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Big Boy at the Union Pacific Steam Shop in Cheyenne.

Big Boy, World's Largest Locomotive, Leaves Cheyenne March 29 For Coast-To-Coast Tour

The tour schedule for the western leg of Big Boy's historic coast-to-coast tour was announced Monday. The world's largest locomotive, which weighs more than one million pounds, will leave Cheyenne on March 29.

Renée JeanJanuary 27, 2026

Sen. Brian Boner (left) and State Treasurer Curt Meier (right) are working on a bill to compensate those affected by large industrial projects

State Treasurer, Lawmaker Work On Fund To Compensate Wind Farm Neighbors

State Treasurer Curt Meier and Sen. Brian Boner are working on a bill that would divert one-sixth of property taxes from wind, solar, and industrial projects into a fund for affected neighbors. “I’m not blind to the impacts that people have," Meier said.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 26, 2026

Avid black bear hunter Julie Mccalllister of Rock River used her German Shepard, Eddie, to track bears she shot, before that was made illegal. A bill before the Wyoming Legislature would make it legal again.

Tracking Shot Bears With Dogs Would Be Legal Under Hunting Bill

Blood-trailing dogs may track down black bears shot by hunters if a bill before the Wyoming Legislature passes. It’s already legal to use dogs to track shot big game animals, such as elk and deer.

Mark HeinzJanuary 26, 2026

Nature abhors a vacuum. So, as the weekend’s subzero temps began to vacate Wyoming, they were replaced by strong winds to start the week. "After an Arctic outbreak, when it starts to warm up, there's going to be a windy period,” meteorologist Don Day said.

Wyoming Goes From Sub-Zero Temperatures To Hurricane Force Winds in 24 Hours

Nature abhors a vacuum. So, as the weekend’s subzero temps began to vacate Wyoming, they were replaced by seriously strong winds. "After an Arctic outbreak, when it starts to warm up, there's going to be a windy period,” meteorologist Don Day said.

Andrew RossiJanuary 26, 2026

Scientists are monitoring a city of Chicago-sized swath of rising ground at the northern volcanic rim of the Yellowstone Caldera in Yellowstone National Park. Scientists say the area has risen an inch since July.

Yellowstone Scientists Monitor Chicago-Sized Bulge Along Volcano's North Rim

Scientists are monitoring a city of Chicago-sized swath of rising ground at the northern volcanic rim of the Yellowstone Caldera in Yellowstone National Park. Scientists say the area has risen an inch since July.

Andrew RossiJanuary 25, 2026

Yellowstone and rangers 1 1 25 26

Wild Crimes In Yellowstone: From Maulings To Fugitives To The "Hippie Cannibal"

There's a dark underbelly in Yellowstone and two retired rangers are telling all, like the “Yellowstone River and the Hippie Cannibal" story about a social worker from Montana, who had the misfortune of picking up a couple hitchhikers high on LSD.

Jen KocherJanuary 25, 2026

Idaho’s elk overpopulation problem mirrors Wyoming’s. In one Idaho hunt area, elk are camping out on private land, so the state plans to relocate some and kill the rest.

As In Wyoming, Idaho Hunters Can’t Kill Enough Elk On Private Land, So State Will

When it comes to elk in Wyoming and Idaho, it's a case of different places, same problem. Herds are booming, but hunters can’t get on private land to hunt them. In one area on private land in Idaho, the state will relocate some and kill the rest.

Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2026

Emily Warren seated on the couch of her cabin in Wilson, Wyoming, while writing "Dont Start Now," which became a smash platinum-selling song for Dua Lipa.

Some Of Pop Music’s Biggest Hits Written In Wyoming Getaway Cabin

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Emily Warren is behind some of the biggest pop stars on the charts, including Shakira, Lizzo, and Katy Perry. She wrote a pair of Dua Lipa’s platinum hits in her Wilson cabin getaway, which has just been listed for sale.

Renée JeanJanuary 25, 2026

A Yellowstone coyote pushed its luck by trying to creep up to a bison carcass that a wolf pack was feasting on. One wolf chased the coyote right past a tour bus, but didn’t kill it in front of the tourists.

Lucky Yellowstone Coyote Survives Taunting Wolves Who Were Feasting On Bison Carcass

A coyote in Yellowstone was lucky to escape after it got a little too close to a pack of wolves feasting on a bison carcass, and one wolf chased it right past a tour bus. “He pushed his luck,” said a tour guide, who took video of the incident on Sunday.

Mark HeinzJanuary 26, 2026

Stan Kroenke, who is Wyoming’s second-largest landowner with 560,000 acres, became the nation’s largest landowner last month with the purchase of 937,000 acres in New Mexico. Of the 2.7 million acres Kroenke owns, about 20% of the land is in Wyoming.

Stan Kroenke Is Nation's Largest Landowner, Including 560,000 Wyoming Acres

Stan Kroenke, who is Wyoming’s second-largest landowner with 560,000 acres, became the nation’s largest landowner last month with the purchase of 937,000 acres in New Mexico. Of the 2.7 million acres Kroenke owns, about 20% of the land is in Wyoming.

Kate MeadowsJanuary 25, 2026

Robotic fire nozzles can be used to suppress many types of fires.

Jackson Company Makes Robotic Water Turrets That Can Put Out Fires In 12 Seconds

WatchDog Robotics says its robotic fire suppression system can detect and extinguish fires in 12 seconds — compared to two to four minutes for traditional sprinklers. The company says its systems are in demand at industrial workplaces and remote cabins.

David MadisonJanuary 25, 2026

Levi Kessler founded History Under The Pines to document and preserve the history of  privately owned gold mines in the Black Hills that date back to the late 1800s.

Backyard Explorer Digs Deep Into Black Hills Ghost Towns And Mines

It was during Covid that Levi Kessler first started exploring historic underground mines in the Black Hills. Kessler only shared his findings with the promise to landowners that each location would retain anonymity to discourage trespassers.  

Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026

A Rock Springs High teacher accidentally projected a personal nude photo during a special ed class lesson, shocking students — including those with autism. Parents are criticizing what they say was a delayed response by the school.

Teacher’s Nude Photo Shocks Special Ed Class At Rock Springs High School

A Rock Springs High School teacher accidentally projected a personal nude photo during a special ed class lesson, shocking some students and upsetting parents. Parents are criticizing what they say was a delayed response by the school.

Zakary SonntagJanuary 24, 2026

Kim Greene, founder of Svalinn, got her start in Kenya before moving operations to Teton County, Wyoming. She’s now based outside of Livingston, Montana, and sells her trained dogs for $175,000 each.

Woman Sells Protection Dogs To The Wealthy For $175,000 Each

From Afghanistan to Africa to Wyoming, Kim Greene is a leading trainer of world-class protection dogs that she sells for $175,000 each. Now based in Montana, the woman sells about 20 dogs a year and her security business made nearly $3 million in 2024.

David MadisonJanuary 24, 2026

Big Boy 4014 will roll into Laramie during a previous whistle-stop tour.

Big Boy 4014, World's Largest Steam Locomotive, To Make First Coast-To-Coast Tour

Cheyenne-based Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will make its first ever coast-to-coast tour this year to honor America's 250th birthday. The tour could begin near the end of March, a Union Pacific official says.

Renée JeanJanuary 24, 2026

Casper’s first jail was a wooden structure and had two cells. Dr. Joseph Benson was a competent doctor and known drunk in Casper in 1891. His last act of notoriety resulted in his death as he cremated himself in the Casper jail.

Wyoming History: The Doctor Who Cremated Himself

In 1891, a well-known Casper doctor and drunk was thrown in the local jail after a fight with another doctor. Known for his antics when drunk, he yelled that the jail was on fire, but nobody paid attention. Hours later, the doctor was ashes.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 24, 2026

Dick Loper, a legendary Lander consultant on public rangeland management, died Jan. 6 at 81. Revered for decades of guiding ranchers through BLM regulations, he leaves a lasting legacy in Wyoming grazing policy and family ranch advocacy.

Wyoming People: Lander's Dick Loper Was Revered By Wyoming Ranchers

The public grazing industry lost a legend with the death of Dick Loper of Lander. He was revered for guiding ranchers through BLM regulations and leaves a lasting legacy in Wyoming grazing policy and family ranch advocacy.

Kate MeadowsJanuary 25, 2026

Wyoming’s fierce winds tattered Camping World’s massive 40-by-80-foot flag in Cheyenne, engineered for 100 mph gusts but no match for this winter’s fury. At $130,000 each, the hand-sewn symbols of veteran gratitude require frequent, costly replacements.

Flags Over Camping World In Cheyenne Cost $130,000 Each & Withstand 100 MPH Wind

The giant flags over Camping World in Cheyenne are hand-made and cost $130,000 each. The basketball court-sized flags are built to withstand 100mph wind gusts but after 1 to 2 months are sent back to the shop to get repaired.

Kate MeadowsJanuary 24, 2026

Perhaps the most famous grizzly bear that ever lived, Grand Teton National Park's Grizzly 399, and her many cubs are among the most recognizable bears in Wyoming. Now researchers are developing artificial intelligence recognition for bears, which could help prevent people from getting mauled in the future.

Scientists Develop AI-Based Facial Recognition Software To Decrease Bear Maulings

Scientists have developed facial recognition software for bears that they say will decrease maulings. They say using this software, instead of relying on DNA, can quickly identify bears involved in attacks so they can be removed before mauling again.

Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2026

Paleontologists spent decades trying to explain "devil's corkscrews," the bizarre spiral-shaped fossils found in Wyoming and Nebraska. Turns out, they were burrows chewed into the ground by prehistoric beavers 20 million years ago.

'Devil's Corkscrews' In Eastern Wyoming Are 20-Million-Year-Old Beaver Burrows

Paleontologists spent decades trying to explain "Devil's corkscrews," the bizarre spiral-shaped fossils found in Wyoming and Nebraska. Turns out, they were burrows chewed into the ground by prehistoric beavers 20 million years ago.

Andrew RossiJanuary 24, 2026

Wildcat Sam was a trapper who lived his life in the mountains. He kept for pets a wolf and coyote and once survived a night listening to over one hundred wolves meeting in a strange council along Powder River.

The Time Wyoming's 'Wildcat Sam' Was Surrounded By Seven Packs Of Wolves

Although 'Wildcat Sam' was a beloved Old West storyteller in Wyoming, historians say not all of Sam's stories were tall tales. After he died, reporters discovered that some of his stories might be true, like the time he was surrounded by a "wolf council."

Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026

Harvey Deselms and bronze sculpture artist Christine Knapp show off the real and bronze versions of Dot, Deselms’ Jack Russell terrier. The bronze is in front.

Art Dealer, Champion Of Cheyenne Bronze Project, Has His 16-Year-Old Dog Bronzed

Cheyenne art dealer Harvey Deselms, the driving force behind the Capitol Avenue Bronze Project, commissioned bronze sculptures of his dog Dot to immortalize her spunky spirit before she passes. He says bronzing a pet is a better alternative to taxidermy.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 24, 2026

After a second clay on the right front paw of ChewBarka the beaver became permanently extended, it looks as if he’s flashing a peace sign.

ChewBarka: The Beaver That Became A Worldwide Sensation For Flipping People Off

ChewBarka is a burly old beaver who lives quietly with his family in Canada, but he’s become a worldwide social media star. That’s thanks, in part, to quirk in his front claws that looks like he was flipping people off but now looks like a peace sign.

Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2026

Ryan Morris and 19-year-old Chase Walden operate the snowcats at Antelope Butte and say that the job is challenging, but rewarding. They get a different perspective of the mountain as they groom the trails and the steep inclines.

Meet The Teen Who Keeps The Ski Trails Groomed And Open At Antelope Butte

While others can't wait to hit the slopes on the ski trails at Antelope Butte resort in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, local teen Chase Walden dreams of grooming them. After years of training, he's now driving snowcats to keep the trails in tip-top shape.

Jackie DorothyJanuary 25, 2026

The mother of Aiden Hall, 22, of Cheyenne, who shot himself while handcuffed in the back of a police car Sunday, is asking how that could happen. She told Cowboy State Daily that police confiscated his pocket knife, but not his pistol.

Mother Asks How Son Shot Himself While Handcuffed In Back Of Police Car

The mother of a 22-year-old Cheyenne man who shot himself while handcuffed in the back of a police car is asking how that could happen. She told Cowboy State Daily that police confiscated his pocket knife, but not his pistol.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2026

State Rep. Jacob Wasserburger, R-Cheyenne, unveiled a bill Thursday that seeks to sell between 30,000 and 200,000 acres of non-trust state lands in 10-acre parcels to individual families — at $1 an acre. He says it will ease Wyoming’s housing shortage.

Lawmaker Unveils Bill To Sell Between 30,000 And 200,000 Acres Of State Lands

A Cheyenne state legislator unveiled a bill Thursday that seeks to sell between 30,000 and 200,000 acres of non-trust state lands in 10-acre parcels to individual families — at $1 an acre. He says it will help ease Wyoming’s housing shortage.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2026

The Keeler family of Buffalo, Wyoming, lost their home to fire on Thursday afternoon. A young son was hospitalized overnight but released after reportedly trying to save a dog.

Buffalo Family Loses Home To Fire, Son Hospitalized After Trying To Rescue Dog

A Buffalo family lost their home to fire Thursday, and a son was hospitalized overnight for carbon monoxide poisoning after reportedly trying to save a dog. The fire chief says the fire was "accidental for sure," and the house may have to be torn down.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 23, 2026

John Madison Melbraaten, the armed Cody man involved in a four-hour standoff with law enforcement Wednesday while sitting in his vehicle, pleaded not guilty Friday. He also claimed mistreatment by officers and that he was shot in the face with a beanbag during the incident.

Cody Man In 4-Hour Standoff Pleads Not Guilty, Says He Was Shot In Face With Beanbag

The armed Cody man involved in a four-hour standoff with law enforcement Wednesday while sitting in his vehicle pleaded not guilty Friday. He also claimed mistreatment by officers and that he was shot in the face with a beanbag during the incident.

Andrew RossiJanuary 23, 2026

Fueled by luxury developments like the Hoback Club, Jackson Hole’s real estate market surged 52% in 2025 to a near-record $2.17 billion. The trend shows no signs of stopping yet, with limited supply meeting increased demand. This property at 485 North Fall Creek in Wilson listed for $10.95 million and sold in 2025.

Jackson Hole Real Estate Sales Soared To Near-Record $2.17 Billion In 2025

Fueled by luxury developments like the Hoback Club, Jackson Hole’s real estate market surged 52% in 2025 to a near-record $2.17 billion. The trend shows no signs of stopping, with limited supply meeting increased demand.

Renée JeanJanuary 23, 2026

Cassandra Clinger and her three children. Clinger, a Star Valley High School graduate, was killed by her estranged husband on Jan. 21, 2026. He then reportedly shot himself. The children were not harmed, her family says.

'Satan Got Ahold Of Me' Man Texts After Reportedly Shooting Wife, Then Himself

Moments after reportedly shooting his estranged wife Cassandra Clinger early Wednesday at their home near the Wyoming-Idaho border, 43-year-old Christopher Moon texted his mother-in-law. “Satan, got ahold of me. I’m so sorry, I love her so much,” he wrote.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 22, 2026

A winter storm warning for the Dallas area calls for 4 inches of snow and some ice, and has people buying out grocery stores. That same forecast for 4 inches of snow with some ice would all but be ignored in Wyoming.

The Difference Between Dubois And Dallas When A Winter Storm Approaches

A winter storm warning for the Dallas area calls for 4 inches of snow and some ice, and has people buying out grocery stores. That same forecast for 4 inches of snow with some ice would all but be ignored in Wyoming.

CSD StaffJanuary 24, 2026

A pair new studies show ranchers in Wyoming are facing some hard truths with pressures to sell out clashing with their Western values of being the “original environmentalists.” “You don’t make money, you’re making a life,” one rancher explained. In the above file photo, a rancher drives cattle to their winter pasture in Wyoming.

Hard Truths About Wyoming Ranching: 'You Don't Make Money, You're Making a Life'

A pair new studies show ranchers in Wyoming are facing some hard truths with pressures to sell out clashing with their Western values of being the “original environmentalists.” “You don’t make money, you’re making a life,” one rancher explained.

David MadisonJanuary 23, 2026

A $15,000 reward is being offered in the case of an illegal grizzly killing that has stumped wildlife agents for months. The female was from the tiny, isolated Cabinet-Yaak grizzly subpopulation in Idaho and Montana.

$15,000 Reward For Finding Who Illegally Killed Grizzly In Idaho

A $15,000 reward is being offered in the case of an illegal grizzly killing that has stumped wildlife agents for months. The female was from the tiny, isolated Cabinet-Yaak grizzly subpopulation in Idaho and Montana.

Mark HeinzJanuary 23, 2026

By the early 1970s, there were 136 grizzlies left in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. There are about 1,000 now, and some say they should remain under federal protection.

Hageman's Push For Grizzly Hunt Slammed By Wyoming Wildlife Advocates

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman calling for grizzlies to be delisted is a bad look for Wyoming, some Wyoming wildlife advocates say. Hageman and others for delisting say the growing number of bears across expanding territory makes their case.

Mark HeinzJanuary 23, 2026

Meteorologists are warning that an incoming subzero cold snap comes with an increased risk of "exploding trees." Arborists say it's a real thing that can sever branches, crack trunks, and sound like a gunshot when trees pop.

'Exploding Tree' Warning From Subzero Cold Snap Reaches Into Wyoming

Meteorologists are warning that an incoming subzero cold snap comes with an increased risk of "exploding trees." Arborists say it's a real thing that can sever branches, crack trunks, and sound like a gunshot when trees pop.

Andrew RossiJanuary 22, 2026

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether a Rock Springs school district’s transgender “privacy” policy violates parents’ rights. A local couple — Sean and Ashley Willey — says behind the policy, teachers called their daughter by a boy name without telling them.

Rock Springs School District Trans ‘Privacy’ Policy Under Review By Federal Court

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether a Rock Springs school district’s transgender “privacy” policy violates parents’ rights. A local couple says behind the policy, teachers called their daughter by a boy name without telling them.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 22, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, January 23, 2026

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

Jake NicholsJanuary 23, 2026

The Jonah natural gas field south of Pinedale.

Jonah Energy Says Blocking 3,500-Well Expansion Threatens Company’s Future

Jonah Energy’s vice president says a Tuesday ruling that blocks a 3,500-well expansion threatens the company’s future in Wyoming. "I can't overstate how damaging this could be for the future of the oil and gas industry in the state,” Paul Ulrich said.

David MadisonJanuary 22, 2026

A board tasked with ensuring Wyoming’s property tax assessments are fair and lawful planned to challenge the state’s 4% growth cap on residential property taxes. Gov. Mark Gordon put a halt to the lawsuit Thursday.

Gordon Halts Lawsuit Challenging Wyoming’s Cap On Property Tax Growth

A board tasked with ensuring Wyoming’s property tax assessments are fair and lawful planned to challenge the state’s 4% growth cap on residential property taxes. Gov. Mark Gordon put a halt to the lawsuit Thursday.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2026

Invasive rats first started showing up in the Boise, Idaho, area a couple of years ago. Their population has exploded, and exterminators can’t keep up.

'Nuclear Bomb' Of Invasive Rats That Exploded In Boise Can Threaten Wyoming

Wyoming isn’t immune to a rat invasion like the infestation taking place in Boise that one exterminator called “a nuclear bomb of rats.” Spikes in rat populations can result from favorable conditions, such as mild winters, a Wyoming zoology professor said.

Mark HeinzJanuary 22, 2026

Christopher Dylan Noah

Casper Man Plows Into Patrol Trucks During Wild 100 MPH Chase

A 31-year-old Casper is accused of plowing into multiple patrol vehicles during a wild 100 mph chase through Bar Nunn and Mills. He’ll be in court Tuesday to face multiple felony charges for what police call “a wanton disregard for human life."

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 22, 2026

A Wyoming bill that would have required voter approval to impose stormwater fees died in committee Wednesday on a tie vote despite lawsuits over “tax-like” charges. Lawmakers debated tax-fee laws and flood risks, leaving infrastructure funding in limbo. Heavy rains were too much for the stormwater system in Casper in the summer of 2023, as seen in this file photo.

Wyoming Bill Requiring Voter Approval Of Stormwater Fees Dies On Tie Vote

A Wyoming bill that would have required voter approval to impose stormwater fees died in committee Wednesday on a tie vote despite lawsuits over “tax-like” charges. Lawmakers debated tax-fee laws and flood risks, leaving infrastructure funding in limbo.

Zakary SonntagJanuary 22, 2026

Daily Features

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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ginger Doss. Ginger writes, "Sunrise from Bondurant this morning was beautiful!"
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ginger Doss. Ginger writes, "Sunrise from Bondurant this morning was beautiful!"

Photo by Ginger Doss

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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Two medical professionals are looking at an X-ray.

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

In a physical therapy office, a woman performs a procedure on a patient.

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

Advanced Imaging at Hoskinson Health CT Scan.

Advanced Imaging at Hoskinson Health Means When Clarity Matters Most, Precision Changes Everything

Hoskinson Health's advanced diagnostic imaging is designed to deliver clear answers, coordinated care, and a more supportive patient experience across Northeast Wyoming.

January 26, 2026

Opinion

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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Let’s Get Our Court Docs On The Internet

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Our courts are still operating as if ‘Al Gore’ never invented ‘the internets,’ as Dubya would say. Luddite rules suppress free access to public information.”

Jonathan LangeJanuary 16, 2026

Scott clem 7 29 25

Scott Clem: Like Miley Cyrus, The Legislature Is Coming In Like A Wrecking Ball

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "The legislature has a problem. Maybe their actions really are good for Wyoming. Maybe our state is being set up for success for years to come. But that's not how it's coming across."

Scott ClemJanuary 16, 2026

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: It’s The Legislature’s Fault That Abortion Ban Was Unconstitutional

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "This abortion law mess didn’t erupt from nowhere. It came from years of incompetent legislating, blame shifting and political grandstanding, while lawmakers dodged the harder work required to pass a constitutional amendment."

Tom LubnauJanuary 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

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