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Laramie County Man Gets Four Years For Mercy-Killing Friend

A Laramie County man was sentenced Friday to four years in prison, for mercy-killing his friend. Court documents say Switzer's friend had a pending criminal case for child pornography, had just increased his life insurance policy and made other end-of-life arrangements.

Clair McFarlandMay 11, 2025

The 10 refugee dogs of all breeds wait on the Tarmac at JFK Airport in New York to board a private charter plane to Wyoming last Sunday.

Wyoming Rescue Ranch Cheers Shutdown Of Notorious Beagle Test Lab, New Law

Wyoming’s Kindness Ranch in Hartville is cheering this week's shutdown of a notorious beagle testing lab and proposed federal legislation that would retire clinical test animals instead of killing them. The events promise to make the ranch busier than ever.

Jen KocherMay 10, 2025

Cheyenne Gunslingers has its own stage setup on 15 Street and Pioneer Avenue. But it will likely need a new home as the 15th Street Rail Experience is taking its location.

Famous Cheyenne Gunslingers To Be Homeless, Have To Move From Downtown Spot

The famous Cheyenne Gunslingers will have to find a new spot for its Wild West shootouts. The city has approved another historical attraction to take over their location and now the Gunslingers, who delight crowds every summer by shooting each other, have to find a new home.

Renée JeanMay 10, 2025

A replica of "Big Al," an Allosaurus specimen from Shell, in the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. UW 11541, "Reed's Allosaurus," is a different species of Allosaurus than Big Al, and was a much larger individual. Reed's Allosaurus was a centerpiece specimen in the museum from 1890 to 1920 and resides in the museum's collections today.

UW Project Rediscovers A Massive Meat-Eating Dinosaur Under 100-Year-Old Plaster

University of Wyoming researchers used CT scanning to see how much of the fossilized bones in an historic dinosaur were real. It revealed a lot of plaster — and rediscovered a huge Allosaurus.

Andrew RossiMay 10, 2025

At the top of the McGill Bridge is a sign showing the year it was built and the company who erected it.

Abandoned 163-Foot Bridge In Albany County Is All But Forgotten

The history of an abandoned steel bridge which resides inside a 10,000-acre private ranch in Albany County is a mystery. It is thought to be the second oldest bridge in Wyoming and was part of the historic Lincoln Highway. Outside of that, no one knows much about it.

Dale KillingbeckMay 10, 2025

Paul Dey, official and certified beer judge, enjoying a Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. beer at The Safari Club restaurant in Thermopolis in a file photo.

Wyoming Is The Second Most Expensive State For Beer Lovers

Beer in Wyoming isn’t as expensive as it is in Alaska, but buying a brew in the Cowboy State is the second highest in the country. Behind the high prices, several factors are at play: tourism, the cost of shipping and a bartender’s sensitivity to locals’ pricing. 

David MadisonMay 10, 2025

Emily Steele survived a bout with what she belives was food-borne illness. She got sick dspite of not being the one who ate anything spoiled.

Can You Catch ‘Food Poisoning?’ It’s Not Common, But, Yes, And Here’s How

Food-borne illnesses are among the most common in America, sickening more than 48 million each year. But can it be passed on to others? The answer is yes -- as a Cheyenne couple recently found out.

Renée JeanMay 10, 2025

Bud’s Bar is a local joint, a Wyoming dive bar on the west side of Laramie that’s been serving beer and gossip for more than 80 years. Many locals also believe in a legend that says it was the inspiration for Moe’s Tavern in “The Simpsons.”

Laramie Locals Believe Bud’s Bar Inspired Moe’s Tavern In ‘The Simpsons’

Bud’s Bar is a local joint, a Wyoming dive bar on the west side of Laramie that’s been serving beer and gossip for more than 80 years. Many locals also believe in a legend that says it was the inspiration for Moe’s Tavern in “The Simpsons.”

Leo WolfsonMay 11, 2025

The cyclists ride through the Red Desert as the Boar's Tusk can be seen in the distance.

Bikepackers Explore Wyoming’s Famous Red Desert In New Documentary

People driving on WYO 28 outside of Lander are awed by the views of Red Canyon, but few have taken the time to explore it. Four bikepackers decided to do just that and their journey can be seen in a new documentary now on Wyoming PBS.

Amber SteinmetzMay 10, 2025

A Gillette man drove the wrong way on Interstate 90 three times Thursday as he led law enforcement on a 70-95 mph chase. He then claimed there was a bomb in his vehicle, but it turned out to be a possibly drug-induced perception of loose and exposed wires.

Wrong-Way Driver Shuts Down I-90 With Claim Of Bomb In Vehicle

A Gillette man drove the wrong way on Interstate 90 three times Thursday as he led law enforcement on a 70-95 mph chase. He then claimed there was a bomb in his vehicle, but it turned out to be a possibly drug-induced perception of loose and exposed wires.

Clair McFarland & Jen KocherMay 09, 2025

Zephira Arguello hopes to be able to wear the nearly 100-year-old buckskin dress given to her by her grandmother to graduation at Kelly Walsh High School on May 30.

Kelly Walsh High Won’t Let Casper Girl Wear Native Regalia At Graduation

Kelly Walsh High School senior Zephira Arguello wants to honor her Native American culture by wearing traditional regalia at graduation. The school says “no.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025

A voter-rights group filed a lawsuit Friday asking a federal court to block Wyoming’s new proof of citizenship and residency rules for voting. Secretary of State Chuck Gray says the challenge is “the radical left” making “false claims.”

Voter-Rights Group Sues Over Wyoming's Proof Of Citizenship Voter Law

A voter-rights group filed a lawsuit Friday asking a federal court to block Wyoming’s new proof of citizenship and residency rules for voting. Secretary of State Chuck Gray says the challenge is “the radical left” making “false claims.”

Clair McFarlandMay 10, 2025

Jeremiah Reiman, executive director of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, second from left, lobbies at the Capitol during the 2015 legislative session.

Wyoming Legislators Consider Banning Public Money Going To Lobby Groups

Wyoming mayors and other public officials lined up Friday to argue against a proposal to ban public money going to groups that lobby for them. Despite the show of force, a legislative committee decided to continue considering it.

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

Marquis Hayman was arrested for shooting five bullets into a North Durbin Street mobile home in August.

8-10 Years For Casper Teen Who Said ‘I Hope I Killed One’ After Shooting At Homes

A 15-year-old boy who shot into two Casper homes in separate incidents August got eight to 10 years in prison Friday. He reportedly told friends, “I hope I killed one.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025

It’s hoped that a program called Access Granted can provide hunters more access to prime areas, while also respecting landowners’ rights.

Casper-Based Company Wants To End Feuding Between Hunters, Landowners

Tensions between landowners and hunters seeking access to game herds are nothing new, even leading to national attention for Wyoming’s high-profile “corner-crossing” case. A Casper-based company thinks it’s found the solution.

Mark HeinzMay 09, 2025

A Tesla Supercharger station in Laramie.

Democrats Attack Barrasso Over Bid To Scrap California EV Mandate

Wyoming’s senior U.S. senator is leading a Republican charge to throw out electric-vehicle mandates. Democrats attacked John Barrasso on the Senate floor Thursday, but he says Americans are having EV laws shoved “down their throats.”

Sean BarryMay 09, 2025

An amendment attached to sweeping legislation moving its way through the U.S. House has ignited a debate over the sale of federally owned public land. Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman supports the move, while Republicans in other Western states oppose it.

Hageman And House Committee Open Up Sale Of Federally Owned Public Land

An amendment attached to legislation moving its way through the U.S. House this week opens federal land for sale in Utah and Nevada. Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman supports the move, while Republicans in other Western states oppose it.

David MadisonMay 09, 2025

Jackson wyoming hospital

'Poor' Chance Of Settlement In Jackson Hospital Lawsuit Over Gangrene Death

A lawsuit brought against a Jackson-based hospital over the gangrene death of an illegal immigrant has a “poor” chance of reaching a settlement, according to a Thursday filing in the case.

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray testified Thursday in Lander before the legislative Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee about election reform. An electronic voting machine is to the right, used during a mock election during the meeting.

Chuck Gray Supports 22 New Election-Reform Bills, Committee To Study 10

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray expressed support for 22 election-reform bills during a meeting with legislators Thursday in Lander. The committee chose to take up 10 for study, ranging from requiring photo-identification to random hand counts.

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

A helicopter drops old Christmas trees into Canyon Ferry Lake, a reservoir on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana. The trees provide spawning habitat for yellow perch and shelter for their hatchlings.

Helicopter Drops Christmas Trees Into Popular Montana Lake To Save Yellow Perch

Walleyes were gobbling up too many yellow perch in Montana’s Canyon Ferry Lake. So, state officials started dropping old Christmas trees into water to provide spawning habitat and shelter for perch hatchlings.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2025

Harriet Hageman introduced a bill Thursday to keep student visas from being issued in “sanctuary” cities that don’t cooperate with ICE. She says it’s a response to those “who seek to elevate the interests of foreign nationals above our own citizens.”

Hageman Wants To Halt Student Visas For Colleges In ‘Sanctuary Cities’

Harriet Hageman introduced a bill Thursday to keep student visas from being issued in “sanctuary” cities that don’t cooperate with ICE. She says it’s a response to those “who seek to elevate the interests of foreign nationals above our own citizens.”

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

A pair of oil field waste haulers are accused of trying to cut corners and pocket more money by dumping Wyoming oil field waste near a town in Utah. They face multiple felony charges.

Men Accused Of Dumping Wyoming Oil Field Waste In Utah Face Multiple Felonies

A pair of oil field waste haulers are accused of trying to cut corners and pocket more money by dumping Wyoming oil field waste near a town in Utah. They face multiple felony charges.

David MadisonMay 08, 2025

Landmark cryptocurrency legislation by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis collapsed Thursday on the Senate floor despite exhaustive, 11th-hour efforts to rescue it. Lummis says she’s “deeply disappointed.”

Huge Setback For Lummis As Landmark Cryptocurrency Bill Shot Down

Landmark cryptocurrency legislation backed by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis collapsed Thursday on the Senate floor despite exhaustive, 11th-hour efforts to rescue it. Lummis says she’s “deeply disappointed.”

Sean BarryMay 08, 2025

A federal prosecutor Wednesday voiced skepticism of a Wyoming woman’s claims that her son stole her guns before he killed a Sheridan police sergeant in February 2024. She’s accused of buying the guns for her son, who is a convicted felon.

Feds Don't Believe Sheridan Cop Killer Stole Guns From His Mom

A federal prosecutor Wednesday voiced skepticism of a Wyoming woman’s claims that her son stole her guns before he killed a Sheridan police sergeant in February 2024. She’s accused of buying the guns for her son, who is a convicted felon.

Clair McFarlandMay 08, 2025

A ground squirrel peeks its head out of a burrow in Rawlins Cemetery. The city of Rawlins has pledged to stop the plague of gravedigging rodents by tripling the number of poison-laced traps throughout the cemetery this year.

Rawlins Residents Fed Up With Gravedigging Ground Squirrels In City Cemetery

Ground squirrels are digging holes daily in the Rawlins Cemetery, including into graves, and local residents are fed up with them. The city is tripling the number of poison traps around the cemetery to try and cut out the critters.

Andrew RossiMay 08, 2025

A Florida man who was gored by a bison in Yellowstone on Wednesday was lucky. Another Floridian was killed by a bear this week, and yet another by an alligator.

Yellowstone Bison Goring The Latest In A Bad Week For Floridians Vs. Wildlife

A Florida man who was gored by a bison in Yellowstone on Wednesday was lucky. Another Floridian was killed by a bear this week, and yet another by an alligator.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2025

A 47-year-old man from Florida was gored when he approached too close to a bison at Yellowstone National Park on Sunday. The National Park Service reported the goring Wednesday, confirming it’s the first of the season after two gorings in 2024.

Florida Man Is First Bison Goring Of The Season At Yellowstone National Park

A 47-year-old man from Florida was gored when he got too close to a bison at Yellowstone National Park on Sunday. The National Park Service reported the goring Wednesday, confirming it’s the first of the season after two gorings in 2024.

Clair McFarland & Mark HeinzMay 07, 2025

A woman shot and killed by Casper police may have lured officers to her house and provoked the shooting, Casper police reported Wednesday. She called 911 to report a burglar, but apparently Jody Cobia “made the call to elicit the response," police say.

Casper Police Say Woman Shot By Officers Answered Door With Weapon In Hand

A woman shot and killed by Casper police may have lured officers to her house and provoked the shooting, Casper police reported Wednesday. She called 911 to report a burglar, but apparently “made the call to elicit the response.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 07, 2025

Gillette resident Kelsey Johnson, 32, was last seen April 14 getting into a pickup at a mobile home in Denver, and her best friend is afraid for her safety. Johnson is believed to be in the Denver or Greeley area.

Friend Of Gillette Woman Missing More Than Two Weeks Fears For Her Safety

Gillette resident Kelsey Johnson, 32, was last seen April 14 getting into a pickup at a mobile home in Gillette, and her best friend is afraid for her safety. Johnson is believed to be in the Denver or Greeley area.

Jen KocherMay 07, 2025

A Tesla juices up at a Level 3 fast-charging station at the Frontier Mall in Cheyenne.

Wonky Twists Hold Up Barrasso’s Bid To Kill California EV Mandate

Wyoming’s senior U.S. senator is a critic of red tape across the whole federal government. Now he and GOP colleagues are stuck in it themselves as they take on California’s electric vehicle mandate.

Sean BarryMay 08, 2025

A pair of the major U.S. players in nuclear power — Uranium Energy Corp. and Radiant Energy — announce a partnership to develop the industry across America — and Wyoming could be ground zero.

Wyoming Could Capture Bigger Piece Of US Nuclear Power Than Just Mining Uranium

A pair of the major U.S. players in nuclear power announce a partnership to develop the industry across America — and Wyoming could be ground zero. There's potential for the state do more than just mine uranium.

Renée JeanMay 07, 2025

A coalition of 18 attorneys general from mostly blue states is suing the Trump administration over its directive to pump the brakes on wind energy permitting. Wyoming has plenty of wind turbines, but isn’t part of the lawsuit.

Group Of Mostly Blue States Sue Trump Over Halt Of Federal Wind Energy Permits

A coalition of 18 attorneys general from mostly blue states is suing the Trump administration over its directive to pump the brakes on federal wind energy permitting. Wyoming has plenty of wind turbines, but isn’t part of the lawsuit.

David MadisonMay 07, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, left, sparred with Colorado Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse on Monday over renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.

Hageman Spars With Colorado Democrat Over 'Gulf of America' Renaming

A Colorado Democrat sparred with Wyoming’s U.S. House representative Monday over whether renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America should be a priority. Hageman says Wyomingites support President Trump’s agenda, and that’s part of it.

Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025

The Casper City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to remove massage therapy businesses from regulation through the city’s health ordinances. It’s a good move, says a local massage therapist.

Casper Hopes For Happy Ending By De-Regulating Massage Parlors

The Casper City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to remove massage therapy businesses from regulation through the city’s health ordinances. It’s a good move, says a local massage therapist.

Dale KillingbeckMay 07, 2025

Two Fremont County men in their 20s are accused of trashing the post office of tiny Kinnear, Wyoming, early Monday morning. They were found afterward, passed out in a running truck, court documents say.

Man Accused Of Trashing Kinnear Post Office Faces Less Time Under Federal Charge

Federal charges against the man arrested on suspicion of trashing the Kinnear post office may mean a lighter sentence compared to state charges. His case was moved to federal court Monday.

Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025

One of 10 wolves reintroduced to northern Colorado in December 2023.

Wandering Colorado Wolf Transplanted From Canada Logs 1,230 Miles Around State

Colorado’s reintroduced wolves have been making tracks all over the state, including one female that’s logged more than 1,200 miles. At least two are also known to have ranged into Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2025

The Thermopolis town council accepted the resignation of police Sgt. Mike Mascorro on Tuesday evening. Mascorro broke into a man’s home and triggered a fatal shootout two years ago. The man’s family sued Mascorro and the department last week.

Thermopolis Police Sergeant Who Triggered Fatal Shootout 2 Years Ago Resigns

The Thermopolis town council accepted the resignation of police Sgt. Mike Mascorro on Tuesday evening. Mascorro broke into a man’s home and triggered a fatal shootout two years ago. The man’s family sued Mascorro and the department last week.

Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025

A large barn with 170 pregnant ewes burned early Monday morning on a ranch near Wright, Wyoming. The rancher said the barn was fine at 4:30, then by 5:15 was fully engulfed and too hot to approach.

170 Pregnant Ewes Burn In Devastating Ranch Fire Near Wright

A large barn with 170 pregnant ewes inside burned early Monday morning on a ranch near Wright, Wyoming. The rancher said the barn was fine at 4:30 a.m., then by 5:15 was fully engulfed and too hot to approach.

Greg JohnsonMay 06, 2025

Grizzly 1058, a male from Grizzly 399’s famed 2020 litter of quadruplets, was confirmed dead on Tuesday, after apparently being hit by a vehicle in Grand Teton National Park.

Grizzly 399 Offspring Hit And Killed By Car In Grand Teton

Grizzly 1058, a male from Grizzly 399’s famed 2020 litter of quadruplets, was confirmed dead on Tuesday, after apparently being hit by a vehicle in Grand Teton National Park.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2025

Daily Features

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"I did catch a fair sunrise this morning." Northeast of Torrington, WY
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, May 11, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ed Schreiner northeast of Torrington. Ed writes, "I did catch a fair sunrise this morning." 

Photo by Ed Schreiner

Today's question to Don Day

Mark James Mullins of Douglas
In regard to your thunderstorm season article, can you reassess the data on a per-capita basis, especially when considering population of the states? It could affect me as I own a hill on my property which I plan a communications tower and likely will have a lightning rod installed when it goes in.
Don Day
FEMA has a good lightning database that takes into account lightning risk, potential property loss, etc. based on population and lightning frequency. Data is available on a county by county basis. Lots and lots of lightning data available here which may help in quest for more lightning information. https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/lightning
DD

Opinion

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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Education Savings Accounts Are The Answer For Parents And Teachers

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "The powerful education lobby treats parents as a problem, and 'privacy' as the answer. Its power is its money. Until now, that power was mostly one-sided. But Wyoming’s ESA program gives you, as a common-sense teacher, a louder voice."

Jonathan LangeMay 09, 2025

Rachel Rodriguez Williams 2 1 20 23

Guest Column: When Conservatives Organize, the Left Cries Foul 

Wyoming Freedom Caucus chair Rachel Rodriguez-Williams writes, "When a group of conservative lawmakers stands up, says 'we’re organized,' and follows through with a consistent commitment to limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility — suddenly it’s a scandal."

CSD StaffMay 08, 2025

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: A Primer On Governmental Immunity

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "One area where reform might be appropriate is when elected government officials ignore the law and do whatever the hell they want to do. Perhaps, some personal liability for those people who get the government sued would cause some introspection."

Tom LubnauMay 07, 2025

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