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Sen. Al Simpson (left), Mary Kay Hill (center), Sen. Ted Kennedy (right)

Guest Column: Al Simpson And The Press

Mary Kay Hill, Al Simpson's longtime press secretary writes, "Al had a relationship with the press. It was complicated. He experienced the highest peaks of media praise and suffered the valleys of media condemnation. He expected authenticity and he despised a double standard."

CSD StaffMarch 16, 2025

While Wyoming hasn’t passed a state ban, cities and towns like Thermopolis have enacted their own bans against adding fluoride to tap water. Utah voted this month to ban fluoride in drinking water statewide.

Utah To Become First State To Ban Fluoride In Drinking Water

While Wyoming hasn’t passed a statewide ban on adding fluoride to tap water, some communities like Casper, Evanston, and Thermopolis have enacted their own. Utah voted this month to eliminate fluoride in drinking water, the first statewide ban in the nation.

David MadisonMarch 15, 2025

The boyfriend of Irene Gakwa, a Gillette nursing student missing for three years, could be released from prison this month. Nathan Hightman drained her accounts after she disappeared and remains a “person of interest” in the case.

Boyfriend Of Missing Gillette Woman Irene Gakwa Set For Prison Release

The boyfriend of Irene Gakwa, a Gillette nursing student missing for three years, is set to be released from prison this month. Nathan Hightman drained her accounts after she disappeared and remains a “person of interest” in the case.

Jen KocherMarch 15, 2025

A pack of wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Why Wolves In Wyoming Aren’t Attacking And Killing People Like They Are In India

While a district in northern India is reeling from wolf attacks that have killed at least 10 people, many of them children, wildlife biologists say the chances of humans being attacked by wolves in Wyoming remain virtually zero.

Mark HeinzMarch 15, 2025

The oil paintings for “A Home For Steamboat” have been framed and are ready to be displayed across the Cowboy State. Author Casey Rislov and Illustrator Zach Pullen are excited for the debut of their very Wyoming children’s book about the iconic figure on our license plates.

Casper Duo Casey Rislov And Zak Pullen To Release New Children's Book On Wyoming's Famed Steamboat

Casper children’s book author Casey Rislov and illustrator Zak Pullen are at it again. This time, they're telling the story about the iconic bucking horse on Wyoming’s license plate, Steamboat. The new book will be released in April.

Jackie DorothyMarch 15, 2025

When Gillette resident Wes Johnson posted a video of himself "dancing it out" on TikTok, it started a wave of viral videos that have generated more than 30 million views. He hopes to spread his platform of positivity across Wyoming and the world.

Wyoming's "Just Dance It Out Guy" Has Over 30 Million Views On Social Media

When Gillette resident Wes Johnson posted a video of himself "dancing it out" on TikTok two months ago, it started a wave of viral videos that have generated more than 30 million views. Now he's in demand in Europe, Africa, and New Zealand to "dance it out" overseas.

Andrew RossiMarch 15, 2025

Chancey Williams performs at the 2024 Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Moorcroft's Chancey Williams Looking Forward To Fifth Time Playing Cheyenne Frontier Days

This year will mark the fifth time Moorcroft's Chancey Williams will be playing at Cheyenne Frontier Days. He has opened for legends Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, Gary Allen, Dierks Bentley and now Brooks and Dunn.

Jackie DorothyMarch 15, 2025

A video posted on Facebook introduced the world to Delores “Dee” Baker, one of the few 100-year-old South Dakotans to do a shotski in a crash helmet.

100-Year-Old Dee Baker Wears A Crash Helmet When She Takes Shots Of Liquor

A viral video introduced the world to the oldest bar hopper in the Black Hills of South Dakota, 100-year-old Dee Baker. Baker wears a crash helmet when she takes shots of liquor. The centenarian is known as the life of the party in Lewie's Burgers and Brews.

David MadisonMarch 15, 2025

More than a month after a devastating 26-vehicle crash and fire inside the westbound Green River Tunnel, cleanup is still underway.

Westbound Green River Tunnel May Not Reopen Until Next Winter

It’s been more than a month since a devastating 26-vehicle Valentine’s Day crash killed three people in the Green River Tunnel on westbound Interstate 80. The Wyoming Department of Transportation says it will take months to repair and hopes to have it open by next winter.

Greg JohnsonMarch 15, 2025

Kevin Segal

'Bitcoin Billionaire' Wanted In All 50 States After Friend Pays, Loses $50K Bond

Investigators say a man who cast himself as a ‘bitcoin billionaire’ during a Jackson Hole spending spree was committing fraud. He skipped court this week - after convincing a friend to pay his $50,000 cash bond. Kevin Segal is now wanted in all 50 states.

Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025

Barrasso on senate floor 3 14 25

World, Wyoming Delegation Mourns Al Simpson’s Death

People from around Wyoming and the world expressed their condolences over the passing of former Wyoming U.S. Senator Al Simpson, who died Friday morning. His wife Ann told Sen. Barrasso that it was a full moon and “Al went to heaven on a moonbeam.”

Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025

Wildlife photographer Trent Sizemore captured video of a grizzly walking past a trail camera on March 13, 2025

Well-Known Bear Likely First Grizzly Caught On Video This Year, Near West Yellowstone 

Photographers believe the grizzly seen ambling past a trail camera on Thursday night in Yellowstone is the same huge male that is often one of the first bears to make an appearance each spring. 

Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025

Concealed carry 2 5 25

Gun Advocates Praise Study Showing Citizens Stop More Mass Shooters Than Police

Wyoming gun rights advocate Mark Jones told Cowboy State Daily that a new study showing armed citizens stopped more active shootings than police proved Wyoming was right to repeal gun-free zones.

Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025

U.S. Sen. Al Simpson (left). Celia Wallace (center). Rob Wallace (right)

Rob Wallace: Al Simpson -- A Wyoming Kid Who Conquered The World

Guest columnist Rob Wallace writes of a photo in Al Simpson's room: "In the front row looking directly at Al were presidents Trump, Bush, Obama, Carter, and Clinton all laughing uncontrollably at something he had just said. It was the perfect memory of a kid from Wyoming who conquered the world."

CSD StaffMarch 14, 2025

Al and Ann Simpson on their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2024.

Former Wyoming U.S. Sen. Al Simpson Dies At 93, Remembered As Gentle Giant

Former U.S. Sen. Alan K. Simpson died early Friday morning at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of a man who transcended Wyoming culture and politics. Standing 6-foot-7, he’s remembered by friends and colleagues as a gentle statesman who truly served Wyoming.

Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025

Red lodge with mug 3 14 25

Ski-Lift Accident Kills Montana Skier But Experts Say Fatalities Are Rare

A Billings skier died earlier this week after he fell out of a ski chair lift in Red Lodge, Montana. One expert told Cowboy State Daily that although accidents do happen, statistics show "chairlift fatalities are very, very, very rare."

Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon (FILE PHOTO)

Gordon Vetoes Bill Making New Attempt To Ban Abortion In Wyoming

Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill on Friday that attempted a new approach at banning abortion in Wyoming. Gordon said he vetoed the bill because it would add further confusion to Wyoming’s abortion bans that are being considered in court.

Leo WolfsonMarch 15, 2025

Sen. John Barrasso (left) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (right)

Democrats Blink: Barrasso, GOP Win Shutdown Standoff

U.S. Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso dared Senate Democrats this week to block an emergency bill to fund the government. In the end, ten Democrats joined with Republicans and a midnight shutdown was averted.

Sean BarryMarch 14, 2025

U.S. - Mexico border

Congress Passes HALT Fentanyl Act, Barrasso Says Law Will Cripple Cartels

Congress passed a bill Friday cracking down on fentanyl trafficking — legislation that U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said will cripple cartels smuggling the drug into the country. “They’re running scared," he said. "Now is the time to turn up the heat."

Sean BarryMarch 14, 2025

Harriet Hageman was cheered, applauded, heckled and questioned during an aggressively feisty Thursday night town hall meeting at the Afton Civic Center. The loudest reactions were for DOGE and the Postal Service.

Hageman Town Hall In Afton Turns Aggressively Feisty Over DOGE, Postal Service

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman was cheered, applauded, heckled and questioned during an aggressively feisty Thursday night town hall meeting at the Afton Civic Center. The loudest reactions were for Elon Musk's Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Postal Service.

Greg JohnsonMarch 14, 2025

Supreme court 1 6 22 scaled

AG's Office Says Gillette Judge Didn't Break Rules By Holding Public Defender In Contempt

The judge who fined a public defender $100 and ordered him to write an apology letter for being late says he followed the rules in doing so. The public defender quit after paying the fine and writing the letter.

Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025

Screenshot of Samantha Strable holding a baby wombat in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Blasts Wyoming Outdoors Influencer For Grabbing Baby Wombat 

Australians, including the prime minister, are livid at a Wyoming-based social media influencer, after a video surfaced of her grabbing a baby wombat. Samantha Strable, who has lived in Pinedale, could lose her visa as a result.

Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025

Newscast thumbnail 3 14b

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, March 14, 2025

Friday's headlines include: * Australians Furious At Wyoming Influencer * First Grizzly Of Year Spotted At Yellowstone * Man Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting In Uinta Co.

Wendy CorrMarch 14, 2025

Defendant Paul Hilburn, addresses Casper Circuit Court Judge Kevin Taheri as Natrona County Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson listens.

Casper Man Pleads Not Guilty To Charges From January Stabbing

A 71-year-old Casper man pleaded not guilty Friday to three charges stemming from a January stabbing at his apartment. He allegedly told police one of the stabbings was an accident.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 14, 2025

Jake in studio small

Morning Show with Jake — Friday, March 14, 2025

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

Jake NicholsMarch 14, 2025

Protesters hold signs at Roosevelt Arch, the northern entrance to Yellowstone Park on March 1, 2025 in Gardiner, Montana.

Judge Orders Trump To Reinstate Fired National Park Service Employees

A federal judge issued a scathing rebuke Thursday and ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees fired last month, including 1,000 at the National Park Service. The White House called the order "absurd and unconstitutional."  

Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025

Stephanie Grace Bearstail

Fort Washakie 18-Year-Old 'Allegedly' Jumped From Car To Her Death, Initial Report Says

A Wyoming Highway Patrol preliminary investigative report published this month says Stephanie Bearstail, an 18-year-old Fort Washakie student, "allegedly" jumped from a moving vehicle to her death March 4. 

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Uinta county sheriff 3 13 25

Man Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting At Uinta County Business

Uinta County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals personnel were involved in a shooting on Wednesday that killed a suspect who had felony-level warrants, authorities told Cowboy State Daily.

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon. FILE PHOTO

Governor Signs College Transgender Sports Ban Into Law

Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday signed a bill into law requiring Wyoming colleges to restrict athletes’ participation in sports to biological sex at birth. The law also prohibits schools from competing against other schools that don’t adhere to the same standard.

Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025

First grizzly 3 13 25

First Grizzly of 2025 Awake, Hungry And Cranky In Yellowstone

The National Park Service on Wednesday reported fresh grizzly tracks have been spotted in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park. That's the first sign grizzlies have emerged from winter hibernation and are likely very hungry.

Andrew RossiMarch 14, 2025

Country music stars Chancey Williams, left, and Toby Keith perform Keith's smash hit "Should've Been a Cowboy" at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Bot Attack Crashes First Day Of Cheyenne Frontier Days Concert Ticket Sales

A bot attack on Thursday crashed the first day of ticket sales for Cheyenne Frontier Days’ nighttime concerts, causing the organization to shut off ticket sales and postpone them until next week.

Leo WolfsonMarch 13, 2025

Rocky mountain power 10 3 23

Consumer Advocates Warn More Rate Increases Ahead For Rocky Mountain Power Customers

Both of Wyoming’s consumer advocate groups foresee more rate increases ahead for Rocky Mountain Power customers. If commissioners approve the latest rate increase, the overall rate increase in the past two years totals 30.4%.

Renée JeanMarch 13, 2025

Gordon and wildfires 1 28 25

New Law Aims To Protect Utility Companies And Ratepayers From Wildfire Lawsuits

A bill signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon aims to put more responsibility on utility companies while also protecting them from lawsuits related to wildfires in Wyoming.

Leo WolfsonMarch 13, 2025

Wendy Coe mug

Murder-For-Hire Trial On Hold While Cody Woman's Mental Health Tested

Two days before her trial on a murder-for-hire charge was set to begin, a Cody woman had it delayed by asking for a mental health test. Investigators say she tried hiring a hitman to kill her daughter’s boyfriend.    

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Alaska avalanche 3 13 25

Massive Alaskan Avalanche Claims Three On Mountains Wyomingite Helped Popularize

An enormous avalanche killed three men on Alaska’s Chugach Range early this month, a popular ski region for heli-skiiers. A Jackson guide was among the pioneers to develop the region’s thriving helicopter-skiing industry.

David MadisonMarch 13, 2025

Jacob Meyer

Former Sheridan Assistant Principal Gets 3-5 Years For Sex With 18-Year-Old Student

Former Sheridan High School Assistant Principal Jacob Meyer, 34, was sentenced Thursday to between three and five years in prison after being convicted of having sex with one of his students, who was 18 at the time.

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Daily Features

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"Moonset over Little Rock Creek Canyon at sunrise, Beartooth Mountains." Clark, WY
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, March 16, 2025

Today’s Wyoming sunrise was captured by Jim Ingram in Clark. Jim writes, "Moonset over Little Rock Creek Canyon at sunrise, Beartooth Mountains."

Photo by Jim Ingram

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

Opinion

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Sniffin headshot 11 30 24

Bill Sniffin: Can I Whisper ‘Golden Age’ As We Contemplate Wyoming’s Immediate Future?

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, “Wyoming will benefit greatly by the presidency of Donald Trump. With a fossil fuel-friendly administration, a friendly Congress, and the sensible Supreme Court, Wyoming’s capacity for generating energy here has not seen such a green light in decades."

Bill SniffinMarch 08, 2025

Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Maybe Next Year Will Be Better

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "It was a good thing for the Legislature to quit two days early this year.  That way the lawmakers could not do any more damage to the Legislature as an institution than they already have." 

Joan BarronMarch 08, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: This Year’s Flood Of Election Integrity Bills Accomplished Great Things.

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Kudos to Secretary of State, Chuck Gray for tirelessly pushing the legislature to fulfill its constitutional mandate to “pass laws to secure the purity of elections, and guard against abuses of the elective franchise.”

Jonathan LangeMarch 07, 2025

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