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An exploding oil furnace destroyed 81 tour buses at Mammoth Hot Springs on March 30, 1925, threatening to cripple Yellowstone's transportation system with the summer season weeks away. A mammoth effort rebuilt the fleet in time for the park’s opening.

Wyoming History: The 1925 Fire That Burned Up 81 Yellowstone Tour Buses

An exploding oil furnace destroyed 81 tour buses at Mammoth Hot Springs on March 30, 1925, threatening to cripple Yellowstone's transportation system with summer season weeks away. It would require a mammoth effort to rebuild in time for the park’s opening.

David MadisonApril 04, 2026

Snow was reported across Wyoming on Friday, sending several semitrucks sliding off I-80, partially or completely closing several highways. It also brought several inches of much-needed moisture for the state’s snowpack.

'I Couldn't See 10 Feet In Front Of Me': April Snow Sends Semis Sliding Off I-80

Snow was reported across Wyoming on Friday, sending several semitrucks sliding off I-80. "I couldn't see 10 feet in front of me," a Rawlins truck driver said. It also brought several inches of much-needed moisture for the state’s snowpack.

Andrew RossiApril 03, 2026

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Cody temple during its first night at full illumination. Most LDS temples are lit 24 hours a day, which makes Cody residents concerned about its potential impacts on adjacent properties and the night sky. 

Cody Temple Lights Up For First Time, Neighbors Aren’t Happy

The exterior lights on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Cody temple were switched on for the first time this week. Neighbors who opposed the project say it shines into their homes.

Andrew RossiApril 04, 2026

A tour group watched a pack of wolves unsuccessfully try to take down a bison in Yellowstone National Park this past weekend. A guide captured video of one of the wolves that was sent flying after taking a hard kick as the bison fled.

Yellowstone Wolf Goes Flying After Taking A Bison Kick During Hunt

A tour group watched a pack of wolves unsuccessfully try to take down a bison in Yellowstone National Park this past weekend. A guide captured video of one of the wolves that was sent flying after taking a hard kick as the bison fled.

Andrew RossiApril 03, 2026

Construction is underway on a $1.2 billion Related Digital data center in the Cheyenne Business Parkway.

Data Center Boom Powers Cheyenne’s Push For Annexation

A boom of huge data centers racing to build out their billion-dollar projects is pushing the city of Cheyenne to annex land to manage the growth. “When a data center comes in, it helps us,” Mayor Patrick Collins said. “It helps the whole state.”

Kate MeadowsApril 04, 2026

Cassie Craven, left, and Artemis Langford

Lawyer Sued By Wyoming Transgender Sorority Member Settles Lawsuit

A lawyer who sued a transgender member of a University of Wyoming sorority chapter has settled a lawsuit filed by the member, claiming the lawyer went too far. The terms of the settlement have not been made public.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Nearly a month after an alleged physical altercation with a female student, a McCormick Junior High School teacher was charged Thursday in Laramie County Circuit Court with unlawful contact.

Cheyenne Teacher Charged With Unlawful Contact For Altercation With Student

Nearly a month after an alleged physical altercation with a female student, a McCormick Junior High School teacher was charged Thursday in Laramie County Circuit Court with unlawful contact.

Greg JohnsonApril 03, 2026

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Incoming University Of Wyoming President Wants To Build Bridges, Dissolve Drama

Incoming U.W. President Brigadier General Shane Reeves told Cowboy State Daily he wants to build bridges and dissolve drama at the university, as well as build trust and connections throughout the state by talking to state legislators and stakeholders.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Ethan Grasse

Prosecutor Wants Jury To Hear Evidence Accused Murderer Threw Dog Down Stairs

In the case of an Evanston man who claimed he acted in self-defense when allegedly killing his father last November, the prosecutor is asking to allow extra evidence of murder threats and violence. That includes a claim he threw a dog down the stairs.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Tensions between Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray erupted again Thursday during a meeting of the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. At one point, Gordon told Gray to “shut up” during a debate over affordable housing.

Round 2: Gov. Gordon Tells Chuck Gray To 'Shut Up' At Fiery Land Board Meeting

Tensions between Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray erupted again Thursday during a meeting of the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. Gordon told Gray to “shut up” during a debate and asked him to step out of the room.

David MadisonApril 03, 2026

Nearly 50 years after his death, Elvis remains forever 25 and the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll at the corner of East Lincolnway and Campbell Avenue in Cheyenne — despite never performing here. A new mural there features Elvis, stampeding bison and Devils Tower. Here, Molly and Radley Kopp take a selfie with the mural.

Cheyenne Fans Of The King Don’t Care That Elvis Never Performed In Wyoming

Nearly 50 years after his death, Elvis remains forever 25 and the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll on East Lincolnway in Cheyenne — despite never performing in Wyoming. A new mural there features Elvis, stampeding bison and Devils Tower.

Greg JohnsonApril 03, 2026

Gillette-based L&H Industrial built some of the massive hardware that helped the Artemis II rocket blast off Wednesday taking astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years. It’s not the first time the company has built components for NASA.

Wyoming Company Helping US Astronauts Reach The Moon For First Time In 50 Years

Gillette-based L&H Industrial built some of the massive hardware that helped the Artemis II rocket blast off Wednesday taking astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years. It’s not the first time the company has built components for NASA.

Renée JeanApril 02, 2026

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder has apologized for her department's release of unredacted student information in a public records request. She said the release was the result of "human error" and those involved have been reprimanded.

Megan Degenfelder Apologizes For 'Unredacted' Student Info Release

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder has apologized for her department's release of unredacted student information in a public records request. She said the release was the result of "human error" and those involved have been reprimanded.

Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2026

Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock asked a court Tuesday to dismiss the Wyoming Attorney General’s effort to remove her from office. “The chain of events leading to the filing of this petition is tortured and petty,” Hadlock’s attorney Ryan Semerad wrote in the filing.

Now Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock To Be Arrested, Court Docs Say

Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock may be arrested next week, as prosecutors form a new felony case over her handling of the 2024 election, her lawyer says. That would be in addition to a misdemeanor case, a civil action, and a legislative investigation.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Big Betty, Evanston's neighborhood moose, as she appeared on April 1. The large parch of exposed skin on her side might look alarming, but Wyoming Game and Fish personnel didn't see anything to indicate the moose was ill, injured, or dying.

Oh No! Evanston Residents Worried About Big Betty, Their Friendly Neighborhood Moose

When Big Betty, a popular Evanston neighborhood moose, showed up Wednesday with a large, raw injury, locals were alarmed. After all, she had been visiting the neighborhood for three years. “We all love her very much," said resident Shasta Sharp.

Andrew RossiApril 02, 2026

American Rare Earths is weighing building a processing facility for hard-to-find heavy rare earth metals at its Halleck Creek mine near Wheatland. It’s a move that could boost Wyoming jobs as it helps cut U.S. dependence on China for critical minerals.

Wheatland Rare Earth Project Could Include Processing Hard-To-Find Heavy Metals

American Rare Earths is weighing building a processing facility for hard-to-find heavy rare earth metals at its Halleck Creek mine near Wheatland. It’s a move that could boost Wyoming jobs as it helps cut U.S. dependence on China for critical minerals.

Renée JeanApril 02, 2026

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Riverton Man Whose Mother’s Home Was Ripped Open During Standoff Gets Plea Deal

After he was accused of thrusting a sword through his bedroom door at police officers and sparking an 11-hour standoff during which law enforcement ripped open his mother’s Riverton home last spring, Ron Allington reached a plea agreement Wednesday.

Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2026

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Conservative Activist Steve Friess, Son Of Foster, Runs For Wyoming U.S. House Seat

Conservative activist Steve Friess, son of former political candidate Foster Friess, is running for Wyoming’s U.S. House seat. He and his family helped Charlie Kirk start Turning Point USA and describes his philosophy as pro-Trump, pro-life, and pro-gun.

Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2026

Now that the new 1,285-foot-long, 180-foot-tall Yellowstone Bridge is finished, demolition crews are dismantling the 65-year-old bridge that stood in its place. Tear-down is expected by end of year and the new bridge should last between 75-100 years.

Yellowstone Tearing Down Old Bridge Now That New $118M, 180-Foot-Tall Bridge Finished

Now that the new 1,285-foot-long, 180-foot-tall Yellowstone Bridge is finished, demolition crews are dismantling the 65-year-old bridge that stood in its place. Tear-down is expected by end of year and the new bridge should last between 75-100 years.

Andrew RossiApril 02, 2026

This bull recently raised by the Connealy Ranch in Nebraska recently sold for $110,000. Its genetics make the bull a prized commodity for its semen, which can sell for big bucks.

‘White Gold’: Bulls With Good Genetics Sell For Big Bucks For Their Semen

Although a bull from the Connealy Ranch in Nebraska just sold for $110,000 at a spring auction, that's not their record. They sold a bull for $500,000 in 2022. And it's all because of the semen. Called “white gold” in the industry, it’s a moneymaker.

Kate MeadowsApril 02, 2026

Spring roundup on the Hall Ranch in Campbell County.

Will A Wyoming Ranch Family’s Land Swap Proposal Unlock 250 Million Tons of Coal?

One of Campbell County’s oldest homesteading families is proposing a land swap and sale that could unlock 250 million tons of coal on Wyoming state land. Supporters pitch it as a win-win for the ranch and the state — but how much is the coal worth?

David MadisonApril 01, 2026

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Transgender Woman Challenges 'What Is A Woman Act' In Wyoming Supreme Court

A Natrona County transgender woman is challenging the What is a Woman Act in the Wyoming Supreme Court to change the sex on a birth certificate. The law defines sex by biological status from birth. The challenger calls it unconstitutional.

Clair McFarlandApril 01, 2026

Former BP chief Bernard Looney has been named CEO of Wyoming startup Prometheus Hyperscale, which plans two AI data centers totaling $30 billion. Looney says Wyoming’s energy edge makes it the right place for the buildout.

Former BP CEO To Lead Prometheus Hyperscale’s $30B Wyoming Data Center Buildout

Former BP chief Bernard Looney has been named CEO of Wyoming startup Prometheus Hyperscale, which plans two AI data centers totaling $30 billion. Looney says Wyoming’s energy edge makes it the right place for the buildout.

Renée JeanApril 01, 2026

State Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, during a meeting of the Legislature's Management Council on April 1, 2026, in the Historic Supreme Court Chamber at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne.

CheckGate Fallout: Legislature To Get More Ethics Training

The Wyoming Legislature’s Management Council decided Wednesday to add more ethics training for state legislators. The move comes in the wake of the House CheckGate a controversy this past session.  

Clair McFarlandApril 01, 2026

Driving cattle to winter pasture near Hulett, Wyoming.

By The Numbers: Wyoming Agriculture Is A $1.6 Billion Industry

Wyoming agriculture may be 93% family owned farms and ranches, but it’s grown into a $1.6 billion industry. The numbers show cattle is the largest driver, and tiny Goshen County is the state’s agriculture giant with production of more than $204 million.

Kate MeadowsApril 01, 2026

Powell resident Pete Pepping says he did everything he could to avoid hitting a 200-pound dog on Highway 14A on Monday. Although some on social media say he left it "there to die," he said he "pulled over right away. I was freaking out. I called 911."

Powell Man Refutes Claims He Left A 200-Pound Dog 'To Die’ On Highway

Powell resident Pete Pepping says he did everything he could to avoid hitting a 200-pound dog on Highway 14A on Monday. Although some on social media say he left it "there to die," he said he "pulled over right away. I was freaking out. I called 911."

Andrew RossiApril 01, 2026

Little America Wyoming presents a classic American facade that sets a tone for more than a hotel, it's a small city of its own, complete with a ZIP code.

End Of An Era: Little America Hotel Near Green River Being Torn Down

After decades as a popular oasis on I-80 in southwest Wyoming, the Little America hotel near Green River is being torn down. It needed "so many repairs that it’s not cost-effective," the general manager said. The business is shifting to an RV Park.

Renée JeanMarch 31, 2026

President Donald Trump hosts 2025 rodeo champions at the White House, a move the rodeo industry says is huge for the sport.

Rodeo Champs Honored By White House For First Time In 40 Years Is Huge Boost For Sport

The Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association says rodeo champions being celebrated at the White House for the first time in more than 40 years is a huge boost for the sport. "It's a good time to wear a cowboy hat," the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association said.

Kate MeadowsApril 01, 2026

The Laramie Police Department headquarters.

Laramie Serial Flasher Accused Of Exposing Himself To Teen Girl

A Laramie man with at least three convictions for flashing girls and women has been charged with exposing himself to a 14-year-old girl. He was bound over to felony-level court Monday, and could get 5-12 years in prison if convicted.

Greg JohnsonApril 01, 2026

Troy Lake, the Wyoming diesel mechanic who made national news when President Trump pardoned him last year, says he worries a new EPA rule announced Friday causes more harm than good.

Famous Wyoming Diesel Mechanic Worries New EPA Rule Causes More Harm Than Good

Wyoming's most famous diesel mechanic, his techy son, and a third well-known mechanic who suffered federal prosecution all worry the EPA's new rule against "DEF" sensors could hurt engines overall.

Clair McFarlandApril 01, 2026

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On 1-Year Anniversary Of Stuffed Dog Rescue, Little Boy Sends Sheriff Thank You

A St. Louis boy didn't forget the rescue of his stuffed dog along I-80 last year. It meant so much to him that he sent the Carbon County sheriff a hand-written note and some gooey cakes to thank them. "I sleep with him every night," the little boy wrote.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 31, 2026

A Powell family facing the prospect of giving up two of their four dogs because of a city ordinance, made their case Monday to change the town rule.

"At Least It's Not A Zebra": Powell Dog Owners Make Case To Keep Their Pets

A Powell family facing the prospect of giving up two of their four dogs because of a city ordinance, made their case Monday to change the town rule. “If you think our dogs are noisy, wait till you live next door to a zebra," one of the owners said.

Andrew RossiMarch 31, 2026

Abortion protest, Matt Idler. Judge Thomas Campbell courtesy via Cap City News

Retired Judge Won't Let Pro-Choice Group Lump New Challenge Into Old Case

A retired Wyoming judge Tuesday refused to let abortion-rights advocates include new heartbeat-ban challenge into their older case . He ruled the nearly trial-ready case is too far along to introduce their latest challenge.

Clair McFarlandMarch 31, 2026

A Platte County judge Monday rejected a plea deal and sentenced former teacher Evan Bradley to 49–57 years in prison for sexually abusing two students. “I’m not going to abide by the plea agreement,” the judge said. “I’m going to increase the sentence."

Judge Rejects Plea Deal, Gives Wheatland Band Teacher Harsher Molestation Term

A Platte County judge Monday rejected a plea deal and sentenced former teacher Evan Bradley to 49–57 years in prison for sexually abusing two students. “I’m not going to abide by the plea agreement,” the judge said. “I’m going to increase the sentence."

Clair McFarlandMarch 31, 2026

Sunrise on Forty Rod Creek near Daniel, Wyoming.

Wyoming To Get Critical Moisture And Colder Temperatures This Week

A wave of wetter weather will ripple across Wyoming this week, bringing colder temperatures and up to two feet of desperately needed snow in the mountains. “Any snowflake, any raindrop that we can get is good,” said meteorologist Don Day.

Andrew RossiMarch 31, 2026

A yellow tag zip-tied to a WY fresh farm freezer shows the meat inside is being retained because the farm is operating without a necessary license.

State Bans Wy Fresh Farm Near Cheyenne From Selling Certain Meats After Complaint

Wy fresh farm near Cheyenne had its cooler locked and was ordered to stop selling certain meats after a state complaint over its license. The owners argue they’re protected under the Wyoming Food Freedom Act and plan to fight the restriction.

Kate MeadowsMarch 31, 2026

Sterling Louis Black Jr.

‘Mommy’s Dead’: Man Charged With Killing Woman With Daughter In Room To Face Trial

“Mommy’s dead” is one of the statements a young girl made after a woman was found shot in a Riverton motel room. Her father has been bound over to felony court to face trial on a charge of second-degree murder.

Greg JohnsonMarch 31, 2026

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Cheyenne Man Gets 8-10 Years For Shooting Of Teen In "Quick Draw" Game

A 21-year-old Cheyenne man Tuesday was sentenced to 8–10 years in prison for shooting a 16-year-old friend in the head during a “quick draw” game with loaded handguns. “I didn’t even know I had a live round in the chamber,” he told an investigator.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 31, 2026

Richard C0y0te Parks Sr. is Senior State Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders. He brought seven other veterans with him from Casper for Wyoming's Welcome Home Day held at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois.

Decades Late, Vietnam Veterans Finally Get A Wyoming Welcome Home

Decades after being shunned and spat upon, Vietnam veterans packed the National Museum of Military Vehicles for Wyoming Welcome Home Day on Sunday. “We have a chance to help veterans heal and give them the honor and recognition they didn’t get,” the Dubois museum owner said.

Renée JeanMarch 30, 2026

In an aerial view, an Amazon Web Services data center is shown. Getty Images. Inset: Gov Mark Gordon, Matt Idler

Wyoming Pitches Itself To Data Center Developers At Closed-Door Jackson Summit

Wyoming leaders and tech giants will discuss whether the state can capture a share of the exploding AI data center boom at a closed-door Jackson summit this week. Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon Web Services will all be attending the meeting.

David MadisonMarch 30, 2026

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Casper Woman Accused Of Stabbing Husband And Faking Injuries With Sledgehammer

A Casper woman is facing arraignment after being charged with putting a knife in her husband’s neck as he fed their young son. The mother of two also allegedly hit herself with a sledgehammer to make it look like she was physically abused by her husband.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 30, 2026

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Trump's Popularity On Trial In Lawmakers' Defamation Case

Whether backing Trump makes a person a true Republican in Wyoming is a key point in the defamation case two lawmakers are waging against Wyoming Freedom Caucus' campaign group. The group falsely claimed the lawmakers voted to keep Trump off the ballot.

Clair McFarlandMarch 30, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, April 5, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Richard Garrett. Richard writes, "Moonset at sunrise this morning. Amazing to think that possibly 4 astronauts are in this range of view."

Photo by Richard Garrett

Today's question to Don Day

Mark James Mullins of Douglas
In regard to your thunderstorm season article, can you reassess the data on a per-capita basis, especially when considering population of the states? It could affect me as I own a hill on my property which I plan a communications tower and likely will have a lightning rod installed when it goes in.
Don Day
FEMA has a good lightning database that takes into account lightning risk, potential property loss, etc. based on population and lightning frequency. Data is available on a county by county basis. Lots and lots of lightning data available here which may help in quest for more lightning information. https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/lightning
DD

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Opinion

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Joan Barron: Why Is It So Hard To Say 'I’m Sorry?'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Why is it so hard for today’s politicians to admit the wrongness of a situation? Even though they were not at fault personally, the ball was in the court of the Freedom Caucus members as it were, since they were the recipients of the checks."

Joan BarronMarch 21, 2026

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Bill Sniffin: Turning 80 Thoughts: Quit Smoking, Stay Active, Be Health-Selfish

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Here are my five life lessons that have kept me going for 80 years! I plan to keep going and keep learning.”

Bill SniffinMarch 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Your Participation Can Make Politics Better

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “If you have never attended a party meeting, you would be amazed at the depth of understanding on display. Its participants are anything but 'deplorables.'”

Jonathan LangeMarch 20, 2026

Wyoming Life

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