Nuclear policy bottleneck: The U.S. still lacks a nationwide system to reprocess or dispose of spent nuclear fuel, leaving nuclear expansion tied up in the waste problem even as AI-driven power demand grows. Right-to-repair push: A new map shows most states don’t fully guarantee drivers the right to fix their own cars, even as a White House push targets federal emissions rules that can limit legal DIY repairs. Federal regulators under pressure: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Trump’s removal of an FTC commissioner, further weakening the independence of federal watchdogs and raising stakes for oversight of markets and energy. Voting rules clarified: The Supreme Court ruled states can count mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day, a major shift for election administration. Wyoming energy & infrastructure: Black Hills Energy canceled a Cheyenne-area Emergency PSPS watch after conditions improved, while a separate water main rehabilitation project is set to bring 10–12 weeks of road closures in south Cheyenne. Data center planning: Vantage Data Centers held an open house for a proposed Laramie County campus, with permitting expected to start late 2026 and major investment estimates tied to the project. Wildlife protection: Gov. Gordon designated a pronghorn migration corridor with tiered protections aimed at preserving key bottlenecks while keeping surrounding areas voluntary. Local business & community: Cheyenne’s 15th Street Experience railcar installation continues downtown, and the city also announced 2026 Neighborhood Night block party locations. Public safety: A multi-state wildfire surge in the Mountain West included the first major 2026 firefighter deaths, underscoring the region’s extreme fire conditions.