Headlines

Explore a chronological display of Cowboy State Daily’s articles.

Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Lynne J. Boomgaarden speaks at the opening session at the 68th Wyoming Legislature Budget Session on Monday, February 9.

Wyoming Chief Justice Urges Legislature Not To Revamp Courts Over Abortion Ruling

The chief justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court urged the Legislature Monday not to revamp the state’s courts based on the high court’s opinion declaring abortion a fundamental health care right. Early in her speech, the Freedom Caucus chair walked out.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 09, 2026

Two Dead After Semi Explodes On Impact With Another Semi Parked Along I-80

Two people are dead after their semitrailer exploded when it hit another semi that was parked illegally on the side of Interstate 80 near Green River on Sunday. The crash “was a pretty bad one,” said one responder. “It was almost like a movie scene.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 09, 2026

The horror-comedy movie "Sharktana" begins shooting at the Lost Horse Lodge in Montana on Monday. The movie is about warm temperatures melting ice that held sharks frozen in a remote cave. One shark has already gotten loose and gone on a feeding frenzy.

Sharktana: Movie About Frozen Sharks Coming To Life On Ski Slopes Begins Filming

The horror-comedy movie "Sharktana" begins filming at the Lost Horse Lodge in Montana on Monday. The movie is about warm temperatures melting ice that held sharks frozen in a remote cave. One shark has already gotten loose and gone on a feeding frenzy.

Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 09, 2026

2026 State of the State & State of the Judiciary

Governor Mark Gordon delivers his State of the State address to the 68th Wyoming Legislature, followed by Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden's State of the Judiciary address.

February 09, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Monday, February 9, 2026

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

Jake NicholsFebruary 09, 2026

Cassie Craven: Without Virtue There Will Be No Liberty

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, "Columns have come out kicking and screaming about ways to not let the Freedom Caucus get 'their way.' You aren’t attacking the Freedom Caucus when you say that. Instead, you are attacking the majority of voters who voted for them."

Cassie CravenFebruary 09, 2026

Gail Symons: Budget Session Land Mines

Columnist Gail Symons writes, "Watch your mailbox between now and the August Republican primary. You're going to see glossy mailers with bold claims about what your legislator 'voted for' or 'voted against.' The accusation fits. The truth won't.'"

Gail SymonsFebruary 09, 2026

Roughly 2,000 mule deer will be gunned down on Catalina Island off the southern California Coast, if all goes as planned. Animal rights groups and hunters are united in opposing the massacre.

How To Unite Hunters & Animal Rights Groups? Announce Plans To Gun Down 2,000 Mule Deer

It's not often when animal rights groups and hunters agree on something. But in the case of the plan to gun down 2,000 mule deer on Catalina Island off the coast of southern California, it's happening. The two are teaming up to stop the massacre.

Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Monday, February 9, 2026

* Those Flying Bighorn Sheep * 2026 Legislative Session Begins * Rancher Heals Doomed Racehorses

Mac WatsonFebruary 09, 2026

Mink might look cute in photos, but they are swift, clever and deadly predators, taking down critters bigger than themselves — like muskrats. They call Wyoming home, but are elusive and seldom seen.

Wyoming Wildlife: Mink Are Seldom Seen, Look Friendly, But Are Deadly Predators

Mink might look cute in photos, but they aren't very nice. They are fast, clever and deadly predators, taking down critters bigger than themselves — like muskrats. They call Wyoming home, but are elusive and seldom seen.

Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2026

Guest Column: The Hidden Price of Tax Relief — What Every Wyoming Citizen Should Know

State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz writes, "When we reduce property tax collections, we do not “trim Cheyenne” or the state’s savings accounts — we reduce local revenues, self-sufficiency, and local control."

Guest ColumnFebruary 09, 2026

On the remote plains of Wyoming, a 3,200-pound red granite monument marks the grave of Mother Featherlegs, a rare stone tribute to a Wild West prostitute. She was known to stash stolen loot before being murdered by the outlaw “Dangerous Dick.”

Wyoming's 3,200-Pound Monument To Wild West Prostitute Mother Featherlegs

On the remote plains of eastern Wyoming, a 3,200-pound red granite monument marks the grave of Mother Featherlegs, a rare stone tribute to a Wild West prostitute. She was known to stash stolen loot before being murdered by the outlaw “Dangerous Dick.”

Jackie DorothyFebruary 09, 2026

Gold medalist Breezy Johnson of Team United States poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Women's Downhill on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on February 08, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Wyoming Native Breezy Johnson Wins Gold Medal In Women's Downhill

Not only did Wyoming native Breezy Johnson win a gold medal on Sunday in women’s downhill skiing, but it was Team USA’s first medal of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Johnson becomes only the second American woman to win Olympic downhill gold.

Jimmy OrrFebruary 08, 2026

Idaho farmer Kent Sutton is giving away millions of pounds of potatoes to food banks and charities.

Idaho Farmer Giving Away Millions Of Pounds Of Potatoes To Food Banks & Charities

An Idaho farmer overwhelmed is giving away millions of pounds of potatoes to food banks and charities. “In about 20 minutes, I booked 10 semi loads of potatoes to go out over the next two weeks,” he said, including one stop in Wyoming's Star Valley.

Mark HeinzFebruary 08, 2026

Guest Column: Why The Business Council Is Important To Keep

Former CEO of the Wyoming Business Council Bob Jensen writes, "Please do not let an ignorant, misguided and damaging political agenda keep current and future generations of Wyoming residents from enjoying the vibrant and growing economic opportunities we need and deserve."

Guest ColumnFebruary 08, 2026

The "Survivor 50 Challenge" is a celebration of the 50th season of the reality show “Survivor,” and Monday is Wyoming’s turn to find a hidden immunity idol. Whoever wins will need a snowmobile to find it hidden near “a town named for David Edward."

Survivor TV Show Gives Hint Where Scavenger Hunt Will Be Held In Wyoming On Monday

Wyoming's turn to play the "Survivor 50 Challenge" is on Monday. The celebration of the 50th season of the reality show "Survivor" means people in every state are given clues to find a hidden "immunity idol." Clues for Wyoming were released over the weekend.

Andrew RossiFebruary 08, 2026

Guest Column: What The Wyoming Business Council Does And Does Not Do

Former Commander of F.E. Warren Air Force Base and former Wyoming Business Council CEO Tucker Fagan writes, "If you hear phrases like, "The Wyoming Business Council picks winners and losers,” and “they compete with businesses” both are flat wrong."

Guest ColumnFebruary 08, 2026

The Scout Motors Terra is on display during the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center

Scout Motors Plans To Bypass Dealers To Sell Direct, And Buyers Are Cheering

Scout Motors says buyers are tired of dealership markups and dealing with salesmen, which is why the company wants to sell its popular SUV and truck direct. Dealerships, however, warn that’s risky when it comes to service and support.

Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2026

Prometheus Founder and CEO Trenton Thornock shows where the company plans to build its 1 gigawatt data center in Evanston, Wyoming.

Evanston Company Creates Plan To Train, Hire, Staff Local Workforce For Data Centers

As Wyoming continues to attract huge data centers, finding people to build and run them is a priority. An Evanston company has put together plans to train, hire, and retain a skilled local workforce. They say the potential is the creation of tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.

Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2026

Anne Elyse Elliott, then 31, was last seen in the area of North Temple Street in downtown Salt Lake City on Jan. 10, 2020.

New Lead Reinvigorates Search For Wyoming Woman Who Vanished 6 Years Ago

Salt Lake City investigators have discovered fresh evidence in the disappearance of a former Jackson woman who vanished more than six years ago. The news of this first big break has brought hope to Elliott’s family, including her younger sister Emily Nardacci, of Pinedale.

Jen KocherFebruary 08, 2026

Kate Anderson is flanked by a couple of the racehorses she's helped to save at her Chugwater Ranch.

Chugwater Ranch Rehabs Million-Dollar Racehorses Once Thought Doomed

Kate Anderson didn’t start out to heal hopeless racehorses. It happened by accident when she set them free to roam on her ranch outside of Chugwater, Wyoming. Now she rehabs million-dollar Thoroughbreds once thought beyond saving.

Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2026

While Cheyenne police officer and Hall of Fame athlete Tom Garrison battles leukemia while undergoing chemotherapy, his partner Lori Millin has served as his caregiver and their faith and deep love have helped carry Garrison to remission.

Ringing The Bell: Former Cheyenne Cop's Battle To Beat Cancer

For former Cheyenne cop and UW Hall of Fame athlete Tom Garrison, World Cancer Day is personal. The observance, held every Feb. 4, was the day Tom rang the bell to signal his intense chemotherapy was complete. Nine years later, he's cancer-free.

Wendy CorrFebruary 08, 2026

Wyoming Cowboy by Chris Navarro, University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming

Letter To The Editor: The World Needs Cowboys, Eco-Feminists And Everyone In Between

Dear editor: Rep. John Bear says the world needs more cowboys and fewer “eco-feminists.” It’s a catchy line, but catchy doesn’t mean correct. What it really offers is a false choice: tradition or education, grit or intellect, Wyoming or the wider world.

February 08, 2026

The Horse Palace in Cheyenne just north of the Wyoming-Colorado state line along Interstate 25.

Wyoming And Montana Casino Boom Hides A Surprisingly Small Gambling Market

Montana’s small “casinos” create the appearance of a huge gambling industry, but strict limits on machines, stakes, and licenses keep revenues relatively modest. Wyoming’s smaller — yet fast-growing — market is pushing lawmakers to consider tighter rules.

Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 08, 2026

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