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"We need $6 billion for housing in the next 15 years, and that doesn't include your infrastructure," Wyoming State Treasurer Curt Meier told Republicans.

Meier: Wyoming Needs $6 Billion For Housing And That Doesn't Count Infrastructure

State Treasurer Curt Meier said Wyoming needs $6 billion for housing in the next 15 years and that doesn't count infrastructure. Legislators considered housing legislation this year, but nothing passed. One noteworthy bill died due to "CheckGate."

David MadisonMarch 03, 2026

Gov. Mark Godon, left, and state Sen. Gary Crum, R-Laramie.

Gordon Signs Bill To Keep NIL Money Out Of Wyoming High School Sports

A Wyoming bill to keep name, image, and likeness payouts out of high school sports is now law after Gov. Mark Gordon signed it Tuesday. Gordon said it's a commonsense measure after what's happened to college sports. 

Clair McFarland & David MadisonMarch 04, 2026

State Rep. JD Williams, R-Lusk.

Legislators Say No To Letting Districts Use Teacher, Class Money For Other Things

Wyoming legislators denied amendments Tuesday to allow districts to use money for instruction and teacher pay on other things. Some say districts need leeway, others that the rule guards against districts “continually saying, 'Not enough, need more.’"

Clair McFarlandMarch 04, 2026

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Montana Cowgirl Who Lost "Entire Life" Has Recovered 95% Of Gear From Stolen Trailer

Brittany Miller lost “her entire life” when her blue horse trailer was stolen in Billings on Jan. 31. Over a month later, she recovered her trailer and most of the $15,000-worth of items stored inside. “I’ve got about 95% of my stuff back," she said.

Andrew RossiMarch 03, 2026

The appartment complex where a fatal shooting happened in Riverton in the early morning hours of March 3, 2026.

Riverton Man Fatally Shot In Apartment, Shooter Flees

A Riverton man was shot and killed in an apartment just after midnight Tuesday, according to official and witness reports. An apartment complex assistant manager on scene told Cowboy State Daily the victim had a headshot wound, and the shooter fled.

Clair McFarlandMarch 03, 2026

Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, testifies for the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Wyoming 'Bounty' Bill Inspired By Minnesota Fraud Dies, But Could Return Next Year

A Wyoming legislative committee on Monday voted down a bill that would have promised whistleblowers a cut of penalties against people who cheat the government out of money. “I love the concept of this bill,” one lawmaker said before voting to table it.

Clair McFarlandMarch 03, 2026

Colorado allows only cage traps for species such as bobcats. Some want to ban the commercial sale of wildlife fur there; trappers say it’s a ruse to try banning trapping altogether.

Colorado Braces For Mob Scene Over Proposal To Ban Sale Of Trapped Fur

A push to ban the sale of trapped wildlife fur has become an emotional powder keg in Colorado, with a vote on it expected Wednesday. Opponents say it’s an “extremist” move by “vegans and vegetarians," while supporters call it closing a loophole. 

Mark HeinzMarch 04, 2026

State Sens. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Torrington, and Chris Rothfull, D-Laramie, sparred Tuesday, March 3, 2026, over a bill that increasses the pentalties for ignoring a legislative subpoena.

"Authoritarian" Bill Making Defiance Of Legislative Subpoena A Felony Heads To Gov.

A bill elevating the penalty for dodging a legislative subpoena from a misdemeanor to a felony carrying up to one year in prison passed both chambers this week. It drew sharp criticism from senators who said they handed themselves "authoritarian power"

David MadisonMarch 03, 2026

With $15 million approved in the $9.9 billion biennial budget approved Monday, Cheyenne is closer than ever to landing the PRCA headquarters and museum. Sen. Ogden Driskill said the funding "probably had deeper support statewide than anything I’ve seen."

$15 Million For PRCA Move To Cheyenne Survives Budget Votes, Heads To Governor

With $15 million approved in the $9.9 billion biennial budget approved Monday, Cheyenne is closer than ever to landing the PRCA headquarters and museum. Sen. Ogden Driskill said the funding "probably had deeper support statewide than anything I’ve seen."

Renée JeanMarch 03, 2026

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Casper Man Accused Of Putting Loaded Gun To Pregnant Girlfriend’s Head

A 30-year-old Casper man made his first court appearance Monday, accused of putting a loaded gun to the head of his eight-months-pregnant girlfriend and threatening to shoot her dog. He denied the charges, then urinated in a police department trash can.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 03, 2026

Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses Through Drive-Thru

Powell Farmer Says McDonald's Has Apologized, Will Allow Horses & Wagon In Drive-Thru

After a Powell McDonald's made international headlines last week for banning a farmer who used a drive-thru with a team of horses, the man said the franchise apologized and reversed its ban. “The support across the state has been staggering,” he said.

Andrew RossiMarch 02, 2026

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Wells Fargo Bank Chooses The Wyoming Reserve In Casper To Store Precious Metals

Wells Fargo has chosen The Wyoming Reserve in Casper to store its precious metals. A University of Wyoming finance professor says that's a big deal for the state. "It signals that Wyoming is no longer just an energy or agriculture story."

Renée JeanMarch 03, 2026

A Sweetwater County home respite care program is closing at the end of March after nearly 50 years. Budget cuts forced the move as the county adjusts for collecting less in property tax and other revenues.

Budget Cuts Shut Down 50-Year Sweetwater County Home Respite Care Program

A Sweetwater County home respite care program is closing at the end of March after nearly 50 years. Budget cuts forced the move as the county adjusts for collecting less in property tax and other revenues.

Tracie SullivanMarch 03, 2026

Rep. John Bear, House Appropriations chair (left) and Gov. Mark Gordon (right) both claimed victory on Monday with passage of the budget.

Governor, Freedom Caucus Claim Victory As Legislature Passes $9.9 Billion Budget

Despite compromises from all sides, Gov. Gordon, Senate leaders, and House leaders all claimed victory on Monday as the Wyoming Legislature passed a $9.9 billion, two-year budget. “What a win for Wyoming!” the governor said.

Clair McFarlandMarch 02, 2026

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Attempt To Resurrect Teton County Housing Bill Linked To CheckGate Fails In Senate

A vocal minority in the Wyoming Senate tried and failed Monday to resurrect a housing bill linked to the "CheckGate" scandal. Senate President Bo Biteman said the bill was "tainted" and should be handled next year.

Clair McFarlandMarch 02, 2026

The 70-year-old Fort Diablo in Glenrock was gutted by a fire Sunday, leaving the landmark restaurant “a total loss.” “I just couldn’t believe it,” owner Kevin Tate said about watching it burn. “This just sucks.”

‘A Total Loss’: Fire Guts Landmark Glenrock Restaurant Fort Diablo

The 70-year-old Fort Diablo in Glenrock was gutted by a fire Sunday, leaving the landmark restaurant “a total loss.” “I just couldn’t believe it,” owner Kevin Tate said about watching it burn. “This just sucks.”

Greg JohnsonMarch 02, 2026

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Jackson Man To Plead To 5th DUI For Driving Chevy Tahoe In The Gros Ventre River

A 53-year-old Jackson man who drove his Chevy Tahoe about a mile up the Gros Ventre River is scheduled to plead guilty to his fifth DUI in 10 years on Tuesday. He almost hit a fisherman before getting the SUV stuck in the middle of the river.

Greg JohnsonMarch 03, 2026

Wyoming lawmakers advanced a bill Monday that criminalizes filing false election audits, despite such actions already being illegal. “I still think just to make it even clearer — why would we not do this?” Secretary of State Chuck Gray (left) said. Rep. Cale Case (right) voted no.

In Wake Of Weston Election Scandal, Bill Advanced Criminalizing False Election Audits

Wyoming lawmakers advanced a bill Monday that criminalizes filing false election audits, despite such actions already being illegal. “I still think just to make it even clearer — why would we not do this?” Secretary of State Chuck Gray said.

David MadisonMarch 02, 2026

Cathy Holman, whose daughter was stalked for nearly a year, testified at the House Judiciary Committee Meeting

Legislation Making Child Stalking And Grooming Felonies Headed To Gov's Desk

Bills making child stalking and grooming standalone felony crimes are headed for the governor's desk. The stalking bill came from a high-profile case where a 41-year-old in Glenrock stalked and harassed a 16-year-old teen for a year and received probation.

Jen KocherMarch 02, 2026

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Attempt To Repeal Carbon Capture Mandate Fails As Wyoming Lawmakers Run Out Of Time

Rep. Chris Knapp’s effort to repeal Wyoming's carbon capture mandate failed on Monday as it was the final day for bills to advance out of committee. The bill’s death extends the debate over whether carbon capture helps or hurts Wyoming’s coal industry.

David MadisonMarch 02, 2026

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Thermopolis Caregiver Accused Of Neglecting 87-Pound Deaf And Blind Elderly Man

A Thermopolis woman is accused of neglecting an elderly man in her care who’s deaf, mostly blind, and weighs 87 pounds. A visiting doctor reported finding him wearing adult diapers that hadn’t been changed in 10-14 days.

Greg JohnsonMarch 02, 2026

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees looks through the sights of an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a USO visit to Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

West Virginia's Move To Legalize Machine Guns Could Lead Wyoming To Do The Same

If lawmakers in West Virginia are successful in legalizing fully automatic firearms, Wyoming could follow suit. Law professor and director of UW’s Firearms Research Center said, "I could totally see it catching on here in Wyoming and Montana."

Mark HeinzMarch 02, 2026

Sheridan Community Land Trust leads a walking tour of history along Soldier Ridge Trail.

Instead of ‘Keep Out,’ Wyoming Rancher Invites People To ‘Come Hike’ On His Property

Many private ranches in Wyoming are more likely to post “Keep Out” signs than invite people to hike on their land. One rancher took a chance a decade ago, and the result is a legacy trail that will forever protect the view for Sheridan’s western edge.

Renée JeanMarch 01, 2026

Kenyan nursing student Irene Gakwa vanished from Gillette in 2022, and her family fears she’s dead. Her ex-boyfriend is a person of interest but hasn’t been charged, and the case remains active.

Now Four Years Gone, Family Fears Worst For Missing Gillette Student Irene Gakwa

It’s been four years since Kenyan nursing student Irene Gakwa vanished from Gillette in February 2022, and her family fears she’s dead. Her ex-boyfriend, now out of prison for stealing her bank card, hasn’t been charged but remains a person of interest, police say.

Jen KocherMarch 01, 2026

A young grizzly bear and two wolves had a close encounter in Yellowstone National Park. It was a passing moment, not the beginning of a best-buddies relationship between the apex predators.

Don't Read Too Much Into A Peaceful Moment Between Yellowstone Wolves And Grizzly

Although a spectacular photo taken by a wildlife photographer in Yellowstone may give the illusion that this grizzly and two wolves are buddies, they're not. Biologist Cecily Costello said It just means they’ve decided fighting right then wasn't worth the risk.

Mark HeinzMarch 02, 2026

An aerial view of a wind turbine farm in southern Wyoming.

By The Numbers: Comparing South Dakota's Largest Wind Project To Wyoming's

South Dakota just announced the largest wind project in its state with 87 turbines costing $750 million. For comparison, Wyoming's largest wind project, now under construction, will have more than 600 turbines and will cost $5 billion.

Kate MeadowsMarch 01, 2026

Only one specimen of Alcovasaurus has ever been found, named for the tiny Wyoming town of Alcova, where it was discovered more than 100 years ago. It almost went extinct again when a burst pipe destroyed most of the fossils at the University of Wyoming. The fossilized femur and plaster tail spike of Alcovasaurus in the collections of the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. Despite over a century of searching in the Morrison Formation, and millions of Late Jurassic fossils found, this is only Alcovasaurus fossil known to exist.

Alcovasaurus: The Wyoming Dinosaur That Almost Went Extinct Again After Discovery

Only one specimen of Alcovasaurus has ever been found, named for the tiny Wyoming town of Alcova, where it was discovered more than 100 years ago. It almost went extinct again when a burst pipe destroyed most of the fossils at the University of Wyoming.

Andrew RossiMarch 01, 2026

Jazz vocal group The Manhattan Transfer became a household name in 1981 with the release of their hit “Boy From New York City.” Cheyenne’s Trist Curless, far right, sang bass in the quartet for the last 10 years of their run.

The Cheyenne Man Who Sang Bass For The Manhattan Transfer

Jazz vocal group The Manhattan Transfer became a household name in 1981 with the release of their hit “Boy From New York City.” Cheyenne’s Trist Curless sang bass in the quartet for the last 10 years of their run.

Wendy CorrMarch 01, 2026

In her last Hollywood on-screen role, Martha Sleeper of Meeteetse, Wyoming, played the role of Patsy’s mother in “The Bells of St. Mary’s” with Bing Crosby and William Gargan.

How A Meeteetse Sheep Rancher’s Daughter Became A Hollywood Movie Starlet

The daughter of a Meeteetse, Wyoming, sheep rancher, Martha Sleeper became a Hollywood starlet from the 1920s to 1940s. Trading the ranch for big city, she shared movie screens with film giants like John Wayne, Bing Crosby and Randolph Scott.

Jackie DorothyMarch 02, 2026

Actor Roy Rogers, the 'King of Cowboys', riding his horse Trigger in front of a group of school children at Harringay Stadium, London, March 20 1954. He's on his favorite of his own brand of plastic saddles.

Western Star Roy Rogers Preferred Plastic Saddles Made In Lusk, Wyoming

Roy Roger’s iconic red, white and blue saddle with its vibrant colors is not leather like many fans assume but a plastic saddle made in Lusk, Wyoming. The western star was so enthralled with them that he became a spokesman for the fledgling company.

Jackie DorothyMarch 01, 2026

If Wyomingites want to see the only total lunar eclipse of 2026, they’ll need to set their alarms for 4 a.m. Tuesday. And they might want to, as it will be blood red and the last until February 2027.

Set Your Alarm Clocks, Wyoming: Blood Red Lunar Eclipse At 4 a.m. Tuesday

The only total lunar eclipse of 2026 will happen early Tuesday morning. For Wyomingites, that means getting up at 4 a.m. Anyone who sleeps in will miss it all. The moon will set shortly before sunrise and before the eclipse is over. 

Andrew RossiMarch 01, 2026

Teton County has again been named the richest in the nation with the No.1 per capita income. That’s a huge turnaround for a county that once was listed as one of the nation’s neediest.

Teton County Continues As The Nation's Richest (And It's Not Even Close)

Teton County has again been named the richest county in the nation with a per capita income of $532,903. Not only is it six times greater than the national average of $73,204 but beats the second-highest county by more than $250,000.

Renée JeanFebruary 28, 2026

The Teton County Republican Party Chair Kat Rueckert and Rebecca Bextel at the Wyoming Republican Party's quarterly Central Committee meeting Saturday at Little America in Cheyenne. At one point during the meeting, Rueckert turned to the media and suggested they cover Wyoming’s connection to the Epstein files instead of CheckGate.

No CheckGate Reckoning At Wyoming GOP Meeting As Leaders Blast Media, Gordon

There was no dealing with the so-called “CheckGate” controversy at Saturday’s state GOP Central Committee meeting. Instead, party leaders blamed the media for its coverage and redirected attention on Gov. Mark Gordon’s campaign spending.

David MadisonFebruary 28, 2026

Sweetheart is a longhorn cow that's part of Jeff Ketcham's herd near Cheyenne. On Monday, she gave birth to a calf, keeping her streak of having at least one calf a year for 20 straight years.

Old Reliable: Sweetheart The Longhorn Cow Has Produced 20 Calves In 20 Years

Sweetheart, the longhorn cow, gave birth on Monday to her 20th calf in 20 years. Jeff Ketcham, a rancher near Cheyenne, says not only is Sweetheart reliable but easy to handle. “I’ve never had to pull a calf. I’ve never had to doctor them either," he said.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 28, 2026

Wildlife biologists examine a mountain lion during research into the interactions between mountain lions and wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Why Scientists Doped Up Mountain Lions And Climbed Down Trees With Them In Yellowstone

Faced with the quandary of how to get mountain lions out of trees for scientific analysis, researchers dosed them with ketamine, then climbed up to place harnesses on the still-conscious cats. “It’s definitely a little wild," one of the scientists said.

Mark HeinzFebruary 28, 2026

Former Rawlins Mayor Everett Mann on his 101st birthday at Cappy's Restaurant.

At 101, Former Rawlins Mayor, WW II Veteran And Candy Lover Is Living A Sweet Life

Everett Mann is a former mayor of Rawlins, a World War II veteran where he earned two Purple Hearts, and just celebrated his 101st birthday. He admits to being an optimist and said that the secret of his longevity "is eat everything you want … including candy.”

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 28, 2026

Dan Kinneman of Riverton has been hunting crows since he was 14. He’s says crows are harder to hunt than ducks and geese, because they’re smarter.

Wyoming Crow Hunters Can Blast All They Want, But Nobody Eats The Birds

Mention of bird hunting might conjure up images of hunters and dogs pounding the brush in hopes of kicking up pheasants. But crow hunting is a thing in Wyoming too. No license is required, and there’s no bag limit. Hunters can just blast away.

Mark HeinzMarch 01, 2026

Singer, songwriter Michael DeGreve played at Cheyenne's Hitching Post for 30 years

Former Cheyenne Icon Michael DeGreve Battling Terminal Illness, Wants To Create More Music

With a terminal illness tightening its grip, Michael DeGreve, an icon at Cheyenne's Hitching Post for decades, wants to finish his last major work before the music stops. "Some of my best songs I’ve never even recorded. I've got work to do, brother."

Zakary SonntagFebruary 28, 2026

Charles Cosby was a popular newspaperman in Wyoming when he ran for Albany County sheriff in 1927, winning easily. But just four months later, he was gunned after surprising a suspected car thief.

Wyoming History: Laramie Newspaperman-Turned-Sheriff Gunned Down In 1927

Charles Cosby was a popular newspaperman in Wyoming when he ran for Albany County sheriff in 1927, winning easily. But just four months later, he was gunned down after surprising a suspected car thief. The gunman did not shoot the deputy.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 01, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Hank Ruland. Hank writes, "Pinedale sunrise looking east into the Wind River range from my porch. Column after column of reds."

Photo by Randy Bell

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

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Photo of Hilltop Bank Downtown Cheyenne, located at 101 W. 19th Street (cross street 19th and Central)

Hilltop Bank completes acquisition of Cheyenne State Bank

On Friday, February 27, Hilltop Bank officially completed its acquisition of Cheyenne State Bank. The Hilltop Bank team invites you to check out the newest location by visiting 101 W. 19th Street in Downtown Cheyenne.

March 03, 2026

Teachers and Students receiving the Word of God in different schools in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

An Unexpected Open Door in Central America’s Public Schools

Vision Beyond Borders, based in Casper, Wyoming, has spent decades distributing Bibles in places where access to Scripture is limited or restricted. Now, in a remarkable turn, doors are opening in public school systems across Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Colombia.

March 02, 2026

Andrew Joannides (from left to right), Beth Blackwell, Hallee Crozier, Jonee Crozier and Mantha Phillips celebrate on Feb. 25 at the Wyoming Capitol after the Stem Cell Freedom Act was unanimously passed by the House, Labor and Social Services Committee.

The Stem Cell Freedom Act: Your Stem Cells, For Your Treatment

The Hoskinson Government and Policy Center proudly supports the Stem Cell Freedom Act, a bill expanding access to life-saving stem cell treatments in Wyoming. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 Wyoming Legislature.

February 26, 2026

Opinion

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Tom Lubnau:  Checkgate Theater — Everyone Knows The Ending To The Investigation

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Disband the committee. Stop wasting time. Stop pretending the outcome is uncertain. What happened stinks. It may not be illegal, but it damaged the institution — and pretending otherwise only deepens the damage."

Tom LubnauFebruary 22, 2026

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Joan Barron: This Will Be 'The Check-Gate Session'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The check passing wasn’t just an amazing error of judgment. It was a monumental breach of protocol and the ethics of the Legislature."

Joan BarronFebruary 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Is This About 'Bad Optics,' Or A Witch Hunt?

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes,  “Maybe we should pass a rule that campaign donations can only be hand delivered on the House floor. That would give the people of Wyoming unprecedented transparency.”

Jonathan LangeFebruary 21, 2026

Wyoming Life

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