Headlines

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

Today, at age 74, Wyoming native Richard Pitt is at work on a memoir about his adrenaline-fueled life smuggling drugs for the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s and his adventures as a skydiver, Vietnam veteran and commercial airline pilot who also spent decades in prison for his crimes.

Richard Pitt: Wyoming Pilot And Vietnam Vet Who Smuggled Drugs For Pablo Escobar

Richard Pitt grew up in Thermopolis and lived a life straight out of 1980s drug-running movies like “Scarface.” Decades later, he’s coming clean while also divulging details of his sordid career smuggling for the likes of Pablo Escobar.

Jen KocherMay 11, 2025

Laramie County Man Gets Four Years For Mercy-Killing Friend

A Laramie County man was sentenced Friday to four years in prison, for mercy-killing his friend. Court documents say Switzer's friend had a pending criminal case for child pornography, had just increased his life insurance policy and made other end-of-life arrangements.

Clair McFarlandMay 11, 2025

Drinking Wyoming: Laramie Locals Believe Bud’s Bar Inspired Moe’s Tavern In ‘The Simpsons’

Bud’s Bar is a local joint, a Wyoming dive bar on the west side of Laramie that’s been serving beer and gossip for more than 80 years. Many locals also believe in a legend that says it was the inspiration for Moe’s Tavern in “The Simpsons.”

Leo WolfsonMay 11, 2025

Emily Steele survived a bout with what she belives was food-borne illness. She got sick dspite of not being the one who ate anything spoiled.

Can You Catch ‘Food Poisoning?’ It’s Not Common, But, Yes, And Here’s How

Food-borne illnesses are among the most common in America, sickening more than 48 million each year. But can it be passed on to others? The answer is yes -- as a Cheyenne couple recently found out.

Renée JeanMay 10, 2025

Bob Aguiar and Wyoming County Commissioners Association IMG 3066 5 2 25

Letter To The Editor: Wyoming County Commissioners Association Helps Commissioners Across The State

Dear editor: I thought this whole Freedom Caucus thing was about limited government, not heavy-handed state government taking away local decision making.

May 10, 2025

President Donald Trump sits in the cab of a truck as he welcomes members of American Trucking Associations to the White House

Letter To The Editor: Trump Is Right, If You Can't Speak English, Get Off The Road

Dear editor: Imagine this, you're halfway down a mountain and you see in your mirror that a semi, with smoke rolling out from his truck, is barreling at an extremely high rate of speed, totally out of brakes, and about to run over and wipeout you and your family.

May 10, 2025

Some 29 members of Bill and Nancy Sniffin’s large family posed for a family photo during a wedding at their home last summer.

Bill Sniffin: A Time To Celebrate The Mothers In Our Family And All Other Mothers Too

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, “She was the prettiest girl and the nicest girl. Would I ever have a chance to get a gal like that?”

Bill SniffinMay 10, 2025

Joan Barron: New Changes Are An Opportunity for Change In The Wyoming Legislature

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Legislative leaders recently adopted sweeping changes in the interim committee bill process that collapsed in the last session. It is an opportunity."

Joan BarronMay 10, 2025

Cheyenne Gunslingers has its own stage setup on 15 Street and Pioneer Avenue. But it will likely need a new home as the 15th Street Rail Experience is taking its location.

Famous Cheyenne Gunslingers To Be Homeless, Have To Move From Downtown Spot

The famous Cheyenne Gunslingers will have to find a new spot for its Wild West shootouts. The city has approved another historical attraction to take over their location and now the Gunslingers, who delight crowds every summer by shooting each other, have to find a new home.

Renée JeanMay 10, 2025

The cyclists ride through the Red Desert as the Boar's Tusk can be seen in the distance.

Bikepackers Explore Wyoming’s Famous Red Desert In New Documentary

People driving on WYO 28 outside of Lander are awed by the views of Red Canyon, but few have taken the time to explore it. Four bikepackers decided to do just that and their journey can be seen in a new documentary now on Wyoming PBS.

Amber SteinmetzMay 10, 2025

Bambi is a 250-pound Nubian goat who lives at the Home On The Range Animal Haven south of Laramie. An old back injury makes difficult for him to walk, so it’s hoped somebody can design a leg brace for him.

Bambi, A Disabled 250-Pound Goat That Lives South Of Laramie, Needs A Leg Brace

Bambi, a 250-pound Nubian goat, struggles to get around because of a back injury he suffered in a fight with a ram. The folks at a farm animal sanctuary near Laramie think he can walk again with a leg brace but crafting one has been difficult. So they're asking the public for help.

Mark HeinzMay 10, 2025

The Carissa Gold Mine in South Pass City.

Canadian Company Says There’s Still Plenty Of Gold Near Former Boom Town

"Thar's gold in them thar hills!" That's what a Canadian company is saying about the area near the old Carissa Mine near South Pass City. Thousands of miners went there in 1867 but never found the mother lode. This company says they have the technology to find it.

Renée JeanMay 10, 2025

At the top of the McGill Bridge is a sign showing the year it was built and the company who erected it.

Abandoned 163-Foot Bridge In Albany County Is All But Forgotten

The history of an abandoned steel bridge which resides inside a 10,000-acre private ranch in Albany County is a mystery. It is thought to be the second oldest bridge in Wyoming and was part of the historic Lincoln Highway. Outside of that, no one knows much about it.

Dale KillingbeckMay 10, 2025

Blake Shelton in a screenshot from the music video of his No. 1 country hit "Texas."

Gillette Songwriter Co-Wrote Blake Shelton’s No. 1 Smash Country Hit ‘Texas’

Josh Dorr, a singer-songwriter who grew up in Gillette co-wrote "Texas," the No. 1 country hit and lead single from Blake Shelton's latest album. “It’s pretty surreal,” Dorr told Cowboy State Daily.

Andrew RossiMay 10, 2025

A replica of "Big Al," an Allosaurus specimen from Shell, in the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. UW 11541, "Reed's Allosaurus," is a different species of Allosaurus than Big Al, and was a much larger individual. Reed's Allosaurus was a centerpiece specimen in the museum from 1890 to 1920 and resides in the museum's collections today.

UW Project Rediscovers A Massive Meat-Eating Dinosaur Under 100-Year-Old Plaster

University of Wyoming researchers used CT scanning to see how much of the fossilized bones in an historic dinosaur were real. It revealed a lot of plaster — and rediscovered a huge Allosaurus.

Andrew RossiMay 10, 2025

Paul Dey, official and certified beer judge, enjoying a Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. beer at The Safari Club restaurant in Thermopolis in a file photo.

Wyoming Is The Second Most Expensive State For Beer Lovers

Beer in Wyoming isn’t as expensive as it is in Alaska, but buying a brew in the Cowboy State is the second highest in the country. Behind the high prices, several factors are at play: tourism, the cost of shipping and a bartender’s sensitivity to locals’ pricing.

David MadisonMay 10, 2025

Campbell County firefighters practice their skills at the Alan Mickelson Fire Training Center in Gillette.

Gillette Firefighter Who Died In 1986 When A Church Fell On Him Still Saving Lives

Alan Mickelson, a volunteer Gillette firefighter, died in 1986 when a church caved in on him while responding to a fire call. While his death still stings for those who knew him, Mickelson is still saving lives through his namesake training center.

Dale KillingbeckMay 10, 2025

Wyoming Hasn't Executed Anyone In 33 Years, But It's Tried

It's been 33 years since Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan stood in his office next to his priest, warring with himself over the execution of convicted serial killer Mark Hopkinson. The state hasn't executed anyone since that day — but it's tried.

Clair McFarlandMay 10, 2025

The 10 refugee dogs of all breeds wait on the Tarmac at JFK Airport in New York to board a private charter plane to Wyoming last Sunday.

Wyoming Rescue Ranch Cheers Shutdown Of Notorious Beagle Test Lab, New Law

Wyoming’s Kindness Ranch in Hartville is cheering this week's shutdown of a notorious beagle testing lab and proposed federal legislation that would retire clinical test animals instead of killing them. The events promise to make the ranch busier than ever.

Jen KocherMay 10, 2025

Cowboy State Daily Morning Show — Saturday, May 10, 2025

It's the Saturday morning show with John Baggett from 6-10AM.

Jake NicholsMay 10, 2025

The Roundup: A Conversation With Rebecca West

This week, host Wendy Corr chats with Rebecca West, Executive Director of the world-famous Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. The first female director of the museum talks about her unique career, and how this traditional museum stays relevant in a technological age.

Wendy CorrMay 10, 2025

Voter-Rights Group Sues Over Wyoming's Proof Of Citizenship Voter Law

A voter-rights group filed a lawsuit Friday asking a federal court to block Wyoming’s new proof of citizenship and residency rules for voting. Secretary of State Chuck Gray says the challenge is “the radical left” making “false claims.”

Clair McFarlandMay 10, 2025

Commercial truckers check in at the Cheyenne Port of Entry about 5 miles north of the Wyoming-Colorado border.

Thousands Sign Petition To Ease Trump Mandate For English-Speaking Truckers

Commercial truck drivers for whom English is a second language are galvanizing. A petition opposing President Trump’s mandate all truckers speak English has amassed nearly 5,000 signatures.

Clair McFarlandMay 10, 2025

It’s hoped that a program called Access Granted can provide hunters more access to prime areas, while also respecting landowners’ rights.

Casper-Based Company Wants To End Feuding Between Hunters, Landowners

Tensions between landowners and hunters seeking access to game herds are nothing new, even leading to national attention for Wyoming’s high-profile “corner-crossing” case. A Casper-based company thinks it’s found the solution.

Mark HeinzMay 09, 2025

Dennis Sun: America And Its Foreign Ownership

Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "I’ll never understand why the U.S. has let China, Russia, and Iran buy any private lands in our country. America has to wake up and be very cautious of who comes into our country and buys private lands, especially our enemies."

Dennis SunMay 09, 2025

Teen Who Stabbed 14-Year-Old At Casper Mall Pleads Guilty To First-Degree Murder

The teen who killed a Casper 14-year-old at a local mall last year pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder. Bobby Maher was protecting his girlfriend when he was attacked by two other teens, one who held him down while the other stabbed him.

Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025

Jonathan Lange: Education Savings Accounts Are The Answer For Parents And Teachers

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "The powerful education lobby treats parents as a problem, and 'privacy' as the answer. Its power is its money. Until now, that power was mostly one-sided. But Wyoming’s ESA program gives you, as a common-sense teacher, a louder voice."

Jonathan LangeMay 09, 2025

Jeremiah Reiman, executive director of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, second from left, lobbies at the Capitol during the 2015 legislative session.

Wyoming Legislators Consider Banning Public Money Going To Lobby Groups

Wyoming mayors and other public officials lined up Friday to argue against a proposal to ban public money going to groups that lobby for them. Despite the show of force, a legislative committee decided to continue considering it.

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

Zephira Arguello hopes to be able to wear the nearly 100-year-old buckskin dress given to her by her grandmother to graduation at Kelly Walsh High School on May 30.

Kelly Walsh High Won’t Let Casper Girl Wear Native Regalia At Graduation

Kelly Walsh High School senior Zephira Arguello wants to honor her Native American culture by wearing traditional regalia at graduation. The school says “no.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025

Marquis Hayman was arrested for shooting five bullets into a North Durbin Street mobile home in August.

8-10 Years For Casper Teen Who Said ‘I Hope I Killed One’ After Shooting At Homes

A 15-year-old boy who shot into two Casper homes in separate incidents August got eight to 10 years in prison Friday. He reportedly told friends, “I hope I killed one.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025

A Tesla Supercharger station in Laramie.

Democrats Attack Barrasso Over Bid To Scrap California EV Mandate

Wyoming’s senior U.S. senator is leading a Republican charge to throw out electric-vehicle mandates. Democrats attacked John Barrasso on the Senate floor Thursday, but he says Americans are having EV laws shoved “down their throats.”

Sean BarryMay 09, 2025

An amendment attached to sweeping legislation moving its way through the U.S. House has ignited a debate over the sale of federally owned public land. Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman supports the move, while Republicans in other Western states oppose it.

Hageman And House Committee Open Up Sale Of Federally Owned Public Land

An amendment attached to legislation moving its way through the U.S. House this week opens federal land for sale in Utah and Nevada. Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman supports the move, while Republicans in other Western states oppose it.

David MadisonMay 09, 2025

'Poor' Chance Of Settlement In Jackson Hospital Lawsuit Over Gangrene Death

A lawsuit brought against a Jackson-based hospital over the gangrene death of an illegal immigrant has a “poor” chance of reaching a settlement, according to a Thursday filing in the case.

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

Wrong-Way Driver Shuts Down I-90 With Claim Of Bomb In Vehicle

A Gillette man drove the wrong way on Interstate 90 three times Thursday as he led law enforcement on a 70-95 mph chase. He then claimed there was a bomb in his vehicle, but it turned out to be a possibly drug-induced perception of loose and exposed wires.

Clair McFarland & Jen KocherMay 09, 2025

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake — Friday, May 9, 2025

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

Jake NicholsMay 09, 2025

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, May 9, 2025

Friday's headlines include: * Wyo Catholics Cheer First American Pope * Chuck Gray Backs 22 Election Security Bills * Rawlins Fed Up With Gravedigging Prairie Dogs

Wendy CorrMay 09, 2025

Hageman Wants To Halt Student Visas For Colleges In ‘Sanctuary Cities’

Harriet Hageman introduced a bill Thursday to keep student visas from being issued in “sanctuary” cities that don’t cooperate with ICE. She says it’s a response to those “who seek to elevate the interests of foreign nationals above our own citizens.”

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray testified Thursday in Lander before the legislative Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee about election reform. An electronic voting machine is to the right, used during a mock election during the meeting.

Chuck Gray Supports 22 New Election-Reform Bills, Committee To Study 10

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray expressed support for 22 election-reform bills during a meeting with legislators Thursday in Lander. The committee chose to take up 10 for study, ranging from requiring photo-identification to random hand counts.

Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025

A helicopter drops old Christmas trees into Canyon Ferry Lake, a reservoir on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana. The trees provide spawning habitat for yellow perch and shelter for their hatchlings.

Helicopter Drops Christmas Trees Into Popular Montana Lake To Save Yellow Perch

Walleyes were gobbling up too many yellow perch in Montana’s Canyon Ferry Lake. So, state officials started dropping old Christmas trees into water to provide spawning habitat and shelter for perch hatchlings.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2025

Wyoming filmmaker Sean Patrick Higgins testifies in support of the MEDIA Act, which preserved Montana’s film incentive tax credit program when it passed on Tuesday.

Letter To The Editor: Wyoming Must Support Its Arts And Culture Industry

Dear editor: I was disheartened to read Cowboy State Daily's article about filmmaker Sean Patrick Higgins, a colleague and former classmate of mine, who worked tirelessly to advance opportunities for media storytellers in Wyoming.

May 08, 2025

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, greets the faithful as he appears from the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Square on May 8, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican. Former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan said he was "tickled to death" with the selection.

Wyoming Catholics Celebrate Election Of First American Pope

Catholics across Wyoming celebrated the appointment of the first American pope on Thursday. Former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan, who was fishing the North Platte, told Cowboy State Daily he was "tickled to death" to hear the news.

Justin GeorgeMay 08, 2025

Landmark cryptocurrency legislation by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis collapsed Thursday on the Senate floor despite exhaustive, 11th-hour efforts to rescue it. Lummis says she’s “deeply disappointed.”

Huge Setback For Lummis As Landmark Cryptocurrency Bill Shot Down

Landmark cryptocurrency legislation backed by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis collapsed Thursday on the Senate floor despite exhaustive, 11th-hour efforts to rescue it. Lummis says she’s “deeply disappointed.”

Sean BarryMay 08, 2025

Feds Don't Believe Sheridan Cop Killer Stole Guns From His Mom

A federal prosecutor Wednesday voiced skepticism of a Wyoming woman’s claims that her son stole her guns before he killed a Sheridan police sergeant in February 2024. She’s accused of buying the guns for her son, who is a convicted felon.

Clair McFarlandMay 08, 2025

Men Accused Of Dumping Wyoming Oil Field Waste In Utah Face Multiple Felonies

A pair of oil field waste haulers are accused of trying to cut corners and pocket more money by dumping Wyoming oil field waste near a town in Utah. They face multiple felony charges.

David MadisonMay 08, 2025

A ground squirrel peeks its head out of a burrow in Rawlins Cemetery. The city of Rawlins has pledged to stop the plague of gravedigging rodents by tripling the number of poison-laced traps throughout the cemetery this year.

Rawlins Residents Fed Up With Gravedigging Ground Squirrels In City Cemetery

Ground squirrels are digging holes daily in the Rawlins Cemetery, including into graves, and local residents are fed up with them. The city is tripling the number of poison traps around the cemetery to try and cut out the critters.

Andrew RossiMay 08, 2025

Guest Column: When Conservatives Organize, the Left Cries Foul

Wyoming Freedom Caucus chair Rachel Rodriguez-Williams writes, "When a group of conservative lawmakers stands up, says 'we’re organized,' and follows through with a consistent commitment to limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility — suddenly it’s a scandal."

CSD StaffMay 08, 2025

Yellowstone Bison Goring The Latest In A Bad Week For Floridians Vs. Wildlife

A Florida man who was gored by a bison in Yellowstone on Wednesday was lucky. Another Floridian was killed by a bear this week, and yet another by an alligator.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2025

A Tesla juices up at a Level 3 fast-charging station at the Frontier Mall in Cheyenne.

Wonky Twists Hold Up Barrasso’s Bid To Kill California EV Mandate

Wyoming’s senior U.S. senator is a critic of red tape across the whole federal government. Now he and GOP colleagues are stuck in it themselves as they take on California’s electric vehicle mandate.

Sean BarryMay 08, 2025