Headlines

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

The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce announced the cancellation of the 42nd annual Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby, planned for Jan. 17-18, due to “very poor ice conditions.”

Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby Cancelled Due To Lack Of Ice

The 42nd annual Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby, planned for Jan. 17-18, has been cancelled due to "very poor ice conditions." “There's no snow, with no snow cover, the little bit of skim of ice we get melts off in the sun," the chamber of commerce said.

Andrew RossiJanuary 06, 2026

The court-appointed conservator of a Riverton boy sued the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over a youth group boat-tubing incident in which the boy lost his foot. The church denies wrongdoing.

LDS Church Denies Wrongdoing Over Wyoming Boy Who Lost Foot On Lake Trip

The LDS Church denied negligence in a lawsuit over a 2022 tubing accident at Boysen Reservoir that cost a Riverton boy his foot during a youth outing. It cited defenses like Wyoming’s Recreation Act and comparative fault.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2026

A drilling rig near Pinedale, Wyoming, in this file photo.

Wyoming’s Last Oil And Gas Sale Of 2025 Draws A Meager Two Bids

Wyoming’s Dec. 30 oil and gas lease sale got bids on just two parcels out of 34 available from out-of-state firms. The BLM awaits federal guidance on re-listing the properties under the requirements of the Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Kate MeadowsJanuary 06, 2026

An small, loosely organized “86/47” demonstration at the Wyoming Capitol against President Donald Trump on the anniversary of Jan. 6, 2021, turned into a buffet-style protest Tuesday. Also targeted were Republicans and the U.S. incursion into Venezuela.

Small, Loosely Organized Group Of Capitol Protesters Slam Trump On Jan. 6, Venezuela

A small, loosely organized “86/47” demonstration at the Wyoming Capitol against President Donald Trump on the anniversary of Jan. 6, 2021, turned into a buffet-style protest Tuesday. Also targeted were Republicans and the U.S. incursion into Venezuela.

Greg JohnsonJanuary 06, 2026

Wyoming Attorney General To Ask For One Last Chance To Defend Abortion Bans

The Wyoming AG is filing a petition for a Supreme Court rehearing on Tuesday’s abortion ruling upholding it as fundamental right, at Gov. Mark Gordon’s request. Lawmakers are eyeing a ballot measure to change the constitution also.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2026

More than 10 inches of snow and wind chills in the 20s were recorded at the summits of the Big Island in Hawaii on Monday. Wyoming, by contrast, received next to no snow. Meteorologist Don Day says, however, that’s about to change.

Hawaii Gets 10 Inches Of Snow While Most Of Wyoming Stays Brown And Dry

More than 10 inches of snow and wind chills in the 20s were recorded at the summits of the Big Island in Hawaii on Monday. Most of Wyoming, by contrast, has remained brown and dry. Meteorologist Don Day says, however, that’s about to change.

Andrew RossiJanuary 06, 2026

After Wyoming Abortion Bans Struck Down, Legislative Leaders Vow Pro-Life Amendment

The Wyoming House speaker and Senate president both said Tuesday they’ll work to advance a pro-life constitutional amendment in the upcoming legislative session. That’s in response to a state Supreme Court ruling keeping abortion legal in Wyoming.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2026

Guest Column: The Right to Life Is Not “Health Care”

Discussing Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling on abortion, State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz writes, "This ruling should now serve as a call to action for the people of Wyoming and their elected representatives. When judicial interpretation strays from constitutional intent, the citizens themselves must speak with clarity."

Guest ColumnJanuary 06, 2026

Dallas Smith, 46, of Casper pleaded not guilty Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, to setting 13 fires in Casper over the summer, including one at the Yellowstone Motel.

Casper Man Takes Plea Deal For More Than Dozen Arson Fires in Casper Last Summer

A 46-year-old Casper man entered into a plea deal Tuesday in Natrona County District Court, where he could serve up to 12 years in prison for setting a series of fires at a motel, a vacant restaurant and three other locations in Casper last summer.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 06, 2026

Former Sheridan Star Makes Play Of The Game In Montana State’s FCS Title Win

Former Sheridan football star Dane Steel's leaping touchdown was the highlight of the night in Montana State University winning its first national title in 41 years Monday night. The spectacular play earned the No. 1 spot on SportsCenter's Top 10.

David MadisonJanuary 06, 2026

The Wyoming Innovation Center is on approximately 9.5 acres on two lots at Fort Union Industrial Park in Gillette and will consist of three main components: Main building with offices and labs; material processing building; open air pilot pads for development of innovative processes. The main building pictured below, with offices and labs, is 4,070 square feet.

Wyoming Building Nation's Largest Coal Products Facility Near Gillette

Construction crews are assembling a field demonstration plant that will process up to 10 tons of coal per day into materials for roads, buildings, and nuclear fuel. The project is a critical step from research to commercial viability.

David MadisonJanuary 06, 2026

Protestors outside the Wyoming Supreme Court building in Cheyenne on April 16, 2025, before the court heard arguments on the state's abortion bans. The court ruled 4-1 Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, that Wyomings abortion bans are unconstitutional.

Wyoming Supreme Court Declares Abortion Bans Unconstitutional

The Wyoming Supreme Court in a 4-1 majority ruled Tuesday that Wyoming’s abortion bans are unconstitutional, under the state Constitution’s promise of health care autonomy.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Tuesday, January 6, 2026

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

Jake NicholsJanuary 06, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Tuesday, January 6, 2025

Tuesday's headlines include: * People Keep Hitting Snowplows * Restaurant Lampoons Minn Daycare * Is Venezuelan Oil The New Argentinian Beef?

Mac WatsonJanuary 06, 2026

With Governor's Backing, WYDOT Asks Legislature For $282.8 Million Budget

After Gov. Mark Gordon recommended funding WYDOT’s $282.8 million budget pitch, lawmakers meeting Monday in Cheyenne questioned staffing gaps, taser costs and Highway Patrol needs like GPS and tunnel tech upgrades amid shortfalls.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2026

Rob Creager, executive director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, which is an agency geared toward bolstering the state's energy economy, now has a seat on a federal coal committee that advises the U.S. Department of Energy.

Wyoming Energy Leader Appointed To National Coal Advisory Council

The executive director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, which is an agency geared toward bolstering the state's energy economy, now has a seat on a federal coal committee that advises the U.S. Department of Energy.

Ole BraatelienJanuary 06, 2026

Wyoming has had 97 snowplows hit by vehicles over the past five years, including 15 last winter. Wyoming Department of Transportation officials said Monday that being a plow driver can be dangerous, but higher pay can help keep those jobs filled.

WYDOT Reports 97 Wyoming Snowplows Hit In Last Five Winters

Wyoming has had 97 snowplows hit by vehicles over the past five winters, including 15 last winter. Wyoming Department of Transportation officials said Monday that being a plow driver can be dangerous, but higher pay can help keep those jobs filled.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2026

Gillette Man Nicknamed 'CRACKPIPE' Accused In Another Burglary

Gillette police say they caught a man who goes by the alias "CRACKPIPE" stealing a bagel shop baker's purse to buy lockpicks with her credit card. That comes nearly a year after he allegedly burgled a Menard's store. He faces felony charges.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 05, 2026

75-Year-Old Dies When Car Goes Airborne 90 Feet, Plunges Into Wheatland Reservoir

A 75-year-old man died Sunday when his Chevy Cruze plunged off Wyoming Route 310 into Wheatland Reservoir No. 1 after going airborne for 90 feet. Divers recovered the vehicle and victim after two hours, with the cause of the crash under investigation.

Scott SchwebkeJanuary 05, 2026

Drivers Keep Taking Out Cheyenne’s Bronze Sculptures

"Lazy Days," a bronze sculpture of a rabbit in downtown Cheyenne, became the latest to be hit and damaged during a Sunday multi-car crash. It’s the third time a driver has taken out one of Cheyenne’s 100 bronze sculptures.

Andrew RossiJanuary 05, 2026

Gillette’s Airport's Success Prompts United To Drop Air Guarantee Subsidy

United Airlines dropped Gillette’s flight guarantee, proving Wyoming’s subsidy program works as airports mature toward self-sufficiency. Other communities like Cheyenne seek more state money amid rising costs and legislative hurdles.

Renée JeanJanuary 05, 2026

For Wyoming, Is Venezuelan Oil The New Argentinian Beef?

Trump's move to rebuild Venezuela's oil industry after Nicolas Maduro's capture could put downward pressure on prices, squeezing Wyoming oil producers already operating on thin margins. But industry leaders say many questions remain unanswered.

David MadisonJanuary 05, 2026

Cheyenne Restaurant Turns Heads With Money-Making Idea: Open Minnesota Day Care

Espi’s Restaurant in Cheyenne is famous for its green chili, breakfast burritos, and irreverent roadside messages. On Monday, people were stopping to take photos of its latest: “I am so broke, moving to Minn. and opening a daycare.”

Greg JohnsonJanuary 05, 2026

Dave Simpson: Forty Years Later, But It Seems Like Yesterday

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “The coolest families when I was growing up all had daughters. Life. Mystery. Excitement. I grew up with older brothers, but then having a daughter of my own made our house a much more fun place to be.”

Dave SimpsonJanuary 05, 2026

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