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Microsoft's data center in the Cheyenne Business Parkway business park in east Cheyenne.

Why Microsoft Can Skip State Review For 3,500 More Data Center Acres In Cheyenne

Why can a project as massive as Microsoft’s planned 3,500-acre expansion avoid Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council while wind farms and other major industrial facilities usually cannot? It’s not a loophole or a data-center-specific workaround. It's state law.

Renée JeanJuly 14, 2026

With northwest Wyoming’s wolf population is at a 20-year low, the state Game and Fish Commission has cut the wolf hunt limits by more than half. Some advocates say that’s not enough, arguing to suspend hunting wolves altogether.

Wyoming Game And Fish Commission Cuts Wolf Hunt Quotas By More Than Half

With northwest Wyoming’s wolf population at a 20-year low, the state Game and Fish Commission on Tuesday cut the wolf hunt limits by more than half. Some advocates said that’s not enough, arguing to suspend hunting wolves altogether.

Mark HeinzJuly 14, 2026

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Yellowstone Photographer Ran After Bison To Get It Away From Flipped Grandpa

The photographer who shot video of the Yellowstone bison attacking the 65-year-old grandpa ran after the animal when he saw it standing over the man. "I just started running at the bison, yelling, jumping in the air, trying to be intimidating,” he said.

Andrew RossiJuly 14, 2026

An aerial view of the Meta data center being built in south Cheyenne. A water retention pond is shown near the edge of the development.

On Second Thought, No Press Conference On Cheyenne Meta Data Center Contamination

Despite promising a press conference this week to address the Meta data center contamination of Cheyenne’s wastewater system, the Board of Public Utilities now says it won’t, opting instead to release a statement addressing questions.

Kate Meadows & Clair McFarlandJuly 14, 2026

The judge in state Rep. Bill Allemand's ongoing DUI case may hit his defense attorney with a contempt charge for missing a hearing. The attorney says he “did not intentionally fail to appear” and calls the no-show a scheduling mishap.

Judge May Hit Allemand’s Defense Lawyer With Contempt Charge For Missing Hearing

The judge in state Rep. Bill Allemand's ongoing DUI case may hit his defense attorney with a contempt charge for missing a hearing. The attorney says he “did not intentionally fail to appear” and calls the no-show a scheduling mishap.

Clair McFarlandJuly 14, 2026

Gary Gwin is the mastermind behind the entertaining bank robberies and other skits that keep the streets of South Pass lively during Gold Rush Days each year.

Gold Dust, Hoop Skirts And Cannon Booms: Gold Rush Days In South Pass City, Wyoming

Once a roaring gold capital, South Pass City, Wyoming, comes to life for one summer weekend every year for Gold Rush Days. There's cannon fire, gold panning, and guests who look the part in one of the West’s best-preserved Gold Rush towns. 

Renée JeanJuly 14, 2026

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Gillette Couple Accused Of Scamming Neighbor With Dementia Out Of 1965 Mustang

A Gillette couple is accused of exploiting a 70-year-old neighbor with dementia into giving them his classic 1965 Mustang worth more than $44,000. In return, they allegedly said they’d give the man $500 and promised to mow his lawn once a week for life.

Kolby FedoreJuly 14, 2026

Andrew Crawford

Repeat Cody Sex Offender Accused Of Pleasuring Himself Next To Van Of Camp Kids

A registered Cody sex offender is accused of exposing and masturbating alongside a van of camp kids while making direct eye contact with those in the van. He’s the same man convicted in 2023 for repeatedly exposing himself to female coffee baristas.

Kolby FedoreJuly 14, 2026

Taron Hunziker-Ford

Wheatland Officer Runs Out Of Gas During 112 MPH Chase, Still Gets Driver

Despite a Wheatland police officer running out of gas during a chase of up to 112 mph through two towns Sunday, the driver of a white BMW failed to elude law enforcement. The driver also at one point looked at pursuing officers and shrugged.

Greg JohnsonJuly 14, 2026

Jadin Zander Tripplett

​Casper Man Pleads Not Guilty To Role In Deadly Apartment Shootout

A 21-year-old Casper man pleaded not guilty Tuesday for his alleged role in a deadly shootout at an apartment complex in May 2025. He’s accused of trying to shoot his cousin over a stolen gun during an armed raid that touched off a gunfight.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2026

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Gray Calls Rasner ‘A Child' For Bringing His Dad Into Fiery GOP Primary Race

GOP congressional candidate Chuck Gray derided primary opponent Reid Rasner after he brought Gray’s father into the campaign by saying "Chuck Gray’s Dad Supports Reid.” Gray called it “More unhinged nonsense from Reid Rasner.” 

Clair McFarlandJuly 14, 2026

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Washington Grandfather Recovering In Hospital After Yellowstone Bison Attack

The man who made international headlines after being attacked by a bison in Yellowstone on Friday is in a hospital recovering with several broken bones. Carl Ison-McDaniel of Kendall, Washington, thanked well-wishers and said he was doing "OK."

Andrew RossiJuly 13, 2026

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Ranchlands Near Wheatland Eyed For $26 Billion 'Transformational' Data Center

A company called Site Layer 4 wants to rezone 5,344 acres of ranchland near Wheatland for a data center and power plant. The project, they say, adds 300 jobs and substantial tax revenue, but neighbors worry about water, wildlife and the viewshed.

Renée JeanJuly 13, 2026

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Arapaho Tribe Tells Christian Church To Leave Reservation; Church Says No

Northern Arapaho Tribal leaders have told a Christian church to leave the reservation after the pastor preached "a pipe cannot hear your prayers.' The pastor said she's staying, and won't apologize for preaching that "Jesus is the only way."

Clair McFarlandJuly 13, 2026

Patrick Graham (left) and Jordan Dean (right) next to the giant galloping horse which they rebuilt

The Wrangler’s Galloping Horse Will Ride Again in Cheyenne

The galloping horse and rider at Wrangler’s Western-wear store has been a fixture in downtown Cheyenne since the 1950s, but it broke down four years ago and efforts to fix it failed. Now a Cheyenne family rebuilt the horse in time for Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Kerry DrakeJuly 13, 2026

Wyoming has confirmed six cases of Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea, dehydration and weight loss.

Wyoming's 'Explosive Diarrhea' Cases Double, Linked To Travel Outside Of U.S.

Wyoming has confirmed six cases of Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea, dehydration and weight loss. Medical experts link five of the six cases to travel outside the U.S. "It is not funny, that's for sure," an ER doctor said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

Worland, Wyoming hits 110 degrees

Northern Wyoming Bakes Under Highest Recorded Temps Ever, Awaits Relief

For many northern Wyoming communities, Sunday was the hottest day in recorded history. Worland, Riverton, Sheridan and Buffalo set marks of between 105 and 110 degrees. Even Yellowstone hit a record.

Andrew RossiJuly 13, 2026

Nonprofit groups, such as Vets 4 Huntin & Fishin, host hunts for military veterans from Wyoming and other states.

Wyoming Game And Fish Backs Off Proposal To Tighten Tag Regs For Disabled Vets

After an outcry, Game and Fish has backed off its proposal to prevent veterans with PTSD and other non-apparent disabilities from hunting during special early seasons. The public was "loud and clear," said Bill Brinegar of Hunting With Heroes,

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2026

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Lovell Woman Charged With Felony For Allegedly Burning Child, Fracturing Skull

A Lovell woman is being charged with felony child abuse after doctors found a young child suffering from severe burns, brain hemorrhages, possible skull fracture and other injuries that medical experts concluded were consistent with physical abuse.

Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

Tory J. Raether smiles with his wife, Jean (left). Tory J. Raether and his wife, Jean, paddle an inflatable kayak on the Snake River near Alpine just hours before Raether disappeared after entering the water near Jump Rock on July 4 (right)

Body Of North Carolina Man Recovered From Snake River After Weeklong Search

The body of Tory Raether was found in the Snake River a week after leaping into the swift currents. Family and friends remember Raether as a devoted husband, father and mentor. "The world needs more people like Tory," close friend Brad Johnson said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

Ellie Feathers of Park County is a top shooter in many disciplines at the Wyoming State Fair such as .22 rifle but said that muzzleloader is one of her favorites because of the time it takes to load each shot with black powder and a steel ball.

Holy Smokes: Muzzleloader Is Loads And Reloads Of Fun For Kids At State Shoot

Historic muzzleloaders have developed a loyal following among Wyoming 4H kids who prefer a "boom" over a "kick" when they shoot a firearm. Eighty-five devotees ages 8-18 loaded and reloaded over the weekend at the Wyoming State Shoot in Douglas.

Jackie DorothyJuly 13, 2026

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Feds: I-25 Remains Wyoming's Main Artery For Cartel Drug Trafficking

Federal officials said Monday fentanyl seizures in Wyoming have already exceeded last year's total, and said Interstate-25 remains a major drug-trafficking route for Mexican cartels.

Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

From Wayne Schell's radiator disaster as a young Marine to pilgrimages ending on the Santa Monica Pier, historic U.S. Route 66 is a 2,400-mile neighborhood packed with memories and myths. “Route 66 has always been the route of dreams,” says historian John Hinckley.

America’s Longest Small Town: Why Route 66 Is The Quintessential American Experience

Historic U.S. Route 66 is America's longest small town — a 2,400-mile neighborhood that one historian calls the "quintessential American experience." 90-year-old Wayne Schell has driven the entire route dozens of times and continues to drive it today.

Renée JeanJuly 12, 2026

Hollywood producer Hawk Koch shares stories of his career in the Shell Bar in Shell.

Legendary Hollywood Producer Goes To Wyoming Bar And Talks Redford, Gable, De Niro

Hawk Koch, a Hollywood producer and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, stopped by the Shell Bar last week to talk about his work on movies such as "Chinatown," "Marathon Man," and "Wayne's World" and his encounters with legendary actors.

Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2026

Man flipped by bison at Yellowstone's Bridge Bay Campground on Friday, July 10, 2026

Tourist Seriously Injured After Yellowstone Bison Launches Man 8 Feet In The Air

A tourist was seriously injured Friday evening after being thrown 8 feet into the air by a bull bison in Yellowstone National Park. Professional photographer Mike Macleod filmed the incident and said the bison was "angry, agitated and charging anything and everything."

Andrew RossiJuly 11, 2026

Clay Gibbons, Washakie County Historian, has stood on several historic sites exactly 100 years after the event occurred. He said that it is a profound experience.

Wyoming Historian Clay Gibbons Outlives Cancer Prognosis, 'Grateful For Every Day'

Wyoming Historian Clay Gibbons has not only outlived the pancreatic cancer prognosis he received but it hasn’t stopped his quest for digging up Wyoming history or advocating for ranching. Gibbons says faith, family and friends are everything.

Jackie DorothyJuly 12, 2026

A photo of the American flag, Purple Heart, and photos a Gillette man and his sister recently understood they had gathered up a few years ago. They are trying to find the true heirs to the property.

Gillette Siblings On Mission To Return Purple Heart To Family Of Korean War Vet

A Gillette brother and sister are on a mission to find the family of a frame-encased American flag with a Purple Heart medal. They've enlisted the help of Gillette American Legion Post #42 that says the Korean War vet was attached to a frontline battalion.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 12, 2026

Londen Tabor, left, said the hardest thing for her has been seeing how Junior Huntington’s Disease has quickly robbed her daughter’s abilities in life.

Last Road Trip For Gillette Mom And Dying Daughter Derailed By Broken-Down SUV

A Gillette woman's plans for one last summer road trip with her dying daughter have been derailed by a failed transmission in their 26-year-old SUV. But she's not giving up hope. “This is the last chance I have to do this with my daughter,” Londen Tabor said.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 11, 2026

Carole Thurmond Wills' grandfather homesteaded on the North Fork near Cody in the early 1900s. She is using photos from that time to create a historic walking trail in the North Fork Campground located on what was once her family's land.

Glass-Plate Family Photos Help Tell Story Of Buffalo Bill State Park In Early 1900s

While camping at Buffalo Bill State Park in 1997, Carole Thurmond Wills was stunned to learn her family once owned that land. Wills now is creating an interactive walk using photos taken by her grandfather on glass-plate negatives from 1899-1912.

Amber SteinmetzJuly 13, 2026

Dubois craftsman Ben Barto owns Bone Daddy Knives, a hobby turned big business that’s now bankrolling a transformation of Dubois' Outlaw Bar and giving the once-seedy watering hole a new vibe. “This was just a dump when we bought it,” Barto said.

Longtime Knifemaker Transforming Dubois' Outlaw Bar From Dive Into Destination

Dubois craftsman Ben Barto owns Bone Daddy Knives, a hobby turned big business that’s now bankrolling a transformation of Dubois' Outlaw Bar and giving the once-seedy watering hole a new vibe. “This was just a dump when we bought it,” Barto said.

Renée JeanJuly 12, 2026

Born in a near-ghost town in Wyoming, Larry Morgan's life is a rags-to-riches story that begins and ends in Wyoming.

From Wyoming Coal Miner’s Son To Closer: How Larry Morgan Achieved The American Dream

Born in a near ghost-town in Wyoming, Larry Morgan’s life is a rags to riches story that begins and ends in Wyoming. Yet he insists the real story isn’t about money so much as freedom — and he's got a best-selling book on Amazon that tells his tale.

Renée JeanJuly 12, 2026

Children at the National Museum of Military Vehicles picked up Tootsie Rolls as fast as they could.

Dubois Tootsie Roll Drop Remembers How Candy Saved ‘Frozen Chosin’ Marines In Korea

A candy drop at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois was more than just fun for kids. It honored the "Frozen Chosin" Marines who depended on Tootsie Rolls for calories, field repairs and sheer survival on minus-40 degree days in the Korean War.

Renée JeanJuly 12, 2026

Laramie 9-year-old elk caller Axl Anton is set to compete against teens nearly twice his age in the world elk calling championship this month. He's already "in the top five best callers in the country, if not the best,” said a hunting industry insider.

Laramie Elk Caller, 9, Guns For World Title Against Others Nearly Twice His Age

Laramie 9-year-old elk caller Axl Anton is set to compete against teens nearly twice his age in the world elk calling championship this month. He's already "in the top five best callers in the country, if not the best,” said a hunting industry insider.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2026

In 1894, Chief Red Cloud and a band of 50 Indians came through Natrona County on the way to the Wind River Indian Reservation and killed some wild game for food. He was arrested and spent time in a Casper jail while his wife mourned outside.

Wyoming History: Chief Red Cloud Was Locked Up In Casper For Killing Wild Game

In 1894, Chief Red Cloud and a band of 50 Indians came through Natrona County on the way to the Wind River Indian Reservation and killed some wild game for food. He was arrested and spent time in a Casper jail while his wife mourned outside.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 12, 2026

Kristen Stauffer on the one-of-a-kind Zerbst Trackway on the Zerbst "Paleo Park" Ranch near Newcastle. Stauffer has been taking tours to the track site, found by her father Leonard, for years. That's why she was "shell-shocked" that someone trespassed on and damaged a rare hadrosaur footprint.

Newcastle Family 'Shell-Shocked' By Vandalism Of Rare Dinosaur Footprints

A trespasser trying illegally to make a copy of rare dinosaur footprints on the "Paleo Park" Zerbst Ranch near Newcastle ended up vandalizing the site. “I was shell-shocked. “We have spent years protecting them,” said the owner.

Andrew RossiJuly 11, 2026

He was homeless and in despair when he built a popular theater program in Green River. Now Bradlee Skinner performs before sold-out crowds in his dream job with baseball's Savannah Bananas, one of the hottest tickets in sports. Above, Skinner with choreographer Mandy Moore in Savannah. Moore choreographed Taylor Swift's Eras tour.

Homeless To Home Plate: Wyoming Man's Fantastic Journey To The Savannah Bananas

Green River's Bradlee Skinner was homeless, delivering pizzas and wondering how his life had unraveled. Now he performs before sold-out crowds with the Savannah Bananas, baseball's wildly popular entertainment phenomenon. And it all started with a selfie.

Kate MeadowsJuly 11, 2026

Some say chainsaws should be allowed wilderness areas to clear trails of dead trees. Others argue that wilderness is no place for machinery of any kind.

As Dead Trees Clog Wyoming Wilderness Trails, Some Argue For Using Chainsaws

So many dead trees are piling up on Wyoming’s remote wilderness trails, some outfitters say they should be allowed to use chainsaws to clear them rather than working for days with hand tools. Chainsaws have been banned from those areas for 62 years.

Mark HeinzJuly 11, 2026

The 1923-24  “Old Government Bridge” is located about 20 miles from Casper.

Ghost Bridge: Nobody Claims Ownership Of Abandoned 122-Year-Old Bridge Over North Platte

The Old Government Bridge spanning the North Platte 20 miles southwest of Casper is rusting, mostly abandoned and nobody claims ownership of it. But if those nuts, bolts and steel beams could speak, they would tell stories about bootleggers and murder.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 11, 2026

Wyoming’s mule deer are doing good so far this year, but there’s concern over their forage drying out before they can fatten up enough for winter.

Rain Gives Wyoming Mule Deer A Boost, But They’ll Need To Pack On Fat For Winter

Wyoming’s mule deer are enjoying lush forage for now in the high country, but there’s concern if the low country dries out and winter hits hard. "If it's any sort of normal winter, it's going to be rough," says Bill Ames of the Wyoming Mule Deer Alliance.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2026

New York Times bestselling author Maragaret Coel said that she began writing her murder mysteries set on the Wind River Reservation back when phones were tethered to the wall by cords. While copies of her books still sell in her paperback form, the majority of her audience is now discovering her through e-books and audible books. She has retired from writing, but her books have not been retired and are still in print.

Best-Selling Wind River Reservation Mysteries Author Inspired By Famous Chief Left Hand

When Margaret Coel first started writing history – then murder mysteries – she just shut up and listened to the Arapaho elders she met with. This ability to listen led her books to the New York best-seller list and ended up mirroring real life more than she expected.

Jackie DorothyJuly 12, 2026

Once a weathered wooden box with a revered view of Cheyenne Frontier Days' timed events, Chute 9 has been rebuilt as a three-level VIP cathedral, left background. “Once you go up there, it’s going to be hard to go back to sitting in the stands,” said CEO Tom Hirsig.

From Basic Box To VIP Showpiece: New Chute 9 To Debut At Cheyenne Frontier Days

Diehard rodeo fans say there's no better place to watch Cheyenne Frontier Days than Chute 9. Now it's even better as it's been rebuilt as a three-level VIP cathedral. “It’s the most incredible outdoor rodeo experience in the country," CFD's Tom Hirsig says.

Renée JeanJuly 11, 2026

Carls Dunrud was running a dude ranch in the former Kirwin mining district when four young criminals made a run for it in 1932. He was asked to track them down and warned that they were now armed with a stolen gun. Their leader was known as Sunshine and was known the be dangerous. 

How A Legendary Ex-Yellowstone Ranger Chased Down The Notorious 'Sunshine'

Although young, "Sunshine" was already a dangerous inmate at an institute in Worland. When hand three others escaped, a legendary former Yellowstone ranger was called to hunt Sunshine down. "He's young, but he's a pretty tough hombre,” the warden said.

Jackie DorothyJuly 12, 2026

Homes are getting closer to completion at Pronghorn Crossing.

Cheyenne’s Habitat Fix Turns Eight Homes Into Affordable Housing For 12 Families

Two single moms shut out of Cheyenne’s starter-home market are among 12 families getting a chance at homeownership in a new Habitat for Humanity neighborhood. Once set for eight houses, it grew to 12 after Cheyenne rewrote building and zoning rules.

Renée JeanJuly 11, 2026

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Mexican Trucker Accused Of Furious Canyon Rampage Trying To Stay In U.S.

A Mexican national who faces eight felonies is attempting to stay in the country after he allegedly chased down and tried to ram travelers off the road in Snake River Canyon. He "deliberately crossed the centerline and targeted our vehicle," one victim said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2026

University of Nebraska graduate research assistant Taylor Cross, left, and graduate student Ian Tempelmeyer walk behind the Flex-Ro autonomous planting robot as it starts a row at Rogers Memorial Farm, east of Lincoln. Santosh Pitla, associate professor of advanced machinery systems at UN, has managed the project since the robot’s inception in 2015.

Here Come The Robots: Robotic Weed-Pullers, Sprayers, Cattle Herders Coming Our Way

From autonomous machines that pull weeds instead of spraying herbicides to robotic platforms that can herd cattle and ultraviolet-light systems that fight crop diseases without chemicals, agricultural robotics are coming to Wyoming, one UW prof says.

Kate MeadowsJuly 11, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Justin Harvey. Justin writes, "Casper Hot Air Balloon Rally. Attached is a picture taken from Miss Wyoming balloon. Sunrise over Casper."

Photo by Justin Harvey

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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Cowboy on a bucking horse

Heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days™?

Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go

July 08, 2026

Three teens and one adult volunteering, holding boxes at a Food Bank of Wyoming Mobile Pantry in May 2026.

The Wyoming Way: Helping Neighbors, Feeding Families, Strengthening Communities

From young families and grandparents raising grandchildren to caregivers and retirees, Wyomingites across the state are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Food Bank of Wyoming is encouraging communities to come together to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. This WyoGives Day, July 15, donors can help support both local families and Wyoming producers.

July 07, 2026

American flag flying out of the back of a pick up.

AAA Urges Drivers to Keep Wyoming Roads Safe This Fourth of July

With 61.4 million travelers expected to drive to celebrate the Fourth of July, AAA calls on Wyomingites to protect everyone on the road by planning a safe ride home, and slowing down and moving over for stopped vehicles on the shoulder.

June 29, 2026

Opinion

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Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: Sombrero Etiquette for Politicians

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Nothing says 'dude' or 'drugstore' more than a politician wearing a hat that makes them look they are cos-playing. So please consider this screed as a helpful primer on the proper wearing of a cowboy hat – a Stetsons for Dummies, if you will."

Rod MillerJuly 10, 2026

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Bill Sniffin: July’s Parades Are Coming Out Parties For Our Wyoming Politicians

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Early in the year, most politicians operate in obscurity. But once July’s parade season hits, political competition rises to the top of favorite activities.”

Bill SniffinJuly 11, 2026

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Joan Barron: 'Property Tax Initiative’ May Be Too Generous

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Property taxpayers like me are confused. Property taxes pay a large share of the cost of public schools. That lost property tax money will need to be replaced — back-filled — most likely by sales taxes."

Joan BarronJuly 11, 2026

Wyoming Life

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