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July 2026 Declared Hottest Month in U.S. History

July 2026 Declared Hottest Month in U.S. History

The average temperature across the contiguous United States in July 2026 reached 76.9°F (24.9°C), making it the hottest month ever recorded in the nation's history, according to federal statistics. This temperature is 3.3°F (1.8°C) above the 20th-century average. Wyoming experienced the most significant deviation from its historical norms. Globally, July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the warmest month on record. In Europe, temperatures have risen by an average of 3.6°F (2°C) since the 1960s, as highlighted in the State of the Climate 2025 report. These findings underscore the intensifying impacts of climate change, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and severe.

Wyoming Republican Candidates Acknowledge 'Checkgate' Donations Amid Ongoing Investigation

Wyoming Republican Candidates Acknowledge 'Checkgate' Donations Amid Ongoing Investigation

In Wyoming, Republican legislative candidates have officially reported receiving campaign donations from Teton County donor Don Grasso, following a controversy known as 'Checkgate'. This incident involved the distribution of checks on the Wyoming House floor by Rebecca Bextel, a Constitution Party gubernatorial candidate, on behalf of Grasso. The checks, each amounting to $1,500, were intended for 10 Republican candidates, sparking a special investigation and legislative rule changes. As of the latest campaign finance reports, nine of the 10 candidates have acknowledged receiving the checks. The controversy has led to an ongoing criminal inquiry by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton Vetoes Two City Council Decisions

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton Vetoes Two City Council Decisions

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton has issued two vetoes on recent city council decisions, marking her first vetoes of the year and the 13th and 14th since taking office in 2019. The vetoes concern a proposed design for the Willow Creek Trail and the relocation of commercial wood debris management operations. The trail design, which would pass through private property, faced opposition from the property owner, while the relocation plan involved using $350,000 in contingency funds. Norton expressed concerns about the legal and financial implications of these decisions, suggesting alternative solutions and emphasizing the need for further discussion.

Can Bill Gates save this dying coal town with nuclear energy? | The Excerpt

Can Bill Gates save this dying coal town with nuclear energy? | The Excerpt

A Wyoming coal town is becoming the testing ground for Bill Gates' high-stakes nuclear reactor, but critics question if it's safe.

Farmer's Almanac Predicts Cold, Snowy Winter for Wyoming Amid El Niño Concerns

Farmer's Almanac Predicts Cold, Snowy Winter for Wyoming Amid El Niño Concerns

The Farmer’s Almanac has forecasted a cold, snowy, and breezy winter for Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region for the 2026–2027 season. This prediction is largely based on the development of a very strong El Niño in the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to be the dominant weather factor this winter. However, meteorologist Don Day has expressed skepticism about the accuracy of such long-range forecasts made in August, calling them 'voodoo magic.' He emphasized that many atmospheric conditions influencing winter weather, such as the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and polar temperatures, are still evolving. Day also highlighted the unpredictability of storm tracks during El Niño events, which could either bring significant snowfall to Wyoming or divert storms southward, leaving the state drier than expected.

Black Hills Energy Proposes 32% Rate Increase for Northeast Wyoming Customers

Black Hills Energy Proposes 32% Rate Increase for Northeast Wyoming Customers

Black Hills Energy Proposes 32% Rate Increase for Northeast Wyoming Customers

President Trump Urges Senate to Pass Crypto Regulation Bill Amid Global Competition

President Trump Urges Senate to Pass Crypto Regulation Bill Amid Global Competition

President Trump has called on the U.S. Senate to pass the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at clarifying the regulatory landscape for digital assets. This call to action was made in a Truth Social post, where Trump emphasized the importance of the bill in maintaining the U.S.'s competitive edge in the global financial and technological arenas. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives in 2025 with bipartisan support, has been stalled in the Senate. The delay is partly due to Democratic concerns over Trump's private business connections to the cryptocurrency industry. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), a co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the urgency of the situation, likening it to a 'space race' and warning that failure to act could allow other nations to dominate the industry.

White County Judge Lisa Brown Passes Away at 59, Leaving Leadership Vacancy

White County Judge Lisa Brown Passes Away at 59, Leaving Leadership Vacancy

White County Judge Lisa Brown has passed away at the age of 59 after battling cancer. Brown was serving her first term as the county's chief executive and was running unopposed for a second term. Her death leaves a vacancy in the county's leadership, which must be filled by the county quorum court within 30 days, as per Arkansas law. Brown was known for her dedication to public service, having worked in the county judge's office for over a decade before her election. Her passing has prompted condolences from various Arkansas officials, including Attorney General Tim Griffin and U.S. Senator Tom Cotton.

Vista City Council Declares Former Burlington Building a Public Nuisance

Vista City Council Declares Former Burlington Building a Public Nuisance

The Vista City Council has declared a vacant building on Sycamore Avenue a public nuisance due to ongoing issues such as trespassing, a collapsed roof, and other unsafe conditions. The building, previously occupied by Burlington Coat Factory, has been vacant for six years, leading to repeated complaints from residents. The council has given the property owner, Charles Company, 45 days to address the violations, failing which the city will abate the nuisance and charge the owner. The council's decision follows an inspection that revealed numerous code violations, including unsecured access points and compromised fire safety infrastructure.

Extreme Drought and Record Heat Challenge Wyoming Ranchers

Extreme Drought and Record Heat Challenge Wyoming Ranchers

Wyoming is facing severe drought conditions, with 80% of the state classified as experiencing severe drought or worse, and 45% in extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The situation is exacerbated by record-breaking heat, with July 2026 being the warmest month on record for Wyoming, averaging 76.9°F (24.9°C). Water shortages are impacting agriculture, with many ranchers forced to cull herds or relocate cattle due to dried-up streams and reservoirs nearing 'deadpool' status. The drought rivals the severity of 2002, with some areas potentially worse. State Engineer Brandon Gebhart has reported significant water restrictions and challenges, including early spring runoff and limited irrigation options.

Casper Fire-EMS Department Seeks Grant for New Emergency Equipment

Casper Fire-EMS Department Seeks Grant for New Emergency Equipment

The Casper Fire-EMS Department is planning to apply for a Wyoming Rural Health Transformation grant to purchase eight new Zoll AutoPulse devices. The Casper City Council has agreed to support the application, which totals $230,030.20 and requires a 5% local match. Fire Chief Jacob Black highlighted the need for new equipment as the current devices are eight years old and out of warranty, posing a risk of mechanical failure during critical patient care. The AutoPulse devices are crucial for providing chest compressions during cardiac arrest incidents, and the new equipment is expected to improve reliability and patient outcomes.

Suspected Tornado Causes Widespread Damage in Campbell County, Wyoming

Suspected Tornado Causes Widespread Damage in Campbell County, Wyoming

A violent storm, potentially a tornado, struck southern Campbell County, Wyoming, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, causing significant property damage. The storm, which hit near South Highway 59 and Rattlesnake Road shortly after noon, tore roofs off buildings, demolished a vacant mobile home, and overturned a camper. Emergency crews rescued four individuals trapped in a damaged home, and seven people sustained injuries, though none were life-threatening. The National Weather Service (NWS) is investigating whether the storm was indeed a tornado, with video evidence being reviewed to confirm its nature. The storm moved out of the area by mid-afternoon, leaving behind scattered debris and damaged properties. Officials are working with the NWS to assess the extent of the damage and determine the storm's classification.