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When Wyoming’s Governor Ruled Cloud 9, Cheyenne's One-Of-A-Kind Airport Bar
Cloud 9 was Cheyenne’s off-duty political clubhouse where Gov. Ed Herschler drank, smoked and mingled with everyone from hunters to Supreme Court justices. Its boozy camaraderie and unbuttoned attitude evoke a looser golden age of Wyoming politics.
Zakary SonntagFebruary 21, 2026

Billings Animal Shelter Has New Home After PD Burned 200 Pounds Of Meth In Crematorium
The Billings animal shelter finally has a new home months after police flooded it with smoke from 200 pounds of meth burned in a shared crematorium. There still hasn’t been an answer to why the PD burned meth in a crematorium typically used for animals.
Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 22, 2026
Remembering Elise, The Wyoming 5-Year-Old Killed By A Snowboarder Going 50 MPH
It was a beautiful day at Hogadon Ski Resort in Casper when a speeding snowboarder killed himself and 5-year-old Elise Johnson. Now in her memory, Elise’s parents and siblings are on a mission to make the slopes safer to “live to ride another day."
Jackie DorothyFebruary 21, 2026

Why The Same Milk Is Dated To Last A Week Longer In Wyoming Than Montana
The same milk sold in both Wyoming and Montana are sometimes tagged with different “sell by” and “best buy” dates, with Wyoming’s being a week longer. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture says It’s all about the bureaucracy of milk.
Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2026

House Approves Raises For Wyoming State Employees
On Saturday evening a Wyoming Republican representative from Casper and a Democratic representative from Laramie found a way to get House approval for giving state employees raises. The move is not final but it stands a chance.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 22, 2026

"I Forgot To Eat My Wheaties!”: Rep. Dalton Banks Collapses On House Floor
After a week of late nights, early mornings, and marathon debates on how Wyoming should spend money for the next two years, two state representatives had medical events on the House floor this week, including Rep. Dalton Banks, who collapsed on Saturday.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026

Before Wyoming Became A Major Semitruck Route, 16-Mule Teams Hauled Freight
Rick Edney is training mules to pull several wagons to recreate the freight train that hauled goods into Thermopolis in the late 1800s. He said it's time consuming but is excited to reenact the feats of Henry "16-Mule Team" Johnson for 'Trailblazer Days.'
Jackie DorothyFebruary 22, 2026

Former UW Lineman-Turned-Legislator Says Keep NIL Money Out Of High School Sports
As 41 states open their doors to NIL deals for high school athletes, Wyoming lawmakers backed by Sen. Gary Crum, a former UW lineman, are moving against it. But money is already available for teen sports stars — right next door in Colorado.
David MadisonFebruary 21, 2026

Circle Of Life: Eagles, Ravens Feast On Bison Killed By Wolves In Yellowstone
Bald eagles might be regarded as the most fearsome predators of the sky, but like any other wild creature, they do whatever it takes to survive winter. Accordingly, they scavenge more than hunt during the cold months, biologists told Cowboy State Daily.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

If You Want To Live In A Fallout Shelter, This Cokeville 'Basement Home' Is It
If you ever wanted to live in a fallout shelter, there’s a “basement home” in Cokeville, Wyoming, that checks all the boxes. The idea behind these post-World War II 1950s starter homes was to grow upward when there was enough money to go above ground.
Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2026

Death Of Grizzly Called ‘Tex’ In Canada Mirrors Controversies Over Wyoming Bears
The controversy over grizzlies in southwestern British Columbia mirrors the situation in Wyoming, as grizzlies wander into new places and run afoul of people and cattle. Such was the case with a grizzly called Tex who was killed by residents protecting their cows.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

Snowmobilers Cheer: Iconic Albany Lodge West Of Laramie Reopening Under New Name
Snowmobilers were disappointed when the iconic Albany Lodge west of Laramie closed in June. But to their delight, it’s set to reopen under new ownership and a new name. “Come in for cold beer, good food and a great time,” the new owners said.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

144 Years Later: Family Of Wyoming Pioneer Gov. B.B. Brooks Keeps Ranching Alive
Descendants of B.B. Brooks — a Wyoming pioneer, rancher, businessman and governor — are keeping his legacy of ranching alive southeast of Casper. 144 years later, the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations still run a cow-calf operation on Banner Ranch.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 21, 2026

‘She’s The Devil’: Buffalo Mom Of 5 Accused Of Assaulting Kids With Knife, Hammer
A 33-year-old Buffalo mom of five is accused of assaulting two kids with a knife, another with a hammer, and telling them she wishes they were dead. Her oldest, 10, told police that “she’s the devil.” She was bound over for trial on Thursday.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 21, 2026

Wyoming Attorney General Files Case To Remove Weston County Clerk From Office
Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz on Friday petitioned to remove Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office, over multiple errors surrounding the 2024 general election. She also faces a criminal case for defying a legislative subpoena.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026

'Spur That Son Of A Bitch!': Men Charged With Felony Cruelty For Riding, Roping Moose
Two men were charged with felony cruelty to animals Friday stemming from a 2021 incident where cell phone video showed them roping, riding, and harassing a moose. One of the men is heard "Spur that son of a bitch" to a weakened and sickly moose.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 20, 2026

$15M For PRCA Headquarters To Move To Cheyenne Clears Senate, Faces Tough House
A bill approving $15 million to attract the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to Cheyenne cleared the senate by a 24-7 vote Friday. Although it faces a tough go in the House, Sen. Ogden Driskill calls it a "once in a lifetime opportunity."
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026

Wyoming Committees Advance Bills For Testing Voting Machines, Watching Clerks
Urged by Secretary of State Chuck Gray, two legislative committees advanced election reform bills on Friday to add scrutiny to voter machine testing, and county clerks' election audits. "We want to ramp up clarity, and we want to ramp up rigor," Gray said.
David MadisonFebruary 20, 2026

Senate OKs $16 Million To Jump Start Wyoming's Rare Earth Boom
Wyoming senators approved $16 million in grant money to jump start a rare earth boom. Backers say it will accelerate processing projects and help challenge China’s dominance in the sector.
David MadisonFebruary 21, 2026

Yellowstone’s Beloved Coyote Trickster Limpy Is Starting To Show His Age
Limpy, a well-known Yellowstone National Park coyote, suckers snacks out of tourists by acting injured and needy. He’s a popular attraction, but at 8 to 9 years old, he could be nearing his end.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

Four Seasons Resort In Jackson Sells For An Estimated $350 Million
A private investment firm, backed by Michael Dell, has purchased the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Jackson Hole for an estimated $350 million. Realtor David Yoder says it's among the largest, single real estate transactions in Jackson Hole history.
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2026

Bears Dash Across Ski Slope As Mild Winter Sparks Unusual Sightings
A mother black bear with two cubs went tearing across a California ski slope on Wednesday. With mild winter weather, unexpected wildlife spottings are occurring in Wyoming, California and Canada.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

Uh-Oh: Joe Pickett Shot In The Head In New C.J. Box Book "The Crossroads"
Wyoming author C.J. Box told Cowboy State Daily his new book "The Crossroads," starts off dark: Joe Pickett has been shot in the head and is clinging to life. Box's last five Pickett novels have all debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list.
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2026

Wyoming Senate Advances Bill To Bar Sex Offenders From Living Near Daycares
The Wyoming Senate on Friday advanced a bill banning registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of daycares. Calling the bill "common sense," Sen. Tim Salazar said. “I do not want to wait for a tragic incident to happen. This helps prevent that.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026

Bill To Block Government From Collecting Union Dues Squeaks Onto Wyoming House Floor
A bill to restrict government agencies from collecting union dues and to require unions of public employees to report where their money is going remained alive Friday after squeaking onto the House floor. The Wyoming Education Association opposes it.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026

Senate Passes $105 Million 'Energy Dominance Fund' Backed By Trump’s White House
Senate President Bo Biteman's bill to channel severance tax revenues into a Trump administration-backed “Energy Dominance Fund” passed the chamber 31-0 Thursday. The bill has support from the Trump administration, and excludes wind and solar projects.
David MadisonFebruary 20, 2026

Debate On Abortion Law Gets Emotional On Wyoming House Floor
As Wyoming legislators debated a “heartbeat act” abortion bill, Rep. Kevin Campbell grew emotional Thursday remembering a 14-year-old girl — his mother. “I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1969,” he said tearfully. "I was adopted that same year.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026

Senator Says Gambling "Out Of Control" In Wyoming, Pushes Bills To Rein It In
Sen. John Kolb, the loudest voice on gambling in the legislature this session, is pushing four different bills to tighten up regulations on the industry. "Gaming within the state of Wyoming has exploded into a multibillion-dollar business," Kolb said.
David MadisonFebruary 19, 2026

House Speaker, Reps Tell How They Got Checks, Shock Over Controversy
The Wyoming House had a raw exchange Wednesday night about the check-passing controversy that burst into a criminal bribery investigation. “Not one time did it cross my mind that I did anything wrong,” House Speaker Neiman said, noting he had received a check.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026

Two People Killed, More Than 20 Injured In 34-Vehicle Accident On I-80 Near Evanston
Two people are dead and more than 20 people were injured after a 34-vehicle incident in the westbound lane of I-80 near Evanston on Wednesday afternoon. The westbound lane was finally opened late Thursday morning as wreckers were busily clearing vehicles from the highway.
Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, February 20, 2026
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsFebruary 20, 2026

Big Piney Man Gets 75 Years To Life For Killing Autistic Victim With Bow And Arrow
A Big Piney man was sentenced Thursday to between 75 years and life in prison for the bow-and-arrow killing of a 23-year-old autistic man. “I want him back,” the victim's mother wept. “I have a blanket with his photo on it, just so I can hug him.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026

Gun Rights Bill Legislator Says Could Prevent ‘Dystopian Future’ Passes Senate
The Second Amendment Protection Act is an insurance policy against a “dystopian future” where Wyomingites’ rights are trampled, said a legislator prior to the Senate passing the bill Thursday.
Mark HeinzFebruary 20, 2026

Prosecutor Says Cody Roberts Chasing Wolf, Taping Its Mouth Aren’t ‘Prior Acts’
The Sublette County attorney prosecuting Cody Roberts for cruelty for allegedly torturing a wolf says chasing it down and taping its mouth are all part of the crime. Roberts’ attorney argues those are “prior acts” to what he faces trial for.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 20, 2026

"But The Road Is Dry!": Understanding Wyoming’s "Rolling Closure" Strategy
A driver who comes across a "rolling closure" might see nothing but clear skies and dry conditions, so why is the road closed? WYDOT says it's to keep towns from being overwhelmed. “The closure isn't necessarily due to conditions where you are," they said.
Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026

Push To Ban Running Wolves Over With Snowmobiles Continues Despite Long Odds
Two years after a wolf was run over with a snowmobile in Sublette County sparked worldwide outrage, animal welfare advocates are still trying to get the practice banned in Wyoming. But there are long odds getting that done in this year’s budget session.
Mark HeinzFebruary 19, 2026

Couple In White Bronco Promise Casper Homeless Men Jobs, Leave Them Facing Felonies
Duped by a couple in a white Ford Bronco into cashing more than $22,000 worth of bogus checks at local banks, four down-on-their-luck Casper men now face felony charges. One man said he cashed a check he found “with his name conveniently written on it.”
Greg JohnsonFebruary 19, 2026

Wyoming House Rejects Adding Extraterrestrials, Animals, To Sex Books Ban
The Wyoming House on Thursday rejected an amendment that would have added sex acts involving extraterrestrials and animals to its proposed ban on sexually-explicit books in public and school library kids' sections.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026

Carbon County GOP Calls For Reps To Resign Over Silence On ‘CheckGate’
The Carbon County GOP is calling for resignations of four state reps for their silence on the ongoing “CheckGate” scandal. The party says they knew defamation claims aimed at Rep. Mike Yin for making the check-passing public were wrong, but didn’t speak out.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026

‘Too Good To Be True:’ Wyoming Rancher Not Surprised By $200M Cattle Fraud
Wyoming hasn’t yet been linked to a $200 million cattle fraud case that’s hit 14 other states, but its cattle industry has been aware of the company, Agridime, for years. A Sublette County rancher said he never trusted the claims, calling them “too good to be true."
Kate MeadowsFebruary 18, 2026

House, Senate Brace For Showdown Over $40 Million Cut to University Of Wyoming
The Wyoming House on Wednesday voted to keep a proposed $40 million cut to the University of Wyoming. The Senate did the opposite - setting the two chambers up for a clash in a compromise committee later this month.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 18, 2026

Interstate 80 Closed For 21 Miles After More Weather-Related Crashes On Wednesday
Winter weather created nasty driving conditions that contributed to a pair of multi-vehicle crashes Wednesday that closed a 21-mile stretch of west I-80. “It was just a whiteout,” one motorist caught in the middle of the pileups told Cowboy State Daily.
Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026

Casper Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Assault Of Man He Allegedly Called ‘Snitch’
A 20-year-old Casper man faced his initial hearing Wednesday on charges he assaulted and kidnapped a 26-year-old man and threatened him with a weapon for being a “snitch.” The defendant also faces charges of witness tampering.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 18, 2026

Wyoming Senators Vote To Defend Public Lands From Large Federal Selloffs
Wyoming lawmakers heard emotional testimony from teachers, miners and students Tuesday urging them to protect public lands from federal selloffs. The Senate panel unanimously advanced the resolution, "Keeping public lands protected and decisions local."
David MadisonFebruary 18, 2026

Brothers Wanted By ICE Get 27 Months For Hauling 75 Pounds Of Drugs Across Wyoming
A pair of brothers from Ecuador and wanted by ICE will spend more than two years in prison for hauling nearly 75 pounds of illegal drugs across Wyoming, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday. After their prison time, they’ll be deported.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 18, 2026

Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Bill Shielding "Free Speech" Of Medical Professionals
A House Committee voted 8-1 Wednesday to advance House Bill 143 after hearing from medical providers who said they felt pressured to self-censor. "The state should not interfere with free speech rights of healthcare professionals," the bill sponsor said.
David MadisonFebruary 18, 2026

Two Charged In Illegal, Out-Of-Season Wolf Killing In Wyoming
Two men were charged in connection with an illegal wolf killing near Cody. The wolf was killed in a wolf hunting zone, but authorities allege it was shot without a license and out of season.
Mark HeinzFebruary 18, 2026

Bill Advanced Requiring Landowners Receive "Bill Of Rights" Before Eminent Domain
Wyoming lawmakers advanced a bill requiring landowners receive an eminent domain “Bill Of Rights” when condemnation is being considered. “’The Landowner’s Bill of Rights’ will equip landowners with valuable knowledge," said sponsor Rep. JD Williams.
David MadisonFebruary 18, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Darren Rogers. Darren writes, "Great way to start the day with a Rainbow Sunrise! Taken while snowshoeing above Story, Wyoming."
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: Checkgate Theater — Everyone Knows The Ending To The Investigation
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Bill Sniffin: Smells Permeate Our Lives — Fresh Sage Is My Favorite Wyoming Odor
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Joan Barron: This Will Be 'The Check-Gate Session'
Opinion by Joan Barron
Jonathan Lange: Is This About 'Bad Optics,' Or A Witch Hunt?
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Dennis Sun: Should Producers Worry About Beef Imports?
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Sponsored
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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

Hoskinson Health Brings Advanced Rheumatology Care to Gillette
Hoskinson Health’s rheumatology program offers diagnosis and treatment for autoimmune and arthritis conditions using in-house imaging, infusion therapy and specialty expertise, reducing the need for patients to travel out of state.
January 26, 2026

Hoskinson Premier Care Redefines How Wyoming Patients Get Healthcare
The Gillette clinic’s membership-based program is designed to simplify healthcare by bundling primary care, specialty services, and mental health support into one predictable monthly price.
January 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

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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Beggars Can't Be Choosers: Snow On The Way, Not Great But Better Than Nothing
Andrew RossiFebruary 17, 2026
Jackson Tour Guide Finds ‘Survivor' Immunity Idol Hidden Near Jackson
Andrew RossiFebruary 16, 2026
Wyoming History: The Prison That Launched Butch Cassidy’s Outlaw Legend
Jackie DorothyFebruary 15, 2026
Jackson Hotel Chef Picked For $1 Million Competition On CBS
Renée JeanFebruary 15, 2026
Mail Order Brides: When Wyoming Men Outnumbered Women 10-1, They ‘Imported Wives’
Andrew RossiFebruary 15, 2026
Outdoors
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Dog Rescued After 43 Days Lost In The Colorado Rockies
Andrew RossiFebruary 18, 2026
Wyoming Mule Deer Fat And Happy Now But Biologists Say Snowfall Is Needed
Mark HeinzFebruary 17, 2026
Wild: Ice Cracking On Wyoming Reservoir Sounds Like A ‘Star Wars’ Laser Gunfight
Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2026
Oregon Animal Rights Activists Push To Basically Ban Hunting, Fishing, Ranching
Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2026
Hundreds Of Thousands Pretend They're Yellowstone Wolves In Online Game ‘WolfQuest’
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Return Of Winter Leads To Multiple Crashes On Wyoming's Highways
Andrew RossiFebruary 18, 2026
Montana Cowgirl Recovers Stolen Trailer, 'Will Never Stop Looking' For Saddles
Andrew RossiFebruary 17, 2026
Young Driver Saved By Life360 App After Hitting A Cow In Sheridan County
Andrew RossiFebruary 17, 2026
15 Child Porn Charges For Casper Man On Parole For Having Child Porn
Greg JohnsonFebruary 16, 2026
Sheriff Investigating Check Passing Scandal In Wyoming Legislature
Clair McFarlandFebruary 15, 2026



