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After a five-year hiatus, pig wrestling is set for a return at the Teton County Fair in 2026, but now county commissioners are reconsidering the event after activists have raised concerns that the tradition could be curel to the animal.

Pig Wrestling Returns To 2026 Teton County Fair — But Only For Kids And Women

After a six-year hiatus, pig wrestling will return for the 2026 Teton County Fair, but only for kids and women — and all must complete animal care training. The decision follows heated debate over tradition versus animal welfare concerns.

Kate MeadowsNovember 20, 2025

U.S. Senate Republican leaders, including Wyoming’s John Barrasso, inset, allowed legislation on the Epstein files to pass Wednesday with no debate or amendments. They ingnored U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s insistence on changes.

Barrasso, Senate GOP Ignore House Leader And Pass Bill To Release Epstein Files

U.S. Senate Republican leaders, including Wyoming’s John Barrasso, allowed legislation on the Epstein files to pass Wednesday with no debate or amendments. They ingnored U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s insistence on changes.

Sean BarryNovember 19, 2025

Shayne Patrick Burke, a 35-year-old military veteran from Massachusetts, says he's lucky to survive an attack by an angry momma grizzly in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. In an Instagram post detailing the attack, he says it was the most violent experience of his life and he has no ill feelings toward the bear.

Wyoming Wants A Health Plan For Bear Attacks And Other ‘Catastrophic’ Events

The odds of getting hit by a bus or attacked by an angry grizzly bear are astronomically low, but they do happen. Wyoming health officials want to create what they call “BearCare,” a health plan for those and other “catastrophic” events.

Kate MeadowsNovember 19, 2025

Story resident Brad Jones had to duck behind his pickup after the rutting white-tailed deer he was watching took their fight to him Sunday. Late fall is rutting season for Wyoming's deer, which makes them more reckless, dangerous, and stupid.

Story Man Narrowly Avoids Being Wiped Out By Rutting White-Tailed Deer

Story resident Brad Jones had to duck behind his pickup after the rutting white-tailed deer he was watching took their fight to him Sunday. Late fall is rutting season for Wyoming's deer, which makes them more reckless and dangerous.

Andrew RossiNovember 19, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray, from left, Gov. Mark Gordon, and State Treasurer Curt Meier.

Gray 'Alarmed' Gordon Doesn't Back His Request For Extra Money

Secretary of State Chuck Gray claims Gov. Mark Gordon isn't including money to advertise a property tax ballot initiative in his biennial budget. Gordon says Gray managed to fulfill his publication requirements before without extra money.

Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2025

Wyoming lawmakers advanced five bills Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, to tighten control over slot-style gaming, citing its explosive growth. Industry leaders defended the machines as vital to funding live horse racing and rural economic activity.

Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Five Bills To Rein In Slot-Machine-Like Gaming

Wyoming lawmakers advanced five bills Tuesday to tighten control over slot-machine-like gaming, citing its explosive growth. Industry leaders defended the machines as vital to funding live horse racing and rural economic activity.

Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2025

Campbell County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, banning the storage of high-level nuclear waste in the county. They say it’s a message that as Wyoming’s nuclear industry grows, Campbell County has no intentions of becoming a nuclear waste dump.

Campbell County’s Nuclear Solution: Ban Storage Of High-Level Waste

Campbell County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday banning the storage of high-level nuclear waste in the county. They say it’s a message that as Wyoming’s nuclear industry grows, Campbell County has no intentions of becoming a nuclear waste dump.

David MadisonNovember 18, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Wednesday, November 19, 2025

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

Jake NicholsNovember 19, 2025

Wyoming is bucking a national trend by growing its horse racing industry. But legislators want more control of the gaming terminals that support its big purses amid complaints the state is looking too much like Montana.

Wyoming Horse Racing Is Thriving, But Legislators Want More Regulation

Wyoming is bucking a national trend by growing its horse racing industry. But legislators want more control of the gaming terminals that support its big purses amid complaints the state is looking too much like Montana.

Renée JeanNovember 18, 2025

Wildlife experts say a man was foolish and inconsiderate to press within a few yards of a group of juvenile wolves in Yellowstone National Park. On a video of the incident, onlookers remark that, "This could end very badly for that guy."

Dimwitted Man Taunts Yellowstone Wolves: 'This Could End Really Badly For That Guy'

Wildlife experts say a man was foolish and inconsiderate to press within a few yards of a group of juvenile wolves in Yellowstone. On a video of the incident, onlookers remark that, "This could end really badly for that guy."

Mark HeinzNovember 19, 2025

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It Could Take Months To Pinpoint What Caused Massive Power Outage

It could take months to pinpoint what caused two high-voltage lines to trip near Medicine Bow last week, resulting in an unprecedented blackout for about 100,000 customers of multiple utility companies across Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 19, 2025

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who grew up in Casper, will be laid to rest Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Washington National Cathedral. The private funeral will draw national leaders, with daughter Liz Cheney among the speakers.

Dick Cheney To Be Laid To Rest Thursday At Washington Cathedral

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who grew up in Casper, will be laid to rest Thursday at Washington National Cathedral. The private funeral will draw national leaders, with daughter Liz Cheney among the speakers.

Kate MeadowsNovember 19, 2025

An oft-painted rock south of the Wyoming-Colorado border demands the release of the Epstein files. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, the U.S. House nearly unanimously passed a bill 427-1 to open the files, including Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman.

Hageman — And 426 Other House Members — Vote To Release Epstein Files

The U.S. House was one vote shy of unanimously voting to require President Trump release the Epstein files Tuesday. That included a yes vote from Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman. Sen. Cynthia Lummis says she also supports disclosing the files.

Sean BarryNovember 18, 2025

Sebastian A.K. Belden, 21, of Cheyenne pleaded guilty Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Natrona County District Court to shooting a 16-year-old boy in the head as they played “quick draw” with loaded firearms on Mother’s Day.

Cheyenne Man Who Shot Teen In Head During Game Of ‘Quick Draw’ Pleads Guilty

A 21-year-old Cheyenne man pleaded guilty Tuesday to shooting a 16-year-old friend in the head while playing a game of “quick draw” on Mother’s Day. He also asked witnesses to lie to police about the shooting.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 18, 2025

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service game warden inspects the carcass of Slingshot, a famous mule deer buck at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

Slingshot, Colorado’s Famed Giant Mule Deer, Dies After Brutal Buck Fight

Slingshot, a massive and beloved mule deer at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal refuge near Denver, died Sunday after likely being gored by another buck during the rut. Wildlife fans are mourning the popular deer known for his gigantic antlers.

Mark HeinzNovember 18, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon is asking the Wyoming Legislature for an $11.13 billion biennial state budget, up about $755 million from the prior budget cycle's $10.38 billion. It includes nearly $3 billion for the Department of Health.

Governor Gordon Proposes $11.13 Billion Two-Year Budget

Gov. Mark Gordon is asking the Wyoming Legislature for an $11.13 billion biennial state budget, up about $755 million from the prior budget cycle's $10.38 billion. It includes nearly $3 billion for the Department of Health.

Clair McFarlandNovember 18, 2025

Hallie Blake's pit bull pup Lily, who had to be put down after being poisoned with antifreeze.

Daughter Of Rock Springs Police Chief Accused Of Poisoning Roommate's Dog 

Accused of poisoning her roommate’s dog so it had to be put down, the 19-year-old daughter of the Rock Springs police chief is charged with felony animal cruelty. The dog's owner doesn't agree with backlash against the chief, saying he's a "good person."

Clair McFarlandNovember 17, 2025

This woman, identified as Daniela Ganassim Erisen of Ivins, Utah, is shown on surveillance video vandlizing a petroglyph wall.

Wyoming Archaeologists Cheer Utah Woman’s Sentencing For Vandalizing Petroglyphs

A Utah woman’s Monday sentencing for carving several figures into a petroglyph wall is being cheered by archaeologists in Wyoming. That’s because vandalism is a growing problem at Wyoming’s 666 petroglyph sites, and around the West.

Andrew RossiNovember 18, 2025

County delegates work during Saturday's state GOP meeting in Torrington.

Wyoming GOP Tells State To Report Those Who 'Glorify’ Assassinations

Referencing the Charlie Kirk assassination, Wyoming GOP leaders passed a resolution Saturday in Torrington asking state authorities to investigate and potentially discipline public employees who celebrate such killings.

Clair McFarlandNovember 18, 2025

Mitchell Wolfe found this bull elk Saturday morning near a roadside south of Rock Springs. The bull was utterly exhausted, after being tangled in a barbed wire fence for hours.

Wyoming Hunter Saves Elk Tangled In Barbed Wire From A Slow, Miserable Death

A Wyoming oil field worker said his heart sank Saturday when he saw an exhausted bull elk trapped in a barbed wire fence facing a slow, miserable death. He untangled the elk, praying it would survive. It did.

Mark HeinzNovember 17, 2025

Travis Clyde’s world changed forever the day a welding explosion burned him to the bone, fractured his skull and left him clinging to life. Doctors say the Jeffrey City husband and father of five faces at least a year of recovery.

Months After Caught In Explosion, Jeffrey City Rancher Is Home, Glad To Be Alive

Rancher Travis Clyde, 47, was severely burned and injured in an explosion in July, suffering third- and fourth-degree burns. He is now back on his Jeffrey City ranch, thankful to be alive and glad for the outpouring of support his family has received.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 17, 2025

A night of intensely colorful auroras put on a show over Wyoming and much of the Northern Hemisphere Tuesday night. They were so powerful that even photographers with decades of experience capturing auroras say they were the “best ever” seen in Wyoming.

What Creates The Dazzling Colors Of Auroras Over Wyoming? It's All Elevation

Nearly every color of aurora could be seen as far south as Mexico during last week's "best ever" atmospheric event over Wyoming. What create's those colors? It's all about elevation and a fortunate collision of timing, placement, and intensity.

Andrew RossiNovember 17, 2025

These two horses have been missing somewhere north of Moran since Oct. 27, the Teton County Sheriff's Office reports.

Thermal Drone Could Help Find Horses Missing Three Weeks In Wyoming Backcountry

Two horses have been missing north of Moran in Wyoming’s backcountry since late October. While a search for the pack animals continues, a thermal imaging drone pilot from Idaho is ready to help find them if called.

David MadisonNovember 17, 2025

A buffalo on Cedar Mountain overlooking Cody has been restored to its original condition by a local group. The statue, which honors the town’s famous founder, Buffalo Bill Cody, was in bad shape after having been shot up and vandalized over the years.

Shot Up And Vandalized Over The Years, Buffalo Statue Overlooking Cody Restored

A buffalo on Cedar Mountain overlooking Cody has been restored to its original condition by a local group. The statue, which honors the town’s famous founder, Buffalo Bill Cody, was in bad shape after having been shot up and vandalized over the years.

Amber SteinmetzNovember 17, 2025

Bill Schilling accepts a plaque recognizing his lifetime achievements in Wyoming from Brent Hathaway. Schilling's signature accomplishments include helping to create the Hathaway Scholarship, named after the late Stan Hathaway, who served two terms as Governor in 1966 and 1970.

Bill Schilling Powered Wyoming’s College Revolution With The Hathaway Scholarship

Bill Schilling helped create Wyoming’s Hathaway Scholarship, opening college doors for thousands statewide. His enduring impact is felt through the opportunities the scholarship has given Wyoming students over four decades.

Renée JeanNovember 17, 2025

Rae drinks vodka Red Bull at the bar with the lights out at the Bayou Bar in Mills, Wyoming.

Day Drinking With The ‘Millbillies’ During A Power Outage

Day drinking is underrated. It's playfully subversive, and also a little edgy, like a statement that tells the world, “I do what I want, when I want!” Even the power going out doesn’t phase the day-drinking “Millbillies” at the Bayou Bar in Mills.

Zakary SonntagNovember 16, 2025

A Fox Business reporter listens with the press pool as Gov. Mark Gordon, from left, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, center, and Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins talk about the rare earth potential at the Brook Mine near Ranchester, Wyoming, on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Ramaco’s Rare Earth Claims Draw Fierce Scrutiny From Geologists, Short-Sellers

Ramaco’s Brook Mine project in Wyoming, touted as a rare earth bonanza, is drawing fierce scrutiny from geologists and short-sellers. The company stands by its pitch to investors and says criticisms are a smear campaign in search of a payday.

David MadisonNovember 16, 2025

A home for sale in Cheyenne in this file photo.

Trump’s 50-Year Mortgage: Crazy, Or Crazy Like A Fox?

President Donald Trump has floated the idea of 50-year mortgages to help people afford to buy homes in America. Some are calling it a crazy idea, while others says it's crazy like a fox and will spark a new wave of home ownership.

Renée JeanNovember 17, 2025

After losing a bet on a horse race, Moreton Frewen — Winston Churchill’s uncle — declared he was moving to Wyoming to get into the cattle business. Along with his brother and a band of outlaws, Frewen became an unlikely Cowboy State cattle baron.

Wyoming History: The British Adventurer Who Lost A Bet And Became A Cattle Baron

After losing a bet on a horse race, Moreton Frewen — who would become Winston Churchill’s uncle — declared he was moving to Wyoming to get into the cattle business. Along with his brother and a band of outlaws, Frewen became an unlikely cattle baron.

Jackie DorothyNovember 16, 2025

Wyoming pilot Matt Guthmiller, right, and Mexican comedian Juanpa Zurita are featured in the Disney+ comedy series “The Worst Flight Around The World.”

Wyoming Pilot Who Owns A Fighter Jet Co-Stars In New Disney+ Comedy

Pilot Matt Guthmiller of Alpine, Wyoming, owns his own fighter jet and was the youngest person to fly solo around the world in 2014. His latest adventure is co-starring in a new Disney+ comedy series, “The Worst Flight Around The World."

Mark HeinzNovember 16, 2025

Gillette, Wyoming, Judge Paul Phillips — aka author James Chandler — hand-writes best-selling legal thrillers inspired by his courtroom experiences. His books are being considered for a TV docuseries as his writing career takes off.

Wyoming Judge’s Secret Life Is Hand-Writing Top-Selling Legal Thrillers

Gillette Judge Paul Phillips — aka author James Chandler — has written 8 best-selling legal thrillers inspired by his life experiences. He just signed a deal with a major Hollywood producer with the goal of turning his book “Misjudged" into a 6 to 8-part docuseries.

Jen KocherNovember 15, 2025

Cody’s Adrian Jay was a starry-eyed aspiring musician when he was taken in by Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis. But he washed out of the L.A. music scene on the way to finding love, faith and his musical voice in small-town Wyoming.

That Time Red Hot Chili Peppers Frontman Anthony Kiedis Took In A Cody Musician

Cody’s Adrian Jay Mitchell was a starry-eyed aspiring musician when he was taken in by Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis. While he didn't make it the L.A. music scene, he found love, faith and his musical voice in small-town Wyoming.

David MadisonNovember 16, 2025

Interpretive Ranger Jessica Moore wanted visitors to have unique experiences at Sinks Canyon State Park, so she helped spearhead a program that takes visitors underground in a network of caves that lead to an underground river. An average of 20 people a month can explore the caverns and experience a place that few people will ever see.

There's A Whole Other World To Explore Under Wyoming's Sinks Canyon State Park

Sinks Canyon State Park is famous for its "disappearing river," but that's not all there is to see at the Fremont County destination. A series of caves offer a whole other world to explore underneath Sinks Canyon — for the lucky few allowed in.

Jackie DorothyNovember 16, 2025

This man is suspected of being the serial luggage thief who has been swiping baggage from travelers at Denver International Airport for months. That has Cowboy State residents who frequently fly out of DIA on alert, while smaller Wyoming airports say they don't have the same problem.

Serial Luggage Thief Keeps Ripping Off Bags At DIA; Wyoming Airports Don't Have That Problem

A serial luggage thief has been swiping baggage from travelers at Denver International Airport for months. That has Wyoming residents who frequently fly in and out of DIA on alert, while smaller Wyoming airports say they don't have the same problem.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 16, 2025

Eric Crock with his friend and former student Rhianna Brand, flashing Crock's familiar 4 Life sign that signifies they're friends long after school ends.

When Cheyenne Teacher Told Students He’d Have Their Backs For Life, He Meant It

When Cheyenne teacher Eric Crock told his students he'd have their back for life, he meant it. Decades later, students say they've never had anyone so supportive, genuine, or truly there for them -- for life.

David MadisonNovember 16, 2025

A new fitness craze has made it to Wyoming. Riculous Bungee Fitness has recently opened its doors in Laramie. While on the surface, the fad looks ridiculous, it's actually a smart way to workout, because it eases stress on joints.

I Tried Ridiculous Bungee Fitness, And It Wasn’t As Ridiculous As I Thought

Fat bodies flying through the air, attached to a bungee cord. Sounds like a perfect Saturday Night Live skit. But the TikTok trend has just shown up in Wyoming, and fans say it’s a ridiculously smart way to workout.

Renée JeanNovember 16, 2025

Over the course of about four hours, Brooke Foth estimates that she plucked more than 1,000 quills from a dead porcupine, which is more than enough to keep her busy for the next year.

Montana Woman Plucks Her Own Quills From Porcupines To Make Unique Jewelry

When a porcupine became a farm pest, Montana jeweler Brooke Foth turned its quills into art. It took about four hours to pluck 1,000 quills from the dead rodent to craft her unique jewelry creations.

Anna-Louise JacksonNovember 16, 2025

Leo Feller, 5, of Hurricane, Utah, suffered a brutal dog attack that left him with severe facial injuries. The attack is similar to one suffered by Bridger Walker of Cheyenne, who was then 6 and now 11, who had to get 90 stitches to sew up his face when he got between a vicious dog to save his younger sister. The Walker family has reached out to Leo's family with an offer of help and support.

Wyoming Hero Who Saved Sister Reaches Out To Utah Boy Attacked By Dog

A recent dog attack that severely hurt a 5-year-old Utah boy has prompted an offer of help from the Cheyenne family of Bridger Walker. Walker was severely attacked and hailed a hero for protecting his sister from a vicious German shepherd in 2020.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 15, 2025

Larry Bentley, inset right, was hired by Ashley Kent Carrithers, left, to trail 30 quarter horses for 450 miles alone across Wyoming and into Colorado. It was 1984, and Bentley took these horses over the Outlaw Trail, where the Hole in the Wall gang used to trail their stolen horses 80 years before.

450-Mile Solo Horse Drive In 1984 Was One Of Wyoming's Last Over Outlaw Trail

Larry Bentley was hired to trail 30 quarter horses for 450 miles alone across Wyoming and into Colorado. It was 1984, and Bentley took these horses over the Outlaw Trail, where the Hole in the Wall gang used to trail their stolen horses 80 years before.

Jackie DorothyNovember 15, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Heath Harrower in Sublette County. Heath writes, "County 23 high country at sunrise." 

Photo by Heath Harrower

Today's question to Don Day

Mark James Mullins of Douglas
In regard to your thunderstorm season article, can you reassess the data on a per-capita basis, especially when considering population of the states? It could affect me as I own a hill on my property which I plan a communications tower and likely will have a lightning rod installed when it goes in.
Don Day
FEMA has a good lightning database that takes into account lightning risk, potential property loss, etc. based on population and lightning frequency. Data is available on a county by county basis. Lots and lots of lightning data available here which may help in quest for more lightning information. https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/lightning
DD

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A volunteer with Food Bank of Wyoming helps sort and pack food at a mobile pantry in Pinedale in October 2025.

Government Shutdown Reveals Long Term Hunger Crisis in Wyoming

With the current hunger crisis stemming from the government shutdown, the Food Bank ramped up the amount of food it is sourcing and distributing, made possible thanks to donor support and emergency funds from the state.

November 17, 2025

John Hardee and Sean Michaels stand outside the Hilltop Bank branch in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Two Officers in Hilltop Bank’s Cheyenne Office Share an Uncannily Similar Career Story

Both Josh Hardee and Sean Michaels began their careers working in finance before they felt the calling to public service. Even if their day-to-day lives look a bit different these days—Hardee spent nearly two decades with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, while Michaels rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy during a decorated military career—the Hilltop officers say that calling to serve others has remained.

November 10, 2025

Cheyenne State Bank Exterior

Hilltop Bank to acquire Cheyenne State Bank

Hilltop Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cheyenne State Bank.

November 07, 2025

Opinion

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Tom Lubnau: Freedom Caucus – A Year In Review

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "The Freedom Caucus has never passed a budget. They are living off the wisdom of prior legislators, they call the 'insiders' or the 'elite.' We haven’t yet seen the long-term effect of their policies. They are living on the coat tails of those they ridicule."

Tom LubnauNovember 13, 2025

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Cassie Craven: Dumb Watchdogs Beware

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Don’t put your belief in people. Trump, leadership, a governor. They will all let you down. Put your belief in God. Something that is pure and true and good. Something that doesn’t involve killing and pretending to be what we are not."

Cassie CravenNovember 17, 2025

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Gail Symons: Leadership Wyoming Turns The Awkward Into Empathy

Columnist Gail Symons writes: "The payoff for Leadership Wyoming does not surface in a single headline. It shows up in quieter ways, years later. When a decision crosses their desks, the alumni conjure memories of coal dust, hospital waiting rooms, tribal offices, and rural main streets."

Gail SymonsNovember 17, 2025

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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