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Wyoming’s shortage of nursers could get worse now that the federal government has taken nurses off of its list of “professional” degrees. That would slash federal student loan assistance and has the University of Wyoming exploring financial workarounds. Above, nursing students work on a patient simulator.

Shortage Of Nurses Could Get Worse If Feds Take Them Off ‘Professionals’ List

Wyoming’s shortage of nursers could get worse if the federal government takes nurses off of its list of “professional” degrees. That would slash federal student loan assistance and could put the nurse practitioner program out of reach for students.

Renée JeanNovember 29, 2025

The winning poster for the 2025 Bozeman Christmas Stroll — complete with a holiday spider. Online chatter accusing the artist of using generative AI led the Downtown Bozeman Partnership to not print and distribute the poster. Instead, it’s using a picture of a spider.

Winning Christmas Poster Pulled Over Artificial Intelligence Accusations In Bozeman

A Christmas art poster contest in Bozeman exploded into controversy after the winning design was accused of being generated by artificial intelligence. The Downtown Bozeman Partnership pulled the winning design entirely citing safety concerns.

David MadisonNovember 29, 2025

Joseph Cavender led Wyoming National Guard and other troops in an artillery unit during World War I.

Wyoming History: WWI Commander Took Troops To Fight In France, Never Came Home

A respected World War I Wyoming National Guard commander trained Wyoming troops to fight on the battlefields in France. But a transition from infantry to artillery proved challenging. And when the guns went silent, he never came home.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 30, 2025

Samuel Nelson and his wife, Jamie, are raising their family on the ranch that has been in the family for five generations. Nelson has not only inherited buildings but the stories that go with them.

5th-Generation Wyoming Rancher Also Keeps Family Legacy Of Cowboy Storytelling

Samuel Nelson is the fifth generation to run his family's Noble Ranch, preserving the family's connection to the land and Western tradition. He also keeps alive another tradition — cowboy storytelling.

Jackie DorothyNovember 30, 2025

Before he became a mega-star as Aragorn in "Lord of the Rings," a young Viggo Mortensen survives as a prisoner in a horrifying and haunted prison. The 1987 horror film "Prison" was shot at the historic prison in Rawlins, and has become a cult classic.

1987 Cult Horror Classic Starring A Young Viggo Mortensen Filmed At Rawlins Prison

Before he became a mega-star as Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings," a young Viggo Mortensen survived as a prisoner in a horrifying and haunted prison. The 1987 horror film "Prison" was shot at the historic prison in Rawlins, and has become a cult classic.

Jackie DorothyNovember 30, 2025

Critics of a bill co-sponsored by Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso say it would turn prime wilderness into a surveillance zone. Barrasso says it would protect wildlands from being trashed by smugglers and illegal immigrants.

Hunters Fear Bill Would Turn Wilderness Into Militarized Surveillance Zone

Critics of a bill co-sponsored by Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso say it would turn prime wilderness into a surveillance zone. Barrasso says it would protect wildlands from being trashed by smugglers and illegal immigrants.

Mark HeinzNovember 28, 2025

A professional team photo of the Wyoming State Penitentiary All-Stars taken by prominent Rawlins photographer M.F. Jukes.

The 1911 Wyoming State Penitentiary All-Stars Was The Baddest Baseball Team Ever

The 1911 Wyoming State Penitentiary All-Stars was the baddest ball club ever assembled, with a murderer at shortstop, a burglar at third, and the team’s star player in right field had a date with the hangman before the season was scheduled to end.

Jake NicholsNovember 28, 2025

George Abeyta and his 6-year-old grandson Ethanial Brown (aka Baby E) from Wyoming's Wind River Indian Reservation showcased their Shoshone heritage at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday.

Wyoming Shoshone Dancers Showcase Culture In Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

George Abeyta and his 6-year-old grandson from Wyoming's Wind River Indian Reservation showcased their Shoshone heritage in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday.

Jackie DorothyNovember 28, 2025

During the rut, or mating season, for bighorn sheep, rams gather to crack horns in an area near Dubois that fans call “Ramland Wyoming.”

Famed Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Herd Still Recovering From Brutal Winter Of '85

The famed Whiskey Mountain bighorn sheep herd near Dubois is a shell of what it used to be, down from 2,500 sheep to about 750. A wildlife artist who has watched the sheep for decades says the decline started with the bitterly cold winter of 1985.

Mark HeinzNovember 28, 2025

Trump’s Genesis Mission will link national labs, artificial intelligence and quantum tech to speed up scientific breakthroughs, especially in energy. University of Wyoming and the Idaho National Lab hope to boost nuclear innovation, research, and jobs.

Trump's Artificial Intelligence Push Could Turbocharge Wyoming Energy, Research

Trump’s Genesis Mission will link national labs, artificial intelligence and quantum tech to speed up scientific breakthroughs, especially in energy. University of Wyoming and the Idaho National Lab hope to boost nuclear innovation, research, and jobs.

David MadisonNovember 28, 2025

A survey has sparked division in Evanston over whether the local school district should adopt a four-day school week. Some district leaders and parents don't like the idea, while supporters says it's not the job of public schools to babysit kids.

Survey Sparks Division In Evanston Over Four-Day School Week

A survey has sparked division in Evanston over whether the local school district should adopt a four-day school week. Some district leaders and parents don't like the idea, while supporters says it's not the job of public schools to babysit kids.

Kate MeadowsNovember 28, 2025

An Army veteran and Montana cowboy got an inside look at how 50-year mortgages worked when he was in Germany after World War II. Multiple generations would sign the loan to pool resources and avoid estate taxes.

One Way Trump's 50-Year Mortgage Could Work: Multi-Generation Loans

An Army veteran and Montana cowboy got an inside look at how 50-year mortgages worked when he was in Germany after World War II. Multiple generations would sign the loan to pool resources and avoid estate taxes.

Renée JeanNovember 28, 2025

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's nearly 90 ski patrollers in ultra-wealthy Teton County are pushing for a vote to unionize. They say dangerous work, long commutes and soaring housing costs make it nearly impossible to live in the community they protect. Above, a patrol member trains with one of the team's celebrated dog patrol members.

Ski Patrollers In Ultra-Wealthy Teton County Push For Union At Jackson Hole Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's nearly 90 ski patrollers in ultra-wealthy Teton County are pushing for a vote to unionize. They say dangerous work, long commutes and soaring housing costs make it nearly impossible to live in the community they protect.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 28, 2025

Guy Holt rides the legendary rodeo bronc Steamboat in 1903.

Who Is The Rider on Steamboat, Wyoming's Famed Bucking Horse?

Wyoming’s most enduring symbol is our license plate featuring the bucking horse named Steamboat. But who is the rider? In Pinedale, old timers may tell you it’s Guy Holt. In Lander, sentiment leans toward Stub Farlow. In Laramie, it's Jake Maring.

Candy MoultonNovember 28, 2025

Shirely Munoz Newson, far left, with some members of her biological family, whom she didn't meet until after she learned before her 43rd birthday that she was switched at birth. They are, from left, cousin Brenda Munoz, aunt Mary Mercado, cousin Kim Accurso and cousin Nick Munoz.

Wyoming Woman Was 43 When She Learned She Was Switched At Birth

Gillette resident Shirley Munoz Newsom was 43 when she discovered she had been switched at birth. Now she’s sharing her story and learning that babies switched at birth isn’t as uncommon as people may think.

Amber SteinmetzNovember 28, 2025

10-month-old Basil Daly was last seen in Washakie County on Nov. 16. He’s thought to be with his noncustodial mother Madeline Daly, who has absconded with him against court orders. Desperate to find the child, his father is asking for the public's help.

Father Of Missing Ten Sleep Baby Asks For Public’s Help In Finding Him

10-month-old Basil Daly was last seen in Washakie County on Nov. 16. He’s thought to be with his noncustodial mother Madeline Daly, who has absconded with him against court orders. Desperate to find the child, his father is asking for the public's help.

Jen KocherNovember 27, 2025

Crystal Neal says Thanksgiving this year in Casper at the Wyoming Rescue Mission is an joyous and emotional time. After one setback after another, she said she's finally on an upward trajectory.

For Wyomingites Facing Trauma And Addiction, There’s Much To Be Thankful For Here

The meaning of Thanksgiving takes on a deeper meaning for the clients and volunteers at the Wyoming Rescue Mission in Casper. Those working through trauma and addiction say they have much to be thankful for.

Zakary SonntagNovember 27, 2025

Ann Hauge, third-generation owner of the Snake River Ranch in Wyoming, far right, was instrumental in building the first new port in Haiti’s southern peninsula in 50 years. She says that, like Wyoming, Haiti feeds her pioneer spirit.

How A Wyoming Ranch Owner Helped Build Southern Haiti's First Port In 50 Years

Ann Hauge, third-generation owner of the Snake River Ranch in Wyoming, was instrumental in building the first new port in Haiti’s southern peninsula in 50 years. She says that, like Wyoming, Haiti feeds her pioneer spirit.

Renée JeanNovember 28, 2025

Asa Mercer wrote the most banned book in Wyoming. The author of the "Banditti of the Plains” had turned on the Invaders and wrote the truth about their war on the homesteaders of Johnson County. The first edition published in 1894, just two years after the invasion, then copies were banned, stolen, burned and destroyed by those who supported the Invaders and wanted to suppress the story.

Rare First Edition Of Wyoming's Most-Banned Book Finally Back In Johnson County

An extremely rare first-edition of Asa Mercer’s 1894 “Banditti of the Plains,” Wyoming's most-banned book because it exposed powerful backers of the Johnson County War, has resurfaced. It's been donated to the Johnson County Library and Hoofprints Museum.

Jackie DorothyNovember 27, 2025

The ex-boyfriend of Wyoming Rep. Nina Webber is suing her on claims she cheated him out of $6,000 for a Zimbabwe leopard- and elephant-hunting trip that followed an earlier safari to hunt hippo and crocodile. A bench trial in the case is ongoing.  

Wyoming Legislator's Ex-Boyfriend Sues, Wants Money Back For Zimbabwe Leopard Hunt

The ex-boyfriend of Wyoming Rep. Nina Webber is suing her on claims she cheated him out of $6,000 for a Zimbabwe leopard- and elephant-hunting trip that followed an earlier safari to hunt hippo and crocodile. A bench trial in the case is ongoing.  

Clair McFarlandNovember 27, 2025

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Here’s What Truckers Say Wyoming Drivers Are Doing Wrong

You're traveling along the vast emptiness of Interstate 80 and you pull into the left lane to pass two 18-wheelers when the first one pulls into the passing lane right in front of you. Do they do that on purpose?

Jake NicholsNovember 27, 2025

The Cowboy Bar in Pinedale.

Real Wyoming: Pinedale’s Cowboy Bar Was Built By An Outlaw And Won In A Card Game

Pinedale’s Cowboy Bar was built by an outlaw who rode with Butch Cassidy and later owned by a Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Famer who won the bar in a card game. The current owner, Lila Golden, has worked there since she was 6 years old.

John ThompsonNovember 27, 2025

Hayden Terry works with a horse as part of CHAPS Equine Assisted Services Haltering Hope For Youth, an equine-facilitated psychotherapy group program. CHAPS, located in Sheridan, offers a variety of programs and recently became the only dual-accredited facility in the state.

Horses In Wyoming's Only Dual-Therapy Center Are Healing For Veterans And Kids

CHAPS in Sheridan is Wyoming’s only dual-accredited equine therapy center. Its horses help military veterans, kids, and others find healing and a sense of being grounded.

Amber SteinmetzNovember 28, 2025

A member of the Air Force crash investigation team surveys the tail section of the Air Force C-130 that crashed and burned near the top of Sheep Mountain near Jackson, Wyoming, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1996. The C-130, which carried support equipment for President Clinton's vacation, went down on takeoff late Saturday night. Nine people were killed in the crash.

Wyoming History: 29 Years Ago Clinton Plane Crashed Into Jackson Mountain

It was a pitch-black night in 1996 when a President Clinton support C-130 ignored takeoff protocol and slammed into Sheep Mountain above Jackson at 200 mph, killing all nine onboard. The impact created a fireball that could be seen for miles.

Jake NicholsNovember 26, 2025

Bill Schilling and Eli Bebout embrace each other during Leadership Wyoming's 25th Anniversary. Schilling and Bebout worked together to establish the first program in 2000. Leadership Wyoming recenlty celebrated its 25th anniversary in Laramie with a showing of about 500 current and former graduates. The program is shaping the Cowboy State's next wave of pioneers.

Leadership Wyoming: 25 Years Of Shaping The Cowboy State’s Next Wave Of Leaders

Leadership Wyoming recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Laramie with a showing of about 500 graduates. Bill Schilling and Eli Bebout, who are credited with making the program a reality, were honored at the celebration.

Andrew RossiNovember 28, 2025

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Wyoming U.S. Attorney Drops Diesel ‘Delete’ Case

Wyoming U.S. Attorney Darin Smith dropped felony diesel “delete” charges Wednesday against Gillette-raised mechanic Levi Krech. The rare dismissal, and a Trump pardon for another delete mechanic, may signal a less aggressive approach toward the practice.

Clair McFarlandNovember 26, 2025

Authorities reported Wednesday that Chance Englebert’s death was likely an accident by falling anywhere from 130-290 feet off a Scotts Bluff National Monument cliff. His family and others don’t buy it, saying they now have more questions than answers.

Family, Others Question Finding That Chance Englebert’s Death Was Accidental

Authorities reported Wednesday that Chance Englebert’s death was likely an accident by falling anywhere from 130-290 feet off a Scotts Bluff National Monument cliff. His family and others don’t buy it, saying they now have more questions than answers.

Jen KocherNovember 26, 2025

Authorities say somebody shot and killed this young-of-the-year black bear cub near Stevensville, Montana sometime between Nov. 20 and Nov. 22.

Game Warden Says Montana Black Bear Cub Shooting ‘As Bad As It Gets’

Montana authorities are searching for whoever shot a black bear cub and left its carcass to rot, a wildlife code violation punishable by up to $2,000 in fines and jail time. As far as wildlife crimes go, this is "as bad as it gets," a game warden said.

Mark HeinzNovember 26, 2025

Thanksgiving “maskers" would run around cities, such as Cheyenne, dressed as beggars and silly characters. They would play at begging for alms and, if not given pennies, nickels or candy from adult pedestrians, would whack them with a sock full of flour and toot their horns in their victim’s ears, like in this photo circa 1910.

Wyoming History: Thanksgiving Used To Be About Costumes And Trick-Or-Treating

Prior to the 1930s, Thanksgiving in Wyoming included jack-o'-lanterns, costume parties and going door-to-door for what was basically trick-or-treating. The proper outfit to wear to dinner was a costume, not your Sunday best.

Jackie DorothyNovember 26, 2025

The nation's Christmas tree that lights up the U.S. Capitol ever year has come from Wyoming once. A 67-foot Engelmann spruce became the "People's Tree" in 2010, featuring thousands of LED lights and more than 5,000 ornaments from Wyomingites.

Capitol Christmas Tree Has Come From Wyoming Once: A 67-Foot Spruce In 2010

The nation's Christmas tree that lights up the U.S. Capitol every year has come from Wyoming once. A 67-foot Engelmann spruce became the "People's Tree" in 2010, featuring thousands of LED lights and more than 5,000 ornaments from Wyomingites.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 26, 2025

Stephanie Linke, 36, and Michael Gruchacz, 35, are accused of torturing a 14-year-old boy. Prosecutors say the teen was forced to drink gallons of water and live in a basement. Doctors say he nearly died and showed clear signs of abuse and malnutrition.

Cheyenne Couple Accused Of Torturing Malnourished 14-Year-Old Boy

A Cheyenne couple is accused of torturing a 14-year-old boy. Prosecutors say the teen was forced to drink gallons of water and live in a basement. Doctors say he nearly died and showed clear signs of abuse and malnutrition.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 27, 2025

Wyoming chefs, like Cheyenne celebrity chef Petrina Peart, say they don't trust artificial intelligence to tell them how to cook Thanksgiving dinner. They say AI turkey recipes miss key steps like brining and resting, so they still trust human expertise for a juicy, tasty bird.

Chefs Don't Trust Artificial Intelligence To Tell Them How To Cook Thanksgiving Dinner

Wyoming chefs say they don't trust artificial intelligence to tell them how to cook Thanksgiving dinner. They say AI turkey recipes miss key steps like brining and resting, so they still trust human expertise for a juicy, tasty bird.

Renée JeanNovember 26, 2025

Prairie dogs 10 2 23

How Desperate Would You Have To Be To Eat A Prairie Dog?

When it comes to gross things to eat in a survival situation, Wyoming has quite a few options, but it raises the question — who would resort to campfire-roasted prairie dog?

Mark HeinzNovember 26, 2025

An 18-year-old Sheridan man accused of fighting with troopers during a Casper traffic stop Saturday tried to drive off with drugs and a loaded handgun in his SUV. He also faces charges related to summer crime sprees across northeast Wyoming.

Teen Accused Of Fighting With Troopers In Casper Also Tied To Summer Crime Sprees

An 18-year-old Sheridan man accused of fighting with troopers during a Casper traffic stop Saturday tried to drive off with drugs and a loaded handgun in his SUV. He also faces charges related to summer crime sprees across northeast Wyoming.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 26, 2025

The Florida trucker — identified as Rabindran Bunsee — arrested by a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper Thursday near Rawlins could face life in prison on an attempted murder charge during a road rage incident. He’s accused of shooting at a pickup with a toddler in it. 

Trucker Accused Of Shooting At Pickup With Toddler In It Could Face Life In Prison

The Florida trucker arrested by a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper Thursday near Rawlins could face life in prison on an attempted murder charge during a road rage incident. He’s accused of shooting at a pickup with a toddler in it. 

Clair McFarlandNovember 25, 2025

Samantha Strable, the woman caught on video earlier this year harassing a baby wombat in Australia, faces multiple charges claiming that she lied about her residency to get hunting tags in Wyoming.

Woman Who Harassed Wombat In Australia Accused Of Wyoming Hunting Violations

A woman caught on video earlier this year harassing a baby wombat in Australia faces multiple charges claiming that she lied about her residency to get hunting tags in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzNovember 26, 2025

An off-duty Carbon County Deputy Jason Black is being praised for his quick action to help a pair of Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers fighting with suspects on a Casper roadside. He was on his way to the store when he ran to help with the chaotic scene.

Hero Cop: Off-Duty Deputy Helps Subdue Suspects Fighting With Troopers

An off-duty Carbon County deputy is being praised for his quick action to help a pair of Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers fighting with suspects on a Casper roadside. He was on his way to the store when he ran to help with the chaotic scene.

Kate MeadowsNovember 25, 2025

More than six weeks after human remans were found near rural Gering, Nebraska, it's been confirmed they belong to Chance Englebert, a Moorcroft, Wyoming, man who disappeared while visiting family there in July 2019.

DNA Confirms Chance Englebert Died In Nebraska Park, Cause Deemed Accidental

DNA has confirmed the remains found in a rural area near Gering, Nebraska, last month are Chance Englebert. But the mother of the Moorcroft man missing for more than six years has a hard time believing his death was accidental.

Jen KocherNovember 25, 2025

The new series “Saving Yellowstone, with Dennis Quaid” premieres on Animal Planet Wednesday. It was produced by Marc Pierce and the same Montana filmmakers behind “Yellowstone to Yosemite, with Kevin Costner.” It debuts between episodes of “Yellowstone Wardens.”

New Series “Saving Yellowstone With Dennis Quaid” Premieres On Animal Planet

A new docuseries “Saving Yellowstone” premieres Wednesday on Animal Planet featuring Dennis Quaid and a filmmaker known as “The Beaver Man.” They explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem while spotlighting threats and discoveries.

David MadisonNovember 26, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Jacob Thacker. Jacob writes, "Beautiful morning with fresh snow southwest of Cody."

Photo by Jacob Thacker

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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Legacy 16

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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Crime & Courts

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