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The Benjamin and Luzmaria Benitez family are trying to find housing following a devastating fire that claimed their home on May 11.

Cheyenne Family Of 12 Devastated By Arson Fire That Destroyed All They Had

An extended Cheyenne family of 12, including eight children, are still shellshocked and devastated a week after a fire that destroyed all they had. Meanwhile, a man accused of starting the fire and charged with arson is in court Wednesday.

Dale KillingbeckMay 19, 2026

A long line of people formed on both sides of the room during an emotional, four-hour hearing before the Public Services Committee on a moratorium for new data centers.

Cheyenne City Committee Won’t Support — Or Reject — Data Center Moratorium

Cheyenne’s Public Service Committee didn’t endorse or reject a 12-month moratorium on new data centers after hours of emotional testimony Monday. State legislators say the clash exposes issues the Wyoming Legislature may need to address.

Renée JeanMay 19, 2026

Hadley Thompson, 18, topped some of the world’s best breakaway ropers at the American Rodeo’s West Regional Finals in Las Vegas.

Yoder 18-Year-Old Breakaway Roper To Compete For Historic $2 Million Payout

Yoder breakaway roper Hadley Thompson, 18, could make history this weekend as the first to earn $2 million with one throw of a rope. “It’s life-changing money,” competitors in the American Rodeo say about the huge payout for beating the best in the world.

Julie MankinMay 19, 2026

Those who know Shawn Ezekiel Hughes say they can't believe the 36-year-old Cody man with undiagnosed medical issues, including seizures, would just walk away. He’s been missing for a week as his girlfriend and friends grow more desperate to find him.

Missing Man Found Dead In Car At Cody Airport Died Of Injury And Exposure

A man found dead in a car in the parking lot of the Cody airport after being missing for two weeks died of blunt force injuries and exposure to the elements. Knowing that does little to answer his family’s questions about how he ended up in that car.

Jen KocherMay 19, 2026

As a "grumpy mama duck” freaked out over ducklings that fell into a Sheridan storm drain this past weekend, a stranger with a “big beard” climbed in after them. A woman who watched the rescue says it restored a little of her faith in humanity. 

Hooray! Big Bearded Man Climbs Into Sheridan Storm Drain To Save Ducklings

After a mama duck panicked when her ducklings fell into a Sheridan storm drain this past weekend, a big bearded hero climbed in to get them. A woman who watched the rescue says it restored a little of her faith in humanity. 

Kolby FedoreMay 19, 2026

An industry lawyer calls last week's unanimous Supreme Court decision that trucking brokers are liable for hiring unsafe drivers “a monumental victory.” All three branches of federal government are cracking down on sketchy trucking practices.

Crackdown On Sketchy Trucking Practices Continues With Supreme Court Decision

An industry lawyer calls the Supreme Court's unanimous decision that trucking brokers are liable for hiring unsafe drivers “a monumental victory.” All three branches of federal government are cracking down on sketchy trucking practices.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2026

Many Wyoming county clerks report a rush of last-minute crossover registrations to vote in the Republican primary — just ahead of last week's deadline. The state Democratic Party discourages crossover voting, while some elected Democrats encourage it. Above, Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee in a file photo.

Many Counties See Huge Last-Minute Crossovers To Vote In Wyoming’s GOP Primary

Many Wyoming county clerks report a rush of last-minute crossover registrations to vote in the Republican primary — just ahead of last week's deadline. The state Democratic Party discourages crossover voting, while some elected Democrats encourage it.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2026

Darin Smith

Senate Confirms Darin Smith As US Attorney Days After 'Flagrant' Misconduct Finding

The U.S. Senate voted 46-43 Monday to confirm Darin Smith as U.S. Attorney for Wyoming — four days after the state's three federal judges ruled he committed "flagrant" misconduct. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis voted in Smith's favor.

Clair McFarlandMay 18, 2026

A WYDOT plow truck clears the westbound lane of I-80 between Rawlins and Wamsutter on Monday evening. Dozens of drivers were stuck on I-80 after both lanes between Rock Springs and Laramie were shut down for most of the day due to winter weather conditions, and at least one accident involving a WYDOT plow truck was reported. 

Motorists Stuck On I-80 Overnight As Snowstorm Shuts Down Southern Wyoming

A snowstorm shut down more than 200 miles of I-80 on Monday leaving motorists stranded for hours — some overnight — while killing power in Rawlins. “I figured I was going to be here until tomorrow morning,” said one trucker after 11 hours of waiting.

Andrew RossiMay 19, 2026

Barlow in Riverton IMG 5907 5 18 26

Gov. Hopeful Barlow Is Latest To Face ‘The Gentry’ — Riverton’s Political Old Guard

Facing the pointed questions of Riverton’s old-guard coffee group, known as “The Gentry," has become a proving ground for serious Wyoming political candidates. Those in government should “do your damn job,” governor hopeful Eric Barlow told the group Monday. 

Clair McFarlandMay 18, 2026

Opposition to Cheyenne data centers is growing as residents become more vocal and sign petitions against them. One councilman says development has happened so fast, it’s "completely outstripped the ability of the county and the city to plan."

Two More Data Centers Possible As Laramie County Planners OK Massive Man Camp

Two more possible data center projects are on the horizon even as Laramie County planners have recommended approval of a massive 5,600-person man camp to house workers. “I did not feel like our voices were considered or heard," said one local resident.

Kate MeadowsMay 18, 2026

River Mossberg of Cheyenne got this massive black bear in the Snowy Range Mountains, using the “spot-and-stalk” hunting technique.

‘Holy Cow!’ Wyoming Hunter Bags Super-Sized Black Bear In Southeast Wyoming

On his first day out black bear hunting in southeast Wyoming, a Cheyenne hunter got his pickup hopelessly stuck, but on the second day bagged a super-sized black bear. "Holy cow! This sucker is size 5XL,” he said about spotting the bear.

Mark HeinzMay 18, 2026

Grizzly bears frequently get mobbed on Togwotee Pass. Wildlife and traffic safety officials say it’s a recipe for disaster.

Grizzly Paparazzi: Photographers Shove Each Other Over Bears On Togwotee Pass

Over the past decade, Togwotee Pass between Dubois and Moran Junction in Wyoming has become a circus of wildlife paparazzi around grizzlies. “There’s arguing, there’s threats,” says one photographer, adding that, “I don’t want to go up there anymore."

Mark HeinzMay 18, 2026

A young person died Saturday after falling from a moving pumpjack in the Elk Basin oil field in Park County. “It’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be,” says a retired oil field worker about those who grow up around the oil fields.

Juvenile Dies After Fall From Moving Pumpjack In Park County Oil Field

A young person died Saturday after falling from a moving pumpjack in the Elk Basin oil field in Park County. “It’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be,” says a retired oil field worker about those who grow up around the oil fields.

Kolby FedoreMay 18, 2026

Snow at The Friendly Store in Centennial, Wyoming, on Monday, May 18, 2026

Snowstorm Shuts Down Southern Wyoming, Motorists Stranded On I-80 For Hours

Parts of southern Wyoming are shut down Monday by a snowstorm that’s closed Interstate 80, took out power grids, and stranded motorists for hours. In Centennial, residents report more than 24 inches of snow have fallen.

Andrew Rossi & Jimmy OrrMay 18, 2026

The Den Gentlemen's Club south of Cheyenne on Thursday, March 5, 2026

Cheyenne Stripper Accused Of Pulling Gun On Rival Faces 20 Years In Prison

A Cheyenne exotic dancer charged with pulling a gun on a rival dancer over the attention of a “regular” could get more than 20 years in prison if convicted. She was bound over to district court on Friday after more than two months on the run.

Kolby FedoreMay 18, 2026

A fire ripped through the 134-year-old Cheyenne Pumphouse on Saturday, raising questions about whether a building once been set for demolition can still be saved. Watching it burn “was like witnessing a death, for sure,” says a local preservationist.

Fire Rips Through 134-Year-Old Historic Cheyenne Pumphouse

A fire ripped through the 134-year-old Cheyenne Pumphouse on Saturday, raising questions about whether the historic building can still be saved. Watching it burn “was like witnessing a death, for sure,” said a local preservationist.

Greg JohnsonMay 17, 2026

A rally at the Wyoming Capitol on Saturday, May 16, 2026, calling for the Legislature to plug holes the Wyoming Food Freedom Act.

Author Of Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act Says He Will Fix Law To Fight Overreach

The author of Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act says recent decisions by the state Dept. of Ag. to shut down sales of locally produced food are government overreach. “They’ve managed to find their way around our laws and intent," Tyler Lindholm said.

Kate MeadowsMay 17, 2026

Thor Stephenson Jr. thought he’d die after a shotgun blast destroyed his leg during a pheasant hunt in 2013. The Wyoming amputee still hunts, fishes and hikes on a custom $68,000 brown and gold Bucking Horse prosthetic he says symbolizes being cowboy tough. 

Amputee Shows His Love For Wyoming With $68,000 Brown-And-Gold Bucking Horse Leg

Thor Stephenson Jr. thought he was going to die after a shotgun blast destroyed his leg during a pheasant hunt in 2013. Not so. He still hunts, fishes and hikes on a custom brown and gold Bucking Horse prosthetic he says symbolizes being cowboy tough. 

Kolby FedoreMay 17, 2026

Paul Hutton looking over items in the auction, and trying to decide if the Buffalo Bill Center of the West will bid on anything.

Wyoming Museums Can’t Afford Historic Wild West Items So They Go To Auction

A glass negative of Butch Cassidy’s prison photo and Sitting Bull’s contract to be in Buffalo Bill’s ‘Wild West Show’ are among the items in a Western auction. Authenticity questions and steep prices put them out of reach for most Wyoming museums.

Renée JeanMay 17, 2026

The 11,699-foot-tall Pilot Peak is one of the most famous mountains around Yellowstone, its sharp point making it one of Wyoming’s most recognizable. Known as a “mini-Matterhorn,” it's also one of the state's toughest climbs. This view is a climber high on the east face of Pilot Peak.

Pilot Peak Is One Of Yellowstone’s Most Famous Mountains, And Toughest To Climb

The 11,699-foot-tall Pilot Peak is one of the most famous mountains around Yellowstone, its sharp point making it one of Wyoming’s most recognizable. Known as a “mini-Matterhorn,” it's also one of the state's toughest climbs. 

Andrew RossiMay 17, 2026

By 1905, the town of Battle in the Sierra Madres of Wyoming had been mostly abandoned and the buildings left behind by the 1910s. Once a lively town, Battle boasted five saloons, numerous houses of ill repute, several retail stores, two hotels, a post office, newspaper and school.

Wyoming History: In Ghost Town Of Battle, Miners And Sheep Men Hated Each Other

Now a ghost town, Battle in the rugged Wyoming Sierra Madres lived up to its name, where miners and sheepherders hated each other. “The raucous music of its honky-tonks was interrupted more than once by a miner-herder foray,” historians wrote.

Jackie DorothyMay 17, 2026

Brittany Cole Bush with a herd of goats on the Arambel Ranch. The shepherdess who grew up near the beach in San Diego got her first goats from a Wyoming ranch. Now her goats are gobbling down unwanted weeds and vegetation across California.

"Sheep Are In My Blood": San Diego Woman Fell In Love With Ranching With Wyoming Help

Brittany Cole Bush’s path to an agriculture-based life as a shepherdess isn’t typical. Growing up in San Diego, Bush was more in tune with the surfer culture than leading a next-generation shepherding revolution that has its roots at a Wyoming ranch.

Kate MeadowsMay 17, 2026

Eldon Hongo quit a six-figure career to do what he really loves — training bird dogs — and made just $12,000 his first year. Now the Cheyenne-area trainer’s resume includes 17 national champion bird dogs and a reputation as the best in the business.

Wyoming People: Eldon Hongo Traded 6-Figure Career To Train Champion Bird Dogs

Eldon Hongo quit a six-figure career to do what he really loves — training bird dogs — and made just $12,000 his first year. Now the Cheyenne-area trainer’s resume includes 17 national champion bird dogs and a reputation as the best in the business.

Renée JeanMay 17, 2026

When a large, purple urn mysteriously appeared at Holliday Park in Cheyenne, people had a lot of questions about whose cremains were inside and why they were left there. That happens "more often than people may realize,” says the Laramie County coroner.

Coroner Says Mystery Urn Left At Cheyenne Park Is More Common Than People Think

When a large, purple urn suddenly appeared at Holliday Park in Cheyenne, people had a lot of questions about whose cremains were inside and why they were left there. That happens "more often than people may realize,” the Laramie County coroner said.

Kolby FedoreMay 17, 2026

Hugh Jennings (left) takes down the sign at the Hitching Post Gallery with the help of his father William Jennings. The two opened the gallery in 1993 and closed the longstanding shop earlier this month.

No Regrets: Artists Decide To Sell Buffalo’s Legendary Hitching Post Gallery

The Hitching Post Gallery has been a fixture in Buffalo for more than 30 years. Father-and-son artists William and Hugh Jennings have quietly closed the doors. “Time is the most precious thing,” Hugh said, noting that he's not done making art.

Amber SteinmetzMay 17, 2026

Anna Kobza is a young ag influencer who didn’t grow up on a ranch is becoming one of the beef industry’s most recognizable faces. She says she’s trying to narrow the widening gap between ranchers and the people who eat what they raise.

From Feedlots To TikTok, Young Ag Influencer Tries To Bridge Beef Divide

A young ag influencer who didn’t grow up on a ranch is becoming one of the beef industry’s most recognizable faces. She says she’s trying to narrow the widening gap between ranchers and the people who eat what they raise.

Kate MeadowsMay 17, 2026

Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne

Wyoming Church Members Targeted By Scammers Stealing In The Name Of God

Scammers are increasingly targeting Wyoming churchgoers, appealing to their generosity and good nature to help out others in need while stealing from them in the name of God. Beware of emails from pastors that ask you to buy gift cards.

Jen KocherMay 17, 2026

By the end of the decade, Gillette will have hosted the National High School Finals Rodeo 15 times, more than any other city. “The NHSFR is in our DNA,” local officials say, adding they’re “heartbroken” that the world’s largest rodeo will never return.

How Gillette, Wyoming, Lost The World’s Largest Rodeo

By the end of the decade, Gillette will have hosted the National High School Finals Rodeo 15 times, more than any other city. But the organization announced this spring that after 2029, it has no plans to ever return to Wyoming.

Julie MankinMay 16, 2026

This wolverine was spotted last weekend near the Lower Green River Lakeside Trail in the Wind River Mountains.

Hiker Has Incredibly Rare Wolverine Encounter In Wyoming's Wind River Mountains

A software designer and wildlife watcher who was hiking in Wyoming last week had an incredibly rare encounter with a wolverine at the Green River Lakeside Trail in the Wind River Mountains. Photos he took clearly show a tracking collar on the animal.

Mark HeinzMay 16, 2026

Eldon Hongo quit a six-figure career to do what he really loves — training bird dogs — and made just $12,000 his first year. Now the Cheyenne-area trainer’s resume includes 17 national champion bird dogs and a reputation as the best in the business.

Fire Chief Says Wind River Canyon Fire Started By BNSF Train "Mechanical Issue"

Fremont County Fire Chief Ron Wempen told Cowboy State Daily the Wind River Canyon fire was started by a "mechanical issue" on a BNSF train. "Initially, they had a fire on board the locomotive itself," he said of Saturday's fire which grew to 133-acres.

Andrew Rossi & Jackie DorothyMay 16, 2026

The best friend of a Casper girl kidnapped with her sister and killed by being thrown off the Fremont Canyon Bridge is still haunted 53 years later. Tammr Herden said she was asked to go with them that day and thinks she could’ve saved her friend Amy Burridge, but her dad said “no."

Haunted: 53 Years After Casper Girl Killed, Best Friend Thinks She Could’ve Stopped It

The best friend of a Casper girl kidnapped with her sister and killed by being thrown off the Fremont Canyon Bridge is still haunted 53 years later. She was asked to go with them that day and thinks she could’ve saved them, but her dad said “no."

Dale KillingbeckMay 16, 2026

A Cheyenne attorney and his father, a former Wyoming attorney general, saw what they describe as a huge, super-bright UFO driving Highway 59 in 1991. How 35 years later, Richard Barrett says he’s still trying to figure out what they saw.

35 Years After UFO Encounter, Cheyenne Man Still Trying To Figure Out What He Saw

A Cheyenne attorney and his father, a former Wyoming attorney general, saw what they described as a huge, super-bright UFO while driving on Highway 59 in 1991. Now 35 years later, Richard Barrett says he’s still trying to figure out what they saw.

Dale KillingbeckMay 16, 2026

The first cars to legally enter Yellowstone National Park happened in 1915. Thirteen years before, Henry G. Merry crashed through the gate with his 1897 Winton which was officially the first car to drive into the park. 

Wyoming History: First Car In Yellowstone Was A Gate-Crasher Who Got Cars Banned

Henry Merry became the first person to drive a car in Yellowstone in 1902 when he crashed the park’s gate at 25 mph in his 1897 Winton. After he and his wife were kicked out, cars were officially banned in Yellowstone for another 13 years.

Jackie DorothyMay 17, 2026

Jenica and Dave McMaster in the Oval Office with President George W. Bush

Casper Couple Traces 20-Plus-Year Marriage To George W. Bush White House

A Casper couple traces their marriage of more than 22 years to meeting while working in the George W. Bush White House. From the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to calls from Air Force One, they now live in the hometown of Bush’s vice president, Dick Cheney.

Dale KillingbeckMay 17, 2026

Julie Fitzsimons was killed when she was run down by a distracted motorist in downtown Sheridan.

After Mother Run Down By Distracted Driver, Sheridan Woman Fights For Tougher Laws

Kate Gladdin rounded a corner in downtown Sheridan last year to see the aftermath of her mother’s death, having been run down by a distracted driver. The driver, a repeat offender, faces up to a year in jail under what Gladdin sees as Wyoming’s lax laws.

Jen KocherMay 16, 2026

When the Mount St. Helens volcano blew its top on May 18, 1980, former Powell resident Valerie Pierson was a young forester at the site. She ran for her life that day, and also met the man she would marry.

Former Powell Woman Recalls Being At Mount St. Helens When It Erupted 46 Years Ago

When the Mount St. Helens volcano blew up on May 18, 1980, a longtime Powell resident was a young forester at the site. "I glanced up at the mountain, and I saw the top of it shaking. And then I watched the whole thing come right off," she said.

Wendy CorrMay 16, 2026

Drivers on a Texas highway stopped under an overpass during a hailstorm caused a traffic jam and outraged people stuck out in the hail. It’s not legal, and trying that in Wyoming would get someone a ticket — or worse if they cause a crash.

No, You Can't Legally Park Under A Wyoming Overpass During A Hailstorm

No matter how tempting it is to park your car under an overpass during a hailstorm, it's illegal. Not only does it impede traffic but could cause major pileups. For emergency vehicles, not being able to get through could mean a matter of life or death.

Andrew RossiMay 16, 2026

Two people are dead after what Casper police describe as a domestic-related shooting Friday between two people at or near this parking lot who knew each other. “I watched them pull a stretcher out here,” says a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath."

2 Dead In Casper Shooting Involving People ‘Known To Each Other’

Two people are dead after what Casper police describe as a domestic-related shooting Friday between two people who knew each other. “I watched them pull a stretcher out here,” said a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath."

Kolby Fedore & Dale KillingbeckMay 16, 2026

A black bear was shot and killed late Friday morning in a subdivision north of Cheyenne. This is the second black bear spotted in the Cheyenne area this week. The property owner gave a neighbor, who had a bear hunting tag, permission to shoot the bear.

Black Bear Killed In Subdivision North Of Cheyenne; 2nd Bear In Area This Week

A black bear was shot and killed late Friday morning in a subdivision north of Cheyenne. This is the second black bear spotted in the Cheyenne area this week. The property owner gave a neighbor, who had a bear hunting tag, permission to shoot the bear.

Mark HeinzMay 15, 2026

U.S. Attorney Darin Smith

Judges Dismiss Nine Felony Cases, Including Murder, Over Darin Smith Misconduct

Wyoming’s federal judges on Friday dismissed nine felony-level criminal cases, including one first-degree murder case, due to prosecutorial misconduct through “inflammatory and inappropriate” comments interim U.S. Attorney nominee Darin Smith made to a grand jury.

Clair McFarlandMay 15, 2026

John Knepper, left, and Artemis Langford.

Wyoming Lawyer Not Liable For Embarrassing Claims In Trans Sorority Member Lawsuit

An attorney who tried getting a court to void the membership of a University of Wyoming transgender sorority member was found not liable Friday for personal and embarrassing claims he and his co-counsel included in the bombshell case's public court file.

Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Diane Miller. Diane writes, "So thankful to have gotten rain and then the wet snow. Things will be greening up nicely out here by Curt Gowdy."

Photo by Diane Miller

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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Joan Barron

Joan Barron: Time To look At Home Rule Again

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “The growing public concern over the crush of data projects, the huge man camps and gambling parlors show that the influx is too much to absorb, and needs to slow down.”

Joan BarronMay 16, 2026

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Bill Sniffin: Three Women and Three Unusual Deaths; Hantavirus Outbreak Memories

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “During my long newspaper career, I covered many strange deaths. These three were probably among the strangest involving exotic diseases not expected to be found in Lander.”

Bill SniffinMay 16, 2026

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Fred Harrison: The Authentic Family — How Courts, State Diminished The Human Person

Columnist Fred Harrison writes, "In 1960, just 5.3 percent of children were born out of wedlock. Today, non-marital births hover at 40 percent, and a quarter of American children grow up without a father — driving poverty, crime, and generational trauma."

Fred HarrisonMay 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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Crime & Courts

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