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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

Casper Man Accused Of Holding Toddler ‘Like A Shield’ In Standoff To Change Plea
A Casper man accused of holding a toddler “like a shield” in front of him during an armed standoff said Monday he intends to change his plea. The man "told officers he had a gun and officers had guns and challenged officers to get him,” police say.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 06, 2026

No Charges From Feds 14 Months After Man Found Dead On Rez
Fourteen months after a man was found in an abandoned red truck in a remote region of the Wind River Indian Reservation with two gunshots in his head, prosecutors have no ongoing, public murder cases in the December 2024 death of Riverton man Rex Lofts.
Clair McFarlandJuly 06, 2026

Rock Springs Ends Controversial Goat Grazing Program After Spending $200,000
After spending about $200,000 in goat grazing for flood mitigation since 2025, the town of Rock Springs is putting an end to it for now. One council member said residents say it’s too expensive. "This will be the last we see goats,” he said.
Kate MeadowsJuly 06, 2026

Jackson Couple Gives Historic Flat Creek Ranch To Longtime Caretakers To Save It
Instead of selling the century-old 140-acre Flat Creek Ranch for millions, a Jackson couple gave the property to its longtime managers. "We didn't want it to fall in the hands of someone who would destroy the land, the wildlife or the buildings," they said.
Kate MeadowsJuly 05, 2026

Fires Break Out In At Least Two Wyoming Towns During July 4 Firework Shows
At least two Wyoming cities got bonus shows for July 4 when fireworks started wildfires near launch sites. In both Cody and Thermopolis fires began during the shows but citizens weren't concerned. "It happens every year," Cody resident Laura Redmond said.
Andrew RossiJuly 06, 2026

Wyoming Film Fest Features Horror-Comedy-Slasher Epic With Puppets, 11 Others
A campy horror-comedy-slasher mashup that debuts at this week’s Wyoming International Film Festival has an unexpected twist — it’s all puppets. “Threat Valley Massacre” is “probably the most hilarious film we’re playing this year," said an organizer.
Kerry DrakeJuly 06, 2026

Inside The Mission To Save 136-Year-Old Anderson Lodge In Wyoming Bear Country
Saving the 136-year-old Anderson Lodge deep in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest is not easy. As it's a wilderness area, no mechanized tools or equipment are allowed and everything must be carried in. There's no running to Lowe’s if something is forgotten
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026

Cheyenne Clinic 300 Miles Away Has Rescued 3,000 Wyoming Roaming Reservation Dogs
With no veterinary clinics or animal shelters, roaming dogs are a problem on the Wind River Indian Reservation. A Cheyenne clinic 300 miles away has rescued 3,000 stray pets from the reservation since 2017.
Kerry DrakeJuly 05, 2026

Hiland, Wyoming, Is Not A Ghost Town — Just Ask The 10 People Living There
Even without the Bright Spot country store and lounge, Hiland, Wyoming, isn't a ghost town — just ask the 10 people still living there in the middle of nowhere between Casper and Shoshoni. In fact, the woman who inherited the store hopes to reopen it.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2026

Jeffrey City’s Second Act: From Near Uranium Ghost Town To Jade Comeback
Known for uranium and then near-abandonment, Jeffrey City is getting a second look from a Canadian geologist who says new science — and evolving markets — could turn Wyoming’s deposits of jade into a new industry for the tiny almost-ghost town.
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026

Powell Man Turns $3,000 Van Into ‘Dumb And Dumber’ Mutt Cutts Shaggin’ Wagon
A Powell man who built a "Dumb And Dumber" Mutt Cutts van replica with his best friend says it turns heads everywhere they drive it. Bad weather presents a challenge, he said. When the 8,000-pound carpeted dog got caught in the rain, he had to shampoo it.
Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026

Wyoming Bondsman Is Part Bounty Hunter, Part Counselor — And A Former Inmate
A Casper bail bondsman has an unorthodox job that requires him to be part bounty hunter and part life counselor. And he can empathize with his clients. "Before I was a bail bondsman, I was an inmate," he said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026

Save It For Later: 'Snow Farming' Is Keeping Ski Seasons Alive Across Rockies
As temperatures soar in the summer, ski resorts in the Rocky Mountain West are "farming" snow, storing it under giant thermal mats as insurance for the upcoming season. Snow stays close to freezing in the summer even in triple-digit temperatures.
Leo Wolfson For Cowboy State DailyJuly 06, 2026

Wyoming History: 100 Murders In 3 Months, Lawless Benton Was ‘Bred By The Devil’
Of the Wyoming Territory towns that arrived on wheels along the Union Pacific Railroad, none were as tawdry, bawdry and lawless as Benton, which witnessed as many as 100 murders in its three-month lifespan. Benton, it was said, was "bred by the devil."
Jackie DorothyJuly 05, 2026

Dubois’ One-Of-A-Kind Military Tank Parade Celebrates America's 250th
On America’s 250th, Dubois did something few towns in America can do — fielding a parade with more than two dozen military tanks and vehicles spanning 80 years of U.S. history. "It’s the most unique parade in America,” said one patriotic-feeling parade-goer.
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026

Sister Still Seeks Justice 44 Years After Casper Woman Found Dead In North Platte
It’s been 44 years since a young Casper woman was found dead in the North Platte River with a rock tied around her neck. The murder has never stopped haunting her older sister Rebecca. In failing health, Rebecca is hoping to find answers before she dies.
Jen KocherJuly 04, 2026

Alta, Wyoming: The Town Cut Off From The Rest Of The State By Idaho & Mountains
Residents of remote Alta, Wyoming, say they don't feel disconnected even though the only way to get to the rest of Wyoming (outside of riding a horse or hiking over the mountain) is a 20-mile drive through Idaho and over Teton Pass.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

Dubois Military Museum Celebrates 250th By Crushing Cars With Tanks
Military tanks spent an hour crushing cars Friday as an enthusiastic crowd cheered to celebrate America’s 250th at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. “What’s more American than machine guns and tanks crushing cars?” owner Dan Starks said.
Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

Cody’s ‘Pink Lady’ Back In Stampede Parade As Daughter Continues 40-Year Legacy
Hope Sheets was a fixture for four decades in the Cody Stampede Parade as the “Pink Lady.” More than a year after her death, her daughter has stepped into the iconic pink dress to keep the tradition alive. "I'm doing my version of my mom," she said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 04, 2026

Sea Of Red, White And Blue: Cheyenne Salutes Military In America's 250th Parade
Thousands of people wearing red, white and blue packed downtown Cheyenne on Saturday to celebrate America's 250th birthday. One Vietnam veteran said he was pleased the parade had a heavy military presence, including eight stars’ worth of generals.
Greg JohnsonJuly 04, 2026

Gillette Celebrates Fourth Of July With Flyovers, Parade And 4,000 Free Hot Dogs
Although fire danger killed Gillette’s annual fireworks show, it didn’t stop the city from celebrating America’s 250th like it’s always celebrated the Fourth of July — loud, proud, and with thousands of free hot dogs. "I love hot dogs," U.S. Sen John Barrasso said.
Julie MankinJuly 04, 2026

Why Sweetwater County Sheriff's Deputies Make It A Point To Support Lemonade Stands
The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office is making it a point to support lemonade stands in the community. Deputy Zach Otte said that children assume a patrol car means someone is in trouble. The lemonade patrol is about changing perceptions, he said.
Kate MeadowsJuly 04, 2026

Wyoming History: Remarkable Life Of Wamsutter's John Bugas — FBI Star, Busted Nazis
John Bugas was a Wamsutter ranch kid who became an FBI agent and caught the nation's most-wanted man in 1936. Then, as the special agent in charge in Detroit, he took down a Nazi spy ring. He went on to protect the Henry Ford family from kidnappers.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

Retired Wyoming Lawman’s Outlaw Harley Turns Heads Across West
After retired Torrington lawman Randy Giles totaled his Harley, he didn’t walk away from it. The former auto body repairman turned it into a Western-themed town marshal’s show bike. His outlaw Harley has been beating big-name builders in shows across the West.
Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

Montana Rancher More Than 100 Miles From Rocky Mountains Says Grizzly Mauled Horse
A Montana rancher who lives more than 100 miles from grizzly territory says a bear mauled her quarter horse. Grizzlies aren't deliberately being reintroduced to prairie country. Instead, they’re moving back into those areas on their own.
Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2026

Black Bear Leads Authorities On Two-Day Dumpster-Raiding Chase Through Worland
A female black bear evaded local law enforcement and wildlife authorities for two days as it ran in and around Worland. “She spent a couple of days running back and forth and was in every single dumpster,” said one local who observed the bear.
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026

Haitian Trucker Who Plowed Into Rawlins EMTs Wants His Conviction Overturned
The Haitian truck driver who killed one Rawlins EMT and severely injured another in a catastrophic I-80 crash more than three years ago is asking the Wyoming Supreme Court to overturn his convictions. He claims prosecutors never proved he was “reckless."
Kolby FedoreJuly 03, 2026

The Tradition Continues: Mark Heinz Plays 'The Star Spangled Banner' On His Chainsaw
A Cowboy State Daily patriotic Independence Day tradition continues for the fourth straight year with outdoors writer Mark Heinz belting out “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw.
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026

Unlike Other Areas In Wyoming, Glenrock's Flock Cameras Bring Little Drama
Other cities in Wyoming have clashed over license plate reader cameras. Meanwhile, Glenrock's Flock system has gone without drama for the roughly two years it's been in place. But a local legislator worries about fewer rights and more surveillance.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2026

Happy 250th, America: Where To Watch Fireworks Across Wyoming
Dozens of Wyoming communities will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with bombastic fireworks displays, while others have been canceled because of extreme fire danger. Here's where Wyomingites can — and can't — see fireworks this Independence Day.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2026

America At 250: Thousands Pack Downtown Cody For Stampede Parade
Thousands of people packed along the route of the Cody Stampede Parade on Friday to kick off America’s 250th birthday. There were six George Washingtons, five grand marshals and a restored 40-foot Winchester that made its parade debut 50 years ago.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2026

Casper Man Turns Wyoming Centennial License Plates Into One-Of-A-Kind Buffalo
After spending decades collecting license plates from all 23 Wyoming counties, Rob Piotter of Casper turns them into one-of-a-kind buffalo sculptures. His red, white, and blue patriotic buffalo is made all from Wyoming Centennial plates.
Kate MeadowsJuly 03, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Janice Deliramich in Aladdin, Wyoming.
Today's question to Don Day
In regard to your thunderstorm season article, can you reassess the data on a per-capita basis, especially when considering population of the states? It could affect me as I own a hill on my property which I plan a communications tower and likely will have a lightning rod installed when it goes in.
FEMA has a good lightning database that takes into account lightning risk, potential property loss, etc. based on population and lightning frequency. Data is available on a county by county basis. Lots and lots of lightning data available here which may help in quest for more lightning information. https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/lightning
Opinion
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
Fred Harrison: Wyoming's Horizon Is Not Washington's To Spend
Opinion by Fred Harrison
Gail Symons: Why Campaign Volunteers Are Critical
Opinion by Gail Symons
Dave Simpson: Is This What You Educated Democrats Want?
Opinion by Dave Simpson
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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Wyoming History: Casper’s Huge 1899 4th Of July Fight With 3,000 Roman Candles
Dale KillingbeckJuly 03, 2026
Wyoming’s Over-The-Top 250th Celebration Comes With Tanks, Flyovers, History
Renée JeanJuly 01, 2026
Nerdvana: Fans Take Wyoming’s Growing Comic Con Scene Seriously
Kolby FedoreJune 28, 2026
Wyoming People: From Alaska To Vegas To Frontier Days, Stuart Pierson Is Mr. Rodeo
Kerry DrakeJune 28, 2026
In Tiny Yoder, Wyoming — Population 134 — Firefighting Is In Their Blood
Kolby FedoreJune 28, 2026
Outdoors
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‘Spectacular' Solar Halo Spotted Over Devils Tower
Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2026
After More Than 20 Years, Cheyenne Opens Belvoir Ranch To The Public
Renée JeanJuly 02, 2026
Wyoming Hunting: Larry Hicks Is King Of Trophy Antelope With 16 Record-Book Bucks
Mark HeinzJune 27, 2026
12-Year-Old Visitor Hurt By Yellowstone Bison, Sent To Hospital
Mark HeinzJune 26, 2026
Miracle, Popular Grand Teton Grizzly, Relocated After Getting Too Close To People
Mark HeinzJune 26, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Florida Woman, Daughter Ordered To Pay Back $870K They Stole From Wyoming Medicaid
Kolby FedoreJuly 02, 2026
‘Very Hot To The Touch’: Cheyenne Father Accused Of Locking Baby In Hot SUV
Kolby FedoreJuly 02, 2026
Colorado Immigration Firm Accuses Sheriff Kozak Of Blocking Vital Evidence
Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2026
Scattered Bones Found In Remote Wyoming Wilderness ID'd As Missing Scottish Man
Kolby FedoreJuly 02, 2026
27-30 Years In Prison For Former Cheyenne Teacher On Child Sex Abuse Charges
Greg JohnsonJuly 01, 2026


