AGP Executive Report

Fed Watch (Wyoming): At Jackson Hole, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh warned inflation is still too high and hinted the Fed may need “work to do,” pushing markets to reprice a possible September rate hike and rattling global stocks and gold. Energy & Transport: Oil jumped after renewed U.S.-Iran strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, adding pressure to fuel costs; locally, Wyoming gas prices stayed volatile, with Cheyenne County premium hitting a low of $4.59 and Teton County midgrade as low as $4.68. Telecom & Connectivity: Starlink made a splash in customer satisfaction rankings, while Wyoming-area broadband performance data showed more users clearing 100 Mbps download targets. Carbon Storage: Summit Carbon Solutions asked North Dakota to cancel two CO2 storage permits, narrowing its appeal to a third site as it continues a legal fight. Local Life & Economy: Wyoming’s Wool Initiative launched its Lamb-a-Year program, and Cheyenne city updates included arboretum construction and council action items. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data showed Wyoming-area residents should stay alert as fraud reports keep climbing nationwide.

Federal Reserve Watch: Jackson Hole keynote from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh signaled inflation is still too high and the Fed may need to raise rates if progress isn’t clear, pushing markets to price in more hikes and rattling global investors. Wyoming Energy & Power: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled a tribal transmission corridor meant to bring reservation power to market, saying it wouldn’t improve reliability or lower costs—an issue with direct stakes for northern Plains grids. Local Water Quality: Wilson’s Fish Creek Watershed Plan lays out 38 projects from 2027-2032 to cut E. coli and nutrient pollution, with fixes like livestock fencing and possible sewer connections for nearby septic homes. Wyoming Business & Energy Deals: Callan Power agreed to buy oil and gas leases in the Williston Basin and rename the unit Reger Energy LLC, setting up a multi-year drilling program. Community & Workforce: Cody continues to rely on seasonal workers, and a new report highlights how housing costs and short-term leases shape who stays—and who leaves. Policy & Industry Tension: Kentucky AGs are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Biden-era EPA air rule they say raises costs for manufacturers, utilities, and farmers. Public Lands/Fees: A proposal could raise recreation fees around Lake Tahoe, adding pressure on visitor costs.

Fed Watch (Jackson Hole): New Fed chair Kevin Warsh told policymakers inflation isn’t meaningfully slowing and warned the central bank has “work to do” if underlying prices don’t clearly move toward the 2% goal, keeping September rate-hike odds elevated. AI Data Centers & Politics: A fast-growing backlash to data centers—driven by higher electricity bills and noise—has spilled into midterm campaigns, with candidates in multiple states running ads that target Big Tech’s local impacts. Wyoming Water Stakes: As the Colorado River plan tightens cuts, Nevada is suing to protect its allocation, underscoring how Upper Basin states like Wyoming face uncertainty over voluntary reductions. Wyoming Industry & Energy: The Wyoming Wool Initiative launched its 5th annual Lamb-a-Year program, supporting local agriculture and future production. Cyber/Finance: A bridge flaw tied to The Sandbox’s SAND token minting triggered a massive phantom-token event, but attackers drained about $675,000 before controls stopped the damage. Local Business/Community: Banner Wyoming Medical Center construction activity continues, while Cheyenne council updates include arboretum work and community fundraising.

Fed Watch (Jackson Hole): Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh used his first Jackson Hole keynote to warn inflation is still “concerning” and said the Fed may have “work to do” if underlying prices don’t move fast enough toward the 2% goal—pushing markets to price in a possible September rate hike. Water & Agriculture: A new federal Colorado River plan is raising alarms for towns and farmers that rely on shrinking river supplies, with Nevada suing over potential cuts that could reach 70% in the next decade. Wyoming Agriculture: The Wyoming Wool Initiative is taking applications for its 2026-2027 Lamb-a-Year program, pairing UW research with sheep producers to generate lamb-quality data. Local Industry & Heritage: A Rock Springs walking tour highlighted the coal-mining roots that shaped the community, from Union Pacific Coal Company leaders to the “Old Timers” legacy. Consumer Safety: The FDA updated a pistachio butter recall to a Class I risk, saying it could cause serious illness or death from possible salmonella contamination. Scam Alerts (Wyoming readers): BBB Scam Tracker updates show ongoing fraud losses nationwide, with Wyoming cities also appearing in the latest scam-report rankings.

Fed Watch (Jackson Hole): Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh used his first Jackson Hole keynote in Wyoming to warn inflation is still “too high,” saying underlying price trends haven’t improved enough and the Fed may have “work to do” if they don’t move toward the 2% goal—pushing markets to price in a September rate hike. Markets & Energy: Oil prices slipped as traders digested Warsh’s inflation message, while gold also fell ahead of the speech as rate-hike bets rose. Cheyenne Infrastructure: Cheyenne City Council toured construction at High Plains Arboretum, and the city’s BOPU reminded residents that water and sewer rates rise Oct. 1, including a 3% monthly fee increase and higher residential usage tiers. Local Economy: Wyoming’s August Economic Indicators report showed the Wyoming Economic Health Index at 107.4 (June 2026), with unemployment at 3.2% and mining sales/use tax collections up 48% year over year. Data Center Planning (Cox Ranch): Cheyenne residents and council heard updates on the proposed SkyBox data center annexation tied to the Cox Ranch, with neighbors raising concerns about neighborhood character and water use.

Federal Reserve Watch: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first Jackson Hole keynote in Wyoming landed as hawkish—he said inflation is still “concerning,” that underlying trends haven’t improved enough, and that the Fed will have “work to do” if prices don’t move clearly toward the 2% goal, pushing bond yields and rate-hike odds higher. Markets & Cost Pressures: Stocks slid after the speech as investors repriced September action; the dollar rallied and gold cooled after the hawkish tone. Wyoming Aviation Economy: Sheridan County Airport’s growth is driving $102.3M in annual economic activity for Wyoming, but capacity is lagging—WYDOT says the system needs planning to keep up with record passenger levels. Colorado River Water Policy: Nevada sued the federal government over new Colorado River cuts, while Western water managers warned that conservation legal tools could shift impacts unevenly across agricultural regions. Agriculture & Food Processing: Trump signaled a push to let ranchers and farmers “process their own food,” targeting major meat processors amid backlash from cattle states including Wyoming. Consumer Protection: Nevada AG Aaron Ford announced a historic $17.1B multistate Meta settlement focused on child safety on Instagram and Facebook. Local Notes: Hot Springs State Park will close its outdoor soaking pool for about a month starting Aug. 24 for ADA and safety upgrades.

Fed Watch in Wyoming: Investors are bracing for Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first Jackson Hole speech, with markets split on whether inflation is still “sticky” enough to justify higher rates. Energy & Inflation Pressure: Coverage ties the rate debate to the long Iran war’s impact on energy costs, while AAA reports gas prices staying elevated heading into August record territory. Wyoming Coal Policy: The EPA’s Denver office says new Trump-era rules could keep Wyoming coal units like Dave Johnston operating longer, including changes to regional haze requirements. State Budget & Economic Development: Wyoming lawmakers weigh bills that would repeal or reshape Wyoming Business Council programs after major budget cuts. Construction in Casper: Banner Wyoming Medical Center’s 2nd Street entrance closure runs Aug. 28–Sept. 4 on weekdays, shifting emergency access to the West Tower. Mining & Drilling: Visionary Metals says permitting is complete and drilling is mobilizing for nickel-copper sulfide targets at King Solomon and Tin Cup in Fremont County. AI Education in Wyoming: MIT and Lakes Region Community College partner with Wyoming for a “Gateway to AI” pilot aimed at rural students. Local Safety Planning: Cheyenne council is set to spend $186,500 studying safety improvements for a roundabout.

Fed Watch in Jackson Hole: Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said rates must stay restrictive because inflation is still too high, with the Fed’s preferred PCE gauge at 3.7% in July—while markets wait for new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first Jackson Hole keynote. Markets & AI Power: Nvidia’s strong results lifted U.S. stocks, with tech leading as investors weigh what Warsh will signal for rates and mortgage costs. Wyoming Infrastructure: Wyoming DOT crews started I-80 bridge repairs in Cheyenne, with lane and road closures, then plan to move to Rawlins for additional structural work. Education & AI: Laramie County School District 1 is expanding staff access to ChatGPT Edu to support lesson planning and admin tasks, with teacher oversight and privacy focus. Local Agriculture & Food: Wyoming Farm Bureau criticized Trump’s beef import increase plan, warning it won’t lower retail prices and could disrupt domestic herds. Consumer Safety: Botticelli Foods recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Wyoming, due to Salmonella. Big Tech Child Safety: Meta’s multistate $17.1B settlement is driving sweeping Instagram/Facebook limits and “productive pauses,” with Wyoming expected to receive about $13M.

Federal Policy & Rates: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces a Jackson Hole spotlight Friday, with markets hunting for clarity on inflation and whether rates will rise as the Fed dials back communication. AI & Tech Supply Chain: Nvidia’s results and upbeat data-center outlook lifted global tech sentiment, with Asian markets rising after the company forecast strong growth. Wyoming Energy & Mining: American Uranium says it completed large-scale aquifer pump testing at its Lo Herma project in Wyoming to support in-situ recovery planning. State Government & Environment: Gov. Mark Gordon announced DEQ Director Todd Parfitt will retire Oct. 1, setting up leadership change at the agency overseeing air, land, and water permitting. Consumer & Youth Safety: Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz announced a $17.1B multistate Meta settlement; Wyoming gets about $13.3M and Meta must add child-safety limits for Instagram and Facebook. Local Business & Services: Laramie County Library System is rolling out new community-designed library cards for September sign-up month. Food Industry: Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream recalled select Outshine Fruit Bars due to possible glass contamination.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement over claims Instagram and Facebook were designed to addict minors, with sweeping teen protections like night and school modes and default time limits. Wyoming Higher Ed: The University of Wyoming’s new president, Shane Reeves, says UW is positioned to keep growing as a “premier” land-grant institution while navigating state budget pressures. Energy & Defense Nuclear: The U.S. Army’s $2.2B Janus program picked BWXT and other firms to deploy more than 20 commercial microreactors at military sites. Wyoming Public Lands Access: The Forest Service is seeking to change how it designates motorized use, including a proposal to loosen rules for certain e-bikes. Wyoming Agriculture: Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream recalled select Outshine fruit bars sold in Wyoming and nationwide due to possible product issues. Wyoming Business & Infrastructure: Wyoming Business Council hosted national site selectors in Cody to spotlight the state’s business advantages. Wyoming Mining & Finance: A securities class action targets Ramaco Resources over its Brook Mine rare-earth project in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Federal Lands Access: The Trump administration is pushing to revise the U.S. Forest Service Travel Management Rule, potentially shifting national forests from “closed unless designated open” to “open unless designated closed,” a move Wyoming Wilderness Association leaders say could broaden motorized use like e-bikes and ATVs. Public Lands Protection: At the same time, the USDA has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would lift nationwide limits on road building and some logging across inventoried roadless areas—drawing strong conservation pushback. Energy & Power Costs: Black Hills Energy is seeking a rate increase and surcharge tied to its Lange II plant, with the average South Dakota customer facing about a $45 monthly jump if approved. Agriculture & Trade: GOP lawmakers, including Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, are rebuking Trump’s plan to increase lower-tariff beef imports, warning it could undercut ranchers. Local Wyoming Business: Cheyenne City Council discussed a liquor license transfer that would support a new liquor store, restaurant, and off-track betting at a former Big Lots site. Education & Workforce: Casper College approved new bachelor’s degrees in Human Services and Agribusiness, aiming to keep more students in-state. Wyoming Economy Watch: Wyoming’s school facilities committee reviewed a potential minor capital projects funding program for small renovations. Industry Spotlight: Sheridan’s LuLu Packaging is expanding custom beauty packaging, touting materials, finishes, and sustainability options.

Public Lands & Forestry: The USDA filed a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which would open nearly 45 million acres of national forest to road building, logging and other development—sparking pushback from conservation groups and wildfire-risk reduction advocates. Recreation Access: The Trump administration also moved to revise the Forest Service Travel Management Rule, potentially flipping rules from “closed unless designated open” to “open unless designated closed,” a shift Wyoming Wilderness Association leaders say could expand motorized use like ATVs and e-bikes. Wyoming Environment: Wyoming DEQ released its FY27–FY28 Strategic Plan, laying out goals for air, land and water protection plus compliance and regulatory consistency. Local Government/Tech: Cheyenne City Council scheduled a work session on Cox Ranch annexation for a data center, with public comment off the table for the Aug. 28 session. Energy & Trade: Wyoming ranchers and Sen. John Barrasso criticized Trump’s plan to pause tariffs on foreign beef, warning it could undercut western cattle producers. State Parks: Seminoe State Park will see intermittent water system interruptions during upgrades, with campers urged to arrive with tanks filled.

Colorado River Fight: Nevada sued the federal government over Colorado River cuts, arguing the Record of Decision targets Lower Basin states like Nevada while sparing Upper Basin states including Wyoming, with officials warning of major economic harm to Las Vegas and the broader state economy. Water & Food Security: A lawmaker warning flags that blue-state water failures could ripple into U.S. food supplies, as drought pressure grows across the West. Public Lands & Industry: Colorado again sidestepped a Trump-era push to open roadless areas, keeping protections on 4.2M acres while the Forest Service moves to rescind the broader Roadless Rule—raising new questions for logging, mining and oil-and-gas permitting. Wyoming Preservation & Local Business: Preserve Wyoming Conference returns to Casper Sept. 17–19 after 15 years, adding industry vendors and focusing on turning historic buildings into funded projects. Cheyenne Community Commerce: Harrington’s Pub opened on Cheyenne’s south side, with a Sept. 19 grand opening planned. Markets Watch: Grain traders see a “turnaround Tuesday” as corn, soybeans and wheat slip, while investors brace for Nvidia earnings and Jackson Hole remarks from Fed Gov. Kevin Warsh.

Wyoming Construction & Infrastructure: U.S. 14A paving is underway north of Cheyenne, with crews starting the north-half work between Powell and Ralston and expecting short delays as traffic shifts. Higher Ed & Workforce: Central Wyoming College launched the Jackson Campus Campaign, aiming to turn its leased-program setup into a permanent Jackson campus with new health care, culinary, and student success priorities. Local Governance & Permitting: Cheyenne residents are set to hear directly from state officials at a Cheyenne forum on industrial development, environmental reviews, and permitting tied to data centers. Energy & Environment: Nevada filed the first lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s Colorado River operating plan, arguing the federal cuts would hit the Lower Basin hard while Wyoming and other Upper Basin states face no mandatory reductions. Community & Agriculture: Kiowa County 4-H Exhibit Day highlighted 28 project areas, with divisional champions named and a food auction raising $1,915. Business & Retail: Aldi is moving into the former Price Chopper site in Taylor near Scranton, signaling continued grocery turnover in the region. Public Safety & Health: A new report flags a rise in chronic wasting disease concerns, including questions about whether hunting could increase human risk.

Rare Earth Mine Process: Locals in northeast Wyoming say the Trump administration is fast-tracking a federal review for a Bull Hill rare-earth project, with only a 30-day public comment window raising concerns about health, wildlife, and air and water impacts. Energy & Markets: Global markets wobbled as investors awaited new U.S. sanctions on Iran and Nvidia’s upcoming results, with oil easing and tech stocks under pressure. Colorado River Water Cuts: The federal government finalized mandatory Colorado River reductions for 2027–2028, hitting California, Nevada and Arizona while upper-basin states including Wyoming avoid cuts for now. Uranium Update: Myriad Uranium issued a correction to preliminary radiometric resource figures for its Lucky Cliff drilling. Local Industry Leadership: Geoff Hinds was named general manager of the Will Rogers Memorial Center, moving the venue toward private management. Wyoming Business & Trade: Axis Sourcing, a Wyoming-registered commodity desk, says its active pipeline has topped $2 billion as it expands buyer-led sourcing and logistics across 40+ countries. Road & Safety: A serious Teton Pass RV crash involving a child remains under medical care, with a fundraiser launched for the family.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has finalized mandatory reductions for the Lower Basin, cutting California, Nevada and Arizona by a combined 1.25 million acre-feet per year for the next two years as Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record lows; Wyoming Impact: Wyoming is listed among the Upper Basin states that won’t face set cuts under the 2027–2028 operating guidelines, even as the broader crisis threatens the region’s water-dependent economy; Local Agriculture & Food Systems: Jackson Hole’s nonprofit The Farm JH is preparing to open a year-round local food market and education hub, with contracts lined up with 50 businesses across six western Wyoming counties; Health Insurance Affordability: Wyoming saw the biggest ACA premium jump in the country for a 60-year-old (421%), pushing thousands out of coverage and keeping pressure on lawmakers’ “BearCare” catastrophic plan talks; Community Services Funding: Cheyenne-area libraries could expand into makerspaces, telehealth and workforce support if Laramie County voters approve two Sixth Penny sales tax measures; Fraud Watch: Wyoming County property owners were urged to stay alert after scam activity, while national fraud totals keep climbing.