AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News

News

Headlines

View all
Someone has stolen a massive, 60-million-year-old piece of petrified wood from a storage unit in Powell. “My dad was always afraid someone would steal it,” said the daughter of the WWII pilot who treasured the artifact, which had become a family heirloom.

Huge 60-Million-Year-Old Petrified Log Stolen From Powell Family's Storage Unit

Someone has stolen a massive, 60-million-year-old piece of petrified wood from a storage unit in Powell. “My dad was always afraid someone would steal it,” said the daughter of the WWII pilot who treasured the artifact, which had become a family heirloom.

Andrew RossiMay 30, 2026

FBI files from 1933 reveal that a substantial portion of $90,000 in ransom loot stuffed in a suitcase ended up buried somewhere around Cheyenne. The plot was carried out by George "Machine Gun" Kelly, right, and Albert Bates. Whether all the loot was ever recovered remains a question.

$25,000 From 1933 Kidnapping Ransom Could Still Be Buried Somewhere In Cheyenne

FBI files from 1933 reveal that $90,000 in ransom loot from a Machine Gun Kelly kidnapping scheme ended up buried somewhere around Cheyenne. Whether all the loot was ever recovered remains a question with about $25,000 still unaccounted for.

Dale KillingbeckMay 30, 2026

Cheyenne and Evanston are hearing the same pitch from data centers — closed-loop cooling, big megawatts, and even bigger paychecks. But while Cheyenne has a petition going for a moratorium on data centers, opposition in Evanston is much more muted.

A Tale Of Two Towns: Cheyenne Pushes Back On Data Centers, Evanston Not So Much

Cheyenne and Evanston are hearing the same pitch from data centers — closed-loop cooling, big megawatts, and even bigger paychecks. But while Cheyenne has a petition going for a moratorium on data centers, opposition in Evanston is much more muted.

Renée JeanMay 30, 2026

Gop courthouse 5 30 26

Judge Orders Wyoming Republican Party To Follow State Law

In a setback to the Wyoming Republican Party’s long mission to gain independence from state law, a Uinta County judge Friday upheld multiple Wyoming election laws, dismissing the state Party’s claims that its rights trump them.

Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2026

An egraving depicting Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer's last stand at the Battle of The Little Bighorn in 1876.

Wyoming History: The Courier Who Carried First Dispatch From Custer’s Last Stand

John “Josh” Deane came West looking for adventure — and got more than he bargained for when he took a job as a military dispatch rider. It was 150 years ago that he found himself carrying the first message about Custer’s last stand to Wyoming’s Fort Brown.  

Jackie DorothyMay 31, 2026

New research published by the Geological Society of America has revealed that Devils Tower is constantly moving. An international team of geologists determined that it's perpetually and ever-so-slightly swaying, twisting, and turning in the wind.

"It's Alive!": Scientists Say Devils Tower Is Constantly Moving

New research published by the Geological Society of America has revealed that Devils Tower is constantly moving. An international team of geologists determined that it's perpetually and ever-so-slightly swaying, twisting, and turning in the wind.

Andrew RossiMay 30, 2026

For decades, motorists speeding down Interstate 90 in west-central South Dakota have done double takes at a towering human skeleton leading a T. rex on a leash. It’s a quirky prairie creation born from one man’s lifelong dream to build his own dinosaur.

Near Wyoming: The Skeleton Who Walks A Giant T-Rex On A Leash In South Dakota

For decades, motorists speeding down Interstate 90 in west-central South Dakota have done double takes at a towering human skeleton leading a T. rex on a leash. It’s a quirky prairie creation born from one man’s lifelong dream to build his own dinosaur.

Kate MeadowsMay 30, 2026

Cheyenne’s Bouquets Unlimited is closing its doors after 44 years. Owner Shareen Brendle says the shop can’t compete with cheap grocery-store bouquets, online “order gatherers,” and big box chains undercutting wholesale prices. “I’m broken-hearted about it,” she said.

Cheyenne Florist To Close After 44 Years, Can't Compete With Online Giant Flower Stores

Cheyenne’s Bouquets Unlimited is closing its doors after 44 years because they can't compete with the online giants. In 1992, there were 27,000 florist storefronts in America. Today, they number 11,750.  “I’m broken-hearted about it,” the owner said.

Renée JeanMay 30, 2026

A cat named Tuffitt loves hanging out with a young buck white-tailed deer in a homeowner’s backyard north of Buffalo.

Oh Good, A Wyoming Cat And A Deer Have Become Best Friends

A white-tailed deer born last spring in a backyard near Buffalo has grown up to become best friends with a female named cat named Tuffitt. “He’s been around cats since he was tiny, and she’s an outgoing, friendly little cat,” said the homeowner.

Mark HeinzMay 30, 2026

Smoke pouring out of the westbound Green River Tunnel on I-80 on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Trucker Faces Homicide Charges For 2025 Green River Tunnel Inferno That Killed 3

A trucker accused of triggering a 26-vehicle crash in the Green River Tunnel in 2025 that killed three people now faces homicide charges. “Human error was the primary factor contributing to these crashes,” says an affidavit supporting the charges filed last week.

Kolby FedoreMay 29, 2026

Despite a series of bizarre, controversial and sometimes outrageous campaign videos, Wyoming politicos say Reid Rasner’s campaign for U.S. House is not a parody. “Why would somebody spend this much money on a joke?” said state Rep. John Bear.

Despite His Videos, Wyoming Politicos Say Reid Rasner Campaign Is Not A Parody

Despite a series of bizarre, controversial and sometimes outrageous campaign videos, Wyoming politicos say Reid Rasner’s campaign for U.S. House is not a parody. “Why would somebody spend this much money on a joke?” said state Rep. John Bear.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

Gillette-based attorney Steve Titus is so sick of hearing of local governments debating or denying grants to Gillette Reproductive Health, he cut the group a $25,000 check of his own money.

Gillette Lawyer Gives $25K To Reproductive Clinic, Calls Commission ‘Ass-Backward’

A Gillette-based attorney is so sick of Gillette Reproductive Health being denied money, he wrote a scathing letter and cut the group a check for $25,000. “I’m so sick and tired of the ass-backwards bull**** in the commissioners’ office,” he wrote.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

This large male grizzly was photographed this month in the backcountry of Glacier National Park. There have allegedly been two bear attacks in the park, one of them fatal.

Glacier Park Reports Second Bear Attack Less Than A Month After Man Killed

Less than a month after a man was apparently killed by a grizzly in Glacier National Park, there were reports of another possible bear attack on a hiker on Thursday. It was a “surprise encounter involving a hiker and a bear,” said a park official.

Mark HeinzMay 30, 2026

Now-former Newcastle Police Department Sgt. Nicholas Kaminski has been accused of stalking a local nurse, then chasing her with a loaded gun in his hand.

Newcastle Police Sergeant Accused Of Stalking, Chasing Nurse With Loaded Gun

A now-former Newcastle police officer has been charged with stalking a nurse and chasing her with a loaded gun. "U made this worse by not coming outside,” police say he texted her during an hourslong vigil outside a local hospital where she was working.

Kolby FedoreMay 29, 2026

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported Friday that a Hyundai clocked at 117 mph on I-25 near Wheatland had a child onboard in an improperly secured car seat. "If you hit something at 117 mph, it's essentially a death sentence,” said the agency’s spokesman.

Hyundai Clocked At 117 MPH On I-25 Near Wheatland — With Child Onboard

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported Friday that a Hyundai clocked at 117 mph on I-25 near Wheatland had a child onboard in an improperly secured car seat. "If you hit something at 117 mph, it's essentially a death sentence,” said the agency’s spokesman.

Kolby FedoreMay 29, 2026

State Rep. Joel Guggenmos, R-Riverton

Riverton State Rep. Doesn't File By Friday Deadline To Run After Residency Issue

A Riverton-based state House representative who lived outside his district for at least seven months of the past year did not file to run for reelection by Friday’s deadline, after the local county clerk opined he was ineligible.

Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2026

A Nebraska man told Cowboy State Daily he suffered a spine fracture in a fall climbing into the cab of the Big Boy 4014 locomotive on Thursday. “A boyhood dream got dashed as I fell 8 feet off of Big Boy 4014 before I got the ride of a lifetime,” he said.

Nebraska Man Fractures Spine After Falling Off Big Boy Locomotive At Whistle-Stop

A Nebraska man told Cowboy State Daily he suffered a spine fracture in a fall climbing into the cab of the Big Boy 4014 locomotive on Thursday. “A boyhood dream got dashed as I fell 8 feet off of Big Boy 4014 before I got the ride of a lifetime,” he said.

Kate MeadowsMay 29, 2026

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

Kemmerer Plans For Man Camp To House 1,600 TerraPower Nuclear Plant Workers

Developers are making proposals to build a man camp for the up to 1,600 workers who will build the TerraPower nuclear power plant near Kemmerer. “It’s more than just a man camp. It’s like a little city within a city,” said the mayor.

Kate MeadowsMay 29, 2026

Greg Hurley is a disabled veteran who has been hosted by the Hunting With Heroes Wyoming program.

Official Says Early Hunts Meant For People With ‘Severe’ Mobility Issues

Advocates for veterans say defining early big game hunting for those with “severe mobility” issues leaves out those with invisible wounds, like PTSD. "There are not enough hunting permits or licenses in the world to thank veterans,” said a state official.

Mark HeinzMay 29, 2026

A Bar Nunn family’s kitchen was destroyed by fire and upper level of the home suffered extensive smoke damage after a late evening blaze. Four dogs were rescued by firefighters, but two of them died, the Mills Fire Chief reported.

Fire Burns Through Bar Nunn Home, Kills Two Family Dogs

A Bar Nunn family’s kitchen was destroyed by fire and upper level of the home suffered extensive smoke damage after a late Thursday blaze. Four dogs were rescued by firefighters, but two of them died, the Mills fire chief reported.

Dale KillingbeckMay 29, 2026

Brooke Messick

Cody Woman Turns Self In Nearly 2 Years After Decomposing Man Found In Bed

Nearly two years after the decomposing body of a Cody man was found in a house after a weekend drug bender with a female friend, the woman turned herself in to authorities this week. She said she wants to “take accountability for my actions."

Kolby FedoreMay 28, 2026

A fire tore through an under-construction apartment in north Cheyenne on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, burning so hot and intense it was “a total loss” in minutes, a witness said. “You could feel the heat like you were standing in front of a campfire,” he said.

‘A Matchbox’: 25-Person ATF Team Investigating Huge Cheyenne Apartment Fire

A 25-person team from the ATF is in Cheyenne to investigate the huge fire that burned a four-story apartment building under construction in minutes Tuesday. It was “just a matchbox with open lumber, ready to go up at any time,” said the fire chief.

Greg JohnsonMay 28, 2026

Microsoft built Cheyenne’s first data center.

Weeks After Unveiling 3,200-Acre Data Center Expansion, Microsoft Adds Another 420

Just weeks after unveiling a 3,200-acre data center expansion around Cheyenne, Microsoft is adding two more parcels totaling 420 acres. The move comes amid a deepening debate over data centers, growth, and water.

Renée JeanMay 29, 2026

This screenshot from a video shows famous Yellowstone grizzly Beryl and her two cubs being harassed by someone flying a drone.

Man Shoots Video Of Illegal Drone Harassing Grizzly And Cubs In Yellowstone

Yellowstone visitors were furious after seeing an illegal drone harassing a grizzly bear and her two cubs. “Everybody was madder than hell,” said the man who got video of the incident. “If anybody caught them, they'd probably have strung them up.”

Andrew RossiMay 28, 2026

Wyoming Democrats in a file photo from the Democratic National Convention in 2024, casting their votes for Kamala Harris.

Democrats Now Have Parties In All Wyoming Counties For First Time In Modern Memory

For the first time in modern memory, Democrats have parties in all 23 Wyoming counties with Niobrara and Lincoln counties finally reviving theirs. "A lot of people are concerned with the Freedom Caucus," a spokesman for the Democrats said.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

Dashcam video released Thursday shows the wild end to a 120 mph Wyoming interstate where a woman was struck by her own moving car as she bailed out and ran on foot. Even with two flat tires, she was still driving more than 100 mph, officials report.

Wyoming Woman Flees Police At 120 MPH, Gets Hit By Her Own Car

Dashcam video released Thursday shows the wild end to a 120 mph Wyoming I-80 chase where a woman was struck by her own moving car as she bailed out and ran on foot. Even with two flat tires, she was still driving more than 100 mph, officials report.

Kolby FedoreMay 28, 2026

he North Platte River’s Miracle Mile section near Casper is a prized trout fishery. There’s concern that a pumped water storage project on Seminoe Reservoir could ruin the fishery

Critics Say Seminoe Project Threatens Miracle Mile Trout Fishery, Casper's Water

Critics told legislators Thursday that a proposed 972-megawatt power project at Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County could threaten Wyoming’s legendary Miracle Mile trout fishery. It also could impact Casper’s water supply, they said.

Mark HeinzMay 28, 2026

Uinta County resident Keaunna Archuleta came to Wednesday's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting with five notebooks filled with questions about the proposed Prometheus Hyperscale data center.

Uinta County Planners Give Unanimous OK To 1.25-Gigawatt Prometheus Data Center

Uinta County planners voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend permit approvals for a huge 1.25-gigawatt data center. “Officials need to do their research on data centers,” said one of the few people from the standing-room-only crowd to speak out.

Renée JeanMay 28, 2026

State Rep. Scott Smith, R-Lingle, left, and Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier.

Freedom Caucus Member Scott Smith Challenging Curt Meier For Wyoming Treasurer

Lingle-based state Rep. Scott Smith, a member of the Freedom Caucus, is challenging Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier for his seat. Smith says he wants to increase Wyoming's wealth, while Meier said that, "He says he's going to do the same thing I am." 

Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2026

Becky Hadlock

Former Weston County Clerk Gets $720 Fine, No Jail As Prosecutor Ditches Felonies

The former Weston County Clerk who admitted to causing errors in the 2024 election was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to a lesser charge in a deal that includes no jail time. That she resigned was “one of the main goals,” said the prosecutor.

Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2026

Daily Features

View all
Sunrise small 5 31 26
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, May 31, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ben Schiffer. Ben writes, "Sunrise in Barnum, Wyoming."

Photo by Ben Schiffer

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

Opinion

View all
Fred harrison 4 23 26

Fred Harrison: A Tale of Two Courts — The Battle For Wyoming’s Constitution

Columnist Fred Harrison writes, "On May 14, the Wyoming Supreme Court handed down a monumental victory for families and separation of powers. The court put down its red pen, picked up a dictionary, and read the Constitution as it was actually written."

Fred HarrisonMay 27, 2026

Dave simpson head 10 3 22

Dave Simpson: I'm Voting For The Skunk At The Garden Party

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "Serving in office, Chuck Gray was often the skunk at the status quo garden party. He had repeated run-ins with Gov Gordon, and two episodes when Gordon reportedly suggested they go outside and settle their differences."

Dave SimpsonMay 25, 2026

Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: Wyoming’s False Spring — 90 Degree Temps & Wet Snow In Same Week.

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "Wyoming’s remarkable ability to dish out Jekyll-and-Hyde weather was on full display. In Lander, we hit the 90s on May 13 and then got blasted with wet snow on May 17."

Bill SniffinMay 23, 2026

Wyoming Life

View all

Outdoors

View all

Crime & Courts

View all