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First responders at the scene of a double fatal domestic-related incident in Idaho near Alpine, Wyoming, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.

Man Kills Wife, Then Himself After Domestic Incident Near Wyoming/Idaho State Line

A man and a woman are dead after deputies say he shot his wife before ending his own life Wednesday morning in Bonneville County, Idaho, just west of the Wyoming state line, EastIdahoNews.com reports.

Kaitlyn Hart & EastIdahoNews.comJanuary 21, 2026

Fremont County School District 1 board member Scott Jensen, a federal police officer, said he must resign because of a new policy barring special agents from elected roles. He's spent six years on the board pushing parental rights and book challenges. 

New FBI Policy Boots Conservative From Fremont County School Board

Fremont County School District 1 board member Scott Jensen, a federal police officer, said he must resign because of a new policy barring special agents from elected roles. He's spent six years on the board pushing parental rights and book challenges. 

Clair McFarlandJanuary 21, 2026

A more than four-hour standoff between a man wanted on a warrant and police in Cody ended Wednesday when the man surrendered peacefully. The standoff included multiple law enforcement agencies and, at one point, non-lethal shots fired.

Suspect In Four-Hour Armed Standoff In Cody Surrenders

A more than four-hour standoff between a man wanted on a warrant and police in Cody ended Wednesday when the man surrendered peacefully. The standoff included multiple law enforcement agencies and, at one point, non-lethal shots were fired.

Andrew RossiJanuary 21, 2026

Becky Hadlock

Judge Declines To Toss Criminal Charge Against Weston County Clerk 

A Wyoming judge declined Wednesday to dismiss misdemeanor charges against Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock for defying a legislative subpoena on 2024 election issues. Her attorney Ryan Semerad said he'll appeal the ruling "as soon as I'm done walking my dog."

Clair McFarlandJanuary 21, 2026

Beau Barrett

Casper Man Admits He Bit Off Deputy’s Fingertip In Plea Deal

A 40-year-old Casper man on Wednesday admitted biting off the fingertip of a deputy as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. Originally facing life in prison as a habitual offender, he now could get up to 35 years in prison.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 21, 2026

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep rams put on a show for fans along the roadside near Corwin Springs, Montana, just outside Yellowstone National Park.

Bighorn Ewe Draws A Dozen Amorous Rams In Late Rut Frenzy Near Yellowstone

A single bighorn ewe kept a dozen or more rams busy for hours, butting heads and trying to mate with her. Observers say she was no worse for wear from the aggressive attention.

Mark HeinzJanuary 21, 2026

Wyoming is No. 1 in the nation when it comes to sound money policy, a movement to return gold and silver as legal currency. Wyomingites also don’t have to pay sales tax when buying the precious metals.

Wyoming Quietly Completes $10 million Gold Buy Required By New State Law

The state of Wyoming quietly bought $10 million in gold in December as required by a new state law. Sponsors of the law hail it as a hedge against dollar devaluation while critics say there’s no good way to cash in on gold’s increasing value.

Renée JeanJanuary 21, 2026

Trey Wasserburger, a cofounder of a new rancher-owned packing plant in western Nebraska, is celebrating as the company's prime steaks hit Walmart shelves — sourced partly from Wyoming cattle. “We hope to be in all Walmart stores fairly soon,” he said.

Beef From New Rancher-Owned Packing Plant In Nebraska Hits Walmart Shelves

Trey Wasserburger, a cofounder of a new rancher-owned packing plant in western Nebraska, is celebrating as the company's prime steaks hit Walmart shelves — sourced partly from Wyoming cattle. “We hope to be in all Walmart stores fairly soon,” he said.

Renée JeanJanuary 20, 2026

Platte County commissioners unanimously approved new wind and solar energy regulations Tuesday afternoon they said protect private property rights for landowners and neighbors.

Platte County Passes Wind And Solar Rules Officials Say Protect Property Rights

Platte County commissioners unanimously approved new wind and solar energy regulations Tuesday afternoon they said protect private property rights for landowners and neighbors.

David MadisonJanuary 21, 2026

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is arguably the most vocal and high-profile opponent of wind-energy projects in the state, calling the industry “woke wind.” But he’s voted to approve wind leases at least three times since 2023.

‘Woke Wind' Critic Chuck Gray Has Voted To OK Leases For At Least 3 Wind Projects

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is arguably the most vocal and high-profile opponent of wind-energy projects in the state, calling the industry “woke wind.” But he’s voted to approve wind leases at least three times since 2023.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 21, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsJanuary 21, 2026

The Wyoming Attorney General's office filed a petition Tuesday for a re-hearing, saying the state Supreme Court's ruling striking down two abortion bans betrayed legal precedent. It ignored the Constitution and changed its own rules, the filing claims.

Wyoming Attorney General Says Court Changed Law To Legalize Abortion

The Wyoming Attorney General's office filed a petition Tuesday for a re-hearing, saying the state Supreme Court's ruling striking down two abortion bans betrayed legal precedent. It ignored the Constitution and changed its own rules, the filing claims.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 20, 2026

The American Prairie conservation organization has been grazing bison on Bureau of Land Management permits in northern Montana for 20 years. Now, the BLM is saying the bison should be removed and the land used for cattle grazing only.

Does BLM Pulling Montana Grazing Leases For Bison Reclassify Them As Wildlife?

A Wyoming bison rancher is concerned that a BLM Montana decision to pull grazing leases for bison could lead to reclassifying the large animals as wildlife. That could make raising bison illegal in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzJanuary 20, 2026

Norman Edward Cardinal III, 30, of Casper is recovering in a Denver hospital with second- and third-degree burns following an explosion Monday afternoon outside his home.

Casper Man Stable After Explosion Lands Him In Denver Hospital With Serious Burns

A 30-year-old Casper man is recovering in a Denver hospital with second- and third-degree burns following an explosion Monday afternoon outside his home.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 21, 2026

Photo from a fund drive at Wyoming Public Media on April 18, 2025

Wyoming Public Media Scrambling After State Push To Defund

The fate of Wyoming Public Media hangs in the balance after the Joint Appropriations Committee last week voted to discontinue providing state funds to the entity. “It is important for journalism to be independent of government,” said Rep. Ken Pendergraft

Kate MeadowsJanuary 20, 2026

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Wyoming Man Shot By Nebraska Cops After Chase In Critical Condition

A 42-year-old Torrington man remains in critical condition in a Denver hospital Tuesday after a chase through two Nebraska counties ended with him being shot by pursuing law enforcement officers.

Greg JohnsonJanuary 20, 2026

An electrical fire took the barn at the Wyoming Horsemanship Academy in Cody along with saddles, tack, and precious personal items.

Cody Horse Trainer Tries To Rebound After Devastating Barn Fire

A horse trainer in Cody, Wyoming, is trying to rebound after a devastating fire burned not only her barn, but all her saddles, tack, and supplies. She thought the barn was insured, but her insurer told her otherwise.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 20, 2026

Travis Nelson

Casper Man Pleads Not Guilt To Threatening Woman, Shooting Into Her Apartment

A 26-year-old Casper man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to making violent threats against a woman who lived in the apartment above him before firing four shots into his ceiling. Two bullet fragments penetrated through the victim's floor, police say.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 20, 2026

A Wyoming House Representative from Cheyenne unveiled a bill this month that, if it becomes law, would let people get the ivermectin without a prescription. The Legislature may hear the bill in three weeks.

Wyoming Lawmaker Unveils Bill To Make Ivermectin Over-The-Counter

A Wyoming House Representative from Cheyenne unveiled a bill this month that, if it becomes law, would let people get ivermectin without a prescription. The Legislature may hear the bill in three weeks.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 19, 2026

A coal train rolls under stormy skies near Glendo, Wyoming. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's bid to create the largest rail merger in history was rejected last week by federal regulators. The decision gives breathing room to competitors who warned the deal would raise costs for Wyoming coal producers. Now, BNSF Railway hauls Powder River Basin coal across the West before handing off the shipments to Norfolk Southern.

Feds Reject Railroad Mega Merger That Threatened Wyoming Coal

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's bid to create the largest rail merger in history was rejected last week by federal regulators. The decision gives breathing room to competitors who warned the deal would raise costs for Wyoming coal producers.

David MadisonJanuary 19, 2026

A state legislative committee has denied $6.6 million Wyoming Public Television requested to fill a massive federal defunding effort. The decision, which isn’t final, includes $3 million for operations and a $3.6 million grant the feds rescinded.

So Far, Wyoming Says No To Replacing PBS Money Dropped By Feds

A state legislative committee has denied $6.6 million Wyoming Public Television requested to fill a massive federal defunding effort. The decision, which isn’t final, includes $3 million for operations and a $3.6 million grant the feds rescinded.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 19, 2026

Wolf 1478F was the latest member of Yellowstone National Park’s famed Junction Butte pack to be killed. She’s thought to have been illegally poached in Montana.

Wolf From Yellowstone’s Famous Junction Butte Pack May Have Been Poached

Another wolf from Yellowstone National Park's famous Junction Butte Pack killed in Montana is being investigated as a poaching, once again raising questions over wolf hunting near the park.

Mark HeinzJanuary 19, 2026

Friday's strong winds were enough to tear the roof off a building at the Albany County Fairgrounds.

Hurricane-Force Winds Rip Roofs Off Buildings, Topple Trees Across Wyoming

Wind gusts of up to 87 mph swept across Wyoming on Friday, ripping the roof off a building at the Albany County Fairgrounds and a metal roof off another in Torrington.

Andrew RossiJanuary 19, 2026

The Hopkinson Health and Wellness Clinic in Gillette is cutting 40 jobs, with more cuts possible. The clinic also is dialing back on expenses as the family behind it admits the project grew too fast.

Hoskinson Clinic In Gillette Lays Off 40 As Family Says It Grew Too Fast

The Hoskinson Health and Wellness Clinic in Gillette is cutting 40 jobs, with more cuts possible. The clinic also is dialing back on expenses as the family behind it says the project grew too fast.

Renée JeanJanuary 19, 2026

A spectacular aurora was dubbed one of the best ever seen in Wyoming last November.

Intense Solar Surge Headed For Earth, Which Means Auroras Across Wyoming

Wyomingites could see the first colorful auroras of the year starting Monday night as a massive surge of solar energy is expected to reach Earth's atmosphere.

Andrew RossiJanuary 19, 2026

Images of elk and deer with freakishly gargantuan antlers touted as the “new world record” pop up on social media, but the highly respected Boone and Crockett Club says those are probably captive animals that can’t make the official record books.

Why Captive Animal 'World Records' Are Banned From Official Hunting Records

Images of elk and deer with freakishly huge antlers touted as a “new world record” frequently pop up on social media. But the highly respected Boone and Crockett Club says those are probably captive animals that can’t make the official record books.

Mark HeinzJanuary 19, 2026

Darin Binning Jr., left, the 17-year-old son of a Laramie Olympic biathlete Darin Binning Sr., right, who competed in the 1988 Calgary games, now has the Olympics in his sights. With his dad as coach, they are working toward the son qualifying for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.

Laramie Olympian Coaching Teen Son With Eye On 2030 Games In French Alps

The 17-year-old son of a Laramie Olympic biathlete who competed in the 1988 Calgary games now has the Olympics in his sights. With his dad as coach, they are working toward the son qualifying for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 19, 2026

One of Wyoming's many Carbon County wind farms.

U.S. Wind Industry Faces Political Crosswinds, Blowback From Rural Communities

As federal subsidies phase out for new wind energy projects, wind developers and opponents are regrouping. In Wyoming and Nebraska, residents against large-scale developments say the fight has just begun.

David MadisonJanuary 18, 2026

The CK Gold Project west of Cheyenne has all its permits and is “shovel-ready,” the company’s board chairman says. That’s perfect timing with gold selling at record prices and estimates that could add another 1 million ounces to the mine’s production.

With Gold At Record Prices, Wyoming Mine Project Is ‘Shovel-Ready’

The CK Gold Project west of Cheyenne has all its permits and is “shovel-ready,” the company’s board chairman says. That’s perfect timing with gold selling at record prices and estimates that could add another 1 million ounces to the mine’s production.

Renée JeanJanuary 18, 2026

The Natural Grocers store in Casper is one of two in Wyoming, with the other in Cheyenne. Rock Springs will get the grocery retailer's third Cowboy State store.

How Rock Springs Beat Out Larger Wyoming Cities For A Natural Grocers Store

Natural Grocers nixed a Jackson location and decided on Rock Springs, beating out Gillette and Laramie for the chain’s third Wyoming location. "We’re excited to become the neighborhood grocery store and opening our doors in Rock Springs," the company said.

Renée JeanJanuary 19, 2026

Gerald Gay of Casper got his Outrider Coyote all-terrain wheelchair for hunting, but says it’s handy around town as well.

Rugged Electric Buggy Allows Disabled Casper Man To Hunt Wyoming Backcountry

Gerald Gay of Casper thought he’d never hunt off-road again after becoming partially disabled in 2016, but an all-terrain electric buggy has changed that. He says such vehicles could be a breakthrough for disabled hunters.

Mark HeinzJanuary 18, 2026

When Pete Smet Recycling acquired an old hearse from a Worland mortuary, workers built a platform and placed it alongside U.S. 16. It's a reminder that it's the "End of the Line" for scrap metal — and everyone who sees it.

Why The Heck Is There An "End Of The Line" Hearse Parked Permanently Outside Worland?

Wyoming has several strange and amusing sights along its highways including the Big Boy statue, the Smith Mansion, the “Fossil Cabin," and the gigantic Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument. And north of Worland, there’s the “End of the Line” hearse.

Andrew RossiJanuary 19, 2026

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Wyoming Has Triple The Permits Of Colo., But Drills Half As Many Oil And Gas Wells


Wyoming holds three times more oil and gas drilling permits than Colorado but drills far fewer wells. The numbers show that while Wyoming holds 8,600 permits to Colorado's 2,800 and North Dakota's 1,350, only 57% of wells will get drilled.

David MadisonJanuary 18, 2026

When historian and rancher Clay Gibbons saved the logs from an old cottonwood cabin, he was unaware that the rifle slots hand carved into the logs would have been protection against lawmen. The cabin was the temporary hideout for Teton Jackson, a notorious horse thief, who was captured in the cabin by Sheriff Frank Canton in 1885.

Wyoming Man Had No Idea His Pile Of Old Logs Was Outlaw’s 1885 Hideout Cabin

Historian Clay Gibbons unknowingly rescued a notorious outlaw's 1885 hideout cabin, complete with rifle slots from a sheriff’s raid. Gibbons discovered that not only had he stood in the cabin he was looking for, but the cabin was on Gibbons' own property.

Jackie DorothyJanuary 18, 2026

“Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues” is the only episode of “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" where Harrison Ford reprised his role of the adventurous archaeologist. A production team filmed for two days on Ford's Jackson Hole ranch.

Harrison Ford Once Filmed An Indiana Jones Adventure On His Jackson Ranch

“Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues” is the only episode of “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" where Harrison Ford reprised his role of the adventurous archaeologist. A production team filmed for two days on Ford's Jackson Hole ranch.

Andrew RossiJanuary 18, 2026

Bueno on the job and staying alert for his mission to find human remains.

Extraordinary Riverton-Based Search-And-Rescue Dog Needs $25,000 Surgery To Live

"Bueno," a Riverton-based search-and-rescue dog is no ordinary K9. He goes all over the country responding to disasters, including finding human remains after hurricanes. But the dog needs a $25,000 surgery to save his life.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 18, 2026

After UnitedHealth left Wyoming, Torrington resident Roger Huckfeldt found a new provider for his 85-year-old mother. That’s when his robocall nightmare really began, navigating 45 hours on hold and hangups to sign her up with the new company.

45 Hours On Hold: Torrington Man’s Insurance Nightmare Shows How Broken System Is

After UnitedHealth left Wyoming's Medicare Advantage insurance market, Torrington's Roger Huckfeldt tried to find a new provider for his 85-year-old mom. That's when a nightmare began, navigating weeks of robocalls, hangups, and 45 hours on hold. And he's still waiting.

Renée JeanJanuary 17, 2026

This rare antique crock comes with butterfly art and deep roots in Red Wing, Minnesota, southeast of Minneapolis on the Mississippi River. It sold for $32,000 on Jan. 10, just in time for its owner’s 91st birthday, auctioneer Ken Bramer told Cowboy State Daily. Lois Jurgens said when she heard the selling price, it felt like she was in a dream.

91-Year-Old Nebraska Woman’s Rare Porch Crock Turns Out To Be $32,000 Treasure

A 91-year-old Nebraska woman thought her rare 30-gallon old Red Wing crock might fetch $100 at auction, and nearly sold it at a garage sale for $20. Instead, a local auctioneer spotted the treasure and sold it for her for $32,000.

David MadisonJanuary 17, 2026

Buddy Clancy, back center, says he believes that if someone close to his son Kohlman, right, had called 911 when he suffered a medical emergency, Kohlman would still be alive.

Proposed Bill Would Make Bystanders Criminally Liable If They Don’t Call 911

A Casper father continues to grieve the death of a son he says would still be alive if only someone close to him had called 911. Now a legislator is introducing a bill that would make it a crime for bystanders to not call 911.

Zakary SonntagJanuary 17, 2026

State Rep. Daniel Singh left the Wyoming Freedom Caucus last month, he told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday.

Cheyenne House Rep Leaves Freedom Caucus, Says It's To Emphasize Independence

State Rep. Daniel Singh left the Wyoming Freedom Caucus last month, he told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday. Singh said he wants to emphasize his independence, but still believes the Freedom Caucus' mission is good. 

Clair McFarlandJanuary 17, 2026

The Goodwin family, Jazlyn, Axyl, and Noah are all preparing for the birth of little Ellidy, who will require at least three heart surgeries after she's born, the first within the initial seven days of her life.

Cody Couple Prepares For 'Fight Of Our Lives' With Unborn Daughter

A Cody couple has been told that their unborn daughter has a rare, life-threatening heart condition. Now they are preparing for her birth in May and the "fight of our lives for her.” “We’re overwhelmed by the community’s response to this,” they said.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 17, 2026

Thieves Den Ranch, located in Bates Hole near Casper, has been listed for $9.2 million. The 8,481-acre ranch is located in an area Wild West outlaws like Butch Cassidy favored as a hideout. 

Wyoming Ranch With Historic Outlaw Hideaway Hits Market For $9.2 Million

Thieves Den Ranch, located in Bates Hole near Casper, has been listed for $9.2 million. The 8,481-acre ranch is located in an area Wild West outlaws like Butch Cassidy favored as a hideout. 

Renée JeanJanuary 18, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ken Costello. Ken writes, "Taken January 20 just south of Centennial, Wyoming."

Photo by Ken Costello

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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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Let’s Get Our Court Docs On The Internet

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Our courts are still operating as if ‘Al Gore’ never invented ‘the internets,’ as Dubya would say. Luddite rules suppress free access to public information.”

Jonathan LangeJanuary 16, 2026

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Scott Clem: Like Miley Cyrus, The Legislature Is Coming In Like A Wrecking Ball

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "The legislature has a problem. Maybe their actions really are good for Wyoming. Maybe our state is being set up for success for years to come. But that's not how it's coming across."

Scott ClemJanuary 16, 2026

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Tom Lubnau: It’s The Legislature’s Fault That Abortion Ban Was Unconstitutional

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "This abortion law mess didn’t erupt from nowhere. It came from years of incompetent legislating, blame shifting and political grandstanding, while lawmakers dodged the harder work required to pass a constitutional amendment."

Tom LubnauJanuary 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

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