Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
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It Seems Like Everyone Is Running On Wendy Schuler’s Trans Sports Ban
Numerous Wyoming Republicans are claiming some degree of credit for a trans sports ban championed by Sen. Wendy Schuler. Schuler says she's happy if they think they helped but it was the Legislature that got the bill "across the finish line.”
Clair McFarlandAugust 04, 2026

Trial Set For Wyoming Woman Accused Of Kidnapping, Killing Infant During Standoff
Seven months after allegedly kidnapping her 11-month-old son, fleeing the state, then killing the infant during a standoff with law enforcement, a trial has been set for Madeline Daly. “There’s a special kind of evil at work here,” said the baby’s father.
Greg JohnsonAugust 04, 2026

Case Advances Against Dealer Charged With Forging Wyoming Titles For Hail-Damaged Cars
A Utah auto dealer accused of using forged Wyoming titles to turn hail-battered cars into clean-title bargains is now facing 15 felony counts and up to 30 years in prison. Prosecutors say the scheme involved nearly $2 million worth of damaged vehicles.
Kolby FedoreAugust 04, 2026

After Fatal Dump Truck Wreck & Out-Of-Control RV, Residents Demand Safer Teton Pass
Nearly 200 people showed up Monday to discuss the safety of Teton Pass following a dump truck crash last month that killed two people and an out-of-control RV that barreled down the pass a week later. Crashes have increased by 20% on the roadway in five years.
Kate MeadowsAugust 04, 2026

Upton Man Denies Pulling Gun, Threating To ‘Put A Bullet In Everybody’s Head’
A 34-year-old Upton man denies he pulled a gun on a group of people at a Gillette hotel Saturday and threatened to “put a bullet in everybody’s head.” Police say the threat was made during a confrontation with his girlfriend and her new boyfriend.
Greg JohnsonAugust 04, 2026

Sublette Residents Say Mountain Bike Trails Would Harm Famed Mule Deer Migration
Sublette County residents came out mostly against proposed mountain biking trails near Pinedale on Tuesday, telling commissioners they worry about harming a vital migration corridor for some 20,000 mule deer. Proponents say the trails won't overlap.
Mark HeinzAugust 04, 2026

Campbell County Newcomer Gets Video of Lightning That Started 2,700-Acre Fire
Scott Artis was just trying to get a video of a thunderstorm for his dad when he captured the lightning strike that started the Kohns Fire in Campbell County on July 27. “All of a sudden, the fire started roaring,” said Artis, whose wife called 911.
Andrew RossiAugust 04, 2026

Gillette Man Accused Of Threatening To Kill Woman When She Wouldn’t ‘Submit’
A Gillette man who reportedly grew angry over the weekend when his girlfriend wouldn’t “submit” to him is accused of raising a knife to her and threatening to “kill you and the kids, and all of your extended family.” He could get up to 10 years in prison.
Greg JohnsonAugust 04, 2026

Judge Who Tossed Oil And Gas Leases Declines To Let New Case Move To Wyoming
A Montana U.S. District Court Judge who threw out 1.5 million acres of Wyoming oil and gas leases due to sage-grouse concerns has declined a request to send a newer case to Wyoming. "Wyoming provides no authority” for its argument, he wrote.
Clair McFarlandAugust 04, 2026

New Fed Chief Visits As Two Elite Summits Puts Wyoming At Center Of Money Fight
In the span of a week, Teton County will host a 500-person, invite-only, digital-asset “Davos.” That will be followed by the Federal Reserve’s elite annual retreat. Each event is another round in a high-stakes wrestling match over the future of money.
Renée JeanAugust 04, 2026

Gambling Sites Favor Steve Friess And Eric Barlow, Bettors Have Wagered $210K So Far
Gambling sites PolyMarket And Kalshi both favor Steve Friess to win the Republican nomination for U.S. House and Eric Barlow to win the GOP nomination for governor. Bettors, so far, have wagered $210,000 on these two Wyoming races.
Clair McFarlandAugust 04, 2026

Worland Man Dies Sunday, Eight Days After Being Ejected From Car In Colorado
Worland athlete Roman Parra died Sunday, eight days after being ejected from his vehicle in Colorado. His family said Roman's greatest gift wasn't in sports, but making everyone feel loved. "His purpose in life was to spread kindness," his mom said.
Kolby FedoreAugust 03, 2026

Rawlins Boy, 8, Dies When Hit By Truck While Riding Bicycle Outside Of Church
A Rawlins churchgoer says her "heart was just so broken" after worshippers stepped outside of Sunday service to find remnants of a bicycle crash that killed an 8-year-old boy. "I work at the school, and I knew it was one of our kids," she said.
Kolby FedoreAugust 03, 2026

July Was Wyoming's Hottest Month On Record — And 2026 Is On The Same Pace
For most of Wyoming, July was the hottest month in recorded history. Worland's scorching 110 degrees on July 12 was the hottest, while many towns saw as many 100-degree days in one month as they usually see in several years.
Andrew RossiAugust 03, 2026

Barlow Says Attack Ads On Sex Changes And Illegal Immigrants Aren't True
Sen. Eric Barlow on Monday said attack ads accusing him of voting to allow sex changes and voting to send money to illegal immigrants are not true. He said the bills he voted against were poorly written or rushed and are being twisted against him.
Clair McFarlandAugust 03, 2026

Ranger Who Quit Over Trump Policies Calls Removing Grand Teton Placard Censorship
A Park Service ranger who quit over Trump's policies says removing a placard at the Grand Teton visitor center about a massacre of Blackfeet was censorship. A retired ranger from Wyoming says Trump's just doing away with years of “woke” misguidance.
Mark HeinzAugust 03, 2026

If It’s Easier To Lease Federal Coal, Will Wyoming Producers Bid For Them?
The future of Wyoming coal might depend less on availability than on whether companies believe there is enough demand to justify bidding for new leases. “It may be too little, too late,” says an economist about making it easier to lease federal coal.
Kate MeadowsAugust 03, 2026

Big Horn County Search & Rescue Calls Nearly Quadruple While Funding Slashed
Big Horn County Search & Rescue is second only to Teton County in calls due to booming tourism and uniquely rugged and remote terrain leading to the high-risk missions. But as demand for rescues have quadrupled, the agency's budget has been cut in half.
Kate MeadowsAugust 03, 2026

End Of An Era: Grand Teton's Favorite Mighty Grizzly, Bruno, Is Getting Old
For years, a huge male grizzly called Bruno was one of the brawniest bears in Grand Teton National Park. But at roughly age 22, Bruno is past his prime and those who routinely watch him are saying he's gotten thinner and "is on the downhill side."
Mark HeinzAugust 03, 2026

Deal Calls For No Jail For Thermopolis Caregiver Accused Of Neglecting Elderly Man
A Thermopolis woman accused of neglecting an 87-pound elderly man who’s mostly deaf and blind, and wears diapers that allegedly hadn’t been changed in 10-14 days has reached a plea agreement. The deal calls for no jail time and a year of probation.
Greg JohnsonAugust 03, 2026

100-Foot ‘Fire Devil’ Spirals Out Of Control In Eastern Idaho Wildfire
A wildfire watcher observing the Big Draw Fire in eastern Idaho on Sunday captured video of a spiraling tower of flame rising more than 100 feet into the air. "Fire devils" are created when flames reach high enough that they swirl.
Andrew RossiAugust 03, 2026

‘Really Scary’: Devils Tower Reopens As Two Wildfires Burn Nearby
After getting bookended by a pair of wildfires that prompted the closure of Devils Tower over the weekend, it reopened again Monday as the fires continue to burn. “It was really scary,” said Ogden Driskill, whose ranch is impacted.
Greg JohnsonAugust 03, 2026

Searchers Optimistic They'll Find Uden Bodies In Barrels At Bottom Of Fremont Lake
Searchers are optimistic that the barrel and a trash can they found two weeks ago at the bottom of Fremont Lake contain the bodies of a young mother and her two sons murdered by notorious killer Gerald Uden. Their next step is to recover the barrels.
Jen KocherAugust 02, 2026

How A Cheyenne Man Trademarked The Famous Hollywood Sign Because He Was In Love
As a young man, Cheyenne native George Wienbarg figured out how to trademark the famous Hollywood sign in L.A. He did that because he fell in love with a Korean fashion student and promised to make her line of clothing famous by associating it with that sign. And he has all the receipts....
Renée JeanAugust 02, 2026

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Is Make-Or-Break For Businesses In Small Wyoming Towns
A stream of bikers on their way to and from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally create the biggest business week of the year for small northeast Wyoming towns. Bikers stay at motels, pack bars, eat and gas up — helping some businesses thrive, and others survive.
Renée JeanAugust 02, 2026

Whoopup Canyon Has One Of The Oldest And Largest Petroglyph Sites In North America
One of the most extraordinary petroglyph sites in North America is hidden away in a secret spot near Newcastle, Wyoming. The petroglyphs of Whoopup Canyon depicted in 150 sandstone panels are between 3,000 and 10,500 years old. Access is extremely limited.
Andrew RossiAugust 02, 2026

Second Wildfire Breaks Out Near Devils Tower, Monument Still Closed
Just as firefighters seemed to be getting a handle on a nearly 300-acre fire burning just outside the southwest boundary of a closed Devils Tower, another fire erupted to the southeast Sunday. “It sucks,” was the blunt assessment from a county official.
Greg JohnsonAugust 02, 2026

Wyoming Places: Buffalo’s Covered Wagon Tours A Nod To Town’s Old West Legacy
Tourists enjoying a warm summer evening in Buffalo get to see something uniquely Western that’s not seen much anymore — a covered wagon rolling down Main Street at a leisurely pace, a gentle clip-clop of hooves echoing off historic storefronts.
Renée JeanAugust 03, 2026

In 1976, Laramie Boy's Bicentennial Quest Took Him All Over North America & White House
Fifty years ago, it was all about the Bicentennial and Laramie's Manus Hand embarked on a project that took him to dozens of towns, cities and counties named Wyoming. Wyoming's Dick Cheney was President Ford's chief of staff and hosted the 12-year-old and his family.
Kerry DrakeAugust 02, 2026

NASA Using Laramie Company’s Big-Wheeled Drone To Crawl Into Tight Spaces
When NASA needed to inspect a tight crawlspace for its Artemis 3 project, they contacted a small tech company in Laramie for help. The small robot features big squishy wheels and a simple body that can flip, turn and get itself out of tight spots.
Jackie DorothyAugust 02, 2026

Life Of A Modern-Day Muleskinner: Starring In Movies & Beer Ads And Guiding Hunts
As modern-day muleskinners, Randy and Alesha Melton said their mules’ film career started with a commercial for Coors. Their latest movie was “Horizon” with Kevin Costner. They also appeared on "Killer of the Flower Moon," and “The Last of Us."
Jackie DorothyAugust 02, 2026
After Losing Their Dad, Wyoming Kids Help Heal Their Heartbreak On Horseback
After their father's death last fall, Aden and Evelyn Waller spent four days riding horses, creating art and connecting with other grieving children at a Casper camp designed to help kids heal after loss. "Horses don't judge," said one counselor.
Kolby FedoreAugust 02, 2026
Why Texas Turned To Casper Scottsdale Mint To Produce Gold, Silver Coins
As the first state to authorize official commemorative coins and have a depository for precious metals, the State of Texas turned to Casper's Scottsdale Mint to produce gold and silver coins. They chose Casper because it rivals the quality of the U.S. Mint.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 02, 2026

90-Year-Old Big Piney Man Has A Wyoming License Plate From Every Year, Except One
For nearly 60 years, Vern Palmer has searched Wyoming ranches and forgotten dumps for old Wyoming license plates. At 90, the Big Piney mechanic has a Wyoming license plate from every year, except one. Palmer says he's not giving up his search.
Kolby FedoreAugust 01, 2026

How A Saratoga Woman Built An International Western Fashion Brand From Her Bedroom
A Saratoga woman was determined to remain a stay-at-home mom, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t build an international Western fashion brand. Her business Pure Dixie started in a 150-square-foot bedroom, now takes up two warehouses and continues to grow.
Renée JeanAugust 01, 2026

Night Of Terror: Wall Of Water Killed 12 In Cheyenne's Deadly August 1, 1985 Flood
On Aug. 1, 1985, Cheyenne was pummeled by a massive storm that unleashed a wall of water killing 12 people and causing more than $65 million in damage. The 65,000-ft thunderheads stalled over the city unleashing tornadoes, hail and unprecedented flooding.
Kerry DrakeAugust 01, 2026

‘This Is Genuinely Serious’: Race On To Contain Wildfire That Closed Devils Tower
Devils Tower National Monument continues to be closed as a wildfire burning just southwest of the monument’s boundary has so far consumed nearly 300 acres without containment. “This is genuinely serious,” observed a nearby camper.
Greg JohnsonAugust 02, 2026

Cody's Wayfarer's Chapel: A Peaceful Place To Worship, But Bring Your Bear Spray
The Wayfarer’s Chapel is a sacred spot to worship on the Shoshone National Forest between Cody and Yellowstone. It’s also one of the only chapels where you should bring bear spray. “We had a grizzly stroll through a Father’s Day service," the reverend said.
Andrew RossiAugust 01, 2026

T Diamond Ranch, Legacy Black Hills Spread, Hits Wyoming Market For $5 Million
Another of Wyoming’s legacy ranches is hitting the market after nearly a century of stewardship. The T Diamond Ranch in Crook County comes with a 7,500-square-foot mansion, trout streams, scenic red bluffs, and a front-row seat to the Black Hills.
Renée JeanAugust 01, 2026

How "Wire Winders" Roll Up Old Fencing Quickly, Keep Wildlife From Getting Tangled
With countless miles of rusty old fences threatening wildlife across Wyoming, conservationists say devices called wire winders are a game changer. They can roll up a half-mile of old fence in two minutes, a task that would take a half-day by hand,
Mark HeinzAugust 02, 2026

Cowboy John's Hole-In-The-Wall Antiques Is A Western Time Capsule In Meeteetse
From Dillinger’s death mask to items owned by Buffalo Bill, “Cowboy” John Fremlin collects relics for his Hole-in-the-Wall Antique Store in Meeteetse that speak to him and have a story to tell. "I select items that have the 'wow' factor," Fremlin says.
Jackie DorothyAugust 01, 2026

South Pass City Saloon's Piano Man Has Entertained Gold Rush Visitors Since 1974
John Mionczynski has entertained patrons of the South Pass City Saloon since 1974, when the state resurrected the gold-rush town. Watching him play a flawless rendition of “The Entertainer," one would never guess that once he couldn’t use his fingers at all.
Renée JeanAugust 01, 2026

‘I Didn't Want To Die In This Car’: Trapped In Flood, Journalist Almost Became The Story
Kerry Drake was planning a quick trip to Colorado on the evening of Aug. 1, 1985, when he was suddenly trapped in his car by rising floodwaters in Cheyenne. "My car was literally floating down the street, and I had no control over its movement," he writes.
Kerry DrakeAugust 01, 2026

As Wyoming's Prime Trout Waters Heat Up, Anglers Urged To Quit Casting After Noon
Summer heat has sent water temperatures soaring above 70 degrees in some of Wyoming's prime trout fishing waters, so Game and Fish is urging anglers to quit before noon. When it gets that hot, catch-and-release fishing stress and can kill trout.
Mark HeinzAugust 01, 2026

Lander Man Keeps Building Benches For Community And Thieves Keep Stealing Them
After the first two benches he built were stolen, a Lander man is giving it a third attempt. He's built yet another wooden bench and gave it to his neighbors so they can enjoy the iconic views of the popular Tomato Loop hiking trail. "Third time's the charm," he said.
Andrew RossiAugust 01, 2026

Neighbors Rally Against Planned 95-Unit Apartment Complex Near Laramie Greenbelt
Opponents of a proposed 80-to-95-unit apartment complex along the Laramie Greenbelt say it will push floodwaters toward a historic neighborhood and ruin wildlife habitat. The city says "that isn't a major concern" and housing needs are urgent.
Mark HeinzAugust 01, 2026

Ann Simpson, Wife Of Late Sen. Al Simpson, Died In Daughter's Arms Friday Morning
Ann Simpson, mother of three and wife of 70 years to prominent Wyoming political figure and late U.S. Sen. Al Simpson, died Friday morning in her daughter's arms. “I walked over and cuddled up to her and held her, and she died," Sue Simpson Gallagher said.
Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Joseph Michaels. Joseph writes, "Smoky sunrise over Sheep Mountain."
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
Fred Harrison: A Global Blueprint For Chaining The AI Machine
Opinion by Fred Harrison
Dave Simpson: Which Candidate Would You Invite To Dinner?
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Gail Symons: One Family Not Voting Can Sway A Whole Election
Opinion by Gail Symons
Joan Barron: Is A GOP Sea Change On The Way?
Opinion by Joan Barron
Bill Sniffin: Can Megan Overtake Barlow? Or Can Bien Overtake The Two Leaders?
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Sponsored
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Hilltop Bank President and CEO Greg Dixson Announces Retirement and Successor
Greg Dixson Announces Retirement Following 11 Years of Leading Hilltop Bank.
August 04, 2026

Healthy Minds, Strong Character, And a Bright Future for Wyoming's Kids
Introducing Brent Bien's Wyoming Student Mental Health, Resilience, and Accountability Plan—a common-sense approach that strengthens families, improves school safety, demands accountability, and teaches resilience to help every Wyoming child succeed.
July 30, 2026

Heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days™?
Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go
July 08, 2026
Opinion
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Tom Lubnau: It's Desperation Season
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Friess is attempting to take advantage of Gray's unfavorable ratings, or ... the ABC strategy — Anyone But Chuck. Friess's argument is 'hold your nose and vote for me,' or else your U.S. Representative might be Chuck Gray."
Tom LubnauJuly 30, 2026

Fred Harrison: Why Classical Wisdom Is Our Only Defense Against The AI Frontier
Columnist Fred Harrison writes, "Today, we stand staring into the open box of Artificial Intelligence. The physicist Stephen Hawking summarizes the stakes with chilling precision: the creation of powerful AI acts as either the absolute best or the absolute worst event to happen to humanity."
Fred HarrisonJuly 29, 2026

Dave Simpson: Chuck Gray Has The Best Campaign Flier Of The Season
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Let's all remember that the Freedom Caucus and Chuck Gray were right all along in opposing boys playing girls sports. Their support helped push Sen. Wendy Schuler's bill over the top.”
Dave SimpsonJuly 28, 2026
Wyoming Life
View allChugwater's Igloo House Is Earthquake Proof, Fire Resistant And Can Withstand Tornadoes, Owner Says
Kevin KilloughAugust 02, 2026
50 Years Ago: Floating Toilet Saved Cheyenne Man In Devastating Big Thompson Flood
Dale KillingbeckJuly 30, 2026
Good News: Rock Springs Vets Memorial Not Vandalized. Bad News: It Crumbled Anyway
Greg JohnsonJuly 29, 2026
Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Monday, July 27, 2026
July 27, 2026
Casper Fly-Fishing Guides Reel In Top University Of Wyoming Athletes For NIL Deal
Leo Wolfson For Cowboy State DailyJuly 26, 2026
Outdoors
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Australian Man Dies Near Grand Teton While Hiking Continental Divide Trail
Andrew RossiJuly 30, 2026
State Closes Popular Evanston Recreation Roads After Private Lands 'Torn Up'
Mark HeinzJuly 28, 2026
Old Faithful May Be The Most Famous Geyser But Beehive Geyser Upstages It
Andrew RossiJuly 26, 2026
Getting Access To Float The Middle Fork Of The Salmon River Is Like Winning The Lottery
Jeff WelschJuly 25, 2026
"Nightmare Scenario": Victim Of Glacier Grizzly Attack Likely Surprised Bear In The Dark
Mark HeinzJuly 22, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Eight Wyoming Sheriffs Quit, Retire Or Choose Not To Run For Reelection
Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2026
Colorado Man Wanted On 78 Child Exploitation Charges Arrested At Saratoga Sawmill
Kolby FedoreJuly 31, 2026
Supreme Court Says 30 Years Green River Man Got For Exploiting Kids Isn't Cruel
Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2026
Texas Trucker Accused Of Nearly Mowing Down 3 Men In Angry Rampage Near Greybull
Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2026
Colorado Man Charged In Death Of Passenger Thrown From His Car At 100 MPH
Kerry DrakeJuly 30, 2026


