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After intense backlash over his plan to sell off federal public land in 11 Western states, including Wyoming, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee is scaling it back. He said late Monday he will “significantly reduce” the scope of his plan.

After Intense Backlash, Lee To ‘Significantly Reduce’ Public Lands Up For Sale

After intense backlash over his plan to sell off federal public land in 11 Western states, including Wyoming, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee is scaling it back. He said late Monday he will “significantly reduce” the scope of his plan.

Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2025

Sean Joseph Brennan of Hudson was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. Brennan was caught by an Internet vigilante who poses as minors to snag child predators.

Wyoming Man Caught In YouTube Child Predator Sting Gets 10 Years

Sean Joseph Brennan of Hudson was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. Brennan was caught by an Internet vigilante who poses as minors to snag child predators.

Matthew ChristianJune 24, 2025

Mountain Pass in California is the only active rare earth mine and processing facility in the U.S. Wyoming figures to play a huge role in changing that.

Congress Spotlights Wyoming’s Rare Earth Industry As Vital To US Supply

Wyoming and Montana took center stage at a congressional hearing Tuesday about fast-tracking rare earth processing in the U.S. New tech to extract rare earths from coal waste could help break China’s stranglehold on the critical minerals.

David MadisonJune 24, 2025

Anschutz Exploration Corp. is already one of the largest oil producers in Wyoming. Now it’s pushing the industry by drilling Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral wells on a pad in Johnson County. It joins other oil companies exploring how to get more oil out of the Powder River Basin, like the rig in this file photo.

One Of Wyoming’s Largest Oil Producers Drilling Its First 3-Mile Well

Anschutz Exploration Corp. is already one of the largest oil producers in Wyoming. Now it’s pushing the industry by drilling Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well on a pad in Johnson County.

David MadisonJune 24, 2025

Three Cheyenne teens were charged with arson Monday for allegedly setting four fires inside a vacant home in the northeast part of the city. They and a fourth as-yet uncharged teen were found out after one of them talked about burning the house at school. The house has already been torn down and is being filled in with a bulldozer.

Cheyenne Teens Accused Of Torching Vacant Home Face Arson Charges

Three Cheyenne teens were charged with arson Monday for allegedly setting four fires inside a vacant home in the northeast part of the city. They and a fourth as-yet uncharged teen were found out after one of them talked about burning the house at school.

Dale KillingbeckJune 24, 2025

A locked gate blocks access to the west end of the Boswell Road, off Highway 230 in southern Albany County.

Hunters And Others Angry About Being Locked Out Of Popular Snowy Range Road

An elk hunter said he nearly trashed his truck and camper because he got locked onto Boswell Road in Albany County and had to drive out the back way in a blizzard. He’s not the only one, as debate continues about whether the road is public or private.

Mark HeinzJune 24, 2025

An debate over selling federal land reminds those in opposition of Wyoming leaders’ efforts to shift those lands into state hands last year. State Rep. Karlee Provenza says now Gov. Mark Gordon and Harriet Hageman are "partners in the public land grab."

Provenza Says Gordon, Hageman Are 'Partners In Public Land Grab'

As debate intensifies over the sale of federal lands, state Rep. Karlee Provenza says actions last year in a federal court case show Gov. Mark Gordon and Harriet Hageman are "partners in the public land grab."

Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2025

Facing scathing backlash from hunters over proposed federal land sales, Utah Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Lee says he’s willing to “make changes” to his bill. But hunters say compromise is impossible and the bill needs to die.

Lee Offers Compromise On Public Land Sales Bill, Hunters Say No Deal

Facing scathing backlash from hunters over proposed federal land sales, Utah Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Lee says he’s willing to “make changes” to his bill. But hunters say compromise is impossible and the bill needs to die.

Mark HeinzJune 23, 2025

Dozens of Yellowstone visitors witnessed the death of a bison as it stepped into the water at the shallow edge of Grand Prismatic Spring on Saturday morning, leaving behind a carcass that will soon be "dissolved" by the 160-degree water. This photo was shared to the Yellowstone Through the Lens Facebook group by Louise Howard.

Yellowstone Visitors Watch Bison Die In 160-Degree Grand Prismatic Spring

Dozens of Yellowstone visitors were shocked to witness the death of a bison as it stepped into the water at the shallow edge of Grand Prismatic Spring on Saturday morning. Left behind is a carcass that will soon be "dissolved" by the 160-degree water.

Andrew RossiJune 24, 2025

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Strong Personalities Behind Rift Keeping Star Plunge Closed

A pair of state senators tried to broker a deal last month that would reopen the popular Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park. It didn’t work, and strong personalities on both sides have opened a rift that’s keeping Star Plunge closed.

Renée JeanJune 23, 2025

A crew of firefighters working the Pack Trail Fire in northwest Wyoming in October 2024.

Firefighter Shortage Could Cripple Ability To Fight Wyoming Wildfires, Officials Say

Firefighters on Monday told the Joint Appropriations Committee they are very worried about fire season this year due to a shortage of qualified people to battle the fires. “I think it should scare everyone in the state," Sublette County Fire Warden Shad Cooper said.

Matthew ChristianJune 23, 2025

Wyoming’s Republican congressional delegation praised President Donald Trump announcement that he’s secured a ceasefire Monday to the Israel-Iran war. Lummis says the development “is making the world safer.”

Wyoming Delegation Says Reported Israel-Iran Ceasefire ‘Making The World Safer’

Wyoming’s Republican congressional delegation praised President Donald Trump announcement that he’s secured a ceasefire Monday to the Israel-Iran war. Lummis says the development “is making the world safer.”

Matthew ChristianJune 24, 2025

Teton County commissioners have sent a letter to Wyoming’s congressional delegation asking for federal lands in the county be exempt from any proposed sale. Montana got an exemption, and Teton County officials want the same.

Teton County Wants Same Federal Land Sale Exemption Montana Got

Teton County commissioners have sent a letter to Wyoming’s congressional delegation asking that federal lands in the county be exempt from any proposed sale. Montana got an exemption, and Teton County officials want the same.

David MadisonJune 23, 2025

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is working Monday to clear 3-foot snowdrifts off the Beartooth Highway after a blast of mid-June winter blew through Wyoming over the weekend. Other parts of the state saw record-low temperatures.

Mid-June Winter Blast Brings Record Lows, 3-Foot Snowdrifts To Parts Of Wyoming

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is working Monday to clear 3-foot snowdrifts off the Beartooth Highway after a blast of mid-June winter blew through Wyoming over the weekend. Other parts of the state saw record-low temperatures.

Andrew RossiJune 23, 2025

Wyoming’s Republican congressional delegation said they support Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’s decision to rescind the 2001 Clinton-era Roadless Rule. Hageman has pushed hard to roll back the rule, saying it increased wildfire danger.

Wyoming Delegation Applauds Trump Agency Decision To Rescind Roadless Rule

Wyoming’s congressional delegation on Monday cheered Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’s decision to rescind the 2001 Clinton-era Roadless Rule. Hageman has pushed hard to roll back the rule, saying it increased wildfire danger.

Matthew ChristianJune 23, 2025

The 29-year-old Riverton man who stole a car with a baby inside in it in February pleaded guilty Friday to one count of felony kidnapping. He faces a sentence of between eight and 10 years in prison or could be sent to a “boot camp” program.

Riverton Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside Pleads Guilty

The 29-year-old Riverton man who stole a car with a baby inside in it in February pleaded guilty Friday to one count of felony kidnapping. He faces a sentence of between eight and 10 years in prison or could be sent to a “boot camp” program.

Clair McFarlandJune 23, 2025

Rock Springs County Sheriff’s Office says no arrests have yet been made, but there is a person of interest in a Saturday evening altercation that left a man shot in the neck. An investigation continues, and there’s no threat to the public.

Rock Springs Man Shot In Neck During Weekend Altercation, No Arrests Yet

Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office says no arrests have yet been made, but there is a person of interest in a Saturday evening altercation that left a man shot in the neck. An investigation continues, and there’s no threat to the public.

Clair McFarlandJune 23, 2025

Authorities on Saturday arrested a Riverton man for DUI and felony eluding after he bolted northward through a construction zone, hitting 130 mph in a car chase. Wyoming troopers did a tactical intervention, and the car rolled repeatedly.

Riverton Car Chase Hits 130 MPH, Ends In Rollover

Authorities on Saturday arrested a Riverton man for DUI and felony eluding after he bolted northward through a construction zone, hitting 130 mph in a car chase. Wyoming troopers did a tactical intervention, and the car rolled repeatedly.  

Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2025

A spat brewing between anglers and a landowner over a natural water channel connecting Pine Creek and the New Fork River near Pinedale could reflect a growing trend of tension between landowners and floaters across Wyoming. “It’s symbolic of greater issues,” legendary Wyoming fly fisherman and outdoor businessman Jack Dennis told Cowboy State Daily. 

Legendary Outdoorsman Jack Dennis Says Pinedale Fight Fuels Tension Between Floaters, Landowners

A spat between anglers and a landowner over a natural water channel connecting Pine Creek and the New Fork River near Pinedale reflects a growing trend of tension between landowners and floaters across Wyoming. “It’s symbolic of greater issues,” outdoorsman Jack Dennis says.

Mark HeinzJune 22, 2025

Rural Wyoming sheriffs are under the gun, battling crime with small departments and tiny budgets while tasked to cover huge service areas. They’re now figuring out how to do it with a 25% property tax cut.

Huge Service Areas, Tiny Departments Strain Wyoming’s Rural Law Enforcement

Rural Wyoming law enforcement is under the gun, battling crime with small departments, low pay, and tiny budgets while covering huge service areas. They’re now figuring out how to do it with less money with a new 25% property tax cut.

Jen KocherJune 22, 2025

A view of the Grand Tetons by Kelly Minor.

Popular Wyoming Facebook Group Decimated By Algorithm Revamp

Wyoming Through The Lens has nearly 465,000 members, making it one of the state’s largest Facebook communities. But a revamp of the platform’s algorithm has decimated its traffic, leaving its creator saddened. "It breaks my heart to see what’s happened to it,” Lorri Lang said. 

Zakary SonntagJune 22, 2025

Honeybee operations in Wyoming have been scrambling to get ready for the honey to flow with unusually large colony losses earlier this year. The Honey House in Dubois says it’s ready — just barely — for a new tourism season.

Huge Honeybee Losses Have Wyoming Beekeepers Scrambling As Season Starts

It’s been a difficult year for the Honey House in Dubois. The bee farm that supports the store, located in Crowheart, lost 67% of its colonies this year. The loss was part of a wave of unusually large-scale honeybee losses throughout the Rocky Mountain and Midwest regions.

Renée JeanJune 22, 2025

The Cody Theatre on June 20, 2025, after its sagging marquee was raised over a foot and set in place by a new steel support structure inside the existing marquee that has been floating on the front of the theatre since it opened in 1937.

Historic Cody Theatre Marquee Was Falling Off Building Until It Was Saved Last Week

The 88-year-old marquee of the historic Cody Theatre had been sagging downward for decades and threatened to fall off the building. The owners said it would have been far easier to get rid of it and replace it with a modern sign but they couldn't let that happen.

Andrew RossiJune 22, 2025

Jim Robinson found this pair of mule-ear boots abandoned in an old attic in Cripple Creek, Colorado, back in the 1990s. He dates the books back to somewhere between 1890 and 1910, which made them close to a century or so old when he found them.

You’ve Seen This Casper Man Wearing Rare 130-Year-Old Mule-Ear Boots In Movies

Jim Robinson of Casper found a pair of rare mule-ear cowboy boots from the 1890s in a dusty old cabin in Colorado. You’ve likely seen him wearing the boots in several movies, including “Rough Riders.”

Renée JeanJune 23, 2025

Joran Cochran smiles for a photo with his dog Apollo.

Wyoming Suicide: Rock Springs Teen Screamed He Wanted To Die, Then Made It Happen

The mother of a Rock Springs teen said she desperately tried to get help for her tormented son, even as he refused it. He would scream he wanted to die, until the day he made it happen.

Zakary SonntagJune 21, 2025

Ben Hanson was the founder of Thermopolis, Wyoming, and a well-respected businessman and cattleman. He also was a dashing outlaw bachelor who was quick with his gun and friends with the notorious Wild Bunch.

Wyoming History: Thermopolis Was Founded By A Dashing Outlaw Bachelor

Ben Hanson was the founder of Thermopolis, Wyoming, and a well-respected businessman and cattleman. He also was a dashing outlaw bachelor who was quick with his gun and friends with the notorious Wild Bunch.

Jackie DorothyJune 23, 2025

Felix Santana talks about his Andalusian horse Romano after a performance during the final Chris LeDoux Days rodeo.

Majestic Andalusian War Horse Wows Wyoming Crowd

Watching the Spanish war horse Romano perform, one would never guess that this majestic Andalusian horse was thought to be untrainable. The beautiful stallion, who appeared at Chris LeDoux Days, danced in time to music like the spirit of some Spanish dancer lives inside him.

Renée JeanJune 22, 2025

Longtime Colorado Rockies play-by-play radio announcer Jack Corrigan, left, interviews Rockies Hall of Fame right fielder Larry Walker.

Rockies Announcer Jack Corrigan Calling Games For What Could Be Worst Team Ever

Ever since losing out on a part to Superman (Christopher Reeve), Jack Corrigan has known how to handle defeat. The voice of the Colorado Rockies told Cowboy State Daily that although the team is struggling through one of the worst losing seasons in baseball history, things will get better.

Justin GeorgeJune 22, 2025

The right side of an Allosaurus skull still embedded in sandstone from the Jurassic Mile near Lovell. Jorge Plata and Rachel Gray, fossil preparators at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, have spent the last year slowly etching away at the rock to expose the jet-black bones from the snout of this 150-million-year-old dinosaur from Wyoming.

Scientists Use Cutting-Edge Tech To Look Inside Spectacular Wyoming Allosaurus

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis took two big rocks containing a dinosaur skull to the hospital for a CT scan. The cutting-edge technology was used to learn more about a spectacular Allosaurus found at Wyoming’s famed Jurassic Mile fossil site.

Andrew RossiJune 22, 2025

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Wyoming Delegation Applauds Ruling Allowing Fuel Makers To Sue Over California EV Regs

Wyoming’s congressional delegation is applauding a Friday U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows fuel makers to sue over California's EV regulations. “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is another rebuke of California’s radical climate agenda,” Sen. Barrasso told Cowboy State Daily.

Sean BarryJune 22, 2025

Jim Tang has been chasing storms for a decade, but said the huge Nebraska tornado he saw on Monday is a “once-in-a-lifetime” encounter. “As a storm chaser, that kind of tornado is your career goal,” he told Cowboy State Daily.

Storm Chaser In Awe After Capturing ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime’ Tornado

Jim Tang has been chasing storms for a decade, but said the huge Nebraska tornado he got up close and personal with Monday is a “once-in-a-lifetime” encounter. “As a storm chaser, that kind of tornado is your career goal,” he told Cowboy State Daily.

Andrew RossiJune 21, 2025

Jerry Tam is talking about getting out of a family business that's made Butte, Montana, home to the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in the U.S. Pekin Noodle Parlor is an institution, but Tam now is thinking about retiring.

Montana Owner Of Oldest Chinese Restaurant In America Considers Closing

You might think the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in the U.S. would be in San Francisco or New York. Actually, it's in Butte, Montana. Jerry Tam is the owner of the Pekin Noodle Parlor and is the great, great grandson of the first owner.

David MadisonJune 21, 2025

Alan Roach’s legendary career includes being the public address announcer for the Denver Broncos, Olympics, Denver International Airport and 17 Super Bowls. He’s been called “The Voice of God,” but before that was called “Phyllis.”

How Alan Roach Went From Being Called ‘Phyllis’ To ‘The Voice Of God’

Alan Roach’s legendary career includes being the public address announcer for the Denver Broncos, Olympics, Denver International Airport and 17 Super Bowls. He’s been called “The Voice of God,” but before that was called “Phyllis.”

Justin GeorgeJune 21, 2025

The Idaho National Laboratory is helping companies develop new nuclear technologies, including several projects planned for Wyoming. It has also issued a call for new startups to demonstrate their innovative nuclear tech.

Idaho National Lab Wants To Keep Building Wyoming’s Nuclear Industry

The same laboratory that has supported Wyoming’s emerging micro nuclear reactor sector is now inviting more companies to submit proposals. The move comes as Wyoming continues to position itself as a hub for small nuclear reactor development.

David MadisonJune 22, 2025

President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation from the White House on June 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C., about the three Iranian nuclear facilities that were struck by the U.S. military early Sunday.

Wyoming Delegation Praises Trump’s Decision To Bomb Iran's Nuke Sites

Wyoming's congressional delegation praised President Trump's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Rep. Harriet Hageman told Cowboy State Daily she was grateful the troops were safe and said "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."

Matthew ChristianJune 22, 2025

Kemmerer Mayor Robert Bowen digs for dinosaur bones near the small Wyoming town.

Kemmerer Mayor Digs For Dinosaur Bones While Town Waits For Housing Boom

The mayor of Kemmerer — aka Fossil Town USA — is closely watching the local real estate market. He thinks the current housing stock meets today's needs but warned that won't last long. A housing explosion is expected as TerraPower makes Kemmerer a nuclear boom town.

David MadisonJune 21, 2025

Despite the school district saying a Cheyenne man arrested Thursday at the national high school speech competition wasn’t there with the East High team, witnesses and evidence show he was. A parent and student say he hung out with the team and coaches.

Witnesses, Evidence Say Man Arrested At Speech Tournament Was With East High Team

Despite the school district saying a Cheyenne man arrested Thursday for causing a panic and stampede at the national high school speech competition wasn't associated with the East High team, witnesses and evidence say he was.

Clair McFarlandJune 21, 2025

Kindness Ranch Executive Director John Ramer holds Snow, a beagle who is a former research animal.

Where Research Animals Have A Future: Life At Kindness Ranch

At Hartville’s Kindness Ranch, former research animals get a rare second chance. But before healing can begin, labs must be convinced to release them into the ranch's care. This short documentary tells the stories of the animals learning to live life after the laboratory.

Reilly Strand & Hannah BrockJune 21, 2025

Carl Dunrud, Wyoming cowboy and Yellowstone Park Ranger, lassoed this male polar bear cub in Baffin Bay. He successfully captured the 2-year-old during the Putnam Greenland Expedition of 1926 and brought it to New York to the Bronx Zoo.

Wyoming History: That Time A Yellowstone Park Ranger Lassoed Polar Bears

Carl Dunrud steadied himself against the small schooner. It was 1926 and the Yellowstone Park ranger and Wyoming cowboy had a lasso ready as he eyed his target. Looking back at him was a polar bear swimming in the cold Arctic Sea.

Jackie DorothyJune 21, 2025

The Certified Angus Beef program was the first of its kind, and when Wyoming rancher Jack Schmidt first heard the idea over a highball, he thought it was silly. Then he watched the industry turn upside down as Black Angus became the breed of choice.

Wyoming Rancher Was At The Birth Of Certified Angus Beef — Drinking Highballs

The Certified Angus Beef program was the first of its kind, and when Wyoming rancher Jack Schmidt first heard the idea over a highball, he thought it was silly. Then he watched the industry turn upside down as Black Angus became the breed of choice.

Jackie DorothyJune 21, 2025

When Spalding walked into a Gillette home three months ago, he was near death — hypothermic and half his face had been destroyed by a huge abscess. Three months later, he’s beat the odds to make a full recovery.

Miracle Cat With Half A Face Beats The Odds With Full Recovery

When Spalding walked into a Gillette home three months ago, he was near death — hypothermic and half his face had been destroyed by a huge abscess. Three months later, he’s beat the odds to make a full recovery.

Andrew RossiJune 21, 2025

Kathy McKinzie, the great-niece of Gilbert "Muggsy" Schoel, holds the family scrapbook of the fighter who made a name in the boxing world at the turn of the last century.

Wyoming History: ‘The Cheyenne Kid’ Muggsy Schoel Was Boxing Champ In Early 1900s

Wyoming’s “Muggsy” Schoel fought some of the biggest names in professional boxing including the lightweight champion of the world in 1909. Also known as “The Cheyenne Kid,” he was the featherweight champion of the West before he was 20 and fought his last fight when he was 50.

Dale KillingbeckJune 21, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was taken above Centennial by Paul Miller. Paul writes, "The smell of the timber was awesome. Thank you, Lord."

Photo by Paul Miller

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

Opinion

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Joan Barron

Joan Barron: The Dark Side Of Pro Rodeo Life

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Since this is the outdoor rodeo season in Wyoming and the West, it was timely to watch an old gem last week on TCM. It was a 1952 black-and-white movie from RKO titled 'The Lusty Men.'"

Joan BarronJune 21, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Family Issues Should Be Bipartisan, Again

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: "Marriage and family are not Freedom Caucus issues. Neither is the restoration of the American Family a Republican issue. The traditional nuclear family is the foundation of a healthy society."

Jonathan LangeJune 20, 2025

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Tom Lubnau: Sale Of Our Public Lands Brings More Questions Than Answers

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "My understanding of the public land sale proposals is they are so vague, with so many unanswered questions, that at this point, I can’t get behind risking Wyoming’s way of life to pay the bills for the United States."

Tom LubnauJune 19, 2025

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