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BLM Officer Charged With Murder In Lander Bar Fight
A field officer for the federal Bureau of Land Management was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder, on claims he choked a man to death in a Lander bar fight.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 14, 2026

Even Some Legislators Stunned By Defunding Wyoming Business Council
Natrona County legislators gathered Wednesday to preview priorities ahead of next month's budget session. But the discussion was hijacked by some stunned over Tuesday’s defunding of the Wyoming Business Council.
Zakary SonntagJanuary 15, 2026

Casper Teen Sentenced To Eight -To-10 Years For Stabbing Friend Over Girl
A 19-year-old Casper man was sentenced to 8 - 10 years in prison Thursday for the stabbing of a 17-year-old boy over a mutual love interest. The victim’s mother told the perpetrator, "“I watched the video of you attempting to take my son’s life."
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 15, 2026

Cheyenne Standoff Suspect Accused Of Shooting Homeless Man Over $30 Debt
After arguing with a homeless man named Earl over a $30 debt at a long-term stay motel, a 69-year-old man reportedly told Earl to “die, bitch,” then shot him in the chest Friday. A court affidavit available Wednesday says the encounter was caught on video.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 14, 2026

Blocking $58 Million For Tribal Clinic Could Cost Wyoming More Than It Saves
The CEO of a tribal health clinic and a state lawmaker voiced concern Wednesday over a legislative committee’s push to block $58 million in federal money. The denial, which is not final, was part of a slew of proposed Wyoming Department of Health cuts.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 14, 2026

Gillette Coach Fired After Profanity-Laced Outburst At Player Cleared By State Board
The former Campbell County High football coach fired in November for a profanity-laced outburst aimed at a player has been cleared by the state board that licenses teachers and coaches. Orah Garst says he’s grateful and wants to coach again.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 14, 2026

Sweetwater County Parents Blast School District Over Vacancies, Superintendent Raise
Parents in Sweetwater County School District No. 1 are blasting the board for high vacancies, ignored comments, a secret superintendent raise, and poor accountability. Despite promises, leadership offers muted responses amid ongoing turmoil.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 15, 2026
Legislators Vote To Give Wyoming Prosecutors More Money
At the urging of two members of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, legislators advanced $3 million Wednesday to help counties fund prosecutors' offices. It's part of a series of tweaks to the second draft of the state's two-year budget.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 15, 2026

Yellowstone Could Spend $300M Rebuilding North Entrance Road Washed Out By Flood
Yellowstone is considering three permanent routes to replace its flood-damaged North Entrance Road, with a hybrid “center alignment” emerging as the preferred option. The $250 million to $300 million project could take five to nine years to build.
Andrew RossiJanuary 14, 2026

Legislators Vote To Defund And Dismantle Wyoming Business Council
Nine of Wyoming’s top legislators advanced a bid Tuesday to defund and dismantle the Wyoming Business Council. Opponents call the move short-sighted while supporters say it stops government from unfairly competing with private businesses.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 14, 2026

Snowmobiler Rescued After Plunging Off Bridge And Landing In Frozen River
A 40-year-old Russian national who plunged off a bridge after his snowmobile collided with a guardrail is expected to survive after being rescued by a team of emergency responders on the Scenic Beartooth Highway near the Wyoming - Montana border.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 13, 2026

‘This Is Textbook Overreach’: Cheyenne Council Blasted Over Inspection Warrants
Cheyenne City Council on Monday sat through hours of residents blasting them over administrative warrants to inspect homes and businesses. “This is textbook overreach” one local said before the council voted 6-3 to approve the ordinance’s second reading.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 14, 2026

Wyoming Lawmakers Propose Cutting Governor's Budget To UW By $61 Million
The Joint Appropriations Committee on Tuesday voted to reduce the governor’s recommended state budget for the University of Wyoming by nearly $61 million. State Sen. Ogden Driskill opposed the action calling them "spiteful and vindictive."
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2026

Utah Full Steam Ahead On Nuclear Industry While Wyoming Avoids
The 2026 legislative season is ramping up, and Utah lawmakers are fully embracing the nuclear industry while Wyoming legislators appear to be avoiding the subject.
David MadisonJanuary 13, 2026
Geese Steal Osprey Nests, Forcing The Birds To Risk Electrocution
Canada geese sometimes hog elevated nesting platforms from osprey in Wyoming. So, the ospreys try building nests on powerline poles instead — and get electrocuted.
Mark HeinzJanuary 13, 2026

Jillian Balow, Former Wyoming Schools Chief, Announces Run For House
Republican Jillian Balow, former Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction, is running for the state's lone U.S. House Seat. This pits her against Secretary of State Chuck Gray and Casper businessman Reid Rasner, both MAGA-style candidates.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2026

Agitated Man With Hatchet Forced Out Of Wheatland Basement With Pepper Gas
After reportedly threatening a woman in a Wheatland home Monday evening, an agitated man with a hatchet locked himself in the basement and made threats toward police. A pepper gas grenade brought a quick end to the standoff.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 13, 2026

After 34 Years, Thermopolis' Big Blue Water Slide Comes Down
The big blue water slide at Hellie’s Tepee Pools in Hot Springs State Park has been dismantled and given away after 34 years of summer fun. A new water feature is on hold while the future of Thermopolis' hot spring facilities is tied up in court.
Andrew RossiJanuary 13, 2026

Mom Accused Of Killing Her 11-Month-Old Son Wants Out Of Jail, Judge Says No
The woman accused of absconding with her son from Wyoming, then killing the 11-month-old when authorities caught up with her, wants out of jail. A New Mexico judge on Monday said no, she’ll remain locked up as she faces a first-degree murder charge.
Jen KocherJanuary 13, 2026

Snowmobiler Dies In Avalanche Triggered In Wyoming Backcountry
A snowmobiler in the Wyoming backcountry southeast of Afton died Sunday after he and another rider triggered an avalanche that buried him about 2 feet below the surface and under his snowmobile.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 12, 2026

Young Jackson-Area Bear Still Out In January Might Be Confused By Warm Weather
A young black bear has caused a stir in the Jackson area, spotted still awake and running around in January. A local wildlife tour guide said it’s not unheard of, but the unseasonably warm weather may have confused the bear about when bedtime is.
Mark HeinzJanuary 12, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsJanuary 13, 2026

Wyoming Lawmakers Resist Gordon’s Push For $111.8 Million For State Worker Raises
The Wyoming legislative committee crafting a preliminary state budget voted Monday to deny the governor’s $111.8 million recommendation to give state employees raises. The debate is not over — the whole Legislature gets the budget next month.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 12, 2026

Degenfelder Officially Running For Governor After Trump Endorsement
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder on Monday announced she is running for governor. Degenfelder had been "strongly considering" the move and had received an endorsement from President Trump urging her to run last week.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 12, 2026

Trump’s EPA Rejects Closure Of Colorado Power Plant That Burns Wyoming Coal
The Trump administration’s EPA has finalized its rejection of closing a coal-fired power plant in Colorado, drawing sharp criticism from environmental and health groups. The decision extends the life of a plant that burns Wyoming coal.
David MadisonJanuary 12, 2026

Lander Police Chief Says There Are Multiple Suspects In Fatal Bar Fight
The Lander Police Department has multiple suspects in a Friday-night bar fight that turned fatal. The police chief expects arrests in “the next couple days,” he told Cowboy State Daily on Monday.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 12, 2026

Cheyenne Motel Standoff Suspect Faces Attempted First-Degree Murder Charge
The man involved in a four-hour standoff at a Cheyenne motel with police Friday is facing an attempted first-degree murder charge. Surveillance video at the motel shows the men arguing, then the suspect shooting the other man, police say.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 12, 2026

Barrasso Endorses Hageman's Candidacy For U.S. Senate
Wyoming’s senior U.S. Senator announced Monday morning that he’s endorsing U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman to serve alongside him in the upper chamber. He said Hageman “is going to be terrific in the U.S. Senate.”
Clair McFarlandJanuary 12, 2026

Transient Accused Of Stabbing Cheyenne Man While Stealing Backpack, Sunglasses
A 25-year-old transient is accused of stabbing an older Cheyenne man in the back while trying to steal his backpack and sunglasses. The suspect, who faces an attempted murder charge, claims the stabbing was in self-defense.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 12, 2026

Evanston To Utah’s ‘Extreme’ Drunk Drivers: Don’t Try To Buy Your Booze Here
Utahns who are banned from buying alcohol due to “extreme” DUIs won’t find sympathetic liquor dealers in Wyoming. “If Utah says you can’t buy alcohol because you’re too bad of a drunk driver, then we’re not going to sell to you either,” one dealer said.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 11, 2026

Wyoming Man Donates Llama Ranch As Sanctuary For Veterans, First Responders
Right before Christmas, Navy veteran Al Ellis donated his 207-acre llama ranch in Sublette County as a sanctuary for veterans and first responders. “We want other people to enjoy this — people who deserve it, people who we owe something to,” Ellis said.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 11, 2026

Big Piney Teen To Donate Bone Marrow To Save Toddler Brother From Leukemia
Following up on a story we did last month, the medical verdict came in and 13-year-old Dayton of Big Piney is the perfect match to donate bone marrow to his 2-year-old brother Traxton, who is battling a rare form of leukemia.
Mark HeinzJanuary 11, 2026

Wyoming People: Gene Baldwin Was The ‘Voice Of The Dogies’ For Newcastle Football
For decades, Gene Baldwin was known around Weston County as the “Voice of the Dogies” at Newcastle High School football games. He also was a rancher, teacher and cowboy poet. He died in December at age 99.
Jackie DorothyJanuary 11, 2026

Cheyenne's Atlas Theatre Hopes For Valentine’s Reopening After $700,000 Structural Repair
Cheyenne’s historic 139-year-old Atlas Theatre hopes to reopen by Valentine's Day. It had been sagging in on itself before $700,000 worth of extensive structural repairs began. Work on the downtown centerpiece is almost completed.
Renée JeanJanuary 11, 2026

'It's Bad Stuff': Aftermath Of Huge Wyoming Wildfires Threatens Wyoming Mule Deer
As if Wyoming’s mule deer aren’t facing enough problems, invasive cheatgrass moving into areas scorched by Wyoming's huge 2024 wildfires is ruining their habitat. "It's bad stuff," one Wyoming rancher said, "I can't emphasize that enough."
Mark HeinzJanuary 11, 2026

Wyoming History: Ernest Hemingway Loved Wyoming
Author Ernest Hemingway, for about a decade in the late 1920s, enjoyed Wyoming as his summer retreat, where he found inspiration to write and recreate. In 1940, Wyoming was where he married his third wife at the Cheyenne Depot.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 11, 2026

All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Are Back In Wyoming And Across The U.S.
Buffets are back in a big way after the COVID pandemic put a huge hurt on dining out around Wyoming and across the U.S. At Cody’s Irma Hotel and Restaurant, a record 13,000 people loaded up their plates in 2025.
Anna-Louise JacksonJanuary 12, 2026

Laramie County Dogs Are Helping Senior Citizens Pay For Pet Vaccinations In 15 States
To help senior citizens pay for pet vaccinations, a UPS driver who delivers in Laramie County put together a dog calendar. Proceeds will help senior citizens pay for pet vaccinations in 15 states.
Renée JeanJanuary 11, 2026

Wyoming Ranchers Push For Protections After Working Ranch Dog Killed By Tourist
Sublette County ranch hand Rachel Misiewicz was heartbroken when a Texas tourist ran over a working border collie during a cattle drive last fall. That's led her to push for a law that would mandate drivers slow to 25 mph near livestock drives.
David MadisonJanuary 10, 2026
'Just A Survivor': Laramie WWII Vet Was Blown Off Tank During Battle Of The Bulge
Laramie WWII vet Bob Willis earned a Purple Heart after being blown off a tank in the Battle of the Bulge. The veteran, who also protected Holocaust survivors, celebrated his 101st birthday on Saturday. "I'm just a survivor. I’m no kind of hero," he said.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 10, 2026

Nearly 12 And Huge, Yellowstone Wolf 1090F Earns Title Of Oldest In Yellowstone
At the age of 11 years, 9 months, Wolf 1090F has earned the title of the oldest living wolf in Yellowstone, which is remarkable considering the average lifespan of a wild wolf is 5 or 6. Like other members of the pack known as Mollie’s pack, she’s huge.
Mark HeinzJanuary 10, 2026

Netflix Deal To Buy Warner Bros. Could Open Door To More “Longmire" Episodes
Netflix has a bid on the table to buy Warner Bros., which would give the company the rights to Longmire, which it tried to buy 10 years ago. Wyoming author Craig Johnson, creator of the series, is hopeful a Netflix purchase would mean a revival of the show.
Renée JeanJanuary 10, 2026

Wyoming Rodeo Defenders Say Proposed New York City Law Threatens Cowboy Culture
An anti-rodeo law that would all but ban the sport in New York City represents a trend Wyoming rodeo defenders hate to see and they hope will not spread. They say even though New York is 2,000 miles away, the misinformation threatens cowboy culture.
Renée JeanJanuary 10, 2026

Wyoming Hunter Bags Coveted Big-Game Trifecta, Including Huge Moose
Nate Miller beat astronomical odds to draw Wyoming’s coveted three-species “trifecta" hunting tag, then bagged a bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose. He joked about selling his hunting rifles, because there’s no way to ever top this hunting season.
Mark HeinzJanuary 11, 2026

Torrington Couple’s 17-Year Cancer Fight Nears End With Terminal Diagnosis
A Torrington family sees “blessings” in their nearly 17-year attempt to outrun a cancer diagnosis. The husband received a kidney from his wife, the community rallied to help, and he withstood chemo to survive. His latest diagnosis, however, is terminal.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 10, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Dorina Kemper in Douglas.

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Generally sunny in Wyoming on Thursday. Breezy in some areas. Mix of clouds and clear skies overnight with a chance of snow in some areas. High wind watch in the east with wind gusts higher than 50 mph possible. Highs from the low 30s to the mid 50s and lows from the low teens to the low 20s.

Daily Cartoon 2: Thursday, January 15, 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
Tom Lubnau: It’s The Legislature’s Fault That Abortion Ban Was Unconstitutional
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Ken Buck: Mamdani's Socialist Rhetoric vs. Reality
Opinion by Ken Buck
Dave Simpson: Freedom Caucus Criticism Is All The Rage For Weaksauce Republicans
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Gail Symons: Hopefully The Newbies In Cheyenne Can Pass A Budget
Opinion by Gail Symons
Cassie Craven: I Still Believe Life Is A Human Right
Opinion by Cassie Craven
Sponsored
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Prometheus Hyperscale Sets New National Standard For Data Center Sites
Prometheus Hyperscale commits to community benefit agreements, local hiring, and transparency for all Wyoming data center sites.
January 13, 2026

Prometheus Hyperscale Launches "Build Wyoming" Initiative to Create Local Job Opportunities and Establish the State as a Leader Building America’s AI Future Infrastructure Development
Statewide campaign focuses on ensuring the next generation of critical national infrastructure is built by Wyoming workers for the benefit of Wyoming Communities.
January 07, 2026

Creating a Legacy in Comprehensive Dental Care
Legacy Dental is a new dental partnership built upon the foundation of generational practice and guided by the principles of bringing innovative and comprehensive care to patients in need.
November 21, 2025
Opinion
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Joan Barron: Don't Get All 'Cheugy' About New Words
Columnist Joan Barron writes, “With the new year we have new words to ponder, like 'sportocrat,' and 'fleek.' The German word 'Backpfeitfengesicht' means 'a face that deserves to be slapped or punched.'”
Joan BarronJanuary 03, 2026

Bill Sniffin: Wyo Economy Last Year Was Wonderful - Looking Ahead, 2026 Might Be Better
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “By all accounts, 2026 could be a watershed year for Wyoming when it comes to energy development and overall good times. Let’s hope so.”
Bill SniffinJanuary 03, 2026

Tom Lubnau: How to Ruin Wyoming on Purpose — A Practical Guide for the Ambitiously Foolish
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "History shows us that many kingdoms have fallen not by the sword, but by the arrogance of their own legislatures. Here’s a ten-step plan to effectively dismantle our beloved state – and it concerns me several legislators are advancing the plan of destruction."
Tom LubnauDecember 31, 2025
Wyoming Life
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Wyoming History: Meet Thornburgh, The Hero Dog Of Fort Bridger
Jackie DorothyJanuary 11, 2026
Broncos Playoff Mania Drives Tickets To More Than $17,000
Justin GeorgeJanuary 08, 2026
Hawaii Gets 10 Inches Of Snow While Most Of Wyoming Stays Brown And Dry
Andrew RossiJanuary 06, 2026
Former Sheridan Star Makes Play Of The Game In Montana State’s FCS Title Win
David MadisonJanuary 06, 2026
Inside The Loft That Inspires Wyoming Author Craig Johnson’s Award-Winning Career
Renée JeanJanuary 05, 2026
Outdoors
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In The 1950s, Bear Researchers Used Ether And A Football Player Who Wrestled Them
Mark HeinzJanuary 10, 2026
Sublette County Deputy Busts Through Ice To Save Mom And Baby Deer
Mark HeinzJanuary 09, 2026
Protesters Slap Stickers Over Trump's Image On National Park Passes, Voiding Them
Mark HeinzJanuary 08, 2026
Wyoming’s New Deputy Game And Fish Director Is Former Controversial Colorado Chief
Mark HeinzJanuary 08, 2026
Ice Fishing Season A Disaster So Far As Boysen Reservoir Still Isn’t Frozen
Mark HeinzJanuary 07, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Shooting At Cheyenne Motel Leads To Four-hour Standoff
Renée JeanJanuary 10, 2026
Casper Man Pleads Guilty To Making Violent Threats Against Jewish Organization
Scott SchwebkeJanuary 10, 2026
Evansville Man On Parole For Abusing Teen Now Faces 45-100 Years For Child Porn
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 10, 2026
Woman Can Bring Pygmy Goat Back To Powell After Settling Lawsuit With City
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2026
Prosecutor Says Legislators Didn't Break Law With Weston County Clerk Subpoena
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2026
