WyoFile
@wyofile.com
An independent, reader-funded, non-profit news organization focused on the people, places, and policy of Wyoming. Send tips to [email protected].
✉️ Newsletters: https://wyofile.com/newsletter-signup
📱 Mobile App: https://onelink.to/sadwq2
✉️ Newsletters: https://wyofile.com/newsletter-signup
📱 Mobile App: https://onelink.to/sadwq2
Low snowpack so far this winter, combined with exceptionally dry conditions throughout the Colorado River Basin region, could make Flaming Gorge the primary backup spigot to avoid inoperable levels at Lake Powell, Wyoming water managers say.
'Snow drought' may result in extra release from Flaming Gorge - WyoFile
Even if spring brings a lot of snow, Colorado River water managers will likely rely on the Wyoming-Utah reservoir to help maintain Lake Powell, state water officials say.
wyofile.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Low snowpack so far this winter, combined with exceptionally dry conditions throughout the Colorado River Basin region, could make Flaming Gorge the primary backup spigot to avoid inoperable levels at Lake Powell, Wyoming water managers say.
In a split vote, Game and Fish commissioners approved a change allowing hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework. Hunter safety teachers opposed the change.
Read more ➡️ wyofile.com/wyoming-ends...
Read more ➡️ wyofile.com/wyoming-ends...
January 22, 2026 at 7:10 PM
In a split vote, Game and Fish commissioners approved a change allowing hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework. Hunter safety teachers opposed the change.
Read more ➡️ wyofile.com/wyoming-ends...
Read more ➡️ wyofile.com/wyoming-ends...
Reposted by WyoFile
An administrative court ruled eight years after an appeal was filed that the BLM violated the Clean Air Act, in effect undoing approval of Jonah Energy's 141,000-acre development.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
Judges halt 3,500-well ‘NPL’ gas field in Wyoming’s Green River Basin - WyoFile
Administrative court rules eight years after an appeal was filed that the BLM violated the Clean Air Act, undoing approval of Jonah Energy’s 141,000-acre development.
wyofile.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:04 PM
An administrative court ruled eight years after an appeal was filed that the BLM violated the Clean Air Act, in effect undoing approval of Jonah Energy's 141,000-acre development.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
An administrative court ruled eight years after an appeal was filed that the BLM violated the Clean Air Act, in effect undoing approval of Jonah Energy's 141,000-acre development.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
Judges halt 3,500-well ‘NPL’ gas field in Wyoming’s Green River Basin - WyoFile
Administrative court rules eight years after an appeal was filed that the BLM violated the Clean Air Act, undoing approval of Jonah Energy’s 141,000-acre development.
wyofile.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:04 PM
An administrative court ruled eight years after an appeal was filed that the BLM violated the Clean Air Act, in effect undoing approval of Jonah Energy's 141,000-acre development.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
Both the company and Wyoming's governor say they’ll fight to regain permits for the massive gas field.
Reposted by WyoFile
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has historically avoided wading into the day-to-day affairs of the Wyoming Legislature. But lawmakers' proposal to slash the school's block grant by $40 million — a move that could result in job losses — pushed Seidel to break his customary silence.
Staring down possible layoffs, University of Wyoming’s president speaks out against proposed budget cuts - WyoFile
Ed Seidel has historically avoided wading into the day-to-day affairs of the Wyoming Legislature. But a proposal to slash UW’s recommended block grant by $40 million — a move that could result in job ...
wyofile.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:03 PM
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has historically avoided wading into the day-to-day affairs of the Wyoming Legislature. But lawmakers' proposal to slash the school's block grant by $40 million — a move that could result in job losses — pushed Seidel to break his customary silence.
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has historically avoided wading into the day-to-day affairs of the Wyoming Legislature. But lawmakers' proposal to slash the school's block grant by $40 million — a move that could result in job losses — pushed Seidel to break his customary silence.
Staring down possible layoffs, University of Wyoming’s president speaks out against proposed budget cuts - WyoFile
Ed Seidel has historically avoided wading into the day-to-day affairs of the Wyoming Legislature. But a proposal to slash UW’s recommended block grant by $40 million — a move that could result in job ...
wyofile.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:03 PM
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has historically avoided wading into the day-to-day affairs of the Wyoming Legislature. But lawmakers' proposal to slash the school's block grant by $40 million — a move that could result in job losses — pushed Seidel to break his customary silence.
The State Board of Equalization will challenge a tax cap on residential property in court, arguing the Wyoming state law is unconstitutional. The lawsuit is set to be filed Thursday, a member of the board confirmed to WyoFile.
Wyoming Board of Equalization readies lawsuit challenging residential property tax cap - WyoFile
A complaint, expected Jan. 22, will argue the law, which the Legislature adopted in 2024, is unconstitutional.
wyofile.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:51 PM
The State Board of Equalization will challenge a tax cap on residential property in court, arguing the Wyoming state law is unconstitutional. The lawsuit is set to be filed Thursday, a member of the board confirmed to WyoFile.
Authorities have identified the victims of an apparent Wednesday morning murder-suicide just west of the Wyoming border in Star Valley as Christopher Moon, 43, and his wife, Cassandra Moon, 23.
Husband, wife dead in apparent Star Valley murder-suicide, officials say - WyoFile
Just over the Wyoming state line in Idaho, law officers responded to a morning 911 call from a man who said he had just shot his wife.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Authorities have identified the victims of an apparent Wednesday morning murder-suicide just west of the Wyoming border in Star Valley as Christopher Moon, 43, and his wife, Cassandra Moon, 23.
Reposted by WyoFile
OPINION: As the industry booms, so do the environmental consequences, including a massive energy demand and growing reliance on fossil fuels, writes guest columnist Ronn Smith.
The hidden toll of AI data centers - WyoFile
As the industry booms, so do the environmental consequences, including a massive energy demand and growing reliance on fossil fuels, writes guest columnist Ronn Smith.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:13 PM
OPINION: As the industry booms, so do the environmental consequences, including a massive energy demand and growing reliance on fossil fuels, writes guest columnist Ronn Smith.
Reposted by WyoFile
Representatives of Riverton's new community-owned hospital see promise in Wyoming's $205M award from the federal government for rural health initiatives.
Lawmakers in Cheyenne, meanwhile, took a first crack at a bill that will establish major components of the state's proposals.
Lawmakers in Cheyenne, meanwhile, took a first crack at a bill that will establish major components of the state's proposals.
Rural health care dollars buoy Wyoming hospitals, providers as lawmakers get on board - WyoFile
Legislators took a first crack at a measure that will establish major components of Wyoming’s $205M plans. Representatives of facilities like Riverton's new hospital are encouraged by proposed funding...
wyofile.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Representatives of Riverton's new community-owned hospital see promise in Wyoming's $205M award from the federal government for rural health initiatives.
Lawmakers in Cheyenne, meanwhile, took a first crack at a bill that will establish major components of the state's proposals.
Lawmakers in Cheyenne, meanwhile, took a first crack at a bill that will establish major components of the state's proposals.
Reposted by WyoFile
OPINION: Why should young people want to invest in Wyoming if our leaders don't want to invest in them, asks columnist Kerry Drake. Punishing the University of Wyoming and attempting to gut the Wyoming Business Council are only the latest examples.
Opinion | Wyoming lawmakers give young people more reasons to leave
Punishing UW, gutting Wyoming Business Council are mistakes by power hungry budget-cutters, columnist Kerry Drake opines.
wyofile.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:10 PM
OPINION: Why should young people want to invest in Wyoming if our leaders don't want to invest in them, asks columnist Kerry Drake. Punishing the University of Wyoming and attempting to gut the Wyoming Business Council are only the latest examples.
Reposted by WyoFile
Language in Grand Teton National Park's 75-year-old founding legislation means its staff will have to generate ideas for more hunting, though opportunities to do so may be limited.
CWD and declining elk herd numbers might stymie the Interior Department's efforts ➡️ wyofile.com/trump-admini...
CWD and declining elk herd numbers might stymie the Interior Department's efforts ➡️ wyofile.com/trump-admini...
January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Language in Grand Teton National Park's 75-year-old founding legislation means its staff will have to generate ideas for more hunting, though opportunities to do so may be limited.
CWD and declining elk herd numbers might stymie the Interior Department's efforts ➡️ wyofile.com/trump-admini...
CWD and declining elk herd numbers might stymie the Interior Department's efforts ➡️ wyofile.com/trump-admini...
OPINION: As the industry booms, so do the environmental consequences, including a massive energy demand and growing reliance on fossil fuels, writes guest columnist Ronn Smith.
The hidden toll of AI data centers - WyoFile
As the industry booms, so do the environmental consequences, including a massive energy demand and growing reliance on fossil fuels, writes guest columnist Ronn Smith.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:13 PM
OPINION: As the industry booms, so do the environmental consequences, including a massive energy demand and growing reliance on fossil fuels, writes guest columnist Ronn Smith.
Reposted by WyoFile
Project Jade could eventually use the same amount of electricity as produced by 10 nuclear power plants, boosting Wyoming's energy industry while challenging efforts to limit emissions and stressing water supplies.
Laramie County approves construction of what could become the largest data center in US - WyoFile
Project Jade could eventually use the same amount of electricity as produced by 10 nuclear power plants.
wyofile.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Project Jade could eventually use the same amount of electricity as produced by 10 nuclear power plants, boosting Wyoming's energy industry while challenging efforts to limit emissions and stressing water supplies.
Reposted by WyoFile
BREAKING: Two members of Congress have asked federal officials to investigate Wyoming lawyer Karen Budd-Falen for possible corruption while serving in President Trump's Interior Department.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
Federal lawmakers call for investigation of Wyoming’s Budd-Falen for possible criminal, ethics violations - WyoFile
The call focuses on a $3.5 million water contract with lithium miners and the Budd-Falen’s role approving it as part of President Trump’s Interior Department.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:33 AM
BREAKING: Two members of Congress have asked federal officials to investigate Wyoming lawyer Karen Budd-Falen for possible corruption while serving in President Trump's Interior Department.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
Reposted by WyoFile
A recently surfaced internal federal report issues dire warnings about the future of the agency's recreation infrastructure.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
Backlogged and DOGE-depleted: Forest Service report raises alarm over trail health - WyoFile
Federal report stressed concerns over deteriorating USFS recreational amenities. Retired Wyoming staffers who spent last season volunteering on the forest expect it to only get worse.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:44 PM
A recently surfaced internal federal report issues dire warnings about the future of the agency's recreation infrastructure.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
Reposted by WyoFile
In a split vote, Game and Fish commissioners approved a change allowing hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework.
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
Wyoming ends in-person hunter safety requirement despite instructor concerns - WyoFile
In split vote, Game and Fish commissioners decide to allow hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework — an option already available via out-of-state classes.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:08 PM
In a split vote, Game and Fish commissioners approved a change allowing hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework.
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
Reposted by WyoFile
Becky Hadlock's attorney says lawmakers lacked the legal authority to subpoena his client, invalidating the case against her for failing to appear before a legislative panel.
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
Judge rejects effort to toss criminal case against Weston County clerk - WyoFile
Becky Hadlock’s attorney says lawmakers lacked the legal authority to subpoena his client, making the case against her invalid. The court was unswayed.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Becky Hadlock's attorney says lawmakers lacked the legal authority to subpoena his client, invalidating the case against her for failing to appear before a legislative panel.
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
Becky Hadlock's attorney says lawmakers lacked the legal authority to subpoena his client, invalidating the case against her for failing to appear before a legislative panel.
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
Judge rejects effort to toss criminal case against Weston County clerk - WyoFile
Becky Hadlock’s attorney says lawmakers lacked the legal authority to subpoena his client, making the case against her invalid. The court was unswayed.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Becky Hadlock's attorney says lawmakers lacked the legal authority to subpoena his client, invalidating the case against her for failing to appear before a legislative panel.
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
A judge disagreed, concluding it was not the court's place to "second guess the Legislature's motives."
OPINION: The Freedom Caucus' capitalist dream for Wyoming will place the Cowboy State at an existential disadvantage, writes columnist Rod Miller.
Opinion | Back to the future with the Chemtrail Caucus
The Freedom Caucus' capitalist wet dream for Wyoming will place the Cowboy State at an existential disadvantage, writes columnist Rod Miller.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:21 PM
OPINION: The Freedom Caucus' capitalist dream for Wyoming will place the Cowboy State at an existential disadvantage, writes columnist Rod Miller.
In a split vote, Game and Fish commissioners approved a change allowing hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework.
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
Wyoming ends in-person hunter safety requirement despite instructor concerns - WyoFile
In split vote, Game and Fish commissioners decide to allow hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework — an option already available via out-of-state classes.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:08 PM
In a split vote, Game and Fish commissioners approved a change allowing hunters over age 18 to earn certificates solely through online coursework.
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
Hunter safety teachers opposed the change. "I cannot stress enough the safety factor," one instructor said. "Safety first."
A recently surfaced internal federal report issues dire warnings about the future of the agency's recreation infrastructure.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
Backlogged and DOGE-depleted: Forest Service report raises alarm over trail health - WyoFile
Federal report stressed concerns over deteriorating USFS recreational amenities. Retired Wyoming staffers who spent last season volunteering on the forest expect it to only get worse.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:44 PM
A recently surfaced internal federal report issues dire warnings about the future of the agency's recreation infrastructure.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
After spending the 2025 field season volunteering on the Shoshone National Forest, Lander men Del Nelson and Bill Lee vouch for the report's validity.
BREAKING: Two members of Congress have asked federal officials to investigate Wyoming lawyer Karen Budd-Falen for possible corruption while serving in President Trump's Interior Department.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
Federal lawmakers call for investigation of Wyoming’s Budd-Falen for possible criminal, ethics violations - WyoFile
The call focuses on a $3.5 million water contract with lithium miners and the Budd-Falen’s role approving it as part of President Trump’s Interior Department.
wyofile.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:33 AM
BREAKING: Two members of Congress have asked federal officials to investigate Wyoming lawyer Karen Budd-Falen for possible corruption while serving in President Trump's Interior Department.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
The embroglio involves a Nevada lithium mine and a water contract with her family ranch.
A trio of northern Wyoming counties seeks a $1 million grant to find coal seam fires, in part, to prevent new fires. Wyoming's Right to Life movement draws hundreds to Cheyenne. Hundreds also gather in Cheyenne for annual event honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Local Lookout: Coal-seam fire mapping | Abortion ruling motivates marchers | Cheyenne celebrates MLK Jr. - WyoFile
A trio of northern Wyoming counties seeks a $1 million grant to find coal seam fires, in part, to prevent new fires. Wyoming’s Right to Life movement draws hundreds to Cheyenne. Hundreds also gather i...
wyofile.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:58 PM
A trio of northern Wyoming counties seeks a $1 million grant to find coal seam fires, in part, to prevent new fires. Wyoming's Right to Life movement draws hundreds to Cheyenne. Hundreds also gather in Cheyenne for annual event honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
OPINION: Why should young people want to invest in Wyoming if our leaders don't want to invest in them, asks columnist Kerry Drake. Punishing the University of Wyoming and attempting to gut the Wyoming Business Council are only the latest examples.
Opinion | Wyoming lawmakers give young people more reasons to leave
Punishing UW, gutting Wyoming Business Council are mistakes by power hungry budget-cutters, columnist Kerry Drake opines.
wyofile.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:10 PM
OPINION: Why should young people want to invest in Wyoming if our leaders don't want to invest in them, asks columnist Kerry Drake. Punishing the University of Wyoming and attempting to gut the Wyoming Business Council are only the latest examples.