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As Wyoming faces another tinderbox fire season, high-tech home fire systems are starting to catch on across the West. One of the fastest growing is a Jackson Hole, Wyoming, company that makes AI sprinklers that are saving homes from wildfires.

Wyoming Company Uses High-Tech AI Sprinklers To Save Homes From Wildfire

As Wyoming faces another tinderbox fire season, high-tech home fire systems are starting to catch on across the West. One of the fastest growing is a Jackson Hole, Wyoming, company that makes AI sprinklers that are saving homes from wildfires.

Renée JeanMay 25, 2026

For 45 years, Monsieur Philip Krass smoked cigars, fished the Big Horn Basin and would drive more than 100 miles for a game of bridge. “If you needed him for an emergency, you had to figure out who was hosting that night’s bridge game,” said Dee Arps, 108. Here, he's pictured with Iris Cavalli of Thermopolis, 90, who was the secretary and execultor of Krauss' estate and knew him well.

Wyoming History: Monsignor Philip Krass Loved Smoking Cigars And Playing Bridge

For 45 years, Monsignor Philip Krass smoked cigars, fished the Big Horn Basin and would drive more than 100 miles for a game of bridge. “If you needed him for an emergency, you had to figure out who was hosting that night’s bridge game,” said Dee Arps, 108.

Jackie DorothyMay 25, 2026

People expecting to spend Memorial Day weekend boating on Bighorn Lake were surprised to find no fuel available. It’s “a big deal,” say local operators in a sprawling canyon where some waters stretch 14 miles from the dock and cell service can be spotty.

‘A Big Deal’: No Fuel In Bighorn Recreation Area For Memorial Weekend Boaters

People expecting to spend Memorial Day weekend boating in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area were surprised to find no fuel available. It’s “a big deal,” say local operators in a sprawling canyon where cell service can be spotty.

Kolby FedoreMay 25, 2026

Heavy smoke hung over the Teton Pines golf course when Forrest Sandberg arrived for work Monday morning. "People lost memories and irreplaceable things," said the facilities manager about watching fire rip through the office building.

Fire Rips Through Office Building Near Teton Pines Clubhouse In Wilson

Heavy smoke hung over the Teton Pines golf course when Forrest Sandberg arrived for work Monday morning. "People lost memories and irreplaceable things," said the facilities manager about watching fire rip through a nearby office building.

Kolby FedoreMay 25, 2026

Mark Potter of the Wind River Canyon left the chaos of city life in Denver for a quieter life in Thermopolis. Potter was not expecting the isolation from the conveniences of modern life such as fast food and home improvement stores but has discovered that he loves being away from the busy social life he once led. He said that he has discovered the simple joys of mowing his lawn and taking care of his mom’s 15-year-old Chihuahuas he had inherited.

Wyoming People: Mark Potter Gives Up Big City Chaos To Live In Wind River Canyon

Mark Potter gave up a chaotic life in Denver to live in isolation in Wyoming’s Wind River Canyon with a pair of yappy dogs. He likely saved his neighbors May 16 when he called 911 to report a wildfire near the railroad tracks in the canyon.

Jackie DorothyMay 25, 2026

Beaten and turned out to turn tricks, Kelley Marshall was on track for a violent death when eagle-eyed cops recognized she and her toddler were being trafficked. “People seem to think that it doesn’t happen in rural states like Wyoming, but it does,” says an expert.

‘I Was Dead’: How Eagle-Eyed Cops Saved Woman And Toddler From A Human Trafficker

Beaten and turned out to turn tricks, she was on track for a violent death when eagle-eyed cops recognized she was being trafficked. “People think it doesn’t happen in rural states like Wyoming, but it does,” trafficking experts say.

Jen KocherMay 24, 2026

Wyoming’s looser liquor laws — and higher elevations — make for memorable nights and steady business in Evanston on the state line with Utah. It’s Utah’s “Sin City,” where people go for booze, to place bets and buy fireworks.

Evanston Is Utah’s ‘Sin City,’ Where They Can Get Booze, Gamble, And Buy Fireworks

Wyoming’s looser liquor laws — and higher elevations — make for memorable nights and steady business in Evanston on the state line with Utah. It’s Utah’s “Sin City,” where people go for booze, to place bets and buy fireworks.

Renée JeanMay 25, 2026

After rejected by mom and tossed aside by a jealous bull, a newborn bison named Koa found an unlikely family at a Wyoming ranch, where rescuers work around the clock to keep the tiny bison alive. “Koa has a very strong spirit,” said one of her rescuers. Above, Jannette Hienert hugs a baby bison figthing for life away from her herd.

Rejected By Herd, Newborn Bison Named Koa Rescued By Family At Wyoming Ranch

After rejected by mom and tossed aside by a jealous bull, a newborn bison named Koa found an unlikely family at a Wyoming ranch, where rescuers work around the clock to keep the tiny bison alive. “Koa has a very strong spirit,” said one of her rescuers.

Kate MeadowsMay 24, 2026

Judge Andre Rudolph grew up in Cheyenne, played running back for UW and once ran down a defendant to earn the nickname “Batman.” Before his sudden death this month, he also changed the lives of lawbreakers willing to take his help and accountability.

Judge Andre Rudolph Grew Up In Cheyenne To Become A Superhero From The Bench

Judge Andre Rudolph grew up in Cheyenne, played running back for UW and once ran down a defendant to earn the nickname “Batman.” Before his sudden death last week, he also changed the lives of lawbreakers willing to take his help and accountability.

Zakary SonntagMay 24, 2026

Jerry Montoya was a Green Beret chopper pilot when he took seven bullets and had his eye shot out while in the air, but it didn’t stop him from completing his mission. “I flew for another 14 years as a one-eyed pilot,” said Montoya, now 85.

Cheyenne Green Beret Chopper Pilot Had Eye Shot Out — And Completed His Mission

Jerry Montoya was a Green Beret chopper pilot when he took seven bullets and had his eye shot out while in the air, but it didn’t stop him from completing his mission. “I flew for another 14 years as a one-eyed pilot,” said Montoya, now 85.

Dale KillingbeckMay 24, 2026

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Watch, Wait, Worry: When You’re Stuck On I-80 During A Blizzard In Wyoming

Hundreds of people spent more than 15 hours on I-80 during a blizzard in south central Wyoming last week. All they could do was watch, wait and worry while rationing food and watching the fuel gauge. “That’s never happened to me before,” said a veteran trucker.

Andrew RossiMay 24, 2026

Opponents of a smartphone app that pings the location of animals in Yellowstone say it will ratchet up the intensity of wildlife mobs. “Yellowstone’s not a zoo,” says a photographer. "We don’t want to know that you can ‘drive 1.5 miles down the road, take a left and see an elk.’"

Critics Say App That Shows Where Yellowstone Wildlife Is Makes Mob Scenes Worse

Critics of a smartphone app that tells users where animals are in Yellowstone say it will make wildlife mob scenes worse. “It will cause a whole bunch of people to drive to the same place at the same time. What could possibly go wrong?” one photographer said.

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2026

A male grizzly called Quill and a female, Snow, delighted crowds by cuddling during their courtship ritual in Yellowstone National Park.

Caught Up In Courtship, Mating Grizzlies In Yellowstone Cause Massive Traffic Jams

It’s grizzly mating season in Yellowstone, and a pair of popular bears were too caught up in courtship to notice gawking crowds. The amorous scene near Yellowstone Lake caused bear jams for at least a quarter mile in each direction for days this week.

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2026

There were no documented eruptions of Old Faithful in Yellowstone for a day last week, when it normally blows every 94 minutes. That has people freaking out online assuming that means the world’s most famous geyser isn’t that faithful anymore.

Yellowstone's Old Faithful Is Not Broken, Despite No Documented Eruptions For Full Day

Although there were no documented eruptions of Old Faithful in Yellowstone for a full day last week, scientists are not concerned. Turns out the Old Faithful webcam was temporarily offline so that prevented people from documenting eruptions remotely.

Andrew RossiMay 25, 2026

The Soldier’s House of Fremont County in Riverton is dedicated to serving those who served in the military.

Riverton’s Soldier’s House A Headquarters Of Help For Veterans

A renovated farmhouse at a Riverton intersection began with a desire to serve those who served their country. The Soldier’s House of Fremont County has grown into a headquarters of help for veterans, serving those who served their country.

Dale KillingbeckMay 25, 2026

Wyoming’s monastery in the Bighorn Basin is being built in the Gothic style of the medieval monasteries of Europe. The blocks of stone are designed on a computer and carved by a robot rather than by hand, saving decades of work and millions of dollars.

Wyoming’s Mountain Monks: Simple Men Of Faith Go High-Tech To Build A Gothic Monastery

Wyoming’s Carmelite mountain monks are using computers, heavy machinery and robots to build a massive Gothic monastery in the mountains of the Bighorn Basin. It’s a stark contrast to the simple lives of faith these men live making coffee and raising cattle.

Jackie DorothyMay 23, 2026

Opposition to data centers is growing more vocal in Cheyenne — and spreading across Wyoming to Evanston and Casper. "It’s very creepy what we put up with now that we said we’d never put up with,” Sen. Cale Case says about the impacts of AI and tech. Above, a small data center under construction in east Cheyenne.

Opposition And Pushback On Data Centers Spreads Beyond Cheyenne, Across Wyoming

Opposition to data centers is growing more vocal in Cheyenne — and spreading across Wyoming to Evanston and Casper. "It’s very creepy what we put up with now that we said we’d never put up with,” Sen. Cale Case said about the impacts of AI and tech.

Renée JeanMay 23, 2026

A 73-year-old Sheridan retiree Scotty Bosworth DoorDashes to help pay for his medications, but with gas prices up 82% since January, he’s refusing more orders than ever. “When I started, I was paying about $35 to fill up my car,” he said. “Now I’m paying about $55.”

With Gas Prices Up 82%, Wyoming DoorDashers Turning Down More Deliveries

A 73-year-old Sheridan retiree DoorDashes to help pay for his medication, but with gas prices up 82% since January, he’s refusing more orders than ever. “I think some customers believe we’re getting paid a lot more from DoorDash than we are,” he said.

Kolby FedoreMay 23, 2026

Whether she’s calming a group of rambunctious 3-year-olds or coaxing a smile from a woman who’s 102, Casper’s Merrily Johnston is an amazing performer. Recently honored as America's Clown of the Year, her celebrity in goes mostly unnoticed. She has a magic touch with kids eager to wear one of her face paintings.

Did You Know? Casper's Merrily Johnson Is America's "Clown Of The Year"

Earlier this year, Casper's Merrily Johnson's 30-year dedication to being a professional clown was recognized with the community’s highest honor when she stood in Nashville to accept the award for “Clown of the Year.”

Zakary SonntagMay 23, 2026

Red Foxes that live at high altitudes in the Silver Gate/Cooke City area near Yellowstone National Park aare among the most genetically pure wild foxes.

Biologists Worry People Getting Too Close To Cooke City Red Foxes With Rare Genetics

Biologists say red foxes in the Cooke City/Silvergate area near Yellowstone have rare, nearly pure wild genes dating back to the Ice Age. That could be ruined if they keep getting too close to people, they say.

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2026

A 70-year-old tourist was killed this week when attacked twice by a bull bison on a popular hiking route in Custer State Park. “As they got closer to the bulls, one of them turned around and came at her,” the sheriff told Cowboy State Daily.

Bison Attacks And Kills Hiker On Trail In Custer State Park

A 70-year-old tourist was killed after being thrown six feet in the air by a bull bison on a popular hiking route in Custer State Park. “As they got closer to the bulls, one of them turned around and came at her,” the sheriff told Cowboy State Daily.

Kate MeadowsMay 22, 2026

A newly described fossilized owl pellet from the Eocene Willwood Formation of Wyoming. The red box highlights a cluster of bones from an armored glyptosaurid lizard. Since lizards are diurnal, mostly active during the day, paleontologists believe this is evidence that the earliest owls were also diurnal, not nocturnal like their modern descendants.

Why 54-Million-Year-Old Owl Vomit Found In Bighorn Basin Is A Big Deal

A team of paleontologists that analyzed a 54-million-year-old fossilized chunk of owl vomit have learned that owls, famous for being nocturnal hunters, didn’t use to be. Owls ate lizards during the day, not rodents at night as they do now.

Andrew RossiMay 23, 2026

Some people still swear by slicing up your license plate tags to keep people from peeling them off, but it’s no necessary. Most thieves now are more likely to just “steal your whole dang license plate,” says a Cheyenne auto shop manager.

Forget Slicing Up Tags, Most Thieves Will Just Steal Whole Wyoming License Plate

Some people still swear by slicing up your license plate tags to keep people from peeling them off, but it may not be necessary. Most thieves now are more likely to just “steal your whole dang Wyoming license plate,” said one Cheyenne mechanic.

Andrew RossiMay 24, 2026

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Worland Champion For WWII Japanese Americans Comes Home For Final Time

Grant Ujifusa won a championship as quarterback for the Worland High football team, was a Harvard grad, book editor, and a champion for WWII Japanese Americans, earning a knighthood from Japan. He died in 2024, and will come home for the final time in June to be buried.

Dale KillingbeckMay 23, 2026

A devastating accident at age 9 left Wyoming’s Kutler Hill and his family with a choice — years of surgery but he wouldn't run again, or amputation and he could. “I just decided to amputate my leg so I could run again,” he said.

After Losing Leg To Cancer, Evanston Teen Dreams Of Being Elite Athlete

An Evanston High School junior who lost a leg to cancer at age 9 is racing toward a goal to represent the United States in the Paralympic Games. “I just decided to amputate my leg so I could run again," said Kutler Hill.

Dale KillingbeckMay 23, 2026

Cracked and weatherworn beside South Street in Wheatland, the strange concrete dome looks more like a stranded UFO than the old Wyoming DMV it once was.

What The Heck … Is That Squatty 'Star Wars'-Looking Building In Wheatland?

In south Wheatland, there's a squatty dome with peeling stucco that looks like a run-down version of Luke Skywalker’s home in “Star Wars.” The building’s owner says people want him to knock it down, but he refuses, saying it just needs a little love.

Kolby FedoreMay 23, 2026

Charles Hoskinsons’ $250 million bid to put the “Mayo Clinic of the West” in Gillette, Wyoming, is ending, clinic leaders confirmed on Friday, with closure targeted for late summer. “The organization is no longer financially sustainable,” the clinic says.

Gillette’s Hoskinson Health Clinic To Close, 'No Longer Financially Sustainable'

Charles Hoskinson's plan to build the “Mayo Clinic of the West” in Gillette, Wyoming, is ending, clinic leaders confirmed on Friday, with closure targeted for late summer. “The organization is no longer financially sustainable,” the clinic says.

Renée JeanMay 22, 2026

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Fiery Reception For Chuck Gray As Lawmakers Punt On Racial Gerrymandering Dispute

Protestors carried signs criticizing Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Friday at a committee meeting in Lander, as the secretary urged lawmakers to address potential racial gerrymandering. Legislators declined to take action on the issue.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

A Laramie man is accused of posting violent threats against Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, including one message saying he “might assassinate” the governor if he wasn’t granted a meeting. 

‘I Might Assassinate You’: Laramie Man Charged With Threatening Governor

A Laramie man is accused of posting violent threats against Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, including one message saying he “might assassinate” the governor if he wasn’t granted a meeting. He also expressed "my hatred for that old governor."

Kolby FedoreMay 22, 2026

Jeff

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jeff - Saturday, May 23, 2026

Jeff in the 307. Saturday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsMay 23, 2026

After a roughly three-year ban on M-44 cyanide bombs to kill coyotes on public land, the Trump administration has cleared the way for them to be used.

As Trump Moves To Allow ‘Cyanide Bombs’ To Kill Coyotes, Some Worry Dogs Will Die

The Trump administration is moving to lift a three-year ban on spring-loaded cyanide bombs used to kill coyotes on public land. Some say that’s great news for ranchers, others argue that it will get dogs killed.

Mark HeinzMay 22, 2026

Joel Guggenmos

Fremont Clerk Says Guggenmos Ineligible For Reelection But Up To Chuck Gray

Fremont County Clerk Julie Freese told Rep. Joel Guggenmos that he's not eligible to run for reelection this year because he lived outside his district. However, Secretary of State Chuck Gray must make the final decision.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

Mason Stillman, right, talks to a colleague at Campbell County Health where he serves as a psychiatrist.

How Wyoming Is Bringing Doctors Back Home — And Keeping Them

A 30-year program is keeping Wyoming doctors in the Cowboy State, retaining up to 80% of its graduates. For a state that consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation for physicians per capita, that's a huge step forward.

Renée JeanMay 22, 2026

The Montana Department of Transportation had to rescue a driver from an SUV that crashed through a guardrail, toppled down an embankment and landed on the roof of a garage this week. Most people, however, say the real hero is the garage roof.

Montana Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes Through Guardrail And Lands On Roof

A driver in Montana was cited for careless driving Wednesday after falling asleep, crashing through a guardrail, driving down an embankment, and ending up on someone’s garage. Contractors applauded the construction of the garage for holding up.

Andrew RossiMay 22, 2026

Cheyenne police have arrested Christophe Carabajal, accused of setting the fire that ripped through the 134-year-old Historic Pumphouse on Saturday. The suspect has been arrested, and was allegedly captured on video breaking into and leaving the pumphouse at the time of the fire.

Police Say Suspect In Cheyenne Pumphouse Fire Is On Video Breaking Into Building

Cheyenne police have arrested a suspect in the fire that ripped through the 134-year-old Historic Pumphouse on Saturday. The suspect has been arrested, and was allegedly captured on video breaking into and leaving the pumphouse at the time of the fire.

Kolby FedoreMay 22, 2026

The Beartooth Highway wasn't open as scheduled Friday morning after more than a foot of heavy snow was cleared from its summit. The National Park Service "tentatively" hopes it will be open by Saturday morning. 

Beartooth Highway Opening Delayed By Snow, Should Be Ready Saturday

The Beartooth Highway wasn't open as scheduled Friday morning after more than a foot of heavy snow was cleared from its summit. The National Park Service said it “tentatively” hopes the entire 64 miles will be open to travelers by Saturday morning.

Andrew RossiMay 22, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Stan Crane. Stan writes, "Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park. This was taken while my wife and I camped in Colter Bay."

Photo by Stan Crane

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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Dave Simpson: I'm Voting For The Skunk At The Garden Party

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "Serving in office, Chuck Gray was often the skunk at the status quo garden party. He had repeated run-ins with Gov Gordon, and two episodes when Gordon reportedly suggested they go outside and settle their differences."

Dave SimpsonMay 25, 2026

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Gail Symons: Take Back The GOP From The Inside, Not The Outside

Columnist Gail Symons writes: "The State Republican Party's positions shape its platform, which its stalwarts now brandish as a litmus test. If that concerns you, file for party precinct by May 29."

Gail SymonsMay 24, 2026

Joan Barron

Joan Barron: Seniors And Young Men Are Gambling More

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "It wasn’t too long ago that bingo, calcutta and parimutuel races were the only types of gambling that were legal in Wyoming. There’s no going back now. Not with all that money rolling in."

Joan BarronMay 23, 2026

Wyoming Life

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Ken Buck: Kentucky's Electoral Lesson — The Price of Fiscal Accountability

Columnist Ken Buck writes, "Tuesday night's results in Kentucky's primary reveal the cost of principled leadership that puts our country's financial health ahead of party dogma. Massie may not be heading back to Washington next year, but he sure put his country ahead of his ego, and he deserves our gratitude for it."

Ken BuckMay 20, 2026

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Tom Lubnau: What The CCP And Wyoming Republican Central Committee Have in Common

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "At first glance, a comparison between the Chinese Communist Party and the Wyoming Republican Central Committee seems almost absurd. What could they possibly share in common? Quite a bit, it turns out."

Tom LubnauMay 20, 2026

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Dave Simpson: Data Centers Popping Up Like Dandelions

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “It's hard to think of a community that is more out on a limb than Cheyenne if data center problems ensue, and the tax-dollar dreams of local officials turn into something entirely different. Like it or not, we're up to our necks in this, folks.”

Dave SimpsonMay 19, 2026