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Sen. Tim Salazar (left), Senate President Bo Biteman (center), Sen. Tara Nethercott (right)

House, Senate To Negotiate $170 Million In Budget Differences

The Wyoming House of Representatives on Monday handed the Senate a two-year budget draft totaling $9.96 billion, while the Senate sent the House a $10.13 billion draft budget of its own; a difference of $170 million. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026

File photo of Luka Rasmussen appearing in Natrona County District Court

Casper Teen Gets 10-16 Years For Fatally Shooting 16-Year-Old Friend With Glock

A 19-year-old Casper man was sentenced to 10-16 years in prison Tuesday for accidentally killing his 16-year-old friend. The victim's father said he never thought the last time he would see his son would be holding “his cold hands” at a mortuary.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 24, 2026

Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Lynne J. Boomgaarden speaks at the opening session at the 68th Wyoming Legislature Budget Session on Monday, February 9.

Wyoming Supreme Court Won't Reconsider Abortion Ruling, Rejects Hail Mary Argument

The Wyoming Supreme Court declined last week to hear the Wyoming Attorney General’s argument that a court ruling declaring abortion is a fundamental health care right is flawed.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026

Photo from a Wyoming Highway Patrol Association first-person story called "The Thinning Blue Line"

“I Want My Husband To Quit”: Highway Patrol Families Say Low Pay Creating Crisis

Wyoming troopers and their families say low pay, lost overtime and short staffing are driving burnout and resignations. The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association's first-ever social media blitz — run by a 25-year veteran who doesn't use Facebook — has gone viral.

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026

Wyoming's new tourism chief Dominic Bravo lays out his vision for the Cowboy State's No. 2 industry during his first major public address in a forum moderated by Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition Executive Director Chris Brown.

Wyoming Governor's Tourism Convention 2026: New Tourism Chief Outlines Vision

Wyoming's new tourism chief Dominic Bravo on Monday said the very idea that tourism is a "soft industry" doesn't work for him. Those are fighting words, he says. Tourism is the state’s No. 2 industry, generating nearly $5 billion in economic impact.

Renée JeanFebruary 24, 2026

Kayla Marie Clark

While Laramie Woman Was Fighting In A Bar, Her 2-Year-Old Was Home Alone

Breaking up a fight between two women at a Laramie bar led police to discover the 2-year-old child of one had been left home alone for hours. Police found the child in a dark, 90-degree room wearing a soiled diaper, say court documents available Monday.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 23, 2026

State Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette

‘Checkgate' Bill To Eliminate Teton Housing Rules Clears Wyoming House

The Wyoming House passed a bill Monday to kill Jackson and Teton County affordable housing policies. It’s the bill pushed by conservative activist Rebecca Bextel, who’s at the center of legislative probes for handing out checks on the House floor.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026

Secretary of State Chuck Gray and Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander clashed Monday over whether a bill born from a prolonged election controversy was a necessary reform or a product of personal politics — and Case had the votes to kill it.

Gray’s Election Bill Dies Amid Clash Over Accountability, ‘Personality Conflicts'

Sec. Chuck Gray told a Senate committee that a 15-month pursuit of a county clerk proved the system was broken. Sen. Cale Case said the bill was feeding a political dispute between the state's top officials and called the animosity “very disappointing.”

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026

“Many of you have probably heard of the ‘Art of the Deal,’” House Majority Floor Leader Scott Heiner, R-Green River, began during the Saturday debate. “The only real leverage we have is the power of the purse.”

University Of Wyoming Pushes Back On Budget Cuts: "No Cuts Are Appropriate, Period"

The University of Wyoming on Monday said it disagrees with a House budget tweak that lawmakers framed as an 'Art-of-the-Deal' negotiation. “The university continues to oppose any cut. UW is adamant: No cuts are appropriate, period," said a spokesman.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026

Rock springs police 2 23 26

Rock Springs Bookkeeper Admits Stealing From Union For Years

A Rock Springs woman who was a bookkeeper for a local contractors union for 25 years admitted to police she’s taken nearly $30,000 since 2016. She said she would write checks to herself when “having a hard time paying her bills.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 23, 2026

Dorothy Pontillo of Cheyenne had just turned a year old when she was diagnosed with cancer. The tumor had been lurking undetected in her body since conception, and it took months of treatment to remove the cancer.

Victory: Cheyenne Toddler Born With Cancer Spent First 18 Months Fighting For Life

Born with cancer, toddler Dorothy Pontillo suffered months of pain before an MRI found a massive tumor. Her parents’ persistence and help from a group that helps families with medical bills helped Dorothy survive. Now she's happy and pain-free.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 23, 2026

Laramie County Sheriff's Department (FILE PHOTO)

Why Does Wyoming Law Enforcement Advertise Where DUI Task Forces Are Set Up?

You would think law enforcement would be able to catch more impaired drivers if they didn’t advertise where DUI task forces were set up. But that’s not the purpose, says Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak.

Andrew RossiFebruary 23, 2026

Uinta County rancherJack Sims is seeing signs of new life in Evanston. New restaurants have opened, new businesses have opened, and he believes that is thanks, in no small part, to the growing role of the horse racing industry. 

Horseracing Is Sparking An Equine Economic Boom In Evanston

Uinta County rancher Jack Sims says there are new signs of life in Evanston thanks to the horse racing industry. “There’s over 300 brood mares in the Wyoming breeding program around Evanston,” Sims said. “And it’s bringing a lot of money to this county.”

Renée JeanFebruary 23, 2026

Rep. Mike Yin said he believes the judicial branch will halt the heartbeat ban if it passes, and abortion will remain altogether legal in Wyoming. (file photo)

Wyoming House Rejects Attempt To Make Abortion Ban 'Viability' Instead Of ‘Hearbeat'

A bill to ban abortions in Wyoming after the point at which a heartbeat can be heard remains unchanged after lawmakers tried to tweak it Monday. Rep. Mike Yin said he believes the judicial branch will halt the ban if it passes, and abortion will remain legal.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026

Surveillance footage of poaching incident at Orofino Elementary School

Idaho Man Poaches Deer On Elementary School Lawn, Then Comes Back For Carcass

In a case that a wildlife officer described as "crazy" and “a first for me,” an Idaho man allegedly shot a deer on an elementary school lawn after dark, left for about two hours, and then came back and loaded the deer’s carcass into his pickup.

Mark HeinzFebruary 23, 2026

To ward off coyotes and other predators, some ranchers are attaching flashing ear tags to their livestock.

Ranchers Are Putting Flashing Lights On Cattle And Sheep To Keep Predators Away

Seeking a cheap and effective way to protect livestock from predators, Utah researchers think they have an answer — put flashing lights on sheep and cattle to scare them off. Critics say predators will get used to them and go back to killing livestock.

Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

Brooke Latka was born and raised in Casper and classically trained as a violinist, but was drawn to the personality of country fiddle. For the past 17 years, she's been the fiddler for country music star Chancy Williams and his band.

How A Classically Trained Violinist From Casper Became Chancey Williams' Fiddler

Brooke Latka was born and raised in Casper and classically trained as a violinist, but was drawn to the personality of country fiddle. For the past 17 years, she's been the fiddler for country music star Chancey Williams and his band.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 22, 2026

Richard McCoy III and Chanté McCoy talk about their father's parachute during a presentation with Dan Gryder at the DTSB Aviation Safety Summit in Orlando in January 2026.

Part 4: Who Is D.B. Cooper? FBI’s ‘One-In-A-Billion’ Parachute Returns

Part 4 In A Series: A parachute found on D.B. Cooper suspect Richard McCoy’s family property was seized and tested by the FBI, then quietly returned in December, 2025, without explanation. The ambiguous action and closed lips from the FBI is fueling new theories about the notorious skyjacking.

Jen KocherFebruary 22, 2026

Lucas Rowley and staff at Rescue River work at their craft of making high-end fishing flies.

Casper Man Trades Tech Career For Rescuing Women In Uganda By Tying Fishing Flies

A Casper man traded his very successful tech career in Austin for a far different mission — rescuing sex-abused women in Uganda. He and his wife are teaching them to be self-sufficient by tying high-end fishing flies and selling them in the U.S.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 22, 2026

A pair of Wyoming college students were among the 300 extras cast in the sci-fi classic “Starship Troopers” 30 years ago. They recall hot days in Hell’s Half Acre doused with alien blood as dead bodies. “I want more blood!” the director would yell. Here, extra Melissa Parkinson poses for a photo in her suit during the filming.

30 Years Later: Looking Back On The Filming Of 'Starship Troopers'

30 years ago this summer, Melissa Parkinson and Tana Libolt landed the most unusual job they ever had. They were hired to be dead bodies at Hell’s Half Acre for the filming of 'Starship Troopers.' They were among 300 who answered a newspaper ad in Casper.

Renée JeanFebruary 22, 2026

Elk might be regarded as walking septic tanks, insofar as the range of bacteria and other flora in their guts allows them to process all sorts of things that other animals, such as deer, might not be able to handle.

Did You Know? Elk Are Nature's Garbage Disposals, They'll Eat Anything

Elk could be regarded as walking septic tanks in that the range of bacteria in their gut allows them to eat things other animals can't handle. They have a multi-stomach digestive system and the first stomach is “essentially a fermentation vat."

Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

“A Deep Seat and a Long Rein” is a 15.5-foot-tall monument that stands in the new roundabout at Ivinson Avenue and 15th Street on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie.

The Story Behind Chris Navarro's 15-Foot Bronze Of Steamboat At U.W.

It took over a year for celebrated Wyoming bronze artist Chris Navarro to create the 15-foot sculpture of Steamboat located on the University of Wyoming campus. “It’s more than just a symbol of UW. It’s a symbol of Wyoming," Navarro said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 22, 2026

The Billings animal shelter finally has a new home months after police flooded it with smoke from 200 pounds of meth burned in a shared crematorium. There still hasn’t been an answer to why the PD burned meth in an oven typically used for animals.

Billings Animal Shelter Has New Home After PD Burned 200 Pounds Of Meth In Crematorium

The Billings animal shelter finally has a new home months after police flooded it with smoke from 200 pounds of meth burned in a shared crematorium. There still hasn’t been an answer to why the PD burned meth in a crematorium typically used for animals.

Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 22, 2026

Laramie’s 1937 Hitchcock House was once home to University of Wyoming presidents. Not quite a mansion, the nearly 5,000-square-foot house has hit the market, listing at $1.03 million.

Laramie Mini-Mansion, Former Home For UW Presidents, Hits The Market For $1 Million

Laramie’s 1937 Hitchcock House was once home to presidents at the University of Wyoming. Not quite a mansion, the nearly 5,000-square-foot house has hit the market, listing at $1.03 million.

Renée JeanFebruary 22, 2026

Radiant Manufacturing of Rock Springs is the industry leader in giant sequin displays. In an increasingly digital world, its "old-school" sequin designs stand out with three-dimensional textures and dazzling movement.

Rock Springs Company Makes Giant Sequin Displays For The NFL, Disney, Coca-Cola

When the NFL, Disney and Coca-Cola want to make a dazzling "old school" impression, they call a Rock Springs number. That's where Radiant Manufacturing is located. The world's best known brands contract with Radiant for its patented sequin panel displays.

Andrew RossiFebruary 22, 2026

Gov. Ed Herschler's favorite bar was the Cloud 9, a one-of-a-kind waterhole in Cheyenne's old airport.

When Wyoming’s Governor Ruled Cloud 9, Cheyenne's One-Of-A-Kind Airport Bar

Cloud 9 was Cheyenne’s off-duty political clubhouse where Gov. Ed Herschler drank, smoked and mingled with everyone from hunters to Supreme Court justices. Its boozy camaraderie and unbuttoned attitude evoke a looser golden age of Wyoming politics.

Zakary SonntagFebruary 21, 2026

Elise Johnson, 5, was killed in 2010 when a snowboarder hit her going 50 mph, who was also killed. Her mother suffered severe brain trauma. It was a preventable accident and her family has launched a campaign to keep the ski slopes safer with slogans such as “She was 5, You Were Going 50” and “Live To Ride Another Day.” Elise will forever be their snow angel as her parents preserve their daughter’s legacy by saving others.

Remembering Elise, The Wyoming 5-Year-Old Killed By A Snowboarder Going 50 MPH

It was a beautiful day at Hogadon Ski Resort in Casper when a speeding snowboarder killed himself and 5-year-old Elise Johnson. Now in her memory, Elise’s parents and siblings are on a mission to make the slopes safer to “live to ride another day."

Jackie DorothyFebruary 21, 2026

Milk sell by dates 2 21 26

Why The Same Milk Is Dated To Last A Week Longer In Wyoming Than Montana

The same milk sold in both Wyoming and Montana are sometimes tagged with different “sell by” and “best buy” dates, with Wyoming’s being a week longer. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture says It’s all about the bureaucracy of milk.

Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2026

Capitol 2 2 21 26

House Approves Raises For Wyoming State Employees

On Saturday evening a Wyoming Republican representative from Casper and a Democratic representative from Laramie found a way to get House approval for giving state employees raises. The move is not final but it stands a chance.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 22, 2026

Dalton banks 2 21 26

"I Forgot To Eat My Wheaties!”: Rep. Dalton Banks Collapses On House Floor

After a week of late nights, early mornings, and marathon debates on how Wyoming should spend money for the next two years, two state representatives had medical events on the House floor this week, including Rep. Dalton Banks, who collapsed on Saturday.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026

Teamster Rick Edney of Nevada is training mules to pull several wagons to recreate the freight train that used to haul goods into the fledging town of Thermopolis, Wyoming in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He said that it is time consuming retraining his mules to a jerk line but is excited reenact the feats of Henry "16-Mule Team" Johnson.  

Before Wyoming Became A Major Semitruck Route, 16-Mule Teams Hauled Freight

Rick Edney is training mules to pull several wagons to recreate the freight train that hauled goods into Thermopolis in the late 1800s. He said it's time consuming but is excited to reenact the feats of Henry "16-Mule Team" Johnson for 'Trailblazer Days.'

Jackie DorothyFebruary 22, 2026

As 41 states open their doors to NIL deals for high school athletes, Wyoming lawmakers backed by a well-known football family are moving to bolt theirs shut. But money is already available for teen sports stars — right next door in Colorado. Above, Gary Crum, R-Laramie, was a football star at Rawlins High School and the University of Wyoming. He says NIL deals don't belong in high school sports.

Former UW Lineman-Turned-Legislator Says Keep NIL Money Out Of High School Sports

As 41 states open their doors to NIL deals for high school athletes, Wyoming lawmakers backed by Sen. Gary Crum, a former UW lineman, are moving against it. But money is already available for teen sports stars — right next door in Colorado.

David MadisonFebruary 21, 2026

Bald eagles and ravens compete for scraps from the carcass of a bison killed by the Wapiti wolf pack in Yellowstone National Park.

Circle Of Life: Eagles, Ravens Feast On Bison Killed By Wolves In Yellowstone

Bald eagles might be regarded as the most fearsome predators of the sky, but like any other wild creature, they do whatever it takes to survive winter. Accordingly, they scavenge more than hunt during the cold months, biologists told Cowboy State Daily.

Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

If you ever wanted to live in a fallout shelter, there’s a “basement home” in Cokeville, Wyoming, that checks all the boxes. The idea behind these post-World War II 1950s starter homes was to grow upward when there was enough money to go above ground.

If You Want To Live In A Fallout Shelter, This Cokeville 'Basement Home' Is It

If you ever wanted to live in a fallout shelter, there’s a “basement home” in Cokeville, Wyoming, that checks all the boxes. The idea behind these post-World War II 1950s starter homes was to grow upward when there was enough money to go above ground.

Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2026

Katrin Glenn-Bittner got photos of a dead Tex, the only grizzly bear on Texada Island in British Columbia, that were shared on the TEX — The Texada Island Grizzly Bear Facebook page.

Death Of Grizzly Called ‘Tex’ In Canada Mirrors Controversies Over Wyoming Bears

The controversy over grizzlies in southwestern British Columbia mirrors the situation in Wyoming, as grizzlies wander into new places and run afoul of people and cattle. Such was the case with a grizzly called Tex who was killed by residents protecting their cows.

Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

The Albany Lodge west of Laramie was an iconic destination for snowmobilers and ATV riders until it closed in June. It’s reopening under new owners, with a new name, Trailshead Lodge.

Snowmobilers Cheer: Iconic Albany Lodge West Of Laramie Reopening Under New Name

Snowmobilers were disappointed when the iconic Albany Lodge west of Laramie closed in June. But to their delight, it’s set to reopen under new ownership and a new name. “Come in for cold beer, good food and a great time,” the new owners said.

Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

B.B. Brooks, who served as Wyoming’s governor from 1905-1911 sits in a library. Banner Ranch is situated in the hills southeast of Casper, protected from the winds that blow in central Wyoming.

144 Years Later: Family Of Wyoming Pioneer Gov. B.B. Brooks Keeps Ranching Alive

Descendants of B.B. Brooks — a Wyoming pioneer, rancher, businessman and governor — are keeping his legacy of ranching alive southeast of Casper. 144 years later, the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations still run a cow-calf operation on Banner Ranch.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 21, 2026

Alyssa Wegner

‘She’s The Devil’: Buffalo Mom Of 5 Accused Of Assaulting Kids With Knife, Hammer

A 33-year-old Buffalo mom of five is accused of assaulting two kids with a knife, another with a hammer, and telling them she wishes they were dead. Her oldest, 10, told police that “she’s the devil.” She was bound over for trial on Thursday.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 21, 2026

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz (right). Inset photo: Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock

Wyoming Attorney General Files Case To Remove Weston County Clerk From Office

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz on Friday petitioned to remove Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office, over multiple errors surrounding the 2024 general election. She also faces a criminal case for defying a legislative subpoena.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026

Two men were charged with felony cruelty to animals Friday stemming from a 2021 incident where cell phone video showed them roping, riding, and harassing a moose. One of the men is heard "Spur that son of a bitch" to a weakened and sickly moose.

'Spur That Son Of A Bitch!': Men Charged With Felony Cruelty For Riding, Roping Moose

Two men were charged with felony cruelty to animals Friday stemming from a 2021 incident where cell phone video showed them roping, riding, and harassing a moose. One of the men is heard "Spur that son of a bitch" to a weakened and sickly moose.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 20, 2026

State Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, supports spending $15 million to relocate the national headquarters for the PRCA to Wyoming.

$15M For PRCA Headquarters To Move To Cheyenne Clears Senate, Faces Tough House

A bill approving $15 million to attract the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to Cheyenne cleared the senate by a 24-7 vote Friday. Although it faces a tough go in the House, Sen. Ogden Driskill calls it a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026

Secretary of State Chuck Gray urged a House committee Friday to pass a bill that would bring new rigor and public transparency to the pre-election testing of Wyoming's voting machines.

Wyoming Committees Advance Bills For Testing Voting Machines, Watching Clerks

Urged by Secretary of State Chuck Gray, two legislative committees advanced election reform bills on Friday to add scrutiny to voter machine testing, and county clerks' election audits. "We want to ramp up clarity, and we want to ramp up rigor," Gray said.

David MadisonFebruary 20, 2026

State Sen. Taft Love, R-Cheyenne

Senate OKs $16 Million To Jump Start Wyoming's Rare Earth Boom

Wyoming senators approved $16 million in grant money to jump start a rare earth boom. Backers say it will accelerate processing projects and help challenge China’s dominance in the sector.

David MadisonFebruary 21, 2026

Limpy the coyote has become an icon in Yellowstone National Park. He’s thought to be about 8 to 9 years old, and advanced age for a coyote.

Yellowstone’s Beloved Coyote Trickster Limpy Is Starting To Show His Age

Limpy, a well-known Yellowstone National Park coyote, suckers snacks out of tourists by acting injured and needy. He’s a popular attraction, but at 8 to 9 years old, he could be nearing his end.

Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

Four Seasons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Four Seasons Resort In Jackson Sells For An Estimated $350 Million

A private investment firm, backed by Michael Dell, has purchased the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Jackson Hole for an estimated $350 million. Realtor David Yoder says it's among the largest, single real estate transactions in Jackson Hole history.

Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2026

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"Wapiti, Wyoming beautiful sunrise, before the wind. Never gets old."
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Marianne Gambill. Marianne writes, "Wapiti, Wyoming beautiful sunrise, before the wind. Never gets old."

Photo by Marianne Gambill

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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Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau:  Checkgate Theater — Everyone Knows The Ending To The Investigation

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Disband the committee. Stop wasting time. Stop pretending the outcome is uncertain. What happened stinks. It may not be illegal, but it damaged the institution — and pretending otherwise only deepens the damage."

Tom LubnauFebruary 22, 2026

Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: This Will Be 'The Check-Gate Session'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The check passing wasn’t just an amazing error of judgment. It was a monumental breach of protocol and the ethics of the Legislature."

Joan BarronFebruary 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Is This About 'Bad Optics,' Or A Witch Hunt?

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes,  “Maybe we should pass a rule that campaign donations can only be hand delivered on the House floor. That would give the people of Wyoming unprecedented transparency.”

Jonathan LangeFebruary 21, 2026

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