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Mexican National Accused Of Snake River Canyon Rampage Wasn't Drunk, Prosecutors Say

The Mexican national accused of trying to ram numerous travelers in the Snake River Canyon two summers ago was not drunk, prosecutors said this week. “The individual deliberately targeted our vehicle and attempted to kill my family,” one driver said.

Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2026

Eric Barlow (right) speaks to a voter days before the primary election.

No, Closet Democrats Didn't Nominate Republican Barlow For Gov., Politicos Say

Despite claims that Eric Barlow won the Republican primary for governor due to closet Democrats, political analysts disagree. Also, an analysis of voter registration and turnout percentages predicts Barlow winning even without the margin of likely crossover.

Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2026

Wolf 1090F, of the Mollie’s pack in Yellowstone National Park, recently hit the age of 12 years. That makes her her the oldest living wolf in the park, and one of the oldest ever.

Nevada Hunter Vows To Kill Famous Yellowstone Mollie's Pack Wolf 1090F In Wyoming

A Nevada hunter and social media influencer is vowing to come to Wyoming to kill the leader of Yellowstone National Park's oldest wolf pack, the Mollie's. “The matriarch 1090F is going down on the 15th of September,” he says.

Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2026

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Authorities Not Saying If False Rasner Trump Endorsement Text Brings Consequences

Authorities are tight-lipped or uncertain over whether consequences could follow a mysterious text blast on Primary Election Day that said — falsely — that President Donald Trump had endorsed U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner. 

Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2026

John Smallbone

Douglas Man Wanted On 72 Child Sex-Related Charges Is Back In Wyoming Jail

John Smallbone was Wyoming’s most wanted man for less than four hours after no-showing an arraignment hearing on 72 child sex abuse and pornography charges. Now he’s back. “He’s here. We got him back this morning,” said the Converse County undersheriff.

Greg JohnsonAugust 20, 2026

Alibi Wood Fire Pizzaria & Bakery, a Laramie landmark for decades, is being sold.

Laramie Landmark The Alibi, Made Famous By Guy Fieri, On The Market For $3 Million

The Alibi, a Laramie landmark since 1953 and a favorite for generations of University of Wyoming students, is on the market for nearly $3 million. Now known for its wood-fired pizza, it was made famous by Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

Greg JohnsonAugust 20, 2026

Horse advocates say it’s been proven that mustangs rounded up in Wyoming have been sent to slaughterhouses in Canada.

Mustang Advocates Say Report Proves Wild Horses From Wyoming Sent To Slaughter

Mustang advocates say a New York Times report proves horses rounded up from the range in Wyoming and other states have been sent to slaughter. An advocacy group is now asking Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to shut down all sales of wild horses.

Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2026

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Libertarian Party Nominates Republican Cale Case And Democrat Karlee Provenza

In a statement about how it should be able to send anyone it chooses into the election, the Libertarian Party nominated Republican Sen. Cale Case and Democrat Rep. Karlee Provenza at its convention. The Secretary of State’s Office rejected the nominations.

Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2026

Roy Scott Reid

Wyoming Man Says He Cruised Billings Homeless Shelters 'Looking For Hookers'

A 78-year-old Wyoming man has pleaded not guilty to felony aggravated sex trafficking after telling investigators he was “looking for hookers” as he cruised Billings, Montana, homeless shelters. He allegedly offered women cash, food and vodka for sex.

Kolby FedoreAugust 20, 2026

Drake Alexander Ingalls

South Dakota Man Charged With Murder In Wyoming Says He Was Defending Tinder Date

A 24-year-old South Dakota man doesn’t deny shooting and killing another man while in Newcastle on a Tinder date gone wrong, but it wasn’t murder, his defense attorney said Wednesday. He was defending the woman he had driven nearly 90 miles to meet.

Greg JohnsonAugust 20, 2026

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The Impact Of Trump's Expansion Of Hunting, Fishing On Wildlife Refuges In Wyoming

Three of Wyoming's national wildlife refuges will see modest changes from the new plan to open 92 million acres to hunting and fishing. It's touted as the "largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2026

After Tuesday's Republican primary election gutted the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, the caucus says it’s far from dead — and will regroup. “I don’t think any of us anticipated this kind of loss,” said former chair John Bear.

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Says It’s Not Dead After Devastating Primary Losses

After Tuesday's Republican primary election gutted the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, the caucus says it’s far from dead — and will regroup. “I don’t think any of us anticipated this kind of loss,” said former chair John Bear.

Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2026

An Alta coffee shop owner asked pro-life group not to meet at his Driggs, Idaho, shop — then compared his right to do so in his business to refusing to host the KKK. Death threats have been "nonstop" since their clash went viral.

Alta Coffee Shop Owner: 'Nonstop Death Threats' Since Clash With Pro-Lifers

An Alta, Wyoming, man says he and his wife have received "nonstop death threats" since a confrontation with a pro-life group inside their Driggs coffee shop, Wydaho Roasters, went viral. “You'd think we're performing abortions in our shop," the owner said.

Kolby FedoreAugust 19, 2026

Joe Ricketts speaks Wednesday at the Saving Yellowstone summit at the Jackson Fork Ranch near Bondurant.

Polarizing Billionaire Joe Ricketts Says He’s Focused On 'Saving Yellowstone'

Billionaire Joe Ricketts once wanted to build a mega-resort on his 1,300-acre ranch and rename Bondurant “Little Jackson Hole.” Now he's focused on "Saving Yellowstone." "If we don’t move now, it will be gone forever,” he said Wednesday.

Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026

House Speaker Chip Nieman and other Wyoming Freedom Caucus members outside the Capitol during this year's legislative session.

The Great Wyoming Freedom Caucus Massacre — By The Numbers

After Tuesday’s primary, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus is being gutted from about a 35-member bloc in the state House to about 10. Of those likely to reach the House after the general election, about 43 say they don’t align with the controversial caucus.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

Lake Helen in Wyoming's Cloud Peak Wilderness, part of the state's more than 3 million acres of federal roadless areas.

Fate Of 3.3 Million Acres Of Roadless Areas In Wyoming About To Be Decided

The 2001 Clinton-era Roadless Rule could soon end, opening 3.3 million acres of national forests in Wyoming for road construction. Harriet Hageman calls the rule a disaster, while roadless supporters say it protects prime hunting, fishing and tourism.

Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026

State Treasurer Curt Meier (left), Secretary of State Chuck Gray (right)

Primary Election Winners: Curt Meier Got The Best Deal Per Vote, Chuck Gray The Worst

Among Wyoming GOP primary election winners, Treasurer Curt Meier got the best deal of campaign expense per vote at $1.61, and U.S. House nominee Chuck Gray the worst, at $44. Including the runners-up, Reid Rasner spent the most with a staggering $209 per vote.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

Eva Martinez

No Death Penalty For Cheyenne Woman Accused Of Killing Newborn 38 Years Ago

The death penalty won’t be pursued against a Cheyenne woman accused of murdering and abandoning her newborn baby boy in a ditch 38 years ago. “The baby was a fully developed, full-term, 6.5-pound baby,” authorities report.

Greg JohnsonAugust 19, 2026

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Herd Of Wandering, Hungry Cattle Doesn’t Care Grazing Is Banned At Yellowstone

A herd of cattle inadvertently broke into Yellowstone National Park earlier this week, grazing where no cattle have grazed for more than 120 years. That’s because the park has banned issuing grazing permits in Yellowstone.

Andrew RossiAugust 19, 2026

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Attempted Murder Charge For Teen Accused Of Putting Gun To Head Of Another Teen

A Cheyenne 17-year-old has been charged as an adult with attempted murder for allegedly putting a gun to the head of a Colorado teen, then shooting at him multiple times as the other teen was driving away.

Kerry DrakeAugust 19, 2026

The 11-turbine Casper Wind Farm is on its way out.

Defunct For Years, 'Eyesore' Casper Wind Farm Turbines Finally Coming Down

The 11 turbines at the Casper Wind Farm north of Evansville are finally coming down after years of inactivity. There were high hopes for the turbines when commissioned in 2009, but a former county commissioner now calls them an "eyesore."

Dale KillingbeckAugust 19, 2026

A small data center is taking shape in Fremont County, but officials there say they don't know much about the project and aren't sure just how much regulatory power they'll have. Fremont has some of Wyoming’s most permissive zoning laws. Above, construction on a data center outside of Cheyenne.

Plan For Data Center Puts Spotlight On Lax Fremont County Zoning Laws

A small data center is taking shape in Fremont County, but officials there say they don't know much about the project and aren't sure just how much regulatory power they'll have. Fremont has some of Wyoming’s most permissive zoning laws.

Kate MeadowsAugust 19, 2026

John Bear, left, and Ken Pendergraft

Near-Total Massacre For Freedom Caucus In Wyoming Primary

Tuesday marked a rough night for the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, as its members and allies fell to a slew of legislative newcomers in the Republican primary election. "Wyoming citizens spoke loud and clear tonight!" said caucus critic Rep. Landon Brown.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

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Eric Barlow Wins GOP Nomination For Governor Over Trump-Backed Candidate

Sen. Eric Barlow, a legislator of 14 years, won the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor Tuesday, over Megan Degenfelder and Brent Bien.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

John Bear, left, and Doug Moore

Freedom Caucus Champion John Bear Upended By Political Newcomer In Campbell County

Wyoming Freedom Caucus champion and incumbent state Rep. John Bear was upended by political newcomer Doug Moore in his reelection bid in Tuesday’s Campbell County Republican primary.

Jen KocherAugust 19, 2026

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Majority Floor Leader & Founding Member Of Freedom Caucus Scott Heiner Ousted

Newcomer Kenneth Roberts knocked off House Majority Floor Leader and founding member of the Freedom Caucus Scott Heiner in Tuesday’s Republican primary for House District 18, ousting one of the most powerful members of the Wyoming House.

Kolby FedoreAugust 19, 2026

Sheridan County business owner Melissa Butcher won the GOP primary for Sheridan County’s Senate District 21 seat, handily beating Freedom Caucus-aligned Ken Pendergraft.

Freedom Caucus Leader Ken Pendergraft Ousted From Sheridan County Senate Seat

Sheridan County business owner Melissa Butcher won the GOP primary for Sheridan County’s Senate District 21 seat, handily beating outspoken Freedom Caucus-aligned Ken Pendergraft.

Kate MeadowsAugust 19, 2026

Rock Springs Fire Chief James Wamsley beat Rep. Darin McCann by a commanding 59%-40 margin ending a one-term run that included McCann’s involvement in the Legislature’s controversial “CheckGate” controversy.

Rock Springs Fire Chief James Wamsley Knocks Down CheckGate's Darin McCann

Rock Springs Fire Chief James Wamsley beat Rep. Darin McCann by a commanding 59%-40 margin ending a one-term run that included McCann’s involvement in the Legislature’s controversial “CheckGate” controversy.

Kolby FedoreAugust 19, 2026

Albert Sommers

Former House Speaker Sommers Soundly Wins GOP Nod To Regain HD 20 Seat

Albert Sommers handily won the GOP nomination for House District 20 seat in a three-way race Tuesday, soundly beating fellow Republicans Bill Winney and Matt McGinnes in the primary election. Sommers is a former House speaker.

Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026

Secretary of State Chuck Gray won the Republican nomination to U.S. House Tuesday — over eight other GOP challengers. He will face Libertarian Shawn Johnson and Democratic nominee Lisa Kinney in the general election Nov. 3.

Chuck Gray Fends Off Eight Other Republicans To Win U.S. House Nomination

Secretary of State Chuck Gray won the Republican nomination to U.S. House Tuesday — over eight other GOP challengers. He will face Libertarian Shawn Johnson and Democratic nominee Lisa Kinney in the general election Nov. 3.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

Steve Harshman

Steve Harshman Wins GOP Nod For Wyoming Schools Chief

Wyoming's longest serving state House member was nominated Tuesday in the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction, over challengers Tom Kelly and Chad Auer.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

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Robert Short Wins GOP Nomination For Secretary Of State

Converse County Commissioner Robert Short, who campaigned on the slogan "Make The Secretary of State's Office Boring Again," won the GOP nomination for the office Tuesday. He defeated Freedom Caucus Chair Rachel Williams, and two other Republicans.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

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UW Professor Cameron Wright Defeats Incumbent Ocean Andrew in Laramie's HD 46

Cameron Wright, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and University of Wyoming engineering professor, defeated incumbent Ocean Andrew in the GOP primary election for House District 46 in Albany County. He'll face Democrat Gary Wilken in November.

Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026

Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander.

Lloyd Larsen Bests Jeff Martin Again To Keep House Seat

Rep. Lloyd Larsen won the GOP nomination to his Lander district Tuesday over challenger Jeff Martin, who had challenged him two cycles prior as well.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

Cale case headshot

Cale Case Wins GOP Nomination To Keep Senate Seat

State Sen. Cale Case won the Republican nomination Tuesday over Lisa Wilson. If he wins the general election, he continues nearly four decades of legislative service.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

State Rep. Julie Jarvis, left, and Jeanette Ward

Incumbent Julie Jarvis Tops Former Freedom Caucus Rep. Ward In Casper's HD 57

Incumbent Julie Jarvis handily defeated former Freedom Caucus member Jeanette Ward on Tuesday in a rematch of the 2024 race for House District 57 in Casper. “It was an incredible win for Wyoming in that context,” Jarvis said of Freedom Caucus defeats.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 19, 2026

Rep. Abby Angelos

Gillette Incumbent Angelos Wins GOP Nod For Senate District 33

Wyoming State Rep. Abby Angelos won the Republican nomination for Senate District 33 in Cambell County, beating challenger Dwayne Dillinger by nearly 400 votes.

Jen KocherAugust 19, 2026

Marilyn Connolly

Incumbent Connolly Claims Wins Rematch Over Gun Advocate For House District 40

In a rematch for House District 40, which includes parts of Sheridan and Johnson counties, incumbent Rep. Marilyn Connolly held off a push by gun-rights lobbyist Mark Jones. Connolly finished with 2,282 votes to Jones’ 1,282.

Kate MeadowsAugust 19, 2026

Allen Hogg

Longtime Meeteetse Rancher Allen Hogg Wins Four-Way Republican Primary for HD 28

Allen Hogg, whose family has ranched in the Meeteetse area since 1918, won the HD28 GOP primary over three other contenders with 49% of the vote. Hogg ran on his agricultural experience and supporting Wyoming's smaller communities.

Jackie DorothyAugust 19, 2026

The corner of Third Street and Grand Avenue in downtown Laramie.

Wyoming Primary Roundup: Other Contested Races

Cowboy State Daily is publishing stories the state's most important contested races in Tuesday’s Wyoming primary. Here are briefs summing up other contested primary races.

August 19, 2026

The White House says a last minute text blast indicating that President Trump endorsed Reid Rasner for U.S. House is false. For anyone to suggest an endorsement in that race, "is just incorrect and false," said White House political director Matt Brasseaux.

White House: Text Blast Is False, Trump Did Not Endorse Reid Rasner

The White House says a last minute text blast claiming President Trump endorsed Reid Rasner for U.S. House is false. For anyone to suggest an endorsement in that race, "is just incorrect and false," said White House political director Matt Brasseaux.

Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2026

Voters wait for the Archer Event Center east of Cheyenne to open to vote in the Primary Election on August 18, 2026.

Wyoming 2026 Primary Election: Here's What We're Seeing

It's primary election day in Wyoming which means a likely end to months of mudslinging and avalanches of semi-truthful fliers sent in the U.S. mail. Cowboy State Daily is doing limited exit polling on Tuesday before live coverage begins at 7:00 p.m.

Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2026

Lindsay Woods reunites with fellow rider Jarissa Sabal on Day Nine of the 2026 Mongol Derby. Sabal, who Woods said was "her best friend," had been separated for the entire race until they rode across the finish line together.

Wyoming Woman's 620-Mile Mongol Derby Quest Ends Unconscious In A River

Lindsay Woods of Jackson was poised to win the grueling 620-mile Mongol Derby but heatstroke and food poisoning left her unconscious in a river, ending her bid on the remote Mongolian Steppe, "I really could have won it," she says.

Andrew RossiAugust 17, 2026

Dr. Joe Schaffer, Laramie County Community College President, shares the recommended new name for the college — Wyoming State College — on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at LCCC in Cheyenne.

Laramie County Community College Picks "Wyoming State College" As New Name

Laramie County Community College President Joe Schaffer on Monday announced plans to change the school's name to Wyoming State College and said the reason boils down to one word: Survival.

Kerry DrakeAugust 18, 2026

A 28-year-old Mills man faces three felony charges in Casper Circuit Court after allegedly pointing a “monster” black powder pistol at a man and woman and threatening to kill the man.

Mills Man Faces Felony Charges After Allegedly Threatening To Kill Man In His Truck

A Mills man faces three felony charges after allegedly pointing a “monster” black powder pistol at a man and woman and threatening to kill the man before the firearm discharged. A witness said he was “screaming get the (expletive) out of my truck.”

Dale KillingbeckAugust 18, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, August 21, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Byron Geis. Byron writes, "First day of football, Buffalo High School."

Photo by Byron Geis

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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Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: Political Crunch Time Brings Out Desperation And A Few Funny Lines

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “This is a desperate time for politicians. Just how negative can they go? Here in Wyoming, we discovered it is pretty darned deep.”

Bill SniffinAugust 08, 2026

Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: Changes Around The Ol’ Campfire

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "It was a hot, sultry night in the Red Desert, without a breath of cooling breeze. All that could be heard was the grumbling of the exhausted cowboys and rattlesnakes copulating in the sagebrush."

Rod MillerAugust 07, 2026

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Tom Lubnau: Why You Should Consider Steve Friess For U.S. House

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Chuck Gray's approach to politics is akin to a yapping Chihuahua, making lots of noise and getting headlines, but getting little done.  Most concerning is Gray dumping all of Wyoming voters’ election data to an agency of the federal government whose use is unrestricted."

Tom LubnauAugust 05, 2026

Wyoming Life

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