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Malyna Si Hotel Jackson's executive chef Malyna Si is a contestant on Padma Lakshmis celebrity chef competition "America's Culinary Cup."

Jackson Hotel Chef Picked For $1 Million Competition On CBS

Hotel Jackson’s executive chef Malyna Si has been chosen to compete for a $1 million prize on Padma Lakshmi’s celebrity chef competition "America’s Culinary Cup" on CBS. Before coming to Jackson, she led a Michelin-starred restaurant in Florida.

Renée JeanFebruary 15, 2026

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday that his agency is investigating the Monday incident in which a Teton County GOP leader handed checks to lawmakers on the state House floor after adjournment — after multiple citizens voiced bribery concerns.

Sheriff Investigating Check Passing Scandal In Wyoming Legislature

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday that his agency is investigating the Monday incident in which a Teton County GOP leader handed checks to lawmakers on the state House floor after adjournment — after multiple citizens voiced bribery concerns.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 15, 2026

The Hitching Post Inn served as Wyoming’s unofficial second Capitol, where lawmakers, lobbyists and presidents mingled, cut deals and forged friendships before debt, bankruptcy and arson finally brought the legendary hotel down.

The Hitching Post: When Everyone Stayed At Wyoming’s Wildest Political Hotel

The Hitching Post Inn in Cheyenne wasn't just a hotel. For decades, it was the most powerful spot in Wyoming. Nearly every legislator stayed there and that's where deals were finalized. Communal martini fountains helped lubricate negotiations.

Zakary SonntagFebruary 14, 2026

Animal rights activists in Oregon are pushing a ballot initiative that would effectively ban hunting, fishing and ranching. Should it pass, one Oregon resident said there aren’t enough prisons in the country to hold all the “lawbreakers” it would create.

Oregon Animal Rights Activists Push To Basically Ban Hunting, Fishing, Ranching

Animal rights activists in Oregon are pushing a ballot initiative that would effectively ban hunting, fishing and ranching. Should it pass, one Oregon resident said there aren’t enough prisons in the country to hold all the “lawbreakers” it would create.

Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2026

The taste test arrives. One bowl are tallow fries, and one vegetable oil fries. A chocolate malt is on standby for the taste test, as well as a ranch-raised, grass-fed burger from the Chugwater Soda Fountain.

Chugwater Fry-Off: Are Beef Tallow French Fries Really Better?

The health debate over beef tallow and seed oil misses the most important point — which makes the most delicious french fry? It took a fry-off challenge at the historic Soda Fountain in Chugwater to find out.

Renée JeanFebruary 14, 2026

Nick Dodgson and his father after finding the headstone of his great, great, great-uncle in a cemetery of 60,000 gravestones.

Cheyenne Man's Quest To Find Gravestone Of Great, Great, Great-Uncle In England

During a trip to the U.K. last week, Cheyenne's Nick Dodgson went on a seemingly impossible quest. Find the gravestone of his great, great, great-uncle — who died in 1880 — in an ivy-filled cemetery with over 60,000 headstones.

Andrew RossiFebruary 14, 2026

Trenton Thornock, Founder and CEO of Prometheus Hyperscale and Brady Thornock on their family’s ranch in Uinta County. In the background is Meta's huge data center under construction in Cheyenne.

1.2-Gigawatt Data Center Near Evanston In Talks With Meta And Microsoft

Uinta County is sending letters of support to Microsoft and Meta to move into the Prometheus Hyperscale 1.2-gigawatt data center being built near Evanston. “My optimism ... is for some more good-paying jobs,” said county commission chair Mark Anderson.

Renée JeanFebruary 14, 2026

The Preferred Service snow removal crew was busy in Cheyenne in March 2021, after the largest two-day snowfall on record. This year, they’ve had almost no work.

Dry Winter Leaves Wyoming Snow Removal Crews With No Work Or Doing Other Jobs

A lack of snowfall this winter has left local snow-removal businesses with almost no work and falling back on doing other jobs. “In a typical year, we’ve billed out 20-25 times for snow removal by now," one business owner said.

Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2026

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is now selling a specialty Search and Rescue license plate. The inital cost is $180 with $150 going to the state-wide SAR fund with a $50 annual renewal fee.

Search And Rescue Teams Cost A Lot Of Money In Wyoming, Especially With "Extreme Sports"

Just one search and rescue mission last year took nearly 1,800 manpower hours and 220 flights. Without volunteers, it would have cost $1.7 million. Now with nearly 9 million visitors coming to Wyoming, the cost of helping stranded people is breaking the bank.

Jen KocherFebruary 14, 2026

Casper couple Jason and Misty Wynia say they are forever grateful to the person who checked "yes" on their driver's license application to be an organ donor. This is their 16th Valentine's Day together since Jason received a new heart.

16 Years After Heart Transplant, Couple Thanks Organ Donor For Another Valentine's Day

Casper couple Jason and Misty Wynia say they are forever grateful to the person who checked "yes" on their driver's license application to be an organ donor. This is their 16th Valentine's Day together since Jason received a new heart.

Wendy CorrFebruary 14, 2026

Valentine Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park unexpectedly sprang to life again with 13 documented eruptions in 2025. It's the first eruptions for the lovingly-named geyser in 20 years.

Yellowstone's Valentine Geyser Lovingly Erupts For The First Time In 21 Years

Valentine Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park unexpectedly sprang to life again with 13 documented eruptions in 2025. It's the first eruptions for the lovingly-named geyser in 21 years.

Andrew RossiFebruary 14, 2026

Roller derby is making a comeback in Wyoming as women swap their mundane day jobs for hard-hitting action on skates. Teams across the state are rebuilding after the pandemic, embracing the sport’s mix of strength and strategy.

Roller Derby Is Back In Wyoming And Teachers Ain't Messing Around

At the Fremont County Fair Building in Riverton, teachers are transformed into hard-hitting racers as they practice for their next roller derby bout. The fast-paced, full-contact sport, which peaked in the 1970s, is growing in popularity around Wyoming.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 14, 2026

Wyoming businesses and some city governments are phasing out pennies by rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel. Customers mostly pay electronically, businesses say, so they aren't worried about small rounding losses.

Wyoming Starts Rounding As Pennies Vanish From Cash Registers

Wyoming businesses and some city governments are phasing out pennies by rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel. Customers mostly pay electronically, businesses say, so they aren't worried about small rounding losses.

Wendy CorrFebruary 14, 2026

WolfQuest is a computer game in which people create their own wolf characters in a virtual Yellowstone National Park and try to find prey while avoiding fights with other wolves or being shot by hunters.

Hundreds Of Thousands Pretend They're Yellowstone Wolves In Online Game ‘WolfQuest’

At any one time, there are between 150,000 to 200,000 people worldwide playing the online game WolfQuest. That's where you become a wolf in Yellowstone and do everything wolves do like kill elk, avoid being shot, and fight with other wolves.

Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2026

DoorDash has fired a driver after a Sheridan woman said she received sexually explicit text messages from him. Police have confirmed a complaint was filed and several other women have since said they also received inappropriate texts.

DoorDash Fires Sheridan Driver For Sending Sexually Explicit Texts

DoorDash has fired a driver after a Sheridan woman said she received sexually explicit text messages from him. Police have confirmed a complaint was filed and several other women have since said they also received inappropriate texts.

Mark HeinzFebruary 13, 2026

“The appearance of vote-buying on the House floor or the Senate floor is absolutely unconscionable, and we cannot allow that to happen,” Senate President Bo Biteman said.

Wyoming Senate Formally Condemns GOP Activist For Passing Out Checks On House Floor

All 31 Wyoming senators Friday condemned a GOP activist for handing out campaign checks on the floor of the House. “The appearance of vote-buying on the House floor or the Senate floor is absolutely unconscionable," Sen. President Bo Biteman said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2026

In the House, Joint Appropriations Committee Co-Chairman John Bear, R-Gillette, walked members through the budget before landing on the hot-button issue: a $40 million general fund reduction

In Full Debate On University of Wyoming Budget Cuts, Lawmakers Ask If It's Retaliation

The Wyoming House and Senate debated a $40 million cut to the University of Wyoming on Thursday, with the budget committee co-chair John Bear confirming the number was meant to "get their attention." He said legislative directives on DEI were ignored.

Clair McFarland & David MadisonFebruary 13, 2026

Aaron Dorr, policy advisor for Wyoming Gun Owners, testifies about Senate File 101 at the state Capitol on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.

Chief Says Cop Killer’s Mom Would Have Escaped Justice Under Gun Rights Bill

Wyoming law officers say a gun rights bill headed for the House floor could let offenders slip through the cracks, including a cop killer's mom who would've escaped justice under the bill. Supporters say it will protect gun owners from federal overreach.

Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2026

Michael Wayne Henry

Park County Man Accused Of Terrorizing Pregnant Woman, Two Young Kids With Hammer

A Park County man is accused of terrorizing his pregnant fiancée and her two young kids with a hammer during a three-day drinking binge. He was bound over to felony-level court on Wednesday.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 13, 2026

Sen. Eric Barlow testifies for the Senate Labor Committee during a discussion about Senate File 48 on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.

Wyoming Lawmakers Move To Bypass FDA On Stem Cell Treatments

Wyoming lawmakers advanced the Stem Cell Freedom Act on Friday, which would let doctors offer certain stem cell treatments without FDA approval. Bill sponsor Sen. Eric Barlow said, “We’ve got to press on the federal government because they’re not approving things fast enough."

Zakary SonntagFebruary 14, 2026

State Rep. Laurie Bratten, R-Sheridan

Bill To Purge Sexually-Explicit Library Books From Children's Section Heads To House

A bill seeking to remove sexually-explicit materials from children’s sections of public and school libraries is headed to the Wyoming House of Representatives, after the House Judiciary Committee advanced it Friday on a 6-1 approval vote. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2026

The House Minerals Committee shot down a bid Friday for Wyoming to become the first state in the nation with a hydrogen severance tax. Industry officials testified a tax would discourage investment in Cowboy State hydrogen projects. State Rep. Kevin Campbell, R-Gillette, proposed the bill.

Wyoming Lawmakers Shoot Down Bill To Create Nation's First Hydrogen Tax

The House Minerals Committee shot down a bid Friday for Wyoming to become the first state in the nation with a hydrogen severance tax. Industry officials testified a tax would discourage investment in Cowboy State hydrogen projects.

David MadisonFebruary 13, 2026

Sen. Tim Salazar, R-Riverton, (left) who co-chairs the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, voiced surprise Friday that some House committee members who had joined the committee’s unanimous and bipartisan vote to advance the bill helped to kill it Monday. 

Senate Rescues Wyoming's Attempt To Rework Public School Funding

Under pressure to pay the schools in a way that satisfies Wyoming's courts, the state Senate on Friday rescued a bill attempting to do just that - moments after the House rejected its own school funding bill a second time.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2026

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, W-Wyoming, with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, during a ceremony to sign an executive order designating coal-fired power generation as critical to national security.

Wyoming Cheers End Of Obama-Era EPA Climate Change Rule

Wyoming officials are universally cheering the Trump administration’s Thursday repeal of an Obama-era rule that was the linchpin for EPA climate regulations. Meanwhile, environmental groups say the move ignores science and invites legal challenges.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 13, 2026

House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett (center), and Rep. Mike Yin D-Jackson (left), Rep. Abby Angelos, R-Gillette (right.

House Forms Investigative Committee To See If Checks Passed Were Bribes, Misconduct

All 59 Wyoming representatives who were on the House floor Thursday afternoon voted to convene a special committee to investigate the checks given to lawmakers on the House floor Monday - and if it was an act of bribery or legislative misconduct.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2026

Mix Collage 13 Feb 2026 02 03 PM 5317

Parents Desperate To Find Missing Lovell Teen

The parents of 17-year-old girl Kourtnee Roper of Lovell are asking for the public’s help in locating her, and an anonymous donor is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to her safe return.

Jen KocherFebruary 13, 2026

Sage and book 2 12 26

Parent Angered After Nonbinary Book Read To Kindergartners In Sweetwater County

A parent of a kindergartner is angry after a teacher at Sage Elementary School in Rock Springs read a book about non-binary gender ideology to her son’s class. The principal said the teacher stopped reading the book when she realized what it was about.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 12, 2026

Biteman energy 2 12 26

Biteman's Wyoming Energy Dominance Bill Gets Unanimous Support On Introduction

Senate Pres. Bo Biteman told colleagues Thursday that Wyoming needs to stop waiting and start leading as demand for electricity is expected to spike. He spelled out a vision that would put Wyoming in front of Trump’s push for American energy supremacy.

David MadisonFebruary 12, 2026

The two men killed Sunday when their semitrailer exploded on impact with another semi on I-80 near Green River were identified Wednesday as the father-son driving duo of Aleksey Fadun, 36, and Volodymyr Fadun, 74. They collided with another semi that was illegally parked on the interstate.

Men Killed In Semi Explosion On I-80 Were Father-Son Driving Duo

The two men killed Sunday when their semitrailer exploded on impact with another semi on I-80 near Green River were identified Wednesday as a father-son driving duo. They collided with another semi that was illegally parked on the interstate.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 12, 2026

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

Hospital 2 12 26

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

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, February 16, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Trish Bassett. Trish writes, "Beautiful sunrise from Star Valley, Wyoming."

Photo by Trish Bassett

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: Restoring Protections To Wyoming Women

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes,  “Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland) has introduced legislation that restores to women protections that the Court stripped away. HB 117 will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Monday morning.”

Jonathan LangeFebruary 13, 2026

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Scott Clem: Checks On The House Floor? Absolutely Not.

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "Every lawmaker who accepted a check under those circumstances revealed something troubling: a lack of awareness of the Wyoming Constitution and a disregard for the moral obligations of public office."

Scott ClemFebruary 13, 2026

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: Puppets, Phones, and Power — Inside Wyoming’s Shadow Legislature

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "We know money changed hands – on the house floor. And during floor debate, you can routinely watch legislators read directly from their phones. We do not know who is scripting the debate."

Tom LubnauFebruary 12, 2026

Wyoming Life

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