AGP Executive Report

Native Rights & Accountability: Descendants of Wounded Knee survivors say the Pentagon won’t rescind Medals of Honor, but a Senate Armed Services Committee push is demanding the department’s full, unredacted review materials. University Funding: The University of Wyoming faces a $15 million fiscal-year shortfall and plans a 2% reduction across colleges, hiring freezes on vacancies, and reserve use to balance the budget. Nuclear Tech Watch: TerraPower launched TerraPower UK Ltd and started Step 1 of the UK Generic Design Assessment for its Natrium reactor, a key regulatory step before any site-specific licensing. Energy & Climate Risk: In the Bighorn Basin, drought is delaying “green-up” and raising odds of early, harder-to-manage fire conditions during recovery from last year’s Red Canyon Fire. Underwater Internet Safety: A new international study, including UW researchers, finds self-accelerating turbidity currents can form even in calmer waters and may threaten submarine telecom cables. Local Tech & Health Systems: Cheyenne Regional adopted an AI-powered cardiac mapping system, while Banner Health named Mark Whalen to expand access and value-based care across six states. Wyoming Agriculture & Research: UW’s Powell Research and Extension Center hosts a June 30 field day with drone and crop-management demos, and Central Wyoming College runs a regenerative food practicum that sells produce locally. Housing Data: Zillow reports a record 242 U.S. cities now have $1 million starter homes, underscoring how affordability pressure is spreading beyond coastal markets.

Wyoming Tech & Policy: Wyoming’s own digital-identity and privacy startup TrueData Solutions is spotlighted for helping people find exposed personal data and opt out of data brokers, a sign of how identity tools are reshaping the internet’s rules. Energy & Nuclear: TerraPower is pushing into the UK with its Natrium reactor design review process, aiming to export technology already in motion in Wyoming—another step in the nuclear-and-data-center race. AI & Infrastructure: Cheyenne Regional adopted an AI-powered cardiac mapping system, bringing more advanced imaging to local care. Space/Defense Tech: Wyoming Air National Guard crews are being selected to master the C-130J and its MAFFS firefighting setup ahead of the 2028 transition. Climate & Water: A new drought health roundup says nearly half the U.S. is in drought, with worsening conditions tied to drinking-water, heat, wildfire smoke, and mental health risks. Wyoming Economy/Tech: Wyoming Energy Authority opened applications for the Wyoming Rare Earths Fund, targeting materials needed for advanced tech.

AI in Medicine: Cheyenne Regional adopted an AI-powered cardiac mapping system (CARTOSOUND SONATA Module), aiming to improve complex heart procedures and deliver more personalized care locally. Renewables Policy Clash: Wind and solar developers are racing to meet a July 4 federal tax credit deadline, while Wyoming-area voices push back on “wind” impacts, including concerns about golden eagle collisions. Wyoming Defense Aviation: The Wyoming Air National Guard is forming the first C-130J Super Hercules training cadre in Cheyenne ahead of the 2028 transition, including MAFFS firefighting readiness. Wyoming Crypto Experiment: Wyoming launched its own stablecoin, Frontier Stable Tokens, as a test case for state-backed digital payments and potential school funding. Rural Health Funding: Rural clinics and states are adjusting plans after federal rural health program rules tightened, reshaping how $50B is used. Local Tech for Agriculture: Central Wyoming College is running a regenerative food systems crop practicum that turns student growing into local produce sales. Weather Forecasting Breakthrough: NCAR researchers are developing neighborhood-scale wind prediction using drone sensing and advanced modeling, with potential uses from firefighting to air quality.

AI in Healthcare: Cheyenne Regional adopted an AI-powered cardiac mapping system (CARTOSOUND SONATA Module), aiming to improve complex heart procedures and bring more personalized care to the region. Wyoming Education Funding: After the Legislature’s new “silo” school funding model, smaller districts like Crook County and Weston County School District 7 face budget shortfalls and are weighing cuts to student activities to stay afloat by July 1. Rare Earths Push: The Wyoming Energy Authority opened applications for the Wyoming Rare Earths Fund, offering up to $16 million in matching grants to speed commercial processing and separation of rare earths in-state. Local Tech & Community: A study finds communities with more local news tend to have lower loneliness, with rural areas seeing especially big gaps. Public Health & Equity: Federal data shows Indigenous women face disproportionately high pregnancy-related deaths, and outreach efforts like CDC’s “Hear Her” campaign are expanding warning-sign messaging. Wildlife Under Drought: Research using Mountain West tracking data reports severe drought is shrinking high-quality habitat for mule deer, bears, and cougars, with predator impacts worst at the top of the food chain.

Wyoming Rare Earths push: The Wyoming Energy Authority opened applications for the Wyoming Rare Earths Fund, offering up to $16 million in matching grants to help companies build rare-earth processing and separation projects in-state, aiming to strengthen the critical-mineral supply chain. Education funding squeeze: After Wyoming’s revamped school funding model added spending restrictions, smaller districts like Crook County and Weston County School District 7 are facing activities and benefits shortfalls, with lawmakers promising fixes next session. Wildlife under drought: A new Mountain West study finds severe drought is shrinking high-quality habitat for mule deer, black bears, and cougars, with the biggest losses hitting top predators like cougars. Aviation manufacturing milestone: Bell completed wing structures for the first two MV-75 Cheyenne II test aircraft, a key step toward integrating the next-generation tiltrotor. Public safety note: Wyoming Police are investigating after human remains were found in the Grand River near Indian Mounds Drive.

UFO Files & Public Disclosure: The Pentagon released a third batch of 72 UFO/UAP case files, including a “potato-shaped” sighting over Cheyenne Mountain in 2022 and new descriptions of glowing orbs and disc-like objects, but no confirmed alien-life claims. Wyoming Tech & Policy: Rep. Harriet Hageman introduced the Preventing AI Censorship Act, creating a private right for Americans to sue federal employees over AI used to suppress or distort viewpoint-based expression. Space Hardware in the Region: Bell completed two wing structures for the U.S. Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotor, aiming for a first flight within two years. Wyoming Wildlife Tracking: UW’s Wyoming Migration Initiative is mapping Mule Deer 665’s spring trek toward the Teton Range, including bottlenecks and river crossings. Nuclear & Energy Signals: A new report says global nuclear weapons spending hit $119B in 2025, with the U.S. accounting for more than half. Health & Rural Access: An NIH-funded project will scale a primary-care model for prescribing opioid use disorder treatment across ~40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia.

UFO Files (Pentagon): The Pentagon released a third batch of declassified UFO reports, including a “potato-shaped” sighting over Cheyenne Mountain in 2022 described by five Fort Carson soldiers, plus rotating discs and glowing orbs—no proof of alien life, but plenty of detailed accounts. Artemis Hardware in Wyoming: NASA moved parts of its Moon rocket by train through Wyoming for Artemis 3, carrying solid rocket booster segments to the Space Coast as teams prepare for major rocket stacking. Aviation Manufacturing: Bell completed the first two wing structures for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotor, aiming for a first flight within two years. Colorado River Tech & Policy: Utah and Wyoming pushed for a hydrological truce as deadlines near; lawmakers warned Arizona and others that litigation could cost access to about $354M in conservation aid. Wyoming Wildlife Tracking: UW’s Wyoming Migration Initiative is mapping Mule Deer 665’s spring trek toward the Teton Range, including bottlenecks and her twin pregnancy. Digital Asset Regulation: Sen. Cynthia Lummis highlighted the Clarity Act as a way to set “defined lanes” for the SEC and CFTC on digital assets. AI Censorship Lawsuit Path: Rep. Harriet Hageman introduced the Preventing AI Censorship Act, creating a private right for Americans to sue federal employees over AI suppression or viewpoint-based access limits.

UFO Files: The Pentagon released a third batch of 72 declassified UFO/UAP reports, including a “potato-shaped” sighting over Colorado Springs in 2022 and accounts of spinning discs and glowing orbs—no proof of aliens, but more detail on how agencies document and try to explain sightings. Water & Wyoming: Utah and Wyoming urged a hydrological truce with Colorado River neighbors as the Oct. 1 deadline nears; Arizona faces potential 77% cuts if talks fail, while Upper Basin states argue proposals don’t match snowpack. AI Policy in Wyoming: Rep. Harriet Hageman introduced the Preventing AI Censorship Act, creating a path for Americans to sue federal employees over AI used to suppress or distort viewpoint-based expression. Tech & Education: Teton Science Schools and the Wyoming DOE launched a Wyoming Place-Based Education Microcredential for teachers, pairing an online course with an in-person workshop to build local, community-connected learning units. STEM & Research: UW researchers and a spin-out took part in an international symposium in South Korea, adding to Wyoming’s growing research footprint.

Colorado River Negotiations: Utah and Wyoming are pushing for a hydrological truce before the Oct. 1 deadline, with Interior poised to impose a plan if the seven basin states can’t agree—while Utah Sen. Mike Lee warns Arizona and other Lower Basin states they could lose about $354M in conservation aid if they pursue lawsuits. AI & Civil Liberties: Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman introduced the Preventing AI Censorship Act, creating a path for Americans to sue federal employees over AI used to suppress or distort viewpoint-based expression. UFO Declassification: The Pentagon released 72 new UAP files, including accounts of “potato-shaped” and glowing orb sightings, but no proof of alien life. Wyoming Education Tech: Teton Science Schools and the Wyoming DOE launched a place-based education microcredential for teachers, pairing an online course with an in-person workshop. Wildlife Science: UW-linked researchers are tracking Mule Deer 665’s migration with maps as she heads toward the Teton Range pregnant with twins. Public Records & ICE: The ACLU of Wyoming filed records requests tied to 287(g) agreements, challenging how local agencies partner with ICE. Energy & Uranium: A report argues SMR demand is driving a global uranium supply scramble, shifting the market from “if” to “how.”

Wyoming Education & AI: Teton Science Schools and the Wyoming Department of Education launched the Wyoming Place-Based Education Microcredential, pairing an online summer course with a five-day in-person workshop to help teachers build local, community-connected learning projects. Local Tech Policy: Albany County school leaders moved to curb student deepfakes, proposing rules that would bar making or sharing deepfakes of private individuals and all deepfakes depicting sexual activity. Public Records & Immigration Enforcement: The ACLU of Wyoming filed public records requests with seven counties and the Wyoming Highway Patrol tied to 287(g) agreements with ICE, as it continues legal challenges to what it calls a “force multiplier” for federal immigration enforcement. STEM in Wyoming Classrooms: Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation hosted a regional STEM Summit for educators across multiple states including Wyoming, emphasizing hands-on training and classroom-ready tools. UAP Watch: The Pentagon released 72 new UFO-related files, including accounts describing a “potato”-shaped object near Cheyenne Mountain and other unusual sightings, while noting no proof of alien life. Wyoming Higher Ed Branding: Western Wyoming Community College’s board approved phasing out “community” in marketing and signage while keeping the legal district name unchanged.

Wyoming Education & Workforce: Teton Science Schools and the Wyoming Department of Education launched the Wyoming Place-Based Education Microcredential, pairing an online summer course with a five-day in-person workshop so teachers can build local, community-connected learning projects. AI Safety in Schools: Albany County school leaders proposed a policy to limit student-made or shared deepfakes, with specific bans on deepfakes involving private individuals and on sexual deepfakes. Wyoming Higher Ed Branding: Western Wyoming Community College’s board approved phasing “community” out of marketing and degree materials, while keeping the legal district name unchanged. STEM Outreach: Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation hosted a regional STEM Summit for educators, emphasizing hands-on training and classroom-ready activities. Water & Climate Pressure: A study using Mountain West wildlife tracking data found severe drought shrinks high-quality habitat for mule deer, black bears, and cougars, with major impacts on fawn survival. UFO Files (National): The Pentagon released a third batch of UFO documents, including NASA Apollo-era audio and CIA material about a “space message,” fueling fresh public debate. Colorado River Update (National): Arizona faces potential up to 77% cuts if Colorado River states can’t reach a deal, with federal reallocation looming.

Defense & Aviation: Bell says it has finished the first two wing structures for the MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotor, moving them into test-aircraft integration after big labor-hour reductions versus earlier programs. Wyoming Tech & Energy Markets: MTAR Technologies shares jumped after management told investors it has received no notice of a pause tied to Bloom Energy’s Wyoming AI data-center work, easing fears sparked by reports about Crusoe’s Project Jade. Data Centers in the Cowboy State: A CG Power transformer export order tied to hyperscale data centers faces new scrutiny as reporting suggests difficulties around the Wyoming project behind it. Wildlife & Public Health: Teton County is considering testing town water after chronic wasting disease was found on the National Elk Refuge, aiming to get ahead of any potential concerns. Climate & Fire Risk: Park County fire officials warn drought conditions are worsening across the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, with above-normal fire potential and early suppression emphasis. Conservation & STEM Careers: Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust named a 2026 summer conservation and stewardship intern with remote sensing training to help monitor hundreds of thousands of acres. Education Policy: Johnson County School District voted to become a vendor for Wyoming’s Educational Savings Account program, aligning services and fees with nearby districts. STEM in the News (Broader): NSF NCAR researchers developed a neighborhood-scale low-altitude wind prediction model, part of a push for better forecasting.

Wyoming Water & Wildlife: Teton County is weighing whether to test town drinking water after Chronic Wasting Disease was found on the National Elk Refuge, with officials saying the human risk looks low but the situation is new. Wyoming Education: Big Horn County School District No. 2 approved major 2026-27 pay raises—about 15% for certified staff, 6% for many others, and 3% for administration—tied to Wyoming’s new school funding model. Wyoming Data Centers: Wyoming’s governor signed an executive order creating a “Data Centers the Wyoming Way” framework, aiming to welcome tech growth while addressing concerns about power, water, and infrastructure. Wyoming Tech & Energy Markets: Cheyenne’s AI data-center plans took a hit as reports say Crusoe paused its 1.8GW “Project Jade,” sending MTAR Technologies shares down sharply due to its reliance on Bloom Energy. Federal Science & Weather: NSF NCAR researchers are building a neighborhood-scale wind prediction model using advanced simulations and uncrewed aircraft data to help with wildfire and power disruption response. National Policy for Public Lands: A Senate wildfire bill advanced that would repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule, boost thinning and prescribed burns, and fund advanced firefighting tech. Health & Research: A new NIH grant will expand a primary-care model for prescribing medications for opioid use disorder across ~40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia.

Coal & Grid Policy: Trump’s announced $700M “clean, beautiful” coal push could reshape Mountain West power plans, with Defense Production Act funding aimed at extending coal plant lives and boosting grid reliability—Wyoming and New Mexico are among the coal-supplying states. AI Data Centers in Cheyenne: MTAR Technologies shares slid after Crusoe paused its 1.8GW Cheyenne Project Jade, a move tied to Bloom Energy’s fuel-cell role—another reminder how tightly Wyoming’s tech buildouts can track national infrastructure risk. Rare Earths in Wyoming: Rare Element Resources says permitting for its Bear Lodge rare earth project is on track under FAST-41, while its Upton demonstration separation plant is expected to begin full operations in late summer 2026. Colorado River Water Fight: Wyoming leaders are weighing the fallout from a widening Colorado River stalemate, as federal pressure grows and conservation aid could be threatened if states pursue litigation. Local Tech & Education: Western Wyoming Community College may drop “Community” from its name and consider equipment for a nuclear technology steam turbine lab—while Cheyenne deployed about 300 goats to manage vegetation along Crow Creek.

Rare Earths in Wyoming: Rare Element Resources says Bear Lodge’s permitting timeline is on track under FAST-41, while its Upton demonstration plant is still working through equipment changes; full end-to-end processing is now expected in late summer 2026. Wyoming Education: Hot Springs County School Board highlighted student CPR and stroke training, plus state-championship basketball coaching honors, as district budget planning continues. Hunting Tech & Access: Wyoming Game and Fish outlined the schedule for limited quota draw results and the upcoming leftover license application window, with reminders that some leftover areas have limited public access. Data Centers vs. Power Bills: A national look at data center pushback spotlights new state moves—Wyoming included—aimed at slowing sales-tax breaks and tightening oversight over infrastructure costs. Colorado River Alarm: New analysis warns Lake Mead and Lake Powell could hit “system crash” thresholds by the start of the 2028 water year after another dry stretch. Wildlife Crossings: Experts urged continued federal funding for wildlife crossings, citing crash reduction and habitat reconnection benefits. Wyoming Science: UW anthropology professor Robert Kelly was named to the National Academy of Sciences. Research Supply Chain: Koi Peptides says it’s speeding U.S. fulfillment for research peptides from its Sheridan base and posting per-batch COAs online.

Wyoming Tech & Energy: Rare Element Resources says its Bear Lodge rare earths project in Wyoming has a clearer permitting path, aiming to finish federal and state requirements by early 2028, while its demo plant faces operational delays tied to equipment changes for producing high-purity neodymium/praseodymium. Nuclear in the Cowboy State: NRC chair Ho K. Nieh says advanced small modular reactors could be operating by 2030, pointing to TerraPower’s Kemmerer project in Wyoming as a leading candidate. AI Infrastructure Watch: Market coverage flags Crusoe pausing development on a Wyoming AI data center site amid renewed tech valuation fears. Water & Policy: The Colorado River remains at a tipping point; with no seven-state deal, federal officials are moving toward a shorter-term management framework, and Arizona faces potential cuts up to 77% under a “no deal” plan. Local STEM & Agriculture: UW Extension hired Erik Bailly as an agriculture and natural resources educator for Sublette County, bringing rangeland management and modern ag tech experience. Tech, Governance & Society: Nine governors, including Wyoming, urge the NCAA to overhaul transgender student athlete rules to ensure fairness for female athletes.