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Nineteen Republican state leaders, including a former Wyoming governor, have endorsed Steve Friess (right) for U.S. House, the candidate’s team told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday. Chuck Gray (left) calls them political insiders.

Friess Gets 19 High Profile Endorsements, Gray Calls Them Tired Political 'Insiders'

U.S. House candidate Steve Friess received 19 endorsements Thursday by Republican lawmakers, former legislators, energy industry leaders and Gov. Jim Geringer. Chuck Gray called them "a tired class of political 1% insiders" who support "woke wind projects."

Clair McFarlandJuly 30, 2026

Wyoming legislators have advanced a “Band-Aid” to food freedom laws that led to shutting down Hippie Cow Creamery in Cody over selling raw milk lattes. “I’m under no illusion we’re going to fix this overnight,” said one lawmaker.

Food Freedom: Legislators Advance ‘Band-Aid’ For Shutdown Of Cody Creamery

Wyoming legislators have advanced a “Band-Aid” solution to food freedom laws that led to shutting down Hippie Cow Creamery in Cody over selling raw milk lattes. “I’m under no illusion we’re going to fix this overnight,” said one lawmaker.

Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2026

John Smallbone

What Happens To $250,000 Bond For Accused Sex Abuser Who No-Showed At Court

Just because a Douglas man facing 72 child sex and pornography-related charges was a no-show for his arraignment hearing on Tuesday doesn’t necessarily mean whoever put up $250,000 cash to bond him out of jail will lose all that money.

Greg JohnsonJuly 30, 2026

Another 10 illegal drivers were busted in Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s latest Truck Around and Find Out operation this week. That includes one speeding with what looked like emergency lights. "We’re going to continue to do these," Kozak said.

Laramie County Sheriff Kozak Strikes Again: 10 More Illegal Drivers Busted

Another 10 illegal drivers were busted in Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s latest Truck Around and Find Out operation this week. "IIlegal aliens are afraid to come to Laramie County — and that’s what we want," Kozak told Cowboy State Daily.

Greg JohnsonJuly 30, 2026

A suspended Newcastle police sergeant pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges alleging a yearlong pattern of abuse toward a woman including threatening her with a knife if she refused to get into his patrol vehicle.

Suspended Newcastle Cop Pleads Not Guilty To Assault, Domestic Battery Charges

A suspended Newcastle police sergeant pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges alleging a yearlong pattern of abuse toward a woman including threatening her with a knife if she refused to get into his patrol vehicle. He faces up to 27 1/2 years in prison.

Kolby FedoreJuly 30, 2026

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No Joke: Scientists Launch OnlyFans Account To Raise Money For Marmot Project

Struggling for funding, researchers have launched an account on the racy OnlyFans website called OnlyMarms to raise money for a marmot project. Instead of erotica, the site features marmot videos. A Wyoming wildlife biologist describes the effort as "innovative."

Mark HeinzJuly 30, 2026

Driving cattle to winter pasture near Hulett, Wyoming.

Federal Judge OKs Cattle And Beef Price-Fixing Suit Against 'Big Four' Meatpackers

A federal judge has OK'd a class-action price-fixing lawsuit against the nation’s four largest meatpackers. "The packers have controlled the destiny of beef for decades," Crook County rancher Tyler Lindholm said. "People are starting to push back."

Kate MeadowsJuly 30, 2026

A Colorado man has been charged in the death of a man in his car flung from his when it crashed in Cheyenne while running from troopers at 100 mph. The passenger “sustained injuries in the crash that were not compatible with life,” a trooper reports.

Colorado Man Charged In Death Of Passenger Thrown From His Car At 100 MPH

A Colorado man is charged in the death of a man flung from his car when it crashed in a Cheyenne parking lot while running from troopers at 100 mph. The passenger “sustained injuries in the crash that were not compatible with life,” a trooper reports.

Kerry DrakeJuly 30, 2026

Dozens of horses might have been exposed to strangles, a highly contagious disease, at the Park County Fair in Powell. Smallwood Horses announced Tuesday it placed its facility under a voluntary two-week quarantine after a horses presented symptoms.

Worry That Dozens Of Horses Exposed To Highly Infectious Strangles At Park County Fair

Dozens of horses might have been exposed to strangles, a highly contagious equine disease, at the Park County Fair in Powell. Smallwood Horses announced Tuesday it placed its facility under a two-week quarantine after a horse presented symptoms.

Andrew RossiJuly 30, 2026

Alan O Hashi and the flood 7 15 25

50 Years Ago: Floating Toilet Saved Cheyenne Man In Devastating Big Thompson Flood

Cheyenne native Alan O’Hashi vividly remembers being caught in the canyon when the Big Thompson Flood, the deadliest flood in Colorado history, hit on July 31, 1976. He survived when a floating portable toilet snagged his car and carried it to safety.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 30, 2026

Cowboy State Daily has confirmed that a motorcyclist died in an accident Thursday on the Beartooth Highway near the junction of U.S. 212 and WY 296. FILE PHOTO

Motorcycle Accident Results In Fatality Thursday Morning On Beartooth Highway

Cowboy State Daily has confirmed that a motorcyclist died in an accident Thursday on the Beartooth Highway near the junction of U.S. 212 and WY 296. This comes after growing concerns about motorcycle safety on the Beartooth and Chief Joseph passes.

Andrew RossiJuly 30, 2026

Wolf 1090F, of the Mollie’s pack in Yellowstone National Park, recently hit the age of 12 years. That makes her her the oldest living wolf in the park, and one of the oldest ever.

Advocates Offer $10,000 Bounty To Name Hunters Who Kill Famed Yellowstone Wolves

A social media influencer and others are offering a $10,000 bounty for the identities of hunters who shoot members of Yellowstone National Park's famed Mollie’s wolf pack this fall. Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce calls the bounty “outrageous.”

Mark HeinzJuly 29, 2026

Peabody coal haul truck Peabody Energy Public Domain 7 29 26

Wyoming Congressional Delegation Silent On Peabody's Move To Cut Retirement Benefit

As Peabody Energy has slashed the health benefits for retired Wyoming coal mine workers, the state’s congressional delegation has so far been silent. Retirees wonder why it can afford to pay its CEO $9 million last year but not their promised benefits.

Kate MeadowsJuly 30, 2026

Teton County Search and Rescue recovered the body of an unidentified Australian man in the Teton Range on Wednesday. The man, who was attempting a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, is believed to have died from a fall off a ridgeline.

Australian Man Dies Near Grand Teton While Hiking Continental Divide Trail

Teton County Search and Rescue recovered the body of an unidentified Australian man in the Teton Range on Wednesday. The man, who was attempting a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, is believed to have died from a fall off a ridgeline.

Andrew RossiJuly 30, 2026

U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner's attorney filed a police report Wednesday on a Chuck Gray supporter and former sheriff's deputy for allegedly threatening Rasner. The former deputy denies making a threat. Torrington police are investigating.

Rasner Files Police Report Accusing Chuck Gray Supporter Of Threatening Him

U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner's attorney filed a police report Wednesday on a Chuck Gray supporter and former sheriff's deputy for allegedly threatening Rasner. The former deputy denies making a threat. Torrington police are investigating.

Clair McFarlandJuly 30, 2026

U.S. House candidate Steve Friess said he wants to turn the Environmental Protection Agency into an advisory board that gives advice to state environmental quality agencies.

Steve Friess Wants To Turn EPA Into Advisory Board For States

Republican U.S. House candidate Steve Friess told Riverton's political old guard Wednesday he wants to turn the EPA into an advisory board for state environmental agencies. The Sierra Club of Wyoming called that idea "ridiculous and harmful."

Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2026

Four hours after no-showing in court on 72 child sex and pornography charges in a Wyoming court on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, John C. Smallbone was caught in San Francisco. “We didn’t want a person with those types of charges to be out and about," said the sheriff.

Caught! Four Hours After Skipping Court, Accused Child Sex Abuser Arrested In Calif.

Four hours after no-showing in court on 72 child sex and pornography charges in a Wyoming court on Tuesday, John C. Smallbone was caught in San Francisco. “We didn’t want a person with those types of charges to be out and about," said the sheriff.

Greg JohnsonJuly 29, 2026

Park County commissioners say geography and other factors mean data centers aren't imminent, but they want to have regulations in place if or when the industry does arrive. Meanwhile, Park residents are telling them they are "100% no" on data centers.

Park County Commission Says Data Centers Not Imminent And Residents Are '100% No'

Park County commissioners say geography and other factors mean data centers aren't imminent, but they want to have regulations in place if or when the industry does arrive. Meanwhile, Park residents are telling them they are "100% no" on data centers.

Kate MeadowsJuly 30, 2026

Chauncey Patrick Miller

Gillette Man Accused Of Pointing Rifle At Police, Saying He's 'Gonna Be A Martyr'

A Gillette man accused of confronting police officers with an AR-style rifle had his felony aggravated assault case advanced to district court Tuesday. Prosecutors say he told police that, "I'm gonna be a martyr."

Kolby FedoreJuly 29, 2026

Oyster Ridge Music Festival in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Inset: Tyler Alvares.

Friend Says Man Who Died In Wyoming Jail After Music Festival Arrest Was More Than His Addiction

A Utah man who died after collapsing inside a Lincoln County jail following his arrest at southwest Wyoming's Oyster Ridge Music Festival is being remembered by friends as someone whose struggles with addiction never eclipsed the generosity that defined him.

Kolby FedoreJuly 29, 2026

The good news is nobody vandalized the Persian Gulf War Memorial in Rock Springs. The bad news is that it crumbled anyway. “I was worried it was some little Communist teenager making a statement,” said one relieved resident.

Good News: Rock Springs Vets Memorial Not Vandalized. Bad News: It Crumbled Anyway

The good news is nobody vandalized the Persian Gulf War Memorial in Rock Springs. The bad news is that it crumbled anyway. "It should never have been allowed to reach a point where it is that vulnerable,” the mayor said.

Greg JohnsonJuly 29, 2026

Dr. Anthony Fauci. Inset: Liz Cheney

Dr. Anthony Fauci's Diary Covers Wyoming’s Low Vax Rates, Liz Cheney’s ‘Courage’

In the more than 1,100 pages of Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary released over the weekend, he mentioned Wyoming’s low COVID vaccination rates, his admiration of Liz Cheney and his conversations with Dick Cheney. He appeared fixated on the "hot and heavy" press.

Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2026

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs. Inset: Sweetwater County Attorney Danny Erramouspe

County Attorney: Rock Springs Patient Who Broke Nurse's Nose Can't Be Prosecuted

Sweetwater County's attorney says severe mental illness and Wyoming's legal standards for criminal responsibility make charges impossible despite a violent assault that left a Rock Springs nurse with a broken nose, facial injuries and bruising.

Zakary SonntagJuly 28, 2026

Collins air force base 7 28 26

Cheyenne Mayor: Help Us Find Shooter Who Hit 5-Year-Old In Head At Fireworks Show

Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins is asking for the public's help in finding the shooter responsible for a 5-year-old getting struck in the head by a bullet. She was watching the July 4 fireworks show at F.E. Warren Air Force Base when hit by the stray bullet.

Kolby FedoreJuly 28, 2026

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No-Show! Douglas Man Wanted On 72 Child Sex-Related Charges Doesn't Show Up To Court

A Wyoming man facing 72 felony child sex charges was a no-show for his plea hearing Tuesday in Douglas. John Smallbone was released on his own recognizance by a Colorado court last week. Law enforcement officials are angered that he was set free.

Greg JohnsonJuly 28, 2026

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Afton Attorney, Former Deputy Prosecutor, Charged With Solicitation In Idaho

Afton attorney John Bowers, once a Lincoln County deputy prosecutor, is facing a solicitation charge in Idaho after investigators say he offered to pay for a sexual encounter through an app. He says his conduct was "morally wrong" but denies solicitation.

Kolby FedoreJuly 28, 2026

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

Man Camps Moving Forward As Uinta And Lincoln Counties Build, Build, Build

Potential man camps in neighboring Uinta and Lincoln counties are moving forward. Kemmerer cleared zoning for a workforce housing site for a nuclear power plant, while Uinta County is a step closer to a 3,400-bed camp for a hyperscale data center.

Kate MeadowsJuly 28, 2026

Wyoming Livestock Board Director Steve True told state lawmakers in Casper on Tuesday that electronic ear tags for cattle are here to stay. A hoped-for executive order from President Trump rescinding the electronic tag requirement didn’t happen, he said.

No Trump Executive Order: Livestock Director Says Electronic Cattle Tags Here To Stay

Wyoming Livestock Board Director Steve True told state lawmakers in Casper on Tuesday that electronic ear tags for cattle are here to stay. A hoped-for executive order from President Trump rescinding the electronic tag requirement didn’t happen, he said.

Mark HeinzJuly 28, 2026

Cheyenne driver Cody Campbell took photos of people riding their electric scooters on a two-lane highway near Laramie.

Believe It Or Not, Electric Scooters Can Be Ridden On Wyoming's Highways

While it seemed ludicrous to one Cheyenne driver who was stuck behind people riding their electric scooters on a two lane highway near Laramie, it's entirely legal. “Scooters need to be off the highway,” Cody Campbell said. "It's not a vehicle. It's a toy."

Andrew RossiJuly 28, 2026

From left to right: Marshall Keller, Allen Hogg, Carlin Jones, Roland Luehne

All Four Candidates For Hot Springs House Seat Say They Won't Join Freedom Caucus

All four GOP candidates running for the state House seat spanning north-central Wyoming say they won't join the Freedom Caucus, though the incumbent was an early founder of it. “I don’t believe I should be taking orders from a caucus," one candidate said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 28, 2026

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Bureau of Land Management closed several roads around Woodruff Narrows Reservoir north of Evanston. People were using the roads for unauthorized travel on private land, the agencies said.

State Closes Popular Evanston Recreation Roads After Private Lands 'Torn Up'

After angry landowners near a recreation area north of Evanston complained of their property being "torn up," state officials closed the roads. "The landowners are sick of having their land torn up," BLM spokeswoman Courtney Whiteman said.

Mark HeinzJuly 28, 2026

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Police: Cheyenne Man Shot Child With BB Rifle After Forcing Him To Shoot Roommate

Police say a Cheyenne man forced a child to shoot his roommate, telling him to "blow a cap in his ass," before threatening and then turning a BB rifle on the boy. Pancho Villa Flores is now facing felony counts of assault and battery and child abuse.

Kolby FedoreJuly 28, 2026

Retired Peabody Energy employee Jim Allington says he feels betrayed by the company's decision to end the Retiree Medical Allowance worth roughly $260,000 that could help pay health insurance premiums and medical expenses throughout retirement.

Retired Peabody Energy Employees Feel Betrayed By Cancellation Of Medical Benefits

Retired Wyoming employees of Peabody Energy say they feel betrayed by its decision to end a medical retirement benefits program. "I never missed a day," said Douglas' Jim Allington. The company says the program no longer fits "market competitive practices."

Kate MeadowsJuly 27, 2026

Gordon true moose 2 7 27 26

State Livestock Director Fires Brand Inspector After Guilty Plea In Moose Torture Case

Just hours after news broke Monday that a Uinta County brand inspector had pleaded guilty to helping torture a moose, the state livestock director fired him. “This is absolutely irresponsible behavior unbefitting a brand inspector,” Gov. Gordon said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 27, 2026

John Charles Smallbone

Stolen Credit Card Tracked Man Wanted On 72 Child Sex Abuse Charges To Colorado

Charges on a stolen credit card tracked a Wyoming man wanted on 72 child sex abuse charges to Colorado last week. “If you’re in town, why does the credit card say you’re in Colorado?” the man who owns the card asked John Smallbone in a text.

Greg JohnsonJuly 27, 2026

Former U.S. House candidate Frank Chapman appeared on Cowboy State Daily's radio show Monday and discussed the congressional race.

Departed U.S. House Candidate Says Gray And Friess Haven't Had Real Careers

In reflecting on Wyoming's U.S. house race, departed candidate Frank Chapman on Monday said both Chuck Gray and Steve Friess haven't had significant careers. “We’re being given choices of people that haven’t really achieved anything in life,” Chapman said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 27, 2026

Scenic boat tours on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park have shut down two months early due to low water levels as southern Idaho agricultural users draw from the lake. Large boats are unable to get out of Colter Bay Marina onto the main lake.

Low Water Cancels Jackson Lake Boat Tours In Grand Teton Two Months Early 

Scenic boat tours on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park have shut down two months early due to low water levels as southern Idaho agricultural users draw from the lake. Large boats are unable to get out of Colter Bay Marina onto the main lake.

Mark HeinzJuly 27, 2026

Eagle 2N, also called Aurum (Latin for “gold”) survived being hit by a car and lead poisoning. She and her mate are raising young in the Bighorn Basin.

Bighorn Basin Golden Eagle Hit By Car And Lead Poisoning Now Raising Young

A Wyoming eagle called Aurum was barely a year old and suffering from lead poisoning when she was hit by a car near Meeteetse. She somehow survived both and is now beating the odds by raising her young in the Bighorn Basin.

Mark HeinzJuly 27, 2026

Casper PD police Car 2

Man In Hourslong Standoff Outside Casper Police Station Refuses To Appear In Court

A man accused of triggering an hourslong standoff outside the Casper Police Department refused to appear in court Monday. The judge set the man's bond high at $50,000 because his "effect and danger to the community is significant."

Kolby FedoreJuly 27, 2026

When a Jeep got stuck up to its axels in mud driving on the bottom of Palisades Reservoir on the Wyoming-Idaho border, a pair of trucks owned by family friends came to the rescue. Then they also got mired in "peanut butter" muck up to their fenders.

Wrecker Pulls 3 Trucks Stuck To Their Axles In Mud From Hundreds Of Feet Away

How do you get vehicles stuck up to their axles in mud on the bottom of a lake bed? You call a tow company that has remote-controlled winches, a custom-built winch foot, and hundreds of feet of tow straps. “This is a normal situation for us,” the owner said.

Andrew RossiJuly 27, 2026

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Yikes! Yellowstone Fisherman Has Close Encounter With Bison, Does Not Get Flipped

Just two weeks after a 65-year-old grandpa was launched into outer space by an angry bison, another Yellowstone visitor was in a similar predicament Sunday. Tourists, who were calling a play-by-play of the event, were relieved the bison left him alone.

Andrew RossiJuly 27, 2026

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Last Holdout In Infamous Uinta Moose Torture Case Pleads Guilty, Avoids Trial

Justin Martin, a state brand inspector accused in the infamous Uinta County moose torture case where it's alleged a weak cow was roped, ridden, spurred and dragged across a ranch, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge and will avoid trial. But he can still appeal.

Kolby FedoreJuly 27, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, July 31, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Geri Grizzle. Geri writes, "Incredible color in the sunrise this morning from Happy Valley, west of Cheyenne!"

Photo by Geri Grizzle

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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Brent and Susan Bien with their 3 daughters while serving.

Healthy Minds, Strong Character, And a Bright Future for Wyoming's Kids

Introducing Brent Bien's Wyoming Student Mental Health, Resilience, and Accountability Plan—a common-sense approach that strengthens families, improves school safety, demands accountability, and teaches resilience to help every Wyoming child succeed. 

July 30, 2026

Cowboy on a bucking horse

Heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days™?

Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go

July 08, 2026

Three teens and one adult volunteering, holding boxes at a Food Bank of Wyoming Mobile Pantry in May 2026.

The Wyoming Way: Helping Neighbors, Feeding Families, Strengthening Communities

From young families and grandparents raising grandchildren to caregivers and retirees, Wyomingites across the state are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Food Bank of Wyoming is encouraging communities to come together to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. This WyoGives Day, July 15, donors can help support both local families and Wyoming producers.

July 07, 2026

Opinion

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Tom Lubnau: It's Desperation Season

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Friess is attempting to take advantage of Gray's unfavorable ratings, or ... the ABC strategy — Anyone But Chuck. Friess's argument is 'hold your nose and vote for me,' or else your U.S. Representative might be Chuck Gray."

Tom LubnauJuly 30, 2026

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Fred Harrison: Why Classical Wisdom Is Our Only Defense Against The AI Frontier

Columnist Fred Harrison writes, "Today, we stand staring into the open box of Artificial Intelligence. The physicist Stephen Hawking summarizes the stakes with chilling precision: the creation of powerful AI acts as either the absolute best or the absolute worst event to happen to humanity."

Fred HarrisonJuly 29, 2026

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Dave Simpson: Chuck Gray Has The Best Campaign Flier Of The Season

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Let's all remember that the Freedom Caucus and Chuck Gray were right all along in opposing boys playing girls sports. Their support helped push Sen. Wendy Schuler's bill over the top.”

Dave SimpsonJuly 28, 2026

Wyoming Life

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