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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 Could Be Axed From Teton County Fair Amid Cruelty Claims

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 cruel to the animals.

Jackson WalkerNovember 13, 2025

A person is handcuffed and put into a Cheyenne Police Department vehicle at the scene of a fatal shooting Nov. 13, 2025, in northwest Cheyenne.

One Dead After Shooting At Gun Buy Gone Bad In Northwest Cheyenne

Detectives have interviewed multiple people in connection with a Wednesday night gun buy gone bad at a northwest Cheyenne home that left an 18-year-old man dead.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 13, 2025

Myron Chatwin

Former Worland Cop Guilty Of Molesting Children

After deliberating for about four hours Wednesday evening, a Washakie County jury convicted a former deputy who’d been serving as a police officer prior to his arrest last year on five counts of child sex abuse for molesting young girls.

Clair McFarlandNovember 13, 2025

Horses at Little Jennie Ranch below the Sawtooth in Bondurant

Record High Temperatures Ahead In Wyoming On Friday & Winter By Monday

Wyoming will have its "last hurrah" of warmth with record-high temperatures likely on Thursday and Friday. But our luck's running out. Wyoming meteorologists say the second half of November will be much colder and snowier.

Andrew RossiNovember 13, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon talks about his economic road map for Wyoming's future during his keynote address at the Wyoming Business Alliance Annual Governor's Conference.

Wyoming's Energy Sector A Economic Wild Card, Gordon Says

Affordable and workforce housing remain challenges for Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon said Thursday during a Laramie business conference. But the energy sector is a wild card that could bring new opportunities, if the state is willing to wrestle with change.

Renée JeanNovember 14, 2025

The court-appointed conservator of a Riverton boy sued the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday over a youth group boat-tubing incident in which the boy lost his foot.

LDS Church Sued Over Riverton Boy Losing Foot During Youth Boating Trip

The court-appointed conservator of a Riverton boy sued the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday over a youth group boat-tubing incident in which the boy lost his foot.

Clair McFarlandNovember 13, 2025

Speaking at the Governor's annual business conference on Wednesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Utah and Wyoming should embrace the need for data centers. “What’s happening in energy is unlike anything that’s happened in my lifetime,” Cox said. Region 8 EPA Administrator Cyrus Western asks Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to talk about the rapidly changing energy landscape in the West.

Utah Gov. Tells Wyoming Audience Go, Go, Go On Data Centers

Speaking at the governor's annual business conference on Wednesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Utah and Wyoming should embrace the need for data centers. “What’s happening in energy is unlike anything that’s happened in my lifetime,” Cox said.

Renée JeanNovember 13, 2025

Many Wyomingites are grieving with news of the death of longtime Casper journalist Susan Anderson. Anderson, 80, died Monday due to complications with ovarian cancer.

Susan Anderson Remembered As ‘Superstar’ In Wyoming Journalism

Longtime Wyoming journalist Susan Anderson died Monday due to complications with ovarian cancer. Although she may be remembered most as the anchor on KTWO-TV, she was also the business editor of the Casper Journal and served in the Wyoming legislature.

Jackson WalkerNovember 12, 2025

A new Senate amendment could let lawmakers win big payouts over FBI spying tied to Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 probe. Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis said she didn’t write the measure and hasn’t decided if she’ll seek damages.

Senate Bill Could Pay Out Millions To Lummis, Others Targeted By FBI Spying

A new Senate amendment could let lawmakers win big payouts over FBI spying tied to Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 probe. Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis said she didn’t write the measure and hasn’t decided if she’ll seek damages.

Sean BarryNovember 12, 2025

John Goodman, the Riverton man accused of binding a man hand and foot fatally slitting his throat two years ago, is finally headed to a felony-level trial court. Fremont County’s top prosecutor showed proof Wednesday that he acted with “premeditation."

Fremont County Prosecutor Shows Proof Of 'Premeditation' In 2023 Throat Slitting

The Riverton man accused of binding a man hand and foot, then fatally slitting his throat two years ago is finally headed to a felony-level trial court. Fremont County’s top prosecutor showed proof Wednesday that he acted with “premeditation."

Clair McFarlandNovember 12, 2025

An oil rig on Bureau of Land Management land in Converse County, Wyoming.

Wyoming Senators, Energy Insiders Say Biden-Era Public Lands Rule Must Go

Wyoming’s U.S. Senators are stumping for the BLM’s Biden-era Public Lands Rule to be rescinded. Some Wyoming energy industry insiders say it’s the right thing to do.

Mark HeinzNovember 13, 2025

A night of intensely colorful auroras put on a show over Wyoming and much of the Northern Hemisphere Tuesday night. They were so powerful that even photographers with decades of experience capturing auroras say they were the “best ever” seen in Wyoming.

Photographers Say Tuesday Night’s Intense Aurora Was 'Best Ever' For Wyoming

A night of intensely colorful auroras put on a show over Wyoming and much of the Northern Hemisphere Tuesday night. They were so powerful that even photographers with decades of experience capturing auroras say they were the “best ever” seen in Wyoming.

Andrew RossiNovember 12, 2025

A Montana jury found Daren Abbey guilty of murdering another man at a Gallatin Canyon campsite. Abbey, a self-described white supremacist, claimed self-defense but was convicted Monday and faces sentencing in December.

Montana Ax Murderer And Self-Described White Supremacist Convicted Of Murder

A Montana jury found Daren Abbey guilty of murdering another man at a Gallatin Canyon campsite. Abbey, a self-described white supremacist, claimed self-defense but was convicted Monday and faces sentencing in December.

David MadisonNovember 13, 2025

This young mule deer buck in Sheridan suffered a rare antler break at the base because of some massive force, such as a vehicle strike, or a fight with another deer.

Mule Deer Buck With Bizarre, Rare Antler Break Turns Heads In Sheridan

A young mule deer buck has been running around Sheridan with a bizarre antler, dangling from a broken base. A biologist says the buck will likely have a permanent deformity.

Mark HeinzNovember 12, 2025

Ur-Energy’s in-situ mining field for uranium at the company's Lost Creek site in the Red Desert of southwest Wyoming. Momentum behind Wyoming’s uranium industry continues to build, with the U.S. Interior Department giving it a boost Friday by officially designating the plentiful resource as a “critical" mineral.

Uranium Listed As ‘Critical’ Mineral, Signaling Boost For Wyoming Mining

Momentum behind Wyoming’s uranium industry continues to build, with the U.S. Interior Department giving it a boost Friday by officially designating the resource as a “critical" mineral.

David MadisonNovember 12, 2025

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and ProRodeo Hall of Fame has been headquartered in Colorado Springs for the last 46 years. Now it’s considering a move to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

ProRodeo Hall of Fame And PRCA Looking To Move To Wyoming

After 46 years in Colorado Springs, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and ProRodeo Hall of Fame are considering a move 183 miles north on Interstate 25 to Cheyenne, home of Cheyenne Frontier Days and its “Daddy of ’Em All” rodeo.

Renée JeanNovember 12, 2025

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a marketing company suing Kanye West’s 2020 presidential campaign failed to show it was cheated out of payment.

Appeals Court Sides With Kanye West In Wyoming Campaign Case

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a marketing company suing Kanye West’s 2020 presidential campaign failed to show it was cheated out of payment.

Clair McFarlandNovember 12, 2025

Homeless camp near Carey Avenue, West 3rd Street and Deming Drive along Crow Creek in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in this file photo.

Cheyenne City Council Considers $750 Fine For Sleeping In The Streets 

The Cheyenne City Council is weighing an amendment that would increase the fine for sleeping in city streets by 15 times, from $50 to $750. Some members say they find the proposal cruel and ineffective.  

Jackson WalkerNovember 11, 2025

Brayden Cummings of Rock Springs shot this bull elk in the Greater Little Mountain Area last year. Elk tags are difficult to draw for that area, but the game is plentiful.

Hunters Push To Protect Greater Little Mountain, Wyoming’s ‘Crown Jewel’

The future of more than 3 million acres of federal land in southwest Wyoming remains uncertain. But one section of it, the Greater Little Mountain area, should remain untouched, outdoors enthusiasts say.

Mark HeinzNovember 12, 2025

After 75 years of planning, Wind River Reservation veterans finally built the Veterans' Path of Honor Memorial in Fort Washakie. The site continues to grow as new names and stories are added representing all who served.

Veterans’ Path Of Honor Memorial Fulfills 75-Year Dream At Fort Washakie

After 75 years of planning, Wind River Reservation veterans finally built the Veterans' Path of Honor Memorial in Fort Washakie. The site continues to grow as new names and stories are added representing all who served.

Jackie DorothyNovember 12, 2025

A 56-acre grass fire that ignited near multiple Laramie gas stations Monday is believed to have originated from I-80, officials believe. Fire crews are now watching the area to ensure the blaze does not rekindle. 

Grass Fire West Of Laramie Threatens Multiple Gas Stations Near I-80

A 56-acre grass fire that ignited near multiple Laramie gas stations Monday is believed to have originated from I-80, officials believe. Fire crews are now watching the area to ensure the blaze does not rekindle. 

Jackson WalkerNovember 12, 2025

Teacher Karin Unruh gives classroom instruction at Bondurant Elementary. Pictured from left are students Brady Saunders, Tynlee Smith and Jack Tolson in a file photo.

Court Fight Heats Up Over Judge's Order To Spend More On Schools In Wyoming

Wyoming’s largest teacher's advocacy group and eight school districts are urging the state Supreme Court not to pause a judge’s order requiring more money for school staff, lunches, and technology while the state appeals the ruling.

Clair McFarlandNovember 11, 2025

At Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette, Wyoming, more than 1,000 veterans are buried. Two historians from the Rockpile Museum have been researching about 12 veterans a year to bring to life the names on the graves. These stories highlight the service and lives of the veterans and help to ensure that they are not forgotten.

Stories Of Forgotten Wyoming Veterans Unearthed By Gillette Museum

Two local historians are researching and sharing the lives of Campbell County veterans buried in Gillette’s Mount Pisgah Cemetery. Their work digs into the veterans’ backgrounds so the service members are vividly remembered — and not just names on graves.

Jackie DorothyNovember 11, 2025

A Daniel man accused of running over a wolf with a snowmobile, bringing it injured into a bar, taunting it, then shooting it pleaded not guilty Monday. The hearing unfolded via virtual link with 54 attendees, and untold quantities listening on another streaming service.

Cody Roberts Pleads Not Guilty To Animal Cruelty Over Wolf Incident

Cody Roberts, the Daniel, Wyoming, man accused of running over a wolf with a snowmobile, bringing it injured into a bar, taunting it, then shooting it pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty Monday.

Clair McFarlandNovember 10, 2025

Mandy Butler, a Casper mother of two, was killed Friday night Nov. 7, 2025, when a wrong-way driver hit her Toyota SUV head-on.

Casper Mother Of Two Killed By Suspected Wrong-Way Driver

The brother of a Casper mother of two killed in a head-on collision Friday night says her children are “insanely saddened” by the devastating crash, but they're surrounded by loved ones. Her father was also in the car and remains hospitalized with serious injuries. 

Clair McFarlandNovember 10, 2025

President Trump on Friday pardoned mountain runner Michelino Sunseri, who was convicted for using a closed trail in Grand Teton National Park during a record-setting trail run. Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman had called his case government overreach.

Trump Pardons Runner Who Trespassed On Grand Teton Trail Closed For ‘Regrowth'

President Trump on Friday pardoned mountain runner Michelino Sunseri, who was convicted of using a closed trail in Grand Teton National Park during a record-setting trail run. Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman had called his case government overreach.

Clair McFarlandNovember 11, 2025

Spanish energy giant Repsol’s plan for 170 turbines near Horse Creek is dividing Laramie County ranchers. Locals weigh the economic benefits against threats to wildlife, traffic, coveted views and private property rights.

Company Asks Judge To Review Denial Of Wind Project 3 Times The Size Of Cheyenne

Energy giant Repsol filed a court motion Friday asking a judge to review a decision by the Laramie County Commission to deny its proposed wind farm project. The move could open the door for the project — three times the size of Cheyenne — to proceed.

Jackson WalkerNovember 11, 2025

A well-known Yellowstone photographer just posted video of two tourists who nearly escaped being gored earlier this summer. She told Cowboy State Daily the tourists were repeatedly warned to leave the area but ignored the warnings and were almost impaled.

Yellowstone Tourists Nearly Gored By Charging Bison

A well-known Yellowstone photographer just posted video of two tourists who narrowly escaped being gored earlier this summer. She told Cowboy State Daily the tourists were repeatedly warned to leave the area but ignored the warnings and were almost impaled.

Andrew RossiNovember 11, 2025

Record beef prices are reshaping the ranching landscape as aging ranchers weigh cashing out and selling off their herds. Others are holding on for another profitable year, creating the tightest ranch real estate market in decades.

Wyoming Ranchers Cheer Trump’s Meat Packer Probe, Say Don’t Stop There

Wyoming ranchers have been calling for investigations of large meat packers for decades, and are cheering President Trump's move to do that. But they say don't stop there, because the system is broken and Congress needs to change the laws.

Renée JeanNovember 10, 2025

Black Hills Energy sign IMG 6958 11 10 25

Laramie County Residents Get 5 Hours' Notice Of Emergency Power Shut-Off

Residents in neighborhoods west of Cheyenne got five hours' notice Monday afternoon of an emergency power shut-off. Black Hills Energy says high winds and dry conditions prompted the response.

Renée JeanNovember 11, 2025

Mansoor Ali

Accused King Soopers Road Rage Shooter Faints In Court As Judge Keeps Bond At $500K

The man accused in a fatal road rage-induced shooting outside a Cheyenne King Soopers in September fainted in court Monday when a judge upheld his bond at $500,000. Cowboy State Daily observed the man in the courtroom collapsed and screaming.  

Jackson WalkerNovember 11, 2025

The clinic and nurse sued in the murder-suicide in which Byron, Wyoming, mother Tranyelle Harshman killed her four daughters then herself denied wrongdoing Friday. They say their actions — including reportedly prescribing ketamine — were not below the standard of care.

Clinic Denies Wrongdoing In Medicating Byron Mom Who Killed Her 4 Kids, Herself

The clinic and nurse sued in the murder-suicide in which a Byron, Wyoming, mother killed her four daughters then herself denied wrongdoing Friday. They say their actions — including reportedly prescribing ketamine — were not below the standard of care.

Clair McFarlandNovember 11, 2025

Cheyenne City Council is weighing changes to its “no soliciting” ordinance to bolster the city’s rules against unwelcome door-to-door soliciting in the wake of an aggressive sales push by roofing companies this past summer.

Fed Up With Aggressive Salesmen, Cheyenne Eyes Harsher 'No Soliciting’ Rules

After baseball-sized hail caused widespread damage throughout Cheyenne in August, some roofers disregarded “no soliciting” signs to the irritation of homeowners. City council members on Monday said the backlash was so fierce, it warrants a municipal response.

Jackson WalkerNovember 10, 2025

Elk hunting 9 16 22

Ranchers Push Sale Of Landowner Hunting Tags For 2026 Wyoming Session

Allowing Wyoming ranchers to sell their landowner hunting tags would bring them a much-needed financial boost, proponents say. Opponents argue that it would inflame tensions between landowners and hunters.

Mark HeinzNovember 10, 2025

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was criticized by both the left and the right in the wake of Sunday’s tentative deal to end the shutdown. “The Dems were never going to win this, and they knew it,” said former Trump spokesman Sean Spicer.

Pundits Say Schumer, Dems Losers in Shutdown Showdown

Chuck Schumer was criticized by both the left and the right Monday in the wake of the tentative deal to end the shutdown. Former operatives for each party said Schumer was foolish to usher Democrats into the shutdown because he had no viable strategy.

Sean BarryNovember 10, 2025

While the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of America in 2026, Cody's doing a year of celebrating before and after the Fourth of July. A new mural depicting a starred and striped eagle over the city's mountains is the latest patriotic placement.

Cody Gets Early Start On America's 250th Celebration With New Patriotic Mural

While the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of America in 2026, Cody's doing a year of celebrating before and after the Fourth of July. A new mural depicting a starred and striped eagle over the city's mountains is the latest patriotic placement.

Andrew RossiNovember 10, 2025

"Ol' 115," a streetcar that ran through Sheridan in the 1920s, made its final trip through town to the Sheridan Community Land Trust's headquarters. The historic streetcar will be restored and used an outdoor educational display.

Sheridan's Last Streetcar Make Final Run Through Town To Its First Permanent Home

"Ol' 115," a streetcar that ran through Sheridan in the 1920s, made its final trip through town to the Sheridan Community Land Trust's headquarters Friday. The historic streetcar will be restored and used an outdoor educational display.

Andrew RossiNovember 10, 2025

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) walks from his office to a Republican conference meeting on Capitol Hill on November 9, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Senate convened for a rare Sunday session in an attempt to end the government shutdown.

Eight Senate Democrats Defect And Vote For Shutdown Deal

The U.S. Senate voted Sunday by the slimmest of margins to end the government shutdown. Sixty votes were needed to overcome the filibuster in the Senate and the bill got the bare minimum when eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans on the vote.

Sean BarryNovember 10, 2025

Laramie gunsmith Nathan Heineke has revived the timeless craft of making fine hunting rifles that are practically works of art and sell for $24,000 or more. But they aren’t meant to hang on walls; they’re built for serious hunting.

Laramie Gunsmith's $24,000 Fine Rifles Are Works Of Art Made For Serious Hunting

Laramie gunsmith Nathan Heineke has revived the timeless craft of making fine hunting rifles that are practically works of art and sell for $24,000 or more. But they aren’t meant to hang on walls; they’re built for serious hunting.

Mark HeinzNovember 09, 2025

L&H Industrial uses the latest technology for precision machining, like this large plasma cutter.

How Wyoming Is Trying To Become A Player In America’s Manufacturing Comeback

Wyoming business leaders say the effort to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. is an existential crisis for America and the world. Gillette businessman Mike Wandler, whose company makes components for NASA, says restoring the balance of power is critical.

Renée JeanNovember 09, 2025

Pine Creek Ski Area markets itself as “skiing the way it used to be” and offers no public Wi-Fi.

When The Ski Slopes Are Too Crowded, Why Not Rent Your Own Ski Area?

When the weather conditions looked perfect, four friends reached out to Nathan Etcheverry at Pine Creek Ski Area near Cokeville and booked the entire mountain. As it turns out, a number of other ski areas in Wyoming offer the same. It's pricey but there are no lift lines.

David MadisonNovember 09, 2025

Saratoga Hot Springs Resort owner Michael Janssen is a world-renowned spinal surgeon. He’s also a powerboat racing champion, which makes him the best guy for the job when it comes to treating injuries in Key West at powerboat races. And there can be plenty of injuries with powerboats that go so fast that they often go airborne.

Wyoming People: World-Renowned Spinal Surgeon And Powerboat Champion Michael Janssen

When the world’s fastest powerboats converge on the Florida Keys for the world championship powerboat races, no one is in higher demand than Wyoming resident Dr. Michael Janssen, the world-renowned spinal surgeon and medical director of the event.

Zakary SonntagNovember 09, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, November 14, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Lisa Cole. Lisa writes, "The frozen water looks like glass reflecting the peaks off of Mirror Lake."

Photo by Lisa Cole

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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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

Cheyenne State Bank Exterior

Hilltop Bank to acquire Cheyenne State Bank

Hilltop Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cheyenne State Bank.

November 07, 2025

Men holding firearms at an auction house.

Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions Finds a New Frontier in Cody

What began as a two-person operation in Cody has grown into a homegrown success story — now employing more than 30 locals and operating as one of the nation’s leading sellers of used firearms.

October 31, 2025

Opinion

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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Truth Makes Best Policy, and Hageman Knows It

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “Federal subsides do not make green energy cheaper to produce. They only make it cheaper to buy. And when those subsidies go away, power producers will simply recoup their costs from the consumers. That’s Economics 101."

Jonathan LangeNovember 07, 2025

Lubnau head 2

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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Outdoors

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Crime & Courts

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