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Joe Barbuto and representatives of Wyoming's Democratic Party at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Joe Barbuto, Chairman Of Wyoming Democratic Party, Steps Down After Eight Years

Joe Barbuto, the longtime chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party, announced Wednesday that he is stepping down after eight years to join a national organization that supports state Democratic parties. No replacement has been made.

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2025

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Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik needs to take charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) before grizzlies can be delisted, said a former high-ranking official who oversaw FWS.

Grizzlies Likely To Be Delisted Once Nesvik Heads FWS, Former Federal Official Says

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik needs to take charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) before grizzlies can be delisted, says a former high-ranking federal official who oversaw the agency.

Mark HeinzMay 20, 2025

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Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Wednesday's headlines include: * Grizzlies Closer To Delisting * “Meth” Around And Find Out * Tearful Testimony For Tougher Stalking Laws

Wendy CorrMay 21, 2025

Gillian Holman, second from left, testifies Tuesday, May 20, 2025, for the joint Judiciary Committee about a year of torment she suffered from a 41-year-old stalker. She urged the committee to introduce legislation calling for tougher penalties for stalking and grooming.

Tearful Testimony Pushes Committee To Draft Tougher Wyoming Stalking Laws

Some members of a Wyoming legislative committee were moved to tears Tuesday as a Glenrock teen girl described the year of torment she and a friend endured from a 41-year-old stalker. Lawmakers agreed to draft tougher laws for stalking and grooming.

Clair McFarlandMay 20, 2025

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Committee Drafts Bill Against Sexually Explicit Books In Public Libraries

A legislative committee agreed Tuesday to draft a bill targeting explicit materials in public and school libraries, specifically children’s sections. That came after intense debate and a review of a young-adult book containing a cartoon sex scene.  

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2025

Three wolf pups are seen playing in this screenshot from video, taken in August 2024 in the Colorado mountains. At one point, the video pans to show two Jack Russel terries that seem alert, but not afraid, as they watch from the cab of a pickup. Now Colorado has four pairs of wolves though to be denning.

With Four New Denning Pairs Of Wolves, Colorado Could Have Wolf Pup Boom

With four pairs of wolves thought to be denning together in Colorado, that state is expecting a wolf pup boom. That could lead to numerous established wolf packs.

Mark HeinzMay 20, 2025

Laramie County Sheriff with the mugshot of Vance Aulis, 60, of Cheyenne, who got himself into more trouble when he was overheard on a jail phone arranging to have a stash of meth taken out of his car.

Cheyenne Man Caught On Call From Jail Trying To Arrange To Move His Meth Stash

A Cheyenne man learned the hard way last week that jailhouse calls are monitored when he was caught trying to arrange to have his meth stash moved. It’s an example of “meth around and find out,” said Sheriff Brian Kozak.

Greg JohnsonMay 20, 2025

The potential developer of a controversial gravel mine proposed for the base of Casper Mountain may not be over even after Natrona County shot it down last year. Prism Logistics has requested to renew its state leases on the land.

Developer Of Controversial Casper Gravel Mine Wants To Renew State Leases

The potential development of a controversial gravel mine proposed for the base of Casper Mountain may not be over even after Natrona County shot it down last year. Prism Logistics has requested to renew its state leases on the land.

Dale KillingbeckMay 20, 2025

The underside of a boat lift thoroughly encrusted with invasive zebra mussels. This boat lift came to Wyoming from Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in South Dakota, but the Casper owner brought it to Wyoming Game and Fish to be inspected and decontaminated, as per state law, before installing it at Alcova Reservoir.

Game And Fish Finds Mother Lode Of 500K Invasive Zebra Mussels On Boat Lift

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department aquatic inspectors scraped more than 500,000 invasive zebra mussels off a boat lift from South Dakota. The mother lode of mussels could have devastated Alcova Reservoir.

Andrew RossiMay 20, 2025

Wyo supreme court

Committee Adopts Bill To Make Wyoming Senate Confirm Supreme Court Justices

A legislative committee on Monday voted 8-6 to draft a proposed state Constitution amendment that would make Wyoming Supreme Court Justice candidates stand for state Senate confirmation after the governor nominates them.

Clair McFarlandMay 20, 2025

After Senate Democrats blocked the stablecoin bill May 8, many of them helped advance it easily Monday, May 19, 2025. The chamber’s leader, U.S. Sen. John Thune, said the legislation was “exactly” the same as before.

Big Win For Lummis As Crypto Bill Clears Senate Hurdle On Second Try

After Senate Democrats blocked the stablecoin bill May 8, many of them helped advance it easily Monday. The chamber’s leader, U.S. Sen. John Thune, said the legislation was “exactly” the same as before.

Sean BarryMay 20, 2025

his momma bear was the first grizzly to appear with a new cub in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park this spring. On Monday, she led her cub across a foot bridge over Soda Butte Creek and then fended off a huge wolf that was trying to devour the cub.

Momma Grizzly Doesn’t Mess Around When Wolf Tries To Snatch Her Tiny Cub

The first grizzly bear to appear this spring with a new cub in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley wasn’t messing around when she fended off a huge wolf trying to snatch her tiny cub.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

The National Weather Service Office in Cheyenne.

Short-Staffed Cheyenne National Weather Service Office Ends 24/7 Monitoring

The National Weather Service forecast office in Cheyenne is short staffed and has killed its overnight shift, ending the office's 24/7 monitoring. Meteorologist Don Day says that could mean less accurate forecasts and less timely warnings for southeast Wyoming.

Renée JeanMay 19, 2025

Chinese-owned Bison Blockchain was located about a mile from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, but was forced to sell. The entire facility was razed afterward.

State Mandate To Investigate Land Sales Around Critical Sites Will Take Money

A law mandating Wyoming investigate land sales around critical infrastructure takes effect July 1. But investigating those sales and whether foreign adversaries are driving them will take money, the Office of Homeland Security told lawmakers Monday.  

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2025

A Leadership Wyoming visit to a coal mine.

25 Years And More Than 1,000 Graduates For Leadership Wyoming

For 25 years, Leadership Wyoming has promoted communities and the state through hands-on training and networking. From coal and trona mines to legacy ranches, more than 1,000 program graduates have gone on to become better bosses, workers and neighbors.

Jackie DorothyMay 20, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake — Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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

Jake NicholsMay 20, 2025

Wyoming’s congressional delegation said Monday that audio interviews released last week show former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline in office — and that it was covered up.

Wyoming Delegation Says Newly Released Audio Reinforces Coverup Of Biden Decline

Wyoming’s congressional delegation said Monday that audio interviews released last week show former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline while in office — and that it was covered up.

Sean BarryMay 19, 2025

A drunk Montana man was reportedly trying to impress girls by climbing on one of the famous antler arches at the town square in Jackson, Wyoming. He got a $100 ticket, and his dumb deed posted to social media.

Drunk Montana Man Trying To Impress Girls Caught Climbing On Jackson Antler Arch

A drunk Montana man was reportedly trying to impress girls by climbing on one of the famous antler arches at the town square in Jackson, Wyoming. He got a $100 ticket, and his dumb deed posted to social media.

Andrew RossiMay 19, 2025

A horse named Cowboy stranded in the middle of the Yellowstone River south of Billings, Montana, was flown to safety Friday by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and its on-call helicopter.

Helicopter Rescues Horse Stranded In The Middle Of The Yellowstone River

A horse named Cowboy stranded in the middle of the Yellowstone River south of Billings, Montana, was flown to safety Friday by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and its on-call helicopter.

Andrew RossiMay 19, 2025

Wyoming Game and Fish announced Monday that a male grizzly that was killing cattle has been captured near Cody and relocated. Grizzlies attacking cattle is the most common type of grizzly-human conflict in northwest Wyoming.

Game And Fish Captures, Relocates Grizzly That Killed Cattle Near Cody

Wyoming Game and Fish announced Monday that a male grizzly that was killing cattle has been captured near Cody and relocated. Grizzlies attacking cattle is the most common type of grizzly-human conflict in northwest Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

An electric shovel operator loads a haul truck with 200 tons of coal at the Buckskin Mine near Gillette, Wyoming, in this file photo.

Judge Blocks Firings From Program That Supports Coal Miners With Black Lung

When the federal government tried to fire a team protecting coal miners from Wyoming to West Virginia from black lung disease, a miner filed a lawsuit. Last week, a federal judge ordered the restoration of a program that screens miners for the disease.

David MadisonMay 19, 2025

Replacing roughly 24 miles of old woven wire fence with wildlife-friendly fence on a ranch in Sweetwater County has saved countless antelope, deer and elk.

Wyoming Rancher Hopes Fence Will Prevent Another ‘Absolute Carnage’ Of Antelope

It's hoped that upgraded fencing on a family ranch in Sweetwater County will save countless antelope, deer and elk. Old woven-wire fence was choking off wildlife migration routes, which contributed to “absolute carnage” during winter 2022-23.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

Jordan Jackson, left, died after he was sold fentanyl-laced drugs by Anthony Fuentes, right. Fuentes was given 15-20 years in prison for manslaughter in Jackson's death.

Drug Dealer Wants His Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Conviction Overturned

A Greybull man convicted of manslaughter for dealing the fentanyl pills that led to another man’s fatal 2023 overdose now says he got bad advice. He wants his 15- to 20-year prison sentence overturned and another chance at trial or a new plea deal.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2025

Sen. John Barrasso has introduced legislation that would “force the hand” of the World Bank to fund energy projects that comprise “traditional sources of energy,” including fossil fuels.

Barrasso Introduces Bill To Force World Bank To Finance Fossil Fuel Projects

Sen. John Barrasso has introduced legislation that would “force the hand” of the World Bank to fund energy projects that comprise “traditional sources of energy,” including fossil fuels.

David MadisonMay 19, 2025

Yavilet Saenz holds up a baby chick in the animal science class at Little Snake River Valley School District's newly completed Livestock Center.

Little Snake River Students Get Hands-On In New $1.7M Livestock Center

A new $1.7 million livestock center has opened a hands-on classroom for students interested in ag education at Little Snake River School in Baggs. It’s the realization of a dream by their teacher.

Renée JeanMay 19, 2025

Thursday is the 38th anniversary of the Cokeville Elementary School bombing, which nearly was the scene of the worst school incident in U.S. history. While the bomb injured 79 people, the only deaths were the bomber and his wife.

Cokeville Bombing: The Miracle That Was Almost The Worst US School Disaster

On May 16, 1986, David Young wheeled a bomb into the Cokeville, Wyoming, elementary school planning to blow it and 154 hostages into oblivion. Many who were there that day say angels saved them from becoming the worst school disaster in U.S. history.

Jake NicholsMay 15, 2024

oe MacGuire holds up a movie poster for “Breakout” which has some family inserted photos of the Bell 47G2 helicopter sold in the summer of 1971 and then used for a prison escape in Mexico.

How A Helicopter From Casper Was Used In A Daring Mexican Prison Breakout

For a Casper man, the story of a bold 1971 prison break in Mexico involving a helicopter is more than a wild story. The chopper was part of the family’s business, and the escape made into an action movie starring Charles Bronson and Robert Duvall.

Dale KillingbeckMay 18, 2025

33L Swamp Donkey, a 2-year-old bull raised by a breeder from Laramie, Wyoming, got a $250,000 payout for winning the American Bucking Bull Inc.’s $1 Million Futurity in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s a huge win for Jody Schott and his Big Schott Rodeo.

Laramie-Born Breeder’s Swamp Donkey Wins $250,000 Payout As Nastiest Bucking Bull

33L Swamp Donkey, a 2-year-old bull raised by a breeder from Laramie got a $250,000 payout for winning the American Bucking Bull Inc.’s $1 Million Futurity in Fort Worth. It’s the biggest payday yet for the young bucking bull.

Andrew RossiMay 18, 2025

Children try their hand at raking during Pioneer Day at at Little Snake River Valley Museum.

Pioneer Town At Little Snake River Museum In Savery Takes Students Back To Days Of Old

Snow still tops Baker Mountain looking down on Little Snake River Museum in this hamlet near the Wyoming - Colorado border east of Baggs, Wyoming. More than 100 children gathered at the museum to celebrate the annual Pioneer Day.

Renée JeanMay 18, 2025

The Thorofare Ranger Station in the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming has long been credited as the most remote place in the Lower 48. A geographer testing this claim found Maine is more rural than Wyoming.

Most Remote Place In Lower 48 Is In Wyoming, But State Not As Rural As It Seems

Wyoming rightfully lives up to the distinction as home to the most remote place in the continental U.S. That’s the Thorofare Ranger Station in Yellowstone. But when considering what percentage of each state’s population lives in a rural area, Wyoming comes in 12th.

Anna-Louise JacksonMay 18, 2025

Spectators gathered around Russell Ratti and an alpaca he calls Jay-Jay during a double header of alpaca shows in Cheyenne.

Why Alpacas Are So Popular In The Rocky Mountains

Alpacas are becoming more popular as a cash crop in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. At the Great Western Alpaca Show in Cheyenne, producers said they prized for their soft, luxurious wool — and are great with kids.

Renée JeanMay 18, 2025

Perhaps it’s the trusting nature of Wyomingites that make them vulnerable to internet scams. The FBI reports that scammers stole more than $43 million from Wyoming in 2024, 230% more than 2023. That makes Wyoming third per capita for losing money to scams.

Only 2 Other States Taken By Online Scammers More Than Wyoming, FBI Says

Perhaps it’s the trusting nature of Wyomingites that make them prone to internet scams. The FBI reports that scammers stole more than $43 million from Wyoming in 2024, 230% more than 2023. That makes Wyoming third per capita for losing money to scams.

Jen KocherMay 19, 2025

America’s only ski resort that operates exclusively in summers, Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area near Cody will be open for skiing this summer for the first time in three years. It’s also for sale.

Beartooth Basin Will Open For Summer Skiing For First Time In Three Years

Beartooth Basin near Cody is America’s only ski resort that operates exclusively in the summer. Unlike other ski resorts where summer skiing could happen, Beartooth Basin, which will open for the first time in three years, doesn’t open for the winter at all.

Renée JeanMay 18, 2025

Popular comedian Patton Oswalt had crowds of people laughing at The Rialto Theater in Casper on Friday and Saturday. It was his first time performing in Wyoming, learning the hard way you need a strong bladder to drive anywhere in the Cowboy State.

Patton Oswalt Leaves Casper Crowds Laughing, But He Can’t Hold Bladder

Popular comedian Patton Oswalt had crowds of people laughing at The Rialto Theater in Casper on Friday and Saturday. It was his first time performing in Wyoming, and he learned the hard way you need a strong bladder to drive anywhere in the Cowboy State.

Andrew RossiMay 18, 2025

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‘Unknown Male’ Steals Ambulance From Riverton Hospital, Escapes On Reservation

An "unknown male" stole an ambulance parked in front of a Riverton emergency room early Sunday. He fled onto the reservation, hitting a couple law enforcement vehicles, then escaped on foot.

Clair McFarlandMay 18, 2025

The iconic arch to the Mountain View Cemetery in Butte was knocked down in a hit-and-run incident last month, though it's been restored and returned to its rightful place. "It looks better than ever," said Gaye Evans, the caretaker.

Arch At Evel Knievel Cemetery Back Up After Plowed Over By Truck

The trademark arch at the entrance to Evel Knievel’s final resting place — Mountain View Cemetery in Butte, Montana — was plowed over by a truck a month ago. Like the famous daredevil, one crash can’t keep it down.

Anna-Louise JacksonMay 18, 2025

Gun ownership is rising among women in Wyoming, who are also increasingly taking tactical shooting classes to learn self-protection.

More Wyoming Women Have Guns — And Are Trained How To Use Them

In Wyoming, and across the country, more women are buying guns and taking courses to learn how to shoot them. Jason Crotteau, who runs the Riverton-based Wyoming Tactical shooters’ training company, says self-protection is the reason why.

Mark HeinzMay 17, 2025

Coach Billy Walters, left, and Louie Wilkinson are preparing for a trip to a world competition in Brazil in June.

In First MMA Bout, Casper Teen Qualifies For World Competition In Brazil

A Casper teen did more than medal at his first MMA bout, he qualified for a world competition in Brazil. He and his coach say the sport can be a good outlet to help curb youth violence in the central Wyoming city.

Dale KillingbeckMay 18, 2025

A $3 million Ferrari or $4 million Pagani Huayra hypercar on the road turns heads as people scramble to take photos. Chances are good it will have a Montana license plate. The state’s tax laws make it a haven for the super-rich to register their supercars.

Why So Many Ultra-Expensive Supercars Have Montana License Plates

A $3 million Ferrari or $4 million Bugatti hypercar on the road turns heads as people scramble to take photos. Chances are good it will have a Montana license plate. The state’s tax laws make it a haven for the super-rich to register their supercars.

David MadisonMay 17, 2025

Seth Uptain walked out of a Casper church 15 years ago and has never been seen again. The Mills, Wyoming, man’s disappearance remains a mystery that’s frustrated family, friends and local police.

Mills Man Walked Out Of Church 15 Years Ago And Never Made It Home

Seth Uptain walked out of a Casper church 15 years ago and never made it home, leaving behind his wallet and belongings. The Mills, Wyoming, man’s disappearance remains a mystery that’s frustrated family, friends and local police.

Jen KocherMay 17, 2025

It takes some pretty thick skin to sign up to umpire youth baseball, gig that gets you yelled at, threatened and generally reviled. That’s Gillette Babe Ruth ump Teddric Walker, who has been called up to call this year’s Babe Ruth World Series.

Gillette Youth Umpire Makes ‘The Show,’ Will Call Babe Ruth World Series

Gillette's Teddric Walker has spent more than 25 years behind the plate and is now being recognized as one of the best youth umpires in the nation. He’s been picked to umpire the 2025 Babe Ruth World Series in August in Ocala, Florida.

Dale KillingbeckMay 17, 2025

Brian Snyder looks over a set of rings to see how much they might be worth. That tiny pile of rings was worth about $500, according to a quick analysis of each items weight and gold purity, measured in karats.

Record Prices Have Triggered A New Kind Of Gold Rush — Jewelry Sales

Record gold prices have people around Wyoming cleaning out their jewelry drawers and hitting up gold buyers for cash in a new kind of gold rush. One gold buyer in Cheyenne estimates his traffic is up 50%.

Renée JeanMay 17, 2025

Duane Merz buys milk at the Lucky Buffalo Farm Stand, while Heidi Allman, front, and sister Katie Allman, back, look on.

Local Food Trend A Growing $24 Million Economic Force In Wyoming

The Lucky Buffalo Farm Stand near Burns is part of a growing local food trend in Wyoming. Already injecting $24 million a year into the state’s economy, local food venues have been a rising trend since Wyoming adopted the Food Freedom Act in 2015.

Renée JeanMay 17, 2025

For bird enthusiasts, the best part of spring in Wyoming is watching all the birds return. Spotting bald eagles is always a thrill, like these in Yellowstone National Park.

Wyoming Birders Live For Spring, And Spotting Something Rare Or Spectacular

For bird enthusiasts, the best part of spring is watching all the birds return. Wyoming is home to more than 400 species of birds and the migration peak is in May.

Jackie DorothyMay 18, 2025

Mail call for the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight will include drawings from the kindergarteners at the Ralph Witter Elementary School in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The students drew the pictures based on examples presented to them from their teachers, their own imaginations and stories from their families about their own experiences serving in the United States military.

For Many Vets, Their First ‘Thank You’ Comes Decades Later From Wyoming Kids

Wyoming veterans on Honor Flights to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C., also received special “thank you” notes from school kids in Thermopolis. Most of the veterans receiving the surprise mail had served during Vietnam and many had never received a thank you for their service until now. 

Jackie DorothyMay 17, 2025

Tony’s Mexican Grill in Wamsutter is the go-to spot for oil field workers, who say it’s a spectacular dive with equally authentic food.

Eating Wyoming: Tony’s Mexican Grill In Wamsutter Is A Spectacular Dive

It’s lunch time, and the parking lot at Tony’s Mexican Grill in Wamsutter is lined with dirt-covered pickups drawn in from the oil field. It’s the go-to spot for workers, who say it’s a spectacular dive with equally authentic food.

Greg JohnsonMay 17, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Rob Dickerson. Rob writes, "As I walked to my office this morning I liked the sunrise coming up parallel with 18th street in downtown Cheyenne, right down the middle of the street with the First Tier Bank Building on the left and the historic Boyd Building on the right."

Photo by Rob Dickerson

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

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Wednesday's headlines include: * Grizzlies Closer To Delisting * “Meth” Around And Find Out * Tearful Testimony For Tougher Stalking Laws

Wendy CorrMay 21, 2025

Opinion

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Joan Barron: Although Flawed, Wyoming Has Best System For Independent Judiciary

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "It is heartening to see so many people standing up for Wyoming’s method of selecting an independent judiciary. Although flawed, this is the best system there is for maintaining an independent judiciary."

Joan BarronMay 17, 2025

Gail Symons head shot

Gail Symons: Just Who Benefits From Ousting Lobbyists?

Gail Symons writes: "The next time you hear someone rail against lobbyists, take a moment to ask who stands to gain from that outrage. It might not be you. In fact, it might be the person trying to make sure your voice is no longer heard."

Gail SymonsMay 18, 2025

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Cassie Craven: Wyoming's Stable Token Is In A Race

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “The argument goes that the more people use the Wyoming stablecoin, the more the state's schools should potentially benefit. Some critical analysts believe that, WYST stablecoin might also be in direct competition with the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial USD1 stablecoin.”

Cassie CravenMay 18, 2025

Peabody Energy Corp.'s North Antelope Rochelle mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin is the world's largest and most productive coal mine.

Peabody And Arch/Core Mines Dominate PRB Coal, But Are Shells Of What They Were

The Powder River Basin’s two largest producers continue to be the canary in Wyoming’s coal mining industry. The 2025 first quarter earnings reports were released last week and show Peabody and Arch/Core mines still dominate, but are only shells of what they once were.

Greg JohnsonMay 18, 2025

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