestic violence awareness message tied to the Gabby Petito anniversary underscored how abuse can be “hiding in plain sight.”

Press Freedom Fight: CNN, MS NOW and Politico say they’ve filed a First Amendment lawsuit after Trump barred them from White House access, alleging retaliation without notice or due process; the dispute escalated as major TV networks halted their presidential pool coverage after CNN was removed from rotation. Wyoming Energy & Defense: CAE won a $300M contract to keep training U.S. Air Force crews on the C-130, with training planned at bases including Wyoming through 2035—despite Trump’s Canadian procurement ban. Local Ballot Watch: Sweetwater County Conservation District voters will decide Nov. 3 on a proposed up-to-¼ mill levy to fund conservation services and projects. Data Centers, Water, Wildlife: The Wyoming Outdoor Council held a Cheyenne community meeting and will tour more cities to push for “responsible” data center development, focusing on water, energy, wildlife and local impacts. Federal Rules, Local Projects: Carbon County commissioners delayed signing after receiving a Notice of Federal Interest tied to a senior center parking lot grant, requiring WYDOT notification before transferring ownership.

White House Press Crackdown: President Trump moved to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House access after aide Natalie Harp reportedly showed him critical TV clips, with reporters turned away Saturday as badges were disabled or confiscated—prompting First Amendment backlash and court threats. Wyoming Federal Focus: Sen. John Barrasso defended the ban and urged Republicans to “do more” on the economy, while the U.S. Air Force’s Sentinel ICBM program continues to point to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming for future deployment. Local Government & Speech: Sweetwater County School District No. 1 suspended public comment at board meetings after questions about whether its policy meets First Amendment standards. State Policy Watch: Wyoming lawmakers and conservatives push SAVE-style voter ID and proof-of-citizenship efforts through state action, including Wyoming. Wyoming Community Notes: WY International Film Festival is still accepting applications for its 2026 Wyoming Filmmaker Grant through Sept. 25. Public Safety: WYDOT warned of a new email phishing scam impersonating the agency with a fake DocuSign “compliance notice.” Hate Crime Aftermath: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times in Wyoming, with reporting tying the attack to a broader rise in anti–South Asian rhetoric.

White House Press Fight: President Trump followed through on his Friday threat, barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters from White House access, with credentials deactivated or confiscated; Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso says it’s constitutional and that the press must “report fairly,” while the outlets and press groups vow legal action. Wyoming Public Safety: WYDOT warned of a new email phishing scam impersonating a WYDOT employee and pushing a DocuSign “compliance notice” link—don’t click. Invasive Species Watch: A destructive nonnative grass, ventenata, has been found sweeping west across Wyoming, prompting aerial herbicide treatment efforts near Cody/Meeteetse. Water Policy: Wyoming’s water board approved a conservation program, aiming to reduce demand through a state-run approach. Wildlife Connectivity: A Wyoming-to-Canada conservation effort is a finalist for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, citing 204 wildlife crossings supported across 59 million acres. Economy & Rates: The Fed raised interest rates a quarter-point to 3.75–4.00%, adding pressure to households and businesses already dealing with sticky inflation.

Press Freedom Clash: Trump’s White House ban took effect, with CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters turned away and badges disabled or confiscated—prompting vows of legal action and First Amendment pushback from the White House Correspondents’ Association. Wyoming Politics & Policy: A Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority “rain tax” debate is reigniting, with critics arguing the stormwater runoff fee is being mislabeled and supporters pointing to runoff control as the real goal. National Politics With Wyoming Ties: U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Ashley Hinson tied GOP control of Congress to protecting 2025 tax cuts on overtime and tips from Democratic reversal. Security & Community Concerns: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop, fueling renewed fears of hate incidents and community anxiety. Local Governance Watch: Hamilton County, Tennessee school board members approved Ten Commandments displays—an example of how culture-war legal fights keep spilling into classrooms.

Press Freedom Clash: Trump moved from rhetoric to action by barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds, with reporters turned away and badges confiscated or disabled—prompting vows to fight the move as an unconstitutional hit on First Amendment rights. Wyoming Public Safety & Community: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop; officials say the suspect was arrested and motive is unclear, but community leaders are urging a serious look at hate-crime or civil-rights angles. State Government Personnel: Wyoming DOT named Maj. KC Ramsey as the next colonel/administrator of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, effective immediately pending an Oct. 1 appointment. Local Governance & Taxes: A Wyoming opinion piece targets “silent” property-tax windfalls driven by inflation and assessments, arguing voters weren’t asked but governments kept the gains. Higher Ed & Civic Service: UW’s School of Politics and Public Affairs announced its inaugural Stewart Family Distinguished Lecture on public service, with applications for 2027 service awards now open.

Data Centers & Local Guardrails: The Wyoming Outdoor Council held a statewide forum series kickoff in Albany County, warning residents about hyperscale AI data centers’ huge power and water demands and pushing for “reasonable guardrails” rather than a blanket ban. City of Cheyenne Tech Input: Cheyenne is taking applications for its Community Technology Advisory Council, aimed at shaping e-government and affordable tech access. School Safety Upgrades: Laramie County School District 1 is tightening event safety rules after SROs warned violence is rising and equipment is outdated. WYDOT Winter Prep: WYDOT mowing operations are underway as part of fall maintenance to improve winter safety and visibility. Cheyenne Federal Court Fight: Sorority alumnae returned to federal court seeking to revive their Kappa Kappa Gamma lawsuit over alleged improper handling of a transgender member. Public Land & Forest Policy: Sweetwater County backed federal moves to rescind the Roadless Rule and revise Forest Service travel management. Public Safety—Rest Stop Stabbing: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming I-80 rest area; officials say motive is unknown and the suspect was arrested. Law Enforcement Leadership: Major KC Ramsey was named the next Wyoming Highway Patrol colonel and administrator, effective Oct. 1. Federal Health Policy: Senate committees held confirmation hearings for Trump administration HHS nominees while House Ways and Means advanced health care bills.

Public Lands & Environment: A new push to scrap the Roadless Area Conservation Rule is framed as a threat to Wyoming/Montana water quality, wildlife habitat, and wildfire prevention. Federal Contracting: An analysis says public land agency contractor work fell by $1.3B in 2025, hitting small businesses and shifting wildfire spending toward aviation. Elections & Voting Access: Absentee voting begins, while a coalition of state attorneys general touts Supreme Court wins protecting mail-in voting rules. Wyoming Courts & Schools: The Wyoming Supreme Court decision on school funding is in focus as districts and families digest what changes next. Property Taxes & Community Colleges: Gillette College’s board opposes a ballot measure that would cut residential property taxes by 50%, warning of major funding losses and reduced local control. Cheyenne Governance: A local debate over whether the mayor is backing Cheyenne voters and planning priorities ties into data-center planning questions. Public Safety & Hate Crime Concerns: A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a southern Wyoming rest stop days after a DHS “Mr. Singh” post; lawmakers and advocates are demanding accountability and safer conditions for South Asian drivers. Local Economy: A 2026 aviation impact study says Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport supports $59.3M in annual economic activity, up sharply from 2020. Health Watch: CDC reports measles cases continue rising nationwide, including Wyoming.

Wyoming Supreme Court & Schools: The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled the state must do more to fund K-12 teacher salaries and properly account for inflation in the school funding model, while striking down other lower-court demands tied to items like school resource officers, nutrition, and computers. Public Safety & Hate Crime Concerns: A Sikh truck driver, Gurvinder Singh, was stabbed 17 times at the Bitter Creek rest area on I-80; officials say the motive is still unknown, but the attack has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, including from U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who linked it to a recent DHS “Mr. Singh” post. Local Government Compliance: Greybull’s town council actions were voided after a reported violation of Wyoming’s Public Meetings Act; the council later ratified the items. Data Centers & Power: Uinta County approved a conditional use permit for an incoming data center’s independent power production, and Cheyenne council moved the Cox Ranch data center project toward a final vote. State Politics & Elections: Laramie County Community College trustees adopted a resolution opposing a 50% property tax exemption on the Nov. 3 ballot, warning of major funding pressure. Wyoming Education Updates: Laramie County School District 1 set Sept. 22 as the deadline for required immunizations, and two more schools were named Wyoming Purple Star recipients for supporting military-connected students. Energy & Nuclear Policy: Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ MORE American Fuel Act advanced in the Senate EPW Committee, aiming to modernize uranium enrichment licensing.