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A 56-year-old man died Wednesday in a gas well explosion in Fremont County near Jeffrey City. The incident is being investigated to determine what caused the blast.

56-Year-Old Man Dead In Gas Well Explosion Near Jeffrey City

A 56-year-old man died Wednesday in a gas well explosion in Fremont County near Jeffrey City. The incident is being investigated to determine what caused the blast.

Jackson WalkerOctober 23, 2025

An impaired truck driver was arrested for DUI after his semi full of potatoes veered off I-80 and crashed into the Medicine Bow River on Tuesday morning. Driving semis is dangerous enough on I-80 when people aren’t impaired, the Carbon County sheriff says.

Driver Of Semi Arrested For DUI After Crashing Truck Full Of Potatoes Into River

A truck driver was arrested for DUI after his semi full of potatoes veered off I-80 and crashed into the Medicine Bow River on Tuesday morning. Driving semis is dangerous enough on I-80 when people aren’t impaired, the Carbon County sheriff says.

Andrew RossiOctober 23, 2025

Wyoming’s congressional delegation is defending President Donald Trump while he draws pointed criticism from Democrats as heavy equipment demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

Wyoming Delegation Defends Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Ballroom’ From Critics

Wyoming’s congressional delegation is defending President Donald Trump while he draws pointed criticism from Democrats as heavy equipment demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

Greg JohnsonOctober 23, 2025

A Wyoming woman who once housed killer Dale Wayne Eaton believes her family’s property may hold clues to the 28-year-old case of missing runner Amy Wroe Bechtel. She hopes police will bring cadaver dogs to search an old cabin there.

Police Believe Tip In Amy Wroe Bechtel’s Disappearance Worth Looking Into

A Wyoming woman who once housed killer Dale Wayne Eaton believes her family’s Natrona County property may hold clues to the 28-year-old case of missing runner Amy Wroe Bechtel. She hopes police will bring cadaver dogs to search an old cabin there.

Renée JeanOctober 22, 2025

Downtown Gillette.

Gillette Considers Repealing Controversial ‘Hate Crime Ordinance’

The Gillette City Council this week directed its city attorney to draft language repealing a controversial “hate crime ordinance” that’s been in place for two years. The rule makes it misdemeanor to hurt others based on race or gender.

Jackson WalkerOctober 23, 2025

Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Patrick, right, and his brother Mayor Mayor Rod Patrick testify for the Management Audit Committee on Oct. 21, 2025. They weren’t in office in 2022 when the alleged improprieties happened.

State Criminal Investigation Against Town Of Manderson Closes With No Charges

A state investigation into Manderson’s faulty 2022 audit, which sparked a criminal investigation, ended without charges, authorities announced Tuesday. Town leaders blame the prior administration, and lawmakers demand continuing oversight.

Clair McFarlandOctober 23, 2025

Wyoming's been enjoying a mild autumn with warm temperatures and a lack of snow and cold blasts. That may seem unusual, but it's average, something October hasn't been for several years in Wyomng.

Is It Unusually Warm? Nope, Wyoming Finally Gets A Totally Average October

Wyoming's been enjoying a mild autumn with warm temperatures and a lack of snow and cold blasts. That may seem unusual, but it's average, something October hasn't been for several years in Wyomng.

Andrew RossiOctober 23, 2025

A suspected explosive placed on the Great Seal outside Wyoming’s state Capitol on Tuesday was a “deconstructed live firework munition,” investigators said Wednesday. The Division of Criminal Investigation has identified two people of interest.

Suspected Capitol Bomb Was Modified Firework, DCI Has Two People Of Interest

A suspected explosive placed on the Great Seal outside Wyoming’s state Capitol on Tuesday was a “deconstructed live firework munition,” investigators said Wednesday. The Division of Criminal Investigation has identified two people of interest.

Jackson WalkerOctober 22, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray testified for the Management Audit Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Casper about a raft of proposed bills that aim to prevent botched elections.

Lawmakers Advance Four Bills That Aim To Catch, Prevent Botched Elections

Four bills seeking to catch and prevent fraud and botched elections in Wyoming are headed into the 2026 legislative session after the Management Audit Committee advanced them all Tuesday.

Clair McFarlandOctober 22, 2025

Dottie, a young shorthaired Australian Shepard, was bitten in the head and carried of by a mountain lion on her owners’ property near Newcastle.

Dog Survives After Mountain Lion Snatches Her By The Head Near Newcastle

An Australian shepherd named Dottie is alive at home after a mountain lion snatched her by the head and tried to carry her off Sunday. Her owners say more lions have been showing up around their Newcastle, Wyoming, property lately.

Mark HeinzOctober 22, 2025

This view from a Teton Pass webcam gets the most of all WYDOT cameras. It's popular with people who commute between Jackson and Idaho, especially in winter.

WYDOT Traffic Cameras Get Viewers From Around The World

The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s highway webcams are vital for Jackson-area workers checking for treacherous weather ahead of their commutes to and from Idaho. They’re also a lifeline for deployed soldiers homesick for the Cowboy State.

Jackson WalkerOctober 23, 2025

Seven Thermopolis residents have asked Gov. Mark Gordon to remove two Hot Springs County commissioners — Paul Galovich, left, and Bob Aguiar — accused of misconduct over a disputed campground permit. The governor is investigating as tensions over the local Tipi Retreat saga continue.

Thermopolis Residents Want Gordon To Remove 2 Hot Springs County Commissioners

Seven Thermopolis residents have asked Gov. Mark Gordon to remove two Hot Springs County commissioners accused of misconduct over a disputed campground permit. The governor is investigating as tensions over the local Tipi Retreat saga continue.

Clair McFarlandOctober 22, 2025

The FBI is now involved in an investigation stemming from a suspected bomb found Tuesday outside the Wyoming Capitol Building. The federal agency has the "safe parts" of the device, which was left on the Great Seal in front of the Capitol.

FBI Now Involved In Wyoming Capitol Bomb Investigation 

The FBI is now involved in an investigation stemming from a suspected bomb found Tuesday outside the Wyoming Capitol Building. The federal agency has the "safe parts" of the device, which was left on the Great Seal in front of the Capitol.

Jackson WalkerOctober 22, 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. David Wilkinson waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday and could face up to 25 years in prison.

Casper Man Accused Of Trying To Burn Down Ex’s House, But He Saved Pet Snake

A 31-year-old Casper man accused of trying to burn down the house of his ex-boyfriend made sure he saved his pet snake from the fire, according to police. David Wilkinson waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday and could face up to 25 years in prison.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 22, 2025

When drivers kept taking out her mailbox and leaving without so much as an “I’m sorry” note, a rural Cheyenne woman took her complaint public. Turns out others in her Happy Valley neighborhood are also fed up with drivers plowing into their mailboxes.

Rural Cheyenne Residents Fed Up With Drivers Taking Out Their Mailboxes

When drivers kept taking out her mailbox and leaving without so much as an “I’m sorry” note, a rural Cheyenne woman took her complaint public. Turns out others in her neighborhood are also fed up with drivers plowing into their mailboxes.

Renée JeanOctober 21, 2025

After the Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock failed to show for a Wyoming legislative committee’s subpoena, the panel chair on Tuesday said he would seek a court order compelling her to testify at a later meeting.

Legislative Committee Wants Court Order To Make Weston County Clerk Testify

After the Weston County clerk failed to show for a Wyoming legislative committee’s subpoena, the panel chair on Tuesday said he would seek a court order compelling her to testify at a later meeting.

Clair McFarlandOctober 22, 2025

Randall Bailey

Cody Man Accused Of Hoarding Homemade Explosives Admits Gun Charges In Plea Deal

A Cody man accused of stalking his ex-wife and hoarding homemade explosives has pleaded guilty to two federal firearm charges in a plea deal. Randall Bailey faces sentencing in January as state charges remain on hold.

Scott SchwebkeOctober 21, 2025

Behind yellow crime scene tape, a group of people in plain clothes investigate on the steps of the Wyoming Capitol on Tuesday during an evacuation and lockdown of the building sparked by the report of an improvised explosive device in the building.

Suspected Bomb Found On Great Seal Outside Wyoming Capitol

The Wyoming Capitol was closed most of the day Tuesday after a suspected improvised explosive device was found on the Great Seal in front of the building. It was found by someone walking by, who picked it up and took it into the Capitol.

Jackson WalkerOctober 21, 2025

A hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense early Saturday in the Island Park area south of Yellowstone National Park, marking the third year in a row for such incidents.

Hunter Shoots, Kills Grizzly With Rifle In Self-Defense South Of Yellowstone

A hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense early Saturday in the Island Park area south of Yellowstone National Park, marking the third year in a row for such incidents.

Mark HeinzOctober 21, 2025

Using a Google-AI search for duck hunting season dates landed some Idaho hunters in trouble as the search gave them the wrong dates. An experienced Wyoming hunter said relying on AI for reliable information is a “crapshoot” at best.

Artificial Intelligence Fools Hunters Into Shooting Ducks On The Wrong Day

Using a Google-AI search for duck hunting season dates landed some Idaho hunters in trouble as the search gave them the wrong dates. An experienced Wyoming hunter said relying on AI for reliable information is a “crapshoot” at best.

Mark HeinzOctober 21, 2025

Other than some sarcastic clapping, Tuesday's Laramie County Republican Party meeting was fairly civil in the wake of previous meetings that led to arguments and infighting among some members.

No Fireworks At First Laramie County GOP Meeting After Conflicting Fundraisers

Other than some sarcastic clapping, Tuesday's Laramie County Republican Party meeting was fairly civil in the wake of previous meetings that led to arguments and infighting among some members.

Jackson WalkerOctober 22, 2025

Wyoming National Guard soldiers practice an urban operations exercise at the North Training Area at Camp Guernsey during a two-week annual training commitment.

Wyoming National Guard Has 800 Employees Working For Free In Shutdown

The Wyoming National Guard has around 800 full-time employees working for free during the federal government shutdown, with "no end in sight." They're guaranteed back pay when the government restarts. 

Clair McFarlandOctober 21, 2025

When Wyoming Department of Transportation snowplows hit the highways this winter, they'll be equipped with long, green, lightsaber-looking lights. They're meant to be can't-miss beacons for driver to avoid hitting plow trucks.

Wyoming Equipping State Snowplows With Green Lightsaber-Like Lights

When Wyoming Department of Transportation snowplows hit the highways this winter, they'll be equipped with long, green, lightsaber-looking lights. They're meant to be can't-miss beacons for drivers to avoid hitting plow trucks.

Andrew RossiOctober 21, 2025

Riverton police 9 1 22 scaled

Riverton Man Receives $55K Settlement Over Warrantless Police Entry

A Riverton man settled his lawsuit for $55,000 after claiming police entered his home without a warrant, dragged him out, and jailed him.

Clair McFarlandOctober 21, 2025

Being able to corner-cross private property to access landlocked public lands is now the rule across the American West, after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a Wyoming landowner’s challenge of the practice.

Corner-Crossing War Is Over: Supreme Court Refuses To Hear Landowner's Appeal

Being able to corner-cross private property to access landlocked public lands is now the rule across much of the American West, after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a Wyoming landowner’s challenge of the practice.

Clair McFarlandOctober 20, 2025

The Wyoming Capitol has been evacuated and put on lockdown Tuesday after a report of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) in the building, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reports.

Wyoming Capitol Evacuated, Locked Down After Report Of Suspected Explosive Device

The Wyoming Capitol has been evacuated and put on lockdown Tuesday after a report of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) in the building, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reports.

Jackson Walker & Greg JohnsonOctober 21, 2025

A Wyoming legislative committee meeting in Cheyenne on Monday adopted a draft bill to give let all state law enforcement officers ticket commercial truckers caught driving without being proficient in the English language.

Bill Would Allow Wyoming Police To Ticket Non-English-Speaking Truckers

A Wyoming legislative committee meeting in Cheyenne on Monday adopted a draft bill to let all state law enforcement officers ticket commercial truckers caught driving without being proficient in the English language.

Clair McFarlandOctober 20, 2025

A committee of state lawmakers on Monday shot down a controversial proposed hike to state fuel taxes. The question of how to remedy the Wyoming Department of Transportation's reported $400 million shortfall remains. 

Fuel Tax Hike Shot Down Amid $400M Wyoming Department Of Transportation Deficit

A committee of state legislators on Monday shot down a controversial proposed hike to state fuel taxes. The question of how to remedy the Wyoming Department of Transportation's reported $400 million shortfall remains. 

Jackson WalkerOctober 20, 2025

During a Monday meeting of the Wyoming Transportation Committee, lawmakers grilled state security leaders over concerns about transporting nuclear waste through Wyoming. 

Wyoming Security Agency Grilled About Dangers Of Transporting Nuclear Waste

During a Monday meeting of the Wyoming Transportation Committee, lawmakers grilled state security leaders over concerns about transporting nuclear waste through Wyoming. 

Jackson WalkerOctober 21, 2025

A Wild West historian says she uncovered evidence in a family diary suggesting Wyatt Earp’s first gunfight happened near Orin, Wyoming, not Illinois. That could reshape Earp's early legend and add a new chapter to Wyoming’s Wild West legacy.

Historian Says She's Traced Wyatt Earp’s First Gunfight To Orin, Wyoming

A Wild West historian says she uncovered evidence in a family diary suggesting Wyatt Earp’s first gunfight happened near Orin, Wyoming, not Illinois. That could reshape Earp's early legend and add a new chapter to Wyoming’s Wild West legacy.

Renée JeanOctober 21, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday announced that he’s received at least four more complaints about the Weston County clerk’s handling of the 2024 general election. He said he’s investigating the new claims — and a call to remove the clerk from her elected office.

Gordon Investigates New Complaints Against Weston County Clerk

Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday announced that he’s received at least four more complaints about the Weston County clerk’s handling of the 2024 general election. He said he’s investigating the new claims — and a call to remove the clerk from her elected office.

Clair McFarlandOctober 20, 2025

Wyoming transportation officials say drivers are ultimately responsible for making sure their loads fit under overpasses, and liable when they crash into bridges. A veteran trucker says drivers are often unfairly blamed. Above, the McKinley Street overpass in Casper, at just 11 feet of clearance, is notorious for getting hit by large trucks.

WYDOT Says Drivers Responsible When Trucks Hit Bridges; Trucker Says Not So Fast

Wyoming transportation officials say drivers are ultimately responsible for making sure their loads fit under overpasses, and liable when they crash into bridges. A veteran trucker says drivers are often unfairly blamed.

Scott SchwebkeOctober 20, 2025

Five Cody business owners have signed a long-term lease to operate the historic Cassie’s restaurant in Cody. Cassie’s opened as a supper club in 1993, but was in danger of being torn down after it recently closed amid its former owners' legal troubles.

Cody Businesses Team Up To Save Historic Cassie’s Restaurant From Wrecking Ball

Five Cody business owners have signed a long-term lease to operate the historic Cassie’s restaurant in Cody. Cassie’s opened as a supper club in 1993, but was in danger of being torn down after it recently closed amid its former owners' legal troubles.

Andrew RossiOctober 20, 2025

Wyoming started taxing electric vehicle drivers who plug into charging stations this month. Now a pro-EV group wants the new fee paused, saying it unfairly triple-taxes EV drivers. WYDOT says it's enforcing an existing law after broader EV reforms failed.

Pro-EV Group Wants Wyoming To Halt New Charging Tax

Wyoming started taxing electric vehicle drivers who plug into charging stations this month. Now a pro-EV group wants the new fee paused, saying it unfairly triple-taxes EV drivers. WYDOT says it's enforcing an existing law after broader EV reforms failed.

David MadisonOctober 20, 2025

Wyoming Game and Fish officials are searching for those responsible for “artifact looting and vandalism” at an archeological site near Dubois. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for tips that lead to convictions.

$10K Reward Offered After Looting, Vandalism At Wyoming Archaeological Site

Wyoming Game and Fish officials are searching for those responsible for “artifact looting and vandalism” at an archeological site near Dubois. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for tips that lead to convictions.

Andrew RossiOctober 20, 2025

The piebald elk cow along the South Fork of the Shoshone River near Cody. Most piebald elk don't make it to adulthood, but this extremely rare cow appeared to be young and healthy.

Rare 1-In-100,000 Piebald Cow Elk Spotted Near Cody

Powell photographer Michael Moore got photos of a piebald cow elk in a herd southwest of Cody. The rare condition, where the elk's hair and fur is more white than brown, is seen in less than 1% of the elk in the United States.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2025

Nels Wroe with Dry Land Distillers has created a novel whiskey using emmer wheat grown in Wyoming.

Unique Whiskey Made From Ancient Grain Grown In Wyoming Called Emmer Debuts

A new whiskey debuted on Saturday made from emmer wheat grown in Powell, Wyoming. Nels Wroe, who grew up in Douglas and is the owner of Dry Land Distillers, said they're the only company making a true 100% emmer whiskey. "It's the only one like it in the world," he said.

Renée JeanOctober 19, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Monday, October 20, 2025

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsOctober 20, 2025

An heiress to the Doubleday publishing family left a privileged high-society life for the rugged and untamed wide open spaces of Wyoming. That’s where she lived “North of Crazy” and fueled an art renaissance that’s still growing even after her 2021 death.

North Of Crazy: How A Publishing Heiress Fueled A Wyoming Art Renaissance

An heiress to the Doubleday publishing family escaped her privileged - but abusive - high-society life for the wilderness of Wyoming. That’s where she fueled an art renaissance that’s still growing even after her 2021 death and published her memoir "North of Crazy."

Wendy CorrOctober 19, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, October 24, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ben Schiffer in Barnum, Wyoming. Ben writes, "Gather for the Flying Diamond, red wall country."

Photo by Ben Schiffer

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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Portrait photo of Charles Hoskinson

Announcing the Hoskinson Government and Policy Center

The Policy Center plans on taking an active role in the 2026 elections in Wyoming as well and will coordinate with its Wyoming Integrity Political Action Committee throughout the election cycle.

October 15, 2025

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Sponsored Guest Column: Standing with Israel: A Wyoming Reflection on October 7th and the Fight for Freedom

Reid Rasner writes, "On this solemn anniversary of October 7th, I call on every American, and especially my fellow Wyomingites, to renew our commitment to standing with Israel."

Guest ColumnOctober 06, 2025

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Sponsored Guest Column: What You Need to Know About Changing Health Care Costs

Diane Gore, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, writes, "Health insurance premiums are set to rise and here's why."

Guest ColumnAugust 14, 2025

Opinion

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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: A Promise Kept On Porn In Our Libraries

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “The American Library Association, although not elected by anybody, has been working for years to place grotesquely inappropriate material before the eyes of our children.”

October 17, 2025

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: What Can We Learn From The Failed Federal Coal Sale?

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "It’s time to take off the aluminum foil hats filled with wishful thinking, and make some real decisions based on responsible predictions."

Tom LubnauOctober 16, 2025

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Dave Simpson: Our New Neighbor Is Very, Very Big

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Our new neighbor is spending $1.2 billion on a 184,000-square-foot building on 115 acres. How do you welcome folks like that to the neighborhood?  A plate of cookies?"

Dave SimpsonOctober 13, 2025

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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Crime & Courts

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