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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

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

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 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

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

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

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

‘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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ringing The Bell: Former Cheyenne Cop's Battle To Beat Cancer
For former Cheyenne cop and UW Hall of Fame athlete Tom Garrison, World Cancer Day is personal. The observance, held every Feb. 4, was the day Tom rang the bell to signal his intense chemotherapy was complete. Nine years later, he's cancer-free.
Wendy CorrFebruary 08, 2026

New Lead Reinvigorates Search For Wyoming Woman Who Vanished 6 Years Ago
Salt Lake City investigators have discovered fresh evidence in the disappearance of a former Jackson woman who vanished more than six years ago. The news of this first big break has brought hope to Elliott’s family, including her younger sister Emily Nardacci, of Pinedale.
Jen KocherFebruary 08, 2026

Wyoming Native Breezy Johnson Wins Gold Medal In Women's Downhill
Not only did Wyoming native Breezy Johnson win a gold medal on Sunday in women’s downhill skiing, but it was Team USA’s first medal of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Johnson becomes only the second American woman to win Olympic downhill gold.
Jimmy OrrFebruary 08, 2026

Wyoming's 3,200-Pound Monument To Wild West Prostitute Mother Featherlegs
On the remote plains of eastern Wyoming, a 3,200-pound red granite monument marks the grave of Mother Featherlegs, a rare stone tribute to a Wild West prostitute. She was known to stash stolen loot before being murdered by the outlaw “Dangerous Dick.”
Jackie DorothyFebruary 09, 2026

Idaho Farmer Giving Away Millions Of Pounds Of Potatoes To Food Banks & Charities
An Idaho farmer overwhelmed is giving away millions of pounds of potatoes to food banks and charities. “In about 20 minutes, I booked 10 semi loads of potatoes to go out over the next two weeks,” he said, including one stop in Wyoming's Star Valley.
Mark HeinzFebruary 08, 2026

Wyoming Wildlife: Mink Are Seldom Seen, Look Friendly, But Are Deadly Predators
Mink might look cute in photos, but they aren't very nice. They are fast, clever and deadly predators, taking down critters bigger than themselves — like muskrats. They call Wyoming home, but are elusive and seldom seen.
Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2026

Scout Motors Plans To Bypass Dealers To Sell Direct, And Buyers Are Cheering
Scout Motors says buyers are tired of dealership markups and dealing with salesmen, which is why the company wants to sell its popular SUV and truck direct. Dealerships, however, warn that’s risky when it comes to service and support.
Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2026

How To Unite Hunters & Animal Rights Groups? Announce Plans To Gun Down 2,000 Mule Deer
It's not often when animal rights groups and hunters agree on something. But in the case of the plan to gun down 2,000 mule deer on Catalina Island off the coast of southern California, it's happening. The two are teaming up to stop the massacre.
Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2026

Survivor TV Show Gives Hint Where Scavenger Hunt Will Be Held In Wyoming On Monday
Wyoming's turn to play the "Survivor 50 Challenge" is on Monday. The celebration of the 50th season of the reality show "Survivor" means people in every state are given clues to find a hidden "immunity idol." Clues for Wyoming were released over the weekend.
Andrew RossiFebruary 08, 2026

Parents Demand Apology From Sweetwater County School District
Investigators found special‑education violations tied to student privacy and parental rights at Sweetwater County School District No. 1. Now a Rock Springs mother is calling for the censure of the school board chair — months after he publicly censured her husband.
Zakary SonntagFebruary 07, 2026

Meet Dee Arps: The 108-Year-Old Who Owned The First Drive-Thru Liquor Store In Wyoming
108-year-old Deloris “Dee” Arps of Worland owned the first drive-thru liquor store in Wyoming -- and had to work the legislature to make it legal. She arrived in Wyoming more than 80 years ago as a new bride with $25 and went straight to work.
Jackie DorothyFebruary 07, 2026

7-Foot Man In A Fur Coat Sparked A Bigfoot Panic In Wyoming 54 Years Ago
“Moose” Dabich of Hudson, a 7-foot-tall former pro basketball player, was fishing in a fur coat in 1972 when two boys reported they saw Bigfoot. It caused a panic but Dabich didn't clear it up because he was fishing without a license and didn't want to get in trouble.
Jackie DorothyFebruary 07, 2026

Cheyenne Police Say Policy Violated In Suicide Of Handcuffed Man In Cop Car
The Cheyenne Police Department announced Friday the completion of a “comprehensive” internal investigation into the suicide of a handcuffed man secured in the back of a cop car. A policy violation was identified, and more training for officers ordered.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 07, 2026

Wyoming And Montana Casino Boom Hides A Surprisingly Small Gambling Market
Montana’s small “casinos” create the appearance of a huge gambling industry, but strict limits on machines, stakes, and licenses keep revenues relatively modest. Wyoming’s smaller — yet fast-growing — market is pushing lawmakers to consider tighter rules.
Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 08, 2026

Blindfolded Wyoming Bighorns Ride Helicopters For Research
Until about March, folks might see blindfolded bighorn sheep or deer flying around, slung in harnesses under helicopters. They aren’t being nabbed by well-equipped poachers but are transported for population studies, disease testing and other research.
Mark HeinzFebruary 08, 2026

U.S. Cattle Population At 75-Year Low Creates Demand, Profit For Wyoming Ranchers
Low cattle numbers have resulted in Wyoming ranchers finally turning a profit after years of breaking even. “This is the first run we’ve had of really solid profits for a number of years,” rancher and state Sen. Ogden Driskill told Cowboy State Daily.
Kate MeadowsFebruary 07, 2026

Proposed Bill Would Legalize Corner-Crossing On Wyoming Public Lands
Rep. Karlee Provenza, an outspoken advocate for public land access has introduced a bill legalizing corner-crossing in Wyoming. But Jim Magagna, of the Stock Growers Assoc. says it's too vague. “It almost isn’t a serious piece of legislation,” he said.
Mark HeinzFebruary 07, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Craig M. Benjamin. Craig writes, "Beautiful sunrise over the Middle Kingdom of Curt Gowdy State Park on a morning trail run."

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Chance of snow and rain especially west of the continental divide in Wyoming on Wednesday, otherwise partly to mostly sunny. Mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain and snow in some areas. Highs from near 40 to near 60. Lows in the 20s and low 30s.

Daily Cartoon 1: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
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: Rising Gold Prices Underscore Uncle Sam's Spending Problem
Opinion by Ken Buck
Dave Simpson: These Lunatics Want Open Borders
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Cassie Craven: Without Virtue There Will Be No Liberty
Opinion by Cassie Craven
Gail Symons: Budget Session Land Mines
Opinion by Gail Symons
Bill Sniffin: Hell Isn’t Freezing Over? Where Is Normal Wyoming Winter Hiding?
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Sponsored
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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

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

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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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

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

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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Hell’s Half Acre To Reopen, Showcasing Wyoming’s Otherworldly Alien Landscape
Renée JeanFebruary 07, 2026
With Record-Breaking Warm Weather, Why Aren't Most Wyoming Golf Courses Open?
Jimmy OrrFebruary 07, 2026
Fireball Lights Up Night Sky Over Flaming Gorge In Southwest Wyoming
Andrew RossiFebruary 07, 2026
"My Entire Life Is In That Trailer": Online Sleuths Helping Cowgirl Find Stolen Trailer
Andrew RossiFebruary 06, 2026
Wyoming To Gain 70+ Minutes Of Daylight In Feb.; Could Trigger Wet Heavy Snow Too
Andrew RossiFebruary 04, 2026
Outdoors
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Riverton Residents In Path Of Growing Wildfire Ordered To Leave
Greg JohnsonFebruary 08, 2026
Why The Outrage Over Trophy Hunting?
Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2026
Photographer Who Broke Leg In Remote Area Of Yellowstone, Is Grateful She Wasn't Alone
Mark HeinzFebruary 05, 2026
Gigantic Grizzly 399 Sculpture To Be Dedicated At Jackson Museum In September
Andrew RossiFebruary 05, 2026
Wyoming Chef Says The Best Way To Cook Groundhog Is With A Pork Rub
Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Torrington Woman Accused Of Serving Up Young Child To Boyfriend For $5,000 Offer
Greg JohnsonFebruary 10, 2026
Sheridan Man Accused Of Threatening To ‘Charlie Kirk’ Musician
Greg JohnsonFebruary 06, 2026
Supreme Court Rejects Sheridan Man's Self-Defense Claim In Hockey Coach's Death
Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2026
SWAT Team Coaxes Suspect From Attic During Cheyenne Drug Bust
Greg JohnsonFebruary 06, 2026
Sheriff: Public Baby Changing Tables Are For Babies, Not Cooking Crack
Greg JohnsonFebruary 05, 2026
