AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News

News

Headlines

View all
Hail accumulation following flooding in Cheyenne in 1985.

‘I Didn't Want To Die In This Car’: Trapped In Flood, Journalist Almost Became The Story

Kerry Drake was planning a quick trip to Colorado on the evening of Aug. 1, 1985, when he was suddenly trapped in his car by rising floodwaters in Cheyenne. "My car was literally floating down the street, and I had no control over its movement," he writes.

Kerry DrakeAugust 01, 2026

Simpson anniversary01 7 31 26

Ann Simpson, Wife Of Late Sen. Al Simpson, Died In Daughter's Arms Friday Morning

Ann Simpson, mother of three and wife of 70 years to prominent Wyoming political figure and late U.S. Sen. Al Simpson, died Friday morning in her daughter's arms. “I walked over and cuddled up to her and held her, and she died," Sue Simpson Gallagher said.

Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2026

Wyoming is seeing a turnover of at least eight sheriffs since last year, which is more than a third among the state’s 23 counties. The sheriffs who spoke to Cowboy State Daily cited a readiness, a weariness, immense gratitude, and a longing to spend time with family. Above, Scott Matheny of Campbell County, left, and John Grossnickle of Sweetwater County.

Eight Wyoming Sheriffs Quit, Retire Or Choose Not To Run For Reelection

Wyoming is seeing a turnover of at least eight sheriffs since last year, which is more than a third among the state’s 23 counties. The sheriffs who spoke to Cowboy State Daily cited readiness, weariness, gratitude and a longing to spend time with family.

Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2026

Trump endorse 7 31 26

Will President Trump Endorse Anyone In The Wyoming GOP House Race?

President Trump has not endorsed anyone in the nine-candidate Republican race for U.S. House and it’s unclear if he will. The president has a good batting average in Wyoming, but his endorsement hasn't meant a win every time.

Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2026

Star Plunge in Thermopolis is on track to reopen after a $1.8 million settlement between Wyoming State Parks and its previous operator has kept it closed since January 2025. “It won’t happen today, but hopefully soon,” said a state parks official.

$1.8M Settlement Puts Star Plunge On Track To Reopen After Closed For 18 Months

Star Plunge in Thermopolis is on track to reopen after a $1.8 million settlement between Wyoming State Parks and its previous operator has kept it closed since January 2025. “It won’t happen today, but hopefully soon,” said a state parks official.

Renée JeanJuly 31, 2026

From Gillette to Aladdin, home prices are up 20% and inventory is scarce as retirees have discovered northeast Wyoming. That has the region bucking a national trend of a cooling housing market.

Home Prices In Northeast Wyoming Jump 20% While Much Of U.S. Market Cools

From Gillette to Aladdin, home prices are up 20% and inventory is scarce as retirees have discovered northeast Wyoming. That has the region bucking a national trend of a cooling housing market. “We have record low inventory,” one real estate agent said.

Renée JeanJuly 31, 2026

Flaming Gorge.

Feds Release New 10-Year Plan For Colorado River Water, Gordon 'Encouraged'

Gov. Mark Gordon said he's "encouraged" the Department of the Interior's new 10-year plan for the Colorado River released Friday looks out for Upper Basin states. Arizona's governor called it a raft of “draconian water cutbacks" for Lower Basin states.

Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2026

Foundations for nations 7 21 26

Shoshone Join Arapaho In Telling Church To Stop Preaching Against Tribal Beliefs

Eastern Shoshone leaders on Friday voiced agreement with the Northern Arapaho Business Council in telling a church to stop preaching against tribal beliefs. Outsiders can’t hold “recurring ministries” on the reservation without approval, the tribe says.

Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2026

William Eric Vautner

Texas Trucker Accused Of Nearly Mowing Down 3 Men In Angry Rampage Near Greybull

A Texas truck driver is accused of going on an angry rampage near Greybull and trying to run down three men. That includes a Big Horn County deputy, who “observed his left hand out the driver’s window giving the middle finger” as he nearly hit them.

Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2026

Sugar Beet harvest 7 31 26

Historic Drought Ends Irrigation Season Early For Eastern Wyoming Farmers

Pathfinder Irrigation District will shut off its main canal next week after record-low snowpack and historic drought have left too little water to finish the growing season in eastern Wyoming. Around Wheatland, users had just 14 days of water.

Kate MeadowsJuly 31, 2026

Mustang advocates claim that the Bureau of Land Management funneled horses to dealers who subsequently sold them for slaughter.

Mustang Advocates Claim BLM Funneled Wyoming Wild Horses To Dealer For Slaughter

Mustang advocates are alleging that horses were funneled from a Bureau of Land Management holding facility near Lander to dealers in other states, who subsequently sold them for slaughter. A BLM spokesperson says the agency prioritizes adoption.

Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2026

William J. Duncan

Supreme Court Says 30 Years Green River Man Got For Exploiting Kids Isn't Cruel

A Green River man who manipulated four underage children into performing sex acts on each other claims that the 21-30 years he got in prison is cruel and unusual punishment. The Wyoming Supreme Court disagrees in a Thursday denial of his appeal.

Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2026

Alan O Hashi and the flood 7 15 25

50 Years Ago: Floating Toilet Saved Cheyenne Man In Devastating Big Thompson Flood

Cheyenne native Alan O’Hashi vividly remembers being caught in the canyon when the Big Thompson Flood, the deadliest flood in Colorado history, hit on July 31, 1976. He survived when a floating portable toilet snagged his car and carried it to safety.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 30, 2026

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has responded to more motorcycle crashes on the Beartooth Highway this year than the last four combined, including Thursday's fatality. With the Sturgis Rally looming, they're fearful of more crashes on the scenic mountain road.

More Motorcycle Crashes On Beartooth Highway Than The Last Four Years Combined

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has responded to more motorcycle crashes on the Beartooth Highway this year than the last four combined, including Thursday's fatality. With the Sturgis Rally looming, they're fearful of more crashes on the scenic mountain road.

Andrew RossiJuly 31, 2026

Ashley and Ian Monroe with their children in a family portrait. Monroe said the alleged stalking campaign targeted not only her but also her husband and mother, prompting the family to change how they lived day to day.

Casper Foster Parent Says She Was Terrorized By Bio Mom After She Took In Baby

After taking in a friend's baby, a Casper foster mom says her family became the target of anonymous threats by the biological mother, who is charged with two stalking felonies. "I didn't even feel safe letting my kids go to school," Ashley Monroe said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 30, 2026

Saratoga town sign 2 6 29 23

Colorado Man Wanted On 78 Child Exploitation Charges Arrested At Saratoga Sawmill

A Colorado man wanted on 78 felony child exploitation charges was arrested Tuesday while working at a Saratoga sawmill, where authorities say he had been living and working for about five weeks before investigators tracked him to Carbon County.

Kolby FedoreJuly 31, 2026

Nineteen Republican state leaders, including a former Wyoming governor, have endorsed Steve Friess (right) for U.S. House, the candidate’s team told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday. Chuck Gray (left) calls them political insiders.

Friess Gets 19 High Profile Endorsements, Gray Calls Them Tired Political 'Insiders'

U.S. House candidate Steve Friess received 19 endorsements Thursday by Republican lawmakers, former legislators, energy industry leaders and Gov. Jim Geringer. Chuck Gray called them "a tired class of political 1% insiders" who support "woke wind projects."

Clair McFarlandJuly 30, 2026

Wyoming legislators have advanced a “Band-Aid” to food freedom laws that led to shutting down Hippie Cow Creamery in Cody over selling raw milk lattes. “I’m under no illusion we’re going to fix this overnight,” said one lawmaker.

Food Freedom: Legislators Advance ‘Band-Aid’ For Shutdown Of Cody Creamery

Wyoming legislators have advanced a “Band-Aid” solution to food freedom laws that led to shutting down Hippie Cow Creamery in Cody over selling raw milk lattes. “I’m under no illusion we’re going to fix this overnight,” said one lawmaker.

Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2026

John Smallbone

What Happens To $250,000 Bond For Accused Sex Abuser Who No-Showed At Court

Just because a Douglas man facing 72 child sex and pornography-related charges was a no-show for his arraignment hearing on Tuesday doesn’t necessarily mean whoever put up $250,000 cash to bond him out of jail will lose all that money.

Greg JohnsonJuly 30, 2026

Another 10 illegal drivers were busted in Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s latest Truck Around and Find Out operation this week. That includes one speeding with what looked like emergency lights. "We’re going to continue to do these," Kozak said.

Laramie County Sheriff Kozak Strikes Again: 10 More Illegal Drivers Busted

Another 10 illegal drivers were busted in Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s latest Truck Around and Find Out operation this week. "IIlegal aliens are afraid to come to Laramie County — and that’s what we want," Kozak told Cowboy State Daily.

Greg JohnsonJuly 30, 2026

A suspended Newcastle police sergeant pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges alleging a yearlong pattern of abuse toward a woman including threatening her with a knife if she refused to get into his patrol vehicle.

Suspended Newcastle Cop Pleads Not Guilty To Assault, Domestic Battery Charges

A suspended Newcastle police sergeant pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges alleging a yearlong pattern of abuse toward a woman including threatening her with a knife if she refused to get into his patrol vehicle. He faces up to 27 1/2 years in prison.

Kolby FedoreJuly 30, 2026

Only Marms Screenshot 2026 07 30 at 12 51 50 PM 7 30 26

No Joke: Scientists Launch OnlyFans Account To Raise Money For Marmot Project

Struggling for funding, researchers have launched an account on the racy OnlyFans website called OnlyMarms to raise money for a marmot project. Instead of erotica, the site features marmot videos. A Wyoming wildlife biologist describes the effort as "innovative."

Mark HeinzJuly 30, 2026

Driving cattle to winter pasture near Hulett, Wyoming.

Federal Judge OKs Cattle And Beef Price-Fixing Suit Against 'Big Four' Meatpackers

A federal judge has OK'd a class-action price-fixing lawsuit against the nation’s four largest meatpackers. "The packers have controlled the destiny of beef for decades," Crook County rancher Tyler Lindholm said. "People are starting to push back."

Kate MeadowsJuly 30, 2026

A Colorado man has been charged in the death of a man in his car flung from his when it crashed in Cheyenne while running from troopers at 100 mph. The passenger “sustained injuries in the crash that were not compatible with life,” a trooper reports.

Colorado Man Charged In Death Of Passenger Thrown From His Car At 100 MPH

A Colorado man is charged in the death of a man flung from his car when it crashed in a Cheyenne parking lot while running from troopers at 100 mph. The passenger “sustained injuries in the crash that were not compatible with life,” a trooper reports.

Kerry DrakeJuly 30, 2026

Cowboy State Daily has confirmed that a motorcyclist died in an accident Thursday on the Beartooth Highway near the junction of U.S. 212 and WY 296. FILE PHOTO

Motorcycle Accident Results In Fatality Thursday Morning On Beartooth Highway

Cowboy State Daily has confirmed that a motorcyclist died in an accident Thursday on the Beartooth Highway near the junction of U.S. 212 and WY 296. This comes after growing concerns about motorcycle safety on the Beartooth and Chief Joseph passes.

Andrew RossiJuly 30, 2026

Wolf 1090F, of the Mollie’s pack in Yellowstone National Park, recently hit the age of 12 years. That makes her her the oldest living wolf in the park, and one of the oldest ever.

Advocates Offer $10,000 Bounty To Name Hunters Who Kill Famed Yellowstone Wolves

A social media influencer and others are offering a $10,000 bounty for the identities of hunters who shoot members of Yellowstone National Park's famed Mollie’s wolf pack this fall. Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce calls the bounty “outrageous.”

Mark HeinzJuly 29, 2026

Peabody coal haul truck Peabody Energy Public Domain 7 29 26

Wyoming Congressional Delegation Silent On Peabody's Move To Cut Retirement Benefit

As Peabody Energy has slashed the health benefits for retired Wyoming coal mine workers, the state’s congressional delegation has so far been silent. Retirees wonder why it can afford to pay its CEO $9 million last year but not their promised benefits.

Kate MeadowsJuly 30, 2026

Teton County Search and Rescue recovered the body of an unidentified Australian man in the Teton Range on Wednesday. The man, who was attempting a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, is believed to have died from a fall off a ridgeline.

Australian Man Dies Near Grand Teton While Hiking Continental Divide Trail

Teton County Search and Rescue recovered the body of an unidentified Australian man in the Teton Range on Wednesday. The man, who was attempting a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, is believed to have died from a fall off a ridgeline.

Andrew RossiJuly 30, 2026

U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner's attorney filed a police report Wednesday on a Chuck Gray supporter and former sheriff's deputy for allegedly threatening Rasner. The former deputy denies making a threat. Torrington police are investigating.

Rasner Files Police Report Accusing Chuck Gray Supporter Of Threatening Him

U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner's attorney filed a police report Wednesday on a Chuck Gray supporter and former sheriff's deputy for allegedly threatening Rasner. The former deputy denies making a threat. Torrington police are investigating.

Clair McFarlandJuly 30, 2026

U.S. House candidate Steve Friess said he wants to turn the Environmental Protection Agency into an advisory board that gives advice to state environmental quality agencies.

Steve Friess Wants To Turn EPA Into Advisory Board For States

Republican U.S. House candidate Steve Friess told Riverton's political old guard Wednesday he wants to turn the EPA into an advisory board for state environmental agencies. The Sierra Club of Wyoming called that idea "ridiculous and harmful."

Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2026

Four hours after no-showing in court on 72 child sex and pornography charges in a Wyoming court on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, John C. Smallbone was caught in San Francisco. “We didn’t want a person with those types of charges to be out and about," said the sheriff.

Caught! Four Hours After Skipping Court, Accused Child Sex Abuser Arrested In Calif.

Four hours after no-showing in court on 72 child sex and pornography charges in a Wyoming court on Tuesday, John C. Smallbone was caught in San Francisco. “We didn’t want a person with those types of charges to be out and about," said the sheriff.

Greg JohnsonJuly 29, 2026

Park County commissioners say geography and other factors mean data centers aren't imminent, but they want to have regulations in place if or when the industry does arrive. Meanwhile, Park residents are telling them they are "100% no" on data centers.

Park County Commission Says Data Centers Not Imminent And Residents Are '100% No'

Park County commissioners say geography and other factors mean data centers aren't imminent, but they want to have regulations in place if or when the industry does arrive. Meanwhile, Park residents are telling them they are "100% no" on data centers.

Kate MeadowsJuly 30, 2026

Chauncey Patrick Miller

Gillette Man Accused Of Pointing Rifle At Police, Saying He's 'Gonna Be A Martyr'

A Gillette man accused of confronting police officers with an AR-style rifle had his felony aggravated assault case advanced to district court Tuesday. Prosecutors say he told police that, "I'm gonna be a martyr."

Kolby FedoreJuly 29, 2026

Oyster Ridge Music Festival in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Inset: Tyler Alvares.

Friend Says Man Who Died In Wyoming Jail After Music Festival Arrest Was More Than His Addiction

A Utah man who died after collapsing inside a Lincoln County jail following his arrest at southwest Wyoming's Oyster Ridge Music Festival is being remembered by friends as someone whose struggles with addiction never eclipsed the generosity that defined him.

Kolby FedoreJuly 29, 2026

The good news is nobody vandalized the Persian Gulf War Memorial in Rock Springs. The bad news is that it crumbled anyway. “I was worried it was some little Communist teenager making a statement,” said one relieved resident.

Good News: Rock Springs Vets Memorial Not Vandalized. Bad News: It Crumbled Anyway

The good news is nobody vandalized the Persian Gulf War Memorial in Rock Springs. The bad news is that it crumbled anyway. "It should never have been allowed to reach a point where it is that vulnerable,” the mayor said.

Greg JohnsonJuly 29, 2026

Dr. Anthony Fauci. Inset: Liz Cheney

Dr. Anthony Fauci's Diary Covers Wyoming’s Low Vax Rates, Liz Cheney’s ‘Courage’

In the more than 1,100 pages of Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary released over the weekend, he mentioned Wyoming’s low COVID vaccination rates, his admiration of Liz Cheney and his conversations with Dick Cheney. He appeared fixated on the "hot and heavy" press.

Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2026

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs. Inset: Sweetwater County Attorney Danny Erramouspe

County Attorney: Rock Springs Patient Who Broke Nurse's Nose Can't Be Prosecuted

Sweetwater County's attorney says severe mental illness and Wyoming's legal standards for criminal responsibility make charges impossible despite a violent assault that left a Rock Springs nurse with a broken nose, facial injuries and bruising.

Zakary SonntagJuly 28, 2026

Collins air force base 7 28 26

Cheyenne Mayor: Help Us Find Shooter Who Hit 5-Year-Old In Head At Fireworks Show

Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins is asking for the public's help in finding the shooter responsible for a 5-year-old getting struck in the head by a bullet. She was watching the July 4 fireworks show at F.E. Warren Air Force Base when hit by the stray bullet.

Kolby FedoreJuly 28, 2026

Smallbone 7 28 26

No-Show! Douglas Man Wanted On 72 Child Sex-Related Charges Doesn't Show Up To Court

A Wyoming man facing 72 felony child sex charges was a no-show for his plea hearing Tuesday in Douglas. John Smallbone was released on his own recognizance by a Colorado court last week. Law enforcement officials are angered that he was set free.

Greg JohnsonJuly 28, 2026

Afton bowers 7 28 26

Afton Attorney, Former Deputy Prosecutor, Charged With Solicitation In Idaho

Afton attorney John Bowers, once a Lincoln County deputy prosecutor, is facing a solicitation charge in Idaho after investigators say he offered to pay for a sexual encounter through an app. He says his conduct was "morally wrong" but denies solicitation.

Kolby FedoreJuly 28, 2026

Work is underway on the TerraPower nuclear power plant and its other facilities near Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Man Camps Moving Forward As Uinta And Lincoln Counties Build, Build, Build

Potential man camps in neighboring Uinta and Lincoln counties are moving forward. Kemmerer cleared zoning for a workforce housing site for a nuclear power plant, while Uinta County is a step closer to a 3,400-bed camp for a hyperscale data center.

Kate MeadowsJuly 28, 2026

Wyoming Livestock Board Director Steve True told state lawmakers in Casper on Tuesday that electronic ear tags for cattle are here to stay. A hoped-for executive order from President Trump rescinding the electronic tag requirement didn’t happen, he said.

No Trump Executive Order: Livestock Director Says Electronic Cattle Tags Here To Stay

Wyoming Livestock Board Director Steve True told state lawmakers in Casper on Tuesday that electronic ear tags for cattle are here to stay. A hoped-for executive order from President Trump rescinding the electronic tag requirement didn’t happen, he said.

Mark HeinzJuly 28, 2026

Daily Features

View all
Daycap 8 1 26
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Todd Dustin. Todd writes, "Sunrise of the Tetons from the Idaho side."

Photo by Todd Dustin

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

Sponsored

View all
Brent and Susan Bien with their 3 daughters while serving.

Healthy Minds, Strong Character, And a Bright Future for Wyoming's Kids

Introducing Brent Bien's Wyoming Student Mental Health, Resilience, and Accountability Plan—a common-sense approach that strengthens families, improves school safety, demands accountability, and teaches resilience to help every Wyoming child succeed. 

July 30, 2026

Cowboy on a bucking horse

Heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days™?

Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go

July 08, 2026

Three teens and one adult volunteering, holding boxes at a Food Bank of Wyoming Mobile Pantry in May 2026.

The Wyoming Way: Helping Neighbors, Feeding Families, Strengthening Communities

From young families and grandparents raising grandchildren to caregivers and retirees, Wyomingites across the state are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Food Bank of Wyoming is encouraging communities to come together to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. This WyoGives Day, July 15, donors can help support both local families and Wyoming producers.

July 07, 2026

Opinion

View all
Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: It's Desperation Season

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Friess is attempting to take advantage of Gray's unfavorable ratings, or ... the ABC strategy — Anyone But Chuck. Friess's argument is 'hold your nose and vote for me,' or else your U.S. Representative might be Chuck Gray."

Tom LubnauJuly 30, 2026

Fred harrison 4 23 26

Fred Harrison: Why Classical Wisdom Is Our Only Defense Against The AI Frontier

Columnist Fred Harrison writes, "Today, we stand staring into the open box of Artificial Intelligence. The physicist Stephen Hawking summarizes the stakes with chilling precision: the creation of powerful AI acts as either the absolute best or the absolute worst event to happen to humanity."

Fred HarrisonJuly 29, 2026

Dave simpson head 10 3 22

Dave Simpson: Chuck Gray Has The Best Campaign Flier Of The Season

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Let's all remember that the Freedom Caucus and Chuck Gray were right all along in opposing boys playing girls sports. Their support helped push Sen. Wendy Schuler's bill over the top.”

Dave SimpsonJuly 28, 2026

Wyoming Life

View all

Outdoors

View all

Crime & Courts

View all