Energy Reporter

David Madison

David Madison is an award-winning journalist and documentary producer based in Bozeman, Montana. He’s also reported for Wyoming PBS. He studied journalism at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and has worked at news outlets throughout Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana.

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Latest from David Madison

Why Do People Still Care About The Farmer's Almanac?

The Farmer’s Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac just came out with their annual mid-August forecasts for the coming winter. But why, with satellite technology and computer-based forecasting models, do people still care about these booklets?

David MadisonAugust 16, 2025

Dyno Nobel is known for making explosives for Wyoming’s mining industry, and now it may be shipping right to your door. The company announced Friday it’s building a new plant in Cheyenne and a partnership to turn its waste CO2 into food cooling packs.

Cheyenne’s Dyno Nobel Wants To Turn Explosives Waste Into Food Cooling Packs

Dyno Nobel is known for making explosives for Wyoming’s mining industry, and it may soon be shipping right to your door. The company announced Friday it’s building a new plant in Cheyenne and a partnership to turn its waste CO2 into food cooling packs.

David MadisonAugust 15, 2025

After 56 Years, Taco John’s Says Adios To Its Cheyenne Corporate Headquarters

Taco John’s was born in Cheyenne and, for 56 years, was Wyoming-based with its headquarters here. Now the chain has said adios to Cheyenne, completing a move of its home base to Minnesota. It’s an emotional break for many, former execs say.

David MadisonAugust 14, 2025

Wyoming Weighs Bill To Give Abandoned Mineral Rights Back To Landowners

Lawmakers are proposing to let landowners reclaim long-abandoned mineral estates, resolving tangled ownership dating to the homesteading era and protecting the rights of property owners.

David MadisonAugust 14, 2025

Raised solar panels allow sheep to graze under them, allowing dual-use of the land while also providing shade and shelter for the sheep.

One Of Wyoming's First Combo Agriculture-Solar Farm Can’t Find A Buyer For Its Power

A $155 million project in Goshen County that would be one of Wyoming’s first agriculture-friendly solar farm says it can’t find a buyer for its power. That has cost the project an investor, but developers say it’s not dead.

David MadisonAugust 14, 2025

A dragline moves coal at the Black Butte mine in Sweetwater County.

Expansion Speeds Up As Federal Regulators Accelerate Black Butte Mine Expansion

The Department of the Interior announced Tuesday it is accelerating a federal review of Black Butte Mine expansion in Sweetwater County, setting a 28-day timeline for completing an environmental impact statement that typically takes years to finish.

David MadisonAugust 13, 2025

The antelope coal mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, operatied by Navajo Transitional Energy Company.

Delegation, Gordon Cheer Trump Administration OK Of Wyoming Coal Mine Extension

The Trump administration has approved 14.5 million more tons of coal for the Antelope Mine in the Power River Basin. The Wyoming delegation and Gov. Gordon are applauding the decision, which extends the mine’s operations through 2037 and protects 359 full-time jobs.

David MadisonAugust 11, 2025

The EPA is considering clawing back $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar power, including $30 million for Wyoming. Some supporters say it’s wasteful spending, while opponents argue residential solar fits Trump’s goal to unleash energy.

EPA Planning To Rescind $7 Billion In Federal Solar Grants, Including $30M For Wyoming

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is drafting termination letters that would claw back $7 billion in Solar for All funding nationwide, including about $30 million designated for Wyoming.

David MadisonAugust 10, 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes a 10% bonus tax credit for “nuclear communities” with significant nuclear-related employment. That won’t include Wyoming nuclear hubs like Kemmerer and Gillette because the act says the credit is for urban areas. In Kemmerer, Bill Gates-backed TerraPower is already working on its planned nuclear power plant.

Wyoming’s Emerging Nuclear Hubs Don't Qualify For ‘Nuclear Communities’ Tax Break

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes a tax credit for “nuclear communities” with significant nuclear-related employment. But, this doesn't include Wyoming nuclear hubs like Kemmerer and Gillette because the act says the credit is for urban areas.

David MadisonAugust 10, 2025

Powell, Wyoming, resident John Lea was fast asleep after working a graveyard shift when his trailer home caught fire. He may have burned up in the inferno if not for his chocolate Lab Belle, who woke him up just in time to escape the growing flames.

Chocolate Lab Named Belle Saves Wyoming Man From Burning Trailer

John Lea of Powell was fast asleep after working a graveyard shift when his trailer home caught fire last week. He likely would have died in the blaze if not for his chocolate Lab Belle, who woke him up just in time to escape the growing flames.

David MadisonAugust 09, 2025

Uranium Energy Corp.’s Irigaray plant in Powder River Basin. Thanks in part to recent fast-tracking by the Trump administration, UEC is poised to significantly expand its operations in Wyoming. (UEC)

Uranium Operation Is Wyoming’s First Fast-Tracked By Trump’s New Energy Rules

Uranium Energy Corp. is the first Wyoming uranium operation to be fast-tracked by the Trump administrations new permitting rules. The facility, 40 miles northwest of Rawlins, plans to go from semi-dormant to a leading U.S. producer in 12 months.

David MadisonAugust 09, 2025

A drilling rig operates in a natural gas field near Pinedale, Wyoming.

Southwest Wyoming Oil Patch Nearly Depleted After 100 Years Of Production

After a century of oil production, a new federal report finds only 3 million barrels of undiscovered oil left in southwest Wyoming’s Phosphoria Formation. Scientists are now shifting focus to the formation’s potential for critical minerals like phosphate.

David MadisonAugust 08, 2025

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Microreactor manufacturer Radiant has signed a deal to deliver a mass-produced microreactor to power U.S. Air Force bases and promote energy independence. The company wants to make them in Natrona County, Wyoming.

Air Force To Use Wyoming-Made Portable Nuclear Reactors To Power Bases

Microreactor manufacturer Radiant has signed a deal to deliver a mass-produced microreactor to power a U.S. Air Force base and promote energy independence. The company wants to make them in Natrona County, Wyoming.

David MadisonAugust 07, 2025

Kids On Speeding E-Bikes Making Jackson ‘Like A Literal Highway’

Before and after school in Jackson, traffic on pathways around town can play out like a scene from the apocalyptic road rage film “Mad Max” — if all the characters rode e-bikes. There are so many speeding e-bikes that the Town Council is concerned.

David MadisonAugust 05, 2025

A shovel fills a haul truck at the North Antelope Rochelle mine in northeast Wyoming.

Peabody’s Wyoming Mines A Bright Spot In Gloomy Outlook For Coal Giant

Peabody Energy reports a brutal first half of 2025, showing a net profit of $12 million, down 95% from $254 million in 2024. A bright spot is a huge turnaround for the Powder River Basin mines, which seem to have “outperformed” the rest of the PRB.

David MadisonAugust 04, 2025

TerraPower has begun construction on portions of its Kemmerer nuclear facility that don't require approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Wyoming Researcher Develops Earthquake-Proofing Tech For Nuclear Reactors

A University of Wyoming professor is developing what could be groundbreaking technology to protect nuclear reactors from earthquake damage. His system absorbs seismic threats and can be put around existing power plants.

David MadisonAugust 04, 2025

Record Beef Prices Has Aging Ranchers Selling Off Herds And Cashing Out

Record beef prices are reshaping the ranching landscape as aging ranchers weigh cashing out and selling off their herds. Others are holding on for another profitable year, creating the tightest ranch real estate market in decades.

David MadisonAugust 02, 2025

Wyoming Legislators Advance Plan To Boost Oil Recovery, Reject CO2 Pipeline Pact

Wyoming legislators voted Wednesday to move forward with a $250 million plan to boost oil recovery using carbon dioxide injection. They also rejected a proposal for a regional CO2 pipeline compact with neighboring states and Canadian provinces.

David MadisonJuly 31, 2025

A marathon legislative hearing on the future of Wyoming's nuclear industry drew a standing room only crowd to the Thyra Thompson State Office Building in Casper on Wednesday.

Legislators Clash Over Proposed Bill That Would Allow Spent Nuclear Fuel In Wyoming

State legislators and Wyomingites clashed Wednesday over a proposed bill that would pave the way to build nuclear microreactors in the state. It also would allow the spent fuel to come back to Wyoming. After hours of testimony, the bill was tabled.

David MadisonJuly 31, 2025

Wyoming lawmakers weigh liability concerns as TerraPower lobbies for state legal protection for its armed security force at its nuclear power facility in Kemmerer. TerraPower says its guards’ training exceeds typical local law enforcement standards.

TerraPower Nuclear Security Force Could Get Legal Protection Under Wyoming Bill

Wyoming lawmakers weigh liability concerns as TerraPower lobbies for state legal protection for the armed security force at its nuclear power facility in Kemmerer. TerraPower says its guards’ training exceeds typical local law enforcement standards.

David MadisonJuly 30, 2025

David Bush, left, state government affairs manager with Black Hills Energy, testifies Tuesday about the potential repeal of carbon capture requirements in Wyoming.

Wyoming Won’t Repeal Carbon Capture Law As EPA Targets Key Climate Regulation

Wyoming lawmakers reject efforts Tuesday to repeal the state’s carbon capture mandate. At the same time, the EPA announced a major effort to roll back greenhouse gas regulations.

David MadisonJuly 29, 2025

Casper-based mining tech company DISA Technologies uses nozzles, similar to the one held here by Chief Operating Officer John Lee, to blast two jets of mineral-rich slurry at each other to separate critical minerals from ore.

Wyoming Mining Tech Company Sells Its First 100-Ton-Per-Hour Separation System

Casper-based DISA Technologies has made the first sale of its mineral separation system, which can handle 100 tons of ore an hour. In development for years, the proprietary system can extract minerals as well as be used to clean up abandoned uranium mines.

David MadisonJuly 29, 2025

Former Yellowstone Bus Driver Solves Mystery While Restoring 90-Year-Old Coach

Despite little evidence that the 90-year-old White 706 bus in David Swingle's driveway was a Yellowstone coach, he had a hunch it was authentic. He drove them back in the 1960s. Through tremendous amounts of sleuthing, he proved his hunch was right.

David MadisonJuly 27, 2025

The locals around Twin Bridges call it Charles Kurault’s infamous “Mistress Cabin,” and it’s now just off the fairway at a new golf course on the banks of the Big Hole River.

Wyoming Landowner Builds Golf Course Around Charles Kuralt’s ‘Mistress Cabin’

Buzz Warner, a former Wyoming Landowner of the Year, is close to opening his new golf course in Montana. It’s a monument to conservation that’s built around former owner Charles Kuralt’s infamous “Mistress Cabin.”

David MadisonJuly 27, 2025

Wyoming Counties Lobby Department Of Interior For More Input On Federal Lands

Campbell and Converse counties this week sent expansive letters to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum lobbying for more input on federal lands. But one Campbell County commissioner says he wouldn’t have signed off on his county’s letter given a do-over.

David MadisonJuly 24, 2025

Cyrus Western, EPA Region 8 administrator and a former Wyoming legislator from Sheridan, says the Trump administration's "pushing back on the war on coal" will help Wyoming.

Trump Pushes Back Against Closing Colorado Power Plant That Burns Wyoming Coal

Trump is challenging Colorado’s plan to shutter coal-fired power plants, showing a rift between federal and state priorities. It also could impact the Cowboy State because they burn Wyoming coal, says EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western.

David MadisonJuly 24, 2025

Low-Flying Aerial Surveys Over Wyoming Hunt For Mother Lode Of Rare Earths

Federal scientists are launching an ambitious mapping project to hunt for what could be a mother lode of rare earth elements in Wyoming and the Black Hills. Low-flying aircraft with sensors will look hundreds of feet below the surface.

David MadisonJuly 23, 2025

Stephanie Key, clarinet, Miika Gregg, violin, David Mollenauer, cello, along with Meaghan Heinrich, the festival’s education curator.

At Teton Raptor Center, Birds Are Encouraged To Chime In During Concerts

At the Teton Raptor Center in Wilson, Wyoming, visitors on Saturday were part of a unique marriage of music and wildlife. An avian-inspired concert of chamber music encouraged birds to chime in.

David MadisonJuly 20, 2025

Rider Brian Sweat from Driggs, Idaho, braces for 30 minutes of bone-rattling thrills.

Adrenaline Rush: New Record In Longest Downhill Mountain Bike Race In The Tetons

The Colter Cup is not just the longest downhill mountain bike race in the Tetons, it’s an insane adrenaline rush that pushes the stamina of racers. An 18-year-old from Victor, Idaho, set a new record in Saturday’s race.

David MadisonJuly 20, 2025

Hoback Canyon, where the Cow and Calf of the Woods avalanche chutes spill danger onto the highway below.

Cutting-Edge Avalanche Radar Planned For Wyoming’s Notorious Hoback Canyon

Hoback Canyon in northwest Wyoming is notorious for being avalanche-prone. It’s been selected to get a new cutting-edge avalanche radar system that can detect potential slides 24/7 in any weather. That promises faster road closures and safety for drivers.

David MadisonJuly 19, 2025

The Upper Green River, one place where the Upper Colorado River Basin begins.

Wyoming Irrigators Frustrated By Getting Shut Off Earlier In Colorado River Basin

Western Wyoming irrigators are frustrated after being shut off earlier than normal to send Colorado River Basin water downstream. State officials are holding public meetings to keep tabs on Wyoming’s share of the Colorado River.

David MadisonJuly 17, 2025

Federal Court Rejects Climate Change-Based Challenge To Wyoming Drilling Permits

A federal court on Tuesday rejected environmental groups’ effort to overturn thousands of oil and gas drilling permits in Wyoming and New Mexico. The court said they couldn’t show how drilling in Wyoming would directly impact polar bears in the Arctic.

David MadisonJuly 16, 2025

Cybersecurity specialists must figure out the significance of multiple objects and clues in an escape room exercise as part of ICS Cybersecurity Lab Training.

Small Army Of Cybersecurity Warriors Trains To Digitally Defend Energy Industry

As Wyoming aspires to be an energy powerhouse, a new generation of cybersecurity defenders is training in Wyoming and at the Idaho National Lab. As AI booms, so does the need to protect that critical infrastructure from digital threats.

David MadisonJuly 16, 2025

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright was among a laundry list of state and federal officials at Ramaco's Brook Mine for a ribbon cutting for the first new rare earths mine to open in the U.S. in 70 years on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Energy Secretary Wright Says Wyoming Coal Is Still America’s Energy Future

Along with opening the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. in 70 years last week, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says Wyoming is key to President Trump’s agenda. While on a decade-long downturn, he said Wyoming coal is America’s energy future.

David MadisonJuly 15, 2025

Opertions at the Spring Creek coal mine in Decker, Montana.

Montana Follows Wyoming In Push To End Biden-Era Coal Lease Rules

Following Wyoming’s lead, Montana’s congressional delegation is pushing to reverse Biden-era BLM rules that would end coal mining in the Powder River Basin.

David MadisonJuly 14, 2025

North Bridger Bison tries to make use of every part of the animal — bleached skulls for collectors and florists who use them in arrangements.

Bearded Bison Advocate Started His Own Buffalo Ranch North Of Yellowstone

Matt Skoglund is a bearded bison advocate who left a law career in Chicago for a Western ag lifestyle. Now his bison ranch north of Yellowstone has become a model of natural ranching that serves customers in Montana, Wyoming and as far away as Florida.

David MadisonJuly 13, 2025

307 Safe As Wyoming’s Only Area Code For At Least Another 20 Years

Unlike Colorado, which just got its sixth area code, Wyoming's cherished 307 is safe as the state’s only area code for at least another 20 years. That’s good news for Wyomingites and the more than 900 businesses with names that start with “307.”

David MadisonJuly 12, 2025

A Fox Business reporter listens with the press pool as Gov. Mark Gordon, from left, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright center and Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins talk about the rare earth potential at the Brook Mine near Ranchester, Wyoming, on Friday, July 11, 2025..

First U.S. Rare Earth Mine In 70 Years Opens In Wyoming

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright was in Ranchester, Wyoming, on Friday for the ribbon cutting to open the first U.S. rare earth mine in 70 years. He said the Brook Mine and Wyoming are critical to breaking China’s stranglehold on rare earth processing.

David MadisonJuly 11, 2025

Here’s an area in southeastern Montana near the Wyoming border where a wildfire burned through and ignited a coal seam.

Dozens Of New Burning Coal Seams Revealed Across Wyoming’s Northern Border

After an epic 2024 wildfire season burned vast areas across northern Wyoming and southern Montana, dozens of new burning coal seams are being revealed. In Montana, the Remington Fire burned almost 200,000 acres and left more than 100 new coal seam fires.

David MadisonJuly 10, 2025

Gordon Defends Energy Platform; Gray Says Wind, Solar A ‘Woke Clown Show’

Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray continued their ongoing feud Thursday on the Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake Nichols. Gordon defended his “all-of-the-above” energy platform, while Gray called wind and solar a “woke clown show.”

David MadisonJuly 10, 2025

Devils Tower is the most famous site in the Bear Lodge Mountains in northeast Wyoming. But the region also is rich in rare earth minerals, attracting mining companies to develop and produce the valuable commodities.

Wyoming’s Exploding Rare Earth Industry Attracts 21 Claims From New Player

Wyoming’s exploding rare earth industry continues to attract attention. The latest is Argyle Resources Corp., which has filed 21 mineral claims in the Bear Lodge Mining District of northeast Wyoming.

David MadisonJuly 09, 2025

Work at the Eagle Buttle mine near Gillette.

Trump Opens Floodgate For Wyoming Coal, But Will Producers Buy New Leases?

Trump’s budget bill opens a floodgate for federal coal leases in Wyoming, but will producers buy them? Experts are mixed. Some say a decade of decline can’t be solved by leasing more area for mining and others that it can spark new activity.

David MadisonJuly 08, 2025

Escaped Colorado Rodeo Bull Finally Caught After 5 Days Of Freedom

An elusive rodeo bull named Sauce Boss — or maybe Twinkle Toes — was caught Sunday after running away from a Colorado rodeo. He enjoyed five days of freedom in the rugged brush and woods of an upscale neighborhood before finally being corralled.

David MadisonJuly 07, 2025

Gene Leath, a civil engineer and backcountry outfitter from Sheridan and his wife Katie Taylor struggled through tears and a crash landing at the finish line to place second. In their heat, the couple surged out of the mud bog feature to race ahead, only to stumble at the end

Sheridan Couple Qualifies For North American Wife-Carrying Championships

Isaac and Mary Hayward of Sheridan not only won a seven-couple wife-carrying race in Ranchester on the Fourth of July, they also qualified for the North American Championships.

David MadisonJuly 07, 2025

Drinking Wyoming, Montana Edition: Knights, Kilts, And Dragon Steaks At Captain Scurvy’s

Captain Scurvy's Black Dragon Den in Billings, Montana, is a blast back to medieval times and the Renaissance. Cosplay is encouraged — 10% off if you’re in costume — while you devour turkey legs and “dragon” steaks.

David MadisonJuly 05, 2025

Camille, a mixed breed cattle dog rescued from near Hardin, Montana, turned to Xanax and the power couple of 1970s soft rock in an effort to calm her fireworks-induced anxiety.

Xanax Helps, But No ‘Magic Bullet’ For Dogs Freaked Out Over Weekend Of Fireworks

While many people love the flash and fireworks that come with the Fourth of July, a lot of dogs don’t. For some of them, Xanax helps, but a veterinarian says drugs aren’t a “magic bullet” to ease their anxiety.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

TerraPower’s Kemmerer Nuclear Plant In Fast Lane With Accelerated Permit Review

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will complete its review of TerraPower's construction permit application for its Kemmerer nuclear plant by the end of the year. That’s six months early and has local officials scrambling to keep up.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

Independence Day: Bull Still On The Run 2 Days After Escaping Colorado Rodeo

A young bull that escaped the Snowmass Village, Colorado, rodeo grounds Wednesday is still free and independent on the Fourth of July. He ran into an upscale residential neighborhood, where he’s eluded searchers for two days.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

Local departments and the Bureau of Land Management responded in force to the Powder River Fire near Arvada.

Lightning Sparks 11 Wildfires In One Night Across Northeast Wyoming

Fire departments across three counties in northeast Wyoming were stretched thin Wednesday night when a thunderstorm rolled through and left 11 lightning-caused wildfires in its path.

David MadisonJuly 03, 2025

A Wyoming company will start drilling dozens of holes in the Powder River Basin to explore potential to mine uranium. A group that includes companies from Canada and Australia hopes to find a huge uranium deposit.

Wyoming Drilling Crew Hopes To Find Huge Uranium Deposit In Powder River Basin

A Wyoming company will start drilling dozens of holes in the Powder River Basin this month to explore potential to mine uranium. A group that includes companies from Canada and Australia hopes to find a huge uranium deposit.

David MadisonJuly 02, 2025

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

Midwest Power Plant Operator Wants $22M From BNSF For Not Delivering Wyoming Coal

The operator of a pair of Midwest power plants wants $22 million from BNSF Railway, according to recent documents filed with the Surface Transportation Board. The company claims the power plants couldn’t get their full orders of Wyoming coal.

David MadisonJuly 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Counties Look To Regulate As More Wind, Solar Projects Eye Northeast Wyoming

Crook County doesn’t have regulations for local permitting of solar and wind projects, and hasn’t needed them — until now. As more wind and solar development is planned for northeast Wyoming, local governments are drafting new rules.

David MadisonJune 25, 2025

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

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

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 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

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

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

Despite Opposition From Bar Nunn Residents, Natrona County OKs Nuclear Project

Natrona County commissioners got an earful from locals opposed to Radiant Nuclear’s planned project near Bar Nunn. Then they voted to support the company getting a $25 million grant from the Wyoming Business Council.

David MadisonJune 20, 2025

Shelby Holder of Kemmerer set the new state record for a tiger trout with this 14-pound, 15.2-ounce whooper he caught on the Hams Fork River near Viva Naughton Reservoir. The previous record tiger trout were caught in 2024 and 2023 in the same vicinity.

After Breaking All But One Fishing Rod, Wyoming Man Catches Record Tiger Trout

Shelby Holder of Kemmerer had already broken three of his four fly rods when he decided to go fishing early on June 6. He ended up landing the new Wyoming state record tiger trout, a nearly 15-pound fish.

David MadisonJune 20, 2025

A power substation in Cheyenne. Black Hills Energy is building new substations and doing powerline construction near Cheyenne as parts of its larger Ready Wyoming project, on track for completion by the end of 2025, according to the utility.

Black Hills Energy Spending $540M To Connect North-South Wyoming Power Grids

A pair of large-scale Black Hills Energy projects will connect northern and southern Wyoming power grids while adding more natural gas generation. Together, they represent a $540 million outlay.

David MadisonJune 19, 2025

The Integrated Test Center at Dry Fork Station power plant north of Gillette provides flue gas for research and development of carbon capture and utilization technologies.

Despite Federal Cuts, Company Says Gillette Carbon Capture Project Not Dead

The Department of Energy scrapping a nearly $50 million grant supporting large-scale carbon capture technology in Gillette is a blow, but won’t kill the project, the company says. Work will continue with a push for private investment.

David MadisonJune 19, 2025

Montana is exempt from federal land sales outlined in the budget bill, aka the One Big Beautiful Bill. In Wyoming, millions of acres could potentially be on the list to hit the market.

By The Way, Montana Is Exempt From Public Land Sales In Budget Bill

While many in Wyoming and other western states are worried about potential public land sales, our neighbors to the north aren't sharing those concerns. Montana's congressional delegation was able to exempt the state from any potential public land sell-offs.

David MadisonJune 18, 2025

Bar Nunn Residents Push Back On Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel From Microreactors

The central Wyoming town of Bar Nunn, and some state legislators, are divided about a plan for Radiant Nuclear to build its micronuclear plants here. That’s because the plan includes accepting and storing spent nuclear fuel from the company’s reactors.

David MadisonJune 16, 2025

Across Wyoming And Montana, Schools Serving More Bison In More Places

Across Wyoming and Montana, schools are serving more bison in more places. On reservations, it’s also closely tied to culture and better health.

David MadisonJune 16, 2025

Genesis Alkali workers underground in the company's Wyoming trona mine operating continuous mining equipment and other machinery.

WE Soda Downsizes Wyoming Trona Operation While Ramping Up Production

WE Soda, the world's largest producer of natural soda ash, confirmed this week it’s downsizing positions following a $1.43 billion acquisition of Genesis Alkali's two Wyoming mines.

David MadisonJune 12, 2025

The Dave Johnston Power Plant near Glenrock.

Trump’s EPA To Roll Back Biden-Era Emission Rules On Coal-Fired Power Plants

The EPA is making good on one of President Donald Trump’s campaign promises, announcing Wednesday it's rolling back Biden-era emissions rules on U.S. power plants. Wyoming power providers are pleased with the move.

David MadisonJune 12, 2025

Wyoming Oil And Gas Lease Sale Nets $7.7M, ‘Peanuts’ Compared To Trump’s First Term

The reality of oil and gas leasing in Wyoming hasn’t yet caught up to the Trump administration’s pledge to “unleash American energy.” Tuesday’s sale took in $7.7 million, “peanuts” compared to the $173 million in the best year of Trump’s first term.

David MadisonJune 11, 2025

$245M At Stake For Wyoming In Tug-Of-War Over Controversial Rock Springs Plan

Years of heated public debate had oil companies squaring off with environmentalists over drilling rights on 3.6 million acres of Wyoming desert. As federal officials prepare to rewrite the controversial Rock Springs plan, $245 million is at stake.

David MadisonJune 10, 2025

A federal judge has allowed a coalition of tribal and green groups to fight to save a Biden-era rule to end coal mining in the Powder River Basin by 2041. They’ve been allowed to join a lawsuit filed by Wyoming and Montana to reverse the rule.

Green Groups Fight To Save Biden-Era Plan To End Powder River Basin Coal Mining

A federal judge Friday allowed a coalition of tribal and green groups to fight to save a Biden-era rule that would end coal mining in the Powder River Basin by 2041. They’ve been allowed to help fight a lawsuit filed by Wyoming and Montana to reverse the rule.

David MadisonJune 10, 2025

Oil and gas rigs operate in eastern Wyoming in this file photo.

Trump Administration Pushes For 5,000-Well Wyoming Oil And Gas Project

The Trump administration is pushing to move ahead with granting approvals for a 5,000-well oil and gas project in Converse County, Wyoming. A favorable Friday BLM report comes despite a previous court order halting permitting for the project.

David MadisonJune 09, 2025

Sean Patrick Higgins, right, and his partner at Story House Montana, James Brown III.

Wyoming Filmmaker Building 47-Acre Studio In Montana, Will Produce First Film This Year

Sheridan resident Sean Patrick Higgins is building a 47-acre film studio in Missoula, Montana, with a schedule to produce its first film this year. Higgins said because there are no tax incentives in Wyoming, he moved his film production operations to Montana.

David MadisonJune 07, 2025

The Trump administration has approved an expansion of Montana's Bull Mountains underground coal mine, reinforcing his emergency energy directives to fast-track fossil fuels. Opponents say the move is an “end-run” of environmental safeguards.

Trump Administration OKs Expansion Of Montana Mine That Exports Coal To Asia

The Trump administration has approved an expansion of Montana's Bull Mountains underground coal mine, reinforcing its emergency energy directives to fast-track fossil fuels. Opponents say the move is an “end-run” of environmental safeguards.

David MadisonJune 07, 2025

Hundreds of BLM parcels across Wyoming could be put up for “disposal” if Republican senators add the sale of public lands to the Big Beautiful Bill Act. "The federal government doesn't need to perpetually own every piece of land,” Sen. Cynthia Lummis says.

Will Senate Republicans Add Sale Of Federal Land Into Big Beautiful Bill?

Hundreds of BLM parcels across Wyoming could be available to buy if Republican senators add the sale of public lands to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. "The federal government doesn't need to perpetually own every piece of land,” Sen. Cynthia Lummis says.

David MadisonJune 06, 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

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

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

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

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

Hummingbird season is in swing, drawing many bird watchers of the tiny species known for aerial acrobatics and the pollination of flowers across Wyoming. They also suck down enough sugar to put a human in a coma. This Rufous hummingbird was photographed in Laramie County.

Hummingbirds Return to Wyoming, Sucking Down Enough Sugar To Put A Human In A Coma

Hummingbird season is back across Wyoming, drawing out fans of the tiny species known for aerial acrobatics and pollination of flowers. To fuel their sky-high metabolic rate, they suck down about 80% of their body weight in nectar each day.

David MadisonJune 01, 2025

Big Blue Technologies and Garrison Minerals are partnered in a venture at this location at Swan Ranch Industrial Park in Cheyenne, where they hope to revive the U.S. magnesium metals industry.

Cheyenne Companies Plan Biggest Magnesium Operation In North America

Two Cheyenne companies have their sights on building the largest magnesium operation in North America in order to supply the U.S. with the metal of choice for lightweight vehicles and aircraft. China and Russia control over 90% of the global supply of magnesium.

David MadisonJune 01, 2025

Alec Fletcher, one of several locals who honed their skills on the House Rock section of the Gallatin River before becoming a sponsored paddler and waterfall runner.

Why The World’s Best Kayakers Train On The Whitewater Of Montana’s Gallatin River

It’s highwater season on Montana’s Gallatin River, and a growing posse of kayakers are paddling its infamous House Rock section, training for even scarier whitewater. There’s a reason the world’s best kayakers train here.

David MadisonMay 31, 2025

Paul Ailport was sentenced on Feb. 13, 2025, to 110 years at the Montana State Prison for attempting to commit homicide using his truck, explosive fuel, fireworks and a 13.5-foot steel beam. After he was allowed to withdraw his plea, a jury took 38 minutes to convict Ailport in a May trial.

Jury Takes 38 Minutes To Convict Montana Man Who Firebombed Neighbor With Truck

It took a jury 38 minutes to convict a Montana man who transformed his pickup into a firebomb on wheels. He drove it into his neighbor’s house in a deliberate attempt to kill.

David MadisonMay 30, 2025

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman and former BLM chief William Perry Pendley.

Wyoming Leaders Hail Supreme Court Ruling Limiting Environmental Reviews

Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman was among those celebrating a Supreme Court ruling Thursday that limits the scope of environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects. “Environmentalists for years destroyed development in the U.S.,” she said.

David MadisonMay 29, 2025

Ur-Energy’s in-situ mining field for uranium at the company's Lost Creek site in the Red Desert of southwest Wyoming. A uranium boom continues to attract investors and companies from around the globe. The most recent is a Canada-based company that proposes to make what it calls "renewable nuclear" energy in eastern Wyoming.

Even Industry Insiders Find It Hard To Keep Up With Wyoming Nuclear Boom

The dizzying, supercollider pace of energy investment in Wyoming — especially nuclear — is bringing waves of new faces into the state. It’s happening so fast that industry insiders and trade associations find it hard to keep up.

David MadisonMay 29, 2025