Cheyenne Growth & Land Use: Cheyenne City Council approved annexation of about 34 acres near Roundtop Road and Happy Jack Road for data center staging and storage, with supporters citing needed infrastructure and opponents raising concerns about noise, aquifers, and more annexation tied to the boom. Wyoming Politics: U.S. Senate candidate John Holtz laid out priorities ahead of the Aug. 18 GOP primary, stressing smaller government, national defense, and top worries including Iran, inflation, and wildfires. Energy & Oil/Gas: Japex will spend $320 million to buy tight oil and gas assets in Colorado and Wyoming via Peoria Resources, aiming for scale and cost reductions tied to its 2026-2035 production plan. Public Safety & Fire: Crews reported the Weiser Knoll Fire near Lander at about 13,350 acres with zero containment and a Level 3 “Go” evacuation for the Twin Creek drainage area, while the Bare Fire in the Wyoming Range held at 443 acres as crews strengthened lines. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has expanded to 27 states, prompting downstream recalls reaching major retailers including Walmart and Whole Foods, with Wyoming included among affected states. Cybersecurity for Utilities: DEF CON Franklin and the NRWA launched a Water Watch Center to bring managed cyber defense to small water utilities, targeting the sector’s biggest rural risk gap. Community & Agriculture: The National FFA Organization reported record membership growth to 1,053,847 student members for 2025-26, while Wyoming producers are urged to watch for invasive weeds as drought relief hay arrives.