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A coal train rolls under stormy skies near Glendo, Wyoming. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's bid to create the largest rail merger in history was rejected last week by federal regulators. The decision gives breathing room to competitors who warned the deal would raise costs for Wyoming coal producers. Now, BNSF Railway hauls Powder River Basin coal across the West before handing off the shipments to Norfolk Southern.

Feds Reject Railroad Mega Merger That Threatened Wyoming Coal

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's bid to create the largest rail merger in history was rejected last week by federal regulators. The decision gives breathing room to competitors who warned the deal would raise costs for Wyoming coal producers.

David MadisonJanuary 19, 2026

A state legislative committee has denied $6.6 million Wyoming Public Television requested to fill a massive federal defunding effort. The decision, which isn’t final, includes $3 million for operations and a $3.6 million grant the feds rescinded.

So Far, Wyoming Says No To Replacing PBS Money Dropped By Feds

A state legislative committee has denied $6.6 million Wyoming Public Television requested to fill a massive federal defunding effort. The decision, which isn’t final, includes $3 million for operations and a $3.6 million grant the feds rescinded.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 19, 2026

Wolf 1478F was the latest member of Yellowstone National Park’s famed Junction Butte pack to be killed. She’s thought to have been illegally poached in Montana.

Wolf From Yellowstone’s Famous Junction Butte Pack May Have Been Poached

Another wolf from Yellowstone National Park's famous Junction Butte Pack killed in Montana is being investigated as a poaching, once again raising questions over wolf hunting near the park.

Mark HeinzJanuary 19, 2026

A spectacular aurora was dubbed one of the best ever seen in Wyoming last November.

Intense Solar Surge Headed For Earth, Which Means Auroras Across Wyoming

Wyomingites could see the first colorful auroras of the year starting Monday night as a massive surge of solar energy is expected to reach Earth's atmosphere.

Andrew RossiJanuary 19, 2026

Images of elk and deer with freakishly gargantuan antlers touted as the “new world record” pop up on social media, but the highly respected Boone and Crockett Club says those are probably captive animals that can’t make the official record books.

Why Captive Animal 'World Records' Are Banned From Official Hunting Records

Images of elk and deer with freakishly huge antlers touted as a “new world record” frequently pop up on social media. But the highly respected Boone and Crockett Club says those are probably captive animals that can’t make the official record books.

Mark HeinzJanuary 19, 2026

Darin Binning Jr., left, the 17-year-old son of a Laramie Olympic biathlete Darin Binning Sr., right, who competed in the 1988 Calgary games, now has the Olympics in his sights. With his dad as coach, they are working toward the son qualifying for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.

Laramie Olympian Coaching Teen Son With Eye On 2030 Games In French Alps

The 17-year-old son of a Laramie Olympic biathlete who competed in the 1988 Calgary games now has the Olympics in his sights. With his dad as coach, they are working toward the son qualifying for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 19, 2026

One of Wyoming's many Carbon County wind farms.

U.S. Wind Industry Faces Political Crosswinds, Blowback From Rural Communities

As federal subsidies phase out for new wind energy projects, wind developers and opponents are regrouping. In Wyoming and Nebraska, residents against large-scale developments say the fight has just begun.

David MadisonJanuary 18, 2026

The CK Gold Project west of Cheyenne has all its permits and is “shovel-ready,” the company’s board chairman says. That’s perfect timing with gold selling at record prices and estimates that could add another 1 million ounces to the mine’s production.

With Gold At Record Prices, Wyoming Mine Project Is ‘Shovel-Ready’

The CK Gold Project west of Cheyenne has all its permits and is “shovel-ready,” the company’s board chairman says. That’s perfect timing with gold selling at record prices and estimates that could add another 1 million ounces to the mine’s production.

Renée JeanJanuary 18, 2026

The Natural Grocers store in Casper is one of two in Wyoming, with the other in Cheyenne. Rock Springs will get the grocery retailer's third Cowboy State store.

How Rock Springs Beat Out Larger Wyoming Cities For A Natural Grocers Store

Natural Grocers nixed a Jackson location and decided on Rock Springs, beating out Gillette and Laramie for the chain’s third Wyoming location. "We’re excited to become the neighborhood grocery store and opening our doors in Rock Springs," the company said.

Renée JeanJanuary 19, 2026

Gerald Gay of Casper got his Outrider Coyote all-terrain wheelchair for hunting, but says it’s handy around town as well.

Rugged Electric Buggy Allows Disabled Casper Man To Hunt Wyoming Backcountry

Gerald Gay of Casper thought he’d never hunt off-road again after becoming partially disabled in 2016, but an all-terrain electric buggy has changed that. He says such vehicles could be a breakthrough for disabled hunters.

Mark HeinzJanuary 18, 2026

When Pete Smet Recycling acquired an old hearse from a Worland mortuary, workers built a platform and placed it alongside U.S. 16. It's a reminder that it's the "End of the Line" for scrap metal — and everyone who sees it.

Why The Heck Is There An "End Of The Line" Hearse Parked Permanently Outside Worland?

Wyoming has several strange and amusing sights along its highways including the Big Boy statue, the Smith Mansion, the “Fossil Cabin," and the gigantic Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument. And north of Worland, there’s the “End of the Line” hearse.

Andrew RossiJanuary 19, 2026

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Wyoming Has Triple The Permits Of Colo., But Drills Half As Many Oil And Gas Wells


Wyoming holds three times more oil and gas drilling permits than Colorado but drills far fewer wells. The numbers show that while Wyoming holds 8,600 permits to Colorado's 2,800 and North Dakota's 1,350, only 57% of wells will get drilled.

David MadisonJanuary 18, 2026

When historian and rancher Clay Gibbons saved the logs from an old cottonwood cabin, he was unaware that the rifle slots hand carved into the logs would have been protection against lawmen. The cabin was the temporary hideout for Teton Jackson, a notorious horse thief, who was captured in the cabin by Sheriff Frank Canton in 1885.

Wyoming Man Had No Idea His Pile Of Old Logs Was Outlaw’s 1885 Hideout Cabin

Historian Clay Gibbons unknowingly rescued a notorious outlaw's 1885 hideout cabin, complete with rifle slots from a sheriff’s raid. Gibbons discovered that not only had he stood in the cabin he was looking for, but the cabin was on Gibbons' own property.

Jackie DorothyJanuary 18, 2026

“Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues” is the only episode of “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" where Harrison Ford reprised his role of the adventurous archaeologist. A production team filmed for two days on Ford's Jackson Hole ranch.

Harrison Ford Once Filmed An Indiana Jones Adventure On His Jackson Ranch

“Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues” is the only episode of “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" where Harrison Ford reprised his role of the adventurous archaeologist. A production team filmed for two days on Ford's Jackson Hole ranch.

Andrew RossiJanuary 18, 2026

Bueno on the job and staying alert for his mission to find human remains.

Extraordinary Riverton-Based Search-And-Rescue Dog Needs $25,000 Surgery To Live

"Bueno," a Riverton-based search-and-rescue dog is no ordinary K9. He goes all over the country responding to disasters, including finding human remains after hurricanes. But the dog needs a $25,000 surgery to save his life.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 18, 2026

After UnitedHealth left Wyoming, Torrington resident Roger Huckfeldt found a new provider for his 85-year-old mother. That’s when his robocall nightmare really began, navigating 45 hours on hold and hangups to sign her up with the new company.

45 Hours On Hold: Torrington Man’s Insurance Nightmare Shows How Broken System Is

After UnitedHealth left Wyoming's Medicare Advantage insurance market, Torrington's Roger Huckfeldt tried to find a new provider for his 85-year-old mom. That's when a nightmare began, navigating weeks of robocalls, hangups, and 45 hours on hold. And he's still waiting.

Renée JeanJanuary 17, 2026

This rare antique crock comes with butterfly art and deep roots in Red Wing, Minnesota, southeast of Minneapolis on the Mississippi River. It sold for $32,000 on Jan. 10, just in time for its owner’s 91st birthday, auctioneer Ken Bramer told Cowboy State Daily. Lois Jurgens said when she heard the selling price, it felt like she was in a dream.

91-Year-Old Nebraska Woman’s Rare Porch Crock Turns Out To Be $32,000 Treasure

A 91-year-old Nebraska woman thought her rare 30-gallon old Red Wing crock might fetch $100 at auction, and nearly sold it at a garage sale for $20. Instead, a local auctioneer spotted the treasure and sold it for her for $32,000.

David MadisonJanuary 17, 2026

Buddy Clancy, back center, says he believes that if someone close to his son Kohlman, right, had called 911 when he suffered a medical emergency, Kohlman would still be alive.

Proposed Bill Would Make Bystanders Criminally Liable If They Don’t Call 911

A Casper father continues to grieve the death of a son he says would still be alive if only someone close to him had called 911. Now a legislator is introducing a bill that would make it a crime for bystanders to not call 911.

Zakary SonntagJanuary 17, 2026

State Rep. Daniel Singh left the Wyoming Freedom Caucus last month, he told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday.

Cheyenne House Rep Leaves Freedom Caucus, Says It's To Emphasize Independence

State Rep. Daniel Singh left the Wyoming Freedom Caucus last month, he told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday. Singh said he wants to emphasize his independence, but still believes the Freedom Caucus' mission is good. 

Clair McFarlandJanuary 17, 2026

The Goodwin family, Jazlyn, Axyl, and Noah are all preparing for the birth of little Ellidy, who will require at least three heart surgeries after she's born, the first within the initial seven days of her life.

Cody Couple Prepares For 'Fight Of Our Lives' With Unborn Daughter

A Cody couple has been told that their unborn daughter has a rare, life-threatening heart condition. Now they are preparing for her birth in May and the "fight of our lives for her.” “We’re overwhelmed by the community’s response to this,” they said.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 17, 2026

Thieves Den Ranch, located in Bates Hole near Casper, has been listed for $9.2 million. The 8,481-acre ranch is located in an area Wild West outlaws like Butch Cassidy favored as a hideout. 

Wyoming Ranch With Historic Outlaw Hideaway Hits Market For $9.2 Million

Thieves Den Ranch, located in Bates Hole near Casper, has been listed for $9.2 million. The 8,481-acre ranch is located in an area Wild West outlaws like Butch Cassidy favored as a hideout. 

Renée JeanJanuary 18, 2026

The robotic arms and devices can be used in ways that allow them to mimic various activities on a drilling rig, while other industrial robots specialize in equipment monitoring and safety.

AI Robots Are Already Working Wyoming’s Oil Patch, And Coal Mines Could Be Next


Robots and AI are automating Wyoming’s oil rigs for safer drilling, while coal plants are being upgraded with “robot bubble baths” to boost yields amid labor shortages. Industry insiders see mining as next for AI robot workers, despite slow adoption.

David MadisonJanuary 17, 2026

An image from the Idaho National Lab illustrating lunar work that requires electricity.

Wyoming Or The Moon: Which Gets A Working Nuclear Reactor First?

NASA and the Department of Energy signed an agreement earlier this week committing to put a nuclear reactor on the moon in 2030, the same year TerraPower's plant in Kemmerer is expected to come online. Which nuclear reactor will switch on first?

David MadisonJanuary 18, 2026

Dot, a 600-pound petting zoo pig, enjoys antagonizing the bison herd at the Long Lake Resort in southeast Oklahoma. A video captured by the pig's owner shows the standoffish swine sending a full herd of bison running.

Oklahoma Bison Run Scared Of A 600-Pound Petting Zoo Pig

With their immense size and pugnacious attitudes, bison have few natural predators. Their natural enemies include humans, wolves, grizzlies, and a 600-pound petting zoo pig named Dot. “Dot ain’t scared of no buffalo,” the petting zoo owner said.

Andrew RossiJanuary 17, 2026

One of Wyoming’s deadliest train wrecks killed 10 men and hurt 15 others, but has been nearly forgotten to history. One victims of the 1906 crash was heard screaming in pain for someone to kill him.

Wyoming History: The Nearly-Forgotten 1906 Train Wreck That Killed 10, Hurt 15

One of Wyoming’s deadliest train wrecks killed 10 men and hurt 15 others, but has been nearly forgotten to history. One victim of the 1906 crash was heard screaming in pain for someone to kill him.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 18, 2026

Wyoming’s expansive Pathfinder Ranches comes in at nearly 1 million acres — bigger than Rhode Island. And it’s on the market for $79.5 million.

New Owner Of Wyoming Ranch Larger Than Rhode Island Revealed (And It's Not Zelenskyy)

The new mystery owner of Wyoming’s massive 916,000-acre Pathfinder Ranches — larger than Rhode Island — has been revealed. Although there was erroneous speculation that Ukrainian President Zelensky bought it, the truth is it's a neighboring land owner.

Renée JeanJanuary 17, 2026

Rep. John Bear (right) called Sen. Ogden Driskill (left) a "doofus" on Friday when discussing budget cuts

Rep. John Bear Calls Sen. Ogden Driskill A ‘Doofus’ In Clash Over Budget

House Appropriations Chair John Bear weathered scrutiny this week over his scripts telling other legislators how to tweak the budget. Bear said he was running his motions through others, since he chaired the meetings - and then called Sen. Driskill a 'doofus.'

Clair McFarlandJanuary 17, 2026

Rick Davis, who once had the email address "drunk.rico@gmail.com", said he's five years sober and looking out for others who might need medical care while in law enforcement custody.

Sheridan Vet In Viral Video Says He's Five-Years Sober, Rebuilding His Life

The Sheridan man whose arrest video from five years ago went viral this week said the police and EMS should have recognized he had a medical emergency. But after several brain surgeries and a bankruptcy, Rick Davis says he’s sober and rebuilding his life.

David MadisonJanuary 16, 2026

Steve Carver (left) remains a Broncos fan. Ron Downey (center) is a fan of both teams. Jeff Gillotti (right) flipped to the Bills when they drafted Josh Allen.

Broncos Or Bills? Wyoming’s Pro Football Loyalties Face A Big Test Saturday

For many in Wyoming, Josh Allen has created a Sophie's Choice dilemma. Bills or Broncos? For 3 Cheyenne men, it's all different. One flipped to the Bills when Josh Allen was drafted, one remains a diehard Denver fan and the other will be happy either way.

Justin GeorgeJanuary 16, 2026

Wamsutter post office. Inset photo: 3d rendering weapon glock 43 tactical

For 99 Years It’s Been Illegal To Mail A Handgun, That Soon Could Change

Wyoming gun advocates are applauding Thursday's U.S. Dept. of Justice opinion that says a 1927 law banning the practice of mailing handguns is unconstitutional. UW law professor George Moscary says to use caution, however, as "it's a complicated area of law."

Mark HeinzJanuary 16, 2026

The largest soda ash producer in the world credited Sen. Cynthia Lummis this week with averting India’s proposed tariff on the product.

World’s Largest Soda Ash Company Credits Lummis With Averting India Tariffs 

The world's leading producer of soda ash on Thursday credited U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis for averting India's planned tariffs on the product. They say the tariffs would have hurt Wyoming trona producers and Lummis' action saved jobs and millions of dollars.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 16, 2026

1.7 million suspected fentanyl pills and kilos of fentanyl powder seized in Highlands Ranch, CO. November, 2025

Fentanyl Seizures Up 264% In Wyoming; Drugs Funneled By Two Mexican Cartels

Last year, the DEA seized nearly 9 million fentanyl pills and 3,100 pounds of meth across the Rocky Mountain region, with fentanyl seizures in Wyoming up by 264%. The DEA says the drugs are being funneled to Wyoming by two primary Mexican cartels

Jen KocherJanuary 16, 2026

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and ProRodeo Hall of Fame has been headquartered in Colorado Springs for the last 46 years. Now it’s considering a move to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Wyoming vs Texas: JAC Approves $15 Million To Lure PRCA To State

The Joint Appropriations Committee approved $15 million to help lure the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association to Wyoming. The PRCA is interested in Wyoming but other states, like Texas, are vying for it too.

Renée JeanJanuary 16, 2026

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Casper Political Activist Announces Bid For Wyoming State House District 37

Local Casper political activist Ross Schriftman has announced his candidacy for the Wyoming State House District 37 seat, currently held by Rep. Steve Harshman. Harshman, who has been in office since 2003, has not yet decided whether to seek a 13th term.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 16, 2026

Randall Luthi, Gov. Gordon's policy director, told members of the Joint Appropriations Committee on Thursday that their advancement of a proposal to kill the Wyoming Business Council was "crazy" and "nuts."

Gov's Office: "This Is Nuts" As Bill To Kill Wyo Biz Council Heads To Legislature

The governor's policy director told members of the Joint Appropriations Committee on Thursday that their advancement of a proposal to kill the Wyoming Business Council was "crazy" and "nuts." The bill will now head to the Legislature.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 15, 2026

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Hageman To Nesvik: Grizzlies Need To Be Delisted Because They Keep Mauling Hunters

At a hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman told Fish & Wildlife Dir. Brian Nesvik that grizzlies need to be delisted because they are mauling too many hunters. Nesvik agreed and said he believes the grizzly population has recovered.

Mark HeinzJanuary 15, 2026

Sheridan Police body cam footage from Feb. 2021 has resurfaced on social media creating an outcry after claims a disoriented man was treated improperly

Resurfaced Sheridan Police Body Cam Video Causes Outrage On Social Media

Bodycam footage from nearly 5 years ago in Sheridan between 3 police officers and a disoriented man have created outrage on social media. The video maker says the man suffered a stroke and underwent brain surgeries and was not treated properly by police.

David MadisonJanuary 15, 2026

Windy conditions will make hazardous conditions for travelers on Friday in eastern Wyoming

Eastern Wyoming Faces Hurricane Winds And Freezing Temps; Power Shutoff Possible

A massive Canadian cold front, bringing gusts up to 75 mph and single-digit wind chills, will clip eastern Wyoming on Friday. Black Hills Energy declared an Emergency Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch in some areas due to “high fire-risk conditions.”

Andrew RossiJanuary 15, 2026

A Cody man was sentenced to 4.25 years in prison on Wednesday for possessing 28 weapons, including pipe bombs and a machine gun, while he was under a protection order. Ronald Bailey said he was the victim and his weapons were for sporting purposes only.

Cody Man Sentenced For Pipe Bombs, Machine Gun; Claimed They Were For "Sporting Purposes"

A Cody man was sentenced to 4.25 years in prison on Wednesday for possessing 28 weapons, including pipe bombs and a machine gun, while he was under a protection order. Ronald Bailey said he was the victim and his weapons were for sporting purposes only.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 15, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Sam Taylor. Sam writes, "Sunrise in Sunlight Basin over Bald Ridge. Taken from Crandall Valley."

Photo by Sam Taylor

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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Opinion

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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Let’s Get Our Court Docs On The Internet

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Our courts are still operating as if ‘Al Gore’ never invented ‘the internets,’ as Dubya would say. Luddite rules suppress free access to public information.”

Jonathan LangeJanuary 16, 2026

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Scott Clem: Like Miley Cyrus, The Legislature Is Coming In Like A Wrecking Ball

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "The legislature has a problem. Maybe their actions really are good for Wyoming. Maybe our state is being set up for success for years to come. But that's not how it's coming across."

Scott ClemJanuary 16, 2026

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Tom Lubnau: It’s The Legislature’s Fault That Abortion Ban Was Unconstitutional

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "This abortion law mess didn’t erupt from nowhere. It came from years of incompetent legislating, blame shifting and political grandstanding, while lawmakers dodged the harder work required to pass a constitutional amendment."

Tom LubnauJanuary 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

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