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Cassandra Vincelette hands the mug to a patron preparing to attempt the heavy mug challenge at Square State Brewing.

Fun To Watch: Most People Fail 31-Pound Mug Challenge At Rock Springs Brewery

Watching people try to drink beer from a 31-pound mug is fun to watch. Most people who try the challenge at Square State Brewing in Rock Springs fail. “They think they can do it but once they grab it, it’s a whole different story," the owner says.

Tracie SullivanMarch 22, 2026

The University of Wyoming’s mascot, Pistol Pete, was an enigma. He had burst onto the football field with his gun, creating pandemonium and great cheers from the fans. Where he came from, no one seemed to know until John Waggener started chasing down leads.

How Pistol Pete, The University Of Wyoming's Cowboy Mascot, Came To Be

For decades, no one quite knew how Pistol Pete, the University of Wyoming's mascot, came to be. UW historian John Waggener went on a mission to find out. It all began with a San Jose State cheerleader who was chased off the field as a Spartan in 1969.

Jackie DorothyMarch 22, 2026

Audrey Bay lobbied the Lovell Town Council to bring back a drink-until-sunrise tradition during the Wyoming town's biggest summer celebration. She got two extra hours — and a 24-pound alligator.

Darts Til Dawn — A Lovell Bar Owner's Campaign To Party All Night

Audrey Bay lobbied the Lovell Town Council to bring back a drink-until-sunrise tradition during the Wyoming town's biggest summer celebration. She got two extra hours — and a 24-pound alligator.

David MadisonMarch 22, 2026

Wind River Brewing Company and the town of Pinedale draw their water from Fremont Lake, and the beer drinkers are among the beneficiaries.

Wyoming Brewers Say It's All About The Water

Wyoming brewers say great beer starts with what comes out of the ground — water. “That’s why our beer’s so good,” Wind River Brewing Company head brewer Thomas Simms says. "We have glacier-fed water that serves as a base for the beer, and it’s delicious.”

David MadisonMarch 22, 2026

Cheyenne railroad enthusiast Michael Pannell is rescuing remnants of the abandoned Chicago, Burlington & Quincy line in Wyoming before time and landowners have erased them for good.

Cheyenne Railroad Historian Rushing To Save Abandoned Rail Line Before It Disappears

Cheyenne railroad historian Michael Pannell is walking the defunct Chicago, Burlington & Quincy rail line in Wyoming to rescue remnants of it before time and landowners have erased them for good. "It was a rural, slow, quiet little railway," he says.

Renée JeanMarch 22, 2026

A VisitAfton reel plays off viral Ohio memes to draw a few laughs — and 83,000-plus viewers — to show off Afton’s small-town charm.

Social Media Strategy Of Promoting Afton In Ohio May Be Odd But They Say It Works

If you live in Ohio, you may get served a video on social media that says, "If you’re ever in Ohio, we recommend seeing Afton, Wyoming, which is only 1,629 miles away.” Although it may seem quirky, tourism officials in Afton say it's working very well.

Renée JeanMarch 22, 2026

In 1983, 24-year-old welding student John Boutin vanished from Rawlins, Wyoming, after raising concerns about misconduct at his shop. His family believes he was killed and still seeks answers in his unsolved case.

Family Still Haunted By Mysterious 1983 Disappearance Of Rawlins Welding Student

In 1983, 24-year-old welding student John Boutin vanished from Rawlins after raising concerns about misconduct at his shop. Authorities and his family believe he was killed and are still seeking answers in the unsolved case.

Jen KocherMarch 21, 2026

A herd of bison moves across a road in Yellowstone National Park. Visitors come from around the globe to see the unique American animals.

Buffalo Vs. Bison: What Should We Call America's National Mammal?

For Western historian and best-selling author Paul Hutton, it's buffalo, not bison. Makes no difference what scientists say. “It’s such a national icon that I think it's important to use the language of the time, especially as a writer,” he says.

Renée JeanMarch 21, 2026

The jackalope is mythical, but Wyoming was home to an actual prehistoric rodent with two large horns on its head that roamed the Western U.S. It's one of the only horned burrowing mammals in Earth's history, and it thrived by fighting predators head-on.

Wyoming's Actual Jackalope Is An Extinct Horny Rodent

The jackalope is mythical, but Wyoming was home to an actual prehistoric rodent with two large horns on its head. The Ceratogaulus is one of the only horned burrowing mammals in Earth's history, and it thrived by confronting predators head-on.

Andrew RossiMarch 21, 2026

High winds sent flaming hay into a Powell-area barn and attached home that resulted in a total loss for the owner, Barbie Rae Steinheimer.

Powell Horse Breeder Says She And Her Horses Lucky To Survive Barn Fire

A Powell-area horse breeder is recovering after a fire destroyed her home and barn. She credits her neighbor for saving her life and her horses. “If it wasn’t for her knocking on my glass front door, my horses would have been dead,” she said.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 21, 2026

South Dakota will revive a controversial Mount Rushmore fireworks show this year to mark the nation’s 250th birthday. Critics cite wildfire danger and Indigenous land claims, while local tourism leaders anticipate an economic boom.

Not Everybody Happy About Fireworks Display At Mount Rushmore For America's 250th

It may be one of the most beautiful places to have a fireworks display, but not everyone is happy about the upcoming show at Mount Rushmore for the nation's 250th birthday. Some Native Americans say the ground is sacred while others cite fire danger.

Kate MeadowsMarch 21, 2026

Every spring, hundreds of turkey vultures show up on the University of Wyoming campus and stay until fall.

Wyoming's Turkey Vultures Do Much More Than Hang Around Looking Creepy

The turkey vultures are back. They return to Wyoming each spring, roosting by the hundreds on the UW campus and in Casper. Researchers say they do more than just poop all over trees, barf up pellets of leftover gristle, and hang around looking creepy

Mark HeinzMarch 21, 2026

Guilty Dog Transport, owned and operated by Eric Huyffer of Jackson, hauls some of the most expensive cars in Wyoming to various locations in the United States. His main gig, Huyffer said, is getting exotic cars like the Ferrari and Porsche to their oil change appointments in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

The Man Who Hauls Exotic Multimillion-Dollar Cars For Wyoming’s Super Rich

Eric Huyffer of Jackson hauls multimillion-dollar cars for the wealthy. Ferrari and Porsche are the two brands he hauls the most. “They have to be serviced by a certified technician and the closest certified technician for both are in Salt Lake City.”

Jackie DorothyMarch 21, 2026

Fifty off-roaders will trek 350 miles from Evanston to Cheyenne this July to map Wyoming’s first official long-distance off-road trail while celebrating America’s 250th. There’s a cap of 50 vehicles, and so far 20 people have already signed up.

Off-Roaders To Ride 350 Miles From Evanston To Cheyenne For Nation’s 250th

Fifty off-roaders will ride 350 miles from Evanston to Cheyenne this July to map Wyoming’s first official long-distance off-road trail while celebrating America’s 250th. There’s a cap of 50 on the number of vehicles, and so far 20 people have already signed up.

Renée JeanMarch 21, 2026

Metallica Scholar David Whitehead, right, got to talk to Microsoft, who he hopes to work for one day, during a Trades Day event set up for students. Metallica Scholars who are about to graduate from high school also joined the event, to speak with area employers they might work for once they've graduated.

Trade Careers: Metallica Scholarship Program Names 26 New Scholars In SE Wyoming

The heavy metal band Metallica that still fills stadiums, is also filling trade classrooms across the country, including Wyoming. 26 students in Cheyenne were given scholarships to train for trade careers and Wyoming’s growing data center boom.

Renée JeanMarch 21, 2026

As The Morrill and Cottonwood Fires scorched across the prairie, two guys teamed up in North Platte, Nebraska, to resupply first responders on the frontlines. Then they squared off inside a cage.

As Nebraska Burns, Neighbors Not Only Fought Back Flames — They Held A Cage Match

As The Morrill and Cottonwood Fires scorched across the prairie, two guys teamed up in North Platte, Nebraska, to resupply first responders on the frontlines. Then they squared off inside a cage.

David MadisonMarch 21, 2026

A new study finds Yellowstone’s ravens don’t just follow wolves but use mental “maps” to predict likely kill sites. Researchers say the birds’ memory and human food sources may shape their scavenging habits.

Yellowstone Ravens Cleverly Predict Where Wolves Will Make Kills

A new study finds Yellowstone’s ravens don’t just follow wolves but use mental “maps” to predict likely kill sites. Researchers say the birds’ memory and human food sources may shape their scavenging habits.

Mark HeinzMarch 20, 2026

The old Goggin School is now collapsed along a road north of Cheyenne.

Fading And Fallen Cheyenne Schoolhouse Was Once Heart Of A Ranching Community

Once a lively one-room school for ranch kids north of Cheyenne, the Little Goggin Schoolhouse later hosted Farm Bureau meetings before time, weather and vandalism left it a crumbling link to Wyoming’s past. It stopped functioning as a school in the early 1940s.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 20, 2026

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When Cheyenne Was Knocked Out By 92 MPH Wind, The "Troublemen" Got Power Back On

Last week, when wind gusts cut power to 14,000 in Cheyenne, first responders known as "troublemen" battled the winds that toppled trees and power lines and got Cheyenne's power back on. “Those guys really are the rock stars of our trade."

David MadisonMarch 20, 2026

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright was among a laundry list of state and federal officials at Ramaco's Brook Mine for a ribbon cutting for the first new rare earths mine to open in the U.S. in 70 years on July 11, 2025.

Ramaco Accuses Former Executive Of Stealing Rare Earth Trade Secrets For Rival

Sheridan-based Ramaco is accusing its former director of critical minerals of emailing trade secrets to himself before jumping to a rival. The company is asking a federal judge to seize personal devices and any equipment issued by his new employer.

David MadisonMarch 20, 2026

Gov. Mark Gordon

Gordon Declines To Fire Two Hot Springs County Commissioners

Gov. Mark Gordon declined Friday to remove two of Hot Springs County’s three commissioners from office, despite seven locals asking him to do so in October. He said although he disagreed with their actions, they don't rise to the level of misconduct.

Clair McFarlandMarch 21, 2026

Wyoming's U.S. Attorney Darin Smith on Friday said federal, Wyoming and Idaho law enforcement have taken down a Jackson-area drug ring with ties to a Mexican drug cartel. "This cooperation works; we take the bad guys off the streets," he said.

Wyoming's U.S. Attorney Says Jackson-Area Cocaine Ring Has Links To Mexican Cartel

Wyoming's U.S. Attorney Darin Smith on Friday said federal, Wyoming and Idaho law enforcement have taken down a Jackson-area drug ring with ties to a Mexican drug cartel. "This cooperation works; we take the bad guys off the streets," he said.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2026

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Utah Law Makes People Buy Hunting/Fishing Licenses To Use State Lands

Utah passed a law that could require anyone using its wildlife management areas to buy hunting or fishing licenses, even if they’re not hunting or fishing. Some Wyoming outdoors enthusiasts say that’s unfair and prefer general user fees instead.

Mark HeinzMarch 20, 2026

Temperatures soared across Wyoming on Thursday and Friday including this temperature reading in Cheyenne.

Wyoming Starts Spring With Record-Breaking Summer Temperatures In The 80s

Thursday was a day of record-breaking high temperatures across Wyoming. For the first time in its recorded history, Big Piney topped 70 degrees in March and Lake Yellowstone, for the first time in March, hit 60 degrees. More of the same is in store.

Andrew RossiMarch 20, 2026

A family from Cody is selling their 1965 Ghostbusters Cadillac. The vehicle used to promote a defunct pizza chain in the Bighorn Basin and now the Ecto-1 is looking for a Ghostbusters fanatic who wants the road-legal vehicle for paranormal elimination.

Cody Family Selling Their Ghostbusters Cadillac

A family from Cody is selling their 1965 Ghostbusters Cadillac. The vehicle used to promote a defunct pizza chain in the Bighorn Basin and now the Ecto-1 is looking for a Ghostbusters fanatic who wants the road-legal vehicle for paranormal elimination.

Andrew RossiMarch 20, 2026

A Wheatland man accused of kicking police officers in January as they wrestled him away from the scene of a standoff where he’d wielded a hatchet has told the court that he’s wasn’t mentally well enough during that incident to be found guilty of a crime pertaining to it. 

Wheatland Man Accused In Hatchet Standoff Says He Wasn’t Sane Enough To Be Guilty

A Wheatland man accused of kicking police officers as they wrestled him away from a standoff where he’d wielded a hatchet has told the court that he’s wasn’t mentally well enough during that incident to be found guilty of a crime pertaining to it.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2026

Two of Chris and Heather Pitmanns' four dogs. They are pleading with the city council to allow them to keep all four dogs.

Powell Family Pleads With City Council To Allow Them To Keep Their Four Dogs

A family who moved to Powell in 2025 with their four dogs are pleading to the city council to reconsider an ordinance that allows only two pets per residence. They vow not to take two of them to the shelter because "that's a terrible life for dogs."

Kate MeadowsMarch 19, 2026

A process server at Tuesday's Bar Nunn Town Council meeting. U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner, top inset, is suing Councilman Dan Sabrosky, right, for defamation.

Bar Nunn Mayor Says ‘Sleazy’ For Rasner Lawsuit To Be Served At Council Meeting

Bar Nunn’s mayor said it was “sleazy” that a Reid Rasner defamation lawsuit was served against a councilman during a public meeting Tuesday. “That’s probably the lowest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said.

Clair McFarlandMarch 19, 2026

Amanda Knotwell

Former Saratoga Chamber CEO Accused Of Writing Herself $77,000 Worth Of Checks

Police say the former CEO for the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce admitted to writing herself more than $77,000 worth of checks drawn on a chamber account. Her case was elevated to felony court Wednesday.

Greg JohnsonMarch 19, 2026

Gov Mark Gordon Sen Tim Salazar 19 Mar 2026 03 04 PM 4776

Why Didn't The Legislature Ask Wyoming Voters To Decide If Abortion Is Health Care?

Some lawmakers say the Legislature didn't ask voters to settle whether abortion is health care because they fear the pro-abortion lobby will flood Wyoming with out-of-state money to block a pro-life vote and cement the right to abortion.

Clair McFarlandMarch 19, 2026

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Logan Wilson's Retirement: "I Want To Be Healthy, Playing With My Kids, Pain Free"

Casper native and University of Wyoming standout Logan Wilson announced Wednesday his retirement from the National Football League. After six years in the NFL, Logan said he felt "blessed" but wants to be "healthy, playing with my kids, pain-free."

Cody TuckerMarch 19, 2026

Lance Aichs

Park County Man Charged With Terrorizing Ex-Girlfriend With Gun

A Park County man accused of terrorizing his ex-girlfriend with a gun and holding her against her will told police that when she didn’t fight back, he thought she “was thankful for the way he was treating her.” He was bound over to felony court Wednesday.

Greg JohnsonMarch 19, 2026

Fremont County residents Leah Edwards and John Bass are among many Wyomingites who love fishing for walleye.

Wyoming Anglers Excited For State Hatchery To Produce 1.28 Million Walleye Per Year

A Wyoming fish hatchery is expected to churn out well over 1 million walleye per year, and anglers are excited. Wyoming might be primarily known for trout, but walleye are also a favorite game fish.

Mark HeinzMarch 19, 2026

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Here Come The Bugs: Wyoming’s Warm Winter Likely Means A Whole Lot Of Insects

Without cold winter temperatures to keep them subdued, Wyoming's summer could be dominated by mosquitoes. “If the breeding season is extended, then we'll end up with very high populations. We might have a bad year with West Nile," one entomologist said.

Andrew RossiMarch 19, 2026

State Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that she is running for Wyoming Secretary of State.

Chair Of The Wyoming Freedom Caucus Runs For Secretary of State

Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams has entered the race for Wyoming Secretary of State. She supports Chuck Gray’s conservative platform but said she'll collaborate well with clerks. Robert Short also vies for the GOP nomination, and Bryan McCarty's running as a Democrat.

Clair McFarlandMarch 19, 2026

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There Were More Than 6,000 Human-Grizzly Conflicts In Wyoming Over The Last 40 Years

According to a report to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission earlier this week, there were more than 6,000 human-grizzly conflicts in Wyoming from 1982 to 2025, including 220 in 2025. Neither attack last year resulted in life-threatening injuries.

Mark HeinzMarch 19, 2026

Theresa McIntosh

Cheyenne 14-Year-Old Facing First-Degree Murder In Mom’s Killing Bound Over To Felony Court

A 14-year-old accused of shooting his mother in the head after she called him “retarded” and a “thief” over a stolen electronic tablet was bound over to felony court Wednesday. He’s been charged as an adult with first-degree murder.

Greg JohnsonMarch 18, 2026

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Wyoming Reporter Posts Bond, Leaves Jail, In Felony Case Over Wind Project

A Wyoming reporter posted bond and left jail Wednesday in a case claiming she submitted forged documents and lied to a state panel about a controversial wind project near Chugwater. She faces 10 felonies and up to 65 years in prison if convicted.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 18, 2026

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Holy Cow! Tens Of Thousands Of Cattle Displaced In Nebraska Wildfires

With 750,000+ acres of agricultural land destroyed by wildfire, Nebraska ranchers are facing tough decisions about where to graze their cattle. Jim Magagna, of the Wyoming Stockgrowers, says as Wyoming is also in a drought, can’t offer much pasture.

Kate MeadowsMarch 18, 2026

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Battle For Biteman's Seat: House Rep. Ken Pendergraft Vies To Move Over To Senate

Rep. Ken Pendergraft, a member of the Freedom Caucus who wants to defund the Wyoming Business Council, is running for an open Senate seat in Sheridan County. He faces a Wyoming business owner who says “burning it down” isn’t the answer.

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2026

U.S. House candidate and Casper businessman Reid Rasner has sued three more people for defamation. One of the persons said she's not afraid of him and "bring it on." Rasner says the three Natrona County residents have made salacious claims about him.

U.S. House Candidate Reid Rasner Sues Three More People For Defamation

U.S. House candidate and Casper businessman Reid Rasner has sued three more people for defamation. One of the persons said she's not afraid of him and "bring it on." Rasner says the three Natrona County residents have made salacious claims about him.

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2026

A cow elk boldly strode out onto the sod roof of a building in Gardiner, Montana early Tuesday, to graze on the sod.

Elk Boldly Climbs On Sod Roof To Graze In Gardiner As Locals Watch In Amazement

A cow elk walked out onto the roof of a building in Gardiner, Montana, just outside of Yellowstone National Park to the amazement of onlookers. Apparently, she wanted the roof’s sod all to herself.

Mark HeinzMarch 18, 2026

The Dry Creek area near Greybull is bare, after stands of Russian olive were cut down recently.

Hunters Say BLM Wiped Out Favorite Hunting Location With Tree Removal

Hunters in northern Wyoming say the BLM destroyed some of the best pheasant hunting in the entire region by removing entire strands of Russian olive trees near Greybull. The BLM says it's an invasive tree species.

Mark HeinzMarch 18, 2026

The Lander community is rallying to help an 11-member family recover from a devastating house fire, which is likely to be a total loss. “It’s overwhelming,” the mother of the family said. “People have been so generous. Every little bit helps.”

Lander Rallies To Help 11-Member Family Recover From Devastating House Fire

The Lander community is rallying to help an 11-member family recover from a devastating house fire, which is likely to be a total loss. “It’s overwhelming,” the mother of the family said. “People have been so generous. Every little bit helps.”

Dale KillingbeckMarch 18, 2026

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Evanston Man Accused Of Killing Dad Not Freed After Self Defense Claim

An Evanston man accused of killing his father in their home will not have his case dismissed early on self-defense grounds, a judge ruled. Court documents say the defendant texted his grandma, "If he tries to break into my room I will defend myself."

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, March 23, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Adene Wuertley in Bairoil. Adene writes, "I took a picture with the pumping unit in view before the wind blew it away!!"

Photo by Adene Wuertley

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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Joan Barron: Why Is It So Hard To Say 'I’m Sorry?'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Why is it so hard for today’s politicians to admit the wrongness of a situation? Even though they were not at fault personally, the ball was in the court of the Freedom Caucus members as it were, since they were the recipients of the checks."

Joan BarronMarch 21, 2026

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Bill Sniffin: Turning 80 Thoughts: Quit Smoking, Stay Active, Be Health-Selfish

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Here are my five life lessons that have kept me going for 80 years! I plan to keep going and keep learning.”

Bill SniffinMarch 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Your Participation Can Make Politics Better

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “If you have never attended a party meeting, you would be amazed at the depth of understanding on display. Its participants are anything but 'deplorables.'”

Jonathan LangeMarch 20, 2026

Wyoming Life

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