AGP Executive Report

Federal Reserve Watch: The Fed is expected to raise interest rates Wednesday for the first time in three years, with markets pricing in a quarter-point hike and investors focused on how Chair Kevin Warsh frames the move. Wyoming Energy & Environment: Wyoming’s governor praised the EPA’s repeal of power-plant greenhouse-gas rules, while Seminoe pumped-storage opponents cheered BLM’s push for more environmental review before FERC acts. Local Governance: Jackson-area officials are drafting a resolution after a flood of public comment urging support for the local immigrant community. Property Taxes: Laramie and Albany County held a joint work session on a proposed statewide property-tax initiative that would expand homeowner exemptions—raising concerns about funding gaps for local services and special districts. Public Safety & Courts: Wyoming expanded its Court Navigator Program to Albany County to help self-represented litigants navigate civil cases. Wyoming Politics & Privacy: Cheyenne City Council kept Flock automatic license plate readers despite privacy concerns. Crime & Safety: A Sweetwater County stabbing suspect was arrested near Rawlins after fleeing on I-80.

Federal Reserve Watch: The Fed is widely expected to raise its short-term rate Wednesday for the first time in three years, as stubborn inflation and higher oil prices keep pressure on policymakers and could clash with President Trump’s push for lower borrowing costs. Wyoming Higher Ed: Casper College won a $444,000 NSF grant to launch the statewide “Quantum Pipeline,” sending portable K-12 kits, running a quantum science camp, and adding new coursework. Cheyenne Data Centers: Cheyenne City Council advanced the Cox Ranch annexation and zoning steps for a proposed data center campus, with residents raising concerns about noise, lighting, water use, wildlife, and traffic. Laramie County College Name Fight: Central Wyoming College is opposing LCCC’s proposed name change to “Wyoming State College,” warning it could confuse students about statewide status. Northern Cheyenne Governance: The Northern Cheyenne tribal president shut a key building amid a dispute over which council is legitimate and which election will be recognized, with the fight tied to federal funds and audits. Crypto Politics: The Senate failed to move forward on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, leaving the crypto framework stalled as lawmakers argue over ethics and consumer protections. ACLU of Wyoming: The ACLU renewed “Know Your Rights” resources in English and Spanish to help immigrants understand what to do if questioned, stopped, arrested, or taken into ICE custody. Local Budgets: Sheridan County rural fire districts warn property-tax cuts could limit equipment replacement, citing reduced funding tied to Wyoming’s homeowner exemption.

Federal Reserve Watch: The Fed is widely expected to raise its short-term rate Wednesday for the first time in three years as inflation stays stubborn, with oil prices above $100 adding pressure and President Trump pushing for cuts. Healthcare Refunds: The White House says it will issue $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged overcharges from federal exchange “user fees.” Crypto & Ethics: The U.S. Senate is set to vote Tuesday on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, with Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis saying Democrats keep demanding more changes—especially ethics limits aimed at preventing Trump family profits. Wyoming Water & Infrastructure: Saratoga officials approved releasing retainage after completing sewer work under the North Platte River, setting up the next phase of upgrades. Public Safety & Data: AG Lynn Fitch and other attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb robocall scams. Sports Betting Harassment: Major pro leagues and unions want states to ban repeat bettors who threaten athletes, with Wyoming noted among states that already have blacklists. Wyoming Courts: A 76-year-old man convicted in a 1979 rape and murder case has been released from a Wyoming prison after 37 years.

Wildfire Update: Wyoming’s Moonshine Fire has surged to about 7,170 acres in Albany County with 46% containment, as 333 personnel and multiple agencies respond and a temporary flight restriction remains in place. State Government & Public Lands: The Wyoming Monuments and Markers Advisory Committee will meet virtually Sept. 21 to review interpretive signage projects and statewide marker updates, including a new Kaycee historical marker. Higher Ed Governance: Central Wyoming College trustees oppose LCCC’s proposed name change to “Wyoming State College,” warning it could confuse students and disrupt the state’s higher-ed branding. Public Safety: Sweetwater County investigators are probing a Sunday stabbing near the Bitter Creek rest area; the suspect was arrested in Rawlins and officials say there’s no threat to the public. Law Enforcement & Courts: A Michigan mother was arrested in Wyoming after police say she took her son out of state and led officers on a high-speed chase. Federal Policy Watch: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon praised the EPA’s move to repeal power-plant greenhouse-gas rules, while critics warn of health and environmental costs. Crypto & Ethics: Senate Republicans are pushing the revised CLARITY Act forward with stricter ethics requirements for officials’ crypto holdings, a key step before a high-stakes vote. Transportation Safety: WYDOT says 62% of Wyoming crash deaths in 2024 weren’t wearing seatbelts, highlighting the state’s secondary seatbelt enforcement.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will send $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged Biden-era Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. Crypto Ethics Push: Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis and other GOP sponsors say Trump agreed to a key ethics provision in the Clarity Act, with state attorneys general getting a “meaningful role” in enforcement ahead of a Tuesday Senate vote. Election Integrity Debate: A New York Times report says DHS is tasking federal agents to comb voter registration records for possible noncitizen voting—fueling fresh arguments over whether the effort is about fraud or politics. Wyoming College Finance: Western Wyoming College trustees approved a resolution warning that Initiative 1’s proposed 50% property tax cut could reduce funding and force cuts to programs and staffing. Local Governance & Services: Sweetwater County School District No. 1 trustees will consider Head Start leadership hires and named a new Teacher of the Year. Public Safety & Commemoration: Rock Springs held a 9/11 Memorial Walk honoring first responders, with local agencies participating. Housing Costs Watch: Mortgage rates rose again, pushing the 30-year fixed average to 6.76%, the highest in over 14 months.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says it will send $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged Biden-era overcharges on federal ACA exchange “user fees.” Election Security: A new AP report highlights election officials’ fears that Trump’s federal government could pose the biggest threat to election administration this fall, after past intimidation tactics near ballot drop boxes. Wyoming Energy Costs: GasBuddy data shows the cheapest premium gas in Niobrara County at $4.99/gal (one station), while Wyoming’s premium average fell to $4.89; diesel in Campbell County hit $5.29/gal. Wyoming Business & Scrutiny: A report claims a Gaza charity (Dar Yateem) set up a Wyoming corporate outpost that may avoid public spending disclosures required of nonprofits. Housing Pressure: A separate AP item says mortgage rates rose again, pushing the 30-year fixed average to 6.76%, the highest in over 14 months.

Crypto Regulation Fight: Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the revised CLARITY Act heading toward a Sept. 15 Senate vote includes 114+ Democratic changes, arguing Democrats should own the fallout if the bill fails to advance to a 60-vote threshold. Federal Health Policy: President Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged overcharges from federal exchange “user fees.” Wyoming Transportation & Safety: WYDOT’s WY22 Safe Pass plan would require training/certification for RVs, trailers, and heavy vehicles on Teton Pass, after a summer of deadly crashes; one victim, an 11-year-old, is now breathing on her own. Wyoming Higher Ed: UW received a $14.8M NSF grant to operate and maintain a new King Air atmospheric research aircraft through 2031. Local Government/Community: Cheyenne’s voter-approved fire station gets attention in the mayor’s “inflation protection” update, while Wyoming’s election and public safety planning continues to draw scrutiny.

Crypto Regulation Showdown: Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the revised CLARITY Act includes 114+ Democratic changes ahead of a Sept. 15 Senate procedural vote, warning Democrats will own what comes next if it fails. University Transit Cuts: UW Transportation Services is shifting evening service to its SafeRide on-call van system after a 37% federal funding drop for FY27. Wyoming Tech & Policy: Gov. Mark Gordon and Caitlin Long are set to speak at UW’s Sept. 30 Wyoming Blockchain Stampede, tied to a Sept. 28-29 legislative select committee meeting. Cheyenne Preservation Stalls: Efforts to put Cheyenne’s historic airport terminal on the National Register of Historic Places have been shelved as the airport board weighs rehabilitation costs. Energy Planning: The Wyoming Energy Authority hired Energy Strategies for a statewide electricity transmission planning study, with two phases starting to map constraints and market impacts. Local Public Safety: An Idaho Falls man and his dog were found alive after a weeklong search in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains. Science Spotlight: UW received a $14.8M NSF grant to operate and maintain its new King Air atmospheric research aircraft. Community & Culture: Laramie’s World War I monument honoring Albany County and UW service members will be rededicated Sept. 20. Sports & Culture: A new Wyoming fossil “squid butt” relative has been identified as a new species.

Health Care Politics: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wyoming—will get $500 refunds for Affordable Care Act “overcharges,” tied to federal exchange “user fees” from the Biden era. Wyoming Transportation & Safety: WYDOT is rolling out the WY22 Safe Pass program for Teton Pass, requiring self-certification for drivers of certain heavy vehicles, RVs, and trailers starting this fall. Local Government & Water: Cheyenne adopted an outdoor watering ban during drought conditions, with fines and possible service shutoffs for violations, while also setting a preliminary 2027 levy. Public Lands Participation: The Bureau of Land Management is inviting nominations for Resource Advisory Councils, including a statewide Wyoming council, with applications due Oct. 26. Law Enforcement: Natrona County deputies joined “Operation Jessica” for 229 sex-offender compliance checks, leading to two arrests. Community & Commemoration: Cheyenne and Casper-area events marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, including a F.E. Warren remembrance and a Casper JROTC stair climb.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will send $500 checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wyoming—starting in October, claiming Biden-era “user fees” left a surplus; eligibility hinges on using the federal HealthCare.gov exchange and not receiving premium assistance. Property Tax Relief Push: A citizen-led ballot initiative is moving toward the November general election to seek a 50% homeowner property tax exemption statewide, aiming at homeowners frustrated by rising bills after years of legislative debate. Cost of Living Pressure: New inflation data shows August prices up 3.4% year over year, with gasoline and diesel driving much of the increase as Iran-related energy disruptions continue. Wyoming Courts & Justice: The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Court dismissed banishment violation cases, calling the lifetime-style bans unconstitutional as applied. Local Civic Life: The League of Women Voters of Laramie is hosting candidate forums for City Council races ahead of the Oct. 6 start of absentee/early voting. Public Safety: Hilltop Bank is slowly reopening after a cyberattack, with five branches back online for limited services and select Casper ATMs operating.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including Wyoming—will get $500 checks starting in October, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges for federal exchange enrollees. State Energy Planning: The Wyoming Energy Authority hired Energy Strategies for a statewide electricity transmission planning study required by recent legislation, aiming to map constraints and future build needs. Public Lands Input: BLM is opening nominations for Wyoming and other Resource Advisory Councils, inviting residents to help shape how public lands are managed. Election Watch: Email records show Wyoming’s Secretary of State Chuck Gray was the only state official told in advance that federal agents would monitor the Aug. 18 Cheyenne primary. Teton Pass Safety: WYDOT is developing the WY22 SAFE PASS self-certification program for RVs, trailers, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds, with Teton Pass restrictions for untrained drivers. Local Politics: Republican Phillip Hanamaikai withdrew from the Teton County Commissioner race, citing a conflict of interest; Dan Powers is now unopposed. Elections Coverage: Wyoming PBS set 2026 general election debates for Oct. 14-15 in Riverton. Public Safety: The Moonshine Fire in the Laramie Range has grown to 3,458 acres with 0% containment.

Education & Policy: Campbell County teachers say Wyoming’s expanded K-12 literacy law means more ungraded reading tests and individualized reading plans for students who fall behind, while districts work to keep interventions from squeezing core classes. Higher Ed: University of Wyoming President Shane Reeves delivered his first State of the University address, with Gov. Mark Gordon highlighting UW’s role in workforce, agriculture, energy, and the need to adapt as AI and enrollment pressures reshape higher education. Elections & Governance: A new push for a major third party in Wyoming is gaining traction after GOP primary results left winners short of a majority, with Constitution and Libertarian candidates positioning themselves as “alternatives” to the mainline GOP. Public Safety: Officials are searching for missing Idaho Falls man Jonathan Bailey, last seen during a Wind River Mountains hike; and Wyoming’s new cellphone law requires districts to publish clear device-use policies rather than impose a statewide ban. Federal Health: Trump announced $500 ACA “rebate” checks for about 1 million people in 30 states using Healthcare.gov, starting in October. Energy & Industry: Enbridge’s $2.55B acquisition adds Wyoming pipeline and storage capacity, while mortgage rates climbed again to the highest level in over 14 months. Environment: Wilderness advocates delayed removal of a Yellowstone Forest Reserve tree inscribed in 1893, arguing helicopter and equipment use conflicts with wilderness protections.

Wyoming Politics & Courts: The ACLU says it will appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court after a judge dismissed its immigration-related lawsuit against Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak, arguing the case should proceed on whether Kozak exceeded his authority by partnering with ICE without commissioners’ approval. Federal Land & Energy: Two conservation groups sued the Bureau of Land Management over Colorado and Wyoming oil-and-gas lease sales, alleging the agency violated federal law and failed to properly weigh impacts on big-game migration corridors and sensitive public lands. Public Lands Process: BLM is inviting Wyoming residents to join its Resource Advisory Councils, with nominations open until Oct. 26. State Government & Services: University of Wyoming President Shane Reeves delivered his first State of the University address, laying out priorities amid enrollment pressures and rising AI in education. Wildlife Policy: A federal push to delist gray wolves is underway under a new Trump order, with implications for ranchers and state management. Community & Safety: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center recognized DAISY and VIP award recipients, while Wyoming Game and Fish announced the 2026 Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees.

Federal Robocall Crackdown: Wyoming AG Brenna Bird joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls and texts. State Education: The Wyoming Department of Education opened public input on proposed Chapter 57 Language & Literacy rules, with a Sept. 16 hearing. Transportation Planning: WYDOT launched an online, self-guided meeting previewing the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan. Local Politics: Democrat Suzie Schmid is challenging Republican Jim Wamsley in House District 48 after winning the Democratic nomination. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Glenrock residents are pushing back on Flock surveillance cameras after learning the department operates multiple units. Hot Springs State Park Update: Star Plunge’s troubled restart plan got another setback after inspectors found gas leaks, sagging beams, and “significant” pool problems. Health Policy: A growing number of western states now let Medicaid reimburse doula care, and Wyoming advocates are watching closely. Climate & Outdoor Lands: A national report says the U.S. just logged its hottest August, hottest summer, and hottest year-to-date on record, while a federal move threatens to scrap the Roadless Rule that protects millions of acres in Wyoming and Montana.

Data Center Politics in Cheyenne: Alphabet and Blackstone’s “Project Braid” is running into permit and build delays, including a Cheyenne, Wyoming site that Google reportedly took over after losing confidence in a developer—local officials say the project will be scaled down. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council’s Public Services Committee advanced annexation and rezoning for the Cox Ranch property to enable a data center, after earlier postponements tied to concerns about developers already buying land post-annexation. Federal Wildlife Management: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened public comment on a draft plan for the National Elk Refuge that would reduce winter feeding but keep it running, with comments due Oct. 13. Wyoming Elections & Taxes: Wyoming lawmakers are still wrestling with whether voters should get a chance to eliminate property taxes via a constitutional amendment, as the Joint Revenue Committee debates removal. Public Safety & Accountability: A report says Cheyenne’s NWS office suffered a three-day outgoing communications failure and relied on nearby offices to keep forecasts flowing. Statewide Health & Services: Planned Parenthood of Montana announced a Bozeman clinic opening in summer 2027 to expand abortion access. Budget/Operations: Western Wyoming College’s board will consider how a November property tax initiative could hit funding and force cuts. Community Impact: Buffalo Mayor proclaimed September Hunger Action Month, citing food insecurity affecting about 14% of Johnson County residents. Legal/Policy Watch: The Senate’s Clarity Act faces a tough Sept. 15 procedural vote as Republicans warn it may fall short of needed support.

Wyoming Energy & Water Policy: Wyoming lawmakers are pushing back on the federal environmental review for the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project, questioning FERC’s NEPA analysis and warning of impacts to the Seminoe-Ferris bighorn sheep herd. Wyoming Public Safety & Local Government: Saratoga approved hiring a former Crook County deputy sheriff to fill a police staffing gap, with the new officer expected to start after a background check. Wyoming Federal Politics: Sen. Cynthia Lummis is ramping up support for the CLARITY Act ahead of a Sept. 15 Senate vote, framing the bill as a choice between U.S. leadership on digital asset rules and China setting them instead. Wyoming & the West’s Federal Workforce: Reporting says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply nationwide, including a major drop in Wyoming, raising concerns about enforcement and conservation capacity. Wyoming Tech & Environmental Risk: Cheyenne officials say wastewater tied to Meta’s under-construction AI data center contained a rare bacterium, prompting a shutdown that Meta disputes and that is now under appeal. National Court & Guns: The Supreme Court is set to hear a Second Amendment challenge to a modern semiautomatic firearms ban, with Wyoming among states backing full protection of existing precedents.