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Wyoming

All articles tagged with #wyoming

Wyoming signs two-year budget, vetoes dozens of items
politics1 month ago

Wyoming signs two-year budget, vetoes dozens of items

Gov. Mark Gordon signed Wyoming’s two-year budget but used line-item vetoes to strike roughly two dozen items and footnotes, arguing it preserves separation of powers between the legislature and the executive. While the Legislature largely backed the governor’s funding priorities—such as state employee pay raises and preschool costs—the SUN Bucks summer meals program was cut, and footnotes directing agency spending drew vetoes. Funding for the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming was shaped by compromise, with conditions and review requirements added. The two chambers must still consider potential overrides (requires two-thirds in both houses). The unified budget ended up about $53 million shy of Gordon’s full recommendations, reflecting ongoing debates over state appointees, program scope, and reforms.

TerraPower earns go-ahead for Natrium reactor in Wyoming
energy1 month ago

TerraPower earns go-ahead for Natrium reactor in Wyoming

TerraPower, the Gates-founded nuclear startup, has secured NRC approval to build the first commercial-scale advanced nuclear reactor in the US, the Natrium plant in Wyoming, slated for completion by 2030. The 345 MW design uses liquid sodium cooling and a molten-salt energy storage system to boost output to 500 MW as demand spikes, part of broader efforts to strengthen grids for AI data centers and climate goals.

Gates-Backed Natrium Reactor Secures Construction Permit in Wyoming
climate1 month ago

Gates-Backed Natrium Reactor Secures Construction Permit in Wyoming

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission unanimously approved TerraPower’s construction permit for the Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming—the first new U.S. commercial reactor in about a decade—clearing the way for construction of a 345‑MW, sodium‑cooled design with a molten‑salt battery. The plant is expected to come online around 2031, backed by Bill Gates and supported by the Energy Department for partial cost sharing, though it still faces licensing, fuel, and cost‑overrun challenges as regulators continue to oversee its safety and deployment.

Wyoming US attorney nominee faces backlash over experience and LGBTQ+ record
politics2 months ago

Wyoming US attorney nominee faces backlash over experience and LGBTQ+ record

Trump-nominated Darin Smith, a former Wyoming state senator with no federal or criminal litigation experience, is awaiting Senate confirmation to become Wyoming’s US attorney and has drawn Democratic criticism as unqualified and potentially discriminatory; he has served as interim US attorney since his initial nomination, has faced questions about his January 6 Capitol presence (he says he was on the grounds but did not enter), and his confirmation is being weighed amid partisan dynamics.

Wyoming records a flu-related pediatric death in Fremont County amid H3N2 season
health2 months ago

Wyoming records a flu-related pediatric death in Fremont County amid H3N2 season

A Fremont County child has died from flu-related complications in the 2025-2026 season as the H3N2 strain dominates. Nationwide, 52 pediatric flu deaths have been reported, with about 90% of the children not up to date on flu vaccination. Health officials urge updated vaccination, staying home when ill, covering coughs, and handwashing; antiviral meds are recommended for higher-risk groups when started quickly, and flu shots remain widely available.

Wyoming Supreme Court Upholds Abortion Rights and Strikes Down Bans
world3 months ago

Wyoming Supreme Court Upholds Abortion Rights and Strikes Down Bans

Wyoming's top court has struck down laws that nearly banned abortion, affirming a woman's right to make healthcare decisions, including abortion, citing the state's constitution. The decision invalidates laws banning abortion in most cases and the use of abortion pills, despite opposition from Republican leaders who seek to enshrine bans through a constitutional amendment.

Wyoming Politicians Prepare for Key Senate Races Amid Retirements and New Campaigns
politics3 months ago

Wyoming Politicians Prepare for Key Senate Races Amid Retirements and New Campaigns

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a key advocate for cryptocurrency legislation and leader of the Senate crypto subcommittee, announced her retirement at the end of her term in 2026, prompting concerns within the crypto industry about losing a fierce ally on Capitol Hill, especially as her seat in Wyoming is likely to be contested in a heavily Republican primary.

Wyoming GOP Senator Cynthia Lummis Announces Retirement and Will Not Seek Re-election
politics3 months ago

Wyoming GOP Senator Cynthia Lummis Announces Retirement and Will Not Seek Re-election

Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming announced she will not seek re-election in 2024, citing exhaustion after her first term since 2020, and plans to focus on legislation and supporting Republican control in the Senate. She has been a key figure in digital currency and AI regulation, and her successor is expected to be Rep. Harriet Hageman, a fellow Republican.