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Wyoming U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner, left, and Iowa resident Michael “Mike” Leonard Cooley Jr.

Iowa Man Sued By Reid Rasner Admits Calling Him Names, Says It’s Protected Speech

An Iowa man being sued for defamation by Reid Rasner admits calling him names on social media, but says it’s protected free speech. Rasner’s lawsuit claims he called him a “pedo creep,” while Cooley says Rasner’s “a cookie-cutter Trump cutout.”

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2026

Annual clearing of the Beartooth Highway has begun

Crews Battle 15-Foot Snowdrifts As Road-Clearing Begins On Beartooth Highway

Despite the warmer than normal winter, road crews are still battling 15-foot snowdrifts as the annual clearing of the Beartooth Highway begins. The 64-mile stretch of highway, with elevations reaching 10,947 feet, isn’t expected to open until May 22.

Andrew RossiApril 17, 2026

A female grizzly that was captured and moved from the Glacier National Park are to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem emerged with two cubs this month. Wildlife managers say it’s important step toward genetic exchange between northern Yellowstone bear populations.

Grizzly Transplanted To Yellowstone Has Cubs, Raising Hopes For Genetic Exchange

A female grizzly transplanted from near Glacier National Park to Yellowstone has emerged with two cubs, initiating genetic exchange between bear populations. Some say it’s not enough to impact the debate over delisting grizzlies from federal protection.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2026

Wyoming American Legion Baseball officials say they’ve had “maybe even thousands” of texts, calls and emails about combining divisions into one 23-team league. “Change is hard,” they say, adding that it will increase competition and draw college scouts.

‘Change Is Hard’: American Legion Baseball Officials Defend Combining Divisions

Wyoming American Legion Baseball officials say they’ve had “maybe even thousands” of texts, calls and emails about combining divisions into one 23-team league. “Change is hard,” they say, adding that it will increase competition and draw college scouts.

Andrew RossiApril 17, 2026

Eight months after drawing two life sentences for killing two men at a Cheyenne coin shop in 2015, Douglas Mark Smith, 71, died in a Wyoming prison Thursday. Smith claimed he walked in on the killings, but was arrested in 2023 when his stories didn’t add up.

Cheyenne Coin Shop Killer Dies In Prison 8 Months After Getting 2 Life Sentences

Eight months after drawing two life sentences for killing two men at a Cheyenne coin shop in 2015, Douglas Smith died in a Wyoming prison Thursday. Smith claimed he walked in on the killings, but was arrested in 2023 when his stories didn’t add up.

Greg JohnsonApril 17, 2026

“Elkosaurus” started out as some harmless fun, but has turned into a selfie-trap along Interstate 25 in Wheatland. People are "freaking out about our little Elkosaurus,” says the manager of the Sinclair station about their green dinosaur with elk antlers attached.

People ‘Freaking Out’ Over ‘Elkosaurus,’ Wheatland’s Sinclair Dino With Antlers

“Elkosaurus” started out as some harmless fun, but has turned into a selfie-trap along Interstate 25 in Wheatland. People are "freaking out about our little Elkosaurus,” says the manager of the Sinclair station about its green dinosaur with elk antlers.

Kolby FedoreApril 17, 2026

The body of Cody resident Shawn Hughes, who had been missing since Easter, was found on Thursday afternoon in a parked car at Yellowstone Regional Airport. “He was so full of life,” said his sister, adding that the family is in shock.

Cody Man Missing Since April 5 Found Dead In Parked Car At Airport

The body of Cody resident Shawn Hughes, who had been missing since Easter, was found on Thursday afternoon in a parked car at Yellowstone Regional Airport. “He was so full of life,” said his sister, adding that the family is in shock.

Jen KocherApril 16, 2026

Rocco, a 6-year-old pit bull, with a pellet wound between his eyes after being shot in Emblem. The dog's owner, Tessa Walbert, said her dog was outside her home when he was shot by ".410 or a lower gauge" shotgun, resulting in this wound and several grazes from other pellets.

Owners Alarmed, Want Answers After Two Dogs Shot In Drive-Bys In Rural Wyoming

Residents in tiny Emblem, Wyoming, are alarmed and looking for answers after two dogs were shot in two days in drive-by incidents this past week. “He’s lucky to have a thick skull,” says the owner of a pit bull that took a shotgun blast to the face.

Andrew RossiApril 16, 2026

Elk on the beach are a common sight at Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Tourists Try To Ride Elk Which Are Taking Over Beaches In Coastal Oregon Town

As herds of elk have overtaken a beach in a small Oregon coastal town, tourists have tried to put their children on them to ride and others attempt to feed them carrots. “We have visitors who don't know elk are wild animals,” said the local chamber.

Mark HeinzApril 16, 2026

Casper state Rep. Steve Harshman, the longest-serving Wyoming House member, is running for state superintendent of public instruction. "Bottom line, I love Wyoming schools and spent all my life in Wyoming schools," the longtime teacher and coach said.

Steve Harshman, Longest Serving House Member, Runs For Wyoming Schools Chief

Casper state Rep. Steve Harshman, the longest-serving Wyoming House member, is running for state superintendent of public instruction. "Bottom line, I love Wyoming schools and spent all my life in Wyoming schools," the longtime teacher and coach said.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026

Former Speaker of the House Albert Sommers is running to reclaim the seat he occupied for House District 20.

Former House Speaker Albert Sommers Wants His Seat In The Legislature Back

Former House Speaker Albert Sommers is running to win back his Sublette County House District 20 seat. The Legislature needs “less political theater and theatrics,” he said about what he’s observed in Cheyenne the last two years.

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2026

A suspicious package left near Gate 1 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base on Thursday, April 16, 2026, prompted an evacuation of nearby homes and the Wyoming State Capitol. “They came in and whispered in the governor’s ear,” then cleared the building.

Suspicious Package Left At F.E. Warren Gate Prompts Evacuation, Including Capitol

A suspicious package left near Gate 1 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base on Thursday prompted an evacuation of nearby homes and the Wyoming State Capitol. “They came in and whispered in the governor’s ear,” then cleared the building, said a meeting attendee at the Capitol.

Greg JohnsonApril 16, 2026

Christine Rodriguez appears via closed-circuit video in Natrona County Circuit Court on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Woman Charged With Stealing $200K From Special Olympics Has ‘Care And Love’ For Group

The Bar Nunn woman accused of stealing more than $200,000 from Special Olympics Wyoming has “care and love” for the group, her attorney says. “The victims in this case are the community’s most vulnerable,” the judge said during her first court appearance Thursday,

Kolby FedoreApril 16, 2026

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Gordon Orders Agency To Start Food Welfare Program, Lawmaker Says 'Stay In Your Lane'

Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday ordered a state agency to start a new summertime food welfare program for students after lawmakers repeatedly rejected the $3 million endeavor. “Stay in your lane, governor,” Rep. Ken Pendergraft warned.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026

A Wheatland woman accused of trying to hire a friend to kill her husband — out of fear he would take their three children — pleaded not guilty Thursday in district court. Authorities say Molly Hamby asked a friend to make her husband “disappear.”

Wheatland Woman Who Allegedly Asked Friend To Kill Husband Pleads Not Guilty

A Wheatland woman accused of trying to hire a friend to kill her husband — out of fear he would take their three children — pleaded not guilty Thursday in district court. Authorities say Molly Hamby asked a friend to make her husband “disappear.”

Kolby FedoreApril 16, 2026

Many of this year’s Country Music Award nominees have played Jackson’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, continuing a legacy of being a favorite venue for up-and-coming stars and country music legends. That includes Entertainer of the Year nominee Ella Langley. She's pictured here performing at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming.

Ella Langley, Other CMA Nominees This Year Played Jackson’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Many of this year’s Country Music Award nominees, including Entertainer of the Year Ella Langley, have played Jackson’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Not only is it a place for up-and-coming stars but country music legends keep coming back.

Kolby FedoreApril 16, 2026

Two manums of Chateau Lafite 1870 hit the auction block at Sotheby's on Friday, April 17, 2026, sending a buzz round the wine world. Both could go for more than $50,000, says Sydney Werry, sommolier at the Brush Creek Ranch near Saratoga. They're part of a stash from Glamis Castle in Scottland considered the best in the world. Also in the auction is a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1865, far left, which isn't expected to fetch quite as much.

Brush Creek Ranch Sommelier: Ultra-Rare 1870 Wine Will Get More Than $50K At Auction

The sommelier at Wyoming’s 5-star Brush Creek Ranch says the Friday auction of two bottles of ultra-rare 1870 Chateau Lafite discovered in an ancient castle should get more than $50,000 each. “This wine is in the category of never-to-be-seen-again," she said.

Renée JeanApril 16, 2026

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Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon Will Not Seek Third Term

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday announced he will not seek a third term in office. Wyoming law limits the governor to two terms, but Wyoming Supreme Court precedent suggests that law could be overturned easily. “We have just come off a solid legislative win," Gordon said.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026

The Wyoming Army National Guard issued a public alert this week after what it described as a recent increase in dangerous laser pointing incidents involving military aircraft operating in the vicinity of Camp Guernsey Training Center.

Wyoming Guard Says Lasers Are Targeting Military Aircraft Over Guernsey

The Wyoming Army National Guard says someone is targeting military aircraft with lasers at its Camp Guernsey training center. Not only is it dangerous for pilots, it can get whoever’s doing it prison time and up to $250,000 in fines.

David MadisonApril 16, 2026

Phyllis Krogman is in handcuffs during her arrest outside the Asotin County courthouse in Washington State in July 2025.

Gillette Woman Accused Of Plotting To Have Husband Kill Her Brother Back In Jail

A Gillette woman charged with plotting to have her husband kill her brother is back in jail in Washington state after an off-duty police officer saw her drinking at a Gillette bar. Her husband got 39 years in prison last month for stabbing the other man.

Kolby FedoreApril 15, 2026

Christine Rodriguez

Bar Nunn Woman Accused Of Embezzling $200,000 From Special Olympics Wyoming

A Bar Nunn woman and longtime employee of Special Olympics Wyoming was arrested on suspicion of embezzling more than $200,000 from the organization. Casper police say it took months to unravel a scheme that involved “sophisticated methods."

Kolby FedoreApril 15, 2026

April Marie Morganroth, aka Marie Hamilton

Wyoming Reporter Makes Initial Court Appearance For Second Set Of 10 Felonies

A Wyoming reporter was in a Wheatland courtroom again Wednesday to face 10 felony forgery charges. That’s on top of 10 other felonies she's been charged with for allegedly submitting forged documents and lying under oath while opposing a wind farm.

Dale KillingbeckApril 16, 2026

Wyoming snow Getty Images 186804124 10 28 24

Freezing Cold Front To Bring Snow, 60 MPH Winds Across Much Of Wyoming

A fast-moving, freezing cold front will bring blizzard conditions with snow and 60 mph winds across much of Wyoming from Thursday afternoon through Saturday. “Folks need to be ready for a shock to the system,” meteorologist Don Day says.

Andrew RossiApril 15, 2026

Yellowstone National Park sign Jim Parkin via Alamy 4 15 26

Oregon Man Challenges Yellowstone's Rules As Unconstitutional Overreach

An Oregon man accused of violating Yellowstone National Park’s fishing restrictions and a road closure is challenging the park’s rules as unconstitutional overreach. If he wins, it could upend the park’s ability to enforce many of its rules.

Clair McFarlandApril 15, 2026

A Yellowstone wolf showed its more playful side Monday, somehow removing and carrying off a sign put up warning tourists about hungry grizzly bears. “Clearly, this pup had better things to do with it,” says a researcher to captured video of the wolf.

Yellowstone Wolf Steals Sign Warning Tourists About Hungry Grizzly Bears

A Yellowstone wolf showed its more playful side Monday, somehow removing and carrying off a sign put up warning tourists about hungry grizzly bears. “Clearly, this pup had better things to do with it,” says a researcher who captured video of the wolf.

Andrew RossiApril 15, 2026

Wyoming's Sen. Cynthia Lummis has teamed up with Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz to defend the EPA's about-face on Obama-era climate change regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. Let Congress make those decisions, they argue.

Lummis Says Congress Should Set Major Climate Change Rules, Not EPA

Wyoming's Sen. Cynthia Lummis has teamed up with Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz to defend the EPA's about-face on Obama-era climate change regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. Let Congress make those decisions, they argue.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026

Fed up with raccoons killing his chickens, Cheyenne-area resident Kevin Gunter built a “chicken fortress,” which he dubbed “The Henitentiary."

Laramie County Man Declares War On Killer Raccoons, Builds ‘Chicken Fortress'

A Cheyenne-area man says he’s “not messing around anymore,” declaring war on the raccoons that keep killing his chickens. He spent $1,300 building an impenetrable “chicken fortress” to protect his flock.

Mark HeinzApril 15, 2026

This refurbished 1971 Ford Bronco Sport sold at auction in Nebraska for $56,000 on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

Vintage Ford Broncos Are Still All The Rage, Easily Selling For $50,000 Or More

First-generation Ford Broncos are all the rage with collectors, easily fetching $50,000 or more. A 1971 Ford Bronco Sport sold at a Nebraska auction Tuesday for $56,000, which a Wyoming vintage Bronco fanatic says was a bargain.

Mark HeinzApril 15, 2026

A small army of workers are busy at the Meta data center site south of Cheyenne. An 800-unit man camp that could house up to 5,600 workers is proposed to be located on land behind the Meta site.

Massive 5,600-Worker Man Camp Proposed For Cheyenne's South Side

A developer is asking Laramie County to build an 800-unit man camp to house up to 5,600 construction workers to build data centers. Neighbors say they don’t want the crime that comes with it, while the county says the workers are coming regardless.

David MadisonApril 14, 2026

Microsoft announced Tuesday that it will buy 3,200 more acres in Cheyenne to build data centers, tripling its footprint in Wyoming's capital city while promising to limit impacts on power rates, water and housing. Above is Microsoft's data center in the Cheyenne Business Parkway business park in east Cheyenne.

Microsoft To Triple Its Cheyenne Data Center Footprint With 3,200-Acre Land Buy

Microsoft announced Tuesday that it will buy 3,200 more acres in Cheyenne to build data centers, tripling its footprint in Wyoming's capital city while promising to limit impacts on power rates, water and housing.

Renée JeanApril 14, 2026

Five Wyoming U.S. House candidates, including three Republicans, condemn President Trump's posting of a Jesus-like image of himself. One called the image “blatantly blasphemous,” while another said it wasn’t as bad as "so many worse things he’s done."

Five Wyoming U.S. House Candidates Condemn Trump’s Jesus-Like Image

Five Wyoming U.S. House candidates, including three Republicans, condemn President Trump's posting of a Jesus-like image of himself. One called the image “blatantly blasphemous,” while another said it wasn’t as bad as "so many worse things he’s done."  

Clair McFarlandApril 15, 2026

After a Laramie man totaled his car colliding with a moose, he and his fiancée hoped that they could at least claim the meat. But then somebody else came along and stole their roadkill.

A Moose Totaled Laramie Couple's Car, Then Somebody Took Their Roadkill

After a Laramie man totaled his car colliding with a moose in the dark early morning hours Monday, he and his fiancée hoped that they could at least claim the meat. But then somebody else came along and stole their roadkill.

Mark HeinzApril 14, 2026

Wyoming American Legion Baseball started its 2026 season by combining the Double A and Single A levels together. Ryan Brown (pictured), former American Legion coach in Cody and Powell, said “smaller communities don’t have a chance to compete against bigger teams.”

Smaller Wyoming American Legion Baseball Teams Worry They Can No Longer Compete

Wyoming American Legion Baseball started its 2026 season by combining the Double A and Single A levels together. Ryan Brown, a former youth coach in Cody and Powell, said “smaller communities don’t have a chance to compete against bigger teams.”

Andrew RossiApril 14, 2026

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Three Rematches Set, So Far, In Wyoming's House Races

At least three rematches in the Wyoming House of Representatives have surfaced so far this campaign season, and one more looks likely. They all feature Republicans facing other Republicans and challengers aren't particularly complimentary of their foes.

Clair McFarlandApril 14, 2026

Wyoming Department of Transportation officials say two new massive snowplows that each cost more than $500,000 are major upgrades to the state’s fleet of heavy machinery. They make up for the cost by being super-efficient. 

Why WYDOT’s New Plow Trucks Cost $500,000 Each

Wyoming Department of Transportation officials say two new massive snowplows that each cost more than $500,000 are major upgrades to the state’s fleet of heavy machinery. They make up for the cost by being super-efficient. 

Kate MeadowsApril 14, 2026

The first fully assembled Sentinel missile is show, along with one of the sites for the old Minuteman III missiles the Sentinel will replace.

$140.9 Billion Sentinel Missile Program Pushed To Make Up Time For Delays

The $140.9 billion Sentinel missile program is racing to catch up after cost overruns triggered a Congressional review and delays. Officials say the stakes are high for national defense, and Wyoming and F.E. Warren Air Force Base sit at the heart of the push.

Renée JeanApril 14, 2026

Owen Miller of northeast Wyoming and Zac Hearon of Hardin, Montana have been hunting Wyoming turkeys together for years.

Huge Wyoming Turkey Season Expected On Heels Of Warm Winter

A mild winter has produced a bumper crop of Wyoming turkeys, and the territorial gobbling rituals have started early this year. “The population is going to explode,” say seasoned turkey hunters, leading to a huge season.

Mark HeinzApril 14, 2026

Students from several Wyoming high schools are participating in a new fly-fishing school club program.

Wyoming High School Teams Compete In Newest Club Sport — Fly-Fishing

Fly-fishing teams from seven Wyoming high schools are competing in the state’s newest club sport — fly-fishing. “They’ve all built their fishing rods, tied their flies, and now it’s time to compete,” seasoned fly-fishing guide Joey Puettman said.

Mark HeinzApril 14, 2026

A Cheyenne-based attorney is asking Wyoming authorities to investigate Secretary of State Chuck Gray for alleged election-related crimes. George Powers says Gray violated state election law by giving sensitive voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Cheyenne Attorney Files Complaint For Criminal Investigation Of Chuck Gray

A Cheyenne-based attorney is asking Wyoming authorities to investigate Secretary of State Chuck Gray for alleged election-related crimes. George Powers says Gray violated state election law by giving sensitive voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Clair McFarlandApril 13, 2026

Theresa McIntosh

Cheyenne 14-Year-Old Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ To First-Degree Murder In Mom’s Shooting

A Cheyenne 14-year-old charged as an adult with first-degree murder, accused of shooting his mother in the head after she called him derogatory names, pleaded not guilty Monday. The judge also denied an attempt to slash his bond from $500,000 to $50,000.

Greg JohnsonApril 13, 2026

A Teton County commissioner is concerned water from the Upper Hoback River Basin could be a potential target for diversion to make up for a severe Colorado River shortfall. The commission also approved a letter Monday asking the feds for more clear rules.

Teton Commissioner Doesn’t Want Water Diverted To Make Up For Colorado River

A Teton County commissioner is concerned water from the Upper Hoback River Basin could be a potential target for diversion to make up for a severe Colorado River shortfall. The commission also approved a letter Monday asking the feds for more clear rules.

David MadisonApril 13, 2026

Cheyenne lost its unofficial art ambassador Friday with the death of Dot, a 16-year-old Jack Russell terrier who loved french fries and people. Owner Harvey Deselms said she also helped people "while they were dealing with their demons."

Remembering Dot: Cheyenne’s Canine Art Ambassador Who Loved People & French Fries

Cheyenne lost its unofficial art ambassador Friday with the death of Dot, a 16-year-old Jack Russell terrier who excitedly greeted patrons of a Cheyenne art gallery. Owner Harvey Deselms said she was a "big source of comfort for a lot of people.”

Dale KillingbeckApril 13, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Bree Wilkey. Bree writes, "Sunrise this morning in Wright, Wyoming."

Photo by Bree Wilkey

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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Mom with daughters holding a sign that reads: I have lovely daughters

Wyoming Honors National Donate Life Month This April

Wyoming celebrates National Donate Life Month, spotlighting the power of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Lesley Steplock of Casper lost her mother in 2019, who went on to save multiple lives as a donor. Lesley now works for Donor Alliance, honoring her mother's legacy every day as an organ clinical coordinator.

April 13, 2026

Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism

Family Fun Awaits This Summer in Southwest Wyoming

Sweetwater County’s abundant natural playgrounds offer all kinds of opportunities to get out and play. Beyond outdoor escapades, you’ll find exciting summer shows, chances to see desert wildlife and a historic look at the Great American West at a variety of museums.

April 09, 2026

Image of Guns

Western Americana & Firearms Collecting Resurges in Cody, Wyoming with Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions

Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions is working to restore Cody, Wyoming as a premier destination for Western and firearms collectors with its upcoming May 1–3 auction featuring over 1,200 lots. The catalog is now live, offering a wide range of historic arms and collectibles with multiple bidding options available.

April 09, 2026

Opinion

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Joan Barron: Why Is It So Hard To Say 'I’m Sorry?'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Why is it so hard for today’s politicians to admit the wrongness of a situation? Even though they were not at fault personally, the ball was in the court of the Freedom Caucus members as it were, since they were the recipients of the checks."

Joan BarronMarch 21, 2026

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Bill Sniffin: Turning 80 Thoughts: Quit Smoking, Stay Active, Be Health-Selfish

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Here are my five life lessons that have kept me going for 80 years! I plan to keep going and keep learning.”

Bill SniffinMarch 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Your Participation Can Make Politics Better

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “If you have never attended a party meeting, you would be amazed at the depth of understanding on display. Its participants are anything but 'deplorables.'”

Jonathan LangeMarch 20, 2026

Wyoming Life

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