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Could Data Center Jobs Stop Young Adults From Leaving Wyoming?
As Wyoming watches up to 70% of its young adults leave by age 30, a Cheyenne native’s path at Microsoft shows how data center jobs could help reverse the state’s biggest export — it’s own people. Tommy Martin returned home a decade ago and built a career.
Renée JeanJuly 10, 2026
Former Gillette Little League Coach And Board Member Faces 13 Child Porn Charges
A former Gillette Little League coach and board member could get up to 130 years in prison if convicted of 13 child pornography charges. “He personally coached my son in soccer, so I was shocked,” said the league’s president.
Greg JohnsonJuly 10, 2026
Distant Video Of Bear In Bighorn Mountains Reignites Debate Over Grizzlies In Area
A Lovell man says he thinks a bear he spotted off Dayton Gulch Road in the Bighorn Mountains last week was a grizzly. Casey Jones took a quick video of the bear and said,"The hump between the shoulders, that’s what got me to thinking it’s a grizzly."
Mark HeinzJuly 10, 2026
One Of Rasner's Four Defamation Cases Settles, Iowa Dad Apologizes
One of congressional candidate Reid Rasner's four defamation cases has settled and the Iowa dad he sued has apologized. “I regret making social media posts accusing Mr. Rasner of misconduct and recognize that the posts were wholly false," the man said.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2026
Judge Denies Reporter's Request To Throw Out Evidence On Laptop & Cellphones
A Platte County judge has denied a former reporter's request to throw out all evidence on her laptop and two cell phones. The woman is facing 20 forgery and perjury-related charges in two court case. She also waived her right to jury trials.
Greg JohnsonJuly 10, 2026
Rock Springs Girl Saved By First Responders Collecting "Hero Patches" To Honor Them
4-year-old Charlee Lacey knows she and her mother owe their lives to first responders, so the Rock Springs girl is on a mission to honor them by collecting "hero patches” from around the world. "She sees them as superheroes,” her mother said.
Andrew RossiJuly 10, 2026
Investigators Say Colorado Bear That Ate Human Remains Shouldn’t Crave People
Investigators don’t think a bear or bears that ate parts of a human body found Sunday near Grand Mesa in western Colorado will develop a taste for people. They likely didn’t hunt the person, but instead scavenged someone already dead.
Mark HeinzJuly 10, 2026
Big Horn Grandpa, Mom Charged After Baby Dies In 95-Degree Feces-Filled Trailer
A Big Horn County grandfather and mother have been charged after a baby died Monday in a 95-degree trailer filled with feces, garbage and a 5-gallon bucket of human waste. "The infant's diaper was completely saturated in urine,” an investigator says.
Kolby FedoreJuly 09, 2026
‘Quiet Moments Are The Hardest,’ Mom Says Of Casper Woman Killed By Ex-Boyfriend
Two months after a Casper woman was killed during a child custody exchange with her ex-boyfriend, her mother says she wants people to know who her daughter was. "The quiet moments are the hardest," she said. "She had her whole life ahead of her."
Kolby FedoreJuly 09, 2026
Eastern Wyoming Irrigation District Warns Water Could Vanish By Early August
With Pathfinder Reservoir less than 24% full, some farmers and ranchers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska are being warned they could be out of irrigation water by the first week of August. Drought has left reservoirs drained and canals low.
Kate MeadowsJuly 09, 2026
Hageman Demands Answers From Zuckerberg About Cheyenne Data Center Contamination
Wyoming U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman in a Thursday letter is demanding answers from Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg about how its Cheyenne data center contaminated the city’s wastewater system. “I am deeply concerned,” she wrote.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2026
Another Day, Another Huge Endorsement For U.S. House Candidate David Giralt
David Giralt acknowledges that he has less name recognition than some of the nine other Republicans he's running against in the GOP race for U.S. House. He's also touting endorsements by six sitting U.S. House members — plus rocker Ted Nugent.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2026
State Audit Finds $1.3 Million Deficit In Guernsey, Town Official Says No Money Is Missing
A state audit of the Town of Guernsey's finances flagged a $1.3 million deficit and identified multiple issues with the town's accounting practices. Treasurer Hillary Dawson said the large negative number does not mean the town is missing money.
Kate MeadowsJuly 09, 2026
Hot, Hot, Hot: Triple Digits Forecast In Wyoming For At Least Three Days
The National Weather Service is predicting a record-breaking weekend for many locations in Wyoming with "dangerously hot conditions" in the forecast. Temperatures will be hottest in the Big Horn Basin with Worland and Greybull expected to top 110 degrees.
Andrew RossiJuly 09, 2026
Wyoming Local Officials Say They Never Signed Data Center Nondisclosure Agreements
Wyoming local government leaders in data center-heavy areas who spoke with Cowboy State Daily on Thursday say they've never signed nondisclosure agreements with data center companies. The agreements can be legal if built correctly, however.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2026
Attorney For Cheyenne Teen Accused Of Killing Mom Wants Him Out Of Adult Court
A Cheyenne boy who was 14 when he allegedly shot his mom in the head and charged as an adult with first-degree murder should be in juvenile court, his attorney argues in a Tuesday court motion. It claims his mother “verbally and physically abused” him.
Greg JohnsonJuly 09, 2026
Trial Set For Uinta County Rancher Charged In Moose Torture Incident
A Uinta County rancher charged with videotaping two others torturing a sickly moose by roping, riding and spurring it is continuing toward a trial date next month. Two other men in the case have entered plea deals with a special prosecutor.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 09, 2026
Arapaho Members Furious At Christian Preacher Who Spoke Against Rituals
Several Northern Arapaho Tribe members are outraged at a Christian pastor who spoke against their religious customs and encouraged worship of Jesus instead. One Arapaho member told Cowboy State Daily that the church is "not welcome here anymore."
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2026
Say Hello To Google, The Mystery Owner Behind Wyoming's Largest Data Center Project
The 2.7-gigawatt data center once called Project Jade 8 miles south of Cheyenne has been unmasked as a massive Google campus. Google’s project, according to planning documents, will be a 716-acre campus in the Switchgrass Industrial Park.
Renée JeanJuly 08, 2026
Eyewitness: Dump Truck Driver In Deadly Crash On Teton Pass "Driving Way Too Fast"
A Jackson driver who watched Tuesday's deadly Teton Pass crash unfold says he nearly passed the dump truck moments before its brakes failed and crashed into six vehicles, killing two people. "He was driving way too fast,” the eyewitness said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 08, 2026
Texas Motorcyclist Hit By Dump Truck On Teton Pass Thought He Was Going To Die
A motorcyclist who was hit by an out-of-control dump truck Tuesday on Teton Pass said he could feel his bones "crunching" as he tumbled across the pavement. "I thought I was going to fly off the cliff," he said. Two people were killed in the crash.
Kolby FedoreJuly 08, 2026
Green River Residents Shut Down License Plate Reader Camera Project
A vocal crowd converged Tuesday on the Green River City Council meeting and opposed a $112,000 federal grant for the police department to install license plate reader cameras. Then the City Council and mayor voted 6-1 against finalizing the grant.
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2026
'Explosive Diarrhea' Parasite Reaches Wyoming As Health Officials Seek Source
Wyoming has confirmed three cases of a parasite known for causing explosive weekslong diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and more. The likely source is imported fresh produce, Wyoming epidemiologist Matt Peterson says.
Kolby FedoreJuly 08, 2026
Jane Doe Found Dead On I-25 On-Ramp In April ID'd As Wyoming Woman
The Jane Doe found dead on Interstate 25 near Cheyenne in April has been identified as Brittany Smith, a 37-year-old Wyoming woman. Smith was struck by a northbound Kia Sportage on the on-ramp from Missile Drive on April 20.
Jen KocherJuly 08, 2026
Laramie Man Allegedly Kicks Trooper In Groin At End Of Truck Towing Camper Chase
It was an alleged kick to the groin of a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper that could get a Laramie man up to 10 years in prison after running from the law in a pickup towing a camper. The “intense pain was causing me to be nauseous,” the trooper said.
Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2026
Aggressive Black Bear Drives Women From Bighorns Camp Before Shredding Tents
Two experienced Wyoming outdoorswomen said a large black bear aggressively entered their camp in the Bighorns late Sunday and turned it into "total chaos." When they returned the next day after escaping to a cabin, their camp was completely torn apart.
Mark HeinzJuly 08, 2026
Judge Rules Reid Rasner Can Keep Suing Former Lawmaker For Defamation
A Casper-based judge on Wednesday declined to dismiss U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner's defamation suit against former state legislator Austin "Kit" Jennings. The judge said allegations Jennings accused Rasner of “serious sexual misconduct” fit defamation law.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 08, 2026
Casper Council OKs 6-Month Halt To Gambling Expansion
An appeal from a gaming company wasn't enough Tuesday to sway the Casper council against a six-month halt on expanding gambling in the city. "I don’t feel we need to tell people how and where they can spend their money,” said one council member.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 08, 2026
Police: Naked Man Says Psychedelic Shrooms Made Him Attack Cheyenne Officers
A 31-year-old man reportedly told police that psychedelic mushrooms led him to strip naked in a busy intersection, then kick, headbutt and try to bite multiple officers, at least two nurses and a doctor. He made his first court appearance Wednesday.
Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2026
After Blowing Off Most Of His Hand, Gillette Musician Vows He'll Play Guitar Again
Matthew Lynch lost most of his right hand in a fireworks explosion on July 4. But the Gillette carpenter, potter and musician is counting his blessings and refusing to give up on his electric-guitar dreams. "It's going to be awesome," Lynch said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 07, 2026
Vandals Blow Up 13 Porta Potties In Montana, Company Blames Wyoming Fireworks
At least 13 portable toilets were blown up in Billings over the July 4 holiday and the company is blaming Wyoming fireworks for the destruction. They say the fireworks were likely purchased in Wyoming because Montana's fireworks aren't powerful enough.
Andrew RossiJuly 07, 2026
Hooray! Casper Man Rescues Baby Pronghorn Stuck In Remote Cattle Guard
A Casper man says he felt fortunate to rescue a baby pronghorn who got stuck in a cattle guard on Tuesday. He said by posting the video, he hopes he can reduce the stigma around hunting and hunters. "The majority of us really care about wildlife," he said.
Andrew RossiJuly 07, 2026
Search For North Carolina Man Who Disappeared On Snake River Now A Recovery Mission
The family of a North Carolina man who disappeared after jumping into the Snake River on Saturday shared photos of the 55-year-old that were taken just hours before he was swept away. Authorities have changed the mission from search and rescue to recovery.
Kolby FedoreJuly 07, 2026
Voter-Rights Groups Get New Trial Over Investigation Into 2020 Election Fraud
A court ruled Monday that voting-rights groups in Wyoming, Montana and Colorado can wage a new lawsuit against a private group that canvassed voters about potential voter fraud in the 2020 election. Their methods were intimidating, the groups allege.
Clair McFarlandJuly 07, 2026
Hageman Opponent Sam Mead Defends $27 Donation To Bernie Sanders
A Washington, D.C., super-PAC is attacking U.S. Senate candidate Sam Mead for a $27 donation Mead made in 2019 to then-presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Mead defended the move Tuesday, saying it was about solving health care policy problems.
Clair McFarlandJuly 07, 2026
Cheyenne Mayor Says Wastewater Contamination 'Regrettable' But Lauds BOPU Response
As questions mount of the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities' handling of data center contamination of the city's sewer reuse system, Mayor Patrick Collins said BOPU handled the incident "efficiently." "People are caught up in the emotion of this," he said.
Kate MeadowsJuly 07, 2026
Albany County Camper Charged With Pulling 2 Guns During Brawl With 3 Other Campers
Allegedly outraged by a dirt bike zipping around his Albany County campsite, a man is accused of pulling two guns and brawling with three other campers over the weekend. At one point, he “stepped back and racked the slide, and pointed,” investigators say.
Greg JohnsonJuly 07, 2026
Town Of Green River Considers Installing License Plate Readers To Curb 'Terrorism'
The Green River City Council is considering finalizing a $112,000 grant it's been awarded to install license-plate readers in the city. The mayor said the cameras could curb terrorism while former Libertarian lawmaker Marshall Burt says it's all "bullshit."
Clair McFarlandJuly 07, 2026
Colorado Man Accused Of Shooting Buddy With Stolen Gun After Leaving Baggs Bar
A Colorado man is accused of shooting a buddy with a stolen handgun in a truck after leaving a Baggs, Wyoming, bar early Saturday morning. “A bullet hole could be seen going through the back of the passenger seat and out the front,” court documents say.
Greg JohnsonJuly 07, 2026
‘I Did Something Very Wrong’: Probation For Cheyenne Teacher Who Begged Student
A Cheyenne junior high math teacher caught on video on his knees begging a female student saying he “did something very wrong” has been sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation after scratching the girl during a confrontation.
Greg JohnsonJuly 07, 2026
Wyoming's Famous Diesel Mechanic Gets Presidential Pardons For Others
Wyoming's most famous diesel “delete" mechanic Troy Lake, who was pardoned by Trump after a prison stint, advocated for the president to pardon at least six more. On Friday, Trump pardoned those six, plus three others.
Clair McFarlandJuly 07, 2026
Data Centers Test Wyoming’s Promise Not To ‘Piss Away’ The Next Boom
The old Wyoming bumper sticker reads, “Dear God give me one more boom and I promise not to piss it all away next time.” Data centers may just be that next boom. So, how far to go in courting prosperity without losing the things that make Wyoming, Wyoming?
Renée JeanJuly 06, 2026
Gillette Man Blows Fingers Off Hand With Firework Outside Bar, Four Others Hurt
A man blew the fingers off his hand and injured four other people outside a Gillette bar around midnight Saturday. In a public apology, the man, who was life-flighted to Billings, said he tried to throw the firework "but it blew up instantly."
Kolby FedoreJuly 06, 2026
Say 'Antelope' In Front Of Wyoming Pronghorn Activist, It'll Cost You $1
Conservationist Rich Guenzel understands why many people, including Wyoming Game and Fish, wrongly call one of the state's signature animals "antelope," but it's his pet peeve. It bugs him so much he has a “pronghorn swear jar” and makes people pay $1.
Mark HeinzJuly 06, 2026
Glenrock Boy Airlifted To Denver Hospital After Getting Hit In Eye By Fireworks
A Glenrock boy was airlifted to a Denver hospital on the Fourth of July after getting hit in the eye with an errant firework when it exploded in a crowd at a local park. A witness said he watched it "explode in the middle of the crowd of people.”
Kolby FedoreJuly 06, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Dona Mansell. Dona writes, "Calm sunrise directly north in Campbell County. Lovely 60° weather before the hot July day."
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
Jonathan Lange: Green River Gets It Right On Surveillance Cams
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Dennis Sun: Oregon Initiative is a Real Threat to Agriculture
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Rod Miller: Sombrero Etiquette for Politicians
Opinion by Rod Miller
Ken Buck: The Earmark Book Is Back, And Congress Still Hasn't Learned
Opinion by Ken Buck
Tom Lubnau: Eric Barlow, A Man For The Times
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Sponsored
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Heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days™?
Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go
July 08, 2026
The Wyoming Way: Helping Neighbors, Feeding Families, Strengthening Communities
From young families and grandparents raising grandchildren to caregivers and retirees, Wyomingites across the state are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Food Bank of Wyoming is encouraging communities to come together to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. This WyoGives Day, July 15, donors can help support both local families and Wyoming producers.
July 07, 2026
AAA Urges Drivers to Keep Wyoming Roads Safe This Fourth of July
With 61.4 million travelers expected to drive to celebrate the Fourth of July, AAA calls on Wyomingites to protect everyone on the road by planning a safe ride home, and slowing down and moving over for stopped vehicles on the shoulder.
June 29, 2026
Opinion
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Rod Miller: Chuck Gray’s Pickle Over Wyoming Voter Info
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Why did Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray roll over and so readily provide that information to the feds based on a simple request, and not a formal subpoena?"
Rod MillerJuly 03, 2026
Tom Lubnau: Splitting the Field — Why Chuck Gray Might Win With Only One in Five Votes
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Chuck Gray, fresh with another boxcar load of family money, is the statistical leader in the congressional race, according to polling information shared with me."
Tom LubnauJuly 02, 2026
Ken Buck: Socialism And The Deceptive Online Housing Scheme
Columnist Ken Buck writes, "Homeowners are more likely to vote and more likely to support free-market principles. It's no wonder so many young people have bought into the lie of socialism. It's an appealing facade for those who feel fenced out of the American dream."
Ken BuckJuly 01, 2026
Wyoming Life
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Powell Man Turns $3,000 Van Into ‘Dumb And Dumber’ Mutt Cutts Shaggin’ Wagon
Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026
Dubois’ One-Of-A-Kind Military Tank Parade Celebrates America's 250th
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026
Hiland, Wyoming, Is Not A Ghost Town — Just Ask The 10 People Living There
Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2026
Gillette Celebrates Fourth Of July With Flyovers, Parade And 4,000 Free Hot Dogs
Julie MankinJuly 04, 2026
Wyoming History: Remarkable Life Of Wamsutter's John Bugas — FBI Star, Busted Nazis
Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026
Outdoors
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Save It For Later: 'Snow Farming' Is Keeping Ski Seasons Alive Across Rockies
Leo Wolfson For Cowboy State DailyJuly 06, 2026
Inside The Mission To Save 136-Year-Old Anderson Lodge In Wyoming Bear Country
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026
Montana Rancher More Than 100 Miles From Rocky Mountains Says Grizzly Mauled Horse
Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2026
Black Bear Leads Authorities On Two-Day Dumpster-Raiding Chase Through Worland
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026
‘Spectacular' Solar Halo Spotted Over Devils Tower
Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Casper Man Accused Of Holding Toddler ‘Like A Shield’ In Standoff To Change Plea
Dale KillingbeckJuly 06, 2026
Wyoming Bondsman Is Part Bounty Hunter, Part Counselor — And A Former Inmate
Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026
Sister Still Seeks Justice 44 Years After Casper Woman Found Dead In North Platte
Jen KocherJuly 04, 2026
Haitian Trucker Who Plowed Into Rawlins EMTs Wants His Conviction Overturned
Kolby FedoreJuly 03, 2026
Florida Woman, Daughter Ordered To Pay Back $870K They Stole From Wyoming Medicaid
Kolby FedoreJuly 02, 2026
Wyoming Life
View allPowell Man Turns $3,000 Van Into ‘Dumb And Dumber’ Mutt Cutts Shaggin’ Wagon
Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026
Dubois’ One-Of-A-Kind Military Tank Parade Celebrates America's 250th
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026
Hiland, Wyoming, Is Not A Ghost Town — Just Ask The 10 People Living There
Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2026
Gillette Celebrates Fourth Of July With Flyovers, Parade And 4,000 Free Hot Dogs
Julie MankinJuly 04, 2026
Wyoming History: Remarkable Life Of Wamsutter's John Bugas — FBI Star, Busted Nazis
Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026
Outdoors
View allSave It For Later: 'Snow Farming' Is Keeping Ski Seasons Alive Across Rockies
Leo Wolfson For Cowboy State DailyJuly 06, 2026
Inside The Mission To Save 136-Year-Old Anderson Lodge In Wyoming Bear Country
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026
Montana Rancher More Than 100 Miles From Rocky Mountains Says Grizzly Mauled Horse
Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2026
Black Bear Leads Authorities On Two-Day Dumpster-Raiding Chase Through Worland
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026
‘Spectacular' Solar Halo Spotted Over Devils Tower
Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2026
Crime & Courts
View allCasper Man Accused Of Holding Toddler ‘Like A Shield’ In Standoff To Change Plea
Dale KillingbeckJuly 06, 2026
Wyoming Bondsman Is Part Bounty Hunter, Part Counselor — And A Former Inmate
Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026
Sister Still Seeks Justice 44 Years After Casper Woman Found Dead In North Platte
Jen KocherJuly 04, 2026
Haitian Trucker Who Plowed Into Rawlins EMTs Wants His Conviction Overturned
Kolby FedoreJuly 03, 2026
Florida Woman, Daughter Ordered To Pay Back $870K They Stole From Wyoming Medicaid
Kolby FedoreJuly 02, 2026