Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
News
Headlines
View all
Alleged Green River Bomber Sane Enough For Identity Fraud Trial
The man accused of sending a bomb to his estranged wife’s Green River home in 1982 and blowing her finger off is sane enough to face trial on fraud charges, a judge ruled this week. He was on the lam for more than 40 years before being caught in 2025.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 31, 2026

Critics: Self-Defense Legal Fee Reimbursement Bill Could Spark Court Chaos
A former Washakie County prosecutor is critical of a bill forcing counties to pay back the legal fees of Wyomingites cleared of murder or manslaughter charges in shootings ruled as self-defense. He said it would throw courts into chaos.
Mark HeinzJanuary 30, 2026

At Hageman's Thermopolis Townhall, Attendees Yelled More At Each Other Than At Her
Attendees clamored and yelled at Rep. Harriet Hageman's townhall in Thermopolis on Thursday with the topic of immigration enforcement causing most of the drama. But most people yelled at each other more than at Hageman.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 30, 2026

Protesters Block ICE From Leaving Hotel In Rock Springs
Protesters surrounded ICE vehicles at the Four Points Sheraton hotel in Rock Springs and prevented officers from leaving the hotel parking lot on Thursday. Rock Springs police responded to help the federal officers, who left town after police removed the blockade.
Justin GeorgeJanuary 29, 2026

Rock Springs Councilman: New City Flag Looks Like Something From Third World Country
Rock Springs City Councilman Rick Milonas says the new city flag, designed by a 17-year-old student, is a “terrible fit for the community” and the “most butt-ugly thing I’ve ever seen." The city council adopted the new flag by an 8-1 vote last week.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 29, 2026

Wyoming Has Two New Champion Trees (Yes, It's A Real Thing)
A Lombardy Poplar in Riverton and a Utah Juniper in Fremont County are the newest Wyoming State Champion Trees. The two trees have been verified as the best specimens of their kind growing in Wyoming.
Andrew RossiJanuary 30, 2026

Two Snowmobilers Die After Collisions With Trees in Western Wyoming
In three days, Teton County Search and Rescue responded to three snowmobiling incidents. There were two fatalities, both involving snowmobiles that collided with trees.
Andrew RossiJanuary 29, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, January 30, 2026
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsJanuary 30, 2026

'I Stabbed A Guy In the Back,' Admits Riverton Man In 14-Year-Old's Killing
Admitting he stabbed a 14-year-old boy in the back last August during a brawl north of Riverton, Alejandro Behan pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder. "I knew that if I stabbed him in the back, it could probably kill him," Behan said.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 29, 2026

Wyoming’s Tourism Leaders View Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame As Game-Changer For State
Wyoming tourism leaders are hailing the ProRodeo Hall of Fame's vote to move from Colorado to Cheyenne as a game-changer for the industry. They are projecting a $252 million economic impact over 10 years while boosting rodeo culture statewide.
Renée JeanJanuary 29, 2026

January Is Baby Boom Month For Yellowstone Grizzlies, Researchers Discover
The new crop of grizzly cubs that will emerge this spring to the delight of visitors in Yellowstone have likely already been born, researchers say. A long-term study nailed down January as the month when most grizzly cubs in Yellowstone are born.
Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2026

UW Student Leaders Protest Proposed $40 Million State Budget Cut To University
Students at the University of Wyoming say they aren't waiting for the Legislature to finalize its budget before fighting back against cuts they worry could slash funding by 15%. They say the cuts will hurt UW's ability to generate future revenue for Wyoming.
David MadisonJanuary 29, 2026

Casper Man Faces Charges for December Stabbing, Dragging of Ex-Girlfriend
A 41-year-old Casper man faces a potential life sentence on charges related to the Dec. 18 stabbing of his ex-girlfriend in an apartment complex hallway. Police say he dragged her by her hair before stabbing her.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 30, 2026

Judge Hints He Will Send Cody Roberts Wolf Torture Case To Trial
A Green River, Wyoming, judge on Wednesday hinted he’ll send the animal cruelty case of Cody Roberts to a jury in two months. Judge Richard Lavery stopped just short of denying Roberts’ argument for immunity, saying he’ll file a written order later.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2026

Judge Orders Wyoming Rep. Allemand To Submit To Alcohol Testing During Session
A Buffalo Circuit Court judge Wednesday found that continued random alcohol testing was appropriate for State Rep. Bill Allemand despite his request that it be suspended during the budget session.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 28, 2026

Grizzly Spotted In Yellowstone, Biologist Says One Of Earliest Sightings On Record
A grizzly spotted out wandering in Yellowstone National Park on Monday might be up from hibernation incredibly early or awake incredibly late. “This would be one of the earliest sightings on record,” bear biologist Frank van Manen told Cowboy State Daily.
Mark HeinzJanuary 28, 2026

High Schools Across Wyoming Received Automated Bomb Threats On Wednesday
In a widespread hoax on Wednesday, automated voicemails left at high schools around Wyoming threatened to detonate bombs and shoot up schools. Authorities say the threats weren’t credible and originated from outside the U.S.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 28, 2026

No, Chancey Williams Isn't Selling Tickets For Private Parties And He's Not In Love With You
As Wyoming country music star Chancey Williams’ fame rises, so do scammers claiming to be him. From fake tickets to events to manipulated video messages to proclamations of secret love, Williams has seen it all.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 28, 2026

Wyoming Lawmaker Pushes ‘Stem Cell Freedom Act,’ Challenging FDA
State Sen. Eric Barlow is pushing a bill that would allow doctors to perform stem cell treatments not approved by the FDA, creating guidelines for treatment while shielding physicians from state licensing discipline.
Zakary SonntagJanuary 29, 2026

Degenfelder To Investigate Rock Springs School District's Special Ed Program
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder announced Wednesday her office is launching an investigation into the special education program at Sweetwater County School District No. 1 after multiple noncompliance complaints.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2026

Hunter Kills Huge ‘Split 5’ Bull Elk From Estes Park Urban Herd
Fans are mourning the loss of the gigantic “Split 5” bull elk that was part of the Estes Park, Colorado, urban herd. Popular with photographers and wildlife watchers because of his remarkable size, Split 5 was legally killed by a hunter.
Mark HeinzJanuary 28, 2026

Carbon County Sheriff Says Naked Cornhole-Playing Deputy Is In Utah, Not Wyoming
A Carbon County, Utah, deputy is in trouble after being accused of playing cornhole naked from the waist down. Carbon County, Wyoming, Sheriff Alex Bakken is making sure people know that’s a Utah deputy, not his. Bakken's phone has been blowing up.
Andrew RossiJanuary 28, 2026

Long-Lost Horse Found And Rescued After Seven Months in Wind River Mountains
Mouse the horse had been missing since July 2025, only to be found alive by snowmobilers in the Wind River Mountains. Several people, specialized snow machines, and a river raft were enlisted Sunday to reach and rescue the horse.
Andrew RossiJanuary 27, 2026

PRCA Votes To Move Headquarters, Hall Of Fame & Museum To Cheyenne, Wyoming
The Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association on Monday voted to move its headquarters, Hall of Fame and museum to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 2029. Cheyenne Frontier Days chief Tom Hirsig said it's the rodeo equivalent of getting the NFL headquarters.
Renée JeanJanuary 27, 2026

Wyoming Lawmakers Reverse Course, Will Not Deny $58 Million In Medicaid
Wyoming lawmakers reversed their denial of $58 million in federal Medicaid funds for tribal clinics after people protested. Rep. John Bear called it an accounting issue, while Rep. Larsen said Bear was "covering (his) butt."
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2026

Weston County Residents Grill Wyoming Lawmakers On Tax Cuts
Wyoming lawmakers faced backlash Monday at a Newcastle town hall over property tax cuts slashing local budgets. “We have no way to raise more money. It was the legislature, not local people, that told us we were taking a budget cut," said one firefighter.
Zakary SonntagJanuary 28, 2026

Bill Would Force Wyoming Counties To Pay Self-Defense Legal Fees
If a Wyomingite kills somebody, claims self-defense, is charged with murder, but is cleared, the county that charged them would be on the hook for all the defendant’s legal fees and other expenses, according to a bill before the Wyoming Legislature.
Mark HeinzJanuary 27, 2026

Weston County Clerk's Thursday Trial Cancelled Due To Appeal
The Weston County clerk accused of skipping a legislative subpoena was scheduled to go to trial Thursday in Casper Circuit Court — until the judge ruled that her claims against the lawmakers who summoned her should be heard in a higher court first.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2026

Mom Pleads Not Guilty In Fatal Shooting Of Infant Son After Fleeing To New Mexico
Madeline Daly on Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder for allegedly killing her 11-month-old son Basil in New Mexico following a custody dispute from Wyoming. She remains held without bond amid potential federal charges.
Jen KocherJanuary 27, 2026

Will It Ever Snow In Utah? Salt Lake City Snowpack Plummets to Record Low
Only 0.1 inches of snow has fallen on Salt Lake City this winter. That’s the lowest snowfall on record, by a significant margin. The average snowfall for this time of year is just over 28 inches. “I think it’s going to be hard to make up the deficit,” meteorologist Don Day says.
Andrew RossiJanuary 27, 2026

Cheyenne Council Delays Expansion Of Inspection Warrants Amid 4th Amendment Fears
The Cheyenne City Council postponed voting on an ordinance Monday that would allow the fire department and city workers to enter homes with administrative warrants. Residents raised Fourth Amendment concerns over these possible home inspections.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 27, 2026

Desperate Search For Missing Cody Man Continues, Police Say Check Security Cams
Cody friends, law enforcement and volunteers were continuing efforts Tuesday to search for 50-year-old David Kelsey. Drones and a cadaver dog are being used as well. Police are asking people in the area to check their security cams for footage of the man.
Jen KocherJanuary 27, 2026

Cody Woman One Of America’s First Female CIA Agents, Pioneered Covert Operations
Growing up in Cody, Pat Stuart dreamed of being an ambassador for the United States. Instead, her career took her around the world as one of the first female CIA agents and station chiefs, who raised her daughter in some of the most dangerous political hotspots.
Wendy CorrJanuary 26, 2026

Wyoming Lawmaker Charged With DUI Asks To Skip Alcohol Testing During Session
Wyoming State Rep. Bill Allemand, charged with DUI in December, is asking permission to skip random alcohol tests during the legislative session that starts next month. His motion argues the tests are intrusive for someone without a history of alcohol or violent crimes.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2026

Wyoming Might Not Have Enough Public Lands For Controversial Selloff Bill
An initial review of data from the Office of State Lands and Investments shows Wyoming might not have enough eligible public land to satisfy a controversial bill seeking to sell between 30,000 and 200,000 acres to families for $1 per acre.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2026

Big Boy, World's Largest Locomotive, Leaves Cheyenne March 29 For Coast-To-Coast Tour
The tour schedule for the western leg of Big Boy's historic coast-to-coast tour was announced Monday. The world's largest locomotive, which weighs more than one million pounds, will leave Cheyenne on March 29.
Renée JeanJanuary 27, 2026

State Treasurer, Lawmaker Work On Fund To Compensate Wind Farm Neighbors
State Treasurer Curt Meier and Sen. Brian Boner are working on a bill that would divert one-sixth of property taxes from wind, solar, and industrial projects into a fund for affected neighbors. “I’m not blind to the impacts that people have," Meier said.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 26, 2026

Tracking Shot Bears With Dogs Would Be Legal Under Hunting Bill
Blood-trailing dogs may track down black bears shot by hunters if a bill before the Wyoming Legislature passes. It’s already legal to use dogs to track shot big game animals, such as elk and deer.
Mark HeinzJanuary 26, 2026

Wyoming Goes From Sub-Zero Temperatures To Hurricane Force Winds in 24 Hours
Nature abhors a vacuum. So, as the weekend’s subzero temps began to vacate Wyoming, they were replaced by seriously strong winds. "After an Arctic outbreak, when it starts to warm up, there's going to be a windy period,” meteorologist Don Day said.
Andrew RossiJanuary 26, 2026

Yellowstone Scientists Monitor Chicago-Sized Bulge Along Volcano's North Rim
Scientists are monitoring a city of Chicago-sized swath of rising ground at the northern volcanic rim of the Yellowstone Caldera in Yellowstone National Park. Scientists say the area has risen an inch since July.
Andrew RossiJanuary 25, 2026

Wild Crimes In Yellowstone: From Maulings To Fugitives To The "Hippie Cannibal"
There's a dark underbelly in Yellowstone and two retired rangers are telling all, like the “Yellowstone River and the Hippie Cannibal" story about a social worker from Montana, who had the misfortune of picking up a couple hitchhikers high on LSD.
Jen KocherJanuary 25, 2026

As In Wyoming, Idaho Hunters Can’t Kill Enough Elk On Private Land, So State Will
When it comes to elk in Wyoming and Idaho, it's a case of different places, same problem. Herds are booming, but hunters can’t get on private land to hunt them. In one area on private land in Idaho, the state will relocate some and kill the rest.
Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2026

Some Of Pop Music’s Biggest Hits Written In Wyoming Getaway Cabin
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Emily Warren is behind some of the biggest pop stars on the charts, including Shakira, Lizzo, and Katy Perry. She wrote a pair of Dua Lipa’s platinum hits in her Wilson cabin getaway, which has just been listed for sale.
Renée JeanJanuary 25, 2026

Lucky Yellowstone Coyote Survives Taunting Wolves Who Were Feasting On Bison Carcass
A coyote in Yellowstone was lucky to escape after it got a little too close to a pack of wolves feasting on a bison carcass, and one wolf chased it right past a tour bus. “He pushed his luck,” said a tour guide, who took video of the incident on Sunday.
Mark HeinzJanuary 26, 2026

Stan Kroenke Is Nation's Largest Landowner, Including 560,000 Wyoming Acres
Stan Kroenke, who is Wyoming’s second-largest landowner with 560,000 acres, became the nation’s largest landowner last month with the purchase of 937,000 acres in New Mexico. Of the 2.7 million acres Kroenke owns, about 20% of the land is in Wyoming.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 25, 2026

Jackson Company Makes Robotic Water Turrets That Can Put Out Fires In 12 Seconds
WatchDog Robotics says its robotic fire suppression system can detect and extinguish fires in 12 seconds — compared to two to four minutes for traditional sprinklers. The company says its systems are in demand at industrial workplaces and remote cabins.
David MadisonJanuary 25, 2026

Backyard Explorer Digs Deep Into Black Hills Ghost Towns And Mines
It was during Covid that Levi Kessler first started exploring historic underground mines in the Black Hills. Kessler only shared his findings with the promise to landowners that each location would retain anonymity to discourage trespassers.
Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026
Daily Features
View all
Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Julieta De la Cerda Belmont. Julieta writes, "The sky opened into soft pinks, and I found myself surrounded by boulders on top of a hill. Behind it all, the Wind River Range stood in the distance, turning the moment into something unforgettable."

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Mostly sunny to sunny in Wyoming on Saturday with a chance of rain, snow or freezing rain in the northeast. Breezy in some areas. Partly cloudy in most locations overnight. Highs from the mid 30s to the mid 50s. Lows from the mid teens to the mid 30s.

Daily Cartoon: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Today's question to Don Day
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.
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
Opinion
Jonathan Lange: The Supreme Court Owes Us An Explanation
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Dennis Sun: The Milk Mustache is Back
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Scott Clem: We’re Drowning In False Narratives — And We Don’t Care
Opinion by Scott Clem
Tom Lubnau: The Year Wyoming Sold Its Soul
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Ken Buck: Making Greenland Great Again
Opinion by Ken Buck
Sponsored
View all
Hoskinson Health Brings Advanced Rheumatology Care to Gillette
Hoskinson Health’s rheumatology program offers diagnosis and treatment for autoimmune and arthritis conditions using in-house imaging, infusion therapy and specialty expertise, reducing the need for patients to travel out of state.
January 26, 2026

Hoskinson Premier Care Redefines How Wyoming Patients Get Healthcare
The Gillette clinic’s membership-based program is designed to simplify healthcare by bundling primary care, specialty services, and mental health support into one predictable monthly price.
January 26, 2026

Advanced Imaging at Hoskinson Health Means When Clarity Matters Most, Precision Changes Everything
Hoskinson Health's advanced diagnostic imaging is designed to deliver clear answers, coordinated care, and a more supportive patient experience across Northeast Wyoming.
January 26, 2026
Opinion
View all
Jonathan Lange: Let’s Get Our Court Docs On The Internet
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Our courts are still operating as if ‘Al Gore’ never invented ‘the internets,’ as Dubya would say. Luddite rules suppress free access to public information.”
Jonathan LangeJanuary 16, 2026

Scott Clem: Like Miley Cyrus, The Legislature Is Coming In Like A Wrecking Ball
Columnist Scott Clem writes, "The legislature has a problem. Maybe their actions really are good for Wyoming. Maybe our state is being set up for success for years to come. But that's not how it's coming across."
Scott ClemJanuary 16, 2026

Tom Lubnau: It’s The Legislature’s Fault That Abortion Ban Was Unconstitutional
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "This abortion law mess didn’t erupt from nowhere. It came from years of incompetent legislating, blame shifting and political grandstanding, while lawmakers dodged the harder work required to pass a constitutional amendment."
Tom LubnauJanuary 15, 2026
Wyoming Life
View all
Wyoming Football Coach Jay Sawvel Cuts Salary $125K To Boost Player Funding
David MadisonJanuary 26, 2026
Niobrara Gold Rushes And Oil Booms: Documenting History In Wyoming’s Emptiest County
Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026
Meet The Teen Who Keeps The Ski Trails Groomed And Open At Antelope Butte
Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026
Art Dealer, Champion Of Cheyenne Bronze Project, Has His 16-Year-Old Dog Bronzed
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 24, 2026
'Devil's Corkscrews' In Eastern Wyoming Are 20-Million-Year-Old Beaver Burrows
Andrew RossiJanuary 24, 2026
Outdoors
View all
The Time Wyoming's 'Wildcat Sam' Was Surrounded By Seven Packs Of Wolves
Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026
Meet The Teen Who Keeps The Ski Trails Groomed And Open At Antelope Butte
Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026
ChewBarka: The Beaver That Became A Worldwide Sensation For Flipping People Off
Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2026
Scientists Develop AI-Based Facial Recognition Software To Decrease Bear Maulings
Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2026
The Difference Between Dubois And Dallas When A Winter Storm Approaches
CSD StaffJanuary 24, 2026
Crime & Courts
View all
Mother Asks How Son Shot Himself While Handcuffed In Back Of Police Car
Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2026
Cody Man In 4-Hour Standoff Pleads Not Guilty, Says He Was Shot In Face With Beanbag
Andrew RossiJanuary 23, 2026
Rock Springs School District Trans ‘Privacy’ Policy Under Review By Federal Court
Clair McFarlandJanuary 22, 2026
Casper Man Plows Into Patrol Trucks During Wild 100 MPH Chase
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 22, 2026
'Satan Got Ahold Of Me' Man Texts After Reportedly Shooting Wife, Then Himself
Clair McFarlandJanuary 22, 2026
