Headlines
Explore a chronological display of Cowboy State Daily’s articles.
News
Senate OKs $16 Million To Jump Start Wyoming's Rare Earth Boom
Wyoming senators approved $16 million in grant money to jump start a rare earth boom. Backers say it will accelerate processing projects and help challenge China’s dominance in the sector.
David MadisonFebruary 21, 2026
Yellowstone’s Beloved Coyote Trickster Limpy Is Starting To Show His Age
Limpy, a well-known Yellowstone National Park coyote, suckers snacks out of tourists by acting injured and needy. He’s a popular attraction, but at 8 to 9 years old, he could be nearing his end.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
‘She’s The Devil’: Buffalo Mom Of 5 Accused Of Assaulting Kids With Knife, Hammer
A 33-year-old Buffalo mom of five is accused of assaulting two kids with a knife, another with a hammer, and telling them she wishes they were dead. Her oldest, 10, told police that “she’s the devil.” She was bound over for trial on Thursday.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 21, 2026
Bears Dash Across Ski Slope As Mild Winter Sparks Unusual Sightings
A mother black bear with two cubs went tearing across a California ski slope on Wednesday. With mild winter weather, unexpected wildlife spottings are occurring in Wyoming, California and Canada.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026
Wyoming Attorney General Files Case To Remove Weston County Clerk From Office
Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz on Friday petitioned to remove Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office, over multiple errors surrounding the 2024 general election. She also faces a criminal case for defying a legislative subpoena.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026
Four Seasons Resort In Jackson Sells For An Estimated $350 Million
A private investment firm, backed by Michael Dell, has purchased the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Jackson Hole for an estimated $350 million. Realtor David Yoder says it's among the largest, single real estate transactions in Jackson Hole history.
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2026
'Spur That Son Of A Bitch!': Men Charged With Felony Cruelty For Riding, Roping Moose
Two men were charged with felony cruelty to animals Friday stemming from a 2021 incident where cell phone video showed them roping, riding, and harassing a moose. One of the men is heard "Spur that son of a bitch" to a weakened and sickly moose.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 20, 2026
Wyoming Committees Advance Bills For Testing Voting Machines, Watching Clerks
Urged by Secretary of State Chuck Gray, two legislative committees advanced election reform bills on Friday to add scrutiny to voter machine testing, and county clerks' election audits. "We want to ramp up clarity, and we want to ramp up rigor," Gray said.
David MadisonFebruary 20, 2026
Wyoming Senate Advances Bill To Bar Sex Offenders From Living Near Daycares
The Wyoming Senate on Friday advanced a bill banning registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of daycares. Calling the bill "common sense," Sen. Tim Salazar said. “I do not want to wait for a tragic incident to happen. This helps prevent that.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026
Bill To Block Government From Collecting Union Dues Squeaks Onto Wyoming House Floor
A bill to restrict government agencies from collecting union dues and to require unions of public employees to report where their money is going remained alive Friday after squeaking onto the House floor. The Wyoming Education Association opposes it.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026
Uh-Oh: Joe Pickett Shot In The Head In New C.J. Box Book "The Crossroads"
Wyoming author C.J. Box told Cowboy State Daily his new book "The Crossroads," starts off dark: Joe Pickett has been shot in the head and is clinging to life. Box's last five Pickett novels have all debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list.
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2026
Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, February 20, 2026
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsFebruary 20, 2026
Debate On Abortion Law Gets Emotional On Wyoming House Floor
As Wyoming legislators debated a “heartbeat act” abortion bill, Rep. Kevin Campbell grew emotional Thursday remembering a 14-year-old girl — his mother. “I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1969,” he said tearfully. "I was adopted that same year.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026
Cowboy State Daily Newscast: Friday, February 20, 2026
Friday's headlines include: * Emotional Night At Capitol * Fatalities In Interstate 80 Wrecks * Senator Says Gambling Is “Out Of Control"
Mac WatsonFebruary 20, 2026
Guest Column: Circle the Firing Squad
Former State Rep. Sarah Penn writes, "The allegation is bribery. Did House Representatives take bribes to vote in a certain favor? We have a photograph and admissions that checks were distributed on the House floor. But bribery?"
Guest ColumnFebruary 20, 2026
Senate Passes $105 Million 'Energy Dominance Fund' Backed By Trump’s White House
Senate President Bo Biteman's bill to channel severance tax revenues into a Trump administration-backed “Energy Dominance Fund” passed the chamber 31-0 Thursday. The bill has support from the Trump administration, and excludes wind and solar projects.
David MadisonFebruary 20, 2026
Gun Rights Bill Legislator Says Could Prevent ‘Dystopian Future’ Passes Senate
The Second Amendment Protection Act is an insurance policy against a “dystopian future” where Wyomingites’ rights are trampled, said a legislator prior to the Senate passing the bill Thursday.
Mark HeinzFebruary 20, 2026
Prosecutor Says Cody Roberts Chasing Wolf, Taping Its Mouth Aren’t ‘Prior Acts’
The Sublette County attorney prosecuting Cody Roberts for cruelty for allegedly torturing a wolf says chasing it down and taping its mouth are all part of the crime. Roberts’ attorney argues those are “prior acts” to what he faces trial for.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 20, 2026
Scott Clem: When Campaign Cash Matters More Than The People's Work
Columnist Scott Clem writes, "We’re being told it’s Rep. Provenza’s fault for taking the picture. It’s Rep. Yin’s fault for raising the issue on a bill supported by the lobbyist who handed out the checks. It’s everyone’s fault except the people who accepted the money."
Scott ClemFebruary 19, 2026
Big Piney Man Gets 75 Years To Life For Killing Autistic Victim With Bow And Arrow
A Big Piney man was sentenced Thursday to between 75 years and life in prison for the bow-and-arrow killing of a 23-year-old autistic man. “I want him back,” the victim's mother wept. “I have a blanket with his photo on it, just so I can hug him.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026
"But The Road Is Dry!": Understanding Wyoming’s "Rolling Closure" Strategy
A driver who comes across a "rolling closure" might see nothing but clear skies and dry conditions, so why is the road closed? WYDOT says it's to keep towns from being overwhelmed. “The closure isn't necessarily due to conditions where you are," they said.
Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026
Senator Says Gambling "Out Of Control" In Wyoming, Pushes Bills To Rein It In
Sen. John Kolb, the loudest voice on gambling in the legislature this session, is pushing four different bills to tighten up regulations on the industry. "Gaming within the state of Wyoming has exploded into a multibillion-dollar business," Kolb said.
David MadisonFebruary 19, 2026
Couple In White Bronco Promise Casper Homeless Men Jobs, Leave Them Facing Felonies
Duped by a couple in a white Ford Bronco into cashing more than $22,000 worth of bogus checks at local banks, four down-on-their-luck Casper men now face felony charges. One man said he cashed a check he found “with his name conveniently written on it.”
Greg JohnsonFebruary 19, 2026
Wyoming House Rejects Adding Extraterrestrials, Animals, To Sex Books Ban
The Wyoming House on Thursday rejected an amendment that would have added sex acts involving extraterrestrials and animals to its proposed ban on sexually-explicit books in public and school library kids' sections.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026