Wyoming soda ash producer to cut 350 jobs amid market pressure from China
The layoffs will take place over the next two years, beginning in January, due to competition from China.
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Wyoming poised to welcome new major political party based on Bextel’s vote totals
The Constitution Party is set to become the state’s third major party.
Sheriff’s office cites Shoshoni mayor with unlawful contact after heated confrontation with mayoral candidate, police chief says
Police kept the two separated until a sheriff’s deputy arrived. Amid allegations of electioneering and chest bumping, Mayor Joel Highsmith said he didn’t “knowingly touch” the candidate.
No new property tax cut: Wyoming voters defeat Proposition 1
Result comes after opponents warned citizens initiative would decimate local budgets for counties, special districts and education.
Voters send Chuck Gray to represent Wyoming in the US House
Former state lawmaker from Casper who’s served as secretary of state since 2023 defeated Democrat Lisa Kinney.
Republicans sweep Wyoming’s statewide elected offices
Robert Short will become the next secretary of state. Steve Harshman will serve as superintendent of public instruction.
Hageman wins Wyoming’s Senate race
Democrat James Byrd is counted out early in the country’s reddest state.
Republican Eric Barlow wins Wyoming governor’s race
The Campbell County rancher and state senator defeated two opponents and overcame criticism he wasn’t conservative enough.
Live results from Wyoming’s 2026 general election
The latest results for US House and Senate, the top statewide offices, Wyoming House and Senate, and Proposition 1.
Wyoming Supreme Court allows major wind turbine project to advance
State’s high court disagrees with lower court ruling that the proposed clean energy project near Glenrock must connect to the power grid.
Wyomingites go to the polls to vote on the economy, the state’s next governor and ‘change’
A proposition to cut the residential property tax by half divided voters, as did the current state of politics and the economy.
Defense questions poisoning evidence in UW grad student’s attempted murder case
The case against Aili Wang, a University of Wyoming microbiology graduate student, will advance. She faces charges for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault and battery.
Wyomingites head to the polls today. Here’s what to know.
Voters will decide whether to dramatically cut their property taxes and choose the Equality State’s next governor.
Wyoming tribe reclaims access after asking church to leave Wind River Reservation
Workers dismantle the driveway to Foundations For Nations Church where the pastor criticized sacred Northern Arapaho spiritual traditions. It’s the latest in a standoff that’s seen months of protest.
Wyoming Highway Patrol limited mileage and overtime to offset budget overrun, transportation department says
The overtime budget overrun was “caught early enough” and didn’t “reach an unmanageable level,” department spokesperson says.
This weeks’ Wyoming obituaries
WyoFile publishes obituaries at no cost as a public service. Obituaries posted Nov. 1-7, 2026.
Albany County sheriff questions his GOP challenger’s presence at meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel
Patel met with law enforcement from across Wyoming at a capabilities meeting and fireside chat at the University of Wyoming. The event was closed to the public.
Campbell County residents weigh a second nuclear fuel facility
Canadian firm Nucleon proposes to convert uranium to a nonenriched gas near Gillette, expanding the nation's capacity to process nuclear fuel.
AI gets people into trouble in the backcountry
ChatGPT and other chatbots are the latest new technology to lead to wilderness rescues.
Grizzly bear deaths in Yellowstone region climb to modern record high for third straight year
Grizzlies killed because they harmed livestock and bears that died from accidental causes like vehicle strikes contributed to the record. Illegal killings and natural deaths spiked, too.
Wyoming Women’s History House celebrates 25 years in Laramie
The state’s federal delegation, state officials and community members gathered for a rededication ceremony.
Wyoming’s twin sacred cows — water and private property rights — clash on the ballot in Hyattville
After spending millions without first getting easements, water promoters face a test Tuesday in Hyattville election.
Billionaire property owner to take over data center project in Natrona County
In the wake of Prometheus Hyperscale abandoning the proposed development, Russell Gordy's Falls Ranch says it will “continue without delay.”
Banana peel, death’s agent
This Halloween, beware the fruit that transforms from treat to trick.
University of Wyoming grad student accused of poisoning peer now faces attempted second-degree murder charge
Aili Wang, a microbiology student from China, will have her preliminary hearing Monday.
Election complaints allege donors to Bextel, Bien and Degenfelder exceeded campaign finance limits
The Secretary of State’s office is reviewing the complaints filed by Rep. Mike Yin.
Trump and Freedom Caucus approval, election confidence: Three takeaways from a Wyoming survey ahead of the general election
The Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center’s 2026 election survey takes the state’s pulse on various political and policy issues.
Proposition 1 will test Wyoming’s tax relief appetite. Here’s what you need to know.
Is the state’s first citizens initiative to land on the ballot in 30 years much-needed homeowner relief or a reckless cut with spiraling impacts? Depends on who you ask.
Who is responsible for Yellowstone’s water quality? After whiplash between Biden and Trump, EPA says Wyoming.
Regulatory changes in 16 national parks turned into a legal battle, but now a federal-state agreement calling for the Department of Environmental Quality to take the lead has provided some resolution — at least in Wyoming.
What’s in a hat?
Will the deluge of campaign mailers supporting candidates in "cowboy" hats win them the election? Or signal to Wyomingites, like columnist Walt Gasson, who not to vote for?
Barlow laps Bextel on fundraising in Wyoming governor’s race with $2M
Bextel, who entered the race to directly challenge Barlow, reported raising $89,000.
Prometheus cancels data center proposal near Casper
The company says it is still pursuing its Uinta County data center project, which has already cleared several county level approvals.
Protect our vote: An open letter to our governor, secretary of state and attorney general
Our top leaders should pledge to protect our elections against federal meddling, four guest columnists write.
Teton County sheriff’s candidate calls suspension ‘political,’ keeps campaigning
Incumbent Sheriff Matt Carr rebukes accusations of ‘weaponization’ by his deputy and political opponent, Eric Snow, in the Nov. 3 election. Snow defends his policing track record.
Judge declines to hold Laramie County Sheriff Kozak in contempt, but sets deadline for records dispute
Judge wrote that while the lawman’s noncompliance with records requests wasn’t willful, that “does not make it acceptable.”
DOJ election monitors will return to Cheyenne, but this time they’ve agreed to stay 100 yards from polling places
Wyoming AG releases opinion that reiterates state law, puts guardrails on monitors’ actions.
With shrinking Freedom Caucus, is Wyoming positioned to create a ‘transformative’ Game and Fish trust fund?
Does a wildlife management funding bill, perhaps calling for $500M, have a shot in modern Wyoming? A less conservative Legislature boosts the odds that it does.
No victory lap for Wyoming GOP after rejecting Medicaid expansion
State could have made a huge difference in healthcare access if lawmakers looked at the program’s long-term benefits, columnist Kerry Drake writes.
Wyoming teams with Trump admin to expedite energy, industrial projects
Amid criticism in Wyoming for some accelerated industrial project reviews, Gov. Mark Gordon says the partnership should ensure more transparency.
How will Wyoming spend $205M in federal healthcare money? On rural hospitals, first responders and workforce programs.
Officials finalized the awards barely a year after the state began applying for Rural Health Transformation Fund dollars.
Lawmakers sponsor bill to bar lawsuits intended to silence free speech in Wyoming
Lawmakers revive push for “anti-SLAPP” measure after similar legislation died two years in a row.
This week’s Wyoming obituaries
WyoFile publishes obituaries at no cost as a public service. Obituaries posted Oct. 25-31, 2026.
What are Wyoming’s key legislative races? Here are five to watch.
Voters’ choices next month will largely decide to what extent Republican lawmakers retain their statehouse power.
Lead doesn’t suit us anymore
It’s past time to ditch lead bullets for nontoxic ammo, no matter how big or small the game, writes Writers on the Range columnist Ted Kerasote.
Kemmerer coal mine set to close in 2029, spurring Wyoming’s soda ash industry to seek new fuel source
The state's $1.3 billion trona mining and soda ash industry relies on the Kemmerer coal mine to fire boilers and generate electricity.
The mountain elite: A Teton guide worries about Wyoming’s future
Jessica Baker was keen on proving herself, perhaps not wise enough to stand up for her rights. What will the state hold for her daughters?
Inside Yellowstone National Park’s historic gift from data center developers
The $105 million donation is the largest in National Park Service history. It came from the largest data-center backer in the world.
Social Security’s math problem is not going away
Americans are staring down an arrangement that is neither fair nor honest. Guest columnist David Giralt shares four principles that should guide the fix.
Restoring Wyoming’s largest 2026 fire scar, one sagebrush seedling at a time
Volunteers have teamed up with federal and state agencies to speed up healing of the 16,000-acre burn area, but there’s a long way to go before wildlife can rely on the area again.
Lawmakers propose $11M fix to restore school sports and activities funding
A sweeping change in the way Wyoming funds education triggered widespread concerns about funding shortfalls for student activities and athletics.
Wyoming family’s near-death experience inspires medical operas
"Hurting, Healing, Hoping" premieres in Laramie this weekend.
Being an election judge
Columnist David Romtvedt shares lessons learned in trusting our neighbors, communities and our democracy.
Three years after gas drillers caused a stir leasing a ‘Path of the Pronghorn’ bottleneck, it’s been protected
A combination of a conservation easement and migration route designation safeguard a critical New Fork River crossing for generations to come.
Wyoming’s ties to the transgender-rights mailer controversy in Texas
The group behind the mailers appears to be using Wyoming’s lax business regulations to remain anonymous.
Uinta County coroner arrested, accused of ‘systemic, multi-year fraudulent billing scheme’
EVANSTON—State agents arrested Uinta County Coroner Greg Crandall on Wednesday and accused him of funneling more than $40,000 in public money into his private accounts while serving as both an elected official and funeral home operator. Crandall appeared in an Evanston courtroom to face 11 charges — five felonies and…
University of Wyoming stands by students after poisoning accusation leads to ‘hateful and racist remarks’
Online comments criticize the university and U.S. higher education generally for admitting international students, taking aim in particular at Chinese nationals.
Natrona County and Prometheus Hyperscale consider bypassing state review for new AI complex
Commissioners and company eye 'industrial park exemption' as path to tailor-fit development to county wants and needs, while watchdog groups caution that may weaken regulation.
The mountain elite: A Wyoming skier worked three jobs to be on the first U.S. women’s biathlon team
When Pam Weiss joined the inaugural program, it was run by the military and a bunch of men who had certain ideas about training.
Our strengths lie in our communities
Wyoming’s families and social circles are our first defense against suicide, writes guest columnist Dr. Kent Corso.
Private property condemnation for proposed Alkali Dam on hold for water board election
Controversial project that’s been stalled because of a conflict over easements will face a ballot box test on Nov. 3.
Wyoming student test scores uniformly reach or exceed prepandemic levels for first time
Standardized test results improved in science, math and language arts, while school performance ratings made separate, notable gains. Education chief credits years of focused effort.
Elections, data centers and court battles: Three secretary of state debate takeaways
Three remaining candidates for secretary of state shared their thoughts on a range of topics at a Thursday debate.
Some Wyoming voters have no clue who they’re voting for
The state needs more voters, but it deserves an electorate that takes time to understand issues and candidates, columnist Kerry Drake writes.
State to grant $48M in ‘Energy Dominance’ funds, asks for public input
The support would go toward funding three energy projects: a uranium conversion plant, natural gas infrastructure near Wamsutter and a natural gas connection at a soda ash processing plant.
This week’s Wyoming obituaries
WyoFile publishes obituaries at no cost as a public service. Obituaries posted Oct. 11-17, 2026.
Conservation and government build ‘starter homes’ for beavers in Wyoming
Bringing more beavers to watersheds is a powerful drought-fighting tool, experts say
Yellowstone receives record $105 million gift for infrastructure, conservation, access
Tallgrass, a Blackstone portfolio company that’s building an AI power hub near Cheyenne, said the gift will strengthen the park’s connection to Wyoming residents.
Lawmakers advance draft bill to close legal loopholes for giving alcohol to minors
Under Wyoming law, adults can sometimes provide alcohol to children without consequence while the minor may end up in legal trouble for underage drinking.
A problem with our ‘them’ and ‘us’ mentality
Separating mood-altering substances into "legal" and "illegal" categories creates a divisive construct, writes guest columnist Dr. Tom Hogarty.
Who showed up for Wyoming’s US House debate and key takeaways
Republican Chuck Gray was a no-show, but Democrat Lisa Kinney, Constitution Party candidate Jeffrey Haggit and Libertarian Shawn Johnson came to Riverton to pitch Wyoming voters on their candidacies.
Five takeaways from Wyoming’s superintendent of public instruction debate
Candidates Ana Cordova and Steve Harshman talked about AI, school choice and teacher pay in Thursday’s televised debate.
Wyoming Freedom Caucus lawmakers vote to sponsor election bills, reject dark money resolution
After the caucus lost its majority in the August primary, its priority bills are likely dead on arrival in 2027.
A lightless stasis
Watching from Wyoming, Cornell University’s Jane Doe walks a familiar, uncomfortable path, writes columnist Jessica Brauer.
University of Wyoming student finds elusive insect in Yellowstone alpine
Grylloblattodea is one of the rarest orders of insects in the world, with only 35 described species.
Spreading fear about wolves never goes out of style
Despite what the Trump administration would have us think, wolves are simply not out to get us, writes Writers on the Range contributor Story Warren.
Wyoming wildlife managers want to nix the Roadless Rule. Hunters and anglers want to keep it.
Game and Fish’s position is rooted in the desire for state and local communities to have more say in federal land management, officials say.
Wyoming obituaries, Oct. 11-17
WyoFile publishes obituaries at no cost as a public service. Obituaries posted Oct. 11-17, 2026.
Wyoming obituaries, Oct. 4-10
WyoFile publishes obituaries at no cost as a public service. Obituaries posted Oct. 4-10, 2026.
Wyoming obituaries, Oct. 4-10
WyoFile publishes obituaries at no cost as a public service. Obituaries posted Oct. 4-10, 2026.
Four takeaways from the Wyoming governor’s debate
Barlow, the Republican nominee, kept things positive while the Constitution Party’s Bextel stayed in attack mode.
Wyoming Business Council CEO resigns amid agency reform efforts
Josh Dorrell's tenure saw the council navigate through a shifting economic and political landscape that included an effort to dismantle the agency.
Judge denies Wyoming Boys’ School request to bar term ‘solitary confinement’ in upcoming trial
The judge said he will “listen carefully” to ensure term isn’t used to “inflame the jury.”
Is gravel a mineral? The answer could decide the Casper Mountain mining controversy.
The Casper Mountain controversy prompted Natrona County to ban proposed development, an action outside its authority, gravel pit operator says.
Trump launched a federal school choice program. How will it affect Wyoming?
The state education department opened applications Monday for nonprofits eager to funnel federal scholarships to K-12 students.
Autumn song
Columnist Walt Gasson relives a memorable chase, where generations of hunters have danced with elk in the meadows and thick timber stands of the Wind Rivers.
What should Wyoming’s ‘ABC’ voters do?
Three out of four Republicans said ‘no’ to Chuck Gray. Say it again in November, writes guest columnist Bill Schwartz.
Judge halts sweeping plan to move Forest Service headquarters west, including state office in Cheyenne
The Trump administration has seven business days to comply with an order temporarily halting a major reorganization of an agency that manages nearly 200 million acres of public land.
University of Wyoming grad student accused of poisoning colleague has been arrested fleeing to China
Authorities suspect microbiology graduate student from China poisoned the tea of a colleague who had pending patents and with whom she didn’t get along.
The mountain elite: Wyoming mountains forged A.J. Cargill into a stylish ski champion
Moving from the Midwest as a child, she had to catch up with the mountain lifestyle and a culture that didn’t always treat women well.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever
More than 90% of Wyomingites oppose federal land sales, and our federal representatives don’t seem to care, writes guest columnist Cam Walker.
FBI’s touted Wind River enforcement surge includes three reindicted cases after prosecutorial misconduct
As part of a federal initiative to address violent crime in tribal communities, 15 additional FBI agents rotated through Lander throughout the summer, leading to charges being filed against 18 people.
Following primary squabble, DOJ says it will ‘have presence in Wyoming’ in November
Gov. Mark Gordon and DOJ officials “agreed to disagree” about what happened when federal observers showed up to a Cheyenne polling place for the primary election.
Amid Wyoming’s mental health struggles, governor hopes successor prioritizes the issue
Gordon has made mental health a policy focus with initiatives to increase access and destigmatize.
Wyoming health insurance task force deserves another year on the job
"BearCare” catastrophic coverage plan wasn’t found to be as helpful as expected to reduce costs, but there are many ideas to explore, columnist Kerry Drake writes.
No black-footed ferrets found in Meeteetse, 40 years after a rescue saved the species
Combination of plague and drought-ravaged prairie dog population are the primary culprits for missing mustelids.
State urges households to apply for underused low-income energy assistance ahead of winter heating season
Only about 16% of eligible households take advantage of the federally funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Applications are now open.
Conservationists beware
Don’t fall for the siren song of billionaire-backed ecotourism dressed up as conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, writes guest columnist Lisi Krall.
Industrial development boom drives Laramie County’s new workforce housing requirement
Wyoming’s most populous county has begun requiring temporary housing to prevent short-term construction workers from straining an already low housing supply.
Yellowstone wolves struggle to produce pups, again, but don’t blame disease this time
Despite a continued lull in adding new wolves to the national park’s population, there are no ‘biological red flags’ that have biologists concerned.
Authorities use chemical irritant grenade to arrest former Wyoming journalist accused of forgery
The encounter involved law enforcement firing gas to compel April Morganroth to surrender. She now faces another charge for interfering with peace officers.