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A group of people tour the School Section of state-owned land near the base of Casper Mountain, where a proposed gravel mining operation has generated controversy for 14 months.

Casper Gravel Pit Killed By State Land Board

The State Board of Land Commissioners on Thursday denied the renewal of six leases for a controversial gravel mining operation on state-owned land at the base of Casper Mountain. The vote is a victory for locals who waged a 14-month fight against the pit.

Zakary SonntagJune 06, 2025

A group of pronghorn graze near a Wyoming wind farm.

As Minerals, Wind And Solar Projects Boom In Wyoming, Should Companies Pay For Displaced Wildlife?

State Sen. Larry Hicks is proposing a bill that would compensate Wyoming residents for “loss of property” when huge wind, solar, minerals or other energy projects displace wildlife.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2025

Nuclear Fuels Inc. drilled several holes in the Powder River Basin area as it hopes to find enough uranium to begin production.

Wyoming Uranium Boom Drives $76 Million Merger as Industry Grows

Optimism around Wyoming uranium continues to drive investment in the state, with a $76 million merger announced Thursday highlighting the state's re-emergence as a uranium exploration hotspot.

David MadisonJune 05, 2025

The Platte County Sheriff's Office and jail in Wheatland, Wyoming.

Judge Dismisses Suit Of Wheatland Man Who Suffered Brain Damage In Jail

A federal judge dismissed the case of a Wheatland man who sued Platte County Sheriff’s Deputies for sending him to jail rather than the hospital despite his 0.357% blood-alcohol content. The man suffered a seizure and subsequent brain damage, court documents say.

Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2025

Nick Orsillo and his wife next to their 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera. They just purchased this rare Porsche from its original and only owner, with the promise they'd use it as a rally car in events like the Ramshorn Rally.

Three Dozen Vintage Porsches Cruise Through Cody For Ramshorn Rally 

Over 30 vintage air-cooled Porsches cruised through Cody on Thursday for the ninth annual Ramshorn Rally. For vintage Porsche owners, driving along the most scenic routes in the American West is one of the highlights of their year.

Andrew RossiJune 05, 2025

Hoop dancing demo at Wyoming Historical Society's Summer Trek in Thermopolis

Delinquent Tax Paperwork Preceded Implosion Of Wyoming History Groups

More details are emerging over the rift that has grown in a decades-long partnership between three of Wyoming’s most prominent history groups. Records show problems leading to their split began much earlier than February.

Renée JeanJune 05, 2025

The Sublette County Commission says its withholding $2.7 million toward building a new hospital and long-term care facility. Commissioners say they need “adequate assurances” that the Sublette County Hospital District will hold up its end of the agreements between the entities.

Sublette County Holds Back $2.7M For New Hospital In Feud With Hospital District

Sublette County and the local hospital district are feuding over the county holding back $2.7 million for a new hospital and long-term care facility. The county says the block is temporary, but the hospital district worries the delay will be costly.

Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2025

When the first Hogs For Hope motorcycle rally against wolf torture rolled into Daniel on May 26, 2024, locals blocked off the front of the Green River Bar with trailers. Rally organizers had planned to meet on the front porch of the bar and present wolf advocates with a check from donations raised by Hogs For Hope.

Hunter Calls For Counter-Protest During Daniel Rally Against Wolf Torture

An outdoorsman is calling for people to show up in Daniel on June 14 to support Wyoming’s wolf management policies and to counter what he says is the inaccurate demonization of local resident Cody Roberts.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2025

Jennifer Renee Fahrney and Richard Allen Turner

Rock Springs Couple Accused Of Having Orgies With Teen To Plead No Contest

A Rock Springs man is facing life while his girlfriend could spend 35 years in prison after both agreed to plead no contest to charges that they had orgies and committed other sexual abuse with a teenager for more than a year.

Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2025

Montana-Dakota Utilities Company is asking for a rate increase

Natural Gas Bills For Residential Customers In Northern Wyoming Could Go Up 15%

Montana-Dakota Utilities, the utility serving Sheridan, Powell and other Wyoming cities, is asking for a rate increase on natural gas. Residential customers could see an increase of 15% while while large commercial users face just a 3.87% increase.

David MadisonJune 04, 2025

Bitcoin Depot has 45 bitcoin ATMs across Wyoming, including 11 in Cheyenne. This one is in a Loaf 'N Jug store on East Lincolnway.

Scammers Using Bitcoin ATMs To Steal Thousands From Wyomingites

A Jackson man scammed out of $7,500 wasn’t as lucky as a 78-year-old Gillette woman who narrowly avoided being taken for $22,000 at a bitcoin ATM on Saturday. Bitcoin is as easy to steal as cash, an expert says.

Greg JohnsonJune 04, 2025

The antler auction in Jackson has been a tradition each May for 58 years, but this year sales plummeted to about half of normal.

Early Elk Migration Could Be To Blame For Low Sales At Jackson Antler Auction

An early elk migration out of the National Elk Refuge could be to blame for a plunge in revenue from this year’s elk antler auction in Jackson. The annual auction consistently pulls in about $200,000 but this year’s auction generated only $109,000. 

Mark HeinzJune 04, 2025

Wind River Job Corp students Igor Pool, Joshuwa Begley and Joe R. Hodge protrst outside the school.

Riverton Job Corps Students, Staff Protest Putting Program On ‘Pause’

More than 100 students and staff protested outside the Riverton Job Corps offices Wednesday with the program on “pause” after cut from . The program will end by June 30 unless Congress intervenes.

Jackie DorothyJune 04, 2025

Michael Boren testifies during a confirmation hearing at the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on June 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Boren will become Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment if confirmed by the Senate.

Billionaire Idaho Rancher Who Has Clashed With Forest Service Could Oversee Agency

Michael Boren, an Idaho rancher and tech billionaire who has a history of clashing with the U.S. Forest Service, has been nominated to oversee the agency. If confirmed he would be in charge of nearly 200 million acres in western states, including more than 9 million in Wyoming.

Sean BarryJune 04, 2025

Work to clean up and repair the inside of the Green River Tunnel continues.

$1.7 Million Lighting And Concrete Repairs First Steps To Reopen Green River Tunnel

Transportation work replacing $1.78 million in lighting and concrete pavement are underway as part of the initial work needed to reopen the Green River tunnel since a fiery, fatal, multi-truck accident closed it down four months ago.

Andrew RossiJune 04, 2025

Albany County Democratic Party Chair Klaus Halbsgut waved while being photographed alongside other delegates to the Wyoming Democratic State Central Committee.

Wyoming Democrats Are Going Broke And Don’t Want The Press To Report It

The Wyoming Democratic Party State Central Committee said during its Sunday meeting in Rock Springs that it's running at about a $5,000 per-month loss. The party also told the press not to report it.

Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2025

Grizzly 1063, aka Bonita, has one cub left, after her other two cubs were killed last month by a large male grizzly.

Hazing Of Grizzly 1063 Led To Cubs Being Killed, Photographer Tom Mangelsen Says

World famous wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen said he believes the National Park Service's "hard hazing" of Grizzly 1063 last month led to two of her cubs being killed and cannibalized by a large male grizzly. The National Park Service disputes that.

Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025

Cows and bison with Devils Tower in distance.

Wyoming Rancher Says His Cows Mysteriously Fell Over Dead, Like Cows On Colorado Ranch

A Crook County rancher said the baffling deaths of 15 Colorado cattle is eerily familiar. He never did figure out what killed more than 40 of his cows years ago. “It killed them instantly, whatever it was. They just dropped,” Clint Snook said. 

Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025

The Norris Basin in Yellowstone National Park is one of Wyoming's active geothermal sources. A new U.S. Geological Survey study identifies Wyoming’s western border — outside the national park — as part of a massive geothermal reserve. It could be tapped to generate electricity equal to 10% of America’s current power supply.

Wyoming Part of Massive Geothermal Reserve That Could Power 10% of America

A new U.S. Geological Survey study identifies Wyoming’s western border as part of a massive geothermal reserve. Geologists say it could be tapped to generate electricity equal to 10% of America’s current power supply.

David MadisonJune 03, 2025

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis gives her weekly briefing with the Republican Senate Leadership at the Ohio Clock Corridor outside of the Senate Chamber, May 20, 2025

Lummis Says Schumer And Other Dems Should Issue Stronger Rebuke To Boulder Attack

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis on Tuesday said Democratic leaders need to respond much more strongly to a rash of antisemitic violence including the attack in Boulder. “We need to make sure that antisemitism does not grow in the United States," she said.

Jackson WalkerJune 04, 2025

Goliath, a 33-year-old, mustang stallion who lived a hardscrabble life on the Wyoming range now enjoys freedom on a 9,000-acre sanctuary in Oregon.

Elderly Wyoming Mustangs Enjoy Life On Oregon Sanctuary They Helped Make Famous

Goliath and Blue Zeus are two huge mustang stallions who lived hardscrabble lives on the Wyoming range and now enjoy freedom and plentiful forage on a 9,000-acre horse sanctuary in Oregon. Goliath is 33-years-old while Blue Zeus is 24.

Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025

Karla Smith shown recovering after she was stabbed in the back by her son. The family raised money for her medical bills by raffling off the son's pigs.

Campbell County Teen Who Stabbed Mom, Prompting Pig Raffle, Pleads Guilty

A Campbell County man faces 20 years to life in prison after he pleaded guilty last week to stabbing his mother in the back while she slept. To cover the cost of the $67,000 air ambulance ride, the family raffled off the man's pigs.

Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2025

James Johnson Getty Images 2204456897 6 3 25

Cheyenne's James Johnson Headed To The NBA Finals With Indiana Pacers

James Johnson, a 2007 Cheyenne East High School graduate, will make his first ever appearance in the NBA Finals on Wednesday as a member of the Indiana Pacers.

Matthew ChristianJune 03, 2025

A pump jack operates in Wyoming's Powder River Basin in this undated photo.

Wyoming's Oil Industry Showing Moderate Growth, According To Latest Projections

New oil industry data shows Powder River Basin wells breaking even at $60 per barrel as global market forces create challenges and opportunities. One analyst says if the price per barrel of oil doesn’t go up, it could cost jobs in Wyoming. 

David MadisonJune 03, 2025

A seven-shot panorama of an aurora over Sundance taken in the early morning of June 1. The aurora manifested from a G4 coronal mass ejection (CME), one of the strongest seen from Wyoming since 2024.

While Most Of Wyoming Was Cloudy, Sundance Photographer Gets Spectacular Aurora

When a geomagnetic storm reached Earth’s atmosphere on Sunday, most of Wyoming was covered in clouds. David Porter of Sundance, was awakened by his dog, and was awestruck with his view. “Thank goodness the dog had to pee,” he said.

Andrew RossiJune 03, 2025

Taylor Hasselbeck, a 6-foot-2 three-star quarterback prospect, has committed to play at the University of Wyoming in 2026. He’s the son of former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck and nephew of Super Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Wyoming Cowboys Snag Commitment From Son Of Former NFL Quarterback

Taylor Hasselbeck, a 6-foot-2 three-star quarterback prospect, has committed to play at the University of Wyoming in 2026. He’s the son of former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck and nephew of Super Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Justin GeorgeJune 03, 2025

Hanna Holtmeier, one of six University of Wyoming Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter members who sued over a transgender member's induction, speaks on the steps of the Byron White U.S. Courthouse in downtown Denver on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Department Of Education Investigates UW For Trans Sorority Induction

The U.S. Department of Education on Monday announced it’s investigating the University of Wyoming because it “allowed a man to join a campus sorority." But UW was not the entity that inducted a transgender member into the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025

Sawyer Costa loved animals and playing hockey with boys twice her size. The 10-year-old Laramie girl died Saturday, a week after she was hit by a truck. Those who knew her say that most of all, Sawyer was “fearless.”

‘Fearless’ Laramie Girl, 10, Dies A Week After Hit By Truck

Sawyer Costa loved animals and playing hockey with boys twice her size. The 10-year-old Laramie girl died Saturday, a week after she was hit by a truck. Those who knew her say that most of all, Sawyer was “fearless.”

Greg JohnsonJune 02, 2025

Tel and Kelsey Stephens, along with Adelaide Bopp, pitch in to help move cattle with Michael Stephens on Monday.

Ranch Family Files Lawsuit to Block Wyoming Wind Lease, Citing Generational Legacy

Converse County rancher Mike Stephens has filed a lawsuit against the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. He says they failed to follow proper procedures in approving the controversial Pronghorn wind project.

David MadisonJune 02, 2025

Wyoming’s congressional delegation expressed outrage over an illegal Egyptian national attacking a group of people in Boulder, Colorado, with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. They say he was helped by Biden’s disastrous immigration policy.

Biden Immigration Policy Enabled Boulder Terror Attack, Wyoming Delegation Says

U.S. Sens. John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis and Rep. Harriet Hageman on Monday expressed outrage over an illegal Egyptian national who attacked people in Boulder with a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. They say Biden’s immigration policy is to blame.

Greg JohnsonJune 02, 2025

National Weather Service office in Cheyenne on June 2, 2025

National Weather Service Hiring Meteorologists, Cheyenne Uncertain If They'll Get Any

Three weeks after the 24-hour Cheyenne National Weather Service office was forced to shut down overnight operations due to federal staffing cuts, a small number of eliminated positions may be returning – but no one knows if positions will come back to Cheyenne.

Andrew RossiJune 02, 2025

State Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, at Sunday’s Wyoming Democratic Party State Committee meeting in Rock Springs.

Wyoming Dems Say Nothing Is Wrong With Platform But Will Target Rural Areas

Despite having just eight seats in the 93-member legislature and being on the heels of a rough national election, Wyoming Democrats overwhelmingly told Cowboy State Daily they aren't changing their platform. Their strategy, rather, is to volunteer in rural areas.

Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025

Campbell County Courthouse in Gillette, Wyoming.

North Dakota Woman Accused Of Stabbing Man In Neck While Driving

A North Dakota woman is facing attempted second-degree murder charges after Campbell County Sheriff's Investigators say she stabbed a driver twice in the neck. The woman was on her way to Las Vegas when the stabbing happened.

Jen KocherJune 02, 2025

The Higgs family ranch near Coal Creek, Colorado, lost 15 cattle in a single day. The animals, mostly heifers (mother cows) died suddenly after suffering seizures, and nobody can figure out why.

15 Cattle Dropped Dead In One Day On Colorado Ranch Remains A Mystery

A Colorado ranch family suffered a devastating loss when 15 head of cattle died suddenly in a single day. Weeks later, they still haven’t figured out why.

Mark HeinzJune 02, 2025

Andrew Atkinson

Torrington Man Who Brutally Beat Ex As She Held Toddler Gets 20-25 Years

A Torrington man was sentenced to 20-25 years for the beating of his ex-girlfriend last year. She was holding the couple’s toddler when she was attacked. Also part of Andrew Atkinson's sentence was a strangulation charge pertaining to a different woman.

Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025

Screenshot of Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin erupting on Saturday, May 31, 2025

Yellowstone Pool, Which Exploded In Spectacular Fashion Last Summer, Erupts Again

The Black Diamond Pool, in Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin, blew up on Saturday evening. The area has been closed to the public ever since a spectacular explosion sent tourists screaming and running in all directions last summer.

Andrew RossiJune 02, 2025

Wild North American Grey Wolf in Yellowstone National Park

When and Where To Hear Wolves Howling in Yellowstone 

Going to Yellowstone and want to hear the howling of wolves? There are a lot of factors at play but the most important is just like real estate: location, location, location. Lamar Valley is your best bet.

Andrew RossiJune 02, 2025

F.E. Warren Air Force Base has a secret underground world full of soldier-created artwork that most people have never seen.

The Secret Underground World Of F.E. Warren Air Force Base Murals

F.E. Warren Air Force Base has a secret underground world full of airmen-created artwork that most people have never seen. Set to disappear after the Minuteman III missiles are replaced, former missileer Jim Warner is determined to save them.

Renée JeanJune 01, 2025

Kenzley Sims of Riverton, 10, loves barrel racing and wants to go to nationals. To help her reach that dream, her parents have enrolled her in the Cowboy State Virtual Academy in Sheridan. She will be able to do all her public school courses online around her schedule.

Online School Popular Choice For Wyoming Ranch And Rodeo Kids

Wyoming ranch kids have chores and rodeo that take up a lot of time. That's why Riverton's Kenzley Sims (pictured) and other Wyoming kids go to Sheridan’s Cowboy Virtual Academy. They can pursue rodeo while getting an education online.

Jackie DorothyJune 01, 2025

Wyoming Democrats elected Lucas Fralik (left) as new chairman. He replaces Joe Barbuto (right)

Wyoming Democrats Elect New State Party Chairman To Replace Barbuto

Wyoming Democrats on Sunday elected Lucas Fralik of Laramie as its new state party chairman. Fralik characterized the party as tolerant toward immigration, diverse library content, same-sex marriage, and the working man.

Clair McFarlandJune 01, 2025

Plans call for Chuck Eckerson’s railroad to run on Sundays through the summer. Here Brent Eckerson is at the controls.

Casper Man Loves Steam-Powered Trains So Much He Built His Own Railroad

A Casper man’s lifelong passion for railroading led to a career as a passenger train conductor. The 82-year-old loves trains so much he built his own steam-powered locomotive and railroad in his yard, and gives rides to local kids.

Dale KillingbeckJune 01, 2025

Ticks may be tiny, but tens of thousands of them at a time can be big trouble for Wyoming moose. The blood-sucking parasites can even mean a miserable death for moose.

As Tough As Moose Are, Tens Of Thousands Of Ticks Can Bring Them Down

Given their massive size and cantankerous attitudes, Wyoming’s moose might seem practically indestructible, but if enough ticks pile on to a moose, they can kill it -- and they do.

Mark HeinzJune 01, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, June 6, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Bob Hede in Fremont County. Bob writes, "Sunrise at Sweetwater Station."

Photo by Bob Hede

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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Cassie craven 8 22 24

Cassie Craven: Who Are The Majority Of Wyomingites Listening To?

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “As for the situation with Gov. Gordon and Sec. Gray, I think the winner of that round goes to the individual with whom most Wyomingites agree. The Lusk town hall sent a pretty clear message on that one."

Cassie CravenMay 25, 2025

Gail Symons head shot

Gail Symons: Cutting Local Officials' Groups Would Slip More Power To The State

Columnist Gail Symons writes: "If local governments are weakened, their support systems and collective voices dismantled, then a small number of ideological actors get to fill the vacuum. That’s not protecting the people. That’s silencing them."

Gail SymonsMay 25, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: The Library Exception Stymies Local Control. It’s Time to Repeal It.

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Bizarrely, the very laws that are meant to protect the innocence of children can be prosecuted against parents, grandparents, and your average man on the street. But they cannot be applied to the people who have the greatest access to your children outside the home — teachers and librarians."

Jonathan LangeMay 23, 2025

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