Headlines

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

For nearly 60 years, Vern Palmer has searched Wyoming ranches and forgotten dump grounds for old license plates. At 90, the Big Piney mechanic has found nearly every state plate ever issued — except for one.

90-Year-Old Big Piney Man Has A Wyoming License Plate From Every Year, Except One

For nearly 60 years, Vern Palmer has searched Wyoming ranches and forgotten dumps for old Wyoming license plates. At 90, the Big Piney mechanic has a Wyoming license plate from every year, except one. Palmer says he's not giving up his search.

Kolby FedoreAugust 01, 2026

Don Erickson, the 89-year-old former three-term mayor of Cheyenne, examines photos of the city’s deadly Aug. 1, 1985 flood in one of his scrapbooks at the Wyoming State Archives.

Night Of Terror: Wall Of Water Killed 12 In Cheyenne's Deadly August 1, 1985 Flood

On Aug. 1, 1985, Cheyenne was pummeled by a massive storm that unleashed a wall of water killing 12 people and causing more than $65 million in damage. The 65,000-ft thunderheads stalled over the city unleashing tornadoes, hail and unprecedented flooding.

Kerry DrakeAugust 01, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jeff - Saturday, August 1, 2026

Jeff in the 307. Saturday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsAugust 01, 2026

Ann Simpson, Wife Of Late Sen. Al Simpson, Died In Daughter's Arms Friday Morning

Ann Simpson, mother of three and wife of 70 years to prominent Wyoming political figure and late U.S. Sen. Al Simpson, died Friday morning in her daughter's arms. “I walked over and cuddled up to her and held her, and she died," Sue Simpson Gallagher said.

Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2026

Jonathan Lange: Sometimes, Negative Campaigning Backfires

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Glossy fliers landed in mailboxes across the state faulting Republicans for voting in favor of the Human Heartbeat Act. According to a pro-abortion activist, the fliers landed in 'about 23 districts.' That’s a fair amount of money."

Jonathan LangeAugust 01, 2026

Dennis Sun: U.S. To Open Gates To Mexican Cattle

Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "The opening of the border to Mexican cattle is a blessing to some and a threat to others. There are some facts to support the reopening and some politics to lower the price of beef at grocery stores."

Dennis SunAugust 01, 2026

Letter To The Editor: Wyoming's People Have A Front Row Seat In New Energy Development

Dear editor: Wyoming does not have to choose between responsible energy development and meaningful public engagement. We have both, and in many ways, we have already shown the country how it can be done.

August 01, 2026

Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman 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.

Guest Column: Apparently Facts Aren't Getting In The Way Of Ogden Driskill's Campaign

House Speaker Chip Neiman writes: "If Ogden Driskill wants to run against lower taxes, school choice, the Second Amendment, parental rights, and protecting women's sports, that's his decision. But he ought to at least tell the truth while he's doing it."

Guest ColumnAugust 01, 2026

Eight Wyoming Sheriffs Quit, Retire Or Choose Not To Run For Reelection

Wyoming is seeing a turnover of at least eight sheriffs since last year, which is more than a third among the state’s 23 counties. The sheriffs who spoke to Cowboy State Daily cited readiness, weariness, gratitude and a longing to spend time with family.

Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2026

Home Prices In Northeast Wyoming Jump 20% While Much Of U.S. Market Cools

From Gillette to Aladdin, home prices are up 20% and inventory is scarce as retirees have discovered northeast Wyoming. That has the region bucking a national trend of a cooling housing market. “We have record low inventory,” one real estate agent said.

Renée JeanJuly 31, 2026

Feds Release New 10-Year Plan For Colorado River Water, Gordon 'Encouraged'

Gov. Mark Gordon said he's "encouraged" the Department of the Interior's new 10-year plan for the Colorado River released Friday looks out for Upper Basin states. Arizona's governor called it a raft of “draconian water cutbacks" for Lower Basin states.

Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2026

$1.8M Settlement Puts Star Plunge On Track To Reopen After Closed For 18 Months

Star Plunge in Thermopolis is on track to reopen after a $1.8 million settlement between Wyoming State Parks and its previous operator has kept it closed since January 2025. “It won’t happen today, but hopefully soon,” said a state parks official.

Renée JeanJuly 31, 2026

Shoshone Join Arapaho In Telling Church To Stop Preaching Against Tribal Beliefs

Eastern Shoshone leaders on Friday voiced agreement with the Northern Arapaho Business Council in telling a church to stop preaching against tribal beliefs. Outsiders can’t hold “recurring ministries” on the reservation without approval, the tribe says.

Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2026

Historic Drought Ends Irrigation Season Early For Eastern Wyoming Farmers

Pathfinder Irrigation District will shut off its main canal next week after record-low snowpack and historic drought have left too little water to finish the growing season in eastern Wyoming. Around Wheatland, users had just 14 days of water.

Kate MeadowsJuly 31, 2026

Will President Trump Endorse Anyone In The Wyoming GOP House Race?

President Trump has not endorsed anyone in the nine-candidate Republican race for U.S. House and it’s unclear if he will. The president has a good batting average in Wyoming, but his endorsement hasn't meant a win every time.

Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2026

Mustang advocates claim that the Bureau of Land Management funneled horses to dealers who subsequently sold them for slaughter.

Mustang Advocates Claim BLM Funneled Wyoming Wild Horses To Dealer For Slaughter

Mustang advocates are alleging that horses were funneled from a Bureau of Land Management holding facility near Lander to dealers in other states, who subsequently sold them for slaughter. A BLM spokesperson says the agency prioritizes adoption.

Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2026

More Motorcycle Crashes On Beartooth Highway Than The Last Four Years Combined

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has responded to more motorcycle crashes on the Beartooth Highway this year than the last four combined, including Thursday's fatality. With the Sturgis Rally looming, they're fearful of more crashes on the scenic mountain road.

Andrew RossiJuly 31, 2026

Colorado Man Wanted On 78 Child Exploitation Charges Arrested At Saratoga Sawmill

A Colorado man wanted on 78 felony child exploitation charges was arrested Tuesday while working at a Saratoga sawmill, where authorities say he had been living and working for about five weeks before investigators tracked him to Carbon County.

Kolby FedoreJuly 31, 2026

Supreme Court Says 30 Years Green River Man Got For Exploiting Kids Isn't Cruel

A Green River man who manipulated four underage children into performing sex acts on each other claims that the 21-30 years he got in prison is cruel and unusual punishment. The Wyoming Supreme Court disagrees in a Thursday denial of his appeal.

Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2026

Texas Trucker Accused Of Nearly Mowing Down 3 Men In Angry Rampage Near Greybull

A Texas truck driver is accused of going on an angry rampage near Greybull and trying to run down three men. That includes a Big Horn County deputy, who “observed his left hand out the driver’s window giving the middle finger” as he nearly hit them.

Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, July 31, 2026

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

Jake NicholsJuly 31, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Friday, July 31, 2026

Friday's headlines include: * Kozak Busts 10 More Illegal Drivers * Price-Fixing Lawsuit Against Big-4 Meatpackers * Foster Parent Says She Was Terrorized By Bio Mom

Mac WatsonJuly 31, 2026

Guest Column: What Has Wyoming’s Freedom Caucus Actually Accomplished?

Sen. Ogden Driskill writes, "When the Wyoming Freedom Caucus took control of the House, its leaders promised big changes. Speaker Chip Neiman famously declared to Politico: 'We have 42 of 62 votes. We’re going to do big things.' What were those big things?

Guest ColumnJuly 31, 2026

Rod Miller: The Wyoming Freedom Caucus – Our Failed Experiment

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Imagine that we’re back in chemistry class and a mad scientist, dressed in a red blazer instead of a lab coat, is lecturing the class. He says, 'Class, today we’re gonna do the Freedom Caucus experiment.'"

Rod MillerJuly 31, 2026

Page 4