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After truckers complained of illegal counterparts, Wyoming law enforcement and ICE conducted an operation last week targeting truckers bypassing the port of entry near the Colorado border. In about 205 contacts, 40 truckers are set to be deported.

ICE To Deport 40 Truckers After Wyoming Sheriff, Highway Patrol Operation

After truckers complained of illegal counterparts, Wyoming law enforcement and ICE conducted an operation last week targeting truckers bypassing the port of entry near the Colorado border. From about 205 contacts, 40 truckers are set to be deported.  

Clair McFarlandNovember 24, 2025

A 120-year-old tortoise named Orville, along with five other giants, survived a devastating fire at Reptile Gardens in South Dakota on Friday. About 80-90 other reptiles, including alligators and other tortoises were killed.

120-Year-Old Tortoise Survives Fire That Killed 80-90 Reptiles At SD Attraction

A 120-year-old tortoise named Orville, along with five other giants, survived a devastating fire at Reptile Gardens in South Dakota on Friday. About 80-90 other reptiles, including alligators and other tortoises, were killed.

Andrew RossiNovember 24, 2025

A grizzly bear attack on a group of about 20 on a school picnic in remote British Columbia, Canada, was a rare occurrence that has left bear experts puzzled. Four people, including three children, were seriously hurt.

Grizzly Mauling Of School Picknickers In Canada Baffles Experts

Bear experts are baffled over the grizzly bear attack on a group of about 20 on a school picnic in remote British Columbia, Canada. Four people, including three children, were hospitalized. Some are in critical condition.

Mark HeinzNovember 25, 2025

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Trucker Jailed In Road Rage Shooting At Pickup Carrying Child Near Rawlins

A semitruck driver was arrested last week after what the Wyoming Highway Patrol is calling a road rage incident in Carbon County. Troopers say the trucker shot at a pickup — with a child in the back seat — that was passing it on I-80 near Rawlins.

Jimmy OrrNovember 25, 2025

Heavy vehicles stop moving as a timed detonation brings down a wide coal face at the Buckskin Coal Mine in Gillette, Wyoming, in this file photo.

Rollback Of Biden-Era Powder River Basin Energy Leasing Policies Hits Trump's Desk

Trump and congressional allies are undoing Biden-era land and leasing rules to expand coal, oil and gas in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Opponents say that guts environmental regulations and could leave taxpayers on the hook for huge cleanup costs.

David MadisonNovember 25, 2025

Six weeks after Campbell County settled a fired librarian’s lawsuit against it for $700,000, a local family she’s also suing is continuing to fight. The family says expressing their opposition to the former librarian is their First Amendment right.

Family Still Fighting Ousted Gillette Librarian After County Settled For $700,000

Six weeks after Campbell County settled a fired librarian’s lawsuit against it for $700,000, a local family she’s also suing is continuing to fight. The family says expressing their opposition to the former librarian is their First Amendment right.

Clair McFarlandNovember 24, 2025

Survival of the fittest produces resilient genetics in nature. That works on ranches too, says Wyoming's Lucky 7 Rancher Jim Jensen. He's using the extreme conditions on his Boulder ranch to grow super cows.

Wyoming Rancher Uses Extreme Weather To Redefine Cattle Genetics, Grow Super Cows

Survival of the fittest produces resilient genetics in nature. That also works on ranches, says Wyoming's Lucky 7 Rancher Jim Jensen. He's using the extreme conditions on his Boulder ranch to grow super cows.

Renée JeanNovember 24, 2025

Leaders in Campbell County and Gillette are at odds about a BWXT plan to bring high-tech nuclear fuels manufacturing to town. At the same time, Gov. Mark Gordon is considering a $100 million state grant for the project.

Campbell County At Odds Over Nuclear Project As Gordon Considers $100M For It

Leaders in Campbell County and Gillette are at odds about BWXT's plan to bring high-tech nuclear fuels manufacturing to town. At the same time, Gov. Mark Gordon is considering a $100 million state grant for the project.

David MadisonNovember 24, 2025

Dave Montgomery built a Wyoming media empire with grit and creativity, partnering with NFL legend Kenny Stabler to create sports history. Now retiring, Montgomery’s stories about The Snake mark the end of a wild, influential era of broadcasting.

Working With Kenny Stabler: Wyoming Radio Man Recalls Wild Days With The Snake

Wyoming radio man Dave Montgomery has had a wild ride in his career, but none more interesting than his time with NFL Hall of Famer, Kenny Stabler. With Stabler, he witnessed the last days of a pre-internet golden age where cell phones, thankfully, didn't exist.

David MadisonNovember 23, 2025

Volunteers load up a Clear Creek Wood Bank rack that holds one-seventh of a cord.

The Innovative "Wood Bank" In Buffalo That Provides Free Firewood For People In Need

"The first person who showed up to Buffalo's Clear Creek Wood Bank was missing a leg,” the founder said. “He was in tears. He couldn’t believe we were going to keep his house warm. He was a veteran; he was everything we were trying to achieve.”

Dale KillingbeckNovember 23, 2025

Gerald Crist of Greybull, Wyoming, has a staredown with a penguin at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

The 'Greybull Mafia' Who Kept Antarctica Research Station Running

The town of Greybull sent a disproportionately large number of workers to Antarctica in the '80s and '90s to keep the McMurdo Station research outpost running. Called the 'Greybull Mafia,' years on the ice at minus 80 forged friendships and even marriages.

Wendy CorrNovember 23, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Monday, November 24, 2025

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

Jake NicholsNovember 24, 2025

Susan Bigelow of Sheridan caring for her mother at home.

Wyoming’s ‘Sandwich’ Generation: 106,000 Caring For Children, Aging Parents

More than 106,000 Wyomingites are unpaid caregivers for an aging parent, and many do so while also juggling full-time jobs and raising children. Some are forced into early retirement, putting their savings at risk.

Renée JeanNovember 23, 2025

A Hypacrosaurus skeleton on display at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indiana.

Paleontologists Think They've Figured Out A Way To Determine A Dinosaur's Gender

Have paleontologists found a way to tell the gender of a dinosaur? Based on some sexual kinks, preserved in their bones for over 66 million years, it’s a possibility. It seems that while male dinosaurs got some tail, they broke some tail -- and that's key.

Andrew RossiNovember 23, 2025

The new Taco John's has modernized, including using AI and data analytics to challenge Taco Bell's youth market. Inset is one of the first Taco John's in Cheyenne, along with an updated restaurant near the state Capitol.

Wyoming-Born Taco John's Taps Big Data To Challenge Taco Bell's Youth Market

Although Wyoming-born Taco John’s is turning to data wizards in New York to help them compete with Taco Bell’s youth market, some of its biggest hits have come locally. Like the stuffed grilled taco, which a student invented from Glenrock High School.

David MadisonNovember 23, 2025

Former University of Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen at midfield during halftime of Saturday's Nov. 22, 2025, game against Nevada to have his No. 17 retired. He got a huge ovation from the crowd, especially when he concluded his remarks with, "And it will always suck to be a CSU Ram!"

‘I Love You Guys’: Josh Allen Gets Huge Ovation As His No. 17 Retired By UW

“I love you guys,” Josh Allen proclaimed as nearly 30,000 fans exploded at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday as the University of Wyoming retired his No. 17 jersey. It was almost as big a pop as when he concluded with, “And it will always suck to be a CSU Ram!”

Anna-Louise JacksonNovember 22, 2025

John “Portugee” Phillips’ legendary 1866 236-mile ride through a blizzard from Forts Phil Kearny to Laramie has been dubbed by some as "the greatest ride in history." Now a historian says new evidence suggests the ride may have been less perilous. This painting depicts Portugee arriving at Fort Laramie.

Wyoming History: The 236-Mile Blizzard Ride Dubbed 'Greatest In History'

John “Portugee” Phillips’ legendary 236-mile ride through a blizzard in 1866 from Forts Phil Kearny to Laramie has been dubbed by some as "the greatest ride in history." Now a historian says new evidence suggests the ride may have been less perilous.

Jackie DorothyNovember 23, 2025

Lawrence K. Lunt spent the last years of his life writing and traveling between Tucson, Belgium, and Saratoga, Wyoming.

Wyoming History: The CIA Informant Who Survived 14 Years In A Cuban Prison

Wyoming rancher Lawrence Kirby Lunt Jr. moved to Cuba, became a CIA informant, and was imprisoned for 14 years after being caught by Fidel Castro’s regime. He was freed in a 1979 prisoner swap brokered, in part, by Wyoming Gov. Ed Herschler.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 23, 2025

Susan Denker of Cheyenne says she owes her life to her poodle Lily, who alerted a friend after Denker suffered a heart attack.

Hero Poodle Named Lily Saves Cheyenne Woman's Life After Heart Attack

A Cheyenne woman credits her poodle Lily for saving her life after having a heart attack. “If it hadn't been for Lily alerting my friend, I would not be talking to you, because they did pronounce me dead at one point,” she told Cowboy State Daily.

Zakary SonntagNovember 22, 2025

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Utah Population To Explode To 5.6 Million People By 2065, Wyoming On Pace For 1 Million In 170 Years

A new research study says Utah's population will grow from 3.6 million people now to 5.6 million people by 2065. Neighboring Wyoming, however, won't hit 1 million people for 170 years at its current pace of 0.4% growth.

Andrew RossiNovember 22, 2025

Mass-casualty training for volunteers sponsored by Campbell County Health in August in preparation for the Pathfinders Camporee in Gillette.

Rural Wyoming EMTs Struggle To Keep Ambulances Rolling — Even When Wheels Fall Off

Wyoming’s rural EMS crews are struggling to keep their ambulances rolling amid staff shortages, aging equipment, and a $30 million annual funding gap. They even have to adapt when the wheels literally fall off during an emergency transport.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 22, 2025

Big game carcasses are butchered at Yellowstone Wild Game Processing near Bozeman, Montana.

Fewer Wyoming Wild Game Butchers Struggle To Keep Up With Hunter Demand

Butcher shops that will process hunters’ wild game meat are getting fewer and farther between in Wyoming. That means this time of year the ones left are doing a booming business — and struggling to keep up with hunter demand.

Mark HeinzNovember 22, 2025

Researchers claim that wolves pulling on lines to steal bait from underwater crab traps is proof that they’re “using tools.” But some wolf experts dispute that idea.

Researchers Say Wolves Are Smart Enough To Use Tools

Wolves have been stealing bait from underwater crab traps in British Columbia which some researchers claim amounts to “tool use." Some Rocky Mountain wolf experts say it’s impressive behavior, but a stretch to call it that.

Mark HeinzNovember 23, 2025

This year’s undefeated football championship run by the Sheridan Broncs was business as usual since former Head Coach Don Julian started a winning tradition current Head Coach Jeff Mowry continues. The secret to their success? Building leadership skills during retreats in the woods. A program describing the retreats includes photos of trust exercises and the team circled up for prayer.

The Secret To Sheridan High Football's 55-0 Dynasty: Blindfolds And Book Clubs

The Sheridan Broncs completed their fifth consecutive undefeated football season last week, extending their state record winning streak to 55 games. They say their success is built on trust exercises and exercising their minds through book clubs.

David MadisonNovember 22, 2025

Jose Mendoza disappeared on a trip home to Casper six years ago after visiting his mother in Utah. He also left behind mysterious clues that his sister believes point to someone harming him, and she refuses to give up the search for him.

Sister Refuses To Give Up Search 6 Years After Casper Man Vanished

Jose Mendoza disappeared on a trip home to Casper six years ago after visiting his mother in Utah. He also left behind mysterious clues that his sister believes point to someone harming him, and she refuses to give up the search for him.

Jen KocherNovember 22, 2025

The TIV2 (Tornado Intercept Vehicle) was made famous by the Discovery television series "Storm Chasers." A Colorado man now owns the Mad Max-style weather chasing tank and uses it to pursue tornadoes across Wyoming and the High Plains.

Famous Mad Max Weather Tank Chases Tornadoes Across Wyoming And High Plains

A Colorado storm chaser was in Cheyenne last week to show off his TIV2 Mad Max-style weather tank made famous by the Discovery TV show “Storm Chasers.” He said he uses it to chase tornadoes in eastern Wyoming, Nebraska and northeast Colorado.

Renée JeanNovember 22, 2025

Former University of Wyoming quarterback, and reigning NFL MVP, Josh Allen visits with current UW football players Friday night after arriving in Laramie ahead of Saturday's halftime ceremony to retire his No. 17 jersey.

Josh Allen Is In Laramie, And Fans Are Going Nuts For His UW Return

From buying thousands of bobbleheads to chugging beers, fans in Laramie are going nuts for Josh Allen’s celebrated return to the University of Wyoming. He arrived in Laramie on Friday, and one fan compared Allen’s return to the second coming of Christ.

Anna-Louise JacksonNovember 22, 2025

Harriet Hageman says California has neglected its water infrastructure while demanding more Colorado River water from Wyoming. She says it and other Lower Basin states need to get in gear with that before going after more from Upper Basin states.

Hageman Says California Needs To Get In Gear, Stop Going After Wyoming’s Water

Harriet Hageman says California has neglected its water infrastructure while demanding more Colorado River water from Wyoming. She says California and other Lower Basin states need to get in gear with that before going after more from Upper Basin states.

Mark HeinzNovember 22, 2025

A growing program pairs generous hunters who donate their kills to veterans no longer able to hunt for themselves. Hunters like Biran Monahan, inset, say it's gratifying to show appreciation for veterans like Joe Rose, pictured, who's no longer physically able to hunt big game.

Hunters, Game Processors Partner For Veterans Who Can’t Hunt Big Game Anymore

A growing program has hunters and game processors partnering to get fresh game meat to military veterans who can't hunt big game anymore. The effort started in Missouri and wants to expand into states like Wyoming and Montana.

Mark HeinzNovember 21, 2025

Wyoming ranchers say allowing some of their meat to bypass federal inspectors and sell state-inspected product online would be “the best thing that can happen to them.” That’s what the federal DIRECT Act recently reintroduced to the Senate would do.

Wyoming Ranchers Say Bypassing Some Meat Inspectors Would Be Game-Changing

Wyoming ranchers say allowing some meat to bypass federal inspectors and sell limited state-inspected product online would be “the best thing that can happen to them.” That’s what the federal DIRECT Act recently reintroduced to the Senate would do.

Kate MeadowsNovember 21, 2025

Bernard D. Hale

Gillette Nurse Gets 1 Year In Jail For Freezing Death Of Dementia Patient

A Gillette CNA was sentenced Friday to a year in jail for negligent homicide in the death of an 88-year-old dementia patient who froze to death outside an assisted living center. Two jurors were removed during his trial for using racial slurs.

Jen KocherNovember 21, 2025

Lynne Cheney looks on as U.S. military body bearers carry the casket containing the remains of her husband, former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, at his funeral service at the National Cathedral on Nov. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Dick Cheney Remembered As ‘True Man Of The West’ At D.C. Funeral

While his funeral was happening 1,770 miles from his hometown of Casper, Wyoming, there was a palpable Cowboy State feel to Dick Cheney’s funeral service Thursday in Washington, D.C. Former President George W. Bush remembered him a “true man of the West.”

Greg Johnson & Sean BarryNovember 21, 2025

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center parking lot became the scene of another act of teen violence in Casper on Halloween night 2024.

Casper Teen Gets 4-6 Years For Stabbing Girl With 2-Foot 'Tactical Machete’

An 18-year-old Casper woman got four to six years in prison Friday for stabbing another girl with what the prosecutor described as a 2-foot “tactical machete.” A dramatic video shown in court shows her sticking the machete into her victim, who survived.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 21, 2025

At the Storyteller and other businesses in Thermopolis, Wyoming, several different coffee groups meet each week. The table at the Storyteller is used each morning by a revolving group of women that includes retired teachers, Catholic ladies, a sewing group and yoga enthusiasts. Pictured are Tammy Redland, Joan LaFave, Trudy Brooks, Collette Anderson, Carol Biven, Meredith Russel.

Coffee Trumps Internet In Thermopolis, A Throwback To Old-School Social Networking

In Thermopolis, Wyoming, coffee groups meet all over town in person for old-school social networking rather than scrolling social media and the internet. Regular groups meet wherever coffee is served, even McDonald's.

Jackie DorothyNovember 21, 2025

Nobody’s driving hydrogen vehicles in Wyoming, but they are catching on in the San Francisco Bay area. That's because a startup based in Pinedale, Wyoming, just cleared final permitting on its process of turning rotting trash into fuel for cars and trucks.

How A Wyoming Startup Is Turning Trash Into Clean Fuel For Cars

Nobody’s driving hydrogen vehicles in Wyoming, but they are catching on in the San Francisco Bay area. That's because a startup based in Pinedale, Wyoming, just cleared final permitting on its process of turning rotting trash into fuel for cars and trucks.

David MadisonNovember 21, 2025

A rancher runs a herd of horses in northeast Wyoming.

Wyoming Horses Have Been Exposed To Outbreak Of Deadly Equine Virus

Several cases of a potentially deadly equine virus have been confirmed in four states this week, including one in Colorado. That horse also was in Cheyenne, Casper, and Wheatland, which means Wyoming horses have been exposed to equine herpesvirus.

Andrew RossiNovember 21, 2025

Wyoming lawmakers advanced plans to eliminate residential property taxes and replace lost funds by raising the sales tax from 4% to 6%.

Wyoming Legislators Advance Plan To Kill All Residential Property Taxes

Wyoming lawmakers advanced five property tax reform plans Wednesday. One of the measures, if passed by the Legislature and the people of Wyoming, would change the state Constitution to eliminate residential property tax altogether.

Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2025

The town of Laramie is all abuzz as it prepares for Josh Allen's return for the retirement of his Wyoming Cowboys' football jersey on Saturday. Things will start getting busy in downtown Laramie on Friday and carry through late Saturday night.

Here's How Laramie Is Preparing For Josh Allen's Return To Wyoming On Saturday

The town of Laramie is all abuzz as it prepares for Josh Allen's return for the retirement of his Wyoming Cowboys' football jersey on Saturday. Things will start getting busy in downtown Laramie on Friday and carry through late Saturday night.

Anna-Louise JacksonNovember 20, 2025

The possibility of the death penalty is off the table for both Big Piney teens accused of ambushing and murdering their friend with a bow and arrow. Rowan Littauer, pictured, pleaded not guilty Monday, as did his alleged accomplice Orion Schlesinger on March 20.

Big Piney Teen Agrees To Plead Guilty For Killing Man With Bow And Arrow

A Big Piney man agreed Thursday to plead guilty to second-degree murder and mutilation of a dead body for killing his friend February with a bow and arrow.  Court documents say Rowan Littauer and Orion Schlesinger walked to the victim’s home and ambushed him.

Clair McFarlandNovember 21, 2025

After an unseasonably warm November, Wyoming meteorologists agree that an incoming winter weather system will reach Wyoming by Thanksgiving.

Wyoming Will Be Going Cold Turkey By Thanksgiving With Incoming Winter Weather

After an unseasonably warm November, Wyoming meteorologists say an incoming winter weather system will reach Wyoming by Thanksgiving. Temperatures will drop, snow could cover the entire state, and plan for nationwide travel impacts.

Andrew RossiNovember 20, 2025

A 50-year-old Casper woman pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges related to tying a patient’s head to a bed as she worked a night shift at a Casper care facility. She faces a potential 10-year prison sentence.

Casper Woman Accused Of Tying Nursing Home Patient’s Head To Bed Pleads Not Guilty

A 50-year-old Casper woman could get 10 years in prison if she’s convicted of tying a patient’s head to a bed with a scarf while she worked at a nursing home. Julie Ann Cross pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on Thursday.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 20, 2025

Rep. Harriet Hageman voted Wednesday to repeal the recently enacted provision of law that allows eight GOP senators, including Wyoming’s Cynthia Lummis, to sue the government for at least $500,000 each over the FBI’s spying on them.

House Passes Bill That Repeals Spying Reparations Provision For Lummis, Others

Rep. Harriet Hageman voted Wednesday to repeal the recently enacted provision of law that allows eight GOP senators, including Wyoming’s Cynthia Lummis, to sue the government for at least $500,000 each over the FBI’s spying on them.

Sean BarryNovember 20, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, November 25, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Kayla Unruh. Kayla writes, "Beautiful morning by Glendo. There is nothing like the peace and quiet of the country while watching the sunrise."

Photo by Kayla Unruh

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

Sponsored

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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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Clair McFarland: What I Want To Say Before The Bots Take Over 

Clair McFarland writes: "Artificial intelligence is threatening to replace real human beings with the sum of our least complete thoughts. But for the space of this column, let me be an individual."

Clair McFarlandNovember 22, 2025

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Joan Barron: UW Tax Exemptions Have Laramie Steamed

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “The amount of property tax income lost to the City of Laramie and to Albany County from the University of Wyoming exemption totals about $4 million to more than $5 million a year. And the citizens would prefer the payments be in cash."

Joan BarronNovember 22, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Annoying Emails Are Not Exempt From The First Amendment

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "We still don’t know how many emails are being diverted. And we don’t know what percentage of them are constitutionally protected communications from Wyoming citizens to their elected officials."

Jonathan LangeNovember 21, 2025

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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