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A rescued miniature donkey named Miguel is becoming one of Wyoming’s most in-demand wedding bartenders, and he only costs $400. Bartending burros are perfect for Wyoming, where people appreciate livestock and beer.

For $400, A Beer-Toting Mini-Donkey Will Bartend Your Wyoming Wedding

A rescued miniature donkey named Miguel has become one of Wyoming’s most in-demand wedding bartenders by wandering through cocktail hours with beer strapped to his sides. “It’s a great conversation starter,” said the beer burro business owner.

Kolby FedoreMay 09, 2026

Nelly Brown, left, gives Deanna Cotten a “joy” tattoo as part of a documentary about having joy while being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Casper Tattoo Artist Wages Second Fight With Cancer With Help From Client With ALS

A Casper tattoo artist thought she’d already beaten cancer, but its back attacking another part of her body. She keeps working — and fighting — with the help of a client with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. 

Dale KillingbeckMay 10, 2026

A Crowheart ranching family is compressing their waste wool into little pellets that fertilizes while helping up to 25% of their weight in water. That can be drought-busting for growers, as they hold that moisture in soil, studies show. 

Wyoming Ranchers Turn Their Waste Wool Into Drought-Busting Garden Pellets

A Crowheart ranching family is compressing their waste wool into little pellets that fertilizes while holding up to 25% of their weight in water. That can be drought-busting for growers, as they hold that moisture in soil, studies show. 

Jackie DorothyMay 10, 2026

The Belvoir Ranch west of Cheyenne offers some of the most spectacular views in southeast Wyoming.

Most Scenic Parts Of Belvoir Ranch Still Difficult To Access Due To Railroad

As the famed Belvoir Ranch west of Cheyenne comes closer to opening to the public on July 1, critics say the best part of the 19,000-acre recreation paradise is hard to access because of Union Pacific. It's like "The Great Wall of China," the mayor said.

Mark HeinzMay 09, 2026

A day after two brothers were mauled by a grizzly in Yellowstone, a dimwitted tourist was spotted five feet from a bear taking video on his phone. Retired biologist Gary Gaston said the scene was “so absurd” he had to leave.

Day After Grizzly Attack, Dimwitted Tourist Takes Video Of Bear From 5 Feet Away

A day after two brothers were mauled by a grizzly in Yellowstone, a dimwitted tourist was spotted five feet from a bear taking video on his phone. Retired biologist Gary Gaston said the scene was “so absurd” he had to leave.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2026

As the state’s data center industry booms, Wyomingites want to know where the water is coming from. The  Select Water Committee dove into that Thursday, as critics clashed over property rights, supply, and impacts for one of the nation’s driest states. Above, work continues Friday, May 8, 2026, at the site of a Meta data center being built in south Cheyenne.

As Data Centers Boom, Wyomingites Want To Know Where The Water’s Coming From

As the state’s data center industry booms, Wyomingites want to know where the water is coming from. The  Select Water Committee dove into that Thursday, as critics clashed over property rights, supply, and impacts for one of the nation’s driest states.

Renée JeanMay 08, 2026

Nicole Wagon, Lennie Poitras and Matt Hartman protested Friday at Riverton City Park, urging people to ask Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso not to vote Monday to confirm Darin Smith as U.S. attorney for Wyoming

Wyoming U.S. Attorney Battling Misconduct Claims Ahead of Monday Confirmation Vote

Wyoming U.S. Attorney Darin Smith is set for a U.S. Senate confirmation vote Monday as a controversy heats up over allegations he prejudiced a grand jury. Eight defendants are now suing to dismiss their cases, including one for first-degree murder.

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2026

This grizzly bear was photographed Wednesday in Glacier National Park, roughly 15 miles from where the body of a suspected fatal grizzly attack victim was found that same day.

Montana Suspected Fatal Grizzly Attack Happened Same Day As Yellowstone Mauling

A suspected fatal grizzly attack in Glacier National Park is thought to have happened the same day two brothers were mauled by a grizzly in Yellowstone. Outdoorsman say the attacks are the beginning of “human-bear conflict season."

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2026

The two brothers attacked by a grizzly in Yellowstone on Tuesday are recovering after multiple surgeries at a hospital in Idaho. A family member said they were both seriously injured, but “doing well and recovering from the horrific attack.”

Family Says Brothers Attacked By Yellowstone Grizzly Recovering From "Horrific Attack"

The two brothers attacked by a grizzly in Yellowstone on Tuesday are recovering after multiple surgeries at a hospital in Idaho. A family member said they were both seriously injured, but “recovering from the horrific attack.”

Andrew RossiMay 07, 2026

A proposed solar farm that would’ve been Wyoming’s first community-scale project was killed by Lincoln County officials this week. Lincoln County residents objected to plans for the solar farm being built there to benefit Teton County residents.

Public Outcry Kills Wyoming’s First Community Solar Farm Project

A proposed solar farm that would’ve been Wyoming’s first community-scale project was killed by Lincoln County officials this week. Lincoln County residents objected to plans for the solar farm being built there to benefit Teton County residents.

Kate MeadowsMay 08, 2026

Ted Turner on his Snowcrest Ranch south of Alder, Montana, in 2011.

Ted Turner Was Most At Home At His Flying D Ranch In Montana

Media mogul Ted Turner, who died Wednesday, once owned four ranches in Montana and the largest bison herd in North America. His friends say he was most at home at the Flying D Ranch and its 113,613 acres of wildness in the southwest part of the state.

Jeff WelschMay 08, 2026

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office is investigating after Rep. Joel Guggenmos lived outside his legislative district for months. The county GOP says it stands behind Guggenmos and that "we applaud his honesty throughout this matter."

Riverton Lawmaker Under Investigation For Living Outside His State House District

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office is investigating after Rep. Joel Guggenmos lived outside his legislative district for months. The county GOP says it stands behind Guggenmos and that "we applaud his honesty throughout this matter."

Clair McFarlandMay 08, 2026

State Rep. Landon Brown announced Friday that he will not be running for reelection.

Cheyenne’s Landon Brown Reverses Course, Won't Run For Reelection To House Seat

State Rep. Landon Brown announced Friday that he has changed his mind and will not be running for a sixth term in the Wyoming legislature. Brown, who squeaked out a win against challenger Exie Brown in 2024, hasn't yet endorsed anyone in his place.

Clair McFarlandMay 08, 2026

State Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Criticizes Nethercott For Calling For “Lawfare"

While the Wyoming Freedom Caucus is criticizing Sen. Tara Nethercott for calling for “lawfare” in a speech to attorneys, she said she used the word in a broader context— not about making war on conservative policies, but “to defend the rule of law."

Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2026

Jacob Andrew Dudley

Convicted Evansville Sex Abuser Gets Up To 100 Years For Having Child Porn

A 27-year-old Evansville man on parole for sexually abusing a teen got a 45-to-100-year prison sentence Friday after pleading guilty to having up to 300 child porn images. “This sentence is nearly what we would see in homicide cases,” the judge said.

Dale KillingbeckMay 08, 2026

Jackson police 3 27 23

Snow King Accountant Accused Of Embezzling More Than $45,000 From Resort

A former accountant at Snow King Mountain in Jackson faces felony charges, accused of embezzling more than $45,000 from the resort. Detectives say he would put through duplicate invoices, with the excess going to a separate account of his. 

Kolby FedoreMay 08, 2026

To nab trespassers hunting shed antlers on a ranch in Hot Springs County, Game and Fish put tracking devices in antlers and planted them around the ranch. The first one was picked up by a local 7-year-old boy, which got his father a ticket.

Man Cited For Trespass After 7-Year-Old Son Grabs Antlers With Tracking Device

To nab trespassers hunting shed antlers on a ranch in Hot Springs County, Game and Fish put tracking devices in antlers and planted them around the ranch. The first one was picked up by a local 7-year-old boy, which got his father a ticket.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2026

Reid Rasner (left) and Sec of State Chuck Gray (right)

Reid Rasner Launches Attack Ad With Chinese Music, Gong and Ninja 'Hoi!’ Grunts’

Reid Rasner is attacking U.S. House opponent Chuck Gray in an ad that calls him “China Chuck” and features Chinese string music, ninja “hoi!” grunts and a gong. Gray says he’s proud to be the Wyoming secretary of state who "fought both China and North Korea."

Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2026

Tourism spending overall is up in Thermopolis, but short-term rental owners say the Star Plunge closure has gutted their bookings for a second summer. "We know it’s closed, so we’re just not going up there,” a potential visitor told a local Airbnb owner.

For Second Summer, Star Plunge Closure Kills Short-Term Bookings In Thermopolis

Tourism spending overall is up in Thermopolis, but short-term rental owners say the Star Plunge closure has gutted their bookings for a second summer. "We know it’s closed, so we’re just not going up there,” a potential visitor told a local Airbnb owner.

Renée JeanMay 07, 2026

A life-sized protest sheep in Jackson Town Square.

Why PETA Put A Protest Sheep Statue In Jackson's Town Square

A life-sized protest sheep in Jackson’s Town Square is a statement about “wool cruelty” in Wyoming, the No. 1 state for wool production. If it’s cruel to shear sheep, then “it’s cruel for us humans to get haircuts,” says a lifelong sheep rancher.

Kate MeadowsMay 07, 2026

A bride fell off a snowmobile during an adventurous wedding photography shoot near Smoot, Wyoming, in April 2025. Now a clip of that mishap that made “America’s Funniest Home Videos” lives on the internet forever.

Bride Falling Off A Snowmobile In Wyoming Stars On “America’s Funniest Home Videos”

A bride who fell off a snowmobile during a wedding photography shoot near Smoot, Wyoming has made "America's Funniest Home Videos." The clip, which shows the bride falling head over heels into the snow, was included in Episode 6 of the series' 36th season.

Andrew RossiMay 07, 2026

 Beryl, a popular grizzly in Yellowstone National Park, is pictured here with her two cubs, about age 3.5 years.

Yellowstone Grizzly Still Has Cubs With Her Past Age 3, When Most Leave At 2

A popular female grizzly called Beryl in Yellowstone still has two cubs with her that are roughly 3.5 years old, and nearly as big as her. Most cubs leave around age 2, but "it’s nearly impossible to explain why” some stay longer, says a bear biologist.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2026

Rawlins sign cop car 5 7 26

Rawlins Man With ‘Kill Her’ Scrawled On Front Door Charged With Terrorizing Woman

A Rawlins man living in a house full of knives with “Danger, Women stay out, Kill her, Be Aware” scrawled on his front door told police that the woman who claims he assaulted her hit herself in the face. He’ll make his first court appearance Friday.

Kolby FedoreMay 07, 2026

Julie Ann Cross

Judge Concerned Deal For Casper Woman Accused Of Tying Patient Bed ‘Too Light’ 

A Natrona County judge expressed concern Thursday that a plea deal that calls for no prison time may be “too light or inappropriate” for an elder care worker accused of tying a patient to a bed by her hair.

Dale KillingbeckMay 07, 2026

This grizzly bear was one of several bears and wolves that gathered around a bison carcass in the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park. Park rangers had to shut the area down Tuesday, because tourists were crowding the predators.

Day After Bear Attack, Rangers Yelled At By Tourists Too Close To Grizzlies

The day after two hikers were mauled by a grizzly in Yellowstone, tourists yelled at rangers who were warning them to get away from grizzlies and wolves. “They were just walking right up to them," said a Park Service biologist.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2026

James Morey, Jr. and Diana Gunderson hold up an identical battery pack (left) to the one that blew up and caught fire (upper right and lower right).

"It Just Blew Up": Wyoming Couple Jolted Awake When Lithium-Ion Battery Catches Fire

A lithium-ion battery caught fire at a Daniel couple’s home as they were waking up on Tuesday. “The flames, my God, I couldn’t believe it,” Jack Morey said. “It just blew up and shot flames I’d say about a foot up.” 

Renée JeanMay 06, 2026

Gas pipeline construction Jim Parkin via Alamy 5 6 26

Bridger Oil Pipeline Filling Fast, Has Commitments To Move 400,000 Barrels A Day

Bridger Pipeline says it already has commitments for around 400,000 barrels per day of crude oil. That’s roughly 89% of the volume the company has said it needs to green-light construction of the 650-mile pipeline which would terminate in Guernsey.

Renée JeanMay 07, 2026

“Wyoming ranchers have always cared about who’s controlling the meatpacking sector,” said former National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president and Laramie County rancher Mark Eisele. “Is there collusion? Is there genuine competition?”

Wyoming Ranchers Say Federal Meatpacking Investigation Long Overdue

The US Department of Justice says that it's investigating America's meatpacking industry, something many Wyoming ranchers say is overdue. “If there’s monkey business, let’s find out what it is and who’s behind it,” says Cheyenne-area rancher Mark Eisele.

Kate MeadowsMay 07, 2026

Vedauwoo, in between Cheyenne and Laramie.

Southeast Wyoming Just Got More Snow Than It Received All Winter

The last two days in southeast Wyoming were snowier than at any time during this past winter as Cheyenne officially received 9 inches of snow. “It was a nice, big event, but it's also pathetic that it took this long to get one,” says meteorologist Don Day. 

Andrew RossiMay 07, 2026

Wyoming Republican Party Chairman Bryan Miller, far right, on the final day of the 2026 Wyoming Republican Party Convention on the state fairgrounds in Douglas.

Attorney Says Wyoming GOP Can’t Claim Autonomy When It 'Sat On' Rights For 40 Years

The Wyoming Republican Party can’t use its autonomy rights as a shield when sued if it “sat on” them for 40 years, an attorney suing the party argues. GOP Chair Bryan Miller says, “the party’s rights have been violated for nearly four decades."

Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2026

BWXT has lined up a buyer as its first customer for the $500 million TRISO nuclear fuel plant it’s building in Gillette. “Once you have a licensed nuclear facility, it’s a very powerful asset,” a company official said about potential for more customers.

BWXT Has First Customer, Partner For Its $500 Million Nuclear Fuel Plant In Gillette

BWXT has lined up its first customer for the $500 million TRISO nuclear fuel plant it’s building in Gillette. “Once you have a licensed nuclear facility, it’s a very powerful asset,” a company official said about the potential for more customers.

Renée JeanMay 06, 2026

An 18-year-old is charged with attempted murder, accused of stabbing a Lander Loaf N’ Jug clerk after stealing booze from the store. He asked the court April 22, 2026, if he could finish high school, then return to take care of his legal problems.

Lander Stabbing Suspect Says He Wants To Apologize To Victim 'Face To Face’

A Lander 18-year-old charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of a Loaf N’ Jug clerk two weeks ago wants to apologize “face to face.” “I am not a violent person nor am I a thief, though my actions show otherwise,” he says in a letter to the judge. 

Kolby FedoreMay 06, 2026

Former Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock, left, in a file photo during a Weston County Commission meeting. The commission Tuesday rejected three nominees by the county Republican Party to replace Hadlock, who resigned.

Weston County Commissioners Reject GOP Picks To Replace Hadlock As County Clerk

Weston County commissioners rejected the three county Republican Party picks to replace former County Clerk Becky Hadlock, who quit to fight felony-level election charges. "I was not impressed” with how the GOP picked its nominees, one commissioner said.

Clair McFarlandMay 06, 2026

A controversial proposal to ban recording and taking photos from the audience at Guernsey Town Council meetings failed, but a councilwoman tried Tuesday to do it anyway. “I think it’s retaliatory” and “trying to poke the bear,” said another councilman.

After Guernsey Council Killed Audience Recording Ban, Councilwoman Does It Anyway

A controversial proposal to ban recording and taking photos from the audience at Guernsey Town Council meetings failed, but a councilwoman tried Tuesday to designate an area anyway. “I think it’s retaliatory” and “trying to poke the bear,” said another councilman.

Kate MeadowsMay 06, 2026

More toilets, more parking and improved roads are among the multi-year projects underway at Grand Teton National Park. With visitors at record levels, "You need to have the parking lots, bathrooms, and designated trails,” said Superintendent Chip Jenkins.

Toilets, Parking, And Roads: Grand Teton Starts Multi-Year Improvement Projects

More toilets, more parking and improved roads are among the multi-year projects underway at Grand Teton National Park. With visitors at record levels, "You need to have the parking lots, bathrooms, and designated trails,” said Superintendent Chip Jenkins.

Andrew RossiMay 06, 2026

Hiker Craig Lerman was the first to find one of two victims of a grizzly bear attack near Old Faithful in Yellowstone on Monday after he stumbled on a bloody hat. “He heard me coming and started saying, ‘Help. Help me,’" Lerman told Cowboy State Daily.

‘Help Me, Help Me’: Hiker Finds Yellowstone Grizzly Attack Victim, Calls 911

Hiker Craig Lerman was the first to find one of two victims of a grizzly bear attack near Old Faithful in Yellowstone on Monday after he stumbled on a bloody hat. “He heard me coming and started saying, ‘Help. Help me,’" Lerman told Cowboy State Daily.

Andrew RossiMay 05, 2026

A formerly Chinese-owned cryptocurrency mining operation that was built about a mile from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. In May 2024, President Joe Biden by executive order forced the Chinese-owned company to sell it.

Some Claim Foreign 'Dark Money' Is Funding Anti-Data Center Sentiment Across U.S.

A new study traces $39 million in foreign funding behind anti-data center campaigns across the U.S. Betsey Hale, the CEO of Cheyenne Leads, is concerned about it. "No one has complained about data centers until about the last month and a half,” she said.

Renée JeanMay 05, 2026

Several inches of wet, heavy snow are bending trees and bushes around Cheyenne on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with more expected.

‘Million-Dollar Storm’: Snow Brings An Inch Of Water, Most In 24 Hours Since August

The heavy, wet snow that blanketed southeast Wyoming brought an inch of water to a parched part of the state Tuesday, the most in 24 hours since August. “It’s been a million-dollar storm, and it's not done yet,” says meteorologist Don Day.

Andrew RossiMay 06, 2026

Donald Trump is a common theme in a recent blast of mass mailers from U.S. House candidates Chuck Gray, Reid Rasner and Steve Friess. They all invoke Trump numerous times and describe how their values line up with the president’s.

Gray, Rasner, Friess All Send Out Mass Mailers — And They’re Very Trumpy

Donald Trump is a common theme in a recent blast of mass mailers from U.S. House candidates Chuck Gray, Reid Rasner and Steve Friess. They all invoke Trump numerous times and describe how their values line up with the president’s.

Clair McFarlandMay 06, 2026

A Utah ranch saw something Friday that’s never happened before in the nearly 155 years its been raising cattle — the birth of a two-headed calf. It brings back memories for Wyoming ranchers who once had a cow give birth to a similar ultra-rare calf.

Two Heads, One Calf: Ultra Rare, One-In-Millions Birth Stuns Utah Ranchers

A Utah ranch saw something Friday that’s never happened before in the nearly 155 years its been raising cattle — the birth of a two-headed calf. It brings back memories for Wyoming ranchers who once had a cow give birth to a similar ultra-rare calf.

Kolby FedoreMay 05, 2026

A grizzly bear appears to be smacking a wolf in this image. However, Julie Argyle said the angle from which the took the photo just makes it look that way. The bear and wolf never made actual contact as they fought over a bison carcass.

Grizzly Roars Echo As Bear, Wolf Clash Over Yellowstone Bison Carcass

The roars of a grizzly echoed from a riverbank in Yellowstone National Park on Sunday, as it postured with a wolf over a bison carcass. A biologist said actual fights between the species are rare because neither wants to risk injury.

Mark HeinzMay 05, 2026

At the Robert W. Scherer Electric Generating Plant, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in North America, a unit once scheduled to retire by 2028, will now remain in operation.

Coal Plants Across Nation Get Second Life Due To Data Center Growth

Wyoming coal is getting an unexpected lift as rising electricity demand, driven in part by data centers, is forcing utilities to keep coal-fired power plants online longer than planned. Aging plants once slated for retirement are getting a second life.

Kate MeadowsMay 05, 2026

The Powell City Council on Monday condemned Councilman Troy Bray's (right) comment about “hanging judges” in response to a judge halting an abortion ban. It hasn’t been "the greatest look for the town of Powell,” says Mayor John Wetzel.

Powell City Council Condemns Councilman's ‘Hanging Judges’ Comment

The Powell City Council on Monday condemned Councilman Troy Bray's comment suggesting Wyoming start “hanging judges” in response to a judge halting an abortion ban. It hasn’t been "the greatest look for the town of Powell,” says Mayor John Wetzel.

Clair McFarlandMay 05, 2026

Niobrara county and whp highway patrol 5 5 26

Skid Marks Show Pickup Tried To Stop Before Niobrara County Crash That Killed 3

Skid marks at the scene of a devastating crash shows a pickup with a camper tried to stop before plowing into a semitrailer on U.S. Highway 85 near Lusk over the weekend. A 10-year-old girl napping above the truck’s cab and two adults were killed.

Kolby FedoreMay 05, 2026

Rocky mountain power 10 3 23

Rocky Mountain Power Joins Western Energy Market, Says It Could Lower Rates

After years of steep rate hikes in response to higher-than-expected energy costs, Rocky Mountain Power has joined a regional Western market to buy power. "Potentially, it could lower costs for Wyoming customers,” says state Sen. Cale Case about the deal.

Renée JeanMay 05, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, May 10, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Jack Lindsey. Jack writes, "A little fog on the Big Horn River this morning after a day of much needed rains between Basin and Greybull."

Photo by Jack Lindsey

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

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Opinion

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Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: Horrific Murder Trial Greeted Me In First Days As Lander Editor

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Who knew that my first big news story in Lander would be one of the biggest of my career? Covering this horrific murder trial was a huge challenge for a new editor.”

Bill SniffinApril 25, 2026

Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Cheyenne South Siders Oppose Man Camps

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “It is not surprising to see the uprising against a developer’s plan to build 800 units for 5,600 construction workers here  to build data centers.”

Joan BarronApril 25, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: 'The Story of Everything' Is A Great Movie

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “This movie gave me hope that our own incessant arguing can find agreement. If Einstein and Hoyle could ultimately change their minds to agree with Hubble and Lemaître, we can learn something from them."

Jonathan LangeApril 25, 2026

Wyoming Life

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