AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News

News

Headlines

View all
For decades, reintroducing grizzlies to California seemed completely unrealistic. Now, the California Legislature is considering a plan that could include relocating Yellowstone grizzlies there.

California Considers Grizzly Reintroduction Plan That Could Use Wyoming Bears

For decades, reintroducing grizzlies to California seemed unrealistic. Now, California lawmakers are considering a plan that could relocate Yellowstone grizzlies there. One skeptic says, "I don’t think it’s feasible. There’s 40 million people in California."

Mark HeinzMarch 13, 2026

Concealed Carry 20260212 capitol 6814 3 12 26

Wyoming Lowers Concealed Carry Age To 18, Some Say It Will Make Young Women Safer

Starting July 1, Wyoming 18-year-olds can get permits to carry concealed firearms. One 18-year-old Riverton woman, who plans to carry a concealed handgun, says it will make her feel safer in “sketchy” places like isolated roadside gas stations.

Mark HeinzMarch 12, 2026

Robert W. Vawdrey

Evanston Man Who Posted Video Threatening To Kill Neighbors Sane Enough For Trial

An Evanston man who repeatedly threatened he’d shoot his neighbors “in the head” and “beat ’em to death” is sane enough to stand trial, a judge ordered this week. He also blames Democrats and the sheriff’s office for taking his property.

Greg JohnsonMarch 12, 2026

Gray wolf yellowstone 3 12 26

Mild Winter Leaves Wyoming Predators Hungry While Big Game Thrive

A mild winter means easy living for Wyoming’s big game, but it also means hard times for predators, because of fewer weakened animals to hunt or winterkill carcasses to devour. "The bonanza for wolves isn’t going to happen this year,” one biologist said.

Mark HeinzMarch 12, 2026

Frontier ambulance 9 25 23

Controversial Three-Quarter Percent Sales Tax Could Head To Fremont County Voters

A proposed three-quarter percent sales tax to cover ambulance services, public transportation and commercial air in Fremont County could land on the August primary ballot after Fremont County Commissioners narrowly passed a resolution in a 3-2 vote.

Kate MeadowsMarch 12, 2026

The cover of the new history book, “Cowboy Soldiers,” which chronicles the Wyoming National Guard from 1870 to 1945.

Wyoming National Guard: The First 75 Years For The 'Cowboy Soldiers' Of The Cowboy State

A new 470-page history book, “Cowboy Soldiers,” has been released chronicling the Wyoming National Guard’s evolution from 1870-1945, even as today’s Guard members make history with recent combat missions in Syria.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 12, 2026

Wyoming House leaders tossed out ethics complaints against Democratic Reps. Mike Yin and Karlee Provenza over the “CheckGate” scandal, finding no rules broken. But they acknowledged the political fallout from the controversy was painful.

No Legislative Misconduct Found Against Dems Who Aired 'CheckGate’ Scandal

Wyoming House leaders on Wednesday dismissed ethics complaints against Democratic Reps. Mike Yin and Karlee Provenza over the “CheckGate” scandal. House Speaker Pro Tem Jeremy Haroldson said they didn't break any rules, but their actions caused fallout.

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2026

The young daughter of a 24-year-old woman found dead Saturday, shot in the face in a Riverton motel room, told authorities: “Daddy was mad at Mommy,” and “Mommy’s dead,” court documents say. 

"Daddy Was Mad At Mommy": Young Girl Finds Mother Dead In Riverton Murder Case

The young daughter of a 24-year-old woman found dead Saturday, shot in the face in a Riverton motel room, told authorities: “Daddy was mad at Mommy,” and “Mommy’s dead,” court documents say. 

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2026

A 14-year-old has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder, accused of shooting his mother in the back of the head in their home in Laramie County just south of Cheyenne city limits.

First-Degree Murder For Cheyenne 14-Year-Old Accused Of Shooting Mom In Head

A 14-year-old Cheyenne boy is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder, accused of shooting his mother in the head from behind. “It’d be a lot easier to accept that she killed herself than my son tried to kill her,” his father said.

Greg JohnsonMarch 11, 2026

A 20-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 between Laramie and Sinclair during a blizzard Wednesday sent two people to hospitals and shut down the highway in both directions. Officials blame ice, high winds, and drivers unprepared for winter’s sudden return.

20-Vehicle Pileup Between Laramie And Sinclair On I-80 Sends Two To Hospital

A 20-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 between Laramie and Sinclair during a blizzard Wednesday sent two people to hospitals and shut down the highway in both directions. Officials blame ice, high winds, and drivers unprepared for winter’s sudden return.

Kate MeadowsMarch 11, 2026

Law enforcement cluttered the Senate gallery Wednesday ahead of an override vote on the Second Amendment Protection Act — a bill all Wyoming sheriffs opposed and on which the Senate failed to override the governor’s veto.

Senate 9 Votes Short Of Reversing Gordon’s Second Amendment Protection Act Veto

The Wyoming Senate tried and failed by nine votes Wednesday to override Gov. Mark Gordon’s veto of a bill called the “Second Amendment Protection Act.” Sheriffs for all 23 Wyoming counties opposed the bill, calling it messy and overreaching.

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2026

Angela Montoya, above, and Alvin Syrovatka.

Torrington Woman Accused Of Letting Boyfriend Molest Girl Set For Plea Hearing

A Torrington woman accused of allowing her boyfriend to perform sex acts with a 4-year-old girl is scheduled for a plea hearing Thursday. The boyfriend, already convicted for abusing the child, will be sentenced Friday.

Greg JohnsonMarch 11, 2026

Just like a fish would, this muskrat bit a flyfishing angler’s fly on the North Platte River. Luckily for the muskrat, a fishing guide quickly removed the hook and set the critter free.

Wyoming Fly Fisherman After Trout Catches Muskrat Instead On North Platte River

A Wyoming fly-fishing and his clients were on a stretch of the North Platte River legendary for its trout when they caught a muskrat on their line instead. The determined rodent chased and bit a string leech on a fishing fly, just like a trout would.

Mark HeinzMarch 11, 2026

House chamber 3 11 26

House Tries, Fails To Override Gordon Veto: Governments Can Still Deduct Union Dues

Despite a gentle insistence by the bill’s sponsor that real, local people see its value, the Wyoming House on Wednesday failed to override Gov. Mark Gordon’s veto of a bill that sought to ban government entities from collecting union dues.

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2026

Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park is increasingly crowded with tourists wanting to capture its Old West Wyoming vibe.

Wyoming Puts Up $4 Million To Keep Up With Impacts From Booming Tourism

Wyoming has launched a $4 million Outdoor Rec and Tourism Trust Fund to expand trails and amenities. The goal is to manage the impacts of a booming tourism industry while improving quality of life for residents and boosting local economies.

Renée JeanMarch 11, 2026

Commercial truckers check in at the Cheyenne Port of Entry about 5 miles north of the Wyoming-Colorado border.

Immigrant Trucker Freed After Wyoming Judge Rejects Homeland Security Policy

A Wyoming judge rejected a new DHS policy that detains immigrants who have been living in the U.S. consistently during their immigration proceedings. He also ordered a bond hearing for a detained immigrant trucker, who is now free while his case continues.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2026

Mc Cormick 1 3 10 26

School District 'Aware' Of Video Showing Cheyenne Teacher Begging Student

Laramie County School District 1 says it’s “aware” of a video showing a Cheyenne junior high teacher on his knees begging a student, telling her that, “I did something very wrong.” One parent told Cowboy State Daily it is "creepy" and "it pissed me off."

Greg JohnsonMarch 10, 2026

Cheyenne City Council voted Monday to delay a final decision on forcibly annexing a farm that sells sells fresh, local produce for eight months after hours of testimony from concerned residents.

Cheyenne City Council Postpones Final Vote On Annexation Of Farm For 8 Months

Cheyenne City Council voted Monday to delay a final decision on forcibly annexing a farm that sells fresh, local produce for eight months after hours of testimony from concerned residents.

Kate MeadowsMarch 10, 2026

Gordon veto 3 10 26

Gordon Vetoes Second Amendment Protection Act, Trump's ICE Agrees

Noting the Trump administration backs him, Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday vetoed the Second Amendment Protection Act - a bill condemned by all 23 Wyoming sheriffs. The bill would penalize Wyoming agencies that help with federal gun enforcement operations.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2026

A prolonged, significant high wind event is predicted for southeastern Wyoming with gusts up 100 mph between Wednesday evening and Saturday especially along the problematic spots on I-80 and I-25.

No Joke: 100 MPH Winds Forecast For Southeastern Wyoming This Week

A "prolonged, significant high wind event" is predicted for southeastern Wyoming between Wednesday and Saturday with gusts up 100 mph — especially along problematic spots on I-80 and I-25. “The winds are going to howl,” said meteorologist Don Day.

Andrew RossiMarch 10, 2026

Wellspring Health Access in Casper is Wyoming's only surgical abortion clinic.

Pro-Choicers Want Retired Judge To Hear Case Against 'Heartbeat' Abortion Ban

The pro-choice coalition that has sued to block every abortion restriction Wyoming has passed since 2022 is challenging the state’s “Heartbeat” act. It filed Tuesday for a retired judge who has already blocked two abortion restrictions to hear the case.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2026

Gov. Mark Gordon, left, and Rep. JD Williams.

Governments Can Keep Collecting Union Dues After Gordon Vetoes Ban

Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill Tuesday that would have barred Wyoming agencies from deducting union and political dues from paychecks. He said he’s frustrated with “the increasing trend of out-of-state interests influencing legislation.”

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2026

The Wyoming Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced that the head of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Tim Cameron is retiring.

WYDOT Announces Retirement Of Wyoming Highway Patrol Chief

The Wyoming Dept of Transportation on Tuesday announced the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s administrator is retiring. Col. Tim Cameron said he was planning on retiring, and his exit isn't due to overtime and staffing controversies in the agency.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2026

A pumpjack works an oil well in Converse County, Wyoming.

Huge Wyoming 5,000-Well Oil Project Loses In Court, But Drilling Continues


A federal judge threw out approval for Wyoming’s massive 5,000-well Converse County Oil and Gas Project over environmental flaws. But drilling continues under a different plan as conservationists and industry battle over wildlife and revenue.

David MadisonMarch 10, 2026

Laramie County Sheriffs Office patrol car 3 10 26

Teen In Custody After Woman Shot In Back Of Head South Of Cheyenne

A teen is in custody after a 41-year-old woman was shot in the back of her head in her home Friday, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday. The woman was life-flighted to a Colorado hospital, where she died.

Greg JohnsonMarch 10, 2026

The first official sighting of a grizzly in Yellowstone has been confirmed. Park officials say the male bear was, not surprisingly, eating. He was spotted feeding on a bison carcass in the northern half of the park on Monday.

Here Come The Bears: Yellowstone's First Grizzly Of 2026 Spotted

The first official sighting of a grizzly in Yellowstone has been confirmed. Park officials say the male bear was, not surprisingly, eating. He was spotted feeding on a bison carcass in the northern half of the park on Monday.

Andrew RossiMarch 10, 2026

‘I did something very wrong” a man says repeatedly in a video showing him on his knees, begging a Cheyenne junior high school girl after a physical altercation last week. School officials say “no comment,” while parents demand answers.

Video Shows Man On Knees Begging Girl After Altercation At Cheyenne School

‘I did something very wrong' a man says repeatedly in a video showing him on his knees, begging a Cheyenne junior high school girl after a physical altercation last week. School officials say “no comment,” while parents demand answers.

Greg JohnsonMarch 09, 2026

Gov. Mark Gordon, left, and Sen. Chris Rothfuss

Nearly $4 Billion Wyoming Education Plan Goes Into Law Without Gordon’s Signature

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday let the state’s new $3.9 billion K-12 education plan become law without his signature. He said his biggest issue was the Legislature cordoning off instructional funding so it can't help "if a school loses a roof.” 

Clair McFarlandMarch 09, 2026

TerraPower officially received a construction permit Monday for its first-of-a-kind Natrium reactor in Kemmerer. “This demonstrates advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to commercialization," the CEO said of the Bill Gates-backed project.

Full Speed Ahead: TerraPower Can Officially Move Forward With Nuclear Plant

TerraPower officially received a construction permit Monday for its first-of-a-kind Natrium reactor in Kemmerer. “This demonstrates advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to commercialization," the CEO said of the Bill Gates-backed project.

David MadisonMarch 09, 2026

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon. FILE PHOTO

Gordon Signs 'Heartbeat' Abortion Ban; Clinic 'Prepared To Challenge' It

Gov. Mark Gordon signed Wyoming’s Human Heartbeat Act on Monday, banning most abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be heard. The state's only abortion clinic says it is an "attack on Wyomingites’ constitutional freedom" and is ready to challenge it.

Clair McFarlandMarch 09, 2026

Insurance rates have soared for rural and vacation properties across Wyoming due to wildfire risk designations. “My insurance tripled from one year to the next just because they had changed the fire rating,” Taft Love told Cowboy State Daily.

Wildfire Insurance Rates Soar For Wyoming Rural And Vacation Properties

Insurance rates have soared for rural and vacation properties across Wyoming due to wildfire risk designations. “My insurance tripled from one year to the next just because they had changed the fire rating,” Taft Love told Cowboy State Daily.

David MadisonMarch 09, 2026

An Iranian blockade sent crude oil above $100 a barrel on Monday, March 9, 2026, boosting producer profits and state revenues. But Wyoming’s oil patches aren’t likely to see that spur production, and economists say the blockade will boost inflation and tank demand.

Why Spike In Oil Prices To Over $100 Is Unlikely To Spur More Drilling In Wyoming

An Iranian blockade sent crude oil above $100 a barrel on Monday, boosting producer profits and state revenues. But Wyoming’s oil patches aren’t likely to see that spur production, and economists say the blockade will boost inflation and tank demand.

Renée JeanMarch 09, 2026

A federal judge in Colorado dismissed nearly all claims by college volleyball players challenging San Jose State’s inclusion of a transgender athlete. The controversy erupted in 2024 when the University of Wyoming and other teams boycotted games because a top SJSU player (Blair Fleming) was transgender.

Judge Tosses Most Claims In San Jose State Trans Volleyball Lawsuit

A federal judge in Colorado dismissed nearly all claims by college volleyball players challenging San Jose State’s inclusion of a trans athlete. The controversy erupted in 2024 when UW and other teams boycotted games because a SJSU player was transgender.

Clair McFarlandMarch 09, 2026

The World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb in Jackson Hole has been canceled because of a lack of snow for just the third time in its 50-plus-year history. “Despite our best efforts, the snow conditions simply do not allow” for it, the organizer said.

World Championship Hill Climb Canceled in Jackson Hole Due To No Snow

The World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb in Jackson Hole has been canceled because of a lack of snow for just the third time in its 50-plus-year history. “Despite our best efforts, the snow conditions simply do not allow” for it, the organizer said.

Kate MeadowsMarch 09, 2026

Four teens in this Chevy Impala escaped serious injury when they collided head-on with a semi south of Gillette on Sunday. They then were struck by a second semi.

Four Teens Walk Away From Head-On With Semi South Of Gillette

Four teenagers escaped serious injury after colliding with a semitruck head-on while trying to pass three other vehicles in a no-passing zone on Highway 59 about 30 miles south of Gillette on Sunday. The 18-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Greg JohnsonMarch 09, 2026

Jackson police 3 9 26

Police Subdue Man Threatening Himself With Knife At Jackson Hole Grocery Store

Jackson police brought down a male threatening himself with a knife inside Albertsons on Monday with bean bag rounds and a Taser. He was hospitalized with self-inflicted injuries. “It worked out as well as it could have," a lieutenant told Cowboy State Daily.

Clair McFarlandMarch 09, 2026

It’s been nearly 60 years since Doug Chamberlain, a Marine veteran and later Wyoming legislator, came home from Vietnam. The war changed him, and he’s still haunted by the Marine he was ordered to leave behind. “It betrayed everything,” he said.

"Bury Him": Wyoming Marine Veteran Still Haunted By The Marine Left Behind In Vietnam

It’s been nearly 60 years since Doug Chamberlain, a Marine veteran and later Wyoming legislator, came home from Vietnam. The war changed him, and he’s still haunted by the Marine he was ordered to leave behind. “It betrayed everything,” he said.

Zakary SonntagMarch 08, 2026

With huge data centers, business parks, and hotels moving forward at what seems lightning-like speed, Cheyenne is being reshaped by a building boom. But there’s nothing sudden about it — this boom has been 40 years in the making. Work is going fast and furious in south Cheyenne on the $800 million Meta data center.

Data Centers, Business Parks, And Hotels Fuel Cheyenne Building Boom

With huge data centers, business parks, and hotels moving forward at what seems lightning-like speed, Cheyenne is being reshaped by a building boom. “Cheyenne has never grown like this,” City Councilman Pete Laybourn said. “It’s incredible."

Renée JeanMarch 08, 2026

A Triceratops named “Trey” has been a popular exhibit at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis for 30 years. Now it’s hit the auction block, and could sell for up to $5.5 million. Some worry Wyoming’s dinosaurs could disappear “with one phone call."

After 30 Years in Wyoming Museum, Triceratops To Be Auctioned; Could Fetch $5.5M

A Triceratops named “Trey” has been a popular exhibit at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis for 30 years. Now on the auction block, it has a pre-sale estimate of $5.5 million. Some worry Wyoming’s dinosaurs could disappear “with one phone call."

Andrew RossiMarch 08, 2026

Joe and Alice Kordonowy bought the Elkhorn in Meeteetse 30 years ago, a rough-and-tumble Wyoming bar. Fights over games of pool and open at 8 a.m., they won over the locals when they realized the new owners “were just down-to-earth oil field trash."

Keeping It In The Family: Meeteetse's Elkhorn Bar Has Rough-And-Tumble Roots

When Joe and Alice Kordonowy bought Meeteetse's Elkhorn Bar & Grill in 1994, Joe had to knock a few heads to prove he was just as tough as the cowboys and oil field workers. It's tamed some over the years but still remains a staple of the community.

Jackie DorothyMarch 08, 2026

A Wyoming legislator who loves Olympic curling wants to take on "those guys in skirts" in Scotland and Wales and end their monopoly on making curling stones. Sen. Cale Case says Wyoming granite could make the world’s best stones. Some of Wyoming's most recognizable granite formations are in the Vedauwoo Recreation Area between Cheyenne and Laramie.

Did You Know? Wyoming Granite Could Be Perfect For Making Olympic Curling Stones.

Wyoming may have the geology to produce Olympic-grade curling stones, a state geologist says. State. Sen. Cale Case, who loves curling, wants to take on "those guys in skirts" in Scotland and Wales and end their monopoly on the making of curling stones.

David MadisonMarch 08, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Monday, March 9, 2026

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsMarch 09, 2026

Daily Features

View all
Sunrise small 3 13 26
PinToday's Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, March 13, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Rob Gray. Rob writes, "Above Inyan Kara Creek covered in a blanket of fog this morning."

Photo by Rob Gray

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
Digitally created Antlers Arch sign with the Teton mountains in the background.

Jackson Hole’s Debates Are Getting Bigger - So Is the Local News Covering Them

AntlersArch.com and the Teton Tattle newsletter aim to bring independent, locally rooted coverage to one of Wyoming’s most influential communities.

March 11, 2026

Cover of the Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions May 1–3, 2026 Live Auction catalog.

LSB Auctions 3-Day Cody Sale of Historic Firearms & Western Items

The May 1–3 live auction at The Cody Auditorium will feature more than 1,200 lots of historic firearms, Western memorabilia, militaria, and sporting collectibles from prominent private collections.

March 09, 2026

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

Opinion

View all
Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Get-Tough Subpoena Bill Dies In Senate

Columnist Joan Barron writes, 'One of the last bills would have made it a felony to ignore a legislative subpoena. The felony level in the bill was a step too high. It was a bad bill and probably would have been vetoed by the governor if it had passed."

Joan BarronMarch 07, 2026

Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: From Wayne Newton To The Gulf Of America - Our Wanderlust Winter

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "For years it has seemed like a pretty good idea to escape Wyoming for a few winter months and head somewhere warmer, places like Las Vegas or Dallas. After all, it’s a great way to get away from the cold."

Bill SniffinMarch 07, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Business As Usual Doesn’t Work Like It Used To

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “The real news is not that Senate President Bo Biteman (R-Ranchester) and Majority Floor Leader Tara Nethercott (R-Cheyenne), continue to play the same old games. It is that the House leaders didn’t.”

Jonathan LangeMarch 06, 2026

Wyoming Life

View all

Outdoors

View all

Crime & Courts

View all