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When Rep. Harriet Hageman declared her run Tuesday for U.S. Senate, it revived her critics' concerns over federal public land holdings. Hageman grappled with the theme for months this year, saying her foes have distorted and oversimplified the issue.

Hageman's Senate Run Reignites Criticisms Over Public Lands

When Rep. Harriet Hageman declared her run Tuesday for U.S. Senate, it revived her critics' concerns over federal public land holdings. Hageman grappled with the theme for months this year, saying her foes have distorted and oversimplified the issue.

Clair McFarlandDecember 24, 2025

Then a teenage runaway, Joe Meek survived a brutal winter stretch lost along the Yellowstone River before finding Capt. William Sublette’s mountain men right before Christmas 1829. Though young, he’d impressed them enough to call him one of their own.

How Christmas 1829 Turned Joe Meek From A Greenhorn Into A Mountain Man

Then a teenage runaway, Joe Meek survived a brutal winter stretch lost along the Yellowstone River before finding Capt. William Sublette’s mountain men right before Christmas 1829. Though young, he’d impressed them enough to call him one of their own.

Jackie DorothyDecember 24, 2025

The Lightning Dock Geothermal project near Lordsburg, New Mexico.

Wyoming Could Be On The Edge Of Massive Western Geothermal Energy Push

Revamping federal lease sales, policy changes and legislation is positioning geothermal as America's next energy boom. Wyoming is on the edge of a massive push for Western geothermal energy as oil and gas expertise could transfer to the industry. 

David MadisonDecember 24, 2025

Wyoming education chief Megan Degenfelder on Tuesday said she is “strongly considering” a run for governor while other political figures are thinking about higher office too. This comes in the wake of Sen. Cynthia Lummis announcing her departure.

Degenfelder 'Strongly Considering' Run For Governor, Others Ponder Higher Office

Wyoming education chief Megan Degenfelder on Tuesday said she is “strongly considering” a run for governor while other political figures are thinking about higher office too. This comes in the wake of Sen. Cynthia Lummis announcing her departure.

Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2025

Rep. Harriet Hageman departs following a House Republican caucus meeting at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman Announces Run For U.S. Senate

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman on Tuesday announced her intention to run for the U.S. Senate. Hageman said her focus will continue to be combatting government overreach, the war on coal, policies against fossil fuels, bad water policy and environmental over-prosecution.

Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2025

Michael DeHerrera

Attempted Murder Charges For Cheyenne Teens, Recording Details Plans To Kill Rival

Two Cheyenne teens facing attempted first-degree murder charges in a failed plot discussed their plans in a profanity-laced audio recording, police say. “Imma kill him,” one suspect says, according to a court affidavit made available Tuesday.

Scott SchwebkeDecember 23, 2025

Wyoming oil and gas operators are cheering the BLM’s announcement last week to delay a Biden-era 1,400% hike on bonding costs. The huge increase threatened to shutter small oil and gas producers across the state.

Wyoming Oil And Gas Operators Cheer Delay Of Biden-Era 1,400% Bond Rate Hike

Wyoming oil and gas operators are cheering a BLM announcement last week to delay a Biden-era 1,400% hike on bonding costs. The huge increase threatened to shutter small oil and gas producers across the state.

David MadisonDecember 23, 2025

Cheyenne’s Historic 1892 Pumphouse is getting a reprieve from the wrecking ball, with Cheyenne City Council replacing a resolution that called for its demolition with one that calls for restoring it to use again. 

Cheyenne’s Historic 1892 Pumphouse Saved From The Wrecking Ball — For Now

Cheyenne’s Historic 1892 Pumphouse is getting a reprieve from the wrecking ball, with the Cheyenne City Council replacing a resolution that set a deadline for its demolition with one that calls for restoring it to use again. 

Renée JeanDecember 24, 2025

Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park has been active since its massive hydrothermal explosion in July 2024. It’s also “decidedly unpredictable,” erupting twice in two days last week, spewing mud and water 40 feet into the air.

Yellowstone’s Unpredictable Black Diamond Pool Erupts Twice In Two Days

Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park has been active since its massive hydrothermal explosion in July 2024. It’s also “decidedly unpredictable,” erupting twice in two days last week, spewing mud and water 40 feet into the air.

Andrew RossiDecember 23, 2025

Red Butte overlooking the Salt Creek Valley and the bandits' lair.

Wyoming History: Locals Visit Outlaws In 1888 To Spread Christmas Cheer

It was Christmas Eve in 1888 when a father and his two young sons brought gifts to their neighbors — four outlaws hiding out in Salt Creek Canyon in the Wyoming Territory. They almost got shot before making friends with the bunch.

Jackie DorothyDecember 23, 2025

After strong winds blew more than 100 stacked freight cars off BNSF Railway tracks near Cheyenne on Friday, crews mobilized to clean it up. Within 18 hours, the tracks were clear again.

Crew Clears 100+ Derailed Freight Cars From Track Near Cheyenne In 18 Hours

After a massive derailment near Cheyenne on Friday, the BNSF Railway was left with an enormous task — clearing more than 100 blown-over freight cars and getting trains moving again.

Andrew RossiDecember 23, 2025

Sally Gallop with her foster dogs in Cody.

Wyoming Animal Shelters Scramble To Find Foster Homes For Holidays

Animals shelters across Wyoming are scrambling to find foster homes for homeless pets for the holiday season. They say dogs who are fostered typically get adopted more quickly because they often behave differently in homes than they do in the shelters.

Kate MeadowsDecember 23, 2025

David Wilkinson, 35, of Casper is accused of trying to burn down the house of his ex-boyfriend, but he made sure he saved his pet snake from the fire, according to police.

Casper Man Accused Of Trying To Burn Down Ex-Boyfriend’s House Pleads Not Guilty

A 31-year-old Casper man accused of trying to burn down his ex-boyfriend’s house and causing $200,000 worth of damage pleaded not guilty Monday. He escaped with his pet snake, then gave investigators conflicting stories about what happened.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 22, 2025

Ronald Mickulin

Wamsutter Trucker Loses $54,000 Found In His Car In Drug Money Ruling

A judge has ruled that though a 77-year-old Wamsutter trucker won an appeal in the Wyoming Supreme Court, the state can keep $54,000 it found in his car. The trucker says it’s his life savings, but the state proved it was drug money.

Clair McFarlandDecember 22, 2025

Teton Pass was closed all day Monday as the Wyoming Department of Transportation used bulldozers to clear a wall of wet, heavy snow 30 feet tall and 500 feet long from Highway 22. Officials hope to have the pass open again by Tuesday afternoon.

Avalanche Buries Teton Pass Under 30-Foot-Tall, 500-Foot-Long Wall Of Snow

Teton Pass was closed all day Monday as the Wyoming Department of Transportation used bulldozers to clear a wall of wet, heavy snow 30 feet tall and 500 feet long from Highway 22. It took crews about 14 hours to reopen the pass, but work continues Tuesday.

Andrew RossiDecember 22, 2025

A view of downtown Lusk, Wyoming.

Contractor Accused Of Cheating Lusk Homeowners Fires Lawyer, Delays Sentencing

The sentencing hearing for a contractor who pleaded guilty to cheating the people of Lusk out of thousands of dollars for unfulfilled home repairs imploded Monday after the man fired his lawyer. 

Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2025

Muscle cars put on a show traveling along Pierce Street.

Laramie Car Club Hosts Private Show For 11-Year-Old Boy Fighting Cancer

Like many 11-year-olds, Wyatt loves cars, especially tricked-out classic rides that are blinged-out to the max. But as a cancer patient in hospice care, he can’t get out to the car shows he loves. So, the show came to him Sunday.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 22, 2025

Glenrock, the town attorney and Mayor Bruce Rommel, pictured, asked a Virginia federal judge Friday to dismiss them from a $350 million lawsuit over claims they helped steal banking trade secrets. They’ve called the lawsuit an attempt to "bully a small Wyoming town into submission.”

Glenrock Wants Judge To Dismiss Town, Mayor From $350M Lawsuit Over Bank Secrets

Glenrock, the town attorney and mayor asked a Virginia federal judge Friday to dismiss them from a $350 million lawsuit over claims they helped steal banking trade secrets. They’ve called the lawsuit an attempt to "bully a small Wyoming town into submission.”

Clair McFarlandDecember 22, 2025

A cow moose that locals call “Big Betty” has been handing around Evanston. So far, she’s behaved herself, and wildlife agents haven’t been dispatched to catch her.

Urban Moose Named 'Big Betty' Seems Right At Home Wandering Around Evanston

A cow moose nicknamed "Big Betty" has been calmly wandering around Evanston, delighting residents and avoiding trouble. Wildlife officials say she is unusually peaceful, but still warn people to keep their distance.

Mark HeinzDecember 21, 2025

Tristan “Teton” Brown recently released his third self-produced ski film. He stands out as a longtime Jackson skier who goes to great lengths to ski for a living and live in one of the most expensive ski towns.

How "Teton" Brown Holds On In Jackson Hole, Making Films And Skiing On His Own Terms

"Teton" Brown is a 36-year-old professional skier who has worked in at least 10 restaurants, once lived on a porch, and scraped together every dollar to stay in Jackson. In his spare time, he's a filmmaker and just debuted his third film "Clean Slate."

David MadisonDecember 21, 2025

Freddie Johnson entertaining folks during a tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. He will bring his shtick to Yellowstone National Park’s wilderness in a glass-walled tasting room where the buffalo roam.

Holding A Whiskey-Tasting In A Glass Box In The Middle Of The Wyoming Wilderness

Kentucky-based Buffalo Trace Distillery is holding a whiskey-tasting in a custom-built room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Wyoming wilderness near Yellowstone this summer. They say the secret location will be in the middle of a bison herd.

Renée JeanDecember 21, 2025

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.

Worland Man Relives Wyoming’s Wild West Past — Exactly 100 Years To The Day

Clay Gibbons has made it his mission to visit the site of Wyoming's most notorious historical events, including the shooting of 14-year-old Willie Nickell, the hanging of Tom Horn and the Spring Creek Raid. He does this exactly 100 years after they happened.

Jackie DorothyDecember 21, 2025

The Grand Theater at 250 Main St. in Lander is for sale, listing for $1 million. Locals hope the historic theater, built in 1929, will remain a community space for movies and performances, but a new owner might see more value in the land it sits on.

Lander's Historic Grand Theater For Sale, But Locals Worried It May Be Torn Down

The Grand Theater in Lander is for sale, listing for $1 million. Locals hope the historic theater, built in 1929, will remain a community space for movies and performances, but they're worried a new owner might see more value in the land it sits on.

Andrew RossiDecember 21, 2025

New research in Yellowstone National Park has found a connection between earthquake swarms and the chemical reactions needed to sustain subsurface microbial systems. It's an insight into the possible origins of life on Earth. Above is a view of Castle Geyser blowing off steam.

Study Reveals How Yellowstone Earthquakes Might Have Given Earth Life

New research in Yellowstone National Park has found a connection between earthquake swarms and the chemical reactions needed to sustain subsurface microbial systems. It's an insight into the possible origins of life on Earth.

Andrew RossiDecember 21, 2025

Closing the huge Tyson Foods beef processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, has left locals “mad, sad, and numb.” It also has the town’s hospital and school district in limbo with the potential for 3,200 families to leave.

Nebraska Hospital CEO: Tyson’s “Spreadsheet Decision” Will Devastate Health Care

In a scathing letter to Tyson CEO Donnie King, Lexington hospital CEO Jason Douglas said the company’s decision to leave will devastate health care in the area. “You made a spreadsheet decision … and 3,200 families became nothing more than a line item.”

Greg JohnsonDecember 21, 2025

At 12, Haylee Cole’s father murdered her mother and tried to blame Haylee for the crime. He's since been convicted of the killing and won't ever get out of prison. Haylee has turned her family tragedy into help for others.

After Dad Murders Mom And Blames Daughter, She Turns Her Tragedy Into Help

At 12, Haylee Cole’s father murdered her mother and tried to blame Haylee for the crime. He's since been convicted of the killing and won't ever get out of prison. The Lander woman has turned her family tragedy into help for others.

Jen KocherDecember 20, 2025

As NIL money reshapes college athletics, the state's only Division I program turns to analytics — and a Gillette native's vision — to compete against schools with deeper pockets. It’s a new pay-to-play landscape for the University of Wyoming. Men's basektball coach Sundance Wicks uses a "Moneyball" approach to identify under-the-radar talent he can use his NIL money for.

Pay To Play: University Of Wyoming's Battle To Remain Division I In An NIL World

The new reality facing the University of Wyoming is to maintain its major Division I athletic programs, it needs to generate revenue that is paid to players. Will Wyoming keep up as its rivals like Colorado State and BYU build war chests to pay for top players?

David MadisonDecember 20, 2025

About 3,200 of Lexington, Nebraska’s 11,000 residents work at a huge Tyson Foods beef processing plant — for another month. News that the plant will close next month was an unexpected “gut punch” many fear will devastate this rural cow town.

‘A Gut Punch’: Nebraska Town Shell-Shocked By Tyson Closing Huge Beef Plant

About 3,200 of Lexington, Nebraska’s 11,000 residents work at a huge Tyson Foods beef processing plant — for another month. News that the plant will close next month was an unexpected “gut punch” many fear will devastate this rural cow town.

Greg JohnsonDecember 20, 2025

Kellie Humphries works in the Adult Services section of the library and said she really enjoys her work helping people.

Wyoming Librarians Also Have To Be Tech Savvy And De-Facto Social Workers

The job of librarian has changed. Now you have to wear a lot of hats, from explaining tech tools like 3D printers to connecting people with tele-health appointments. They are also de-facto social workers to serve homeless visitors.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 21, 2025

Cowgirls and ranch hands are the true innovators behind today’s Western style, not celebrity bandwagon jumpers. When it comes to fashion or function, dressing like a cowboy — or girl — is all about attitude, not wardrobe. At the National Finals Redeo in Las Vegas, Aspen Edge gets a new Western look.

Beyond the Bandwagon: The Real Pioneers of Western Style

When supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid this year made the cover of Vogue magazine on the strength of a Western-wear photo shoot in Jackson, they were merely jumping on the bandwagon. The real style pioneers are the cowgirls and ranch hands who live the Western lifestyle.

Zakary SonntagDecember 21, 2025

Traxton Rex Bennett (aka “T-Rex”) can’t be home in Big Piney for Christmas. He's in a Utah hospital fighting a rare form of Leukemia. He has lots of support, including two big brothers who are arguing over who gets to be his bone marrow donor.

Big Piney Toddler Battles Leukemia As Brothers Compete To Be Donor

Traxton Rex Bennett (aka “T-Rex”) can’t be home in Big Piney for Christmas. He's in a Utah hospital fighting a rare form of Leukemia. He has lots of support, including two big brothers who are arguing over who gets to be his bone marrow donor.

Mark HeinzDecember 20, 2025

The Wyoming Department of Transportation wants to use federal money to support an EV charger building spree.

Wyoming Aims To Turn EV Charging Into A New Post-Pump Marketplace

Wyoming recently won federal approval to expand its EV charging network beyond the interstates, and the state plans to kick-start development of a new post-pump marketplace for EV charging.

David MadisonDecember 20, 2025

Vince and Warren Meyer are making sure the Santa Go Pokes legend lives on for Christmas.

Go Pokes! Despite Death Of Steamboat's Owner, Lighted Wyoming Santa Rides On.

For more than two decades, thousands of people each year drive by a Cheyenne house to see a lighted 10-foot Santa riding Steamboat, Wyoming's iconic bucking bronco. Despite the death of its owner earlier this year, her family continues the "Santa Go Pokes!" tradition.

Renée JeanDecember 20, 2025

Dry and brown conditions outside of the Wyoming Supreme Court building on Saturday, December 20, 2025

Most Of Wyoming Will Have A Gross, Dry, Brown Christmas This Year

After a month of above-average temperatures, below-average precipitation and intense windstorms, the same weather patterns that prevented snow from reaching Wyoming will continue through Christmas. Forecasters say, expect a brown Christmas.

Andrew RossiDecember 20, 2025

When Prohibition began in 1919, Joe Carey made bank-funded runs to Canada to “import liquor” for the good citizens of Greybull. He did so well that he was able to buy several businesses, including the Greybull Hotel, and retired from the “importing business” in 1923 to marry and raise his family.

Wyoming History: Rum Runner Joe Carey Ran Greybull’s Underworld In The 1920s

During Prohibition, 23-year-old Joe Carey of Greybull ran bootleg liquor from Canada with help from a local banker. His daring rum runs made him rich enough to buy businesses and go legit once Prohibition ended.

Jackie DorothyDecember 21, 2025

Train derailment near the former town of Federal, Wyoming, on Friday, December 19, 2025

Massive Train Derailment Occurs 17 Miles Northwest Of Cheyenne

A BNSF train carrying dozens of double-stacked freight cars derailed early Friday morning northwest of Cheyenne. Although no cause has been given, residents blame the wind. "This is the worst wind we've ever seen, and it’s been blowing for days now."

Andrew Rossi & Jimmy OrrDecember 19, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon has received five formal requests to remove county officials from office. Former Wyoming governors Mike Sullivan, from left, Jim Geringer, and Dave Freudenthal can't recall getting any such requests.

Former Wyoming Governors Say Requests To Remove County Officials Unprecedented

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has received five clusters of complaints asking him to oust county officials from their offices. Three former Wyoming governors on Friday called that number unprecedented, citing growing political strife.

Clair McFarlandDecember 20, 2025

Sheridan family 12 20 25

Sheridan EMT And Family Escape Blaze But Lose Home In Wind-Whipped Fire

An EMT, his wife and their two young children escaped a blaze fanned by 50-mph winds early Thursday. Sheridan Fire and Rescue reported the winds hampered efforts to save the property, which burned to the ground. The family lost everything.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 19, 2025

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Lummis Announces She's Not Running For Re-Election

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, the first woman elected to the Senate from Wyoming, on Friday announced she is not running for a second term. She said, "“in the difficult, exhausting session weeks this fall I’ve come to accept that I do not have six more years in me.”

Clair McFarland & Jimmy OrrDecember 19, 2025

New helium plan 12 20 25

With New Sublette County Helium Plant, Wyoming Will Supply 30% Of World's Helium

A new helium plant in Sublette County will boost Wyoming’s share of global helium output to about 30% and generate nearly $2 billion in taxes and royalties. The plant begins construction on May 1, 2026.

Renée JeanDecember 19, 2025

BWXT and Highway 50 Gillette 9 24 25

Wyoming Awards $100 Million To BWXT For Nuclear Fuel Plant In Gillette

Gov. Mark Gordon on Friday announced that $100 million in matching funds will be awarded to BWXT to build a nuclear fuel plant in Gillette. He said the award is about ensuring Wyoming is competitive with other states that are also vying for these projects. 

Renée JeanDecember 20, 2025

A cow elk viciously stomping a mountain lion, and her own calf, is indicative of the pressure Idaho elk feel from predators, a hunter said.

Cow Elk Stomps Mountain Lion In Desperate Bid To Save Calf

Caught between wolves, mountain lions and grizzly bears, elk are struggling to fend off predators. A trail camera video shows the elk's desperation as it viciously pummels a mountain lion that has her calf by the neck.

Mark HeinzDecember 19, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Thursday, December 25, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Dahl Simpson. Dahl writes, "Out hunting ducks on the Salt River near Auburn, WY. A beautiful chilly winter morning. No ducks, but I did get this one great 'shot.'"

Photo by Dahl Simpson

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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Creating a Legacy in Comprehensive Dental Care

Legacy Dental is a new dental partnership built upon the foundation of generational practice and guided by the principles of bringing innovative and comprehensive care to patients in need.

November 21, 2025

A volunteer with Food Bank of Wyoming helps sort and pack food at a mobile pantry in Pinedale in October 2025.

Government Shutdown Reveals Long Term Hunger Crisis in Wyoming

With the current hunger crisis stemming from the government shutdown, the Food Bank ramped up the amount of food it is sourcing and distributing, made possible thanks to donor support and emergency funds from the state.

November 17, 2025

John Hardee and Sean Michaels stand outside the Hilltop Bank branch in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Two Officers in Hilltop Bank’s Cheyenne Office Share an Uncannily Similar Career Story

Both Josh Hardee and Sean Michaels began their careers working in finance before they felt the calling to public service. Even if their day-to-day lives look a bit different these days—Hardee spent nearly two decades with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, while Michaels rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy during a decorated military career—the Hilltop officers say that calling to serve others has remained.

November 10, 2025

Opinion

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Gail Symons: Trigger-Happy Misconduct Complaints Will Scare Off Good Local Leaders

Columnist Gail Symons writes: "If we allow a 'remove them' reflex to replace our braver culture of confrontation, we'll teach good people to stay home, and we'll hand power to the loudest and most relentless factions."

Gail SymonsDecember 21, 2025

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Cassie Craven: Hold Onto Christmas, Even Once It Fades Back To Politics

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Mary is the legend, the holder of the promise in the dark night. She is our Winter Solstice love song. I hope that we hold onto that long after the tinsel is taken down and we get back to politics."

Cassie CravenDecember 21, 2025

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Joan Barron: Freedom Caucus Subpoenas Burn Bridges

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “The Freedom Caucus members were reckless and overly aggressive in their decision to issue subpoenas to local officials over some questionable audit findings.”

Joan BarronDecember 21, 2025

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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Crime & Courts

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