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The Wyoming Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a judge’s block of the state’s $50 million school choice program. State schools chief Megan Degenfelder says she’s “thrilled by the unanimous decision” and plans to reopen school choice immediately.

Wyoming Supreme Court Overturns Block On $50 Million School Choice Program

The Wyoming Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a judge's block of the state’s $50 million school choice program. State schools chief Megan Degenfelder says she’s “thrilled by the unanimous decision” and plans to reopen school choice vouchers immediately.

Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2026

Quality Technology Services data center Georgia Elijah Nouvelage Bloomberg via Getty Images 5 13 26

Georgia 30 Million Gallon Water Grab Puts Cheyenne Data Centers Under New Scrutiny

When a Georgia data center quietly drew 30 million gallons of water during a drought, no one noticed until residents’ water pressure dropped. This controversy is causing concern in Cheyenne where 70-some data centers are in various stages of discussion.

Renée JeanMay 14, 2026

Chase Christensen

After A Sheridan County Schools Chief Fired, Two Board Members Quit On The Spot

After a Sheridan county school board voted 3-2 Wednesday to terminate its superintendent’s contracts, two board members quit on the spot. A "lack of decision-making” by the board made the termination not surprising, says the former schools chief.

Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2026

Workers erect a tower to string power transmission lines in this image from Rocky Mountain Power.

Rocky Mountain Power Says 8.8% Rate Hike Request Not Because Of Data Centers

Rocky Mountain Power is asking Wyoming regulators for another rate hike prompted by rising costs, this time for 8.8%, the company announced Wednesday. “None of the increases ... have anything to do with data centers,” the company says.

Kate MeadowsMay 14, 2026

Raspberry, a favorite Yellowstone grizzly, is pictured here with her last cub, Little Bear.

Raspberry, The ‘Grizzly 399 Of Yellowstone’ Missing For A Year, Feared To Be Dead

It’s been a year since the last sighting of Raspberry, the “Grizzly 399 of Yellowstone.” She usually emerged in May and was highly visible from the road on the park’s east side. Fans are worried she's succumbed to an injury from a 2022 vehicle strike.

Mark HeinzMay 14, 2026

Russia’s state-run nuclear company owned Wyoming uranium assets until 2021. How that happened remains murky, wrapped in closed federal reviews. “No one knows how they got permits,” says the CEO of Uranium Energy Corp., which eventually bought out the Russians.

How Russia Controlled A Huge Chunk Of Wyoming Uranium, And How Wyoming Got It Back

Russia’s state-run nuclear company owned Wyoming uranium assets until 2021. How that happened remains murky, wrapped in closed federal reviews. “No one knows how they got permits,” says the CEO of the U.S. company that eventually bought out the Russians.

Renée JeanMay 14, 2026

Cody Roberts outside of Sublette County District Court on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Animal Groups Paid $15,000 To Cody Roberts Whistleblower In Wolf Abuse Case

A pair of animal welfare groups said Thursday they paid $15,000 to a whistleblower who “contributed meaningfully” to the criminal case against Daniel, Wyoming, wolf abuser Cody Roberts. They say the informant came forward “at great personal risk."

Kolby FedoreMay 14, 2026

The appartment complex where a fatal shooting happened in Riverton in the early morning hours of March 3, 2026.

Riverton Teen Charged With Shooting Friend In Head During Horseplay With Gun

More than two months after a Riverton 18-year-old was shot in the head during a night of drinking and horseplay with a gun, another teen has been charged with pulling the trigger. The teen reportedly said he “didn’t mean to do that” before running off.

Kolby FedoreMay 14, 2026

Wyoming’s largest livestock marketing company sold 9,000 head of cattle in a special drought sale on Wednesday when it typically sells 400-700 head a week. “Guys are selling because they’re droughted out,” said the owner of Torrington Livestock Markets.

Wyoming Ranchers Selling Off Cattle As Drought Tightens Grip Across State

Wyoming’s largest livestock marketing company sold 9,000 head of cattle in a special drought sale on Wednesday when it typically sells 400-700 head a week. “Guys are selling because they’re droughted out,” said the owner of Torrington Livestock Markets.

Kate MeadowsMay 13, 2026

Paul Norfleet, a sheep rancher who recently moved to Chugwater, spoke about the challenges of farming and said NextEra's Chugwater Energy Project would allow his ranch to make some money. That revenue, he said, would go toward regenerating the land.

450-MW Chugwater Wind And Solar Project Gets Unanimous OK From County Planners

A huge wind and solar project near Chugwater to generate 450 megawatts of wind and solar power was unanimously approved Wednesday by Platte County planners. "I want to be able to earn some money off my land,” said one rancher in support of the plan.

Kate MeadowsMay 13, 2026

Wyoming congressional delegation is firmly behind the Trump administration’s move to rescind the 2001 federal Roadless Rule. But opponents of doing away with the rule say that will get grizzlies killed and derail efforts to delist them.

Opponents Say Rescinding Roadless Rule Will Get Grizzlies Killed, Derail Delisting

At a press conference Wednesday to voice concern over the expected rescinding of the 2001 federal Roadless Rule in national forests, opponents said doing away with the rule will get more grizzlies killed and could derail delisting.

Mark HeinzMay 13, 2026

A day after Secretary of State Chuck Gray asked Fremont County commissioners to take “immediate” steps to eliminate a race-based county voting district, he sent a similar letter to Gov. Mark Gordon about Wyoming’s lone race-based state House district.

Gray Wants Gordon To Act To Change Wyoming’s Race-Based House Voting District

A day after Secretary of State Chuck Gray asked Fremont County commissioners to take “immediate” steps to eliminate a race-based county voting district, he sent a similar letter to Gov. Mark Gordon about Wyoming’s lone race-based state House district.

Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2026

Teton County GOP leader Rebecca Bextel during testimony Thursday for the House investigative committee about checks she handed out to legislators on the House floor on Feb. 9, 2026.

CheckGate's Rebecca Bextel Running For Governor With Wyoming Constitution Party

The Jackson woman who gained notoriety for passing out campaign donation checks on the state House floor is running for the Wyoming Constitution Party nomination to be governor. Rebecca Bextel announced it Wednesday morning, the party chair confirmed.

Clair McFarlandMay 13, 2026

Bill Allemand 5 13 26

Allemand Going To White House, Gets A Break From Random Alcohol Tests

Wyoming state Rep. Bill Allemand, who was charged late last year with drunk driving, doesn’t have to undergo court-ordered random alcohol testing while he’s in Washington, D.C., with other lawmakers, a Buffalo-based magistrate has decided.

Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2026

Juliette Martinez, left, and Joseph Hanson

Cheyenne Parents Accused Of Killing 4-Month-Old Plead Not Guilty, To Have Trials

A Cheyenne mother charged with murder in the death of her 4-month-old son pleaded not guilty this week. That, along with an earlier not guilty plea from the father, sets the table for both parents to be tried for first-degree murder in separate trials.

Kolby FedoreMay 13, 2026

A suspicious package left near Gate 1 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base on Thursday, April 16, 2026, prompted an evacuation of nearby homes and the Wyoming State Capitol. “They came in and whispered in the governor’s ear,” then cleared the building.

What Was In Package Left At F.E. Warren That Evacuated Capitol Remains A Mystery

Cheyenne residents will likely never know what was in the package left at F.E. Warren Air Force Base last month that evacuated the neighborhood and state Capitol. “Yeah, I’d kind of like to know,” says a man whose granddaughter was locked down in school.

Greg JohnsonMay 13, 2026

Secretary of State Chuck Gray (right) and Fremont County Commissioner Clarence Thomas

Chuck Gray Tells Fremont County To End Race-Based Districting Immediately

After the Supreme Court blocked a racial gerrymander, Secretary of State Chuck Gray told the Fremont County Commission on Tuesday to eliminate its race-based district. Commissioner Clarence Thomas said it's not about race but unique cultural divisions.

Clair McFarlandMay 13, 2026

Bob Beck, the longtime voice and leader of Wyoming Public Radio, returns Saturday for the University of Wyoming to give him its highest accolade — an honorary doctoral degree. “I am not speechless often,” says Beck, but he was about this surprise honor.

Bob Beck, Longtime Voice Of Wyoming Public Radio, To Get Honorary Doctorate From UW

Bob Beck, the longtime voice and leader of Wyoming Public Radio, returns Saturday for the University of Wyoming to give him its highest accolade — an honorary doctoral degree. “I am not speechless often,” says Beck, but he was about this surprise honor.

Wendy CorrMay 13, 2026

Glenn Patterson

70-Year-Old Cheyenne Man Accused Of Punching Kid In Face For Riding Bike Too Fast

An argument over riding a bike too fast in a Cheyenne park escalated to a 70-year-old man allegedly punching a 12-year-old boy in the face Monday. The man told police the boy called him a gay slur, then they both ended up with black eyes.

Kolby FedoreMay 13, 2026

Michelle St. Louis (left) is being sued by U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner (right) for defamation after making online comments about him.

Woman Sued By House Candidate Reid Rasner Urges Ban On Frivolous Lawsuits

After hearing the testimony Tuesday of a woman currently facing a defamation lawsuit by U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner, the Wyoming Joint Judiciary Committee voted to draft a bill to deter frivolous lawsuits that intimidate people into silence.

Clair McFarlandMay 12, 2026

Wyoming’s already hot nuclear sector just went global, with Taiwan and Wyoming signing an agreement on modular nuclear reactors to serve the island’s surging, AI-driven demand.

Wyoming Uranium Industry Could Boom With Taiwan's Embrace Of Nuclear

Wyoming’s already hot nuclear sector just went global, with Taiwan and Wyoming signing an agreement on modular nuclear reactors to serve the island’s surging, AI-driven demand. "This deal bodes well for Wyoming," said Wyoming mining honcho Travis Deti.

Renée JeanMay 12, 2026

RJ Kost 5 12 26

Park County GOP Sends Candidate No Confidence Letter Over Voter Registration Ad

The Park County GOP condemned the actions of former Sen. RJ Kost, who is running for office again, for placing a newspaper ad telling people how to change their party affiliation. They said his ad "undermines the principles of a constitutional republic."

Clair McFarlandMay 12, 2026

A coyote pushed its luck too far with a mountain lion in the Red Desert and ended up becoming supper. Most of the time, run-ins between the two end with both walking away unharmed. "It's a rough world out there," said biologist Franz Camenzind.

Coyote Loses Bid Against Mountain Lion In Red Desert, Ends Up Becoming Supper

A coyote pushed its luck too far with a mountain lion in the Red Desert and ended up becoming supper. Most of the time, run-ins between the two end with both walking away unharmed. "It's a rough world out there," said biologist Franz Camenzind.

Mark HeinzMay 12, 2026

Singer, songwriter Michael DeGreve played at Cheyenne's Hitching Post for 30 years

Cheyenne Musical Legend Michael DeGreve Dies At 78

Longtime Cheyenne performer Michael DeGreve, who sang at The Hitching Post six nights a week for 30 years, died Monday in Oregon. The singer, who performed with Neil Young, Graham Nash and other legends, had been battling prostate cancer, his wife said.

Zakary SonntagMay 12, 2026

Ballesteros rawlins 5 12 26

Man Allegedly Pushed Woman He "Was Going To Marry" Out Of Moving Vehicle

“I was going to marry you but now I’m going to kill you" were the words a man allegedly told a woman before allegedly pushing her out of a moving vehicle. He was later arrested near Rawlins by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Kolby FedoreMay 12, 2026

Trump beef 5 12 26

Wyoming Cattle Ranchers Worried Over Trump Proposal To Lower Tariffs On Beef Imports

A Trump proposal to lower tariffs on beef imports to lower the price of beef for consumers has Wyoming cattle ranchers concerned. U.S. Sen. Lummis said any tariff change "needs to ensure ranchers are not undercut and put in a tougher economic situation."

Kate MeadowsMay 12, 2026

A black bear that was wandering around Cheyenne tried taking shelter in this barn on the east outskirts of town. The bear was safely captured and released back into the wild.

Black Bear Captured In Cheyenne Barn

A black bear caused a stir in Cheyenne early Tuesday when it was spotted wandering around the east side of town. It took shelter on a hayloft in a resident’s barn. “The bear probably thought that was a good place to hide,” the owner said.

Mark HeinzMay 12, 2026

Amoeba yellowstone 5 12 26

Scientists Confirm 'Brain-Eating Amoeba' Is Widespread In Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Brain-eating amoebas are thriving in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, and they’re probably more widespread than most people realize. Scientists say to avoid being infected don't stick your head in the water (which is a good tip around geysers too).

Andrew RossiMay 12, 2026

A 38-year-old New York woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Natrona County District Court for her role as part of an alleged out-of-state crime ring that tried to steal thousands from a Casper bank.

New York Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Scheme To Steal Thousands From Wyoming Banks

A New York woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday for her role as part of an alleged out-of-state crime ring that tried to steal thousands from a Casper bank in April. She allegedly was successful in taking thousands from a bank in Buffalo earlier in the day.

Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2026

Lithium ion fire recovery 5 12 26

Wyoming Man Hospitalized After Exposure To Fumes During Lithium-Ion Battery Fire

A Daniel, Wyoming man who narrowly averted a fire in his home last week after a lithium-ion battery spontaneously combusted, has landed in the hospital after inhaling fumes from the burning battery. "It literally blew up kind of in our faces," he said.

Renée JeanMay 12, 2026

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz.

Wyoming AG Argues Trans Woman Can't Get Sex On Birth Certificate Changed

The Wyoming AG's Office filed a brief Monday defending the What is a Woman Act in the case of a transgender woman seeking a birth certificate change from "male" to "female.” A judge last year ruled that birth certificates should "record the ‘facts of birth.’”

Clair McFarlandMay 12, 2026

A surge of as many as 70 proposed data centers converging on Cheyenne has prompted one councilman to propose a moratorium on new construction. However, “an outright moratorium or a ban, that’s not our way,” says Mayor Patrick Collins.

Cheyenne Residents Push For 12-Month Moratorium On Data Centers

A surge of as many as 70 proposed data centers converging on Cheyenne has rallied residents and a councilman to propose a 12-month moratorium on new construction. However, “an outright moratorium or a ban, that’s not our way,” says Mayor Patrick Collins.

Renée JeanMay 11, 2026

The Trump administration has moved to open more National Park Service land to hunting. But that doesn’t mean fluorescent orange hunting vests and rifle shots will light up Yellowstone National Park this fall during elk hunting season, however.

Trump Moves To Open National Parks, Other Federal Lands, To More Hunting

The Trump administration has moved to open more National Park Service land to hunting. But that doesn’t mean fluorescent orange hunting vests and rifle shots will light up Yellowstone National Park this fall during elk hunting season, however.

Mark HeinzMay 11, 2026

Wyoming’s new education funding model leaves many schools short of money for sports and activities. That’s a bug, not a feature, of the package, say lawmakers who urge schools against “hacking and whacking” programs while they fix it.

Backlash Over School Sports & Activities Cuts But Wyoming Lawmakers Promise To Fix

Wyoming’s new education funding model is leaving many schools short of money for sports and activities. Lawmakers say that's a bug, not a feature of the package, and are urging schools against “hacking and whacking” programs while they fix it.

Clair McFarlandMay 11, 2026

Ozshnee Gray

Riverton Police: Woman Claims She Lit Man In Wheelchair On Fire In Self-Defense

Riverton police say a woman accused of dousing a man in a wheelchair with vodka and lighting him on fire claimed she acted in self-defense. A witness told police the woman became angry when the wheelchair-bound man wouldn’t give her money for meth.

Kolby FedoreMay 11, 2026

Folks were enjoying the 83-degree weather at Cheyenne's Holiday Park on Monday, May 11, 2026, less than a week removed from a snowstorm that dumped several inches of heavy, wet snow on the city.

Extreme Wyoming Weather Swings From 10 Inches Of Snow To 90 Degrees In A Week

Last week, parts of Wyoming got up to 10 inches of snow during blizzard conditions, but by Monday temps were in the 80s and flirting with record highs — and on their way into the 90s. “May is very susceptible to mood swings,” says meteorologist Don Day.

Andrew RossiMay 11, 2026

Pepper Fipps, the Cow Boss at the Rafter Star Ranch near Sheridan, uses only “Big Wonderful Wyoming” mud flaps on the ranch flatbeds and big rigs. He’s having trouble finding replacements.

Rancher Won’t Use Anything But ‘Big Wonderful Wyoming’ Mud Flaps, Can’t Find More

A Sheridan-area rancher is on a quest for “Big Wonderful Wyoming” mudflaps — and won’t use anything else on the ranch’s trucks. “I’ll order eight sets of them,” she told a Wyoming auto parts dealer.

Mark HeinzMay 11, 2026

A plan to build Wyoming’s first subscription-based solar project is on hold, but isn’t dead, says Lower Valley Energy CEO Bear Prairie. The co-op is now focusing on communicating with customers while pursuing a piece of state-owned land near a garbage dump, he says.

CEO Says Plan For Wyoming’s First Subscription-Based Solar Project Isn't Dead

A plan to build Wyoming’s first subscription-based solar project is on hold, but isn’t dead, says Lower Valley Energy’s CEO. The co-op is now focusing on communicating with customers while pursuing a piece of state-owned land near a garbage dump, he says.

Kate MeadowsMay 11, 2026

A jury found a Gillette, Wyoming, woman not guilty Friday of helping plot her brother’s stabbing at a Washington state Motel 6. Her husband, meanwhile, is serving 39 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder for carrying out the attack.

Jury Finds Gillette Woman Not Guilty In Plot To Have Brother Stabbed

A jury found a Gillette, Wyoming, woman not guilty Friday of helping plot her brother’s stabbing at a Washington state Motel 6. Her husband, meanwhile, is serving 39 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder for carrying out the attack.

Kolby FedoreMay 11, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, May 15, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Candace McCue Veach on South Pass. Candace writes, " What better way to start the day than with the adoration of a dog and a beautiful sunrise?

Photo by Candace McCue Veach

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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Bill Sniffin: Horrific Murder Trial Greeted Me In First Days As Lander Editor

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Who knew that my first big news story in Lander would be one of the biggest of my career? Covering this horrific murder trial was a huge challenge for a new editor.”

Bill SniffinApril 25, 2026

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Joan Barron: Cheyenne South Siders Oppose Man Camps

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “It is not surprising to see the uprising against a developer’s plan to build 800 units for 5,600 construction workers here  to build data centers.”

Joan BarronApril 25, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: 'The Story of Everything' Is A Great Movie

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “This movie gave me hope that our own incessant arguing can find agreement. If Einstein and Hoyle could ultimately change their minds to agree with Hubble and Lemaître, we can learn something from them."

Jonathan LangeApril 25, 2026

Wyoming Life

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