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The Hot Springs County Commission faced backlash Tuesday from residents upset over deep cuts to the county’s extension office and 4-H program. Commissioners say it's necessary due to lagging oil and gas revenue and a 25% cut in property taxes.

Hot Springs County In An Uproar Over Cuts To 4-H, Extension Programs

The Hot Springs County Commission faced backlash Tuesday from residents upset over deep cuts to the county’s extension office and 4-H program. Commissioners say it's necessary due to lagging oil and gas revenue and a 25% cut in property taxes.

Mark HeinzJuly 02, 2025

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will be in northern Wyoming for the July 11 groundbreaking of the Brook Mine in Ranchester. Ramaco Resources believes it holds the largest “unconventional” rare earth deposit in the U.S.

Energy Secretary To Visit Site Of Massive Rare Earth Find In Ranchester, Wyoming

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will be in northern Wyoming for the July 11 groundbreaking of the Brook Mine in Ranchester. Ramaco Resources believes it holds the largest “unconventional” rare earth deposit in the U.S.

David MadisonJuly 02, 2025

Wyoming State Sen. Wendy Schuler said Tuesday’s decision by the University of Pennsylvania to ban trans athletes from participating in women's sports marks “a great victory for our women and girls.” It happened the same day Wyoming's law that does the same thing went into effect. (Pictured: UPenn swimmer Lia Thomas)

UPenn Bans Trans Athletes From Women's Sports Same Day Wyoming Law Goes Into Effect

Wyoming State Sen. Wendy Schuler said Tuesday’s decision by the University of Pennsylvania to ban trans athletes from participating in women's sports marks “a great victory for our women and girls.” It happened the same day Wyoming's law that does the same thing went into effect.

Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2025

State Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, from left, Rep. Daniel Singh, R-Cheyenne, and Gov. Mark Gordon.

Wyoming Legislators Cheer Removal Of Ban On States Regulating AI From Budget Bill

Gov. Mark Gordon and a pair of Wyoming legislators cheered Tuesday’s removal of a ban on states regulating artificial intelligence. A 99-1 Senate vote took it out of the controversial federal budget bill.

Matthew ChristianJuly 01, 2025

Vice President JD Vance shakes hands with Senate Republicans on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after he cast the tiebreaking vote on the embattled One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now just The Act.

Barrasso, Lummis Praise Passage Of Budget Bill, But It’s No Longer ‘Beautiful’

Democrats managed to strip “Beautiful” out of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but the U.S. Senate passed the GOP’s controversial budget bill Tuesday. Vice President JD Vance broke a tie, which Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis call a huge win.

Sean BarryJuly 01, 2025

Bryce Shelton proposed to Paige Berdomas on Saturday while an EF-3 tornado raged behind them and across South Dakota and Minnesota. Both professional stormchasers called it "the most beautiful tornado" they'd ever seen.

Storm Chasers Get Engaged In Front Of ‘Perfect Tornado’ in South Dakota

Bryce Shelton proposed to Paige Berdomas on Saturday while an EF-3 tornado raged behind them and across South Dakota and Minnesota. Both professional storm chasers called it "the most beautiful tornado" they'd ever seen.

Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2025

Smoke starts to pour out as ZamTrip warms up the crowd for the next band in the lineup at Flaming Gorge Days in Green River.

Flaming Gorge Days Makes Comeback After Embezzlement Scandal Nearly Killed It

Thousands of people turned out over the weekend for Flaming Gorge Days, a Green River party that’s been around for decades. But the event was almost killed two years ago when an embezzlement scandal canceled it in 2023 and threatened to end it forever.

Renée JeanJuly 01, 2025

A large shovel fills a 200-ton bucket with coal at the Buckskin Mine in northeast Wyoming in this file photo.

Coal A Big Winner After Marathon Senate Session on Big Beautiful Bill Act

A dramatic marathon weekend session in the U.S. Senate elevated coal as a high priority among lawmakers who hammered out amendments to President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

David MadisonJune 30, 2025

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Judge Green-Lights Off-Label Prescribing Of Abortion Drugs

Lawmakers may have had Ivermectin in mind when they passed a law to safeguard doctors who prescribe off-label. But a judge on Monday ruled that, at least for now, that protection must apply to abortion-inducing drug providers as well.

Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2025

Jason Irvine

Court Gives $15K Back To Man Who Bailed Out Fake Jackson 'Bitcoin Billionaire'

The man who posted a $50,000 bond to free the alleged “Bitcoin Billionaire” scammer from Teton County’s jail can have $15,000 of it back, a judge has ruled. The prosecution argues the suspect's promise to pay the bond back is another of his bogus promises.

Clair McFarlandJune 30, 2025

Brandon "BJ" Kidgell, Manderson, Wyoming, police chief.

Deal For Manderson Police Chief Charged With Helping Girlfriend Avoid Drug Arrest

The former police chief of Manderson, Wyoming, accused of helping his girlfriend avoid a drug arrest has agreed to a plea deal. He’ll get probation and has to give up his policing certification.

Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2025

Wyoming turbines near Rock River Steve Hamblin via Alamy 6 30 25

Another Wind And Solar Project Triggers Opposition In Eastern Wyoming

A proposed 450-megawatt wind and solar project in Goshen and Platte counties would create 300 jobs and mean about $150 million in tax revenue. Even so, locals are opposed, with Torrington’s mayor saying a gas- or coal-fired power plant would be preferred.

David MadisonJune 30, 2025

Seth Alberto Smith

Riverton Man In 130 mph Car Chase Faces Up To 7 Years In Prison

The Riverton man accused of leading Fremont County law enforcement on a 130-mph car chase through a construction zone last week could face up to seven years and 40 days in prison. His preliminary hearing is Tuesday.

Clair McFarlandJune 30, 2025

A friend and former college rodeo teammate of the Pine Bluffs crop duster who was shot and killed last week says he’s still shocked. He knew Kevin Hefley as a “level-headed guy” who wasn’t one to “fly off the handle.”

A Week After Shooting Death Of Pine Bluffs Crop Duster, Friend Still Shocked

A friend and former college rodeo teammate of the Pine Bluffs crop duster who was shot and killed last week says he’s still shocked. He knew Kevin Hefley as a “level-headed guy” who wasn’t one to “fly off the handle.”

Dale KillingbeckJune 30, 2025

U.S. Senate Democrats — and one Republican — claim Medicaid changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would devastate lower-income people in red states. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, who’s also a medical doctor, said Wyomingites are “unlikely” to be harmed and the reforms are necessary.

Sen. Barrasso, Also A Medical Doctor, Defends Medicaid Changes In Budget Bill

U.S. Senate Democrats — and one Republican — claim Medicaid changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would devastate low-income people. John Barrasso, who’s also a medical doctor, said Wyomingites are “unlikely” to be harmed and the reforms are necessary.

Sean BarryJune 30, 2025

Oxeye daily may look like a peaceful meadow of wildflowers, it's actually an invasive weed in Wyoming.

Johnson County Pays Bounties By The Pound For Invasive Weeds

Anyone can be a bounty hunter in the war on invasive weeds in Johnson County, which pays cash to people who uproot and report them. People can get paid by the pound or earn a $50 reward for reporting patches of the damaging weeds.

Andrew RossiJune 30, 2025

Her name was Florence, but everyone called her Flo, which had double meaning for a woman who lived life in constant motion. That’s how hundreds of people in Jackson remembered Florence McCall-Phillips on Saturday, June 28, 2025, a week after her sudden death.

Hundreds Mourn Jackson Photographer Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver

Hundreds of Jackson Hole residents turned out to remember beloved photographer Florence McCall-Phillips on Saturday, a week after she was killed by a suspected drunk driver.

Zakary SonntagJune 30, 2025

McCoy Banks walked across the stage for his Cody High School graduation last month and walked into the world already qualified for a high-paying job. He’s the first CHS student to graduate having already earned a commercial driver’s license.

Teen Is First Cody High Student To Graduate Already Licensed To Drive Trucks

McCoy Banks walked across the stage for his Cody High School graduation last month and walked into the world already qualified for a high-paying job. He’s the first CHS student to graduate having already earned a commercial driver’s license.

Amber SteinmetzJune 29, 2025

Lesleigh Ann Schaefer has put 100,000 miles on her 2019 Subaru exploring and photographing Wyoming from its rarely-traveled backroads. Now homebound with terminal cancer, her adopted home of Thermopolis has rallied to make her final days special.

Beloved Photographer Shares Beauty Of Wyoming Even As She Faces End Of Life

Lesleigh Ann Schaefer has put 100,000 miles on her 2019 Subaru photographing Wyoming from its rarely-traveled backroads. Now homebound with terminal cancer, she can only take photos from her backyard. Her adopted home of Thermopolis has rallied to make her final days special.

Jackie DorothyJune 29, 2025

Bartender Steve Mullen catches some fresh air in the doorway of the Lucky 5 Lounge in Shoshoni, Wyoming.

Drinking Wyoming: Shoshoni’s Lucky 5 Is A Whisky And Beer Dive That Has Your Back

At the Lucky 5 Lounge in Shoshoni, the regulars can tell you’re an out-of-towner the second you walk through the door. “You’re not from around here, are you?” they ask when you order wine. This is a whisky and beer bar but they won't hold that wine order against you.

Zakary SonntagJune 28, 2025

The Discovery Channel’s popular show “Expedition Unknown," hosted by archaeologist Josh Gates, is digging into the mystery about what happened to the body of Buffalo Bill Cody. “The Lost Grave Of Buffalo Bill” also features Cody residents reenacting the famous showman and Annie Oakley.

Discovery’s ‘Expedition Unknown’ To Take On Mystery Of Buffalo Bill's Grave

The Discovery Channel’s popular show “Expedition Unknown” is digging into the mystery about what happened to the body of Buffalo Bill Cody. “The Lost Grave Of Buffalo Bill” also features Cody residents reenacting the famous showman and Annie Oakley.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

Paul Angiolillo displaying his wares at the Old Salt Festival in Helmville, Montana.

Wyoming Farrier Goes From Shoeing Horses To Crafting High-End Steel Cookware

Paul Angiolillo started out shoeing horses, then he dreamt up a new career as a blacksmith specializing in carbon steel cookware. "I actually started having dreams about anvils in my sleep," he said. Now the Freedom, Wyoming, man is gaining a following for his high-end creations.

David MadisonJune 29, 2025

Mike lee 6 29 25

Sen. Mike Lee Waves White Flag And Gives Up Public Lands Sell-Off Plan

Utah Sen. Mike Lee waved the white flag on Saturday evening and dropped his controversial public lands-selloff plan. Wyoming State Rep. Karlee Provenza said she was pleased but was concerned with the Wyoming congressional delegation's "lack of leadership."

Sean Barry & Clair McFarlandJune 29, 2025

A place to hang your hat at the Chico Saloon.

There’s Love — And Hundreds Of Baseball Caps — In The Air At The Chico Saloon

The Chico Saloon north of Yellowstone is a funky honkytonk legendary for its weddings and hundreds of baseball caps hanging from the rafters. It’s also where actor Jeff Bridges was famously rejected by a server who would later become his wife.

David MadisonJune 29, 2025

An Allosaurus skeleton on display at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. Calcium isotope analysis of Allosaurus teeth discovered at this Late Jurassic bonebed revealed that Allosaurus was a flesh-eater, not a bone cruncher, confirming long-held theories about Allosaurus feeding determined by their anatomy.

New Dental Research Shows What Dinosaurs Ate And Entire Food Chain

Teeth can tell a life’s story, even when they’re 150 million years old. One of the new frontiers in paleontological research is examining calcium isotopes to reveal details about dinosaurs' diets and environments. “With teeth, you can track an entire food chain,” paleontologist Liam Norris says.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

Twin sisters Rula Bullock and Effie Manley were 21 months old when they were taken captive by a killer in their home in March 1955.

Wyoming History: Taken Hostage With Twins By Murderer Changed Green River Woman Forever

It’s been 70 years since Charles Billings, an imposter Pinedale ranch hand, gunned down two men and took a Green River woman and her infant twin daughters hostage. The incident traumatized the woman for the rest of her life, her daughters say.

Dale KillingbeckJune 29, 2025

The documentary Generation Warrior follows eight young people on the Wind River Indian Reservation as they transition into adulthood.

‘Generation Warrior’: Lives Of 8 Wind River Youth An Open Book

The documentary “Generation Warrior," directed by two Emmy Award winning filmmakers, follows eight young adults from the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The journey for young Native Americans comes with the added pressure of ensuring the survival of their culture.

Amber SteinmetzJune 29, 2025

Robotaxis are rolling out in urban areas across the nation and going viral for their miscues. For now, the jobs of Cowboy State taxi drivers are safe because along with not enough demand for the service, robotaxis can’t yet handle Wyoming’s winters.

Robotaxis Are Here, But Can’t Yet Handle A Wyoming Winter

Driverless taxis are rolling out in urban areas across the nation and going viral for their miscues. Don't expect them in Wyoming anytime soon as robotaxis can't handle winter weather. But industry analysts say autonomous driving is coming.

David MadisonJune 29, 2025

The formation of the iconic Heart Mountain near Cody involves a block of rock the size of Rhode Island moving at 700 mph, one of the largest eruptions of the Yellowstone supervolcano, and two different but equally cataclysmic events in Earth’s geologic history that took 30 minutes and 47 million years.

Wyoming's Heart Mountain Formed By The Two Largest Landslides In Earth's History

The formation of Heart Mountain near Cody is a story of a block of rock the size of Rhode Island moving at 700 mph, an eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano, and two separate but equally cataclysmic events in Earth’s geologic history.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

The property at 5650 Canyonwoods Drive in Billings, Montana, is described as a 30,843-square-foot stone chateau with 10 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms, situated on 98 acres. The listing mentions it's priced at $26.9 million and includes amenities like three pools, a 14-car garage, elevators, indoor shooting range, bowling alley, an outdoor 3-hole golf course and an indoor golf simulator, plus a wine cellar, workout gym and theater.

Notorious Montana Mansion Rescued By A Couple From Meeteetse Can Be Had For $27M

A Billings mansion known as “The Castle” is notorious for a massive fraud that involved a fake kidnapping and rogue biker gang. It was rescued by a couple from Meeteetse and is now back on the market for $27 million.

David MadisonJune 28, 2025

With their long legs, large eyes and large mandibles, westsalts tiger beetles are the apex predators of the important invertebrate ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park's thermal basins.

Full Of Grizzlies, Wolves And Cougars, Yellowstone’s Top Apex Predator Is A Bug

Yellowstone National Park is full of grizzlies, wolves and elusive mountain lions. But the apex predators of the park might be those tiny tiger beetles that thrive around thermal pools — and hunt and kill everything else.

Andrew RossiJune 28, 2025

In 1887, the wild man of Chugwater, dubbed Bud by the locals, roamed around Chugwater Valley, as it was known then, and alluded capture by cowboys and circus men.

Wyoming History: Chugwater Wild Man Was 7-12 Feet Tall And Faster Than A Horse

Newspapers reported the Wild Man of Chugwater was between 7 and 12 feet tall, covered in dark hair and could run faster than any horse. He even eluded a hunt in 1887 by a circus owner who wanted to put him in a cage for his freak show.

Jackie DorothyJune 28, 2025

Technicians work on a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in a silo in this U.S. Air Force file photo. Upgrading to Sentinel missiles will require building new silos.

$140 Billion F.E. Warren Sentinel Missile Upgrade At Full Speed Under Trump

The first months of President Trump’s second administration have focused on cutting government pork, but there’s one huge exception. The $140 billion upgrade from Minuteman III to Sentinel nuclear missiles is at full speed, and F.E. Warren is ground zero.

Renée JeanJune 28, 2025

Bryan Price and his family fell in love with the Casper area and all that it has to offer.

Army Vet Paralyzed By Iraq Blast Gets A New Life — And House — In Casper

U.S. Army veteran Bryan Price was paralyzed by an IED blast in Iraq in 2006. He found a new life as an international athlete training in Casper, representing the U.S. in two Paralympic Games. Now he and his family are getting a new accessible house.

Dale KillingbeckJune 28, 2025

Cyclone Drilling in Gillette is the go-to specialist for drilling the nation’s deepest and longest oil and gas wells. It’s going to drill Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well — and is already planning to go 4 miles and beyond.

Gillette’s Cyclone Drilling To Do Wyoming’s First 3-Mile Well And 4-Mile Well Is Next

Cyclone Drilling in Gillette is the region's go-to specialist for drilling the deepest and longest oil and gas wells. It’s going to drill Wyoming’s first 3-mile lateral well — and is already planning to go 4 miles and beyond.

David MadisonJune 28, 2025

A man in Grand Teton National Park jumps headfirst through the open window of his car when he realizes a grizzly bear is close and advancing.

Grand Teton Tourist Dives Headfirst Through Open Car Window To Avoid Grizzly

A tourist in Grand Teton National Park found himself between a grizzly and its mate earlier this month, so he took the only escape available — he dove headfirst through the open window of his car. A tour guide got a photo of the man’s moment of escape.

Andrew RossiJune 27, 2025

Star Valley and the UW football program are stunned and saddened by the sudden death Thursday of a 21-year-old equipment manager. Kimberly Choma, who died in a lawn mower accident, “loved people” and led by example with her “Christ-like attitude.”

Star Valley, UW Stunned By Sudden Death Of Equipment Manager In Lawn Mower Accident

Star Valley and the UW football program are stunned and saddened by the sudden death Thursday of a 21-year-old equipment manager. Kimberly Choma, who died in a lawn mower accident, “loved people” and led by example with her “Christ-like attitude.”

Dale KillingbeckJune 27, 2025

The main restaurant, complete with a Western-inspired saloon, at Cowboyland in Voghera.

Welcome To Voghera: Cheyenne’s Sister City In Italy

Did you know Cheyenne has a sister city in Italy? It’s Voghera, where Napoleon once stood and you can see the gun that shot Mussolini. It also has a Western soul and familiar feel, including a cowboy-inspired theme park and Frontier Days posters.

Anna-Louise JacksonJune 28, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s new proof-of-citizenship voting law. He claims the complaint is brought by “radical left” groups that haven’t shown it could harm them.

Chuck Gray Asks Judge To Dismiss Lawsuit Against Proof-Of-Citizenship Voting Law

Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s new proof-of-citizenship voting law. He claims the complaint is brought by “radical left” groups that haven’t shown it could harm them.

Clair McFarlandJune 28, 2025

Somebody illegally hacked down about 20 live trees at the Tower Hill campground on Casper Mountain to build this lean-to right in the middle of a hiking trail.

Hacking Live Trees To Make Lean-To On Trail Not Only Inconsiderate, It’s Illegal

Responsible users of the public trails on Casper Mountain were outraged this week when someone cut down about 20 young, live trees and made a lean-to on a trail. That’s not only inconsiderate, it’s illegal — if the perpetrators are ever caught.

Mark HeinzJune 28, 2025

A Cheyenne-based judge on Friday temporarily blocked the first phase of payouts for Wyoming’s new school choice program days ahead of the first checks going out July 1. The program gives $7,000 toward private schools or homeschooling for students.

Wyoming Judge Blocks School Choice Money Days Ahead Of First Payouts

A Cheyenne-based judge on Friday temporarily blocked the first phase of payouts for Wyoming’s new school choice program days ahead of the first checks going out July 1. The program gives $7,000 toward private schools or homeschooling for students.

Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2025

A Supreme Court ruling upholding a Texas law that requires porn websites to verify visitors are adults protects Wyoming’s new age-verification law as well, its sponsor says. “The ruling is a complete win,” says Worland Republican Rep. Martha Lawley.

Supreme Court Upholds Porn Age Verification Days Before Wyo Law Takes Effect

A Supreme Court ruling upholding a Texas law that requires porn websites to verify visitors are adults protects Wyoming’s new age-verification law as well, its sponsor says. “The ruling is a complete win,” says Worland Republican Rep. Martha Lawley.    

Clair McFarlandJune 28, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Don Cernelic. Don writes, "Such a beautiful view from our campsite up above Albany, showcasing the valley below."

Photo by Don Cernelic

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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