Headlines
Explore a chronological display of Cowboy State Daily’s articles.
News
The American West: Susan Magoffin on the Santa Fe Trail
Samuel Magoffin was an experienced trader who used the Santa Fe trail when he set off in June of 1846 with fourteen big wagons, each one pulled by six yoke of oxen. His young wife, on the other hand, had no clue what was in store for her on the trail.
March 15, 2025
Gordon Vetoes Bill Making New Attempt To Ban Abortion In Wyoming
Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill on Friday that attempted a new approach at banning abortion in Wyoming. Gordon said he vetoed the bill because it would add further confusion to Wyoming’s abortion bans that are being considered in court.
Leo WolfsonMarch 15, 2025
The Roundup: A Conversation With Politics Reporter Leo Wolfson
This week, host Wendy Corr chats with Cowboy State Daily politics reporter Leo Wolfson. Leo shares his observations on the 2025 legislative session and what it will for Wyomingites.
Wendy CorrMarch 15, 2025
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso Joins Jake Nichols To Discuss Al Simpson's Legacy
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso on Friday morning joined Cowboy State Daily radio host Jake Nichols to discuss the passing of former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson and what Simpson meant to Wyoming.
March 15, 2025
Democrats Blink: Barrasso, GOP Win Shutdown Standoff
U.S. Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso dared Senate Democrats this week to block an emergency bill to fund the government. In the end, ten Democrats joined with Republicans and a midnight shutdown was averted.
Sean BarryMarch 14, 2025
Ski-Lift Accident Kills Montana Skier But Experts Say Fatalities Are Rare
A Billings skier died earlier this week after he fell out of a ski chair lift in Red Lodge, Montana. One expert told Cowboy State Daily that although accidents do happen, statistics show "chairlift fatalities are very, very, very rare."
Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025
Congress Passes HALT Fentanyl Act, Barrasso Says Law Will Cripple Cartels
Congress passed a bill Friday cracking down on fentanyl trafficking — legislation that U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said will cripple cartels smuggling the drug into the country. “They’re running scared," he said. "Now is the time to turn up the heat."
Sean BarryMarch 14, 2025
Jonathan Lange: The Weston County Clerk’s False Filing Cannot Be Ignored
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: "Clerk Hadlock has had more than four months to explain to the public how her false report of November 6, 2024, was not willfully false. Now the ball is in Governor Gordon’s court."
Jonathan LangeMarch 14, 2025
Dennis Sun: The Volatile Egg Industry
Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "With egg prices at a record high and rising, multiple management methods are at work to try to solve the issue of low egg supplies. However, high egg prices are not entirely due to highly pathogenic avian influenza."
Dennis SunMarch 14, 2025
'Bitcoin Billionaire' Wanted In All 50 States After Friend Pays, Loses $50K Bond
Investigators say a man who cast himself as a ‘bitcoin billionaire’ during a Jackson Hole spending spree was committing fraud. He skipped court this week - after convincing a friend to pay his $50,000 cash bond. Kevin Segal is now wanted in all 50 states.
Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025
AG's Office Says Gillette Judge Didn't Break Rules By Holding Public Defender In Contempt
The judge who fined a public defender $100 and ordered him to write an apology letter for being late says he followed the rules in doing so. The public defender quit after paying the fine and writing the letter.
Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025
Well-Known Bear Likely First Grizzly Caught On Video This Year, Near West Yellowstone
Photographers believe the grizzly seen ambling past a trail camera on Thursday night in Yellowstone is the same huge male that is often one of the first bears to make an appearance each spring.
Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025
Gun Advocates Praise Study Showing Citizens Stop More Mass Shooters Than Police
Wyoming gun rights advocate Mark Jones told Cowboy State Daily that a new study showing armed citizens stopped more active shootings than police proved Wyoming was right to repeal gun-free zones.
Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025
World, Wyoming Delegation Mourns Al Simpson’s Death
People from around Wyoming and the world expressed their condolences over the passing of former Wyoming U.S. Senator Al Simpson, who died Friday morning. His wife Ann told Sen. Barrasso that it was a full moon and “Al went to heaven on a moonbeam.”
Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025
Casper Man Pleads Not Guilty To Charges From January Stabbing
A 71-year-old Casper man pleaded not guilty Friday to three charges stemming from a January stabbing at his apartment. He allegedly told police one of the stabbings was an accident.
Dale KillingbeckMarch 14, 2025
Rob Wallace: Al Simpson -- A Wyoming Kid Who Conquered The World
Guest columnist Rob Wallace writes of a photo in Al Simpson's room: "In the front row looking directly at Al were presidents Trump, Bush, Obama, Carter, and Clinton all laughing uncontrollably at something he had just said. It was the perfect memory of a kid from Wyoming who conquered the world."
CSD StaffMarch 14, 2025
Former Wyoming U.S. Sen. Al Simpson Dies At 93, Remembered As Gentle Giant
Former U.S. Sen. Alan K. Simpson died early Friday morning at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of a man who transcended Wyoming culture and politics. Standing 6-foot-7, he’s remembered by friends and colleagues as a gentle statesman who truly served Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025
Morning Show with Jake — Friday, March 14, 2025
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsMarch 14, 2025
Hageman Town Hall In Afton Turns Aggressively Feisty Over DOGE, Postal Service
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman was cheered, applauded, heckled and questioned during an aggressively feisty Thursday night town hall meeting at the Afton Civic Center. The loudest reactions were for Elon Musk's Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Postal Service.
Greg JohnsonMarch 14, 2025
Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, March 14, 2025
Friday's headlines include: * Australians Furious At Wyoming Influencer * First Grizzly Of Year Spotted At Yellowstone * Man Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting In Uinta Co.
Wendy CorrMarch 14, 2025
The American West: The Arikara Campaign Of 1823
As fur trader William Ashley and his two boatloads of men and supplies neared the Arikara villages in 1823 he had no way of determining whether the Indians would be friendly or not.
James A. CrutchfieldMarch 14, 2025
Governor Signs College Transgender Sports Ban Into Law
Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday signed a bill into law requiring Wyoming colleges to restrict athletes’ participation in sports to biological sex at birth. The law also prohibits schools from competing against other schools that don’t adhere to the same standard.
Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025
Judge Orders Trump To Reinstate Fired National Park Service Employees
A federal judge issued a scathing rebuke Thursday and ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees fired last month, including 1,000 at the National Park Service. The White House called the order "absurd and unconstitutional."
Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025
First Grizzly of 2025 Awake, Hungry And Cranky In Yellowstone
The National Park Service on Wednesday reported fresh grizzly tracks have been spotted in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park. That's the first sign grizzlies have emerged from winter hibernation and are likely very hungry.
Andrew RossiMarch 14, 2025
Australian Prime Minister Blasts Wyoming Outdoors Influencer For Grabbing Baby Wombat
Australians, including the prime minister, are livid at a Wyoming-based social media influencer, after a video surfaced of her grabbing a baby wombat. Samantha Strable, who has lived in Pinedale, could lose her visa as a result.
Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025
Bot Attack Crashes First Day Of Cheyenne Frontier Days Concert Ticket Sales
A bot attack on Thursday crashed the first day of ticket sales for Cheyenne Frontier Days’ nighttime concerts, causing the organization to shut off ticket sales and postpone them until next week.
Leo WolfsonMarch 13, 2025
Fort Washakie 18-Year-Old 'Allegedly' Jumped From Car To Her Death, Initial Report Says
A Wyoming Highway Patrol preliminary investigative report published this month says Stephanie Bearstail, an 18-year-old Fort Washakie student, "allegedly" jumped from a moving vehicle to her death March 4.
Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025
Former Sheridan Assistant Principal Gets 3-5 Years For Sex With 18-Year-Old Student
Former Sheridan High School Assistant Principal Jacob Meyer, 34, was sentenced Thursday to between three and five years in prison after being convicted of having sex with one of his students, who was 18 at the time.
Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025
Sally Ann Shurmur: How Big Is The Window On Your World?
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Once upon a time, there was an editor who didn’t talk much to me. He did say once though that in writing my columns, he appreciated the way I ‘put it all out there.’ Consider yourselves warned.”
Sally Ann ShurmurMarch 13, 2025
Consumer Advocates Warn More Rate Increases Ahead For Rocky Mountain Power Customers
Both of Wyoming’s consumer advocate groups foresee more rate increases ahead for Rocky Mountain Power customers. If commissioners approve the latest rate increase, the overall rate increase in the past two years totals 30.4%.
Renée JeanMarch 13, 2025
Massive Alaskan Avalanche Claims Three On Mountains Wyomingite Helped Popularize
An enormous avalanche killed three men on Alaska’s Chugach Range early this month, a popular ski region for heli-skiiers. A Jackson guide was among the pioneers to develop the region’s thriving helicopter-skiing industry.
David MadisonMarch 13, 2025
New Law Aims To Protect Utility Companies And Ratepayers From Wildfire Lawsuits
A bill signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon aims to put more responsibility on utility companies while also protecting them from lawsuits related to wildfires in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonMarch 13, 2025
Don Day's Advice For Watching The Lunar Eclipse In Wyoming: Drive To Kansas
Meteorologist Don Day's best advice for watching the blood-red lunar eclipse Friday morning in Wyoming is to drive to Kansas. Lots of clouds will make it hard to view in the Cowboy State but UW astronomer Max Gilbraith says Casper Mountain and Togwotee Pass might work.
Andrew RossiMarch 13, 2025
Murder-For-Hire Trial On Hold While Cody Woman's Mental Health Tested
Two days before her trial on a murder-for-hire charge was set to begin, a Cody woman had it delayed by asking for a mental health test. Investigators say she tried hiring a hitman to kill her daughter’s boyfriend.
Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025
Man Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting At Uinta County Business
Uinta County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals personnel were involved in a shooting on Wednesday that killed a suspect who had felony-level warrants, authorities told Cowboy State Daily.
Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025
Morning Show with Jake — Thursday, March 13, 2025
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsMarch 13, 2025
Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Thursday's headlines include: * Devils Tower Closure “Stupidity” * RMP Rate Hike Request Due to Wildfires * Degenfelder Praises Dept of Education Cuts
Wendy CorrMarch 13, 2025
Judge Won't Quit Transgender Case Over Pronouns Rule, Volleyball Players Try Appeal
A federal judge said he will not recuse himself from a lawsuit over a transgender player’s inclusion on a college women’s volleyball team. The women who asked for the recusal requested an appeal Wednesday.
Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025
Jackson Teacher Surprised With National Milken Educator Award, $25,000 Prize
Jackson Hole High School fine arts teacher Collin Binko was surprised Wednesday with a national Milken Education Award. As the only 2025 recipient from Wyoming, he also won a $25,000 prize.
Andrew RossiMarch 12, 2025
Tom Lubnau: Seeing The Eagles Hits Differently On This Side Of Life
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "My home life in the 1970s was dysfunctional, oftentimes violent. The Eagles’ “Hotel California” struck a chord with me. But seeing that opening number Friday in the Sphere was like putting prescription glasses on for the first time."
Tom LubnauMarch 12, 2025
The American West: Pegleg Smith, Mountain Man
Pegleg Smith reportedly trapped and traded among the Sioux and Osage Indians for a few years, then worked as a free trapper in New Mexico, but he lost his leg in Colorado and became a horse thief in California.
R.B. MillerMarch 12, 2025
As Ticks Begin To Emerge in Wyoming, Entomologists On Lookout For Two New Species
Wyoming entomologists say ticks are beginning to come out and are warning about two new species that are particularly awful. One carries Lyme disease and the other likes to “chase you down.”
Mark HeinzMarch 12, 2025
Degenfelder Praises Dept. Of Education Cuts, Says They Will Empower Parents
Wyoming education chief Megan Degenfelder praised President Trump for slashing staff at the U.S. Dept. of Education. "We’re taking education decisions out of the hands of unelected officials and giving them back to parents and teachers," she said.
Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025
Wildfires Big Driver Behind Rocky Mountain Power’s Double-Digit Rate Hike
Wyoming’s wildfires have spurred higher insurance costs so much, Rocky Mountain Power says it's proposing another double-digit rate increase. It’s also considering self-insurance.
Renée JeanMarch 12, 2025
Other Than Saying Case Is ‘Complicated,’ Casper Police Mum On Fatal Shooting
Casper police said Wednesday they continue to investigate Saturday’s fatal shooting of a man at a local home. There have been no arrests, and other than saying the case is “complicated,” little is being released about the shooting.
Dale KillingbeckMarch 12, 2025
Driskill Calls Closure Of Devils Tower “Stupidity At Highest Levels”
State Sen. Ogden Driskill on Wednesday said the overnight closure of Devils Tower “stupidity at its highest level.” The lawmaker who lives next to the monument said Devils Tower has been open 24 hours a day for more than 50 years.
Andrew RossiMarch 12, 2025
Prosecutor Says Casper Man Accused Of Illegal Gambling ‘Knew What He Was Doing’
Wyoming’s gambling laws aren’t so vague that a Casper businessman accused of running illegal gambling houses couldn’t have known he was breaking the law, a state prosecutor says. Scott Lee Shroefel “knew what he was doing,” she argued.
Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025
Gordon Vetoes Attempt To Defund His Energy Project Program
Gov. Mark Gordon has vetoed an attempt by the Wyoming Legislature to defund his $152 million Energy Matching Funds program. The program has been used for energy projects, including fossil fuels and alternative energy.
Leo WolfsonMarch 12, 2025
Casper Man Pleads Guilty To Shooting Crossbow Bolt Into Ex-Girlfriend’s Home
A 47-year-old Casper man admitted in court Wednesday to shooting a crossbow bolt through a window where his ex-girlfriend was staying last September. He bragged about doing something that would be “in the news.”
Dale KillingbeckMarch 12, 2025
Bald Eagle Won’t Let Go Of Its Dinner, Turns Roadkill Skunk Into A Snowboard
A bald eagle riding a dead skunk like a snowboard isn’t something you see every day, but a woman in Maine got it on video. It also doesn’t surprise Wyoming raptor experts, because eagles really like to cling to their food.
Mark HeinzMarch 12, 2025
Accused Gillette Wife-Stabber Sane Enough For Trial, State Hospital Says
A Wyoming state mental health evaluator says a Gillette man was sane enough to realize what he was doing when he allegedly stabbed his wife eight times. She survived the terrifying attack, and his attempted second-degree murder trial is set for June.
Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025
Morning Show with Jake — Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsMarch 12, 2025
Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Wednesday's headlines include: * Hageman Calls For Transfer Portal Changes * Big Piney Teens Charged In Bow And Arrow Killing * Rocky Mountain Power Calling for More Price Hikes
Wendy CorrMarch 12, 2025
Rocky Mountain Power Makes Case For Rate Hike, Says Large Users Will Pay More
At a Tuesday public hearing for Rocky Mountain Power’s latest double-digit rate increase request, the company said residential customers won’t pay as much. Large power users like data centers would pay more.
Renée JeanMarch 12, 2025
Hageman Calls For Transfer Portal Changes, Says Josh Allen May Not Have Stayed
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman says more regulation on transfer rules for college student athletes is needed. She said Tuesday that the University of Wyoming could’ve lost Josh Allen under the current NIL and transfer rules.
Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025
Supreme Court Won’t Block Climate Change Lawsuits In Wyoming, Other Red States
The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a request from Wyoming and 18 other red states to block a handful of other states, including California, from suing oil and gas companies in their own courts over climate change.
Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2025
Big Piney Teens Accused Of Killing Man In Bow-And-Arrow Ambush Sent To Higher Court
A pair of Big Piney teens could get life in prison or the death penalty if convicted of working together to kill a local man with a bow and arrows. A judge sent their case to a higher court Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2025
Letter To The Editor: Glacier National Park Home Is A Bureaucratic Disaster
Dear editor: This is the perfect storm of environmentalists, bureaucrats with too much time on their hands, attorneys keeping their heads down, and property owners who who should have known better or have been advised better.
March 11, 2025
Letter To The Editor: Don't Mix Religion And Government
Dear editor: In complete opposition to the First Amendment’s prohibition against mixing religion and government, state rep. John Bear wants more religion in government.
March 11, 2025
Letter To The Editor: Quit Changing The Name Of Fort Bragg
Dear editor: Perhaps the administration that is currently planning to fire 80,000 employees at the VA could instead have used that money to retain some of those employees who provide vital healthcare and support services to veterans.
March 11, 2025