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Attorney Ryan Semerad testifies during a House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee meeting listening to testimony about corner-crossing on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.

Camo-Clad Hunters Show Up In Force To Support Legalizing Wyoming Corner-Crossing

In a room packed with camouflage-clad hunters, a legislative committee voted Thursday to forward a bill that would officially make corner-crossing legal in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzFebruary 13, 2026

Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, discusses her bill that would investigate data center water use

Wyoming House Will Hear Bill To Investigate How Data Centers Impact Water Supply

A Wyoming House committee advanced a bill Thursday that would provide funding for a study on how data centers, carbon capture, or other large-scale industrial projects might sap or impact the state's water supply.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2026

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Wyoming Projected To Lose 335 Physicians By 2030, Lawmakers Look To Foreign Docs

In an effort to fix Wyoming's physician shortage, a bill to create a new pathway for foreign-trained doctors has advanced in the House. Rep. Jacob Wasserburger said Wyoming is projected to lose 335 physicians by 2030 and 18 of 23 counties currently have a health professional shortage.

David MadisonFebruary 12, 2026

Sen. Cale Case on Thursday, February 12, 2026

Wyoming Anti-Abortion Amendment Dies In Senate By One Vote

The Wyoming Senate on Thursday killed a proposed constitutional amendment that would have let the legislature restrict abortion - by redefining health care. Voting against it, Sen. Cale Case said, “It’s crazy to give us that much power.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2026

The Riverton Inn and Suites at 611 W. Main St. in Riverton, Wyoming.

Riverton Woman Admits Stabbing Man During Altercation At Motel

An 18-year Riverton woman who admitted to stabbing a man at a local motel could face significant prison time if convicted. The knife was found hidden under a mattress in her room.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 12, 2026

Cheyenne LEADS CEO Betsey Hale says she has a solution for the Hynds Building, which has been empty for 40+ years, and the burnt-out area next to it known as "The Hole." Hale says she has the funding to turn the area into 69 units of workforce housing.

Cheyenne Leaders Say They Finally Have A Solution For Hynds Building And "The Hole"

Cheyenne LEADS CEO Betsey Hale says she has a solution for the Hynds Building, which has been empty for 40+ years, and the burnt-out area next to it known as "The Hole." Hale says she has the funding to turn the area into 69 units of workforce housing.

Renée JeanFebruary 12, 2026

Daniel man Cody Roberts is facing a trial on an allegation of cruelty to animals, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of $5,000.

Cody Roberts Wants No Testimony About Running Wolf Down, Taping Its Mouth Shut

A lawyer for Cody Roberts wants to bar testimony about him allegedly running a wolf down with a snowmobile or taping its mouth shut. Those are “prior acts” to taking the wolf to a local bar, according to a motion filed Monday in Roberts’ animal cruelty case.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 11, 2026

Rebecca Bextel (left) hands a check to Rep. Darin McCann, R-Rock Springs, on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026

Teton County GOP Leader Handed Out Checks To Lawmakers On House Floor

Teton County Republican Party leader Rebecca Bextel handed out checks to lawmakers on the Wyoming House floor Monday, according to interviews, a photograph and her own later statement. She said there was "nothing wrong" with the maneuver.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2026

Members of Team Wyoming were on hand to support the PRCA and Wyoming during a legislative reception hosted by Cheyenne LEADS. From left, 10X PRCA bull fighter Dusty Tuckness, veteran saddle bronc rider Chet Johnson, World Champion Team Roper and PRCA Hall of Famer Bobby Harris, and University of Wyoming Rodeo Coach, Seth Glause.

Cheyenne Leaders Announce Location Of New PRCA Headquarters and Museum

The Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association's proposed new 35-acre location in Cheyenne was revealed during a legislative reception on Tuesday. PRCA CEO Tom Glause spoke publicly for the first time about his vision for the PRCA in Wyoming.

Renée JeanFebruary 11, 2026

Secretary of State Chuck Gray testifying at the House Corporations Committee Meeting.

Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Hand-Count Recount Bill Despite County Clerks’ Objections

Wyoming lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday to allow hand-counted recounts despite county clerks warning it wouldn’t work under tight deadlines. Sec. of State Chuck Gray testified in favor calling it "one of the most vetted election bills in this session."

David MadisonFebruary 12, 2026

When it was built in 2015, the Costco warehouse store at 1818 South 300 West in Salt Lake City was the largest in the world. Last month, it also was the scene of a vehicle vs. pedestrian altercation over a parkig space.

Evanston Man Accused Of Mowing Down Woman Trying To Save Costco Parking Space

An Evanston man was charged with a felony Tuesday, accused of driving his truck into a woman trying to save a parking space at a Costco in Salt Lake. He claims she fell after he revved his engine, but witnesses and video say he accelerated into the woman.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 11, 2026

State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz

Wyoming Senate Kills Bill To Revamp Courts - Three More Still Alive

One piece of Wyoming legislation aimed at changing the way Wyoming chooses judges and structures courts failed its introductory vote Wednesday in the state Senate — but at least three more reform bills remained viable.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2026

Maycon Stiven Molina Perez

Illegal Immigrant Living In Laramie Gets 30 Years For Making Child Porn

An illegal immigrant convicted of making child porn in Laramie will spend 30 years in prison before being deported, the Wyoming U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday. He was caught with nearly 2,700 files, including videos he made of a Wyoming child.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 12, 2026

Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee testifying at the House Minerals Committee Meeting on Bill H22, Recall on municipal officers.

Wyoming Bill Advances That Would Allow Voters To Recall Local Officials

Wyoming lawmakers on Wednesday advanced a bill to let voters recall mayors and other local officials as there is no mechanism in place now. Supporters cite accountability, while critics worry about and politicized recalls.

David MadisonFebruary 11, 2026

Cheyenne city building 2 11 26

Cheyenne’s New Administrative Warrants: What Exactly Did The City Council Pass?

Although it was quite controversial, the Cheyenne City Council eventually did pass a new ordinance expanding administrative warrants pertaining to who can enter certain properties. This is what the new ordinance allows.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 11, 2026

Silver medalist Jaelin Kauf of Team United States smiles during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Freestyle Ski Moguls on day five of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Livigno Air Park on February 11, 2026 in Livigno, Italy.

Alta’s Jaelin Kauf Wins Olympic Silver In Historic U.S. Moguls Finish

Jaelin Kauf of Alta, Wyoming, earned her second career Olympic silver in moguls on Wednesday as she and teammate Liz Lemley made history with the first U.S. 1-2 finish in women’s freestyle skiing at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 11, 2026

Three Wyoming Supreme Court justices grilled the Wyoming Education Association on Tuesday after the advocacy group called Wyoming’s school-choice scholarship program unconstitutional and harmful. 

Supreme Court Grills Wyoming Education Association Over Challenge To School Choice Program

Three Wyoming Supreme Court justices grilled the Wyoming Education Association on Tuesday after the advocacy group called Wyoming’s school-choice scholarship program unconstitutional and harmful. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2026

At a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Mark Gordon said it was refreshing to see so many bills die. He said he sees that as a sign that lawmakers are respecting their higher priority of passing a two-year state budget - and doing so within about 20 days.

Gordon: It's Refreshing To See So Many Bills Die Because It's A Budget Session, After All

At a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Mark Gordon said it was refreshing to see so many bills die. He said he sees that as a sign that lawmakers are respecting their higher priority of passing a two-year state budget - and doing so within about 20 days.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2026

Sweetwater county and sheriffs car 5 5 25

Undocumented Immigrant Trucker Claims Unlawful Detention After Arrest In Green River

An undocumented trucker arrested in Green River says he’s being held illegally after reporting a broken mirror. His lawyers argue a new DHS policy is illegally keeping him in ICE custody. The sheriff's office says he didn’t provide necessary documentation.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 10, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Wednesday, February 11, 2026

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

Jake NicholsFebruary 11, 2026

Wyoming cattle ranchers are worried over President Trump's executive order allowing 80,000 more metric tons of beef trimmings from Argentina. Inset: Laramie County rancher Mark Eisele

Wyoming Cattle Ranchers Worried Over Trump Order To Import More Argentine Beef

Wyoming cattle ranchers are worried over President Trump's executive order allowing 80,000 more metric tons of beef trimmings from Argentina. They say it won’t lower grocery store prices and risks introducing diseases.

Renée JeanFebruary 10, 2026

A vote on a bill aimed at establishing criminal penalties in Wyoming for the grooming of minors caught the eye of Elon Musk. He shared a post calling out Democrats for voting against the bill. However, 13 Republicans also voted against it.

Elon Musk Shares Post Calling Out Democrats For All Voting Against Wyoming Grooming Bill

A vote on a bill aimed at establishing criminal penalties in Wyoming for the grooming of minors caught the eye of Elon Musk. He shared a post calling out Democrats for voting against the bill. However, 13 Republicans also voted against it.

Jen KocherFebruary 11, 2026

Rep. Bill Allemand made an impassioned pitch Tuesday for House Joint Resolution 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have required an affirmative vote of the people before any high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel could be stored in Wyoming. The measure failed.

Wyoming Lawmakers Vote Down Nuclear Waste Referendum And Nuclear Cop Bill

A proposed constitutional amendment requiring public vote on nuclear waste storage decisions in Wyoming failed on Tuesday, one day after a bill was killed to give armed security guards at nuclear facilities legal authority to defend against threats.

David MadisonFebruary 10, 2026

Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander, moved for the committee to advance a bill on Tuesday that would let all state law enforcement officers cite truck drivers who lack English proficiency.

Bill Letting All Wyoming Law Officers Cite Non-English-Speaking Truckers Advances

A bill giving all Wyoming law enforcement officers the authority to cite non-English-proficient commercial truck drivers advanced Tuesday by a unanimous vote. Violators would be banned from driving until they could demonstrate English language proficiency. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 10, 2026

Wyoming Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis was one of the members of Congress who got a look at the unredacted Epstein files on Monday. “Now I see what the big deal is,” she said, adding that “it was worth investigating.” Wyoming's other delegation members, Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman, also weighed in on the issue.

‘Now I See What The Big Deal Is’: Lummis Gets A Look At Unredacted Epstein Files

Wyoming Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis was one of the members of Congress who got a look at the unredacted Epstein files on Monday. “Now I see what the big deal is,” she said, adding that “it was worth investigating.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 11, 2026

Rep. Gary Brown, R-Cheyenne, left, and Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper.

Wyoming House Kills Bill To Make Counties Pay Costs For Self-Defense Acquittals

The Wyoming House killed a bill Tuesday that would have made counties reimburse “all reasonable costs” for people found not guilty for using force in self-defense. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2026

Barely a month after the Wyoming Supreme Court struck down the state's abortion bans, legislators fired back Tuesday with a bill that takes a different angle. House Bill 117 requires informed consent for abortions and will allow people to sue over them. Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, is the bill's lead sponsor.

House Advances Bill Requiring Informed Consent, Civil Liability For Abortions

Barely a month after the Wyoming Supreme Court struck down the state's abortion bans, legislators fired back Tuesday with a bill that takes a different angle. House Bill 117 requires informed consent for abortions and will allow people to sue over them.

David MadisonFebruary 11, 2026

Sleeping giant

Sleeping Giant Ski Area Near Cody Has A Buyer But Not One Who Wants A Ski Resort

Sleeping Giant Ski Area near Cody has a buyer but they aren't interested in re-opening it as a ski resort. The Dallas-based company said they don't believe skiing can be economically feasible but they are interested in creating a summer adventure park.

Renée JeanFebruary 10, 2026

City council 2 10 26

Dozens Support Urban Farm As It Faces Forced Annexation By Cheyenne

Dozens of residents urged Cheyenne’s City Council to delay annexing WY fresh farm, fearing it would disrupt the longtime urban farm. Mayor Patrick Collins said annexation clarifies city boundaries without forcing the farm to close.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 10, 2026

Joe Rubino, Secretary of State’s Policy Director. Bills HB85 and HB86 - Post Election Audit procedures and Removal of county officers-election code violations

Committee Advances Two Election Reform Bills Born From Weston County Controversy

Two election reform bills inspired by the troubled 2024 general election in Weston County cleared the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee on Tuesday, sending both to the full Legislature for consideration during the budget session.

David MadisonFebruary 10, 2026

Sen. Tim French, R-Powell, who supports landowner tag sales, told Cowboy State Daily that the matter isn’t going away. FILE PHOTO

Senate Soundly Rejects Landowner Hunting Tag Sales As Supporters Vow To Try Again

A bill that would have allowed the sale of landowner hunting tags was soundly rejected for introduction to the Wyoming Senate. Hunters hailed it as a victory while Sen. Tim French, a vocal supporter, vowed to bring it back.

Mark HeinzFebruary 10, 2026

Six of seven Wyoming election integrity bills failed to clear the state House on the first day of the 2026 legislative session on Monday. It’s a blow to a signature issue for the Freedom Caucus, which controls the chamber but faced bipartisan opposition. House Speaker Chip Neiman also is a Freedom Caucus member.

Six Of Seven Election Reform Bills Killed On Monday, Freedom Caucus Not Happy

Six of seven Wyoming election integrity bills considered Monday failed to clear the House on the first day of the 2026 legislative session. It’s a blow to a top issue for the Freedom Caucus, which controls the chamber but faced bipartisan opposition.

David MadisonFebruary 10, 2026

Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Lynne J. Boomgaarden speaks at the opening session at the 68th Wyoming Legislature Budget Session on Monday, February 9.

Wyoming Chief Justice Urges Legislature Not To Revamp Courts Over Abortion Ruling

The chief justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court urged the Legislature Monday not to revamp the state’s courts based on the high court’s opinion declaring abortion a fundamental health care right. Early in her speech, the Freedom Caucus chair walked out.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 09, 2026

Governor Mark Gordon is delivering his State of the State address at the 68th Wyoming Legislature Budget Session on Monday, February 9.

Gordon Clashes With Freedom Caucus As Wyoming Budget Fight Intensifies

Gov. Mark Gordon urged Wyoming lawmakers to restore his budget priorities, protect state workers’ raises and keep investing in education and development. He also pushed for an abortion-limiting constitutional amendment and took a veiled shot at the Freedom Caucus.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 09, 2026

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Wyoming Might Finally Get A Big Dump Of Snow And Then More Snow

Meteorologists are monitoring an incoming winter weather system that they say will provide western Wyoming's snowpacks with high-quality snow. “The best, heaviest snow will fall west of the Continental Divide," Don Day said, mentioning that this could start a trend.

Andrew RossiFebruary 09, 2026

Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams at the Freedom Caucus Press Conference at the Capitol on February 9

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Unveils 2026 Agenda Outside Wyoming Capitol

From banning abortion to raising concerns about “East Coast professors” at UW, the Freedom Caucus spelled out its priorities for the 2026 legislative session Monday. “The Freedom Caucus exists for the people of Wyoming," chair Rodriguez-Williams said.

David MadisonFebruary 09, 2026

Two people are dead after their semitrailer exploded when it hit another semi that was parked illegally on the side of Interstate 80 near Green River on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. The crash “was a pretty bad one,” said one responder. “It was almost like a movie scene.”

Two Dead After Semi Explodes On Impact With Another Semi Parked Along I-80

Two people are dead after their semitrailer exploded when it hit another semi that was parked illegally on the side of Interstate 80 near Green River on Sunday. The crash “was a pretty bad one,” said one responder. “It was almost like a movie scene.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 09, 2026

The Wyoming Business Council on Monday survived being dismantled, as the state Senate voted down a bill that would have purged it from state law, 21-10. But the agency is still facing a viable budget amendment that would defund it. Inset: CEO Josh Dorrell

Wyoming Senate Saves Business Council From Dismantling By 2-1 Vote

The Wyoming Business Council on Monday survived being dismantled, as the state Senate voted down a bill that would have purged it from state law, 21-10. But the agency is still facing a viable budget amendment that would defund it. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 10, 2026

Mike Yin, D-Jackson, said his no vote on a school recalibration bill on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, reflected what he called a lack of trust by educators in lawmakers’ intentions and direction. 

Wyoming House Kills Bill To Change How Schools Get Money, Senate Could Save It

A narrow one-third minority of Wyoming state House representatives voted Monday to block the state’s new proposed method of funding public K-12 schools. But the state Senate has its own version, which could still rescue the proposal. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 09, 2026

Joseph Newton

Cody Man Accused Of Stealing At Least $100,000 From 90-Year-Old With Failing Memory

A Park County man who claims to be the “business partner” of a 90-year-old Cody woman with a failing memory is accused of stealing more than $100,000 from her over at least a three-year span.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 09, 2026

The horror-comedy movie "Sharktana" begins shooting at the Lost Horse Lodge in Montana on Monday. The movie is about warm temperatures melting ice that held sharks frozen in a remote cave. One shark has already gotten loose and gone on a feeding frenzy.

Sharktana: Movie About Frozen Sharks Coming To Life On Ski Slopes Begins Filming

The horror-comedy movie "Sharktana" begins filming at the Lost Horse Lodge in Montana on Monday. The movie is about warm temperatures melting ice that held sharks frozen in a remote cave. One shark has already gotten loose and gone on a feeding frenzy.

Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 09, 2026

The nation’s first human case of screwworm was confirmed in Maryland on Sunday in a Central American traveler and it’s heightening vigilance among Wyoming ranchers. The flesh-eating parasite, which are known to infest cattle, could cost American ranchers billions if another outbreak occurs.

Midwest Cold Snap Is Slowing Down The Spread Of New World Screwworm

Although it's been balmy in Wyoming, the arctic blast that hit Texas and northern Mexico is slowing the spread of the New World screwworm. While that’s good news, it doesn’t mean the strict monitoring will let up anytime soon along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 09, 2026

Ride Another Day 16 x 9

Lack Of Snowflakes Haven’t Discouraged Wyoming Ski Season Pass Holders

By and large, skiers know the drill: Purchase a season pass, take a gamble on the weather. Ski areas famously have policies against refunds because of unseasonable weather. And season pass holders in Wyoming are taking it in stride, at least so far.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 09, 2026

Kate Anderson is flanked by a couple of the racehorses she's helped to save at her Chugwater Ranch.

Chugwater Ranch Rehabs Million-Dollar Racehorses Once Thought Doomed

Kate Anderson didn’t start out to heal hopeless racehorses. It happened by accident when she set them free to roam on her ranch outside of Chugwater, Wyoming. Now she rehabs million-dollar Thoroughbreds once thought beyond saving.

Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2026

Prometheus Founder and CEO Trenton Thornock shows where the company plans to build its 1 gigawatt data center in Evanston, Wyoming.

Evanston Company Creates Plan To Train, Hire, Staff Local Workforce For Data Centers

As Wyoming continues to attract huge data centers, finding people to build and run them is a priority. An Evanston company has put together plans to train, hire, and retain a skilled local workforce. They say the potential is the creation of tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.

Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2026

Daily Features

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Frosty sunrise in Sheridan. Sadly no snow in February.
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, February 13, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Kiki Dawn. Kiki writes, "Frosty sunrise in Sheridan. Sadly no snow in February."

Photo by Kiki Dawn

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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Venezuelans holding up Bibles they received through Vision Beyond Borders.

Vision Beyond Borders Sends Bibles To The Nations

For over 30 years, the Vision Beyond Borders teams have carried Bibles—along with medicine, clothing, and necessary supplies—into places like Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela.

February 02, 2026

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

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

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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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