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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

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, November 21, 2025

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

Jake NicholsNovember 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

Elk Hunter Chris Holden found these aircraft parts Wednesday afternoon near Laramie Peak in Converse County. It’s thought that they might have blown off a plane in mid-flight.

Wyoming Hunter Finds Aircraft Parts That Blew Off Cessna Jet In 2019

A Wyoming hunter found aircraft parts Wednesday scattered near Laramie Peak. The Converse County Sheriff's Office confirmed late Thursday the parts came from a Cessna Citation jet that took off in 2019 from Casper and landed safely in Scottsbluff.

Mark HeinzNovember 20, 2025

Mark Chanez

Casper Man Claims He’s ‘A Victim'; 1,083 Child Porn Photos Planted On His Phone

A 60-year-old Casper man told a judge Thursday that he’s “a victim” before he was sentenced to 12-15 years in prison for child pornography charges. He also claimed the 1,083 child porn photos found on his phone were planted there “while I was asleep."

Dale KillingbeckNovember 20, 2025

A track hoe was stolen from about mile marker 124 along U.S. Highway 189/191 in Sublette County. This photo is from the closest WYDOT webcam, at about mile marker 120.

81-Year-Old Rancher's Caterpillar Trackhoe Stolen In Bold Daytime Heist

An 81-year-old rancher’s $30,000 Caterpillar trackhoe was stolen in broad daylight near Big Piney, Wyoming. “Whoever did this had a pretty good plan and got home free,” the rancher told Cowboy State Daily

Scott SchwebkeNovember 20, 2025

Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, left, and Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette.

Sparks Fly At Management Council Over Honor Wyoming 'Blocked' Email Claims

Sparks flew Wednesday as the Legislature’s highest-ranking members rejected a controversial bill to keep a list of emails people send to legislators. Conservative political group Honor Wyoming says the list is needed because its emails have been “blocked.”

Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2025

A preliminary NTSB report released recently details how a ruptured Kinder Morgan pipeline near Cheyenne in September caused a massive fireball and damaged a Union Pacific train carrying hazardous cargo.

NTSB Probe Details Wyoming Pipeline Blast That Triggered Fiery Train Escape

A National Transportation Safety Board report paints a chaotic picture on the night when a ruptured pipeline near Cheyenne in September caused a massive fireball and damaged a Union Pacific train carrying hazardous cargo.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 19, 2025

Japan wants Wyoming’s low-carbon natural gas, and new export terminals in Mexico may provide a route for Asian delivery. Policy leaders say demand is rising, and cleaner Rocky Mountain gas could boost U.S. energy exports.

Japan Eyes Wyoming Gas As New Mexico-Mexico Route Opens Export Path

Japan wants Wyoming’s low-carbon natural gas, and new export terminals in Mexico may provide a route for Asian delivery. Policy leaders say demand is rising, and cleaner Rocky Mountain gas could boost U.S. energy exports.

Renée JeanNovember 20, 2025

Amid a flurry of dire accusations, a resolution pushed by Rep. Hageman passed the House on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, potentially opening up more coal leasing in the Powder River Basin.

House Passes Hageman's Bill To Restore Coal Leasing In Powder River Basin

The House narrowly passed a resolution led by U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman to restore coal leasing in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin and overturn a Biden-era ban. The measure now heads to the Senate amid sharp debate over energy and climate policy.

David MadisonNovember 19, 2025

After a five-year hiatus, pig wrestling is set for a return at the Teton County Fair in 2026, but now county commissioners are reconsidering the event after activists have raised concerns that the tradition could be curel to the animal.

Pig Wrestling Returns To 2026 Teton County Fair — But Only For Kids And Women

After a six-year hiatus, pig wrestling will return for the 2026 Teton County Fair, but only for kids and women — and all must complete animal care training. The decision follows heated debate over tradition versus animal welfare concerns.

Kate MeadowsNovember 20, 2025

U.S. Senate Republican leaders, including Wyoming’s John Barrasso, inset, allowed legislation on the Epstein files to pass Wednesday with no debate or amendments. They ingnored U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s insistence on changes.

Barrasso, Senate GOP Ignore House Leader And Pass Bill To Release Epstein Files

U.S. Senate Republican leaders, including Wyoming’s John Barrasso, allowed legislation on the Epstein files to pass Wednesday with no debate or amendments. They ignored U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s insistence on changes.

Sean BarryNovember 19, 2025

Shayne Patrick Burke, a 35-year-old military veteran from Massachusetts, says he's lucky to survive an attack by an angry momma grizzly in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. In an Instagram post detailing the attack, he says it was the most violent experience of his life and he has no ill feelings toward the bear.

Wyoming Wants A Health Plan For Bear Attacks And Other ‘Catastrophic’ Events

The odds of getting hit by a bus or attacked by an angry grizzly bear are astronomically low, but they do happen. Wyoming health officials want to create what they call “BearCare,” a health plan for those and other “catastrophic” events.

Kate MeadowsNovember 19, 2025

Story resident Brad Jones had to duck behind his pickup after the rutting white-tailed deer he was watching took their fight to him Sunday. Late fall is rutting season for Wyoming's deer, which makes them more reckless, dangerous, and stupid.

Story Man Narrowly Avoids Being Wiped Out By Rutting White-Tailed Deer

Story resident Brad Jones had to duck behind his pickup after the rutting white-tailed deer he was watching took their fight to him Sunday. Late fall is rutting season for Wyoming's deer, which makes them more reckless and dangerous.

Andrew RossiNovember 19, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray, from left, Gov. Mark Gordon, and State Treasurer Curt Meier.

Gray 'Alarmed' Gordon Doesn't Back His Request For Extra Money

Secretary of State Chuck Gray claims Gov. Mark Gordon isn't including money to advertise a property tax ballot initiative in his biennial budget. Gordon says Gray managed to fulfill his publication requirements before without extra money.

Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2025

Wyoming lawmakers advanced five bills Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, to tighten control over slot-style gaming, citing its explosive growth. Industry leaders defended the machines as vital to funding live horse racing and rural economic activity.

Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Five Bills To Rein In Slot-Machine-Like Gaming

Wyoming lawmakers advanced five bills Tuesday to tighten control over slot-machine-like gaming, citing its explosive growth. Industry leaders defended the machines as vital to funding live horse racing and rural economic activity.

Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2025

Campbell County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, banning the storage of high-level nuclear waste in the county. They say it’s a message that as Wyoming’s nuclear industry grows, Campbell County has no intentions of becoming a nuclear waste dump.

Campbell County’s Nuclear Solution: Ban Storage Of High-Level Waste

Campbell County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday banning the storage of high-level nuclear waste in the county. They say it’s a message that as Wyoming’s nuclear industry grows, Campbell County has no intentions of becoming a nuclear waste dump.

David MadisonNovember 18, 2025

One of the wolves brought into Colorado from British Columbia in January and released in Colorado was killed in Wyoming on Friday. It had killed five sheep in north-central Wyoming, wildlife officials report.

Canada, Oregon And Now Washington Won't Send More Wolves To Colorado

Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program may have hit a wall. It probably can’t get any more wolves from Canada, Oregon has said no more, and now Washington state is also refusing to send more wolves for the program.

Mark HeinzNovember 19, 2025

Wyoming is bucking a national trend by growing its horse racing industry. But legislators want more control of the gaming terminals that support its big purses amid complaints the state is looking too much like Montana.

Wyoming Horse Racing Is Thriving, But Legislators Want More Regulation

Wyoming is bucking a national trend by growing its horse racing industry. But legislators want more control of the gaming terminals that support its big purses amid complaints the state is looking too much like Montana.

Renée JeanNovember 18, 2025

Wildlife experts say a man was foolish and inconsiderate to press within a few yards of a group of juvenile wolves in Yellowstone National Park. On a video of the incident, onlookers remark that, "This could end very badly for that guy."

Dimwitted Man Taunts Yellowstone Wolves: 'This Could End Really Badly For That Guy'

Wildlife experts say a man was foolish and inconsiderate to press within a few yards of a group of juvenile wolves in Yellowstone. On a video of the incident, onlookers remark that, "This could end really badly for that guy."

Mark HeinzNovember 19, 2025

Transmission lines getty 5 26 23

It Could Take Months To Pinpoint What Caused Massive Power Outage

It could take months to pinpoint what caused two high-voltage lines to trip near Medicine Bow last week, resulting in an unprecedented blackout for about 100,000 customers of multiple utility companies across Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 19, 2025

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who grew up in Casper, will be laid to rest Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Washington National Cathedral. The private funeral will draw national leaders, with daughter Liz Cheney among the speakers.

Dick Cheney To Be Laid To Rest Thursday At Washington Cathedral

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who grew up in Casper, will be laid to rest Thursday at Washington National Cathedral. The private funeral will draw national leaders, with daughter Liz Cheney among the speakers.

Kate MeadowsNovember 19, 2025

An oft-painted rock south of the Wyoming-Colorado border demands the release of the Epstein files. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, the U.S. House nearly unanimously passed a bill 427-1 to open the files, including Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman.

Hageman — And 426 Other House Members — Vote To Release Epstein Files

The U.S. House was one vote shy of unanimously voting to require President Trump release the Epstein files Tuesday. That included a yes vote from Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman. Sen. Cynthia Lummis says she also supports disclosing the files.

Sean BarryNovember 18, 2025

Daily Features

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Sunrise small 11 23 25
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Wade Zook. Wade writes, "Gorgeous sunrise while heading out to go deer hunting southwest of Wheatland."

Photo by Wade Zook

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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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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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

Scott clem

Scott Clem: The Spoiled Mob And Spooked Alarmists Have Been Here A While 

Columnist Scott Clem writes: “It may seem new that our political culture looks like part spoiled mob, and part spooky-conspiracy-theory, tin-foil hat club, but it's not. The historical terms are modernity and post-modernity. They’re not new, and they’ve shaped our politics, morality, and spirituality."

Scott ClemNovember 21, 2025

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau:  Clear Creek Wood Bank – Making Wyoming Better

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "The Clear Creek Wood Bank is a charitable project out of Buffalo. Its mission is to 'ensure no one ever has to choose between eating and heating.' Last year it distributed 128 cords of cut/split firewood to 892 families in northern Wyoming.

Tom LubnauNovember 19, 2025

Wyoming Life

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