Headlines

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

TerraPower is building a massive mechanic shop for its Natrium plant in Kemmerer, called the Test and Fill Facility. The crane behind the building is 200 feet tall, while the building is 167 feet tall.

Letter To The Editor: Let's Not Be Saddled With Obsolete Wind Energy Technology

Dear editor: A recent article in Cowboy State Daily describes technology that will soon make wind energy generation, and possibly solar energy generation, obsolete.

CSD StaffFebruary 19, 2026

Interstate 80 Closed For 21 Miles After More Weather-Related Crashes On Wednesday

Winter weather created nasty driving conditions that contributed to a pair of multi-vehicle crashes Wednesday that closed a 21-mile stretch of west I-80. “It was just a whiteout,” one motorist caught in the middle of the pileups told Cowboy State Daily.

Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026

Letter To The Editor: Jonathan Lange Needs To Re-Read The Abortion Study

Dear editor: The results of these studies are disturbing. But they do not support the assertion made by HB 117 and Rev. Lange, that “many women are coerced into having an abortion.”

CSD StaffFebruary 19, 2026

Senators Vow Crack-Down On Wyoming-Based LLC Fraud

Wyoming has surpassed Delaware as the top state for business incorporations per capita, and with that has come more LLC fraud. The state Senate passed a bill Wednesday that could crack down on using the state's business-friendly LLC laws to scam people.

David MadisonFebruary 19, 2026

‘Too Good To Be True:’ Wyoming Rancher Not Surprised By $200M Cattle Fraud

Wyoming hasn’t yet been linked to a $200 million cattle fraud case that’s hit 14 other states, but its cattle industry has been aware of the company, Agridime, for years. A Sublette County rancher said he never trusted the claims, calling them “too good to be true."

Kate MeadowsFebruary 18, 2026

A gray wolf in Yellowstone National Park.

Two Charged In Illegal, Out-Of-Season Wolf Killing In Wyoming

Two men were charged in connection with an illegal wolf killing near Cody. The wolf was killed in a wolf hunting zone, but authorities allege it was shot without a license and out of season.

Mark HeinzFebruary 18, 2026

House, Senate Brace For Showdown Over $40 Million Cut to University Of Wyoming

The Wyoming House on Wednesday voted to keep a proposed $40 million cut to the University of Wyoming. The Senate did the opposite - setting the two chambers up for a clash in a compromise committee later this month.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 18, 2026

Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Bill Shielding "Free Speech" Of Medical Professionals

A House Committee voted 8-1 Wednesday to advance House Bill 143 after hearing from medical providers who said they felt pressured to self-censor. "The state should not interfere with free speech rights of healthcare professionals," the bill sponsor said.

David MadisonFebruary 18, 2026

Casper Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Assault Of Man He Allegedly Called ‘Snitch’

A 20-year-old Casper man faced his initial hearing Wednesday on charges he assaulted and kidnapped a 26-year-old man and threatened him with a weapon for being a “snitch.” The defendant also faces charges of witness tampering.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 18, 2026

Wyoming snowbirds flock to Mesquite, Nevada, each year to reconnect with fellow residents and celebrate their shared roots through music, memories, and community spirit at the annual Wyoming Snowbird Rendezvous.

Wyoming Snowbirds Gather In Nevada On Thursday For Annual Rendezvous

For more than a decade, Wyomingites who winter in Nevada gather for the annual Wyoming Snowbird Rendezvous in Mesquite. This year it's being held on Thursday. More than 300 showed up last year and it always ends with the singing of "Ragtime Cowboy Joe."

Wendy CorrFebruary 18, 2026

Brothers Wanted By ICE Get 27 Months For Hauling 75 Pounds Of Drugs Across Wyoming

A pair of brothers from Ecuador and wanted by ICE will spend more than two years in prison for hauling nearly 75 pounds of illegal drugs across Wyoming, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday. After their prison time, they’ll be deported.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 18, 2026

Bill Advanced Requiring Landowners Receive "Bill Of Rights" Before Eminent Domain

Wyoming lawmakers advanced a bill requiring landowners receive an eminent domain “Bill Of Rights” when condemnation is being considered. “’The Landowner’s Bill of Rights’ will equip landowners with valuable knowledge," said sponsor Rep. JD Williams.

David MadisonFebruary 18, 2026

SJR 9, titled “Keeping public lands protected and decisions local,” was introduced by Sen. Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, with 38 co-sponsors — a bipartisan coalition that includes a total of 17 senators and 22 representatives.

Wyoming Senators Vote To Defend Public Lands From Large Federal Selloffs

Wyoming lawmakers heard emotional testimony from teachers, miners and students Tuesday urging them to protect public lands from federal selloffs. The Senate panel unanimously advanced the resolution, "Keeping public lands protected and decisions local."

David MadisonFebruary 18, 2026

Letter To The Editor: Fading Hopes For The University Of Wyoming

Dear editor: The UW Board of Trustees should create a concise mandate for UW to return to authentic education and the development of tenacity. This would distinguish us among American universities and would inevitably draw interest from students nationwide.

February 18, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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

Jake NicholsFebruary 18, 2026

Tom Lubnau: Saving Pennies, Burning Dollars

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Here's one that will hit you in the wallet – and one you didn’t see coming. How would you like it if your tax relief cost you more in insurance premiums than your discounted tax bill – or cost you your homeowners insurance, all together?"

Tom LubnauFebruary 18, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Wednesday's headlines include: * Check-Gate Investigation Paused * Dog Survives 43 Days In Sub-Zero Temps * Gordon Bans Campaign Contributions On Gov Prop

Mac WatsonFebruary 18, 2026

Letter To The Editor: Public Lands Made Me a Hunter. Wyoming Should Lead in Protecting Them.

Dear editor: I urge legislators in both chambers to support SJ0009. It honors Wyoming’s sporting traditions, supports working landscapes, and keeps public lands available to the people who rely on them today and the generations riding in behind us.

February 18, 2026

Letter To The Editor: Rebecca Bextel Should Be Banned

Dear Editor: Does it really surprise anyone (anyone!) that it is Rebecca Bextel who perpetrated one of the most categorically shameless stunts ever to hit the Wyoming legislative chamber?

CSD StaffFebruary 18, 2026

Letter To The Editor: Seventeen Years Without Change — Wyoming’s Retirees Are Feeling It

Dear editor: For more than 17 years, Wyoming state retirees have gone without a single increase to their retirement. In that time, the cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and especially healthcare has steadily climbed.

February 18, 2026

Former Wyoming Rep. James Byrd Announces Run For U.S. Senate

Former Democratic state Rep. James Byrd could square off against U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman for a U.S. Senate seat, if both win in their primary elections.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 18, 2026

Return Of Winter Leads To Multiple Crashes On Wyoming's Highways

A return of winter led to multi-vehicle crashes and several semitrailer blow-overs across Wyoming on Tuesday. The Wyoming Highway Patrol was busy responding to multiple crashes involving 16-20 vehicles with confirmed injuries.

Andrew RossiFebruary 18, 2026

Rocky, a Labrador-boxer mix, escaped his harness during a walk near the mountain town of Montezuma, Colorado, on Dec. 28. He was rescued last week, having survived alone for 43 days in subzero nights and wolf territory.

Dog Rescued After 43 Days Lost In The Colorado Rockies

Rocky, a Labrador-boxer mix, survived alone for 43 days in subzero nights in the Colorado mountains after escaping from his harness on a walk. “He’s a survivor,” said the rescuer. “He went from 50 pounds down to 26 pounds. He went against all the odds.”

Andrew RossiFebruary 18, 2026

In response to what's become known as "CheckGate," Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday banned campaign contributions on state property. So did the Senate in areas it controls. Meanwhile, the state's top election official, Chuck Gray, remains silent on the controversy.

Gordon Bans Campaign Donations On State Property, Chuck Gray Silent

Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday banned campaign contributions on state property. So did the Senate, in areas it controls, in response to the "CheckGate" controversy. Meanwhile, the state's top election official, Chuck Gray, remains silent on the controversy.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 17, 2026

Page 8