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Sam Cremer arrived in the Bighorn Basin in his early 20s and nearly did not survive his first few years “bronc stomping” for the Embar Ranch. Despite threatening to quit the rough life, he never did and cowboyed late into life. He lived to be 92-years-old and a father of three.

Wyoming History: The Adventures Of Sam Cremer, The Unluckiest Cowboy In The West

By all accounts, Sam Cremer was top cowboy in Wyoming in the early 1900s and a good hand on a roundup wagon. He also was unlucky — really unlucky. He was known to “get himself in more uncalled-for trouble than a pack of kids around a hornet’s nest."

Jackie DorothyMay 02, 2026

Newly released research shows that young salmon given cocaine compounds swim father and faster. Turns out, getting salmon high is giving scientists valuable information about how the drug impacts human nervous systems.

No Joke: New Study Shows Salmon Swim Faster And Farther On Cocaine

A new study shows that when salmon are given cocaine, they swim farther and faster. Researchers say there was no risk to humans in conducting the experiment as “you would need to eat thousands" of these cocaine-addled fish to feel the impact of the drug.

Andrew RossiMay 02, 2026

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Wyoming People: The Powell Man Who’s Recruited Businesses To Wyoming Through Five Governors

Powell’s Dave Reetz is 80 and is technically retired, but says he just can’t pass up a chance to recruit new businesses to Wyoming. He’s done it through the terms of five Wyoming governors, including on a recent vacation to Hawaii.

Dale KillingbeckMay 03, 2026

Worland's Jay Richard, known as Wyoming's Pumpkin King, is making available hundreds of his super pumpkin seeds to raise money for the Worland Community Garden. Richard is best known for dropping 2,000-pound pumpkins from a giant crane each autumn.

Plant Now, Drop Later: Wyoming Pumpkin King Shares His Super Pumpkin Seeds

Worland's Jay Richard, known as Wyoming's Pumpkin King, is making available hundreds of his super pumpkin seeds to raise money for the Worland Community Garden. Richard is best known for dropping 2,000-pound pumpkins from a giant crane each autumn.

Jackie DorothyMay 02, 2026

Jackson and Teton County is the undisputed king of Wyoming tourism, but even Torrington officials are stunned but the town’s 97% spike in visitors. Much of that is driven by archaeology, while other small Wyoming towns are showing similar trends.

Rural Tourism: Torrington’s Short-Term Rentals Take 97% Leap, Other Small Towns Spike Too

Teton County is the king of Wyoming tourism, but rural Wyoming towns are showing a spike in visitors. Torrington officials are stunned by the town’s 97% increase in visitors — much of that driven by archaeology. Rawlins and Powell are seeing it too.

Renée JeanMay 02, 2026

Scientists have been monitoring a 19-mile-wide bulge in Yellowstone National Park caused by pressure 10 miles deep. “It's a pretty dynamic feature,” says the scientist in charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

Yellowstone's 19-Mile-Wide, Chicago-Sized Bulge Near Volcano Has Stopped Growing

Scientists say the 19-mile-wide bulge in the northern rim of a volcano's caldera in Yellowstone has stopped growing. The head of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory says scientists are excited about it but it's not an indication of an apocalyptic eruption.

Andrew RossiMay 02, 2026

Multiple Wyoming lawmakers and a Cheyenne-based car dealer voiced concern Friday over a federal requirement for mandatory “kill switches” in 2027 model vehicles. “It’s Big Brother,” said the dealer, while a state legislator called it “draconian."

‘It’s Big Brother’: Wyomingites Concerned About Mandated ‘Kill Switches’ On Cars

Multiple Wyoming lawmakers and a Cheyenne-based car dealer voiced concern Friday over a federal requirement for mandatory “kill switches” in 2027 model vehicles. “It’s Big Brother,” said the dealer, while a state legislator called it “draconian."

Clair McFarlandMay 02, 2026

The uncle of two Riverton children saved from a fatal house fire Thursday also tried to rescue their mother — his sister — who didn’t survive, family and police say. “I just want everybody to know that Macey (Bowlsby) was a good mom,” a neighbor says.

Family Says Brother Of Deceased Woman Saved Children From Riverton House Fire

The uncle of two Riverton children saved from a fatal house fire Thursday also tried to rescue their mother — his sister — who didn’t survive, family and police say. “I just want everybody to know that Macey was a good mom,” a neighbor says.

Clair McFarlandMay 01, 2026

Trent Weitzel, owner of Double Dub’s MKE Chicken Wings and reigning champion of the National Buffalo Wing Festival in New York, is traveling to Texas for the launch of the newest Double Dub’s food truck.

Wyoming's Chicken Wing King Expanding To Texas, Now Has Locations In Five States

Trent Weitzel, owner of Weitzel's Wings — aka Double Dub's — and reigning champion of the National Buffalo Wing Festival in New York, is launching his newest Double Dub’s food truck. Texas is the fifth state to get a Double Dub’s truck.

Andrew RossiMay 01, 2026

President Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday, April 30, 2026

Economist: Trump Pipeline OK Could Mean High-Paying Jobs, Big Tax Revenues For Wyoming

Wyoming economist Rob Godby says the state could gain new jobs and increased tax revenue after Trump's approval of the Bridger Pipeline carrying Canadian crude through Crook, Weston, Niobrara, Goshen, and Platte counties. “Pipelines aren’t minor,” he said.

Renée JeanMay 01, 2026

A weed-themed sandwich shop opened in Casper, Wyoming, on Friday, where marijuana possession can lead to jail time. "I feel the fact that it’s a little taboo” is part of the draw, says the manager.

A Weed-Themed Restaurant Chain In Wyoming — Where Pot Can Still Bring Jail Time

A weed-themed sandwich shop opened in Casper, Wyoming, on Friday, where marijuana possession can lead to jail time. "I feel the fact that it’s a little taboo” is part of the draw, says the manager.

Kolby FedoreMay 02, 2026

Laramie Community College freshman Kahl Wasilow rides his bull in Laramie to become the winningest national collegiate bull rider of the regular season. He goes into June's College National Finals Rodeo the No. 1-ranked bull rider in the nation.

Wyoming Bull Rider Goes Into College National Rodeo Finals No. 1 In Nation

All eyes will be on Kahl Wasilow, the nation’s No. 1 bull rider from Laramie County Community College, at next month’s College National Finals Rodeo in Casper. The University of Wyoming men’s and women’s teams also are riding high as regional champs.

Julie MankinMay 01, 2026

Soda Lake, just north of Pinedale, was once a world-class brown and brook trout fishery. The fishing has tanked so badly there over the past few years, many locals don’t even bother going there anymore.

Pinedale’s Soda Lake, ‘Still Struggling,’ Anglers Should Lower Expectations

Soda Lake near Pinedale was once a premier trout fishery. The fishing there started to nosedive, and Wyoming Game and Fish says the lake is “still struggling” and angling will remain limited for the fifth consecutive year.

Mark HeinzMay 01, 2026

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No, Sweetwater County Is Not For Sale

When Sweetwater County Commissioner Island Richards received a scam email from a troll who asked about purchasing the county, he shared it with his constituents. One was impressed with Richards' health as the scammer seemed to think he's been alive since 1869.

Kate MeadowsMay 01, 2026

Michael Cody Odom

Casper Man Accused Of Kidnapping Man He Called A ‘Snitch’ Pleads Not Guilty

A 20-year-old Casper man pleaded not guilty Friday on charges he allegedly forced a man he called a “snitch” into a car, threatened his life, and put a gun to his chest. “When you snitch that is what you take away,” the victim said he was told.

Dale KillingbeckMay 02, 2026

The fast actions of some Riverton good Samaritans are being credited for rescuing two children from a Thursday house fire that left one person dead and two people critically hurt. “There are many heroes who live amongst us,” said the city’s police chief.

During Fatal House Fire, Bystanders Rush Into Burning Riverton Home To Rescue Kids

The fast actions of some Riverton good Samaritans are being credited for rescuing two children from a Thursday house fire that left one person dead and two people critically hurt. “There are many heroes who live amongst us,” said the city’s police chief.

Kolby FedoreMay 01, 2026

Glenrock Police Officer Shane Pierce and Colton Trullinger, whose life the officer helped save.

Glenrock 15-Month-Old Alive Thanks To Grandmother And Cop Who Lives Next Door

When a 15-month-old Glenrock boy started having seizures and was choking, the family called for help. They were lucky local cop and firefighter Shane Pierce lives next door. He and the boy’s grandmother kept him from choking to death until EMS arrived.

Dale KillingbeckApril 30, 2026

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Judge Rules Freedom Caucus PAC Mailers Didn’t Defame Rock Springs Legislators

A judge on Thursday dismissed the defamation case of two legislators against the campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. “You can say pretty ludicrous stuff” in politics, the judge said about negative mailers targeting the Rock Springs state reps. 

Clair McFarlandApril 30, 2026

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In New ‘Longmire’ Book, Sheriff Walt Has To Solve The Murder Of Guy Everyone Hated

Everyone Hated Pepper McKay, so when he turned up dead, Sheriff Walt Longmire had a lot of suspects to rule out in his latest “Longmire” mystery, “The Brothers McKay.” Wyoming author Craig Johnson’s 22nd “Longmire” novel is set for a May 26 release.

Renée JeanApril 30, 2026

A shooting was reported early Thursday morning in central Cheyenne and one man was taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries, according to the Cheyenne Police Department. Police are "actively working to locate" the suspect, identified as Adrian Maggos.

Caught: Cheyenne Man At Center Of Manhunt In Custody, Detectives Talking To Him

The suspect in a Thursday morning shooting in a central Cheyenne neighborhood was in custody by early afternoon, and detectives are talking to him, police say. Adrian Maggos also was once accused of attacking a man with brass knuckles.

Jimmy Orr & Kolby FedoreApril 30, 2026

Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander, whose Senate district includes that House District as well as the town of Lander, was clear during the Legislature’s 2021 redistricting talks that race was a factor in drawing that district, since that’s what the reigning case law at the time seemed to require.

U.S. Supreme Court's Racial Redistricting Decision Could Shake Up Wyoming

A Wednesday U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring Louisiana’s race-based congressional district unconstitutional could shake up Wyoming. Fremont County has a race-based legislative district and a race-based commission district.

Clair McFarlandApril 30, 2026

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‘Covered In Filth’: Couple Accused Of Having Four Kids Living In Rotting Garbage

A Kemmerer couple faces multiple child endangerment charges, accused of having their four kids living in a home “covered in filth.” The couple repeatedly demanded to know who reported them and said they were “sick of being harassed for no reason.”

Greg JohnsonApril 30, 2026

High fertilizer costs and severe drought is leaving Wyoming’s famers and ranchers making tough choices. “It’s kind of the perfect storm for agriculture,” one farmer said, adding many aren’t fertilizing this year because it’s too expensive.

Skyrocketing Costs, Drought A ‘Perfect Storm’ For Wyoming Farmers and Ranchers

High fertilizer costs and severe drought is leaving Wyoming’s famers and ranchers making tough choices. “It’s kind of the perfect storm for agriculture,” one farmer said, adding many aren’t fertilizing this year because it’s too expensive.

Kate MeadowsApril 30, 2026

A 62-year-old Uinta County man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges involving threats to shoot his neighbors and blow up their propane truck. In a video that caught the attention of the FBI, the man says, "I will (expletive) shoot you in the head."

Uinta County Man Pleads Not Guilty To Threats To Shoot Neighbors, Blow Up Truck

A Uinta County man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges involving threats to shoot his neighbors and blow up their propane truck. In a social media video that caught the attention of the FBI, the man says, "I will (expletive) shoot you in the head."

Dale KillingbeckApril 30, 2026

Golden eagles like to hunt for rabbits and other prey on land where the Wyoming State Shooting Complex is being built near Cody.

Gunfire From State’s $19.5M Shooting Range Near Cody Could Drive Eagles Away

Some are concerned that gunfire from Wyoming’s new $19.5 million shooting complex near Cody will drive eagles away from prime hunting and nesting grounds. “Eagles will avoid people and gunshots,” says the conservation director for the Teton Raptor Center.

Mark HeinzApril 30, 2026

A horse named Mouse that made international headlines after he was rescued after seven months in the Wind River Mountains has made a complete recovery.  “He's pretty much made it from walking death back to full condition,” the horse’s owner told Cowboy State Daily.

Horse Lost For 7 Months In Wind River Mountains Makes Miraculous Recovery

The horse that made international headlines after he was rescued after seven months in the Wind River Mountains has made a complete recovery.  “He's pretty much made it from walking death back to full condition,” the horse’s owner told Cowboy State Daily.

Andrew RossiApril 29, 2026

Christopher Steven Gravenmeier

Wyoming Man Charged With Driving 16 Hours To Kidnap, Rape Girl He Met On Snapchat

A Kemmerer man faces up to 260 years in prison after prosecutors say he drove 16 hours to kidnap and rape a 12-year-old Oklahoma girl he met on Snapchat. During questioning, police say the man “was crying” and said he "was really sorry for what happened."

Kolby FedoreApril 30, 2026

Tourists gather to watch Old Faithful geyser erupt on Oct. 10, 2024, in Yellowstone National Park.

For The First Time, Study Shows How Much Water Old Faithful Spews When It Erupts

How much water erupts out of Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park? For the first time, we actually know. A team of scientists have accurately determined the water output of the world’s most famous geyser for the first time.

Andrew RossiApril 29, 2026

Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell, left, and Joint Appropriations Committee Co-Chairman Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette.

Business Council Fights For Its Future As Lawmakers Weigh Cuts, Reforms

The Wyoming Business Council is again making a case for survival as it prepares to meet Thursday with the Wyoming Joint Appropriations Committee. Co-Chair John Bear said he wants to "hear from people who ... can defend the usefulness of this agency.”

Kate MeadowsApril 29, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Thursday, April 30, 2026

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

Jake NicholsApril 30, 2026

State Sen. Cale Case says that as Wyoming’s data center industry continues to boom, who gets the money generated by them is something the state needs to figure out. “Are we getting enough taxes from these things, and where do those taxes go?” Cale Case asks.

Legislator Says State Needs To Figure Out Who Gets Money From Data Center Boom

State Sen. Cale Case on Wednesday said as Wyoming’s data center industry continues to boom, the state needs to figure out who gets the money generated by them. “Are we getting enough taxes from these things, and where do those taxes go?” he asked.

Kate MeadowsApril 29, 2026

Spring is fiber-optic season across Wyoming as companies install digital infrastructure — and "suddenly your yard is part of a construction site,” homeowners say. Fact is, it’s legal with permission from cities, towns and counties.

Why It’s Legal For Fiber-Optics Crews To Dig Into Your Front Yard

Spring is fiber-optic season across Wyoming as companies install digital infrastructure — and as one homeowner puts it, "Suddenly your yard is part of a construction site." Fact is, it’s legal with permission from cities, towns and counties.

Kolby FedoreApril 29, 2026

A crew works to repair and replace a failed water line in Rawlins this week.

100-Year-Old Rawlins Water System Keeps Failing, But City Can’t Afford To Fix It

Two breaks in the 100-year-old Rawlins city water system this week leaves residents in a familiar spot — on notice they may lose water. The former mayor estimates the cost to fix the system at between $50 - $60 million, which is money they don't have.

Kate MeadowsApril 29, 2026

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Police Report Gillette Woman Admitted Using Meth The Day She Gave Birth

Gillette police report that a mother whose baby was born with meth in its system admitted using the drug the day she gave birth. The woman, who will be in court Friday, also tested positive for meth while breastfeeding.

Greg JohnsonApril 29, 2026

The Casper City Council on Tuesday agreed to move toward a 180-day moratorium on new gambling expansion in the city.

Casper City Council Moves Toward 180-Day Freeze On Gambling Expansion

The Casper City Council on Tuesday agreed to move toward a 180-day moratorium on gambling expansion in the city. City councilman Kyle Gamroth said constituents have reached out to him about "over-saturation of that industry in our community.”

Dale KillingbeckApril 29, 2026

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After Acting ‘Crazy All Week,’ Laramie Man Accused Of Stabbing Man In Bar

A Laramie man who witnesses say had been acting “crazy all week” is accused of stabbing another man during an early morning bar fight. He made his first court appearance Wednesday, and reportedly also pulled a knife on others.

Greg JohnsonApril 29, 2026

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Casper Man Pleads Not Guilty To Assault, Pointing Gun At Girlfriend — Now Mother Of His Child

A Casper man Wednesday pleaded not guilty to assaulting his then-eight months pregnant girlfriend and pointing a loaded pistol at her head. He also allegedly shot into a wall. A judge denied his request to allow contact with the alleged victim and child.

Dale KillingbeckApril 29, 2026

Troy Bray

After Abortion Ruling, Powell City Councilman Calls For 'Hanging Bad Judges'

A Powell City councilman suggested on Facebook that Wyoming start “hanging bad judges” after a judge blocked the state’s most recent abortion ban. A former Wyoming Supreme Court Justice said, “This man is obviously an idiot and does not deserve public office."

Clair McFarlandApril 28, 2026

In this photo looking north-northwest, Fontenelle can be see flowing into an extremely low Fontenelle Reservoir in Lincoln County.

Fontenelle Reservoir About Half-Full As Downstream States Demand More Water

Flaming Gorge Reservoir is being drawn down up to 1 million acre-feet to supply water to thirsty downstream states. That has some worried that Wyoming’s Fontenelle Reservoir, upstream from Flaming Gorge, is next.

Mark HeinzApril 28, 2026

Dozens of angry Cheyenne residents spoke out Monday against a proposed 1,200-acre annexation and possible data center near Roundtop Road in Laramie County.

Angry Cheyenne Residents Speak Out Against Annexation And Proposed Data Center

Dozens of angry Cheyenne residents spoke out Monday against a 1,200-acre annexation and possible data center before City Council tabled the decision. “To me it looks like a quick way to make a nice big buck,” said one woman about the landowner's motive.

Kate MeadowsApril 28, 2026

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Wyoming AG Says Gray Doesn't Have To Reveal Advice On Giving Voter Info To Feds

In a sharply-worded letter to Cheyenne attorney George Powers, the Wyoming Attorney General's office said Sec. of State Chuck Gray doesn't have to release the legal advice he may have received before handing sensitive voter data to the federal government.

Clair McFarlandApril 28, 2026

ic George of Sheridan started with a basic bolt-action rifle receiver, bearing a firearm serial number, to build this custom rifle.

Court Rules 2nd Amendment Covers Firearms Parts, Good News for Those Who Build Guns

A federal court ruled that firearms parts without serial numbers could be protected under the Second Amendment. That’s good news for Wyomingites who build or customize their own guns, which one enthusiast likened to “Barbie dolls for men.”

Mark HeinzApril 28, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, May 3, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise is from Patty Hastings. Patty writes, “Sunrise reflecting on Medicine Bow Peak with the moon setting in the west taken from Snowy Range Road.”

Photo by Patty Hastings

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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Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: Horrific Murder Trial Greeted Me In First Days As Lander Editor

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Who knew that my first big news story in Lander would be one of the biggest of my career? Covering this horrific murder trial was a huge challenge for a new editor.”

Bill SniffinApril 25, 2026

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Joan Barron: Cheyenne South Siders Oppose Man Camps

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “It is not surprising to see the uprising against a developer’s plan to build 800 units for 5,600 construction workers here  to build data centers.”

Joan BarronApril 25, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: 'The Story of Everything' Is A Great Movie

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “This movie gave me hope that our own incessant arguing can find agreement. If Einstein and Hoyle could ultimately change their minds to agree with Hubble and Lemaître, we can learn something from them."

Jonathan LangeApril 25, 2026

Wyoming Life

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