Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
News
Headlines
View all
Cheyenne High School Parents Find Workaround To State Ban On NIL Deals
After Wyoming lawmakers banned NIL deals for high school athletes this year, a group of Cheyenne boosters has found a workaround by pooling resources. Their first project is providing cleats for every player on the Cheyenne South High football team.
David MadisonApril 12, 2026

Dirty Soda Craze Hits Wyoming, Has Customers Lining Up Around The Block
Dirty soda shops are beginning to appear all over Wyoming and customers are lining up around the block to get them. Jazzed up by adding flavored syrups, cream and add-ins, dirty soda is a "prime market” for new small business owners.
Dale KillingbeckApril 11, 2026

Remembering Little America: Fans Of Original Hotel Call Demolition ‘Heartbreaking’
Fans of the Little America hotel near Green River say its demolition is “heartbreaking.” Its cheap ice cream cones, penguin mascot and endless roadside billboards are legendary. It’s also been a lifesaving haven from Wyoming’s notorious blizzards.
Renée JeanApril 11, 2026

Wyoming’s Lonesome Lake Not So Lonesome; Hikers Say It’s Turning Into Mob Scene
The 9-mile hike into Lonesome Lake in the Wind River Range mountains takes hikers to the stunning Cirque of Towers. Some veteran hikers say social media has turned it into a mob scene and it's getting "loved to death."
Mark HeinzApril 11, 2026

Casper Native Restoring Hell’s Half Acre Sign To Display In Wyoming Valley, Pa.
It took Casper native Casey Gillum a long time to get the Hell's Half Acre restaurant sign but once he had the opportunity, he grabbed it. He's now restoring the sign and will display it where he lives -- in Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley.
Renée JeanApril 11, 2026

'Something Is Very Wrong’: Cody Man With Mental Health Issues Disappears
Those who know Shawn Ezekiel Hughes say they can't believe the 36-year-old Cody man with undiagnosed medical issues, including seizures, would just walk away. "Something is very wrong," says his girlfriend.
Jen KocherApril 11, 2026
DNA Stunner: Lander Veteran Finds New Life With Daughter He Never Knew He Had
Lander’s Jim Stewart has led a life full of surprises that include service on a Navy submarine, a heart attack, and discovering a daughter he never knew existed. That DNA miracle has given Stewart a new life after he thought he’d already lived his.
Dale KillingbeckApril 11, 2026

The Winter That Wasn't In Yellowstone National Park: 'It Was Off-The-Charts Warm'
Jeff Henry, who has worked at Yellowstone for more than 48 years, said temperatures this winter were frequently 30 degrees above normal, which meant rain instead of snow at Old Faithful on Christmas. "It was off-the-charts warm," he said.
Andrew RossiApril 10, 2026

Sheridan Golfer Jim Benepe Is Wyoming's Only Direct Link To The Masters
Only one Wyoming native has ever teed it up at The Masters, and his name is Jim Benepe. Nearly four decades after the Sheridan product shocked the PGA Tour by winning his debut event, Wyoming golfers still make the April pilgrimage to Augusta, Georgia.
David MadisonApril 10, 2026

Woman Who Hit Two Elk While Speeding, Killing Friend In Car, Acquitted Of Felony
A 19-year-old Casper woman did not commit a felony when she hit two elk while speeding on a highway, killing a friend in her car, a jury ruled Thursday. She was instead convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, and speeding.
Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Gordon Apologizes For Telling Gray To 'Shut Up,’ Urges More Formality At Meetings
Gov. Mark Gordon apologized to Secretary of State Chuck Gray this week for telling Gray to “shut up” last week, calling for more formality at meetings from now on. It’s the latest in a long-running feud between the governor and secretary of state.
Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Right To Repair: John Deere Settlement Could Mean Payouts For Wyoming Farmers
Accused of monopolizing the tractor repair market, John Deere agreed this week to settle a long-running right-to-repair lawsuit. Farmers are skeptical, saying the company’s promises come across as, “Trust us, we really mean it this time.”
Kate MeadowsApril 10, 2026

Wyoming Food Freedom Act's Author Says State Is Wrong For Banning Meat Sales
Crook County rancher Tyler Lindholm, who authored Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act, is not happy after the state seized USDA-inspected beef from a farm stand in Cheyenne and banned it from selling meat. "Legislative intent is a thing and I know my intent," he said.
Renée JeanApril 10, 2026

Greybull Woman Charged With Stealing $155,000 From Elderly Parents
A Greybull woman made her first court appearance Friday, accused of stealing about $155,000 from her parents over 10 years, and could get up to 40 years in prison. Authorities say she paid back $62,000, and she feels that’s “fair.”
Greg JohnsonApril 10, 2026

Texas Man Gets Jail For Leaving Trail Of Footprints On Yellowstone Hot Springs
A Texas man will spend time in jail after causing “significant” damage to several thermal features in Yellowstone. Although most thermal trespass charges there result in fines, this sentence reflects the "extensive nature of the violation and damage."
Andrew RossiApril 10, 2026

Jackson Hole Is Hottest U.S. Destination For Early Summer Bookings
The Jackson Hole area is the hottest U.S. destination for early summer bookings, according to data from AirDNA which tracks AirBnb, VRBO and other short-term rentals. The area has a 57% occupancy rate on the books for June, a 20% increase over last year.
Renée JeanApril 10, 2026

Gubernatorial Candidate Vying For Constitution Party Nomination Suspends Campaign
Joseph Kibler, who first ran for the GOP nomination, then floated a write-in or unaffiliated run, then sought the Constitution Party nomination for the Wyoming governor’s race, announced Friday he’s stepping away from his campaign.
Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Mother Charged With First-Degree Murder In Death Of 4-Month-Old Had 58 Missing Texts
The parents of a 4-month-old Cheyenne boy who died of severe brain injuries made their first court appearances Thursday on first-degree murder charges. Police say 58 texts from before the boy was taken to the hospital were missing from the mother’s phone.
Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Members Split On Who Should Be Governor
Despite being in the Freedom Caucus together, neither Rep. Pendergraft nor Rep. Haroldson were shocked Thursday to find they're endorsing different candidates in the governor’s race. Pendergraft is behind Brent Bien while Haroldson supports Degenfelder.
Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2026

Weston County Clerk Quits One Day After Felony Arrest On Election-Related Charges
Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock resigned Thursday one day after she was charged with two felonies, the chair of the local Republican party, Kari Drost, has confirmed. The resignation averts a civil trial that had been set for Monday.
Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2026

Keystone XL's Second Coming? — This Time As A Wyoming-Bound Pipeline
A Denver energy analyst says the cancelled Keystone XL pipeline isn't entirely dead. It's being resurrected in a new form, with Canadian segments feeding a proposed Bridger pipeline to Guernsey. The first Wyoming public meeting is on April 13 in Newcastle.
David MadisonApril 09, 2026

Giant Green Fireball Explodes Over Northeastern Wyoming on Wednesday Night
Although a green meteor was spotted in five states Wednesday night, it entered the atmosphere in Converse County and exploded over Wright, Wyoming, in Campbell County. The American Meteor Society says the fireball was flying sixty miles a second.
Andrew RossiApril 09, 2026

Wyoming Ranchers Split On Opening Mexico Border To Beef After Screwworm Outbreak
Wyoming ranchers are split on the USDA considering a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to beef following a devastating screwworm outbreak. Some say it could mean lower prices, but others will be “greatly opposed to it."
Kate MeadowsApril 10, 2026

Yellowstone Photographer Captures Bison's Heroic Escape From Notorious Death Trap
Yellowstone’s Blacktail Pond is a death trap for bison when they fall through ice or get stuck in mud there. Wildlife photographer Pete Bengeyfield thought for sure that one unfortunate bison was doomed but was thrilled to see her escape.
Mark HeinzApril 09, 2026

Gillette Woman Says She Tried To Burn Down Shed To Kill ‘Black Panthers’ Inside
When trying to burn down a stranger’s shed because there are “black panthers” inside, it may be less incriminating to not use mail addressed to yourself to start the fire. Instead, a Gillette woman was bound over Wednesday to face a felony arson charge.
Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

Cheyenne Parents Charged With First-Degree Murder In Death Of 4-Month-Old Son
The parents of a 4-month-old accused of causing the "extensive injuries" that led to his death were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree murder. Cheyenne police say the boy died after a month on life support.
Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

Bighorn Ram Destroys Sliding Glass Door After Mistaking Reflection For Rival Ram
A bighorn sheep ram destroyed a sliding glass door in Yuma, Arizona, last week after seeing his own reflection and mistaking it for another ram. A former Wyoming Game and Fish wildlife supervisor wasn't surprised. "That's normal behavior," he said.
Mark HeinzApril 09, 2026

Man Accused In Green River Bombing To Plead Guilty In Identity Theft Case
A man accused of injuring his wife with a bomb in Green River and then eluding authorities for 44 years is expected to plead guilty in an identify theft case. After the bombing, he allegedly stole the identify of a dead college classmate.
Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2026

Cody Roberts, Wolf Abuser, Gets 18 Months Probation, Prison Possible If He Fails It
Cody Roberts, known for torturing a wolf in February 2024 in Daniel, Wyoming, was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months’ probation and fined $1,000, with prison and more fines possible if he fails probation. The judge called the crime disturbing.
Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2026

$500M Converse County Solar Project Delayed Without Buyer For Its Power
A $500 million commercial-scale Converse County solar project has been delayed because the company doesn't have a buyer for its power. “We know the project isn’t real until they break ground,” said state Sen, Brian Boner, adding he’s not surprised.
Kate MeadowsApril 08, 2026

Weston County Clerk Arrested On Felony Election-Related Charges
Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock was arrested Wednesday morning on two election-related felony charges, then released on her own recognizance roughly two hours later. Each is punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2026

Big Piney Man Facing 20 Child Porn Felonies Could Get 240 Years In Prison
A Sublette County man charged with 20 felony counts of sexual exploitation of children for allegedly distributing child pornography could face up to 240 years in prison if convicted.
Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

Grizzlies Face Carcass Shortage After Mild Winter And Wolves Getting Them First
A mild winter means fewer rotting big game carcasses for Wyoming grizzlies to feast on this spring and wolves are getting them first. "I had three feet of snow in my yard last year. Now I have three inches of grass,” said wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen
Mark HeinzApril 08, 2026

New York Woman Accused Of Being Part Of Organized Gang Scamming Wyoming Banks
A 38-year-old New York woman faces charges in Casper Circuit Court for her role in an alleged scheme to scam Wyoming banks out of thousands of dollars. Police allege she’s part of an organized fraud ring.
Dale KillingbeckApril 08, 2026

As Trump Pushes To Quadruple Nuclear Power, Not All Projections Show Growth
A federal agency that examined how the country’s energy system could evolve over the next quarter century is forecasting little to no growth for nuclear energy at a time when Wyoming and the federal government are banking on expanding the industry.
David MadisonApril 08, 2026

Cheyenne Teens With Toy Guns Trigger ‘Shots-Fired’ Report, Heavy Police Response
A car full of Cheyenne teenagers trying to shoot each other with realistic-looking toy guns touched off a “shots-fired” report and a heavy police response Tuesday evening. Police say they’re lucky they, or others, weren’t shot for real.
Greg JohnsonApril 08, 2026

Hunters Say Federal ‘Greyhound Protection Act’ A Sneaky Way To Ban Working Dogs
Hunters worry that language slipped into the federal Farm Bill to protect racing greyhounds could ban the training of hunting and cattle dogs with “live lures." A Wyoming outdoorsman says the language is so vague it could even include police dogs.
Mark HeinzApril 08, 2026

Campbell County Firefighters Rescue Bow-Tie-Wearing Baby Goat From Drain Pipe
Campbell County firefighters rescued a bow-tie-wearing baby goat after it fell into an 8-foot-deep sump drain over the weekend. The goat was dressed up to celebrate Easter. “I don’t recall we ever rescued a goat before,” the fire department said.
Greg JohnsonApril 08, 2026

Firm Says Seminoe Pumped Storage Project Can Begin Work In 2029, Could Create 500 Jobs
The firm developing the $4 billion Seminoe Pumped Storage Project on Tuesday said the 970-megawatt pump storage project to provide stability to the electric grid can begin work in 2029. They assured commissioners downstream fisheries wouldn't be impacted.
Dale KillingbeckApril 08, 2026
Daily Features
View all
Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Harli Stefek in Lusk, Wyoming.

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Mostly sunny in much of Wyoming on Sunday with a chance of rain in the west. Fire danger in the east. Partly to mostly cloudy overnight with chance for rain and snow in some locations. Highs from the mid 50s to upper 70s. Lows from the mid 20s to mid 40s.

Daily Cartoon 2: Sunday, April 12, 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
Bill Sniffin: What Is That Special Spirit That Holds Far-Flung Wyoming Together?
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Joan Barron: They're Lining Up For Hageman's Seat
Opinion by Joan Barron
Jonathan Lange: Let's Not Cherry-Pick The Constitution
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Dennis Sun: Labor Strike Not Hurting the Packinghouse
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Scott Clem: America Didn’t Run Out of Coal, It Ran Out of Common Sense
Opinion by Scott Clem
Sponsored
View all
Family Fun Awaits This Summer in Southwest Wyoming
Sweetwater County’s abundant natural playgrounds offer all kinds of opportunities to get out and play. Beyond outdoor escapades, you’ll find exciting summer shows, chances to see desert wildlife and a historic look at the Great American West at a variety of museums.
April 09, 2026

Western Americana & Firearms Collecting Resurges in Cody, Wyoming with Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions
Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions is working to restore Cody, Wyoming as a premier destination for Western and firearms collectors with its upcoming May 1–3 auction featuring over 1,200 lots. The catalog is now live, offering a wide range of historic arms and collectibles with multiple bidding options available.
April 09, 2026

Hope for Iran
In the midst of unrest, loss, and uncertainty, many in Iran are searching for truth. Despite the dangers of following Jesus, lives are being changed as God’s Word reaches those who have never had the opportunity to read it for themselves.
March 26, 2026
Opinion
View all
Joan Barron: Why Is It So Hard To Say 'I’m Sorry?'
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Why is it so hard for today’s politicians to admit the wrongness of a situation? Even though they were not at fault personally, the ball was in the court of the Freedom Caucus members as it were, since they were the recipients of the checks."
Joan BarronMarch 21, 2026

Bill Sniffin: Turning 80 Thoughts: Quit Smoking, Stay Active, Be Health-Selfish
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Here are my five life lessons that have kept me going for 80 years! I plan to keep going and keep learning.”
Bill SniffinMarch 21, 2026

Jonathan Lange: Your Participation Can Make Politics Better
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “If you have never attended a party meeting, you would be amazed at the depth of understanding on display. Its participants are anything but 'deplorables.'”
Jonathan LangeMarch 20, 2026
Wyoming Life
View all
April Snow Too Little, Too Late To Save Wyoming’s Historically Low Snowpack
Andrew RossiApril 06, 2026
Record $4 Million UW Athletics Deal Hits As Trump Orders NCAA Overhaul
David MadisonApril 06, 2026
Wyoming History: Calamity Jane’s Turbulent Visits To Her Sister’s Homestead
Jackie DorothyApril 05, 2026
Wyoming People: Del McOmie’s 30-Year Political Career Began To Battle Frogs
Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2026
Vietnam War Memorial Replica To Make Only Wyoming Stop In Afton
Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2026
Outdoors
View all
Fans Still Mourn Death Of Grizzly 760, Wyoming’s Most Polite Bear
Mark HeinzApril 08, 2026
Yellowstone's Massive Multi-Month Snow-Clearing Convoy Reaches East Entrance
Andrew RossiApril 08, 2026
It's A Month Early But Even Meteorologist Don Day Says It's OK To Turn On Sprinklers
Andrew Rossi & Jackie DorothyApril 07, 2026
Biologists Surprised At How Healthy Three-And-A-Half Legged Elk Appeared To Be
Andrew RossiApril 07, 2026
Opponents Say Bike Trail Could Cut Off Migration Route For Prized Deer Herd
Mark HeinzApril 07, 2026
Crime & Courts
View all
Cheyenne Man With 101 Neglected And 22 Dead Animals Pleads To Four Misdemeanors
Greg JohnsonApril 07, 2026
Riverton Man Gets 30-40 Years For Fatally Stabbing 14-Year-Old
Clair McFarlandApril 06, 2026
Gillette Man Who Shot Half-Sister In The Face Gets 25-45 Years In Prison
Greg JohnsonApril 06, 2026
Landlord Takes $100K In Tools While Tenant On Vacation, Claims It Was Abandoned
Greg JohnsonApril 06, 2026
30 Years After Unabomber’s Arrest, FBI Still Has His Cabin — And It Still Stinks
Anna-Louise JacksonApril 05, 2026

