AGP Executive Report

Advanced Nuclear & Data Centers: Hyundai E&C was tapped as an EPC partner for up to eight more TerraPower Natrium reactors, building on TerraPower’s Wyoming construction momentum. Power Infrastructure Deals: LS Electric won a $34.3M Bloom Energy contract to supply distribution equipment for a hyperscale Wyoming data center, while Mesa Power Solutions opened a new $70M Evansville campus to expand domestic generator manufacturing. Local Governance & Elections: Cheyenne City Council faces a legal fight over whether residents can challenge a Microsoft-linked 3,460-acre annexation via referendum, as Wyoming’s primary season heads to Election Day. Public Safety & Immigration: In Sweetwater County’s final sheriff forum, candidates debated the county’s ICE MOU, including 287(g) participation and detainee housing. Cybersecurity: Payward, Kraken’s parent in Cheyenne, says it’s joining Anthropic’s Project Glasswing and incorporating Claude Mythos 5 for defensive work. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Wyoming diesel and regular prices easing in parts of the state for the week ending Aug. 8.

Wyoming Education: The Wyoming Department of Education is asking for informal public input on proposed 2026 Social Studies Standards, with an online survey due Sept. 27 and a virtual input session planned. Energy & Infrastructure: The Trump administration is ending the NIETC designation process for three proposed grid corridors, citing cost, reliability and local community concerns. Wyoming Business Growth: Liaison Technology Group acquired Windsor-based Imagine More, adding four lighting showrooms and an e-commerce operation, including a Cheyenne showroom. Construction & Local Economy: Cheyenne Construction is expected to start falling 19% this year after a 39% drop in 2025, a sign of shifting demand in the region’s building pipeline. Fuel Prices: Albany County’s lowest midgrade gas price hit $3.89 for the week ending Aug. 8, while Wyoming’s statewide midgrade average was $4.37. Nuclear & Defense: The U.S. Air Force plans to buy Chinese-made DJI drones for counter-drone training at F.E. Warren AFB, using them as realistic targets for missile security operations. Critical Minerals: American Rare Earths signed an MoU with Novex to convert Wyoming rare-earth oxides into metals for permanent magnets, aiming for a longer-term deal within 12 months. Public Lands Politics: Wyoming voters head to the polls amid renewed debate over whether federal public lands should be transferred to state control.

Rare Earths Deal: American Rare Earths says it signed a non-binding MoU with Novex to convert Wyoming’s Halleck Creek rare-earth oxides into metals for permanent magnets, with a possible longer-term supply agreement targeted within 12 months. Public Safety: Wyoming Highway Patrol reports a sharp rise in motorcycle crashes and deaths across northern Wyoming, including a fatal crash near Wapiti, as August remains the deadliest month historically. Water & Energy: Lake Powell hit a record-low level, underscoring how Colorado River drought is squeezing hydropower, tourism, and regional water supplies. Immigration Enforcement: ICE is expanding 287(g)-style partnerships with state police, including Wyoming, allowing trained troopers to question and detain people for immigration violations during routine stops. Health & Compliance: FDA inspections in a Natrona County area city found two companies in line with regulations, with both receiving “No Action Indicated.” Local Business & Community: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is urging residents to review board and commission vacancies and apply to serve.

Colorado River Water Crunch: Lake Powell hit a record-low level, dropping to 3,519.91 feet—just shy of the prior record—after Lake Mead also fell to historic lows, underscoring how drought is squeezing water, power and downstream supplies across the Southwest. Wyoming Tech & Finance: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is set to speak Aug. 18 at the invitation-only Wyoming Blockchain Symposium in Jackson Hole, with the session focused on “Modernizing Financial Infrastructure” and no specific XRP product announcement disclosed. Wyoming Legal/AI: A Wyoming woman joined a federal lawsuit alleging her stepfather used xAI’s Grok to generate more than 7,000 explicit fake images from a childhood photo, after a warrant raid tied the case to child sexual abuse material. Wyoming Energy Policy: Sen. John Thune said year-round E15 ethanol sales likely require compromises for small oil refiners, as Congress weighs farm-bill language and Senate support. Local Economy & Community: Douglas County Libraries unveiled “The Well-Fed West,” a history exhibit on how food shaped the region, running through Sept. 13.

Gubernatorial Race: Three Republicans—Sen. Eric Barlow, Superintendent Megan Degenfelder and Col. Brent Bien—made their final pitch at Central Wyoming College ahead of Tuesday’s primary, arguing over water, health care, economic development and how much power the state should wield. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Sweetwater County hit $4.09 for the week ending Aug. 8, with Wyoming’s midgrade average at $4.37. Aviation Economy: The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission will present an updated study on the economic impact of the state’s 34 public airports and returns on air-service programs at a public meeting Aug. 26. Mining Tech: Wyoming-registered Junior Mining Media Group says its OreLens trading software is seeing a 700% jump in sign-ups in 10 days as junior mining traders move beyond old multi-tab workflows. Public Safety & Fraud: Cheyenne logged four scam reports for the week ending Aug. 8, including a $3,000 home-improvement loss. Education & Law: UW College of Law received a $1 million Spence Foundation gift for student enrichment, with state matching set to double it to $2 million.

Defense Infrastructure Oversight: A War Department inspector general report flags serious housing and infrastructure problems at 11 U.S. Pacific Command bases, including mold, asbestos-containing materials, water intrusion, and crumbling structures that pose safety risks. Wyoming Politics & Law: Newly released campaign finance records show former Wyoming GOP chair Drake Hill donated to the opponent of Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak in a records lawsuit, adding fuel to a high-stakes primary. Health Insurance Costs: Medicare Advantage plan cutbacks are hitting Wyoming hard, with KFF research showing 60%+ of enrollees facing terminated plans in 2026 as insurers exit markets. Education & Workforce: UW’s Engineering Summer Program for Teachers brought 52 K-12 educators to learn hands-on physical computing, robotics, and mentorship—aimed at boosting classroom tech skills. Business & Community: A $1 million Spence Foundation gift to the UW College of Law will be doubled to $2 million through state matching, supporting student enrichment. Local Economy & Growth: Reading & Northern Railroad reported a record first-half 2026 volume, driven by strong freight demand and workforce performance. Energy & Industry: Relevant Gold Corp. began a 5,000-meter drill program at the Burr target zone of the Lewiston Project in west-central Wyoming.

Defense & Infrastructure: F.E. Warren opened a new $140 million helicopter and Tactical Response Force facility built for the MH-139A “Gray Wolf,” a major upgrade tied to the base’s nuclear deterrence mission and the transition from older Hueys. Rural Health Funding: Wyoming’s Rural Health Transformation Program dollars are being allocated through a new advisory committee, targeting workforce training, health technology upgrades, and support for critical access hospitals and EMS over five years. Transportation & Construction: WYDOT crews will start replacing the I-80 bridge deck near the Green River Tunnels, with lane closures and an Exit 89 on-ramp shutdown; work runs through Oct. 31. Drought Response & Weeds: Gov. Mark Gordon authorized emergency oversize/overweight relief permits to move livestock feed and hay faster, while weed and pest districts warn buyers to watch for new infestations as more hay moves statewide. Business & Elections: The Wyoming Business Alliance urged voters to participate in the Aug. 18 primary, arguing housing and amenities tied to business growth are on the ballot. Ag Economy: A Fed survey says Plains ag credit conditions are tightening gradually, but farmland values remain firm and ranchland hit new record highs. Tech & Privacy: Wyoming’s re-upped Flock license plate reader contract is in the spotlight as Minnesota cities debate the cameras amid privacy concerns.

Nuclear Industry Watch: Bill Gates’ TerraPower is deepening its small modular reactor push with major Korean partners—SK Innovation and HD Hyundai—signing cooperation steps aimed at expanding the Natrium SMR supply chain and commercialization plans. Local Economy & Housing: Wells Fargo is backing a major Casper affordable-housing and workforce-training effort tied to the Wyoming Housing Network, with Mike Rowe set to appear at the Aug. 19 grant announcement. Energy & Infrastructure: The Wyoming Transportation Commission will hold an Aug. 19 education session and an Aug. 20 business meeting (in Evanston and via Zoom). Community Development: Torrington’s downtown “Creating Our Front Door” mural project is set to start this weekend, with the first paint coat planned for Aug. 15-16. Public Safety & Enforcement: ICE expanded partnerships under the 287(g) model, including Wyoming Highway Patrol, allowing trained state troopers to handle immigration enforcement under federal supervision. Healthcare Costs: A Wyoming Health Insurance Affordability Task Force met to tackle premium and access pressures in rural areas. Politics: Wyoming’s Freedom Caucus campaign messaging continues to intensify heading into the primary.

Advanced Nuclear in Wyoming: Doosan Enerbility won new contracts to supply core components for TerraPower’s 345MW Natrium SMR in Kemmerer, a project now under construction with a planned 2030 start. Water Planning in Cheyenne: Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities says it’s preparing for worst-case Colorado River cuts, with conservation and reuse efforts aimed at avoiding costly new water sources. Wildlife Policy: A bipartisan bill co-led by Sen. Steve Daines would fund nonlethal tools like range riders, guard dogs, and fencing to protect cattle and sheep from wolves and bears. Energy & Weather Tech: NSF researchers are working on better neighborhood-level wind forecasting to help emergency responders during wildfires and power disruptions. Local Business Watch: GasBuddy reports show Sheridan County’s lowest regular price at $3.89/gallon in the week ending Aug. 8, while Teton County midgrade hit $4.64/gallon. Community & Development: Cheyenne’s Dell Range mural project is underway on a 640-foot concrete wall, commissioned by the Wyoming Air National Guard.

Military Infrastructure Watch: A War Department Inspector General report says Pacific bases show visible mold, asbestos, water intrusion and crumbling housing, raising safety concerns. Food Safety & Health Costs: Salmonella linked to jalapeños has sickened nearly 350 people across 27 states, prompting expanded recalls by Taylor Farms and others. Wyoming Utilities: Black Hills Energy is seeking a 32% rate hike for about 2,600 northeast Wyoming customers, citing infrastructure upgrades and higher generation and labor costs. Energy & Permitting: Daniels County agreed to an MOU with BLM to help prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Bridger Pipeline expansion, while Montana’s DEQ withdrew a key waiver that had eased parts of the permit package. Local Business & Community: Wyoming Business Council listening sessions toured Greybull and Lovell as part of efforts to gauge the state of the local economy. Public Safety & Schools: Wyoming County Schools in West Virginia was placed under a state of emergency after a review found governance, leadership, personnel and fiscal management concerns needing immediate corrective action. Healthcare Access: A new push argues Wyoming must expand Medicaid and use Affordable Care Act options to lower premiums and improve coverage. Fraud Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Hudson, Wyoming’s population peers in Michigan, tied for 126th among Michigan cities for July scam reports, underscoring ongoing consumer losses nationwide.

Wyoming Property Tax Fight: Sheridan College warned that Wyoming Initiative 1 could cut more than $1.3 million from its budget, forcing reductions in programming and services if lawmakers don’t replace lost revenue. Local Government & Growth: Cheyenne Ward 1 candidate Jim Chiro says he’d push for more amenities, better streets, and controlled development, arguing the city needs practical improvements and responsive follow-up. Banking Leadership: ANB Bank in Fort Collins named Lyle Levy first vice president and “banking officer V,” citing his commercial lending and risk-management background. Water Stress for Ranchers: Severe drought is driving Johnson County cattle producers to sell calves early and even reduce breeding stock, with hay crop damage and rising prices squeezing rural operations. Campaign Finance Watch (“Checkgate”): Wyoming Republican candidates began formally reporting checks tied to a Teton County donor, after a legislative-floor controversy triggered investigations and rule changes. Court Transparency Debate: Wyoming lawmakers declined to sponsor a bill that would have put court records online, citing staff capacity and concerns about sensitive information. Energy & Industry: Earth Science Tech (ETST) announced an acquisition of a California compounding pharmacy, expanding its authorized footprint to include Wyoming. Public Safety: Campbell County residents were rescued after an observed tornado damaged homes, and crews are assessing electrical infrastructure.

Wyoming Politics: Ben Hornok is leaning on his prior Wyoming House experience and construction/energy background as he campaigns for Senate District 5, arguing he can translate policy into real-world impacts for workers and businesses. Data Centers & Public Trust: A Cheyenne-area debate over data centers continues, with critics warning about surveillance and local character, while supporters push back that petitions won’t stop projects. State Economy Listening Tour: The Wyoming Business Council is bringing listening sessions to Sweetwater County Aug. 20, with a no-slide forum, happy hour, and a farmers market booth aimed at hearing what’s helping and what’s blocking Wyoming’s economy. Rural Health Funding: A new rural health advisory panel has earmarked about $200 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funds for Wyoming programs, with final award decisions due by October. Energy & Industry: HD Hyundai chairman Bill Gates is set to meet in Seoul to discuss small modular reactor cooperation, including Wyoming-linked Natrium work. Water & Drought: Wyoming ranchers are facing tough choices as extreme drought and record heat strain water supplies, with severe conditions across much of the state. Public Safety/Health: A Wyoming church says a food bank partnership was cut after a sermon sparked offense, filing a discrimination complaint with USDA.

Conservation & Philanthropy: The Nature Conservancy chair argues climate pressure is creating a once-in-a-generation chance for major private giving to protect places like Wyoming’s Grand Teton, citing how earlier fortunes helped fund lasting conservation. Wyoming Housing: The Jackson/Teton County Housing Authority is seeking a consultant for a “naturally occurring affordable housing” study, funded by a $25,000 grant, to map what keeps some market homes affordable and recommend ways to preserve it. Cheyenne Governance: Cheyenne residents challenging a Microsoft-linked annexation say the City Council is being arrogant after it voted to ask a judge to decide whether their referendum petition can proceed under the usual process. State Boards & Workforce: Gov. Mark Gordon is urging Wyoming residents to review board and commission vacancies and apply, framing service as a way to shape policy and regulate key sectors. Energy & Telecom: The FCC is again considering whether a telecom owned by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe should be designated eligible for federal aid. Agriculture & Drought: Wyoming’s livestock hay relief executive order is underway, but officials warn that bringing in feed could also introduce invasive weeds that thrive in stressed conditions. Wyoming Elections: A GOP candidate for secretary of state, CJ Young, is being promoted as a fit for election integrity and business-record oversight. Business & Environment Policy: Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Sen. Jon Husted introduced a bill to clarify New Source Review permitting rules, aiming to reduce uncertainty for upgrades that don’t increase pollution. Local Economy Watch: A Wyoming Senate District 5 candidate, Lauren Schoenfeld, highlights her background spanning law enforcement, county government, and workforce-focused innovation work. Scam Tracker (Wyoming): Cheyenne led Wyoming cities in July with 10 reported scams, including a large romance scam loss.

Wyoming School Funding: A new look at Wyoming’s school funding formula shows districts struggled to budget because the regional cost adjustment wasn’t clear until the underlying data surfaced. Rural Economy Under Pressure: Farm finances are tightening as drought and high input costs squeeze rural producers, with economists pointing to rising borrowing and crop costs heading into 2027. Food Safety Watch: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has expanded, triggering downstream recalls that reach multiple states including Wyoming. Cybersecurity for Water: DEF CON Franklin and the NRWA launched a Water Watch Center to bring managed cyber defense to small U.S. water utilities after attacks on the sector. Energy & Jobs: Bill Gates’ TerraPower is moving ahead with a $4B nuclear facility in Kemmerer, a coal town of about 2,400, where residents are split on the change. Small Business Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought-impacted small businesses and nonprofits, including some Wyoming counties. Wyoming Business Climate: WalletHub ranked Wyoming sixth best to live in, citing safety and affordability alongside overall quality-of-life factors.

Cheyenne Economic Strategy: Gov. Mark Gordon joined business leaders at Laramie County Community College for “Economic Essentials: The Wyoming Way,” pitching how education, energy and workforce development can help Wyoming compete as AI and data centers grow. AI + Local Investment: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined a “Future is for Everyone Fund,” aimed at communities hosting Meta data centers, including Cheyenne, with promises of jobs, school support and stable energy costs. Health + Public Safety: Teton County commissioners rescinded a measles emergency after no new cases were expected, following an outbreak tied to worker housing near Grand Teton National Park. Competition + Talent: The Mountain West named 114 UW scholar-athletes, including multiple finance, accounting and MBA honorees. Legal + Consumer Costs: Attorney General Ford announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition. Cybersecurity for Utilities: DEF CON Franklin and the National Rural Water Association launched the Water Watch Center to help small water systems defend against cyberattacks. Energy + Markets: Wyoming Phosphoria Formation data was released as part of a multistate critical minerals study, while Amplify Energy approved a share repurchase program after reporting Q2 results. Politics: Reid Rasner ramped up late primary outreach with a new statewide TV ad buy and expanded grassroots fundraising. Local Business: A Casper restaurant owner publicly shamed alleged dine-and-dashers after police action reportedly went nowhere.

Crypto Policy: The Senate left Washington for August recess without a vote on the Clarity Act, dimming odds for a digital-asset regulatory framework as election season crowds the calendar. Wyoming Business & Risk: A new five-year search analysis flags Cheyenne among “gambling addiction” hotspots, pointing to higher demand for help in states without regulated online casinos. Wyoming Economy Pulse: A productivity map shows Wyoming with the weakest labor productivity growth among states, at -0.7% for 2024-2025. Local Deals: Rock Springs approved the sale of the old First Security Bank building, aiming to shed an estimated $8 million liability while requiring redevelopment into retail and office condos. Infrastructure Planning: Gillette’s engineering division is using its PAVER pavement system to prioritize road repairs and replacements over the next five years. Public Safety & Consumer Watch: Wyoming’s inclusion in BBB Scam Tracker rankings for Michigan highlights ongoing fraud losses nationwide, with employment scams topping the list in the reported cases. Energy & Climate: NOAA reported July as the hottest month on record, with heat domes driving widespread temperature records and wildfire activity.