AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Culture & Community: Teton County Fair is back this summer, with entries now open for rodeo, pig wrestling (Pee Wee, Junior, Teen, Women’s divisions), and more—plus deadlines for exhibits and horse events. Public Health: Measles cases in the U.S. have topped 2,000 for the second straight year, with Wyoming among the states reporting confirmed cases—most tied to people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccine status. Heritage & Outdoors: The Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum in Casper held a grand reopening, preserving stories from the Spanish-American War through the Global War on Terror. Local Safety & Youth: McDowell and Wyoming county sheriffs formed a joint Crimes Against Children Task Force to investigate and prosecute child exploitation and abuse. Cultural Preservation: BLM is investigating vandalism at six Native American rock art sites in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin, including damage from a bonfire and carvings/gunfire. Roads & Daily Life: A community info meeting is set for June 9 on Highway 8 reconstruction—design updates and right-of-way progress will be discussed.

Sheriff Race Forum: Kiowa County GOP voters will choose between incumbent Byron Williams and challenger Joshua Robertson after both squared off at a Farm Bureau forum, with questions ranging from law enforcement priorities to how officers should engage with youth. Senior Tech Safety: Range is hosting an Internet Safety for Seniors luncheon in Broadus, sharing practical tips to spot scams and protect personal info online. Outdoor Fun in Lander: Wyoming Outdoor Council’s River Bash returns to Lander City Park with live music, food trucks, local beer, raffles, and water education. Community Science for Birds: Volunteers are invited to help with an annual bird banding study at Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, with sessions running June 16–Aug. 5. Wind vs. Wildlife Debate: At the Wyoming Capitol, ranchers and conservationists rallied to demand deeper review of industrial wind projects over concerns for golden eagles and rural landscapes. Local Giving for Animals: Discovery Bay Elementary students raised $550 for Coyote Crossing Rescue through a living wax museum fundraiser. Wildlife-Friendly Fencing: Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation trained eight fence businesses, certifying them as wildlife-friendly fence professionals. Coal Push in Wyoming: Gov. Mark Gordon backed Trump’s nearly $700M coal support plan, including actions that could keep the Dave Johnston plant running longer. Kids, Schools, and Safety: Parents in California raised alarms after dozens of students at Dunsmuir Elementary tested positive for marijuana following an incident at school. Culture & History: A rare Sitting Bull contract has been won at auction and is set to go on display at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. Pronghorn Art Trail: The Rockpile Museum’s “Parade of Pronghorns” pronghorn statues are back on display, painted by Wyoming artists, with an auction planned for later this year.

AI & Education Funding: A new study says federal AI-related education dollars are getting concentrated in a few states, with Wyoming-area students likely to feel the ripple effects as colleges plan for an AI-driven workforce. Wyoming Politics: Republican gubernatorial candidate Megan Degenfelder held a meet-and-greet in Sheridan, pitching a focus on keeping young people in Wyoming and improving jobs and housing. Local Governance & Water: The Bureau of Reclamation shared Big Horn Lake operations and current water levels with local residents, pointing to drought, low snowpack, and slower-than-normal filling. Community Food Access: Hole Food Rescue’s Sprout summer lunch program returns in Jackson starting June 15, aiming to serve 10,000 free lunches through Aug. 28. Native Culture & Youth: Oglala Lakota College’s Cheyenne River class of 2026 celebrated graduates, while Black Horse Ranch in Eagle Butte is seeking support to keep its free summer youth horse camp running. Arts & Heritage Events: Basin’s Lilac Days kicks off with music, a mural ribbon cutting, and a time capsule, and Greybull’s Days of ’49 runs June 11–14 with rodeo and community events. Church Abuse Reckoning: A report highlights how an Old Apostolic Lutheran Church doctrine of “forgiveness” and silence has been tied to repeated child abuse cases, raising new questions about accountability.

Wyoming Elections: Candidate filing is closed and the 2026 primary field is set, with races spanning county offices (including coroner and sheriff), state seats, and the big statewide contests. Public Health & Safety: Afton firefighters and EMS rescued a 3-year-old boy after he got stuck in a culvert at Canyon View Park; officials are urging parents to keep kids away from irrigation ditches and swift water. Community & Culture: CNFR in Casper is days away, with a Wyoming premiere of “Outriding the Devil,” a docudrama about rodeo comeback and grit filmed largely in Wyoming. Local Leadership: Katrina Clauson filed to run for Teton County Coroner, emphasizing empathy-based, science-backed investigations and expanded public health education around suicide and substance abuse. Education Policy: Wyoming lawmakers on the Joint Education Committee discussed changes to charter school enrollment calculations and the “basket of goods,” including guidance around protecting PE from being removed as punishment. Arts & Heritage: Ucross Foundation will reopen its historic Big Red Ranch House with a public ribbon-cutting and artist talk, bringing renewed momentum to the artist residency campus.

Moving Honors in Riverton: A national memorial procession for fallen EMS and air medical workers stops Friday at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, with a free 9 a.m. event recognizing 37 providers and featuring a “Tree of Life” replica. Women Veterans Day: Wyoming events June 12 (1–4 p.m.) in Cheyenne, Gillette, Lander, Rock Springs and Sheridan will connect women veterans with VA resources, including support for moral injury; registration required. Community & family fun: Fremont County’s Springtime Spectacular runs today through Saturday at the fairgrounds, plus a Figure 8 Race Saturday at 6 p.m. Childcare access: Wyoming’s childcare working group reopens provider grants June 1 (applications close July 15), offering up to $10,000 to expand sustainable care, especially for infants and toddlers. Local outdoors: The Wyoming Outdoor Council hosts a Popo Agie River celebration Friday in Lander’s City Park with music, vendors, river education and a rubber ducky race. Education update: Taylor Elementary posts its honor roll for the final quarter.

Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum: Casper’s Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum held a grand reopening, preserving stories and artifacts from the Spanish-American War through the Global War on Terror. Indigenous Culture in the Parks: Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center and Grand Teton’s Indigenous Arts and Cultural Demonstration Program return this summer, with rotating Native educators sharing art, music, dance, and history for visitors. Cheyenne Frontier Days & America 250: Cheyenne Frontier Days will be recognized as part of the “Day of the American West” on July 23, with CFD running July 17-26. LGBTQ+ Media Legacy: Cathy Renna, a longtime publicist for queer nonprofits, is highlighted for decades of pushing intersectional LGBTQ+ stories into mainstream coverage. Community Arts: SAGE Community Arts opens “Different but SAME,” a multidisciplinary exhibition on identity and shared human experience, plus free public programs at WYO Theater and the SAGE gallery. Local Governance & Housing: Laramie County commissioners are set to weigh a workforce housing “man camp” proposal in Cheyenne. Public Safety: Laramie County Sheriff’s Office announced “Operation Ruffian” warrant arrests, pulling seven fugitives off the streets.

Legal & Civic Rights: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey is pushing the U.S. Supreme Court to stop activist groups from suing to block federal permitting before states can review, arguing it could delay housing, energy, and military projects. Health Access: A Louisiana law targeting noncitizen Medicaid enrollees is raising fears for mixed-status families in South Louisiana, with parents worried kids could lose routine care and vaccines. Immigration Detention Care: A new KFF Health News/AP investigation details detainees’ claims of medical neglect across dozens of states, from untreated infections to missed HIV and heart care. Wyoming Education: UW leaders have started a savings plan to meet legislative demands, with a working group looking at efficiencies that could mean hard decisions. Community & Culture: Green River is seeking Wyoming artists for a 2026 public mural under Flaming Gorge Way; submissions are due June 4. Local Life: Laramie County Library’s summer reading challenge kicks off June 1 with a “Unearth a Story” theme for kids and teens.

Summer learning & kids’ activities: With Laramie County School District #1’s last day set for June 3, local options include the Laramie County Library’s “Unearth a Story” summer reading challenge (June 1–Aug. 15) and LCCC’s SEEK Camp enrichment sessions (June 15–19 and July 13–17). Childcare access: The Wyoming Interagency Working Group on Childcare reopens its provider grant program June 1, offering up to $10,000 per applicant to help communities with limited care. Community outdoors: Snake River Fest returns to Jackson Hole June 5–7, celebrating Wild & Scenic streams with a block party, stewardship social, and Kids Fishing Day. Family-friendly fishing: Free Kids Fishing Day events are set for June 6 in Cody (Beck Lake Complex) and Lovell (Bighorn Canyon Visitor’s Center), with gear, prizes, and pond activities. Arts & culture: Jackson Hole Pride shares its June schedule, including a youth silent disco and a drag show/dance party; and Cody hosts a no-charge Baroque concert June 6 (“Old Friends, New Beginnings”). Education & achievement: Murray State’s Cheyenne Melvin (800m) and other Racers wrapped NCAA East Regional action, while Colorado Mesa’s women set a program record with six First Team Academic All-RMAC picks.

Wyoming Public Media Wins Murrow Awards: Wyoming Public Media brought home two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, with Caitlin Tan honored for “Excellence in Sound” (a deep dive into the Trona Mine Tour) and Jordan Uplinger taking a “Digital” win for his “Horse Racing Industry” reporting and related Instagram reels. Energy & Water Policy: State lawmakers heard testimony on the proposed Seminoe pumped storage project, as officials weigh future power needs against the project’s major construction footprint. Cost of Living Watch: A new national map shows where residential electricity prices jumped the most, with Maryland leading the surge and the report pointing to grid investment and demand pressures. Cannabis Basics: A guide breaks down key differences between marijuana, hemp, CBD, and THC—plus why consumers should pay attention to THC levels. Privacy & Safety: The owner of Miss Portland Diner is speaking out after a hidden camera was found in a women’s bathroom, with police investigating. Local Governance & Voting: A Cheyenne attorney says Wyoming’s AG is not giving updates on a voter-data complaint involving Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Native History: New research highlights the oldest known dice—12,000-year-old Native American gaming pieces—adding fresh context to long-running Indigenous game traditions. Culture Spotlight: A Wyoming library statue honors Major John Wesley Powell, tying local landmarks to the explorer’s Civil War service and West-mapping legacy.

Women’s Boxing Spotlight: Stephanie Han retained her WBA lightweight title in a sold-out El Paso rematch vs. Holly Holm, winning by majority decision in a fight that still has fans arguing the scoring. Record-Setting Knockouts: In the same MVPW-03 card, Amanda Serrano stopped Cheyenne Hanson in the second round to tie Christy Martin’s all-time women’s knockout record at 32. Wyoming Sports: The University of Wyoming women’s soccer released its 2026 schedule, with 19 regular-season matches and 10 Mountain West contests, including a season opener Aug. 13 vs. Drake. Community & Learning: Flint’s Soap Box Derby returned to the newly restored Cronin Derby Downs, pairing STEM-built cars with hands-on youth competition. Public Lands & Wildlife: A major Colorado oil-and-gas lease sale could affect elk migration and dark-sky tourism, with impacts stretching into southern Wyoming. Local Governance Watch: A proposal would require many Wyoming federal workers to sign non-disclosure agreements, raising concerns about government transparency. Culture & Reading: A summer reading roundup highlights Colorado-connected authors and book picks for beach bags and couch time.

Women’s Boxing Spotlight: Amanda Serrano tied Christy Martin’s all-time women’s knockout record with a 32nd stoppage, blasting Cheyenne Hanson in the second round to retain her unified featherweight titles, while Stephanie Han survived a controversial majority decision rematch win over Holly Holm—both fights drawing major attention for women’s boxing’s growing pull. Wyoming Politics & Identity: Democrat James Byrd, a fifth-generation Wyomingite, is challenging GOP candidates for the U.S. Senate seat held by Cynthia Lummis, framing his campaign around Wyoming roots and public service. Wyoming Sports: The University of Wyoming Cowgirls released their 2026 soccer schedule, including a slate of nonconference tests and 10 Mountain West matches. Indigenous Health: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers by weaving culture into training, with enrollment hoped for 2030. Public Lands & Lifestyle: Colorado candidate Alex Kelloff puts public lands at the center of his campaign, highlighting hunting, fishing, and outdoor access as core to the region’s way of life. Community & Outdoors: Trout in the Classroom wrapped up with a hands-on fish release on the Wind River Reservation, bringing students, teachers, and tribal partners together around watershed learning. Federal Workplace Policy: A proposal could require thousands of Wyoming federal workers to sign non-disclosure agreements, raising concerns about limiting public information. Energy & Tech: Enbridge’s $1.2 billion “Cowboy Project” near Cheyenne pairs solar and battery storage to power Meta data centers, underscoring how energy demand is reshaping Wyoming’s infrastructure.

Local Schools & Tech: Gillette’s school board is refining a proposed full cellphone ban after parents and educators raised enforcement and medical-exemption concerns. Wyoming Education Spotlight: Cody High School’s “No Phone Zone” policy is being called a success after fewer discipline referrals and improved grades in its first year. Community Calendar: Cheyenne and Laramie County events roundup includes a spring craft show, kids’ bug-craft, urban sketching, and “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” Youth & Work: Casper is pushing summer jobs for teens, from lifeguarding and camps to recreation support. Sports (Women’s Boxing): Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm 2 and Amanda Serrano vs. Cheyenne Hanson headline a major ESPN boxing night in El Paso. Health & Safety: A Wyoming 6-year-old was hospitalized after swallowing magnet toy blocks, prompting renewed warnings for parents. Culture & Heritage: A Shoshoni-focused reflection highlights how small everyday moments build community history. Wildlife & Conservation: Asha the Mexican gray wolf release was delayed after local pushback, underscoring growing tensions around reintroduction.

End-of-school celebrations: Roaring Fork Schools marks the Class of 2026 graduation with 437 seniors, including 66 earning the Seal of Biliteracy and seven recognized for the Seal of Climate Literacy—spotlighting language and climate learning as part of school culture. Native culture on screen: “Nine Little Indians,” a documentary on South Dakota boarding school abuse, premiered in New York with Native-made regalia and plans for screenings back home. Indigenous community events: Central Wyoming College’s “Native Voices: Honoring Indigenous Ways” drew thousands for storytelling, art, film, and the Teton Powwow, including a screening of “Free Leonard Peltier.” Youth, learning, and focus: Cody High School’s first-year “No Phone Zone” policy is credited with fewer discipline referrals and improved grades. Local jobs for teens: Casper is recruiting teens 15+ for summer roles like lifeguarding and camps, with advice to build resumes using experience and references. Leadership shake-up: Stinker Stores names Nancy Jones CEO and promotes new C-suite leaders after Nate Brazier’s departure. Wildlife conflict training: Wyoming Game and Fish large-carnivore teams trained in Cody to improve investigations after wildlife attacks. Boxing spotlight: Amanda Serrano headlines a major women’s championship card in El Paso on ESPN, with Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm also featured.

Native Voting Rights: Native communities are bracing for fallout after a U.S. Supreme Court decision on voting maps, with states—including Wyoming—moving to redraw districts in ways critics say will shrink Indigenous access. Zoo Updates: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo opened a new admissions area, adding “The 200 Project” giraffe sculptures and setting the stage for a larger giraffe center later this summer. Community Calendar (Cheyenne): Cheyenne’s free outdoor “Fridays on the Plaza” returns this summer, and the city’s May 29–31 lineup includes events like “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and youth livestock shows. Education & Culture: Two Eagle River School celebrated its Class of 2026 with honor songs, prayers, and tributes highlighting resilience and identity. Local Sports & Youth: Cheyenne youth sports get a boost with baseball and basketball camps listed for June, plus a Cheyenne pitch-hit-run competition. Wyoming Outdoors & Wildlife: Critics testified against a proposed pumped-water storage project near Seminoe, warning it could harm the North Platte trout fishery and bighorn sheep habitat. Health & Access: ACLU of Wyoming filed suit against the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office over ICE-related agreements, arguing the contracts break state oversight rules.

Immigration & local law enforcement: Wyoming’s ACLU and community groups filed suit against the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, arguing Sheriff Brian Kozak’s ICE agreements exceed state authority and effectively deputize local officers as immigration agents. Kids online safety: Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of attorneys general opposing the federal KIDS Act, saying it would weaken state protections and shift control of children’s social media safety to tech companies. Wyoming elections & tribal districts: Secretary of State Chuck Gray urged Fremont County and state lawmakers to reexamine electoral maps after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling limited race-based districting, but local officials aren’t moving fast. Wildlife & housing: A new University of Wyoming-led study finds big game are less likely to cross narrow open spaces between homes, meaning housing can shrink habitat and migration corridors beyond the building footprint. Cheyenne tourism: As peak season nears, Cheyenne visitor leaders say summer travel drives a major share of local revenue and highlight rodeos, museums, and community events. Outdoor learning for families: Wyoming State Parks’ library program returns with free park passes and recreation backpacks for kids across all 23 counties. Cheyenne culture planning: A proposed ordinance could create entertainment corridors for historic horse racing businesses, aiming to boost public input and neighborhood notice. Sports spotlight: UTEP men’s basketball is rebuilding for next season with a taller, deeper roster after a tough year.

Child Safety & Courts: A Pirates Cove sex assault case ended with Trenton Moskovita getting 22 years in prison, after video showed him luring a 7-year-old into a bathroom and assaulting her. AI & Exploitation Sentencing: Evanston-area resident Matthew McDowell was sentenced to 12 to 18 years for felony possession and distribution of child sex abuse material, including AI-generated images using a minor’s face; Wyoming’s HB 102 (effective July 1) is aimed at deepfakes and exploitative images. Community Arts: Basin is getting a new heritage mural spelling “BASIN,” with letters packed with local history, and a Basin Heritage Commons plan that includes benches and walkways. Youth & Learning: Lovell High School seniors earned a slate of scholarships and awards, while the Bulldogs’ track season delivered another strong state showing and standout athletes like Matthew Newman. Culture Calendar: Cheyenne and Laramie County libraries and centers are hosting everything from bug crafts to a true-crime book club and an “Informed Voter” session on Wyoming’s three branches. Online Safety Policy: Wyoming AG Jay Jones backed stronger internet safety guardrails, joining efforts opposing federal moves that could weaken state protections for kids online.