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Wyoming Man Cody Roberts Signs Plea Agreement In Notorious Wolf Torture Case
Accused of torturing a wolf two years ago in a case that received global condemnation, Cody Roberts has agreed to plead guilty or no contest to one count of felony animal cruelty. He will face prison time if he fails strict probation requirements.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
"That Ain't No Coyote": Rancher Kills Wolf In Southeastern Wyoming Near Carpenter
A Laramie County rancher shot a roughly 2-year-old male wolf near Carpenter, Wyoming, where wolves are almost never seen. It may be the first recorded legal wolf killing in the county, and its origin remains unclear.
Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2026
Wyoming Senate, House Choose Teams To Hash Out $170 Million Budget Gap
Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman on Wednesday announced the appointment of the five senators he's sending to smooth out $170 million in budget differences between the Senate and the state House of Representatives. The House picked its members Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026
PRCA Bill Stumbles, But $15M From State For Move To Cheyenne Not Dead
A House committee gave a surprise “no” vote Wednesday for $15 million to move the PRCA headquarters to Cheyenne. But the money for the move isn’t dead, supporters say.
Renée JeanFebruary 26, 2026
Buffalo Man Accused Of Making Pipe Bombs After Trying To Buy Fuses At Local Stores
A Buffalo man who walked into two local hardware stores with a length of galvanized steel pipe and asked if the stores sold “fuses” has been arrested on suspicion of making pipe bombs. He told police he makes homemade “fireworks” and “smoke bombs.”
Greg JohnsonFebruary 26, 2026
Controversial Gun Rights Bill Passes Committee, Cops Still Don’t Like It
A Wyoming Senate committee on Wednesday forwarded a gun rights bill to the House floor. While tweaked, law enforcement officers still don’t like it, claiming it could allow criminals to sue them over technicalities.
Mark HeinzFebruary 26, 2026
Massive Turnout As Bill To Purge Sex Books From Kids' Library Sections Heads To Senate
In a passionate debate held Wednesday over a bill that would let people sue libraries for keeping sexually explicit books in the children's section, some argued the Bible could spark lawsuits. “We have a lawsuit hanging over our head,” said Rep. Crago.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
USDA Reports 15,000 Small Farms Closed or Consolidated Last Year In The U.S.
The U.S. lost 15,000 small farms in 2025 due to being sold or consolidated. Although Wyoming has avoided major losses, Farm Bureau president Todd Fornstrom said, "When you get rid of so many small farms, you’re taking rural people out of rural America."
Andrew RossiFebruary 25, 2026
Wyoming Lawmakers Bet Big On $87 Million Veterans Home Remodel
Wyoming lawmakers approved an $87 million remodel of the Veterans Home in Buffalo after years of delay and rising estimates. Supporters argued action can’t wait, while skeptics warned the state’s construction spending is “adding up.”
David MadisonFebruary 26, 2026
There’s Been Hardly Any Winter, So Why So Many Deaths On Wyoming Roads?
There’s been hardly any winter in Wyoming so far this year, but highway fatalities are up nearly double compared to the last two years. The Wyoming Highway Patrol says that shows speed and driver inattention are more deadly than road conditions.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 25, 2026
Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Version Of “Tim Tebow Law” For Homeschool Athletes
Wyoming lawmakers on Wednesday advanced a bill expanding homeschoolers’ access to public school activities from grades 6-12 to all K-12. The move mirrors “Tim Tebow Laws” in other states allowing equal participation for homeschooled athletes.
David MadisonFebruary 25, 2026
Senate Committee Forwards Firefighting Bills Over Fear Of Brutal Fire Season
A lone monitoring station on the Laramie Range is reading just 3% of its normal snowpack. That's a number that explains why, 40 miles down the road in Cheyenne, lawmakers were advancing legislation to put more firefighters in the field before fire season.
David MadisonFebruary 25, 2026
Governor Won't Push To Oust Platte County Commissioners
Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday said will not be waging a civil case to remove three Platte County Commissioners from office, despite citizens’ complaints. He said many claims were speculative and voters have the power to make changes in the primary.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
From Hawaii Ranch To Wyoming Range: Casper’s Debbie Pummel Is Tourism Award Winner
Hawaii native Debbie Pummel, a Casper resident for 33 years, won Wyoming’s 2026 BigWYO tourism award for her three decades of leadership in the state’s hospitality industry and her dedication to mentoring future tourism professionals.
Renée JeanFebruary 25, 2026
Wyoming Diesel Delete Mechanic Pardoned By Trump Goes To State Of The Union
One year ago, Troy Lake was in federal prison for "deleting" emissions systems on ailing diesel engines. On Tuesday, he attended President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Sentence For Teen Who Fatally Shot Ex-Girlfriend Appropriate
The Wyoming Supreme Court Tuesday ruled that the lengthy sentence for a Casper teen who pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge was appropriate. The teen’s attorney argued it violated Wyoming statutes and represented “unusual” punishment.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 25, 2026
Wyoming Couple Weathers Chaos In Puerto Vallarta, Has No Plans To Leave
A Thermopolis couple who rent a vacation home in Puerto Vallarta is doing fine after cartel violence rocked the city. “Sunday was a day from hell. We didn’t know what was going on," Lindy Be Hughes told Cowboy State Daily. The couple has no plans to leave.
Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2026
‘What A Difference A Year Makes’: Delegation Praises Trump’s State Of The Union
Wyoming’s congressional delegation praised President Trump’s Tuesday State of the Union address, with Sen. John Barrasso comparing his first year to Biden’s time in office: “What a difference a year makes.” State Democrats say that year has been disastrous.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 25, 2026
Gordon Says House Made 'Cuts In Name Only,' But Budget's Looking OK
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon told reporters Tuesday he’s optimistic about the budget, though the House made some “cuts in name only.” House Appropriations Chair John Bear disagreed and cited bleak projections.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
Influential Outdoorsman Says Wolves Cost Western States More Than Tourism Brings In
It’s commonly argued that wolves are worth millions to the economies of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, because they’re such tourist magnets. Others, like outdoorsman Trinity Vandenacre, say wolves ultimately drain more from the states’ economies than they bring in.
Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2026
Cheyenne Forced Annexation Fight Over Farm Heats Up Ahead Of Final Vote
Things got heated at the Cheyenne city council meeting Monday over whether the city would annex a popular farm business. When the owner didn't accept being called out of order, the mayor said, "You can sit down and you cannot accept it. I don’t care.”
Kate MeadowsFebruary 24, 2026
So Far, The Wyoming Business Council Remains Alive
After a Senate bill to reform the Wyoming Business Council stalled on Tuesday, the agency continues to remain alive in both chambers. "The question is, how much money will they have," Sen. Chris Rothfuss told Cowboy State Daily.
David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026
First-Degree Murder Charge For Wind River Man Accused In Retaliation Ambush
A Fremont County man accused of helping ambush a man on the Wind River Reservation has been charged with first-degree murder and bound over for trial on Friday. Five others were also allegedly involved, including one who told informants he “took him out.”
Greg JohnsonFebruary 25, 2026
Committee Passes $3 Million Forest Health Bill Program To Help Reduce Wildfire Risk
Sen. Larry Hicks on Tuesday argued that now is the time to pass a $3 million forest health bill because the Trump administration has created favorable conditions that haven’t existed in his three decades working in forestry and natural resources.
David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026
"The Next 6-8 Weeks Are Critical": Meteorologists See Hope For More Winter Weather
With less than a month left in the winter season, Wyoming is getting some much-needed snow in the mountains. Meteorologists believe there are encouraging signs for continued snowfall. "The next six to eight weeks are absolutely critical," Don Day said.
Andrew RossiFebruary 24, 2026
In Push For Federal Mineral Leasing Control, Who Owns The Land?
What started Monday as a straightforward hearing on letting Wyoming run the federal mineral leasing program turned into a debate over something far bigger — whether the state should formally acknowledge that the federal government owns the land beneath its feet.
David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026
House, Senate To Negotiate $170 Million In Budget Differences
The Wyoming House of Representatives on Monday handed the Senate a two-year budget draft totaling $9.96 billion, while the Senate sent the House a $10.13 billion draft budget of its own; a difference of $170 million.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026
Casper Teen Gets 10-16 Years For Fatally Shooting 16-Year-Old Friend With Glock
A 19-year-old Casper man was sentenced to 10-16 years in prison Tuesday for unintentionally killing his 16-year-old friend. The victim's father said he never thought the last time he would see his son would be holding “his cold hands” at a mortuary.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 24, 2026
Wyoming Supreme Court Won't Reconsider Abortion Ruling, Rejects Hail Mary Argument
The Wyoming Supreme Court declined last week to hear the Wyoming Attorney General’s argument that a court ruling declaring abortion is a fundamental health care right is flawed.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026
“I Want My Husband To Quit”: Highway Patrol Families Say Low Pay Creating Crisis
Wyoming troopers and their families say low pay, lost overtime and short staffing are driving burnout and resignations. The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association's first-ever social media blitz — run by a 25-year veteran who doesn't use Facebook — has gone viral.
David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026
Wyoming Governor's Tourism Convention 2026: New Tourism Chief Outlines Vision
Wyoming's new tourism chief Dominic Bravo on Monday said the very idea that tourism is a "soft industry" doesn't work for him. Those are fighting words, he says. Tourism is the state’s No. 2 industry, generating nearly $5 billion in economic impact.
Renée JeanFebruary 24, 2026
While Laramie Woman Was Fighting In A Bar, Her 2-Year-Old Was Home Alone
Breaking up a fight between two women at a Laramie bar led police to discover the 2-year-old child of one had been left home alone for hours. Police found the child in a dark, 90-degree room wearing a soiled diaper, say court documents available Monday.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 23, 2026
‘Checkgate' Bill To Eliminate Teton Housing Rules Clears Wyoming House
The Wyoming House passed a bill Monday to kill Jackson and Teton County affordable housing policies. It’s the bill pushed by conservative activist Rebecca Bextel, who’s at the center of legislative probes for handing out checks on the House floor.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026
Gray’s Election Bill Dies Amid Clash Over Accountability, ‘Personality Conflicts'
Sec. Chuck Gray told a Senate committee that a 15-month pursuit of a county clerk proved the system was broken. Sen. Cale Case said the bill was feeding a political dispute between the state's top officials and called the animosity “very disappointing.”
David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026
University Of Wyoming Pushes Back On Budget Cuts: "No Cuts Are Appropriate, Period"
The University of Wyoming on Monday said it disagrees with a House budget tweak that lawmakers framed as an 'Art-of-the-Deal' negotiation. “The university continues to oppose any cut. UW is adamant: No cuts are appropriate, period," said a spokesman.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026
Rock Springs Bookkeeper Admits Stealing From Union For Years
A Rock Springs woman who was a bookkeeper for a local contractors union for 25 years admitted to police she’s taken nearly $30,000 since 2016. She said she would write checks to herself when “having a hard time paying her bills.”
Greg JohnsonFebruary 23, 2026
Victory: Cheyenne Toddler Born With Cancer Spent First 18 Months Fighting For Life
Born with cancer, toddler Dorothy Pontillo suffered months of pain before an MRI found a massive tumor. Her parents’ persistence and help from a group that helps families with medical bills helped Dorothy survive. Now she's happy and pain-free.
Jackie DorothyFebruary 23, 2026
Why Does Wyoming Law Enforcement Advertise Where DUI Task Forces Are Set Up?
You would think law enforcement would be able to catch more impaired drivers if they didn’t advertise where DUI task forces were set up. But that’s not the purpose, says Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak.
Andrew RossiFebruary 23, 2026
Horseracing Is Sparking An Equine Economic Boom In Evanston
Uinta County rancher Jack Sims says there are new signs of life in Evanston thanks to the horse racing industry. “There’s over 300 brood mares in the Wyoming breeding program around Evanston,” Sims said. “And it’s bringing a lot of money to this county.”
Renée JeanFebruary 23, 2026
Wyoming House Rejects Attempt To Make Abortion Ban 'Viability' Instead Of ‘Hearbeat'
A bill to ban abortions in Wyoming after the point at which a heartbeat can be heard remains unchanged after lawmakers tried to tweak it Monday. Rep. Mike Yin said he believes the judicial branch will halt the ban if it passes, and abortion will remain legal.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026
Idaho Man Poaches Deer On Elementary School Lawn, Then Comes Back For Carcass
In a case that a wildlife officer described as "crazy" and “a first for me,” an Idaho man allegedly shot a deer on an elementary school lawn after dark, left for about two hours, and then came back and loaded the deer’s carcass into his pickup.
Mark HeinzFebruary 23, 2026
Ranchers Are Putting Flashing Lights On Cattle And Sheep To Keep Predators Away
Seeking a cheap and effective way to protect livestock from predators, Utah researchers think they have an answer — put flashing lights on sheep and cattle to scare them off. Critics say predators will get used to them and go back to killing livestock.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026
How A Classically Trained Violinist From Casper Became Chancey Williams' Fiddler
Brooke Latka was born and raised in Casper and classically trained as a violinist, but was drawn to the personality of country fiddle. For the past 17 years, she's been the fiddler for country music star Chancey Williams and his band.
Jackie DorothyFebruary 22, 2026
Part 4: Who Is D.B. Cooper? FBI’s ‘One-In-A-Billion’ Parachute Returns
Part 4 In A Series: A parachute found on D.B. Cooper suspect Richard McCoy’s family property was seized and tested by the FBI, then quietly returned in December, 2025, without explanation. The ambiguous action and closed lips from the FBI is fueling new theories about the notorious skyjacking.
Jen KocherFebruary 22, 2026
Casper Man Trades Tech Career For Rescuing Women In Uganda By Tying Fishing Flies
A Casper man traded his very successful tech career in Austin for a far different mission — rescuing sex-abused women in Uganda. He and his wife are teaching them to be self-sufficient by tying high-end fishing flies and selling them in the U.S.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 22, 2026
30 Years Later: Looking Back On The Filming Of 'Starship Troopers'
30 years ago this summer, Melissa Parkinson and Tana Libolt landed the most unusual job they ever had. They were hired to be dead bodies at Hell’s Half Acre for the filming of 'Starship Troopers.' They were among 300 who answered a newspaper ad in Casper.
Renée JeanFebruary 22, 2026
Did You Know? Elk Are Nature's Garbage Disposals, They'll Eat Anything
Elk could be regarded as walking septic tanks in that the range of bacteria in their gut allows them to eat things other animals can't handle. They have a multi-stomach digestive system and the first stomach is “essentially a fermentation vat."
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026
The Story Behind Chris Navarro's 15-Foot Bronze Of Steamboat At U.W.
It took over a year for celebrated Wyoming bronze artist Chris Navarro to create the 15-foot sculpture of Steamboat located on the University of Wyoming campus. “It’s more than just a symbol of UW. It’s a symbol of Wyoming," Navarro said.
Andrew RossiFebruary 22, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Donna Robinson. Donna writes, "The start of another beautiful day in Ten Sleep."
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: Cruelty Is Not Conservatism
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Dave Simpson: We Used To Be Welcome In The People's House
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Gail Symons: Just Here For The Circus... In The House
Opinion by Gail Symons
Cassie Craven: Signing Off
Opinion by Cassie Craven
Tom Lubnau: Checkgate Theater — Everyone Knows The Ending To The Investigation
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Sponsored
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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
“I Didn’t Realize How Much My Teeth Were Negatively Impacting My Life”
How a routine dental visit uncovered the root of years of pain and discomfort.
February 23, 2026
Vision Beyond Borders Sends Bibles To The Nations
For over 30 years, the Vision Beyond Borders teams have carried Bibles—along with medicine, clothing, and necessary supplies—into places like Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela.
February 02, 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
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
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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Before Wyoming Became A Major Semitruck Route, 16-Mule Teams Hauled Freight
Jackie DorothyFebruary 22, 2026
If You Want To Live In A Fallout Shelter, This Cokeville 'Basement Home' Is It
Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2026
Remembering Elise, The Wyoming 5-Year-Old Killed By A Snowboarder Going 50 MPH
Jackie DorothyFebruary 21, 2026
144 Years Later: Family Of Wyoming Pioneer Gov. B.B. Brooks Keeps Ranching Alive
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 21, 2026
Uh-Oh: Joe Pickett Shot In The Head In New C.J. Box Book "The Crossroads"
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2026
Outdoors
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Circle Of Life: Eagles, Ravens Feast On Bison Killed By Wolves In Yellowstone
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026
Death Of Grizzly Called ‘Tex’ In Canada Mirrors Controversies Over Wyoming Bears
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026
Snowmobilers Cheer: Iconic Albany Lodge West Of Laramie Reopening Under New Name
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
Yellowstone’s Beloved Coyote Trickster Limpy Is Starting To Show His Age
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
Bears Dash Across Ski Slope As Mild Winter Sparks Unusual Sightings
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
Crime & Courts
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‘She’s The Devil’: Buffalo Mom Of 5 Accused Of Assaulting Kids With Knife, Hammer
Greg JohnsonFebruary 21, 2026
'Spur That Son Of A Bitch!': Men Charged With Felony Cruelty For Riding, Roping Moose
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 20, 2026
Prosecutor Says Cody Roberts Chasing Wolf, Taping Its Mouth Aren’t ‘Prior Acts’
Greg JohnsonFebruary 20, 2026
Big Piney Man Gets 75 Years To Life For Killing Autistic Victim With Bow And Arrow
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026
Couple In White Bronco Promise Casper Homeless Men Jobs, Leave Them Facing Felonies
Greg JohnsonFebruary 19, 2026
Wyoming Life
View allBefore Wyoming Became A Major Semitruck Route, 16-Mule Teams Hauled Freight
Jackie DorothyFebruary 22, 2026
If You Want To Live In A Fallout Shelter, This Cokeville 'Basement Home' Is It
Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2026
Remembering Elise, The Wyoming 5-Year-Old Killed By A Snowboarder Going 50 MPH
Jackie DorothyFebruary 21, 2026
144 Years Later: Family Of Wyoming Pioneer Gov. B.B. Brooks Keeps Ranching Alive
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 21, 2026
Uh-Oh: Joe Pickett Shot In The Head In New C.J. Box Book "The Crossroads"
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2026
Outdoors
View allCircle Of Life: Eagles, Ravens Feast On Bison Killed By Wolves In Yellowstone
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026
Death Of Grizzly Called ‘Tex’ In Canada Mirrors Controversies Over Wyoming Bears
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026
Snowmobilers Cheer: Iconic Albany Lodge West Of Laramie Reopening Under New Name
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
Yellowstone’s Beloved Coyote Trickster Limpy Is Starting To Show His Age
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
Bears Dash Across Ski Slope As Mild Winter Sparks Unusual Sightings
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
Crime & Courts
View all‘She’s The Devil’: Buffalo Mom Of 5 Accused Of Assaulting Kids With Knife, Hammer
Greg JohnsonFebruary 21, 2026
'Spur That Son Of A Bitch!': Men Charged With Felony Cruelty For Riding, Roping Moose
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 20, 2026
Prosecutor Says Cody Roberts Chasing Wolf, Taping Its Mouth Aren’t ‘Prior Acts’
Greg JohnsonFebruary 20, 2026
Big Piney Man Gets 75 Years To Life For Killing Autistic Victim With Bow And Arrow
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026
Couple In White Bronco Promise Casper Homeless Men Jobs, Leave Them Facing Felonies
Greg JohnsonFebruary 19, 2026