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President Donald Trump pardoned Troy Lake on Friday. The 65-year-old Wyoming diesel mechanic spent seven months in federal prison for tweaking and removing emissions systems on ailing engines. When he got the news, he wept. Above, TJ, Troy and Holly Lake with a copy of the pardon from Trump.

Trump Pardons Cheyenne Diesel Delete Mechanic Troy Lake

President Donald Trump pardoned Troy Lake on Friday. The 65-year-old Wyoming diesel mechanic spent seven months in federal prison for tweaking and removing emissions systems on ailing engines. When he got the news, he wept. 

Clair McFarlandNovember 08, 2025

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When He Went Out To Eat, Dick Cheney Was A ‘Meat-and-Potatoes Type of Guy’

Dick Cheney was a familiar face at the Snake River Grill in Jackson over the years. Katie Cooper, managing partner of the restaurant said he'd sit at Table 10 and always order a New York strip steak and potatoes.

Anna-Louise JacksonNovember 09, 2025

In 1881, telephone service arrived in the modern city of Cheyenne, Wyoming. But for most rural residents, phones did not become common until 70 years later partly because without insulators, lightning strikes proved dangerous.

Wyoming History: Early Rural Telephones Were Convenient — And Dangerous

In 1881, telephone service arrived in the modern city of Cheyenne, Wyoming. But for most rural residents, phones did not become common until decades later partly because without insulators, lightning strikes proved dangerous.

Jackie DorothyNovember 09, 2025

Cellphone cameras are better than ever, but if you want to match the quality of images that professional shutterbugs capture of Wyoming’s wildlife, you’ll have to spend tens of thousands of dollars.

For Wildlife Photography Do You Need An Expensive Camera Or Is An iPhone Good Enough?

Cellphone cameras can produce some spectacular photos. Aren't they good enough now or do you still need to spend thousands on professional cameras and lenses? We asked some of Wyoming's best wildlife photographers.

Mark HeinzNovember 09, 2025

The head coach of the Campbell County High School football program in Gillette has been terminated for a profanity-laced outburst aimed at a player. Former coach Orah Garst says he’s remorseful and that, “I deserve the consequences.”

Campbell County Head Football Coach Fired For Profanity-Laced Outburst

The head coach of the Campbell County High School football program in Gillette has been terminated for a profanity-laced outburst aimed at a player. Former coach Orah Garst says he’s remorseful and that, “I deserve the consequences.”

Greg JohnsonNovember 07, 2025

One of the key metrics holding Powder River Basin oil and gas back is the cost of producing a barrel of oil. But longer laterals in the play have driven the average cost down to $55 per barrel and closer to $50, which would unlock more production.

Powder River Basin Inches Closer To $50 A Barrel Oil, Unlocking New Potential

One of the key metrics holding Powder River Basin oil and gas back is the cost of producing a barrel of oil. But longer laterals in the play have driven the average cost down to $55 per barrel and closer to $50, which would unlock more production.

Renée JeanNovember 07, 2025

Wyoming’s airports are warning travelers to expect cancellations and delays after the FAA implemented a reduction in domestic flights. The situation could worsen if the shutdown is not resolved by Sunday.

Wyoming Airports Warn Of Cancellations, Delays Due To Shutdown

Wyoming’s airports are warning travelers to expect cancellations and delays after the FAA implemented a reduction in domestic flights. The situation could worsen if the shutdown is not resolved by Sunday.

Jackson WalkerNovember 08, 2025

There was a long line out the door for early voting at the Laramie County Clerk's Office in Cheyenne on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.

Judge Upholds Wyoming's 'Sore Loser' Candidate Law And Crossover Voting Ban

A Wyoming judge upheld state laws banning crossover voting and keeping “sore loser” primary election candidates from launching petitions to get onto the general election ballot. The plaintiffs are likely to appeal, arguing the laws limit voter and candidate rights.

Clair McFarlandNovember 07, 2025

If wind and solar companies disrupt Wyoming’s wildlife, they should have to pay for it, Wyoming state Sen. Larry Hicks says. He’s sponsored a bill calling for energy companies to pay compensation.

Wind, Solar Projects Should Pay For Harming Wyoming Wildlife, Legislator Says

If wind and solar companies disrupt Wyoming’s wildlife, they should have to pay for it, Wyoming state Sen. Larry Hicks says. He’s sponsored a bill calling for energy companies to pay compensation.

Mark HeinzNovember 08, 2025

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People Panic And Call Cops When Man Spotted Riding Bull In Ohio Parking Lot

If you’re spotted riding a bull through a parking lot in Pinedale, Wyoming, people may take note. If it happens in Ohio, they call the cops, as they did Thursday. “I have so many questions,” an officer says as he pulls up to the store.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 08, 2025

If Wyoming doesn’t start saving water now, it could get dragged into federal court battles over Colorado River water rights, state officials told lawmakers.

Wyoming May Force Water Cuts As Colorado River Crisis Deepens

With tensions building over the dwindling Colorado River water supply, Wyoming needs to make some tough decisions, state officials told lawmakers Thursday. That could include incentivizing farmers and ranchers to cut back irrigation along the Green River.

Mark HeinzNovember 07, 2025

Cody high school sign scaled

Former Cody High School Parent Claims Teacher Was 'Creepy' With Daughter

The parent of a former Cody High School student said a teacher was "creepy" with her. The teacher says this and other claims against him are exaggerated. He had called for his own misconduct hearing to be public rather than in executive session.

Jackson WalkerNovember 07, 2025

Nearly three months after a man was assaulted and seriously hurt at Guernsey State Park, park officials have released a photo of a man wanted for questioning in the ongoing investigation.

Rangers Looking For Suspect Who Beat Man At Guernsey State Park

Nearly three months after a man was assaulted and seriously hurt at Guernsey State Park, park officials have released a photo of a man wanted for questioning in the ongoing investigation.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 08, 2025

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Hunter Kills Two Grizzlies In Montana, Claims Self-Defense After Charging Him

A hunter in Montana shot and killed two grizzlies on Wednesday near Seeley Lake in a remote area of Missoula County, Montana. The man says he shot in self-defense after the bears, and another yearling, ran at him and his hunting partner.

Mark HeinzNovember 07, 2025

A Wheatland man took a plea deal for felony burglary after breaking into a closed liquor store and beating his friend, avoiding trial. He faces five to ten years in prison and agreed to testify about his accomplice’s role.

Wheatland Man To Plead Guilty In Liquor Store Break-In That Left Buddy Beaten

A Wheatland man took a plea deal for felony burglary after breaking into a closed liquor store and beating his friend, avoiding trial. He faces five to ten years in prison and agreed to testify about his accomplice’s role.

Clair McFarlandNovember 07, 2025

Wyoming Department of Transportation's director says the previously reported $400 million deficit in the department is closer to $600 million now. Lawmakers say solving the problem is no easy feat. Avove, a work crew paves a 5-mile section of Highway 26/287 near Dubois in fall 2025.

Projected WYDOT Deficit Reaches $600M With No Solution In Sight

Wyoming Department of Transportation's director says the previously reported $400 million deficit in the department is closer to $600 million now. Lawmakers say solving the problem is no easy feat.

Jackson WalkerNovember 06, 2025

Skyrocketing power demand from data and AI centers is reviving calls for more coal-fired electricity and fuels debate about the role of Wyoming coal in the nation’s energy future. Experts say the market has shifted in ways that might still undercut coal. Above is the Dave Johnston coal-fired power plant near Glenrock.

Power-Hungry AI Fuels Debate On Wyoming Coal’s Role In U.S. Energy Future

Skyrocketing power demand from data and AI centers is reviving calls for more coal-fired electricity and fuels debate about the role of Wyoming coal in the nation’s energy future. Experts say the market has shifted in ways that might still undercut coal.

Renée JeanNovember 06, 2025

Venus Bontadelli says she moved to Wyoming to escape "imperious" politics. But now she’s suing the town of Powell after being denied a permit to keep her pet pygmy goat. She claims the city’s decision violates her constitutional rights, was arbitrary and unfair.

Powell Woman Who 'Escaped' California Politics Sues City To Keep Pygmy Goat

A California woman moved to Wyoming to escape "imperious" politics. But now she’s suing the town of Powell after being denied a permit to keep her pet pygmy goat. She claims the city’s decision violates her constitutional rights, was arbitrary and unfair.

Clair McFarlandNovember 06, 2025

The Weston County Clerk has been formally charged with the crime of dodging a legislative subpoena during a subcommittee's investigation of her handling of the 2024 election. She reportedly told an investigator she had other appointments that day.

Weston County Clerk Criminally Charged For Dodging Legislative Subpoena

The Weston County Clerk has been formally charged with the crime of dodging a legislative subpoena during a subcommittee's investigation of her handling of the 2024 election. She reportedly told an investigator she had other appointments that day.

Clair McFarlandNovember 06, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, November 7, 2025

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

Jake NicholsNovember 07, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to Senate Republicans at a breakfast in the State Dining Room of the White House on Nov. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. President Trump wants Senate Republicans to scrap the 60-vote threshold to end the government shutdown and move other legislation without Democrats’ support. Wyoming’s U.S. senators oppose the idea, saying Democrats would retaliate down the road.

Barrasso, Lummis Oppose Bypassing Dems With ‘Nuclear Option’ To End Shutdown

President Trump wants Senate Republicans to scrap the 60-vote threshold to end the government shutdown and move other legislation without Democrats’ support. Wyoming’s U.S. senators oppose the idea, saying Democrats would retaliate down the road.

Sean BarryNovember 07, 2025

Though a lightning rod for controversy, Dick Cheney was for years a celebrated Wyomingite. Sen. John Barrasso lauded the man's legacy Thursday, while Wyoming's other delegates and the president were measured about Cheney's death. 

Barrasso Honors Cheney Despite Complex History, Silence From Trump

Though a lightning rod for controversy, Dick Cheney was for years a celebrated Wyomingite. Sen. John Barrasso lauded the man's legacy Thursday, while Wyoming's other delegates and the president were measured about Cheney's death. 

Jackson WalkerNovember 07, 2025

Japan’s brown bears are essentially the same species as Wyoming’s grizzlies. This mother and cub were skinny because the late-summer pink salmon run they were waiting for was late.

Japan Calls Out The Military To Help Stop Surge In Bear Attacks

Japan for years has had a problem with bear attacks, but lately it’s gotten so bad the military was deployed to help protect people from getting mauled and killed.

Mark HeinzNovember 07, 2025

Through past reporting and a slew of point-blank inquiries this week, Cowboy State Daily has determined that half of the Wyoming House of Representatives, which has 62 members, are not Freedom Caucus members or say they're not Freedom Caucus members. Pictured is former Freedom Caucus chairman Rep. John Bear.

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Membership Survey: 31 House Reps Say They're Not Members

Through past reporting and a slew of point-blank inquiries this week, Cowboy State Daily has determined that half of the Wyoming House of Representatives, which has 62 members, are not Freedom Caucus members or say they're not Freedom Caucus members.

Clair McFarland & Jackson WalkerNovember 06, 2025

While Wyoming’s stretch of Interstate 80 is currently in good shape, maintenance is key. Otherwise, it would cost $2.6 million per mile to rebuild, or more than $1 billion dollars total. That doesn’t include costs associated with passing lanes, ramps, and bridges.

Rebuilding Wyoming’s Stretch Of Interstate 80 Would Cost More Than $1 Billion

While Wyoming’s stretch of Interstate 80 is currently in good shape, maintenance is key. Otherwise, it would cost $2.6 million per mile to rebuild, or more than $1 billion dollars total. That doesn’t include costs associated with passing lanes, ramps, and bridges.

Jackson WalkerNovember 06, 2025

Jo Orchard, 84, of Ten Sleep has been inspired by Wyoming and its people since the 1970s. She has channeled that love into her original buckskin dresses, beaded art and quilts.

Ten Sleep Buckskin Artist Tans Hides With Brains And Makes Thread From Sinew

Mavis “Jo” Orchard of Ten Sleep creates authentic Wyoming artistic masterpieces from buckskin and makes hand-appliquéd quilts. She’s taught herself traditional methods, like brain-tanning hides and making her own thread from sinew.

Jackie DorothyNovember 06, 2025

K.J. Gillenwater has channeled her knowledge of the military and national security from a career as a Navy Russian linguist into a successful sci-fi book series, "The Genesis Machine." She lives in Cody and also writes rom-coms and supernatural thrillers.

Wyoming Author Channels Career As A Navy Russian Linguist Into Her Books

K.J. Gillenwater has channeled her knowledge of the military and national security from a career as a Navy Russian linguist into a successful sci-fi book series, "The Genesis Machine." She lives in Cody and also writes rom-coms and supernatural thrillers.

Jackie DorothyNovember 06, 2025

The Rockefeller family has owned a remote retreat with unparalleled Grand Teton views for going on a half-century. The property has just hit the market for $12.9 million.

One-Of-A-Kind Rockefeller Family Retreat In Jackson Hole Lists For $12.9M

The Rockefeller family has owned a remote retreat with unparalleled Grand Teton views for going on a half-century. The property has just hit the market for $12.9 million.

Renée JeanNovember 05, 2025

Right after both Vice President Cheney and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk died, people mocked them and left hateful messages all over social media. Wyoming pastors told Cowboy State Daily that none of us are "pure enough to spit on anybody's grave."

Wyoming Pastors Say Nobody Should Rejoice Over Cheney’s Or Kirk’s Deaths

Right after both Vice President Cheney and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk died, people mocked them and left hateful messages all over social media. Wyoming pastors told Cowboy State Daily that none of us are "pure enough to spit on anybody's grave."

Clair McFarlandNovember 05, 2025

After surviving a crash and a week alone in the Wyoming wilderness, a dachshund named Chewie was found by a couple and traced back to his relieved owner in Oregon, thanks to a microchip and a helpful FedEx driver.

Believed Dead In Crash On Wyoming Highway, Lost Dog Found Alive A Week Later

After surviving a crash and a week alone in the Wyoming wilderness, a dachshund named Chewie was found by a couple and traced back to his relieved owner in Oregon, thanks to a microchip and a helpful FedEx driver.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 06, 2025

Uinta County Courthouse

Uinta County Voters Defeat $40.6 Million Tax Project By More Than 2-To-1 Margin

Uinta County voters don’t want to pay an additional 1% tax for a new swimming pool and other projects totaling about $40.6 million. They voted more than 2-to-1 against the controversial proposal.

Clair McFarlandNovember 06, 2025

Cows belonging to Sheridan-area rancher Dan Reinke wear solar-powered electronic collars as part of a “virtual fencing” system. Such systems could replace physical livestock fences in some places.

Wyoming Cows Go High-Tech With Electronic Collars And ‘Virtual Fencing’

Cows across Wyoming might soon be corralled by electronic collars that vibrate to tell them where to go, or shock them when they stray. It’s called “virtual fencing.”

Mark HeinzNovember 05, 2025

Members of Wyoming’s delegation applauded President Trump’s Wednesday pick of New Mexico's Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management as a "major win for Wyoming."

Delegation Applauds Trump’s Pick Of Steve Pearce To Head BLM

Members of Wyoming’s delegation applauded President Trump’s Wednesday pick of New Mexico's Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management as a "major win for Wyoming."

Sean BarryNovember 06, 2025

A yellow-orange tabby stray in Platte County, Wyoming, has earned the name Lucky. Despite long odds, he survived being impaled by a blow dart and shot in the shoulder.

Miracle Cat Survives Being Impaled By Blow Dart And Shot With Gun

A yellow-orange tabby stray in Platte County, Wyoming, has earned the name Lucky. Despite long odds, he survived being impaled by a blow dart and shot in the shoulder.

Renée JeanNovember 05, 2025

After hearing passionate debate Tuesday, the Gillette City Council voted 4-3 to advance a proposed repeal of its so-called "hate crime" ordinance. The repeal must survive two more readings to become effective. Above, Campbell County Cemetery Board member and local resident Dean Vomhoff testifies in support of repealing the ordinance.

Gillette Plan To Scrap Controversial 'Hate Crime' Law Survives Fiery Hearing

After hearing passionate debate Tuesday, the Gillette City Council voted 4-3 to advance a proposed repeal of its so-called "hate crime" ordinance. The repeal must survive two more readings to become effective.

Jackson WalkerNovember 05, 2025

The nation is remembering Dick Cheney as the serious, steely-eyed, no-nonsense former secretary of defense and vice president who some dubbed a “war hawk” and others “Darth Vader.” In his home state of Wyoming, they also say he was a heck of a funny guy. Here he shares a laugh with "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno in 2002.

Wyoming’s Dick Cheney: ‘War Hawk,’ ‘Darth Vader’ And A Heck Of A Funny Guy

The nation is remembering Dick Cheney as the serious, steely-eyed, no-nonsense former secretary of defense and vice president who some dubbed a “war hawk” and others “Darth Vader.” In his home state of Wyoming, they also say he was a heck of a funny guy.

Greg JohnsonNovember 04, 2025

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Dick Cheney, Vice President And Former Wyoming Congressman, Dies At 84

Dick Cheney, regarded as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history and former congressman of Wyoming, died Monday night at the age of 84.

Clair McFarlandNovember 04, 2025

Casper native and University of Wyoming football star Logan Wilson was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. The move brings his career full circle as he once again becomes a “Cowboy” while promoting his home state.

Wyoming NFL Star Logan Wilson Becomes A Cowboy Again In Dallas Trade

Casper native and University of Wyoming football star Logan Wilson was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. The move brings his career full circle as he once again becomes a “Cowboy” while promoting his home state.

Justin GeorgeNovember 04, 2025

Evansville election judge Max Jacobsen looks through the voting roll midday on primary election day, Aug. 20, 2024, in this file photo.

Bill Heads To Session That Would Ban Dropping Off Ballots For Others

A Wyoming legislative committee advanced a bill Tuesday to criminalize dropping of ballots for other people, with a few exceptions. Supporters say it protects election integrity, while critics say it could make felons out of well-meaning friends.

Clair McFarlandNovember 04, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Dave Marlatt. Dave writes, "Sunrise from Smith Road in Riverton, Wyoming."

Photo by Dave Marlatt

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: Truth Makes Best Policy, and Hageman Knows It

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “What the government gives, the government can take away. If you are serious about stabilizing the boom-and-bust cycle, don't hitch your wagon to an out-of-control federal government.”

Jonathan LangeNovember 07, 2025

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Tom Lubnau: Wyoming Lawmakers Are Here To Vanquish The Contrails

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes: "Watching the Ag Committee debate contrails is like watching an Adam Rose construction accident video on the internet. You know it is going to be bad, but you still can't look away." 

Tom LubnauNovember 05, 2025

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Bill Sniffin: For A Time, Wyoming’s Dick Cheney Was The Most Powerful Person In The World

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "You could hear a pin drop as the former Vice-President, the late Dick Cheney, described what it was like to be at the White House during the 9-11 crisis that occurred Sept. 11, 2001."

Bill SniffinNovember 05, 2025

Wyoming Life

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