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The Cheyenne National Cemetery.

Navy Vet Wants To Build First Memorial With Name Of Every Wyoming Fallen Warrior

A U.S. Navy veteran is raising money to put a memorial next to the Cheyenne National Cemetery. It will be the first and only memorial to display the names of every Wyoming service member killed or missing in action in U.S. military history.

Andrew RossiApril 25, 2026

Canadian designer Olivier Dupon has submitted a motorized, 3,920-piece Big Boy 4014 LEGO kit to the company’s Ideas page. If the kit gets 10,000 votes, it will be among designs advanced to LEGO’s review pool for potential production.

Fan Of Cheyenne-Based Big Boy 4014 Pushes To Make Famed Locomotive Into LEGO Set

A superfan of the Cheyenne-based locomotive Big Boy 4014 has submitted a motorized, 3,920-piece Big Boy 4014 LEGO kit to the company. If his idea gets 10,000 votes, it will be among designs advanced to LEGO’s review pool for potential production.

Renée JeanApril 25, 2026

Cookie jars are a common decoration in most kitchens in Thermopolis, Wyoming because of the popularity of the Cookie Jar Auctions in the small community. Each year, tens of thousands of dollars are raised to help pay the medical bills of the residents most in need. John Gerrells, who first proposed the idea over 30 years ago, has boxes full of cookie jars ready for the next auction and has kept a few of his favorites as keepsakes. His sheep wagon cookie jar has become a running joke between him and a friend who take turns bringing it to the auctions and bidding on it.

Thermopolis Has Ponied Up $1 Million For Cookie Jars Over Past 30 Years

Cookie jar auctions have become the go-to fundraiser in Thermopolis, Wyoming, where the 4,600 residents have ponied up more than $1 million over the past 30 years. This year, the record $70,000 raised will help the auction’s founder fight cancer.

Jackie DorothyApril 25, 2026

Great blue herons have set up a rookery, or collection of family nests, near Buffalo Bill Reservoir in Park County.

Great Blue Herons, Uncommon In Wyoming, Nesting Near Buffalo Bill Reservoir

Great blue herons are uncommon in Wyoming, but a growing number of them have set up a nesting area near Buffalo Bill Reservoir. “They’re really going to town” building new nests to lay eggs, says Cody wildlife photographer Phil Hilson.

Mark HeinzApril 25, 2026

In Japan, civilians are being trained to respond to a growing number of bear attacks by shooting darts at a man in a bear suit.

In Japan, People Shoot Darts At Guy In A Bear Suit To Train For Attacks

There have been so many bear attacks in Japan, civilians are being trained to deal with them by shooting darts at a guy in a bear suit. There have been 230 bear attacks in 2025, 13 of them fatal. The government has proposed killing 10,000 bears.

Mark HeinzApril 25, 2026

Molly (Marso) Goodrich was one of the best girls' high school basketball players in Wyoming history until a knee injury suddently ended her playing career. Now a coach, she won state girls' titles for Douglas High School before moving to Lexington, South Carolina, where she's become one of the preeminent coaches in that state.

Wyoming People: Molly Marso, From Star Basketball Player To Championship Coach

Molly Marso — now Goodrich — became one of the best girls’ basketball players in Wyoming history as a standout for Campbell County High. A knee injury cut short her UW playing career, so now she’s become a championship-winning coach in South Carolina.

Ron Morris & For Cowboy State DailyApril 25, 2026

A prototype of the MV-75 in flight at the 2019 Alliance Air Show in Alliance, Texas. Its Cheyenne II name was officially announced on April 15, and Bell Textron is building and testing the aircraft now with delivery to the Army set for next year in advance of a 2030 scheduled rollout of putting the aircraft into service.

Why The Army Named Its Newest High-Speed War Machine After The Cheyenne Tribe

The Army’s newest war machine — a next-generation helicopter designed to fly faster and farther — will carry a name with deep historical and cultural roots: Cheyenne II. The Army says it “immortalize the formidable warrior spirit” that comes with the name.

Kolby FedoreApril 25, 2026

Casper housekeeper Monica Howse is getting a wave of laughs — and sympathy — after she mistakenly walked into the wrong home and started cleaning it. “To whoever’s house I just walked into and started cleaning: I AM SO SORRY!” she said.

Casper Woman Apologizes After Cleaning The Wrong House

Casper housekeeper Monica Howse is getting a wave of laughs — and sympathy — after she mistakenly walked into the wrong home and started cleaning it. “To whoever’s house I just walked into and started cleaning: I AM SO SORRY!” she said.

Kolby FedoreApril 24, 2026

The latest Laramie County Truck Around and Find Out crackdown caught 46 illegal commercial drivers, bringing the total to nearly 120 since November. That includes an illegal driver was still behind the wheel despite having his license revoked 13 times.

46 Illegal Truckers Caught During Latest Laramie County Truck Around Crackdown

The latest Laramie County Truck Around and Find Out crackdown caught 46 illegal commercial drivers, bringing the total to 118 since November. That includes an illegal driver who was still behind the wheel despite having his license revoked 13 times.

Greg JohnsonApril 24, 2026

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Food Freedom Fight: State Orders Cody Creamery To Stop Selling Raw Milk Lattes

The State Ag Dept. has ordered Cody's Hippy Cow Creamery to stop selling its popular raw milk lattes. Tyler Lindholm, the architect behind the Food Freedom Act, says the state is wrong and will push for a legislative fix. "That's just insane," he said.

Renée JeanApril 24, 2026

A committee of the Wyoming Republican Party meets Friday to discuss potential declarations and platform changes and additions. That included one that, had it passed, would have declared the U.S. a Christian nation and Wyoming a Christian state.

‘God Never Forced Anyone’: Wyoming GOP Rejects Declaring Wyoming A Christian State

A committee of the Wyoming GOP on Friday rejected a proclamation to declare the U.S. a Christian nation and Wyoming a Christian state. “God never forced anyone like this,” said Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, while others said the GOP platform already honors God.

Clair McFarlandApril 24, 2026

Jeff

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jeff - Saturday, April, 25, 2026

Jeff in the 307. Saturday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsApril 25, 2026

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Casper Judge Blocks Wyoming’s 'Heartbeat' Abortion Ban

A Casper-based judge on Friday blocked Wyoming’s newest abortion ban, the fourth near-total abortion ban Wyoming judges have blocked in four years. The judge said the pro-choice advocates could have faced "irreparable harm" from the ban.

Clair McFarlandApril 25, 2026

As more firearms companies set up shop in Second Amendment-friendly states, Wyoming faces challenges, such as limited housing, in competing with states like Utah. Those gun laws are a major reason firearms companies relocate.

Wyoming Faces Competition From Utah, Other States, To Recruit Firearms Companies

As more firearms companies set up shop in Second Amendment-friendly states, Wyoming faces challenges, such as limited housing, in competing with states like Utah. Those gun laws are a major reason firearms companies relocate.

Mark HeinzApril 25, 2026

A Casper homeowner says he was left confused — then amused — after security cameras captured a woman removing bags of garbage from his dumpster just before a scheduled pickup this week. Authorities say dumpster diving is legal.

Casper Family Confused After Seeing Dumpster Diver Taking Their Garbage

A Casper homeowner says he was left confused — then amused — after security cameras captured a woman removing bags of garbage from his trash bin just before a scheduled pickup this week. Authorities say dumpster diving is legal.

Kolby FedoreApril 24, 2026

Mix Collage 24 Apr 2026 05 57 PM 440

State OKs $5 Million for Housing Projects, Gray Tries To Ban Resident Aliens

In a recurring spat on the difference between resident aliens and illegal immigrants, the Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board voted Thursday to allocate $5 million for infrastructure and housing projects — mostly for small towns.

Clair McFarlandApril 25, 2026

Cody resident Aubrey Slackey saw a grizzly tearing into some hay bales near Yellowstone and started shooting video.

Wyoming Places: It's Not Every Day You See A Grizzly Fall Off Some Hay Bales

When Cody resident Aubrey Slackey saw a grizzly on top of some hay bales near Yellowstone, he started shooting video. Then the grizzly fell off. “He looked like he was embarrassed. He gave me a look like, ‘You didn’t just see me do that,’” he said.  

Mark HeinzApril 24, 2026

A $23.5 million utility-scale solar generation and battery storage project is moving forward near Moorcroft. It will allow Powder River Energy to be in control of a power generation source for the first time in its 80-year history.

Powder River Energy Plans $23.5 Million Solar-Battery Project Near Moorcroft 

A $23.5 million utility-scale solar generation and battery storage project is moving forward near Moorcroft. It will allow Powder River Energy to be in control of a power generation source for the first time in its 80-year history.

Kate MeadowsApril 24, 2026

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Wildlife Officials Say Colorado Wolves Aren't Wandering Because Pups Expected Soon

Colorado’s wolves are wandering less as of late; some say it could be because the most far-ranging wolves have left the state. But wildlife officials think it’s because packs are hunkering down close to dens, waiting for a new crop of pups this spring.

Mark HeinzApril 24, 2026

A defiant Wyoming Republican Party said Thursday it won’t comply with state laws governing political parties and will sue to overturn them. “The state has no right to meddle in the internal affairs of the party,” said GOP Chair Bryan Miller.

Wyoming Republican Party Vows To Sue, Won’t Comply With State Laws

The Wyoming Republican Party said Thursday it won’t comply with state laws governing political parties and will sue to overturn them. “The state has no right to meddle in the internal affairs of the party,” said GOP Chair Bryan Miller.

Clair McFarlandApril 24, 2026

Wyoming state Rep. Karlee Provenza and a Montana legislator posted video corner-crossing at the Carbon County spot that started a yearslong legal war. Corner-crossing was affirmed legal in Wyoming last year, but it’s illegal in Montana.

To Prove Corner-Crossing Is Legit, Wyoming, Montana Lawmakers Cross Corners

Wyoming state Rep. Karlee Provenza and a Montana legislator posted video of themselves corner-crossing at the Carbon County spot that started a yearslong legal war. She said she took the video to demonstrate the legality of corner-crossing in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzApril 23, 2026

Grizzly 610 is pictured here with her most recent litter of three cubs, on May 6, 2023.

Famous Grizzy 610 A No-Show So Far This Year, Could Mean She Has Cubs

Grizzly 610, one of Grand Teton National Park's most famous bears, has yet to emerge this year. But her fans aren’t worried. They say it probably means she has a new cub, or cubs. In which case, she’ll show up next month with her little ones in tow.

Mark HeinzApril 23, 2026

Working as a first responder in the nation’s richest county illustrates a complex problem: How does a sheriff's deputy who earns a starting salary of $70,000 live in a town where the median home price is $3 million? They don't. Only 2 of 30 live there.

No Affordable Housing: Only 2 Teton County Sheriff's Deputies Live In Teton County

Working as a first responder in the nation’s richest county illustrates a complex problem: How does a sheriff's deputy who earns a starting salary of $70,000 live in a town where the median home price is $3 million? They don't. Only 2 of 30 live there.

Kate MeadowsApril 23, 2026

Byron Griggs

Inmate Serving Life At Rawlins Prison Caught Watching Child Porn On PlayStation

A man serving life in the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins for sexually abusing young girls was caught by a guard watching child pornograpy on a PlayStation. He said he got files while in an out-of-state prison where security is more “relaxed.”

Kolby FedoreApril 23, 2026

Mohan Dangi poses in front of Central Wyoming College's Sacagawea statue. He still remembers removing snow from the surrounding sidewalks on campus at 3 a.m. in the morning, when he was a CWC student.

From Nepal To Riverton, One Student’s 30-Year Journey Leads To Global Partnership

When a young student from a rural Nepali village with no running water finally found his way to America and Central Wyoming College in Riverton 30 years ago, it was a leap of faith. He was back Thursday to explore partnerships between Wyoming and Nepal.

Renée JeanApril 24, 2026

A commercial truck driver was in court Thursday, charged with felony theft for allegedly taking a truck and trailer from his former employer. He admitted to Wyoming troopers that he took the rig without permission, but said he was helping out a buddy.

Troopers Say Driver Admits Stealing Semitrailer, But It Was To Help A Buddy

A commercial truck driver was in court Thursday, charged with felony theft for allegedly taking a truck and trailer from his former employer. He admitted to Wyoming troopers that he took the rig without permission, but said he was helping out a buddy.

Greg JohnsonApril 23, 2026

High winds helped fan a fire that burned a Lander wood shop to the ground on Wednesday, also threatening nearby homes. For rural fire departments, responding when people you know are devastated makes firefighters take the job "very personally."

Lander Wood Shop Burns Down In High Winds, Nearby Homes Threatened

High winds helped fan a fire that burned a Lander wood shop to the ground on Wednesday, also threatening nearby homes. For rural fire departments, responding when people you know are devastated makes firefighters take the job "very personally."

Dale KillingbeckApril 23, 2026

A fireball captured by someone's dash cam in Utah in the early morning hours of April 23, 2026.

Early Morning Fireball Lights Up Southwest Wyoming, Northeastern Utah

An early morning fireball ripped across the sky over southwest Wyoming Thursday, briefly turning night into daylight and leaving residents scrambling to figure out what they saw. 

Kolby FedoreApril 23, 2026

Andrew Stockett, lead engineer for TerraPower's Test and Fill facility, talks about how the facility will be used to test every component of TerraPower's new Natrium plant in Kemmerer to ensure everything works as it should.

TerraPower Starts Building Wyoming Nuclear Plant Despite 60 MPH Wind Gusts

TerraPower officially began building its first-of-its-kind nuclear power plant in Kemmerer on Wednesday, despite 60 mph winds that grounded cranes. “In not too long, we will be producing power right here on this site,” a TerraPower official said.

Renée JeanApril 23, 2026

Headquarters for the Wyoming Republican Party at 1714 Capitol St. in Cheyenne.

Wyoming GOP Considering Loyalty Tests For Candidates, Voiding State Laws

Some county Republican parties are asking the Wyoming Republican Party to consider loyalty tests for candidates and declare some state laws void. The state GOP meets Thursday, where it will review more than 100 proposed bylaw changes.

Clair McFarlandApril 23, 2026

Bruno, one of Wyoming’s most popular grizzlies, had his face ripped open last fall, seen at left. After being captured and treated for his wounds, he showed up fully healed this spring, right.

Popular Grizzly Bruno Emerges With His Gnarly, Ripped-Open Face Healed

Bruno, one of Wyoming’s most popular grizzlies, had his face ripped open last fall in what many bear observers believe was a fight with another male grizzly. After being captured and treated for his wounds, he showed up fully healed this spring.

Mark HeinzApril 22, 2026

A Natrona County judge Wednesday didn’t rule on an effort to halt Wyoming’s Heartbeat Abortion Ban. An opposition lawyer called it "unconstitutionally vague,” while Attorney General Keith Kautz argued a heartbeat lets us "know there is a life to protect." Above, protesters outside the Wellspring clinic in Casper in 2023.

Judge Doesn’t Rule On Effort To Halt Wyoming’s New Heartbeat Abortion Ban

A Natrona County judge Wednesday didn’t rule on an effort to halt Wyoming’s Heartbeat Abortion Ban. An opposition lawyer called it "unconstitutionally vague,” while Attorney General Keith Kautz argued a heartbeat lets us "know there is a life to protect."

Clair McFarland & Dale KillingbeckApril 22, 2026

Guernsey Mayor Ed Delgado warns the daughter of a town council member about interrupting during the council's meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2026. He threatened to have her removed if she makes another outburst. Less than a minute later, she was removed for clapping.

Daughter Of Council Member Kicked Out After Resolution On Recording Meeting Dies

The daughter of a Guernsey City councilwoman was kicked out of a council meeting Tuesday night after a resolution that would have banned residents from recording meetings died without a motion. “Way to flip-flop, Joe,” she said, while exiting the meeting.

Kate MeadowsApril 22, 2026

An 18-year-old is charged with attempted first-degree murder, accused of stabbing a Lander Loaf N’ Jug clerk after stealing booze from the store. He asked the court Wednesday if he could finish high school, then return to take care of his legal problems.

Police Say Teen Stabbed Clerk At Lander Loaf N’ Jug After Stealing Booze

An 18-year-old is charged with attempted first-degree murder, accused of stabbing a Lander Loaf N’ Jug clerk after stealing booze from the store. He asked the court Wednesday if he could finish high school, then return to take care of his legal problems.

Kolby FedoreApril 22, 2026

Salvador Catarino-Jacinto

ICE Deports Jackson Man Who Cut His Own Throat At Albertsons

A man who cut his own throat at the Albertsons grocery store in Jackson Hole last month, causing police to evacuate the store, has been deported, ICE told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday. He had been deported at least two times before, the agency says.

Clair McFarlandApril 23, 2026

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Casper Man Who Allegedly Held Toddler "Like A Shield" Faces Four Misdemeanors

A 19-year-old Casper man who allegedly held an 18-month-old child "like a shield" in an armed standoff over the weekend faces four misdemeanor charges for the incident. Brayden Randolph appeared in court Monday and is free on bond.

Dale KillingbeckApril 22, 2026

Cheyenne’s mayor has turned off comments on City Council meetings livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page. Some say that's an overreaction to criticism, while the mayor says many comments were reckless, threatening and out of hand.

Some Citizens Angry After Comments Turned Off For Cheyenne City Council Livestreams

Cheyenne’s mayor has turned off comments on City Council meetings livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page. Some say that's an overreaction to criticism, while the mayor says many comments were reckless, threatening and out of hand.

Kate MeadowsApril 22, 2026

Rep. Martha Lawley, Rep. John Bear

Anonymous Site WyoRINO Ranks How Republican Lawmakers Are — Based On 10 Votes

WyoRINO, an anonymous site created “to expose liberal Wyoming Republicans who violate our Wyoming Republican values,” ranked how well Republican lawmakers voted in line with the GOP platform this year — based on a tiny sliver of their votes this session.

Clair McFarlandApril 22, 2026

Lincoln County Sheriffs Office 12 11 25

Man Accused Of Pulling Gun, Getting Beat Up, Then Nabbed For DUI Faces Felonies

A night that started drinking with a group at an Alpine, Wyoming, bar escalated when a man allegedly pulled a gun on a drinking buddy, got beaten, then dumped back at the bar. He was bound over to felony court Tuesday, and faces up to a decade in prison.

Kolby FedoreApril 22, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, April 26, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Lee Ann Stephenson. Lee Ann writes, "Riverside, Wyoming on the Encampment River."

Photo by Lee Ann Stephenson

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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One of VBB’s team members with a group of Christian Iranians sharing the Gospel on the streets of Turkey

From Oppression to Hope: God at Work in Iran

As many in Iran search for truth and freedom, hearts are opening to Jesus Christ. Help place Bibles into the hands of people longing for hope, courage, and the life-changing message of God’s Word.

April 23, 2026

Brent Bien with words Make Wyoming #1

Restoring Conservative Leadership to the Office of Wyoming Governor

Brent Bien outlines his vision for Wyoming with a people-first plan to restore liberty, cut government, and to make Wyoming #1.

April 20, 2026

Mom with daughters holding a sign that reads: I have lovely daughters

Wyoming Honors National Donate Life Month This April

Wyoming celebrates National Donate Life Month, spotlighting the power of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Lesley Steplock of Casper lost her mother in 2019, who went on to save multiple lives as a donor. Lesley now works for Donor Alliance, honoring her mother's legacy every day as an organ clinical coordinator.

April 13, 2026

Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: Horrific Murder Trial Greeted Me In First Days As Lander Editor

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Who knew that my first big news story in Lander would be one of the biggest of my career? Covering this horrific murder trial was a huge challenge for a new editor.”

Bill SniffinApril 25, 2026

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Joan Barron: Cheyenne South Siders Oppose Man Camps

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “It is not surprising to see the uprising against a developer’s plan to build 800 units for 5,600 construction workers here  to build data centers.”

Joan BarronApril 25, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: 'The Story of Everything' Is A Great Movie

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “This movie gave me hope that our own incessant arguing can find agreement. If Einstein and Hoyle could ultimately change their minds to agree with Hubble and Lemaître, we can learn something from them."

Jonathan LangeApril 25, 2026

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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