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Features Reporter

Andrew Rossi

Andrew Rossi is a features reporter for Cowboy State Daily based in northwest Wyoming. He covers everything from horrible weather and giant pumpkins to dinosaurs, astronomy, and the eccentricities of Yellowstone National Park.

 Previously, Rossi was the News Director for Big Horn Basin Media in Cody. He earned several awards from the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, including multiple awards for Best News Reporter and Best News Talk Show.

 A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Rossi previously worked at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis. He has collaborated with Disney/Pixar, the BBC, The Washington Post, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, and several other national and international media outlets. He is also a cofounder of The Cody Theatre Company in Cody.

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Latest from Andrew Rossi

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Wyoming's Snowpack Ranges From "Just Okay" to "Basically Horrible" As Winter Ends

After the warmest winter in Wyoming's recorded history, the quality of snowpack ranges from “just okay” to "a new record low" to “nonexistent." The state climate office isn't panicking but notes “We're looking at record low snowpack in several basins."

Andrew RossiMarch 05, 2026

It’s been a tale of two winters around the U.S., with Wyoming and other parts of the West getting almost no snow. Meanwhile, the East has been getting hammered. “We have never seen anything of this magnitude in modern times,” meteorologist Don Day says.

Tale Of Two Winters: Almost No Snow For Wyoming, While East Got Hammered

It’s been a tale of two winters around the U.S., with Wyoming and other parts of the West getting almost no snow. Meanwhile, the East has been getting hammered. “We have never seen anything of this magnitude in modern times,” meteorologist Don Day says.

Andrew RossiMarch 03, 2026

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Montana Cowgirl Who Lost "Entire Life" Has Recovered 95% Of Gear From Stolen Trailer

Brittany Miller lost “her entire life” when her blue horse trailer was stolen in Billings on Jan. 31. Over a month later, she recovered her trailer and most of the $15,000-worth of items stored inside. “I’ve got about 95% of my stuff back," she said.

Andrew RossiMarch 03, 2026

Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses Through Drive-Thru

Powell Farmer Says McDonald's Has Apologized, Will Allow Horses & Wagon In Drive-Thru

After a Powell McDonald's made international headlines last week for banning a farmer who used a drive-thru with a team of horses, the man said the franchise apologized and reversed its ban. “The support across the state has been staggering,” he said.

Andrew RossiMarch 02, 2026

Only one specimen of Alcovasaurus has ever been found, named for the tiny Wyoming town of Alcova, where it was discovered more than 100 years ago. It almost went extinct again when a burst pipe destroyed most of the fossils at the University of Wyoming. The fossilized femur and plaster tail spike of Alcovasaurus in the collections of the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. Despite over a century of searching in the Morrison Formation, and millions of Late Jurassic fossils found, this is only Alcovasaurus fossil known to exist.

Alcovasaurus: The Wyoming Dinosaur That Almost Went Extinct Again After Discovery

Only one specimen of Alcovasaurus has ever been found, named for the tiny Wyoming town of Alcova, where it was discovered more than 100 years ago. It almost went extinct again when a burst pipe destroyed most of the fossils at the University of Wyoming.

Andrew RossiMarch 01, 2026

If Wyomingites want to see the only total lunar eclipse of 2026, they’ll need to set their alarms for 4 a.m. Tuesday. And they might want to, as it will be blood red and the last until February 2027.

Set Your Alarm Clocks, Wyoming: Blood Red Lunar Eclipse At 4 a.m. Tuesday

The only total lunar eclipse of 2026 will happen early Tuesday morning. For Wyomingites, that means getting up at 4 a.m. Anyone who sleeps in will miss it all. The moon will set shortly before sunrise and before the eclipse is over. 

Andrew RossiMarch 01, 2026

A widespread bacteria called "soap scum" grows in Yellowstone National Park's thermal pools that on the surface doesn't seem that unique. Ongoing studies into this complex organism are revealing that how it survives might also help humanity survive.

How Yellowstone's 'Soap Scum' Bacteria Could Change The World

A widespread bacteria called "soap scum" grows in Yellowstone National Park's thermal pools that on the surface doesn't seem that unique. Ongoing studies into this complex organism are revealing that how it survives might also help humanity survive.

Andrew RossiFebruary 28, 2026

Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses Through Drive-Thru

Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses, Wagon Through Drive-Thru

Powell resident Allen Hatch was banned from McDonald's earlier this week for driving his draft horses and wagon through the drive-thru. Although employees were excited to see them, the manager reportedly was not. “We've been 86ed from McDonald's,” he said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 26, 2026

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Omaha Public Works Officials Say Broken Water Main Likely Caused Sinkhole

The sinkhole that generated international attention earlier this week for swallowing up two vehicles in Omaha may have been caused by a broken water main. City officials say a water main was broken and actively running water at the time of the collapse.

Andrew RossiFebruary 26, 2026

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USDA Reports 15,000 Small Farms Closed or Consolidated Last Year In The U.S.

The U.S. lost 15,000 small farms in 2025 due to being sold or consolidated. Although Wyoming has avoided major losses, Farm Bureau president Todd Fornstrom said, "When you get rid of so many small farms, you’re taking rural people out of rural America."

Andrew RossiFebruary 25, 2026

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"The Next 6-8 Weeks Are Critical": Meteorologists See Hope For More Winter Weather

With less than a month left in the winter season, Wyoming is getting some much-needed snow in the mountains. Meteorologists believe there are encouraging signs for continued snowfall. "The next six to eight weeks are absolutely critical," Don Day said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 24, 2026

Laramie County Sheriff's Department (FILE PHOTO)

Why Does Wyoming Law Enforcement Advertise Where DUI Task Forces Are Set Up?

You would think law enforcement would be able to catch more impaired drivers if they didn’t advertise where DUI task forces were set up. But that’s not the purpose, says Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak.

Andrew RossiFebruary 23, 2026

Other Authors

Radiant Manufacturing of Rock Springs is the industry leader in giant sequin displays. In an increasingly digital world, its "old-school" sequin designs stand out with three-dimensional textures and dazzling movement.

Rock Springs Company Makes Giant Sequin Displays For The NFL, Disney, Coca-Cola

When the NFL, Disney and Coca-Cola want to make a dazzling "old school" impression, they call a Rock Springs number. That's where Radiant Manufacturing is located. The world's best known brands contract with Radiant for its patented sequin panel displays.

Andrew RossiFebruary 22, 2026

“A Deep Seat and a Long Rein” is a 15.5-foot-tall monument that stands in the new roundabout at Ivinson Avenue and 15th Street on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie.

The Story Behind Chris Navarro's 15-Foot Bronze Of Steamboat At U.W.

It took over a year for celebrated Wyoming bronze artist Chris Navarro to create the 15-foot sculpture of Steamboat located on the University of Wyoming campus. “It’s more than just a symbol of UW. It’s a symbol of Wyoming," Navarro said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 22, 2026

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"But The Road Is Dry!": Understanding Wyoming’s "Rolling Closure" Strategy

A driver who comes across a "rolling closure" might see nothing but clear skies and dry conditions, so why is the road closed? WYDOT says it's to keep towns from being overwhelmed. “The closure isn't necessarily due to conditions where you are," they said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026

Two people are dead and more than 20 people were injured after a 34-vehicle incident in the westbound lane of I-80 near Evanston on Wednesday afternoon.

Two People Killed, More Than 20 Injured In 34-Vehicle Accident On I-80 Near Evanston

Two people are dead and more than 20 people were injured after a 34-vehicle incident in the westbound lane of I-80 near Evanston on Wednesday afternoon. The westbound lane was finally opened late Thursday morning as wreckers were busily clearing vehicles from the highway.

Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026

Winter weather created nasty driving conditions that contributed to a pair of multi-vehicle crashes Wednesday that closed a 21-mile stretch of west I-80. “It was just a whiteout,” motorist Amber Gossard, who was caught in the middle of the pileups, told Cowboy State Daily.

Interstate 80 Closed For 21 Miles After More Weather-Related Crashes On Wednesday

Winter weather created nasty driving conditions that contributed to a pair of multi-vehicle crashes Wednesday that closed a 21-mile stretch of west I-80. “It was just a whiteout,” one motorist caught in the middle of the pileups told Cowboy State Daily.

Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026

A return of winter led to multi-vehicle crashes and several semitrailer blow-overs across Wyoming on Tuesday. The Wyoming Highway Patrol was busy responding to multiple incidents involving 16-20 vehicles with confirmed injuries.

Return Of Winter Leads To Multiple Crashes On Wyoming's Highways

A return of winter led to multi-vehicle crashes and several semitrailer blow-overs across Wyoming on Tuesday. The Wyoming Highway Patrol was busy responding to multiple crashes involving 16-20 vehicles with confirmed injuries.

Andrew RossiFebruary 18, 2026

Rocky, a Labrador-boxer mix, escaped his harness during a walk near the mountain town of Montezuma, Colorado, on Dec. 28. He was rescued last week, having survived alone for 43 days in subzero nights and wolf territory. 

Dog Rescued After 43 Days Lost In The Colorado Rockies

Rocky, a Labrador-boxer mix, survived alone for 43 days in subzero nights in the Colorado mountains after escaping from his harness on a walk. “He’s a survivor,” said the rescuer. “He went from 50 pounds down to 26 pounds. He went against all the odds.”

Andrew RossiFebruary 18, 2026

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day says it's going to be a busy week.

Beggars Can't Be Choosers: Snow On The Way, Not Great But Better Than Nothing

Meteorologists aren’t seeing a persistent trend yet, but they see this week of winter weather as a promising sign. And after the winter season so far, beggars can’t be choosers. “The next several days are going to be very busy,” said meteorologist Don Day

Andrew RossiFebruary 17, 2026

Montana bronc rider Brittany Miller recovered her stolen horse trailer and some of her custom-made equipment after it was stolen Jan. 31. Now, she hopes her social media posts and anonymous tips will help her recover the rest of her stolen gear.

Montana Cowgirl Recovers Stolen Trailer, 'Will Never Stop Looking' For Saddles

Montana bronc rider Brittany Miller recovered her stolen horse trailer and some of her custom-made equipment after it was stolen Jan. 31. Now, she hopes her social media posts and anonymous tips will help her recover the rest of her stolen gear.

Andrew RossiFebruary 17, 2026

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