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The Impact Of Trump's Expansion Of Hunting, Fishing On Wildlife Refuges In Wyoming
Three of Wyoming's national wildlife refuges will see modest changes from the new plan to open 92 million acres to hunting and fishing. It's touted as the "largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2026
Wyoming Freedom Caucus Says It’s Not Dead After Devastating Primary Losses
After Tuesday's Republican primary election gutted the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, the caucus says it’s far from dead — and will regroup. “I don’t think any of us anticipated this kind of loss,” said former chair John Bear.
Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2026
Alta Coffee Shop Owner: 'Nonstop Death Threats' Since Clash With Pro-Lifers
An Alta, Wyoming, man says he and his wife have received "nonstop death threats" since a confrontation with a pro-life group inside their Driggs coffee shop, Wydaho Roasters, went viral. “You'd think we're performing abortions in our shop," the owner said.
Kolby FedoreAugust 19, 2026
Polarizing Billionaire Joe Ricketts Says He’s Focused On 'Saving Yellowstone'
Billionaire Joe Ricketts once wanted to build a mega-resort on his 1,300-acre ranch and rename Bondurant “Little Jackson Hole.” Now he's focused on "Saving Yellowstone." "If we don’t move now, it will be gone forever,” he said Wednesday.
Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026
The Great Wyoming Freedom Caucus Massacre — By The Numbers
After Tuesday’s primary, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus is being gutted from about a 35-member bloc in the state House to about 10. Of those likely to reach the House after the general election, about 43 say they don’t align with the controversial caucus.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Fate Of 3.3 Million Acres Of Roadless Areas In Wyoming About To Be Decided
The 2001 Clinton-era Roadless Rule could soon end, opening 3.3 million acres of national forests in Wyoming for road construction. Harriet Hageman calls the rule a disaster, while roadless supporters say it protects prime hunting, fishing and tourism.
Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026
Primary Election Winners: Curt Meier Got The Best Deal Per Vote, Chuck Gray The Worst
Among Wyoming GOP primary election winners, Treasurer Curt Meier got the best deal of campaign expense per vote at $1.61, and U.S. House nominee Chuck Gray the worst, at $44. Including the runners-up, Reid Rasner spent the most with a staggering $209 per vote.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
No Death Penalty For Cheyenne Woman Accused Of Killing Newborn 38 Years Ago
The death penalty won’t be pursued against a Cheyenne woman accused of murdering and abandoning her newborn baby boy in a ditch 38 years ago. “The baby was a fully developed, full-term, 6.5-pound baby,” authorities report.
Greg JohnsonAugust 19, 2026
Herd Of Wandering, Hungry Cattle Doesn’t Care Grazing Is Banned At Yellowstone
A herd of cattle inadvertently broke into Yellowstone National Park earlier this week, grazing where no cattle have grazed for more than 120 years. That’s because the park has banned issuing grazing permits in Yellowstone.
Andrew RossiAugust 19, 2026
Attempted Murder Charge For Teen Accused Of Putting Gun To Head Of Another Teen
A Cheyenne 17-year-old has been charged as an adult with attempted murder for allegedly putting a gun to the head of a Colorado teen, then shooting at him multiple times as the other teen was driving away.
Kerry DrakeAugust 19, 2026
Defunct For Years, 'Eyesore' Casper Wind Farm Turbines Finally Coming Down
The 11 turbines at the Casper Wind Farm north of Evansville are finally coming down after years of inactivity. There were high hopes for the turbines when commissioned in 2009, but a former county commissioner now calls them an "eyesore."
Dale KillingbeckAugust 19, 2026
Plan For Data Center Puts Spotlight On Lax Fremont County Zoning Laws
A small data center is taking shape in Fremont County, but officials there say they don't know much about the project and aren't sure just how much regulatory power they'll have. Fremont has some of Wyoming’s most permissive zoning laws.
Kate MeadowsAugust 19, 2026
Near-Total Massacre For Freedom Caucus In Wyoming Primary
Tuesday marked a rough night for the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, as its members and allies fell to a slew of legislative newcomers in the Republican primary election. "Wyoming citizens spoke loud and clear tonight!" said caucus critic Rep. Landon Brown.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Eric Barlow Wins GOP Nomination For Governor Over Trump-Backed Candidate
Sen. Eric Barlow, a legislator of 14 years, won the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor Tuesday, over Megan Degenfelder and Brent Bien.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Freedom Caucus Champion John Bear Upended By Political Newcomer In Campbell County
Wyoming Freedom Caucus champion and incumbent state Rep. John Bear was upended by political newcomer Doug Moore in his reelection bid in Tuesday’s Campbell County Republican primary.
Jen KocherAugust 19, 2026
Majority Floor Leader & Founding Member Of Freedom Caucus Scott Heiner Ousted
Newcomer Kenneth Roberts knocked off House Majority Floor Leader and founding member of the Freedom Caucus Scott Heiner in Tuesday’s Republican primary for House District 18, ousting one of the most powerful members of the Wyoming House.
Kolby FedoreAugust 19, 2026
Freedom Caucus Leader Ken Pendergraft Ousted From Sheridan County Senate Seat
Sheridan County business owner Melissa Butcher won the GOP primary for Sheridan County’s Senate District 21 seat, handily beating outspoken Freedom Caucus-aligned Ken Pendergraft.
Kate MeadowsAugust 19, 2026
Rock Springs Fire Chief James Wamsley Knocks Down CheckGate's Darin McCann
Rock Springs Fire Chief James Wamsley beat Rep. Darin McCann by a commanding 59%-40 margin ending a one-term run that included McCann’s involvement in the Legislature’s controversial “CheckGate” controversy.
Kolby FedoreAugust 19, 2026
Former House Speaker Sommers Soundly Wins GOP Nod To Regain HD 20 Seat
Albert Sommers handily won the GOP nomination for House District 20 seat in a three-way race Tuesday, soundly beating fellow Republicans Bill Winney and Matt McGinnes in the primary election. Sommers is a former House speaker.
Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026
Chuck Gray Fends Off Eight Other Republicans To Win U.S. House Nomination
Secretary of State Chuck Gray won the Republican nomination to U.S. House Tuesday — over eight other GOP challengers. He will face Libertarian Shawn Johnson and Democratic nominee Lisa Kinney in the general election Nov. 3.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Steve Harshman Wins GOP Nod For Wyoming Schools Chief
Wyoming's longest serving state House member was nominated Tuesday in the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction, over challengers Tom Kelly and Chad Auer.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Robert Short Wins GOP Nomination For Secretary Of State
Converse County Commissioner Robert Short, who campaigned on the slogan "Make The Secretary of State's Office Boring Again," won the GOP nomination for the office Tuesday. He defeated Freedom Caucus Chair Rachel Williams, and two other Republicans.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
UW Professor Cameron Wright Defeats Incumbent Ocean Andrew in Laramie's HD 46
Cameron Wright, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and University of Wyoming engineering professor, defeated incumbent Ocean Andrew in the GOP primary election for House District 46 in Albany County. He'll face Democrat Gary Wilken in November.
Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026
Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier Beats Freedom Caucus Challenger
Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier won the GOP nomination Tuesday, over Freedom Caucus challenger Rep. Scott Smith.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Ogden Driskill Beats Chip Neiman, Says It's A "Solid Rejection Of Freedom Caucus"
Sen. Ogden Driskill fended off House Speaker Chip Neiman in a 51%-48% race Tuesday, to hold his longtime Senate seat. "There was a very solid rejection of what the Freedom Caucus has done and how they operate,” Driskill said.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Harriet Hageman Wins GOP Nomination For Wyoming U.S. Senate Seat
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman defeated four other Republican challengers for the Republican nomination to U.S. Senate in Tuesday's primary election.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Lloyd Larsen Bests Jeff Martin Again To Keep House Seat
Rep. Lloyd Larsen won the GOP nomination to his Lander district Tuesday over challenger Jeff Martin, who had challenged him two cycles prior as well.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Cale Case Wins GOP Nomination To Keep Senate Seat
State Sen. Cale Case won the Republican nomination Tuesday over Lisa Wilson. If he wins the general election, he continues nearly four decades of legislative service.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026
Incumbent Julie Jarvis Tops Former Freedom Caucus Rep. Ward In Casper's HD 57
Incumbent Julie Jarvis handily defeated former Freedom Caucus member Jeanette Ward on Tuesday in a rematch of the 2024 race for House District 57 in Casper. “It was an incredible win for Wyoming in that context,” Jarvis said of Freedom Caucus defeats.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 19, 2026
Gillette Incumbent Angelos Wins GOP Nod For Senate District 33
Wyoming State Rep. Abby Angelos won the Republican nomination for Senate District 33 in Cambell County, beating challenger Dwayne Dillinger by nearly 400 votes.
Jen KocherAugust 19, 2026
Incumbent Connolly Claims Wins Rematch Over Gun Advocate For House District 40
In a rematch for House District 40, which includes parts of Sheridan and Johnson counties, incumbent Rep. Marilyn Connolly held off a push by gun-rights lobbyist Mark Jones. Connolly finished with 2,282 votes to Jones’ 1,282.
Kate MeadowsAugust 19, 2026
Longtime Meeteetse Rancher Allen Hogg Wins Four-Way Republican Primary for HD 28
Allen Hogg, whose family has ranched in the Meeteetse area since 1918, won the HD28 GOP primary over three other contenders with 49% of the vote. Hogg ran on his agricultural experience and supporting Wyoming's smaller communities.
Jackie DorothyAugust 19, 2026
Wyoming Primary Roundup: Other Contested Races
Cowboy State Daily is publishing stories the state's most important contested races in Tuesday’s Wyoming primary. Here are briefs summing up other contested primary races.
August 19, 2026
White House: Text Blast Is False, Trump Did Not Endorse Reid Rasner
The White House says a last minute text blast claiming President Trump endorsed Reid Rasner for U.S. House is false. For anyone to suggest an endorsement in that race, "is just incorrect and false," said White House political director Matt Brasseaux.
Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2026
Wyoming 2026 Primary Election: Here's What We're Seeing
It's primary election day in Wyoming which means a likely end to months of mudslinging and avalanches of semi-truthful fliers sent in the U.S. mail. Cowboy State Daily is doing limited exit polling on Tuesday before live coverage begins at 7:00 p.m.
Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2026
Wyoming Woman's 620-Mile Mongol Derby Quest Ends Unconscious In A River
Lindsay Woods of Jackson was poised to win the grueling 620-mile Mongol Derby but heatstroke and food poisoning left her unconscious in a river, ending her bid on the remote Mongolian Steppe, "I really could have won it," she says.
Andrew RossiAugust 17, 2026
Laramie County Community College Picks "Wyoming State College" As New Name
Laramie County Community College President Joe Schaffer on Monday announced plans to change the school's name to Wyoming State College and said the reason boils down to one word: Survival.
Kerry DrakeAugust 18, 2026
Mills Man Faces Felony Charges After Allegedly Threatening To Kill Man In His Truck
A Mills man faces three felony charges after allegedly pointing a “monster” black powder pistol at a man and woman and threatening to kill the man before the firearm discharged. A witness said he was “screaming get the (expletive) out of my truck.”
Dale KillingbeckAugust 18, 2026
Wyoming Politics: What The New York Times Got Right, And Wrong
The New York Times featured the Wyoming Senate race between Chip Neiman and Ogden Driskill as an example of Wyoming's Republican Party divide. That's accurate, but no one in that race thinks Neiman represents the "far right."
Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2026
Rising Values Of Ag Land Makes It Harder For Young Ranchers To Break Into Industry
Wyoming's agricultural land values are on the rise, along with cattle prices, but that makes it difficult for young ranchers to get a foothold in the industry. Land that sold for about $35 an acre in the mid-1980s is now selling for roughly $300 an acre.
Kate MeadowsAugust 18, 2026
Sandhill Cranes Put On Parenting Show For Onlookers In Grand Teton National Park
Sandhill cranes in Grand Teton National Park put on a real-life parenting show for onlookers while teaching their offspring how to fly, run, and other survival skills. Everything a colt must know to survive is taught by the parents, one naturalist explained.
Mark HeinzAugust 18, 2026
Virginia PAC Backing Freedom Caucus Spends Nearly $550K In Wyoming Primary
The Virginia-based PAC Make Liberty Win, which favors the Freedom Caucus, spent nearly $550,000 on Wyoming's primary election and more than $60,000 attacking specific candidates. "The reason you go negative is because it works," said the group's director.
Clair McFarlandAugust 17, 2026
5,500-Acre Wyoming Ranch And Hunting Destination Hits Market For Nearly $30M
The 5,582-acre Steiner Ranch in northeast Wyoming, a premiere spot for hunting trophy bull elk and mule deer, has just been listed for sale at nearly $30 million. Last year, Martha Stewart was at the ranch to study its farm-to-fork ecosystem.
Renée JeanAugust 17, 2026
Hageman: California 'Failed All Of Us' And Made Colorado River Water Crisis Worse
Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman says California should be accountable for the Colorado River crisis because instead of building water infrastructure it spent billions on "stupid things" like high-speed rail. In the meantime, Lake Powell has hit a record low.
Mark HeinzAugust 17, 2026
Cheyenne Pizza Joint Gets Stiffed With $300 Order, Donates 18 Pizzas To Hospital
After a so-called "prankster" left a Cheyenne pizza joint stuck with 18 pizzas and a $300+ bill, the restaurant donated them to emergency room workers at the Cheyenne hospital. “Let's reward them,” said Dave Agovic, owner of L'Osteria Mondello.
Kolby FedoreAugust 17, 2026
RV Driver Tries To Scrape Through South Dakota Needles Eye Tunnel, Gets Stuck
A couple was videotaping the Needles Eye Tunnel in South Dakota’s Custer State Park on Friday when a motorhome tried to thread the narrow opening and became stuck. "I think he just thought he could get through," they said.
Andrew RossiAugust 17, 2026
Colorado Trucker Wanted For Homicide Nearly 5 Years After Wyoming Crash Killed 2
Nearly five years after a semi T-boned a car in Goshen County, killing two young students from a Wyoming Bible college, the Colorado trucker involved is wanted on a homicide-by-vehicle charge. One victim was killed on his 18th birthday, the other was 19.
Kolby FedoreAugust 17, 2026
Truck Veers Off Road, Lands Upside Down In A Creek In Yellowstone's Hayden Valley
A Ford F-150 was recovered by a giant crane in Yellowstone National Park after it veered off the road and landed upside down in a creek in the Hayden Valley on Sunday. "The cab was at least partially submerged by the time we got over there," said a witness.
Andrew RossiAugust 17, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Neil and Debra Olsen. They write, "The beginning of a new day in Elk Mountain!"
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
Tom Lubnau: Post-Election Musings
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Fred Harrison: Chicken Littles Were Wrong-How Overpopulation Myth Is Killing The West
Opinion by Fred Harrison
Dave Simpson: I'm Going To Miss Those Campaign Fliers
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Bill Sniffin: Who Is The Best Political Expert In Wyoming?
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Gail Symons: Check Out All This Out-Of-State Money In Wyoming Politics
Opinion by Gail Symons
Sponsored
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Bibles for Venezuela: Hope in the Midst of Devastation
Vision Beyond Borders has helped bring God’s Word to people throughout Venezuela. Following two devastating earthquakes, the need for both Bibles and humanitarian assistance has become even greater.
August 20, 2026
Wyoming’s Real Election Is Tuesday
Wyoming chooses its next governor in the August primary, not in November. Here is the arithmetic, and why a third of the vote can be enough to decide it.
August 14, 2026
Brent Bien’s 50% Property Tax Initiative Puts Wyoming Homeowners First
Wyoming’s first citizen initiative on the statewide ballot in 30 years would cut the taxable value of a primary residence by 50%—a first step toward Brent Bien’s goal of eliminating residential property taxes.
August 11, 2026
Opinion
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Bill Sniffin: Political Crunch Time Brings Out Desperation And A Few Funny Lines
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “This is a desperate time for politicians. Just how negative can they go? Here in Wyoming, we discovered it is pretty darned deep.”
Bill SniffinAugust 08, 2026
Rod Miller: Changes Around The Ol’ Campfire
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "It was a hot, sultry night in the Red Desert, without a breath of cooling breeze. All that could be heard was the grumbling of the exhausted cowboys and rattlesnakes copulating in the sagebrush."
Rod MillerAugust 07, 2026
Tom Lubnau: Why You Should Consider Steve Friess For U.S. House
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Chuck Gray's approach to politics is akin to a yapping Chihuahua, making lots of noise and getting headlines, but getting little done. Most concerning is Gray dumping all of Wyoming voters’ election data to an agency of the federal government whose use is unrestricted."
Tom LubnauAugust 05, 2026
Wyoming Life
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Llamas Are Becoming A Big Tourism Draw At Farm In Elk Mountain, Wyoming
Renée JeanAugust 16, 2026
Wyoming History: Disgraced Pastor Shocked State By Killing Family, Self In 1926
Dale KillingbeckAugust 16, 2026
Elk Mountain Old-Timers Keep Remote Town’s Wild History Alive One Story At A Time
Renée JeanAugust 16, 2026
Nobody Will Ever Claim $10K Reward For Wyoming's Missing Pedro Mountain Mummy
Kerry DrakeAugust 16, 2026
19-Year-Old Saratoga Woman Rebuilds Cars Just To Beat The Crap Out Of Them
Kolby FedoreAugust 16, 2026
Outdoors
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Could 'Toxic Soup' From Great Salt Lake Lakebed Dust Impact Southwest Wyoming?
Kate MeadowsAugust 14, 2026
Under Severe Drought Conditions, Wyoming’s Powder River Has Completely Stopped Flowing
Mark HeinzAugust 14, 2026
Hooray! Ranch Hand Rescues Squealing Elk Calf Entangled In Barbed Wire
Mark HeinzAugust 12, 2026
Angi Bruce's Resignation As Game and Fish Director Catches Sportsmen By Surprise
Mark HeinzAugust 10, 2026
Critics Say Proposed Seminoe Power Project Won’t Have Enough Water
Mark HeinzAugust 09, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Kinnear Woman To Face Trial On Charges Her Ranch Dogs Attack Neighbor’s Cattle
Kolby FedoreAugust 18, 2026
Newcastle Man Accused Of Chasing Woman With Knife, Pointing Revolver, Kicking Cop
Kolby FedoreAugust 18, 2026
Family Of Thermopolis Man Shot By Cop Gets $400K In Settlement
Clair McFarlandAugust 15, 2026
Casper Woman Gets 12½ Years After Feds Tie Her To 11 Pounds Of Meth
Kolby FedoreAugust 14, 2026
Driver In Wild Lander Crime Spree That Ended In Triple Stabbing Takes Plea Deal
Kolby FedoreAugust 14, 2026
Wyoming Life
View allLlamas Are Becoming A Big Tourism Draw At Farm In Elk Mountain, Wyoming
Renée JeanAugust 16, 2026
Wyoming History: Disgraced Pastor Shocked State By Killing Family, Self In 1926
Dale KillingbeckAugust 16, 2026
Elk Mountain Old-Timers Keep Remote Town’s Wild History Alive One Story At A Time
Renée JeanAugust 16, 2026
Nobody Will Ever Claim $10K Reward For Wyoming's Missing Pedro Mountain Mummy
Kerry DrakeAugust 16, 2026
19-Year-Old Saratoga Woman Rebuilds Cars Just To Beat The Crap Out Of Them
Kolby FedoreAugust 16, 2026
Outdoors
View allCould 'Toxic Soup' From Great Salt Lake Lakebed Dust Impact Southwest Wyoming?
Kate MeadowsAugust 14, 2026
Under Severe Drought Conditions, Wyoming’s Powder River Has Completely Stopped Flowing
Mark HeinzAugust 14, 2026
Hooray! Ranch Hand Rescues Squealing Elk Calf Entangled In Barbed Wire
Mark HeinzAugust 12, 2026
Angi Bruce's Resignation As Game and Fish Director Catches Sportsmen By Surprise
Mark HeinzAugust 10, 2026
Critics Say Proposed Seminoe Power Project Won’t Have Enough Water
Mark HeinzAugust 09, 2026
Crime & Courts
View allKinnear Woman To Face Trial On Charges Her Ranch Dogs Attack Neighbor’s Cattle
Kolby FedoreAugust 18, 2026
Newcastle Man Accused Of Chasing Woman With Knife, Pointing Revolver, Kicking Cop
Kolby FedoreAugust 18, 2026
Family Of Thermopolis Man Shot By Cop Gets $400K In Settlement
Clair McFarlandAugust 15, 2026
Casper Woman Gets 12½ Years After Feds Tie Her To 11 Pounds Of Meth
Kolby FedoreAugust 14, 2026
Driver In Wild Lander Crime Spree That Ended In Triple Stabbing Takes Plea Deal
Kolby FedoreAugust 14, 2026