AGP Executive Report

Climate & Heat: NOAA data says Nevada had its warmest August on record, while Arizona tied its hottest summer and New Mexico, Utah and Colorado logged hottest summers ever—Wyoming also shattered records in July. Wildfire Funding: A new analysis argues wildfire spending in the Mountain West is shifting toward air suppression, squeezing local contractors and making budgets harder to plan; an op-ed calls for steadier baseline funding plus flexible reserves. Sage-Grouse Policy: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an updated executive order setting rules like a 5% surface disturbance cap and seasonal limits in core areas while aiming to protect habitat and keep state management authority. Public Health: CDC’s measles tracker shows 3,471 cases as of Sept. 17, with a week-over-week rise. Data Centers & Power: Wyoming and the region keep wrestling with data-center growth—Evanston-area permitting for an off-grid power plan, plus broader reporting on how communities are being kept in the dark about proposals on public land. Wyoming Education: The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled the state must spend more on K-12 teacher salaries to account for inflation, while striking some other funding demands. Local Tech/Industry: Bechtel and TerraPower are splitting on the Natrium project in Kemmerer, with about 200 Reston employees potentially affected. Environment & Water: EPA awarded nearly $3M in wetland program grants across the Mountain West, including Wyoming. Wildlife & Safety: Reports describe unusually hungry bears moving into cars and homes across the Rockies, driven by drought-stressed food supplies.

Education Funding Fight: The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled the state must spend more on K-12 teacher salaries and properly account for inflation, while striking down other school-cost demands. Higher Ed & Workforce: Laramie County Community College voted to rename itself Wyoming State College, aiming to reduce confusion and better reflect its expanded offerings. Quantum in the Classroom: Casper College won an NSF grant to expand hands-on quantum education statewide via “Quantum Trunks,” a Quantum Science Camp, and new coursework. Data Centers & Power: Uinta County approved a data center power-grid permit, and a separate report highlights how data-center expansion is colliding with community oversight and transparency. Energy Projects: A final permit hearing is set for a solar facility near Moorcroft, including battery storage designed to cut peak power costs. Conservation Policy: Gov. Mark Gordon signed an updated executive order on sage-grouse conservation with habitat disturbance caps and seasonal limits. Public Safety Leadership: Wyoming Highway Patrol selected Major KC Ramsey as the next Colonel/Administrator. STEM Events: Teton Gravity Research will premiere its ski film “Actually, It Is Rocket Science” in Jackson. Community Tech/Business Support: Wyoming Business Council board met in Gillette, hearing from companies backed through its startup and growth programs.

AI & Power-Plant Policy: The U.S. EPA moved to scrap Biden-era carbon-cut requirements for fossil-fuel power plants, a shift critics say will worsen emissions as AI data centers expand. Data-Center Spill Watch: A New Jersey Equinix site leaked about 5,000 gallons of diesel into a tributary near the Hackensack River, with cleanup still underway and officials citing broken valves. Wyoming Water & Fish Health: Wyoming Game and Fish is investigating a fish-killing disease in the Snake River system tied to low, warm water and a parasite linked to proliferative kidney disease. Local Tech & Privacy: Two neighboring Wyoming cities are taking different approaches to automated license plate readers, with one contract renewal paused over concerns. Public Health Access: A new analysis warns rural pregnant residents may face longer drives for maternity care if Medicaid changes reduce coverage. Fed & Markets: The Federal Reserve raised rates for the first time in three years, leaving investors bracing for more volatility. Wyoming Tech/Research Funding: UW received a major NSF grant to operate a new King Air research aircraft, boosting hands-on science capacity.

Wyoming Tech & Policy: The Fed raised interest rates to 3.75%–4.00% in its first move since 2023, with new chair Kevin Warsh signaling more tightening may be coming—an update that’s likely to rattle markets and tech funding expectations. Local Governance & Privacy: Two Wyoming towns are taking very different paths on automatic license plate readers: Douglas is weighing Motorola camera tech and possible data sharing, while Glenrock paused a Flock contract amid privacy backlash. Energy & Infrastructure: Emigration Canyon residents are pushing back on HF Sinclair’s proposed Westline Connect expansion, which would increase refined fuel pipeline capacity and could shift traffic and risk across the Mountain West. STEM in Wyoming: The Wyoming Air National Guard will host Discovery Day 2026 in Cheyenne, a hands-on STEAM event featuring drones, robotics, VR, AI, and aviation. Wildlife Tech: Yellowstone researchers are using AI-aided bioacoustics to decode wolf calls, aiming to better understand behavior and meaning in the park’s soundscape. Agriculture Tech: Halter is expanding virtual fencing access on public grazing land, including Wyoming, using GPS-enabled collars to manage herds without building traditional fences. Science News: A new study suggests T. rex was warm-blooded, based on chemical signals from Montana teeth—reshaping how scientists think about dinosaur biology.

Paleontology: A new study using chemical clues from T. rex teeth argues the dinosaur was warm-blooded, with a body temperature near human levels—reshaping how scientists picture the iconic predator. STEM in Wyoming: The Wyoming Air National Guard will host Discovery Day 2026: A Salute to STEAM in Cheyenne on Sept. 24, featuring drones, VR, robotics, AI, aviation and hands-on demos for registered school groups. Quantum education: Casper College won an NSF grant to launch “Quantum Pipeline,” sending portable quantum kits to K-12 schools statewide, running a summer camp, and adding new coursework. Wildlife & climate tech: Yellowstone staff found everyday tech items (AirPods, Invisalign retainers, fake nails) during hydrothermal-area cleanups, highlighting ongoing park stewardship. Energy & industry: PEDEVCO won a Wyoming BLM lease sale, expanding its Mowry shale position, while Wyoming’s governor praised EPA moves to repeal power-plant greenhouse-gas rules. Policy & tech economy: The Senate failed to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, sending Bitcoin down sharply; meanwhile, Wyoming City Council kept Flock license plate readers despite privacy concerns. Weather & risk: NWS issued red-flag fire weather warnings across parts of Wyoming, with conditions primed for fast-moving fires if they start.

Data Center Pushback: Cheyenne-area residents and officials keep wrestling with data centers—Cheyenne’s Orchard Hills project heads to City Council after a Planning Commission denial, while a separate public townhall in Iowa shows residents demanding “guardrails” and even moratorium-style limits. Quantum Education: Casper College won a $444,059 NSF grant to launch the statewide “Quantum Pipeline,” sending portable quantum kits to K-12 schools, running a quantum science camp, and adding new college coursework. AI + Power Politics: A bipartisan push in Congress targets who pays for AI data center electricity upgrades, aiming to stop ratepayers from covering new generation and transmission costs; meanwhile, SK Innovation is pitching integrated energy packages for AI sites. Fed Watch: The Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates, with Warsh signaling a tougher fight against stubborn inflation. Wildfire Risk: Red flag fire weather warnings hit parts of Wyoming and the West as the season runs ahead of normal. Wyoming Wildlife Management: BLM begins work to stabilize the Fifteenmile wild horse herd, planning removals to protect rangelands. Local Tech/Science Notes: Yellowstone hydrothermal areas saw major cleanup finds, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo opened its new Giraffe Center.

Wyoming Tech & Policy: A Wyoming-linked push for domestic tech and infrastructure is in the mix: Invictronix says it plans to invest up to $300M to build a fully integrated U.S. semiconductor manufacturing facility in a Florida Opportunity Zone, aiming to support AI-chip and consumer-electronics production. Energy & Climate: The EPA moved to repeal most power-plant carbon rules and even seeks to strip authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, a major shift that could trigger legal fights. Local Infrastructure: Saratoga officials chose a contractor for sewer work under the North Platte River and voted to release a $103,136 retainage after completion of earlier upgrades. STEM & Discovery: Paleontologists report the first adult T. rex trackway ever found, based on footprints in North Dakota. Healthcare Tech: Guardant Health’s Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening is set to be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027. Workforce Pipeline: Two Baker graduates won scholarships from Mike Rowe’s foundation to attend Wyotech in Laramie for auto mechanics and welding. Tech Governance: The Senate is set to vote on the Clarity Act, a sweeping crypto regulation bill shaped by Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis and aimed at clearer oversight and ethics rules.

Crypto policy showdown: Senate Republicans released a revised Digital Asset Market Clarity Act with 126 changes, tightening ethics rules for officials and expanding enforcement power for state attorneys general ahead of a key Tuesday procedural vote. Wyoming wildfire update: The Moonshine Fire in southeastern Wyoming has burned about 500 acres with minimal containment, with crews from multiple agencies responding amid dry, windy conditions near Wheatland. Cancer screening coverage: Guardant Health’s Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for eligible patients age 45+. Healthcare leadership: Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County promoted Rachel Lance to Director of Case Management, taking over after Robin Jenkins’ retirement. Rare earths and tribal concerns: The Oglala Sioux Tribe challenged the Bear Lodge rare earth project, arguing for government-to-government consultation tied to treaty rights. Housing affordability angle: A new analysis highlights how vacation homes make up 5.1% of Wyoming housing, adding pressure in a broader national housing shortage. Wildlife science: Nevada researchers are investigating mysterious seasonal elk deaths, looking at heart damage and low copper levels as possible clues.

Wyoming Energy & Mining: Peninsula Energy pulled its current-year production guidance for the Lance uranium project in Wyoming, saying the wellfield ramp is slower than planned, while also reaffirming next year’s outlook and pointing to record head grades from a newly commissioned mine unit. University Research & Tech: The University of Wyoming landed a $14.8M NSF grant to operate and maintain its new King Air Atmospheric Research Aircraft through 2031, supporting specialized staff and instruments for ongoing atmospheric science missions. Wyoming STEM Discovery: A Wyoming belemnite fossil—nicknamed “squid butts”—has been identified as a new species, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, adding a fresh twist to the story of ancient squid relatives. Local Tech & Infrastructure: UW Transportation Services is adjusting 2026-27 transit after a 37% federal funding cut, shifting evening fixed routes to its SafeRide on-call van service. Community Science & Health: UW’s Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation will host the Wyoming Blockchain Stampede at UW on Sept. 30, and Albany County’s Sept. 19 Walk to End Alzheimer’s aims to raise $20,000 for research and caregiver support.

Wyoming Research & Tech: UW just landed a $14.8M NSF grant to keep its NSF/King Air Atmospheric Research Aircraft running through 2031, supporting specialized staff and instruments for ongoing air-science missions. Space Science: An international team reported new solar turbulence patterns—Kelvin-Helmholtz instability—using the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope and Wyoming’s Derecho supercomputer to help explain why the Sun’s outer atmosphere heats up and drives flares. Paleontology: A Wyoming “squid butt” belemnite fossil was identified as a new species, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, adding a rare, thick-bodied twist to the ancient squid-relative story. Local Tech & Community: Cheyenne’s historic Twin Chimneys Motor Court was demolished for a 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru, sparking preservation concerns from local advocates. Public Safety & Policy: Election officials nationwide are bracing for new threats to voting administration, with one Arizona county attorney emphasizing rapid legal action if interference shows up again. Health & Access: A new analysis warns Medicaid cuts could force rural patients to drive much farther for maternity care, raising risks for mothers and babies. Wyoming Events: The Wyoming Blockchain Stampede returns Sept. 30 at UW, featuring public sessions on blockchain and digital tech plus legislative committee meetings Sept. 28-29.

Wyoming Research & Tech: UW just landed a $14.8M NSF grant to keep its NSF/King Air Atmospheric Research Aircraft running through 2031, supporting specialized staff and instruments for atmospheric science missions. Wyoming Science Discovery: A Wyoming belemnite “squid butt” fossil has been named a new species, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, after decades in a museum drawer—revealing a thick-bodied ancient squid relative unlike other known forms. Local Tech & Policy: The Wyoming Blockchain Stampede returns Sept. 30 at UW, with public sessions on blockchain and AI plus a legislative committee meeting Sept. 28-29; the event also honors late CBDI leader Steve Lupien. Campus Transit: UW Transportation Services is changing 2026-27 transit plans after a 37% cut in federal funding, shifting evening fixed routes to the on-call SafeRide service. Health in Wyoming: Albany County’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for Sept. 19 in Laramie, aiming to fund care services and research. Sports & Community (Wyoming-adjacent): Wyoming’s presence shows up in national sports listings and local community items, including regional school and event coverage.

Wyoming Higher Ed & Research Funding: UW just landed a $14.8M NSF grant to keep its NSF/King Air Atmospheric Research Aircraft running through 2031, supporting specialized staff and instrument operations for atmospheric science missions. Local Tech & Policy Events: The UW Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation will host the Wyoming Blockchain Stampede Sept. 30, with Gov. Mark Gordon and Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long among speakers, plus legislative committee sessions and a memorial dinner for Steve Lupien. Wyoming Science Discovery: A Wyoming belemnite fossil—nicknamed “squid butts”—has been identified as a new species, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, adding a rare, thick-bodied twist to the ancient squid-relative family tree. Health & Community: Albany County’s Sept. 19 Walk to End Alzheimer’s aims to raise $20,000, backing care services and research for Wyoming’s growing Alzheimer’s burden. Public Services: UW Transportation Services is shifting evening transit for 2026-27 after a 37% federal funding cut, expanding SafeRide coverage and reducing fixed-route evening service. STEM in the News: Scientists report Kelvin-Helmholtz instability patterns on the Sun’s surface, using the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope and simulations run on the NSF NCAR-Wyoming supercomputing center. Sports & Tech Reporter Note: Wyoming Tribune Eagle journalists earned 19 national awards from the National Newspaper Association Foundation, including third place for general excellence.

Maternal Health in Rural Wyoming: Wyoming held its first-ever maternal health summit, bringing 150+ caregivers and officials together to tackle OB-GYN and labor-and-delivery gaps across the state, backed by a $5.2M federal grant aimed at bridging access through tools like a virtual resource hub. Wildlife & Hunting Policy: Wyoming Game and Fish proposes setting big game and upland bird seasons for three years starting in 2027 to give hunters more certainty while still allowing tweaks for outbreaks or die-offs. Cancer Biology: A University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute study in Science links obesity to loss of a protective molecule that normally helps restrain breast cancer growth. Health Access Under Medicaid Cuts: A new analysis warns rural pregnant residents may face much longer drives for care if Medicaid changes reduce coverage, with Wyoming already missing hospital birth options in multiple counties. Wyoming Rare Earths & Supply Chains: A look at rare earth production highlights renewed U.S. momentum and the ongoing challenge of dependence on global refining capacity. Education & STEM Outreach: “Field To Table” brought hundreds of students to hands-on agriculture learning stations, including a bee-focused segment using beeswax products. Cybersecurity: Hilltop Bank is slowly reopening after a cyberattack, restoring limited services at several Wyoming-area branches. Weather & Fire Risk: A cold front is driving windy, unsettled conditions across the region, with red-flag fire concerns for parts of western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming.

Wyoming Energy Planning: The Wyoming Energy Authority picked Energy Strategies to run a statewide electricity transmission planning study required by a 2026 law, mapping major lines and substations (69 kV+) and flagging where constraints could hit as demand and growth change. Tech Grants for Local Nonprofits: The Wyoming Community Foundation announced Microsoft Technology Grant funding for Laramie County nonprofits, supporting tech upgrades and skills building for groups including the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum and Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County. Cyber Recovery in Wyoming Banking: Hilltop Bank is slowly reopening after a cyberattack, with five branches back online for limited services and select Casper ATMs working, plus a new call center for customer help. Wildlife & Water Stress in Star Valley: Wyoming Game and Fish reported fish-killing disease in the low, warm Salt River, with a microscopic parasite linked to proliferative kidney disease showing up as conditions stress native fish. Paleontology Spotlight from Wyoming: A Wyoming fossil collector’s “chunkiest” Jurassic “squid” relative has been identified as a new belemnite species, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, reshaping what scientists thought about the animal’s lineage and diet. Weather & Fire Risk: A cold front brings gusty winds and a Red Flag Warning for parts of the region, with unsettled weekend conditions and possible light rain showers.

Energy Planning: The Wyoming Energy Authority picked Energy Strategies to run a statewide electricity transmission planning study required by a new law, aiming to map 69-kilovolt-and-up lines, spot constraints, and guide future buildout as demand and growth change. Tech for Nonprofits: The Wyoming Community Foundation announced Microsoft Technology Grant funding for Laramie County nonprofits, supporting hardware/software upgrades and skills training for groups including Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum and Habitat for Humanity. AI + Civic Life: A new nonprofit civic platform, Citizenry, is moving out of beta after six months, using personalization and an AI assistant to help people find volunteer and local government opportunities in one place. Education Policy: Campbell County schools are preparing for Wyoming’s expanded literacy law, which means more K-12 reading tests and individualized reading plans for students who still read below grade level. Workforce Development: Wyoming’s Department of Workforce Services won a $2 million RESTART grant to connect justice-involved adults with training and skilled-trades pathways starting enrollment in January 2027. Cybersecurity: Ontario court systems were hit by a cyberattack tied to a Thomson Reuters case-management platform, with some sealed or confidential information potentially affected. Wildfire Science: A new study in Science Advances finds climate change is making wildfires faster and more severe, raising the odds of long-term shifts from forests to non-forest ecosystems. Local Governance: North Plains voters will choose three City Council seats from six candidates in November.

Wyoming Education: Campbell County leaders say the state’s expanded literacy law means more ungraded tests, more individualized reading plans, and extra planning pressure for teachers as K-12 screening ramps up. University of Wyoming: President Shane Reeves delivered his first State of the University address, spotlighting advancement, enrollment pressures, athletics change, and the growing role of AI in schools. Workforce & Tech Training: Wyoming’s Department of Workforce Services won a $2M federal RESTART grant to connect justice-involved adults to skilled trades and advanced manufacturing training, including digital skills for AI infrastructure and apprenticeships. Rare Earths in Wyoming: American Rare Earths appointed Dr. Sanja Miskovic as Chief Technical Advisor to guide process and recovery work for separated rare earth oxides at the Halleck Creek project. AI Infrastructure & Cyber/Finance: A Wyoming-linked data-center and AI ecosystem story highlights new tech commercialization and infrastructure expansion, while separate coverage flags how cyberattacks can disrupt banking operations. Public Lands: Advocates are pushing back on plans to remove a dead Yellowstone Forest Reserve tree inscribed in 1893, arguing wilderness rules are being bypassed. Health Policy: ProPublica reports a sharp rise in ectopic pregnancy deaths tied to abortion restrictions, raising stakes for maternal care access. National Tech Policy: The Clarity Act debate continues as lawmakers weigh digital asset oversight and conflicts from vertical integration.