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As NIL money reshapes college athletics, the state's only Division I program turns to analytics — and a Gillette native's vision — to compete against schools with deeper pockets. It’s a new pay-to-play landscape for the University of Wyoming. Men's basektball coach Sundance Wicks uses a "Moneyball" approach to identify under-the-radar talent he can use his NIL money for.

Pay To Play: University Of Wyoming's Battle To Remain Division I In An NIL World

The new reality facing the University of Wyoming is to maintain its major Division I athletic programs, it needs to generate revenue that is paid to players. Will Wyoming keep up as its rivals like Colorado State and BYU build war chests to pay for top players?

David MadisonDecember 20, 2025

At 12, Haylee Cole’s father murdered her mother and tried to blame Haylee for the crime. He's since been convicted of the killing and won't ever get out of prison. Haylee has turned her family tragedy into help for others.

After Dad Murders Mom And Blames Daughter, She Turns Her Tragedy Into Help

At 12, Haylee Cole’s father murdered her mother and tried to blame Haylee for the crime. He's since been convicted of the killing and won't ever get out of prison. The Lander woman has turned her family tragedy into help for others.

Jen KocherDecember 20, 2025

About 3,200 of Lexington, Nebraska’s 11,000 residents work at a huge Tyson Foods beef processing plant — for another month. News that the plant will close next month was an unexpected “gut punch” many fear will devastate this rural cow town.

‘A Gut Punch’: Nebraska Town Shell-Shocked By Tyson Closing Huge Beef Plant

About 3,200 of Lexington, Nebraska’s 11,000 residents work at a huge Tyson Foods beef processing plant — for another month. News that the plant will close next month was an unexpected “gut punch” many fear will devastate this rural cow town.

Greg JohnsonDecember 20, 2025

Cowgirls and ranch hands are the true innovators behind today’s Western style, not celebrity bandwagon jumpers. When it comes to fashion or function, dressing like a cowboy — or girl — is all about attitude, not wardrobe. At the National Finals Redeo in Las Vegas, Aspen Edge gets a new Western look.

Beyond the Bandwagon: The Real Pioneers of Western Style

When supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid this year made the cover of Vogue magazine on the strength of a Western-wear photo shoot in Jackson, they were merely jumping on the bandwagon. The real style pioneers are the cowgirls and ranch hands who live the Western lifestyle.

Zakary SonntagDecember 21, 2025

Traxton Rex Bennett (aka “T-Rex”) can’t be home in Big Piney for Christmas. He's in a Utah hospital fighting a rare form of Leukemia. He has lots of support, including two big brothers who are arguing over who gets to be his bone marrow donor.

Big Piney Toddler Battles Leukemia As Brothers Compete To Be Donor

Traxton Rex Bennett (aka “T-Rex”) can’t be home in Big Piney for Christmas. He's in a Utah hospital fighting a rare form of Leukemia. He has lots of support, including two big brothers who are arguing over who gets to be his bone marrow donor.

Mark HeinzDecember 20, 2025

The Wyoming Department of Transportation wants to use federal money to support an EV charger building spree.

Wyoming Aims To Turn EV Charging Into A New Post-Pump Marketplace

Wyoming recently won federal approval to expand its EV charging network beyond the interstates, and the state plans to kick-start development of a new post-pump marketplace for EV charging.

David MadisonDecember 20, 2025

Vince and Warren Meyer are making sure the Santa Go Pokes legend lives on for Christmas.

Go Pokes! Despite Death Of Steamboat's Owner, Lighted Wyoming Santa Rides On.

For more than two decades, thousands of people each year drive by a Cheyenne house to see a lighted 10-foot Santa riding Steamboat, Wyoming's iconic bucking bronco. Despite the death of its owner earlier this year, her family continues the "Santa Go Pokes!" tradition.

Renée JeanDecember 20, 2025

Dry and brown conditions outside of the Wyoming Supreme Court building on Saturday, December 20, 2025

Most Of Wyoming Will Have A Gross, Dry, Brown Christmas This Year

After a month of above-average temperatures, below-average precipitation and intense windstorms, the same weather patterns that prevented snow from reaching Wyoming will continue through Christmas. Forecasters say, expect a brown Christmas.

Andrew RossiDecember 20, 2025

When Prohibition began in 1919, Joe Carey made bank-funded runs to Canada to “import liquor” for the good citizens of Greybull. He did so well that he was able to buy several businesses, including the Greybull Hotel, and retired from the “importing business” in 1923 to marry and raise his family.

Wyoming History: Rum Runner Joe Carey Ran Greybull’s Underworld In The 1920s

During Prohibition, 23-year-old Joe Carey of Greybull ran bootleg liquor from Canada with help from a local banker. His daring rum runs made him rich enough to buy businesses and go legit once Prohibition ended.

Jackie DorothyDecember 21, 2025

Train derailment near the former town of Federal, Wyoming, on Friday, December 19, 2025

Massive Train Derailment Occurs 17 Miles Northwest Of Cheyenne

A BNSF train carrying dozens of double-stacked freight cars derailed early Friday morning northwest of Cheyenne. Although no cause has been given, residents blame the wind. "This is the worst wind we've ever seen, and it’s been blowing for days now."

Andrew Rossi & Jimmy OrrDecember 19, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon has received five formal requests to remove county officials from office. Former Wyoming governors Mike Sullivan, from left, Jim Geringer, and Dave Freudenthal can't recall getting any such requests.

Former Wyoming Governors Say Requests To Remove County Officials Unprecedented

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has received five clusters of complaints asking him to oust county officials from their offices. Three former Wyoming governors on Friday called that number unprecedented, citing growing political strife.

Clair McFarlandDecember 20, 2025

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Sheridan EMT And Family Escape Blaze But Lose Home In Wind-Whipped Fire

An EMT, his wife and their two young children escaped a blaze fanned by 50-mph winds early Thursday. Sheridan Fire and Rescue reported the winds hampered efforts to save the property, which burned to the ground. The family lost everything.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 19, 2025

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Lummis Announces She's Not Running For Re-Election

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, the first woman elected to the Senate from Wyoming, on Friday announced she is not running for a second term. She said, "“in the difficult, exhausting session weeks this fall I’ve come to accept that I do not have six more years in me.”

Clair McFarland & Jimmy OrrDecember 19, 2025

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With New Sublette County Helium Plant, Wyoming Will Supply 30% Of World's Helium

A new helium plant in Sublette County will boost Wyoming’s share of global helium output to about 30% and generate nearly $2 billion in taxes and royalties. The plant begins construction on May 1, 2026.

Renée JeanDecember 19, 2025

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Wyoming Awards $100 Million To BWXT For Nuclear Fuel Plant In Gillette

Gov. Mark Gordon on Friday announced that $100 million in matching funds will be awarded to BWXT to build a nuclear fuel plant in Gillette. He said the award is about ensuring Wyoming is competitive with other states that are also vying for these projects. 

Renée JeanDecember 20, 2025

A cow elk viciously stomping a mountain lion, and her own calf, is indicative of the pressure Idaho elk feel from predators, a hunter said.

Cow Elk Stomps Mountain Lion In Desperate Bid To Save Calf

Caught between wolves, mountain lions and grizzly bears, elk are struggling to fend off predators. A trail camera video shows the elk's desperation as it viciously pummels a mountain lion that has her calf by the neck.

Mark HeinzDecember 19, 2025

Starlings fly in a tight, swirling pattern called “murmuration” over farmland north of Torrington.

Weird Bird Tornado Near Torrington Was A Wild Flight Of Starlings

A swirling “bird tornado” over farmland near Torrington turned out to be a flock of European starlings. While a sight to see, starlings are an invasive species in Wyoming that harm native birds and crops.

Mark HeinzDecember 19, 2025

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Five Wyoming Measles Cases Linked To Out-Of-State Travel

Wyoming health officials are urging people to protect vulnerable children and those who have compromised immune systems from the measles, following five new cases identified in Fremont County. The new cases were traced to out-of-state travel.

Renée JeanDecember 19, 2025

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Casper Police Department Asks For Help Finding Stabbing Suspect

Casper police are asking for help in finding a 41-year-old stabbing suspect involved in an incident that left an adult with serious injuries. The suspect's facial tattoos could be of assistance in locating him.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 19, 2025

The strongest wind gust recorded during Wyoming's Wednesday windstorm was a mind-blowing 144 mph. It occurred at the summit of one of the state's most notoriously windy places, Mount Coffin in Lincoln County.

144 MPH Wind Gust On Wednesday One Of The Strongest Ever Recorded in Wyoming

The 144 mph wind guest on Mount Coffin in Lincoln County on Wednesday was one of the strongest wind gusts ever recorded in Wyoming, but not a record. The highest, according to the National Weather Service, was 165 mph set in 2017, also on Mount Coffin.

Andrew RossiDecember 18, 2025

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz and wind farm

Wyoming AG Appeals Wind Lease Ruling As Gordon, Gray Clash Over Decision

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday he's appealing a ruling that voided a wind lease on state lands. He said the appeal is bigger than the wind issue, as widespread interpretations of state laws also hinge upon it.

Clair McFarland & David MadisonDecember 19, 2025

Nearly four months after committee approval, U.S. Senate confirmation is imminent for Wyoming’s Brian Nesvik as head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sen. John Barrasso on Wednesday blasted Democrats for blocking Trump’s nominees.

New Wildlife Chief Brian Nesvik Says Grizzly Delisting Could Be Two Years Away

New U.S. wildlife chief Brian Nesvik told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that It could take another two years to work through an analysis of the data on grizzlies and reach a final decision regarding delisting. As for hunting, he said that would be left to the states to decide.

Mark HeinzDecember 19, 2025

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Wind-Whipped Fire Forces Cheyenne Families To Abandon Homes, Christmas Presents

Families scrambled to evacuate themselves and their pets after 70 mph winds sparked a fire south of Cheyenne on Wednesday evening threatening two subdivisions. More than 100 firefighters converged to put out the grassfires and 40 homes remained evacuated.

Renée JeanDecember 18, 2025

A snowmobile chases a wolf across a snowy landscape in Canada.

House Bill Targets Wolf ‘Whacking’ With Snowmobiles On Federal Land

For the second time in as many years, a bipartisan coalition introduced a bill in the U.S. House to ban using snowmobiles to run over wolves and other predators on federal lands. The act was inspired by the alleged wolf torture in Wyoming in 2024.

Mark HeinzDecember 18, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump displays an executive order with Howard Kessler (R) that Trump signed in the Oval Office of the White House on December 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. During the ceremony, Trump signed the order reclassifying marijuana as a schedule III drug.

Trump's Move To Soften Marijuana Rules Could Push Wyoming To Do The Same

Saying Americans should have more access to medical marijuana, President Donald Trump took steps Thursday toward downgrading its federal classification. The move could push Wyoming to do the same, or announce why it won’t.

Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2025

The former owners of a house on Thorndike Avenue in Casper and a journalist who wrote a story on it have gone public warning potential bidders to beware of the property.

Casper ‘House From Hell’ Once Covered In Deadly Mold Heads To Auction

A mold-infested Casper home with a failing foundation, once owned by a former councilman, is headed to auction with no inspections allowed. The ex-owners and a reporter are warning bidders it could be a financial and health disaster.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 18, 2025

Deputies in northern Wyoming have been searching for weeks for Anthony Pease, a Byron man reportedly wanted on six counts of felony sexual assault of a minor. Authorities believe people are helping the man avoid arrest.

Wyoming Manhunt For Fugitive Sex Assault Suspect Enters Second Month

Deputies in northern Wyoming have been searching for weeks for Anthony Pease, a Byron man reportedly wanted on six counts of felony sexual assault of a minor. Authorities believe people are helping the man avoid arrest.

Clair McFarlandDecember 18, 2025

State Sen. Anthony Bouchard, R-Cheyenne

Sued For Defamation, Former State Senator Says WyoFile Should Be Sued Too  

Sued for defamation on claims he hurt the reputation of Casper businessman Reid Rasner, former state Sen. Anthony Bouchard is calling for the news outlet WyoFile to be sued as well after it republished another paper's story, which was critical of Rasner.  

Clair McFarlandDecember 18, 2025

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Hageman Blames Southern Poverty Law Center For Inciting Political Violence

Rep. Harriet Hageman on Tuesday said the Southern Poverty Law Center demonizes mainstream conservatives and fosters a climate for political violence. At the hearing it was noted Charlie Kirk was labeled an extremist by the group one day before he was killed.

Sean BarryDecember 18, 2025

At least part of the Dec.1 complaint in which Platte County residents asked Gov. Mark Gordon to remove their commissioners from office is false, documents show.

Platte County Complaint Against Commissioners Contain False Claims

At least part of the Dec.1 complaint in which Platte County residents asked Gov. Mark Gordon to remove their commissioners from office is false, documents show. Other parts are hotly disputed, multiple public officials told Cowboy State Daily this week.

Clair McFarlandDecember 17, 2025

Hoback, a famous bull moose in Grand Teton National Park, was the first of the park’s moose to start shedding his antlers, on Dec. 10.

Beginning Of The End For Hoback, Grand Teton National Park's Most Famous Moose

Wildlife photographers say the reign of Hoback, the most famous moose in the Grand Tetons, could be coming to an end. Estimated to be around 18 years old, he shed his antlers early this year and is suffering from a recent wolf attack.

Mark HeinzDecember 17, 2025

A Daniel man accused of running over a wolf with a snowmobile, bringing it injured into a bar, taunting it, then shooting it pleaded not guilty Monday. The hearing unfolded via virtual link with 54 attendees, and untold quantities listening on another streaming service.

Cody Roberts Asks Judge To Dismiss Case, Says Charge Stretches Law 

Cody Roberts, the Daniel, Wyoming, man accused of torturing a wolf before killing it is asking a judge to drop a felony animal cruelty charge. His attorney says the state stretched the law to prosecute him.

Clair McFarlandDecember 18, 2025

Sweetwater County School District No. 1 leadership is under fire after parents and community members on social media accused a Rock Springs High School administrator of wearing an orange wristband that includes acronyms that stand for vulgar phrases. 

Rock Springs Parents Blast School District Over Vulgar Wristband

Parents and community members are outraged over reports a wristband reading “Follow Policy + FAFO + GFY” was worn by a school official. The district is reviewing the complaint but won’t discuss specific personnel.

Kate MeadowsDecember 18, 2025

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Wyoming Blasted By 123 Mph Winds On Wednesday And More Wind To Come

Wyoming was hammered Wednesday by hurricane-force winds up to 123 mph. Highways closed, semis blew over, and forecasters are calling for more wind and higher than average temperatures heading into Christmas.

Andrew RossiDecember 17, 2025

Ford announced Monday it is discontinuing the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup after just three-and-a-half years in production, taking a $19.5 billion write-down as part of a major strategic pivot away from large battery-electric vehicles.

Rocky Mountain Auto Dealers Not Surprised Ford Discontinues Electric Pickup

Auto dealers in the Rocky Mountain region said they weren't surprised with Ford's announcement that the company was discontinuing its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup. "I saw this coming. So we greatly scaled-back our ordering," one dealer said.

David MadisonDecember 17, 2025

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Missing Rock Springs Woman Last Seen Leaving Bus Station With Unknown Man

Rock Springs police and family of a missing Rock Springs woman are requesting the public’s help in locating her. Searra Gentry, who family says struggles with mental health, was last seen Tuesday getting into a pickup truck with an unknown male.

Jen KocherDecember 18, 2025

Decades after arsenic contamination shut down the Nedlog and Williams Strategic Metals plant south of Laramie, the EPA is moving ahead with a plan to finally finish removing arsenic and mercury from the site.

EPA Launches Final Cleanup Push at Laramie’s Long-Polluted Metals Site

Decades after arsenic contamination shut down the Nedlog and Williams Strategic Metals plant south of Laramie, the EPA is moving ahead with a plan to finally finish removing arsenic and mercury from the site.

Renée JeanDecember 17, 2025

Colorado is touting the Greenland overpass along Interstate 25 south of Denver as one of the largest wildlife crossings in the world.

Largest Wildlife Crossing In U.S. Opens In Colorado But Animals Aren't Using It Yet

Work is finished on what’s being touted as North America’s largest wildlife crossing bridge south of Denver — but it’s been so warm, animals haven’t started using it yet. The 200-foot-wide, 209-foot-long Greenland overpass spans six lanes of I-25.

Mark HeinzDecember 17, 2025

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Why Scientists Are So Intrigued By 33-Billion-Ton Comet 3I/ATLAS

Comet 3I/ATLAS, a 33-billion-ton object that's older than our solar system, will make its closest approach to Earth on Friday. Scientists are captivated by its unusual "anti-tail." It's a phenomenon that indicates there's a lot more to this object than meets the eye

Andrew RossiDecember 17, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, December 21, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Sue Ruby. Sue writes, "A stunning sunrise west of Gillette. A great way to start the day!

Photo by Sue Ruby

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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Legacy 16

Creating a Legacy in Comprehensive Dental Care

Legacy Dental is a new dental partnership built upon the foundation of generational practice and guided by the principles of bringing innovative and comprehensive care to patients in need.

November 21, 2025

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

Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: A Love Letter To My Wife Nancy On Her Birthday

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “When you have spent 60 years with your best friend, the person you love, it is appropriate to write her a personal love letter. This is my best attempt.”

Bill SniffinDecember 13, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Colorado Should Honor Trump’s Pardon of Clerk Tina Peters

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Late Thursday, President Trump announced he was issuing a full pardon for Tina Peters. This has been a long time coming, and will certainly provoke a fiery response from the Left. I hope this national hero can come home for Christmas."

Jonathan LangeDecember 12, 2025

Scott clem

Scott Clem: Free Speech — The Unpopular Truth We Don’t Want to Hear

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "Christians must defend truth without becoming jerks for Jesus. Boldness must be paired with humility and love. Respect the office, but reserve the right to tell the present holder of the office that he or she is out of line."

Scott ClemDecember 12, 2025

Wyoming Life

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