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Tom Lubnau: Actually, The Wyoming Senate Is More Conservative Than The House

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "The Senate did not react well to pressure from mysterious puppet masters. When dealing with the budget the upper chamber instead coalesced into a cohesive body. Leadership agreed to kill the budget, and no one on the Senate floor made a move to overrule Leadership."

Tom LubnauMarch 06, 2025

A rabbit species called Omiltemi cottontail thought to be extinct for 120 years was recently found in Mexico, mirroring the rediscovery of black-footed ferrets near Meeteetse, Wyoming, in 1981.

Rediscovery Of ‘Extinct’ Rabbit Mirrors Finding Wyoming Black-Footed Ferrets

A rabbit species thought to be extinct for 120 years was recently found in Mexico, mirroring the rediscovery of black-footed ferrets near Meeteetse, Wyoming, in 1981.

Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2025

The Wyoming Senate overrode Gov. Mark Gordon’s veto of a bill Wednesday that will bring DOGE-eque scrutiny to Wyoming’s state agencies and their rules. Tyler Lindholm, Wyoming state director for the Libertarian group Americans For Prosperity lobbied for the bill.

Senate Overrides Gordon’s Veto Of DOGE-Esque Bill To Scrutinize State Agency Rules

The Wyoming Senate overrode Gov. Mark Gordon’s veto of a bill Wednesday that will bring DOGE-esque scrutiny to Wyoming’s state agencies and their rules. Gordon calls the law “another solution in search of a problem.”

Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2025

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Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 36

The 36th and next-to-last day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session featured overrides of multiple vetoes the governor made and discussion about adding 14% more on to a 25% property tax cut already signed into law by the governor.

Leo WolfsonMarch 06, 2025

A total lunar eclipse just after midnight March 14 will be positioned directly over Wyoming, which means Wyomingites will have an excellent view of the all-night event. It’ll be hard to miss — the moon will look blood-red.

Full Lunar Eclipse Directly Over Wyoming Will Make Moon Look Blood-Red

A total lunar eclipse just after midnight March 14 will be positioned directly over Wyoming, which means Wyomingites will have an excellent view of the all-night event. It’ll be hard to miss — the moon will look blood-red.

Andrew RossiMarch 05, 2025

Wyoming homeowners can plan on receiving a 25% reduction off their taxes due to Gov. Mark Gordon signing Senate Enrolled Act 60 into law on Tuesday night. Even more relief is possible as another bill is still being considered.

Gordon Signs 25% Property Tax Cut Into Law, More Relief Still Possible

Wyoming homeowners can plan on receiving a 25% reduction off their taxes due to Gov. Mark Gordon signing Senate Enrolled Act 60 into law on Tuesday night. Even more relief is possible as another bill is still being considered.

Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2025

One of two bills targeting transgender use of bathrooms in Wyoming would include most public spaces in the state, including the Wyoming Capitol.

Wyoming Governor Signs Trans Bathroom, Changing Room Ban Into Law

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed a bill that allows people to sue the state if they encounter a biologically born male in a female-designated restroom or changing room in a public facility, and vice versa.

Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2025

A bill to stop funding National Public Radio and the PBS Newshour might seem like a slam-dunk to pass a Republican-controlled Congress. But it's not so simple, says U.S. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso.

Wyoming Congressional Delegation Mum On Defunding NPR And PBS

A bill to stop funding National Public Radio and the PBS Newshour might seem like a slam-dunk to pass a Republican-controlled Congress. But it's not so simple, says U.S. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso.

Sean BarryMarch 05, 2025

In an effort to export Wyoming coal to the Pacific Rim, Treasurer Curt Meier and Secretary of State Chuck Gray believe purchasing land in Washington state could give Wyoming the legal standing to make it happen.

Meier, Gray Believe Land Purchase In Washington Could Open Way For Coal Exports

In an effort to export Wyoming coal to the Pacific Rim, Treasurer Curt Meier and Secretary of State Chuck Gray believe purchasing land in Washington state could give Wyoming the legal standing to make it happen.

Renée JeanMarch 05, 2025

U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) applaud as U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Barrasso, Lummis Cheer Trump's Speech and “Commitment To American Greatness”

Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis cheered President Donald Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night. Barrasso said Trump has shown a “commitment to American greatness" while Lummis praised the president's "lightning speed" in getting things done.

Sean BarryMarch 05, 2025

Chance Englebert's family refuses to give up until they have answers of what happened to him nearly six years ago on the night he disappeared during a family trip to Nebraska. For her birthday, Englebert's grandmother, Linda Kluender, gifted herself a newly restored billboard along the two-lane road in western Nebraska.

Family of Missing Moorcroft Man Refuse To Give Up As They Revamp Billboard Again

It’s going on six years since Moorcroft's Chance Englebert vanished while visiting in-laws in Nebraska. His family remains desperate for any news of him, so every two years they repair a billboard to repair the faded image and peeling vinyl.

Jen KocherMarch 04, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon says he’ll sign a bill that creates a universal school voucher system for K-12 and expand the state’s existing pre-K program. That means money to pay for private education for parents who choose it.

Gordon To Sign Bill To Provide $7,000 Per Child School Vouchers For K-12

Gov. Mark Gordon says he’ll sign a bill that creates a universal school voucher system for K-12 and expand the state’s existing pre-K program. That means $7,000 per child to pay for private education for parents who choose it.

Leo WolfsonMarch 04, 2025

Cody resident Kailey Kline and her mother Amber Espinoza still maintain that Kline was poisoned with antifreeze on New Year's Eve despite a Cody Police investigative report saying otherwise.

Prosecutor Says No Evidence Of Antifreeze After Woman Nearly Dies From Spiked Drink

Park County, Wyoming, officials say there’s no evidence that a woman was poisoned with antifreeze from a spiked drink at a Cody bar New Year’s Eve. But the woman nearly died, and her mother questions the investigation.

Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2025

It was a mass-killing of bills in one sitting when the Wyoming Senate let seven election security bills die going into the last week of the session. They were part of a slate of election bills pushed by Chuck Gray, who criticized the move.

Senate Kills Seven Election Bills, Including Ban On Ballot Drop Boxes

It was a mass-killing of bills in one sitting when the Wyoming Senate let seven election security bills die going into the last week of the session. They were part of a slate of election bills pushed by Chuck Gray, who criticized the move.

Leo WolfsonMarch 04, 2025

To address pressing concerns in her county, Sen. Stacy Jones, R-Rock Springs, sponsored Senate File 132, which will now give local law enforcement agents the ability to recommend criminal charges against drone operators who fly over critical infrastructures, with some exceptions. Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed the bill late Monday, but Tuesday afternoon, the Legislature overturned his veto.

Wyoming Legislature Overrides Governor’s Mystery Drone Veto

The Wyoming Legislature on Tuesday afternoon overrode the governor’s veto of a bill that gives local officials authority to deal with mystery drones over critical infrastructure. That includes allowing law enforcement to bring them down.

Clair McFarlandMarch 04, 2025

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed into a law a bill banning DEI programs at government agencies, while also vetoing another similar bill. The bill he vetoed, he said, was ill-defined and overly broad. 

Wyoming Governor Signs Government DEI Ban Into Law

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed into a law a bill banning DEI programs at government agencies, while also vetoing another similar bill. The bill he vetoed, he said, was ill-defined and overly broad. 

Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2025

Wyoming needs to kick its timber cutting into high gear or risk another catastrophic wildfire season, foresters told the Legislature on Tuesday. The danger is especially high in the Black Hills region, they say. Above, Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris, left, and U.S. Forest Service regional forester Troy Heithecker testify for legislators.

Wyoming Can’t Cut Trees Fast Or Soon Enough, Timber Industry Says

Wyoming needs to kick its timber cutting into high gear or risk another catastrophic wildfire season, foresters told the Legislature on Tuesday. The danger is especially high in the Black Hills region, they say.

Mark HeinzMarch 04, 2025

Joseph Underwood

Former Roommate Of Wyoming Man Accused Of Murdering Woman Says He's Not Insane

The former roommate of Joseph Underwood, who’s accused of killing a woman and dumping her body in a Park County, Wyoming, ravine, says he isn't insane. He says Underwood is probably trying to cheat justice with his insanity plea.

Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2025

A “clean-kill” predator law prompted by the high-profile torture of a wolf leads a list of new Wyoming wildlife laws. This 2025 session also saw new regulations for fishing guides and dogs caught in traps.

Wolf Torture Leads List Of New High-Profile Wyoming Wildlife Laws

A “clean-kill” predator law prompted by the high-profile torture of a wolf leads a list of new Wyoming wildlife rules. This 2025 session also saw new regulations for fishing guides and dogs caught in traps.

Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2025

Women's sports rights activist Riley Gaines is blasting U.S. Senate Democrats who voted down a federal bill that would ban males from female-designated sports. She's seen here in May 2024 rally for a handful of University of Wyoming women suing their sorority for admitting a transgender member.

Barrasso Says Senate Democrats Who Killed Federal Trans Sports Law 'Out Of Touch'

Sen. John Barrasso says Senate Democrats are "out of touch" in blocking a federal bill Monday to ban males from female school sports. The move came days after two bills that would have expanded Wyoming’s state-level trans sports ban died, while one remains viable.

Clair McFarlandMarch 04, 2025

Nathan McLeland inspects a pumpjack on a stripper well in Weston County.

Wyoming Fights Biden Rule Some Say Tries To Price Out Oil And Gas Operators

Wyoming legislators have fought back against a Biden administration effort some say tries to price out oil and gas producers by hiking bond rates 1,400% and more. A $45 million pool of money will help those operators with their bonding.

Zakary Sonntag for Cowboy State DailyMarch 04, 2025

Dones have been reported flying over the Jim Bridger Power Plant, usually at about 2 or 3 a.m.

Gordon Vetoes Bill To Fight Mystery Drones, Wyoming Sheriff Still Worried

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill late Monday meant to give state law enforcement more options to deal with mystery drones over critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, one Wyoming sheriff says the mysterious aircraft are still being reported.

Clair McFarlandMarch 04, 2025

The Frontier Bar, Montana’s unofficial hub of cold beer diplomacy.

Along Montana-Canada Border, Tariffs Could Spike Prices For Beer, Fishing Lures

A lot of commerce flows across the 545 miles of border between Montana and Canada. With promised 25% tariffs going into effect Tuesday, locals expect prices for all kinds of things to spike, including beer and fishing lures.

David MadisonMarch 04, 2025

Dylan Schilt with his four brothers in a Colorado hospital after Schilt, a Laramie firefighter, was hurt when a burning house collapsed on him.

Laramie Firefighter Paralyzed After Being Crushed In House Fire Collapse

A Laramie firefighter is facing a long rehabilitation after being paralyzed when a stone fireplace chase collapsed on him while fighting a house fire late Friday. His father told Cowboy State Daily that doctors believe his spinal cord is still intact.

Mark HeinzMarch 03, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill Monday, March 3, 2025, that would require women in Wyoming get ultrasounds before getting the abortion pill. He called the proposal “personally invasive” and an “often medically unnecessary procedure.”

Gordon Vetoes Bill Requiring Women To Get Ultrasounds Before Abortions

Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill Monday night that would require women in Wyoming get ultrasounds before getting the abortion pill. He called the proposal “personally invasive” and an “often medically unnecessary procedure.”

Leo WolfsonMarch 04, 2025

London-based WE Soda has bought Genesis Alkali’s two trona mines in southwest Wyoming for $1.4 billion. It makes We Soda the No. 1 producer of natural trona in the world.

Two Wyoming Trona Mines Bought For $1.4B To Create World’s Largest Producer

London-based WE Soda has bought Genesis Alkali’s two trona mines in southwest Wyoming for $1.4 billion. It makes WE Soda the No. 1 producer of natural trona in the world.

Renée JeanMarch 03, 2025

The only survivor of a Casper-area drunk-driving crash that killed three people in 2022, Tahayla Kohtala says she still replays the scene in her head every day.

Lone Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Drunk Driver Crash 'Wouldn't Wish It On Anyone'

The drunk Casper man who killed three people in a crash in May 2022 has been sentenced to 18-20 years, according to a court order filed Friday. Meanwhile, the only survivor of that crash says she still replays the horrific scene in her head every day.

Clair McFarlandMarch 03, 2025

Karen Budd-Falen

Cheyenne Lawyer, Rancher Karen Budd-Falen Accepts Top Interior Department Post

Karen Budd-Falen, a Cheyenne rancher and lawyer, has been named to a high-level post in President Trump’s Interior Department. She tells Cowboy State Daily she accepted an offer to be associate deputy secretary for the department.

Sean BarryMarch 04, 2025

Sammie Cyrus, a senior double-amputee wrestler from Dubois High School, capped his career as a state champion. Cyrus won the Class 2A 106-pound division during this past weekend at the state tournament in Casper.

Dubois Double-Amputee Wrestler Wins State Championship

Sammie Cyrus, a senior double-amputee wrestler from Dubois High School, capped his career as a state champion. Cyrus won the Class 2A 106-pound division during this past weekend at the Wyoming state tournament in Casper.

Andrew RossiMarch 04, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon reluctantly let a bill pass into law that voids out-of-state driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. He says he’s concerned the new law will violate a compact Wyoming has with other states.

Gordon Reluctantly Allows New Law Voiding Out-Of-State Driver’s Licenses For Illegals

Gov. Mark Gordon reluctantly let a bill pass into law that voids out-of-state driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. He says he’s concerned the new law will violate a compact Wyoming has with other states.

Leo WolfsonMarch 04, 2025

Campbell County Sheriffs Office

Man Applying To Be Jail Officer Allegedly Admits Molesting Kids During Polygraph

A Gillette, Wyoming, man who tried to get a job as a detention officer is now incarcerated in the jail where he’d hoped to work. That’s because during a pre-employment polygraph, he confessed to molesting children, court documents allege.

Clair McFarlandMarch 03, 2025

Sentate President Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, left, and House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett.

Senate Rejects Last-Ditch House Compromise To Salvage Wyoming Budget

A last-ditch House compromise to salvage a supplemental budget from this Wyoming legislative session was rejected by the Senate on Monday. It paves the way for a mad dash to cram pieces of the budget into other bills.

Leo WolfsonMarch 03, 2025

President Donald Trump said Monday, March 3, 2025, there’s no more delaying 25% tariffs that will go into effect on Canada and Mexico on Tuesday. That’s expected to impact Wyoming, which does more business with Canada than any other foreign country.

Wyoming Businesses Wait To See Impact Of Tariffs, Going Into Effect Tuesday

President Trump on Monday said there’s no more delaying 25% tariffs that will go into effect on Canada and Mexico on Tuesday. That’s expected to impact Wyoming, which does more business with Canada than any other foreign country.

Renée JeanMarch 04, 2025

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office.

Trump Making English Official Language Long Overdue, Wyoming Delegation Says

President Donald Trump’s Saturday order making English the official language of the United States was long overdue, says Wyoming’s congressional delegation. Wyoming has already designated English the state’s official language.

Sean BarryMarch 03, 2025

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Driskill, Bear Throw Down With Accusations Of Lying, Wasting Tax Money

The legislative session may be winding down, but mudslinging between leading members of the Wyoming House and Senate is in mid-session form. Ogden Driskill and John Bear spent part of the weekend accusing each other of lying and wasting tax money.

Leo WolfsonMarch 03, 2025

Wyoming homeschool families say they are “thrilled” with the passage of the Homeschool Freedom Act. It means the don't have to submit their curricula to local school districts. Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, sponsored the legislation.

Wyoming Homeschoolers “Thrilled” To Be Free Of Reporting Requirement

Wyoming homeschool families say they are “thrilled” with the passage of the Homeschool Freedom Act. It means they don't have to submit their curricula to local school districts.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 03, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, left, and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis.

Lummis, Hageman Hail Trump’s Halt To ‘Burdensome’ Disclosures On Small Businesses

Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Rep. Harriet Hageman are cheering a Sunday decision by President Trump’s Treasury secretary to halt “burdensome” disclosure rules for small businesses. They call the move a “major win” for small businesses across Wyoming.

Sean BarryMarch 04, 2025

Valan Anthos, an attorney and "drag king," testifies against a bill that would allow parents to sue if their children are exposd to "hyper sexualized" shows. Anthos appeared in make-up and said his drag act was inspured by the boy band 'NSYNC.

Bill Moving Through Montana Legislature Would Let Parents Sue Over Drag Shows

Wyoming lawmakers recently chose not to advance a bill outlawing the use of public money for drag shows. Across the border in Montana, a bill is moving through the Legislature that would let parents sue over "hypersexualized" shows.

David MadisonMarch 03, 2025

The disappearance and murder of Gabby Petito captured headlines around the globe. The young up-and-coming YouTuber was found dead in Bridger-Teton National Park in Wyoming in fall 2021. A new Netflix series about the murder is putting Wyoming in the spotlight again.

Netflix Docuseries On Gabby Petito Murder Puts Wyoming In Spotlight Again

The search for Gabby Petito in fall 2021 had the world watching northwest Wyoming. The missing YouTuber was ultimately found murdered in Bridger-Teton National Forest, and a new Netflix docuseries puts Teton County Coroner Brent Blue and the investigative team in the spotlight again.

Jen KocherMarch 02, 2025

When they roamed the earth, Tyrannosaurs and Triceratops would’ve been mortal enemies. But millions of years later at an international museum in Canada, they’re working out their differences over their own larger-than-life tea party.

It's A Real Job: “Dinosaur Erection Specialist” Positions Dino Skeletons At Museum

Ry Williams is a self-described “dinosaur erection specialist” who’s a lot like a window dresser at a department store, except instead of arranging mannequins he poses and positions delicate, huge and ancient dinosaur skeletons -- many of which are from Wyoming.

Andrew RossiMarch 02, 2025

Opening day at the East Entrance at Yellowstone National Park on May 3, 2024. The National Park Service will install two new webcams at the East Entrance by May 2, 2025, when the summer season begins.

Yellowstone Hack: You Can Save A Lot Of Time By Using The East Entrance

In planning your next trip to Yellowstone, you may want to consider the East Entrance. It could be a time-saver. For example, in 2024, 773,144 vehicles passed through Yellowstone’s West Entrance while only 36,948 vehicles passed through the East Entrance.

Andrew RossiMarch 02, 2025

The real estate industry in Wyoming accounted for $8.5 billion or 17.1% of the gross state product in 2024, according to research compiled by Wyoming REALTORS, a statewide industry group. Best sellers include homes for first-time homebuyers.

Montana, Wyoming Top List Of Fastest-Selling Real Estate Markets

A new real estate report shows Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska are the fastest-selling real estate markets in the nation. Inventory in Wyoming is very low -- ranging from 1.79% in Natrona County to 2.05% in Sweetwater County to 5.63% in Park County.

David MadisonMarch 02, 2025

Daily Features

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"Sunrise near Sheridan, WY."
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Thursday, March 6, 2025

Today’s Wyoming sunrise was captured by John Chase. John writes, "Sunrise near Sheridan, WY."

Photo by John Chase

Today's question to Don Day

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

Opinion

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Cassie Craven:  Federal Politics Through the Lens of a Barmaid

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, "I worked at the local bar growing up. Other than a couple of churches and a post office, it was the only place for human contact. I’ve seen people live and die based on what the government wants to give them."

Cassie CravenFebruary 28, 2025

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Rod Miller: Whiskeys I Have Known... Another Cautionary Tale

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Please don’t misunderstand, this column does not advocate alcohol abuse. I believe it is up to the individual to come to their own terms with mind-altering substances, and to determine for themselves what 'abuse' means."

Rod MillerFebruary 28, 2025

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Tom Lubnau: Hidden Dark Money Political Operatives Are Trying To Control Wyoming

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "We are seeing slimy mailers from out of state, the same cheesy animation on social media and the editorials demanding the Senate bow to the will of the almighty Freedom Caucus in the House."

Tom LubnauFebruary 26, 2025

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