AGP Executive Report

AI Oversight Shake-Up: The White House’s long-awaited AI executive order got abruptly postponed after industry briefings, throwing tech leaders back into uncertainty over a proposed multi-agency voluntary review system and government AI rollout timelines. Human Rights in the Spotlight: Wyoming officials say labor trafficking is a “hidden crime” that’s hard to prove and often underreported, even as confirmed cases show labor trafficking is a major share of hotline reports. Wildfire Reality Check: New research finds more fires burning through the night across the West, including Wyoming—meaning less reliable nighttime relief for firefighters. Wyoming Arts & Culture: The Brinton Museum is gearing up with oral history and tipi-raising events, while Rogers artist Jay Benham is expanding ledger art into new performances. Sports Betting Taxes: Wyoming ranked 24th for sports betting taxes collected in 2024, a reminder that gaming revenue is still reshaping state budgets.

Federal Permitting Pushback: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon are teaming up in Salt Lake City to slam slow, expensive federal permitting for energy and mining, arguing the system defaults to the biggest review every time—while the Permitting Council says it’s gone from finishing just one mining permit under Biden to 57 now, with 16 cleared so far. AI Data Center Backlash: A new poll finds Utah voters are split but lean against Box Elder’s proposed Stratos AI data center, with 53% opposing it as concerns grow over water, energy, and local control. Wyoming Summer & Community: LCCC is opening registration for its long-running Summer Educational Experience (SEEK) childcare program, and Rock Springs’ Lady Tigers opened the 4A softball tournament with a 19-8 win over Natrona County despite rainy conditions. Big Boy Returns: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is set to leave Cheyenne for its Eastern tour on Memorial Day, with major public stops planned through July. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Fremont County regular price at $4.44 (week ending May 16), with Wyoming averages edging up.

College Hoops: Texas Tech landed North Crowley standout Treaton Hall, adding a 6-foot-7 wing to a roster reshaped by transfers and eligibility. Nuclear Policy: A new Senate bill led by Sen. Cynthia Lummis would let nuclear plants use commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety areas, aiming to cut costs—critics warn it could weaken safety guardrails. Wyoming Courts & Justice: Darin Smith was confirmed as U.S. attorney for Wyoming despite misconduct allegations and dismissed felony grand jury indictments tied to his interim tenure. Local Education: Wyoming’s WEA is pushing back after the state Supreme Court’s voucher ruling, saying public funds are being diverted from the 95% of students in public schools. Wildlife & Science: A Yale-led study finds animals are changing behavior simply due to human presence. Entertainment: Hulu’s Prison Break adds Kelli Berglund as Cheyenne, and UNC’s Bears will open the season under lights with a first-ever Nottingham Field night game vs. Weber State. Memorial Day: Wyoming Military Department plans a Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery.

UFO Panic in the Parks: A fresh wave of UFO talk is swirling after former investigator David Paulides revived claims that national parks could be “hunting grounds” for aliens, pointing to old disappearances like Yosemite teen Stacy Aris and alleging authorities stonewalled records. Federal Court Drama: In Wyoming’s legal orbit, the 8th Circuit is being asked to reconsider video used in a murder appeal, while Darin Smith was confirmed as U.S. attorney for Wyoming despite misconduct fallout that already triggered dismissals of felony indictments. Tech Meets Politics: Cheyenne’s City Council and a U.S. Senate bid are getting an AI twist as “AI bot” candidates push for office, with one plan built around “meat avatars.” Wyoming Community & Culture: Teton Excursions kicked off its 2026 Yellowstone/Grand Teton private wildlife tour lineup, and the Wyoming Native Plant Society poster contest crowned three student winners, including a Pinedale artist spotlighting chokecherries. Local Life: Gas prices stay volatile—Lincoln County’s lowest premium hit $4.61 (week ending May 9)—as Wyoming communities juggle spring weather and school-sports momentum.

Federal Court Showdown: U.S. Attorney Darin Smith was confirmed for Wyoming by a 46-43 vote, but the fight isn’t over—three federal judges just tossed nine felony cases tied to alleged misconduct before a March grand jury, and defense attorneys are pushing for DOJ discipline. Campus & Arts: Central Wyoming College hired Annette Benn Thornton as its new theatre instructor/director, bringing decades of Riverton High School stage leadership. Sports Tech Spotlight: The University of Wyoming’s women’s golf used Motocaddy electric caddies to win the Golfweek Women’s NGI, marking a rare NCAA moment for electric carts. Rural Health Funding: CMS approved Wyoming’s $205M rural healthcare plan to strengthen hospitals, EMS, and workforce training. Community Weather Relief: Carbon County officials provided shelter and medical help during a spring snowstorm that left thousands without power. Military Retirees Ranking: WalletHub put Wyoming third-best for military retirees, behind South Carolina and North Dakota.

University Spotlight: The University of Wyoming’s women’s golf team just turned heads at the Golfweek Women’s National Golf Invitational—using Motocaddy electric caddies for the first time in NCAA golf and posting a record wire-to-wire win. Education & Sports: Cheyenne’s East High sent three athletes to college programs, while Central’s Elizabeth Needham committed to Laramie County Community College; across the country, JMU added transfer forward Marley Curtis. Health & Care: CMS ratings keep rolling in—Wyoming County Community Hospital S N F (public) earned a 5, while other facilities in the region saw mixed scores. Politics & Courts: The Wyoming Supreme Court cleared the way for school choice by lifting a block on the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act. Land & Power: Federal officials approved a Wyoming clay mine project, and Wyoming’s predator-killing funding debate continues as costs and demand rise.

BLM Leadership Confirmed: The U.S. Senate has confirmed Steve Pearce as head of the Bureau of Land Management, with Wyoming’s Sen. Cynthia Lummis among the yes votes—setting up a fresh fight over how federal land is managed, especially for ranching, energy, and conservation groups. Wyoming Storm Disruption: A spring storm slammed parts of Wyoming, closing major roads including I-80 and leaving thousands without power in Carbon County and around Rawlins/Sinclair before outages eased. Data Center Pressure on Water: As Microsoft and other hyperscale projects eye Wyoming, officials and lawmakers are still pressing on power and cooling concerns—while industry claims water use can be kept surprisingly low with advanced cooling approaches. Community & Culture: Cheyenne’s Casper Crashers junior roller derby team debuted after a long gap, and Wyoming residents are also being urged to check stroke risk during May’s awareness push. Arts Spotlight: Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network won national top honors for a live men’s basketball broadcast.

Data Center Firestorm: Kevin O’Leary’s proposed Stratos hyperscale data center in Utah is drawing fresh alarm from scientists, who warn its massive power draw and waste heat could swing local temperatures dramatically and stress the Great Salt Lake ecosystem—critics also say approvals moved fast, with limited public input. Wyoming Sports & Community: Casper Crashers launched the city’s first junior roller derby team in over a decade, while Sheridan’s Broncs topped 4A East Regionals and Wyoming Valley Barbershop Harmony Chorus set a spring show for May 31. Health & Safety: Stroke Awareness Month is prompting Wyoming residents to check risk factors and remember “BE FAST.” Local Politics: Rock Springs City Council filings show a developing Ward 2 race. Faith Milestone: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Cody, Wyoming’s temple dedication for Oct. 25 and Wichita, Kansas for Nov. 1.

Wyoming Election Season: More than 100 candidates filed in Wyoming in the first two days after the filing period opened, setting up a crowded 2026 race for governor, secretary of state, schools superintendent, treasurer/auditor, and all 62 House seats plus part of the Senate. University Watch: The University of Wyoming is facing a roughly $15 million operating shortfall tied to enrollment dips, inflation, and weaker investment income—starting its 2027 budget process with a warning. Public Safety & Courts: ICE arrested a suspected MS-13 member, Josue Coreas-Chavez, after his release from a New York prison, and Wyoming’s election rules are also moving toward more hand-counting of ballots. Wildlife & Weather: Fire weather days are rising across the Mountain West, and Wyoming’s Spread Creek Fire is now largely contained as crews keep securing hot spots. Arts & Community: The Wyoming Arts Council is taking applications for Creative Aging Project Grants for artists and nonprofits serving adults 55+.

Data Center Backlash: Utah’s proposed Stratos hyperscale data center—backed by “Shark Tank” Kevin O’Leary—has sparked fresh alarm after scientists warned its waste heat could push parts of the state toward “Sahara-like” conditions, with the project approved by county commissioners without public comment or environmental review. Fiber Buildout: Meanwhile, DCN, Range & WIN Technology just announced the $700M Heartland Fiber Project, a Denver-to-Chicago expansion meant to feed AI and hyperscale demand across seven states, including Wyoming. Local Culture & Community: Sheridan’s Brinton drew a big crowd for “Echoes of Ornamentation,” pairing Wyoming Baroque with Jim Jackson’s leather artistry, while Luzerne County’s 70th Fine Arts Fiesta wrapped with kids’ contests and family fun. Wyoming Weather & Safety: A Freeze Watch is out for southeast Wyoming (including Cheyenne and Laramie) Monday night into Tuesday morning, with winter impacts also in the mix. Sports Spotlight: The Wyoming Cowgirls won the National Golf Invitational in Arizona, and Wyoming-based students at Fort Hays State took top honors in regional/national TV production awards.

Historic Fire: Cheyenne’s 1892 Historic Pumphouse is under investigation after a roof fire Saturday night, with crews keeping a defensive posture due to the building’s age and partial collapse. Community Spotlight: Hundreds turned out for a Mental Health Awareness Month walk at Kirby Park, part of a push to break stigma and connect people to support. Sports & Local Pride: Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network swept top honors again in regional TV production, winning live sports coverage for a men’s basketball broadcast, while Wyoming high school track and softball stories keep rolling into state-qualifier season. Data Center Backlash (Neighboring Utah): Scientists warn Utah’s proposed Stratos data center could drastically change local climate, after commissioners approved it with limited public input. WNBA Buzz: A’ja Wilson and the Aces are already talking “run it back” after another title-ring ceremony. Gas Watch: Washakie County’s lowest regular hit $4.15 in the May 9 week, with Wyoming prices still volatile.

Wyoming Basketball Spotlight: Casper’s WYOHOOPS is launching an inaugural five-on-five Summer Showcase at the Wyo Sports Ranch (June 27–28), aiming to bring more recruiting-ready talent “right to the house” amid long-standing gaps in Wyoming AAU infrastructure. STEM on the Move: Thousands of students packed Lagoon for Utah State’s Physics Day, measuring ride G-forces and building models—Wyoming kids were in the mix. Local Sports Momentum: In regional track, Wyoming Area’s Luke Kopetchny and Josh Mruk struck gold in Class 3A boys at District 2, earning state berths. Community Calendar: Cheyenne and Laramie County are stacked with weekend picks—from “Legally Blonde: The Musical” to gem shows and senior car-care events. Energy Watch: Gas prices stay volatile statewide, with multiple counties reporting their lowest premium or regular deals in the week ending May 9.

Wyoming Data-Center Push: Cheyenne is courting big tech for the next AI buildout, with Microsoft, Meta, Google and Amazon pitching the state in closed-door talks—while locals pack meetings over whether the payoff is jobs or a permanent reshaping of the Cowboy State. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices stay jumpy statewide, with GasBuddy reporting the week ending May 9 showing some of the lowest premium and regular deals in counties like Big Horn ($4.69 premium), Sweetwater (regular as low as $4.09), and Uinta (regular down to $4.25). Local Spotlight: Laramie County’s “Outstanding Graduates” honor well-rounded students, including Central senior Brett Klein, whose story is all about stacking activities and using them to help others. Sports & Schools: District track and softball titles keep rolling—Wyoming-area athletes and Aztec’s softball championship series both delivered big moments this week. Entertainment Buzz: Social Heat is driving chatter nationwide, from celebrity dating headlines to resurfaced political clips and monogamy debate.

Wyoming Sports & Campus Wins: Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network took top honors again at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter, winning for a live men’s basketball broadcast—and a UW kinesiology trio also brought home national recognition, including Cole Nelson’s Graduate Student Writing Award. Prep Spotlight: Mt. Spokane’s Quincy Schuerman delivered another walk-off moment, powering a 4-3 District 6 3A softball title win over Kennewick. State Policy Watch: Wyoming’s bid for long-term rural health funding hit a snag—CMS rejected key parts of the state’s “perpetuity” plan, sending officials back to revise. Local Business & Jobs: The Wyoming Business Alliance is kicking off a county listening tour focused on workforce pipelines and the housing crunch. Legal System: Federal judges tossed felony indictments against nine in a Wyoming case, citing misconduct by interim U.S. Attorney Darin Smith that they said could have tainted the grand jury. Tech & Infrastructure: A new Heartland Fiber Project aims to add about 2,000 miles of fiber between Denver and Chicago, including through Wyoming, to meet growing AI data-center demand.

Wyoming Gambling Push: Wyoming lawmakers kicked off interim talks on expanding and reshaping the state’s gambling rules, drilling into where money goes and how “Queen of Hearts” charitable games should be handled. Local Energy Spotlight: A Jackson-area community solar plan is moving forward as a locally controlled way to stabilize long-term power costs for co-op members. Stargazing & Summer Culture: Jackson Hole’s Dark Sky status is getting fresh attention, while Snow King’s summit concerts keep stacking big-name shows into a uniquely local summer scene. Tech, Climate, and Data Centers: A Utah proposal for a massive hyperscale data center is drawing climate alarms over waste heat and impacts on the Great Salt Lake region—fuel for the broader debate that’s also showing up in Wyoming policy conversations. Sports & Community Wins: Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network captured national TV production honors, and Wyoming-area arts and family learning events keep rolling into the weekend.

Rodeo Recruiting: Southwest Saskatchewan bronc rider Rhyker Vangen committed to Sheridan College, giving the Wyoming program another top-tier talent after campus visits and brand-new facilities sold him. High School Sports: Cheyenne Central climbed to No. 1 in the final WyoPreps Softball Coaches/Media rankings, edging Campbell County by just three points as the postseason picture locks in. Local Events: Lander’s Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo returns with two days of free family fun, while Cheyenne is also weighing an ordinance that could create entertainment corridors for historic horse racing and other venues. Wildlife Management: Wyoming plans to cut the wolf hunt by half after a canine distemper outbreak pushed wolf numbers to the lowest in two decades. Community & Culture: A Wyoming Outdoor Weekend, plus Cheyenne’s Neighborhood Night Out set for July 9, keep the spotlight on local gatherings. Energy Watch: Gas prices stay volatile statewide, with multiple counties reporting their lowest regular rates around the May 9 week.