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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

Firefighters on the scene of the 10,000-acre Deer Creek Fire in southern Utah captured video of a massive vortex of fire and smoke swirling in the middle of the blaze. These dangerous "fire devils" are what can happen when wildfires make their own weather.

Giant Utah ‘Fire Devil’ Is What Happens When Wildfire Makes Its Own Weather

Firefighters on the scene of the 10,000-acre Deer Creek Fire in southern Utah captured video of a massive vortex of fire and smoke swirling in the middle of the blaze. These dangerous "fire devils" are what can happen when wildfires make their own weather.

Andrew RossiJuly 15, 2025

Yellowstone National Park announced Monday the discovery of a new 13-foot, baby blue hot spring. It emerged with little volcanic fanfare in the Norris Geyser Basin and has scientists excited.

Yellowstone Announces Discovery Of A New Baby Blue Thermal Pool

Yellowstone National Park announced Monday the discovery of a new 13-foot baby blue hot spring. It emerged with little volcanic fanfare in the Norris Geyser Basin and has scientists excited.

Andrew RossiJuly 14, 2025

Sightings of the dangerous and elusive "Swamp Moose" were reported in the Bighorn National Forest over the Fourth of July weekend. Swamp Moose is actually a mischievous 8-year-old wearing a ghillie suit with a moose antler on his head.

‘Swamp Moose’ Sightings In Bighorn National Forest Was 8-Year-Old Prankster

Sightings of the dangerous and elusive "Swamp Moose" were reported in the Bighorn National Forest over the Fourth of July weekend. Turns out the Swamp Moose was a mischievous 8-year-old wearing a ghillie suit with a moose antler on his head.

Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2025

Before (background) and after (inset) views of the Second Tower on Grand Teton shows a dramatic difference after part of if fell off last weekend.

Another Chunk Of Grand Teton’s Second Tower Falls Off

The Jenny Lake Rangers report that another chunk of the Second Tower on Grand Teton fell off over the Fourth of July weekend. It’s the second major collapse involving Second Tower since 2022, leaving experienced climbers saying “just stay away from it.”

Andrew RossiJuly 11, 2025

A herd of exceptionally large cows teamed up last week to run off a grizzly bear in Montana. The herd of Charolais cattle, known for their huge size and aggressive nature, surrounded the grizzly and forced it to run away.

Herd Of Giant Cows Team Up To Scare Off Grizzly Bear

A herd of exceptionally large cows teamed up last week to run off a grizzly bear in Montana. The herd of Charolais cattle, known for their huge size and aggressive nature, surrounded the grizzly and forced it to run away.

Andrew RossiJuly 10, 2025

Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Jackson, Wyoming, on July 29. He’ll attend a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee. He's pictured here with wife Usha at a black-tie event in Washington, D.C.

Vice President J.D. Vance To Hobnob In Jackson At Fundraiser For RNC

Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Jackson on July 29 to attend a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee. The announcement came as a surprise to Katherine Rueckert, chair of the Teton County Republican Party.

Andrew RossiJuly 10, 2025

Green River is one of the only places in Wyoming to find midget faded rattlesnakes, which seem to invade the town about this time each year. It’s smaller and rarer than Wyoming’s other species with potent venom. But you can’t kill them; they’re protected.

Venomous — And Legally Protected — ‘Midget’ Rattlers Moving Into Green River

Green River is one of the only places in Wyoming to find midget faded rattlesnakes, which seem to invade the town about this time each year. It’s smaller and rarer than Wyoming’s other species with potent venom. But you can’t kill them; they’re protected.

Andrew RossiJuly 09, 2025

Larry the camel during one of his many appearances in the Fourth of July parade in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Colorado’s Famous Larry The Camel Hit And Killed By Lightning

Larry the camel is a celebrity around northern Colorado, appearing in parades and at local schools and senior centers. Two days after visiting a group of seniors on the Fourth of July, Larry was hit by lightning and killed.

Andrew RossiJuly 08, 2025

Kay Pope's 7-year-old Palomino Blondie shortly before it disappeared from her pasture near Wheatland. Given how horses behave and the fact nobody's seen her missing horse, she believes someone stole the horse and its newborn colt.

Wheatland Woman Says Very Pregnant Palomino Stolen From Pasture

A very pregnant palomino in a Wheatland pasture may have already given birth when she vanished from her 46-acre pasture. The horse’s owner is convinced the horse didn’t just run off, it — and possibly the foal — were stolen.

Andrew RossiJuly 08, 2025

Lucas Goodeill and Skyler Tomlinson

Mystery Man Saves Two Cody Teens From Drowning In Beck Lake

Cody resident Jeanne Goodeill doesn't know the name of the man who saved the lives of her 18-year-old son and nephew from drowning in Beck Lake on Friday. She wants him to know he’s a hero for swimming to their rescue during a thunderstorm.

Andrew RossiJuly 07, 2025

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak and his deputies spent a week bring back the mounted patrol for parades and events on the streets of Cheyenne.

Laramie County Sheriff Brings Horse Patrol Back To Cheyenne

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak said he hopes reinstating the mounted patrol will bring back authentic Western hospitality and law-and-order during major events in the state capital. “We value our Western culture and heritage in Cheyenne and Laramie County," he said.

Andrew RossiJuly 06, 2025

Andrew Rossi, right, giving a thumbs-up with Mack Frost atop the Irma Hotel during the 2025 Cody Stampede Parade.

Reporter's Notebook: What It's Like To Announce Cody's Famous Stampede Parade

Reporter Andrew Rossi writes, "Announcing the Cody Stampede from the rooftop porch of the Irma Hotel is a rare honor. It’s amazing a nerd like me gets to be one of the voices of the famous parade. How’d that happen? I wondered."

Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2025

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Fourth of July fireworks being launched at Snow King Mountain in Jackson.

Happy Fourth Of July: Where To Watch Fireworks Across Wyoming

Dozens of Wyoming communities will celebrate America’s independence Friday — the Fourth of July — with parades, barbecues, concerts and fireworks. Here is a list of many of the celebrations. If we missed any, let us know!

Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2025

Wyoming's Fourth of July weekend will run hot and cold, with a forecast that includes highs in the 90s and overnight lows in the 30s. Afternoon thunderstorms are also a safe bet.

Wyoming’s July 4 Weekend Will Run Hot And Cold — Highs In the 90s, Lows In The 30s

Wyoming's Fourth of July weekend will run hot and cold, with a forecast that includes highs in the 90s and overnight lows in the 30s. Afternoon thunderstorms are also a safe bet.

Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2025

The Coyote Run Fire with the town of Thermopolis a mile away in the background. The 175-acre fire doesn't pose any threat to the town, but the situation could be changed if lightning from afternoon thunderstorms sparks new fires.

Wildfires Burn Nearly 1,000 Acres Around Thermopolis, Come Within 1 Mile Of Town

Fire crews from multiple agencies spent Wednesday assisting the Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department with several wildfires sparked by a Tuesday thunderstorm. Nearly 1,000 acres have burned, and one fire came within a mile of town.

Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2025

If there was a competition for the best Fourth of July celebration in Wyoming, Cody might win by a country mile. That’s because it throws a five-day party filled with parades, rodeos, fireworks and celebrities that attract huge crowds.

Cody Celebrates Fourth Of July With Five Days Of Rodeos, Parades And Celebrities

If there was a competition for the best Fourth of July celebration in Wyoming, Cody might win by a country mile. That’s because it throws a five-day party filled with parades, rodeos, fireworks and celebrities that attract huge crowds.

Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2025

Bryce Shelton proposed to Paige Berdomas on Saturday while an EF-3 tornado raged behind them and across South Dakota and Minnesota. Both professional stormchasers called it "the most beautiful tornado" they'd ever seen.

Storm Chasers Get Engaged In Front Of ‘Perfect Tornado’ in South Dakota

Bryce Shelton proposed to Paige Berdomas on Saturday while an EF-3 tornado raged behind them and across South Dakota and Minnesota. Both professional storm chasers called it "the most beautiful tornado" they'd ever seen.

Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2025

Oxeye daily may look like a peaceful meadow of wildflowers, it's actually an invasive weed in Wyoming.

Johnson County Pays Bounties By The Pound For Invasive Weeds

Anyone can be a bounty hunter in the war on invasive weeds in Johnson County, which pays cash to people who uproot and report them. People can get paid by the pound or earn a $50 reward for reporting patches of the damaging weeds.

Andrew RossiJune 30, 2025

The Discovery Channel’s popular show “Expedition Unknown," hosted by archaeologist Josh Gates, is digging into the mystery about what happened to the body of Buffalo Bill Cody. “The Lost Grave Of Buffalo Bill” also features Cody residents reenacting the famous showman and Annie Oakley.

Discovery’s ‘Expedition Unknown’ To Take On Mystery Of Buffalo Bill's Grave

The Discovery Channel’s popular show “Expedition Unknown” is digging into the mystery about what happened to the body of Buffalo Bill Cody. “The Lost Grave Of Buffalo Bill” also features Cody residents reenacting the famous showman and Annie Oakley.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

An Allosaurus skeleton on display at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. Calcium isotope analysis of Allosaurus teeth discovered at this Late Jurassic bonebed revealed that Allosaurus was a flesh-eater, not a bone cruncher, confirming long-held theories about Allosaurus feeding determined by their anatomy.

New Dental Research Shows What Dinosaurs Ate And Entire Food Chain

Teeth can tell a life’s story, even when they’re 150 million years old. One of the new frontiers in paleontological research is examining calcium isotopes to reveal details about dinosaurs' diets and environments. “With teeth, you can track an entire food chain,” paleontologist Liam Norris says.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

The formation of the iconic Heart Mountain near Cody involves a block of rock the size of Rhode Island moving at 700 mph, one of the largest eruptions of the Yellowstone supervolcano, and two different but equally cataclysmic events in Earth’s geologic history that took 30 minutes and 47 million years.

Wyoming's Heart Mountain Formed By The Two Largest Landslides In Earth's History

The formation of Heart Mountain near Cody is a story of a block of rock the size of Rhode Island moving at 700 mph, an eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano, and two separate but equally cataclysmic events in Earth’s geologic history.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

With their long legs, large eyes and large mandibles, westsalts tiger beetles are the apex predators of the important invertebrate ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park's thermal basins.

Full Of Grizzlies, Wolves And Cougars, Yellowstone’s Top Apex Predator Is A Bug

Yellowstone National Park is full of grizzlies, wolves and elusive mountain lions. But the apex predators of the park might be those tiny tiger beetles that thrive around thermal pools — and hunt and kill everything else.

Andrew RossiJune 28, 2025

A man in Grand Teton National Park jumps headfirst through the open window of his car when he realizes a grizzly bear is close and advancing.

Grand Teton Tourist Dives Headfirst Through Open Car Window To Avoid Grizzly

A tourist in Grand Teton National Park found himself between a grizzly and its mate earlier this month, so he took the only escape available — he dove headfirst through the open window of his car. A tour guide got a photo of the man’s moment of escape.

Andrew RossiJune 27, 2025

Dozens of Yellowstone visitors witnessed the death of a bison as it stepped into the water at the shallow edge of Grand Prismatic Spring on Saturday morning, leaving behind a carcass that will soon be "dissolved" by the 160-degree water. This photo was shared to the Yellowstone Through the Lens Facebook group by Louise Howard.

Yellowstone Visitors Watch Bison Die In 160-Degree Grand Prismatic Spring

Dozens of Yellowstone visitors were shocked to witness the death of a bison as it stepped into the water at the shallow edge of Grand Prismatic Spring on Saturday morning. Left behind is a carcass that will soon be "dissolved" by the 160-degree water.

Andrew RossiJune 24, 2025

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is working Monday to clear 3-foot snowdrifts off the Beartooth Highway after a blast of mid-June winter blew through Wyoming over the weekend. Other parts of the state saw record-low temperatures.

Mid-June Winter Blast Brings Record Lows, 3-Foot Snowdrifts To Parts Of Wyoming

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is working Monday to clear 3-foot snowdrifts off the Beartooth Highway after a blast of mid-June winter blew through Wyoming over the weekend. Other parts of the state saw record-low temperatures.

Andrew RossiJune 23, 2025

The Cody Theatre on June 20, 2025, after its sagging marquee was raised over a foot and set in place by a new steel support structure inside the existing marquee that has been floating on the front of the theatre since it opened in 1937.

Historic Cody Theatre Marquee Was Falling Off Building Until It Was Saved Last Week

The 88-year-old marquee of the historic Cody Theatre had been sagging downward for decades and threatened to fall off the building. The owners said it would have been far easier to get rid of it and replace it with a modern sign but they couldn't let that happen.

Andrew RossiJune 22, 2025

The right side of an Allosaurus skull still embedded in sandstone from the Jurassic Mile near Lovell. Jorge Plata and Rachel Gray, fossil preparators at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, have spent the last year slowly etching away at the rock to expose the jet-black bones from the snout of this 150-million-year-old dinosaur from Wyoming.

Scientists Use Cutting-Edge Tech To Look Inside Spectacular Wyoming Allosaurus

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis took two big rocks containing a dinosaur skull to the hospital for a CT scan. The cutting-edge technology was used to learn more about a spectacular Allosaurus found at Wyoming’s famed Jurassic Mile fossil site.

Andrew RossiJune 22, 2025

Paramount continues to cash in on the wildly popular “Yellowstone” franchise, announcing another spinoff that will begin filming this summer. “Y: Marshals” continues the story of Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), the hunky son of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton.

Another ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff, ‘Y: Marshals’ Continues Story Of Kayce Dutton

The latest spinoff of the hit TV show Yellowstone has been announced and will begin filming in Utah this summer. Utah officials say the filming of Y Marshals -- which continues the story of Kevin Costner's son Kayce Dutton -- will generate 380 jobs and $57.4 million in revenue.

Andrew RossiJune 21, 2025

When Spalding walked into a Gillette home three months ago, he was near death — hypothermic and half his face had been destroyed by a huge abscess. Three months later, he’s beat the odds to make a full recovery.

Miracle Cat With Half A Face Beats The Odds With Full Recovery

When Spalding walked into a Gillette home three months ago, he was near death — hypothermic and half his face had been destroyed by a huge abscess. Three months later, he’s beat the odds to make a full recovery.

Andrew RossiJune 21, 2025

Jim Tang has been chasing storms for a decade, but said the huge Nebraska tornado he saw on Monday is a “once-in-a-lifetime” encounter. “As a storm chaser, that kind of tornado is your career goal,” he told Cowboy State Daily.

Storm Chaser In Awe After Capturing ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime’ Tornado

Jim Tang has been chasing storms for a decade, but said the huge Nebraska tornado he got up close and personal with Monday is a “once-in-a-lifetime” encounter. “As a storm chaser, that kind of tornado is your career goal,” he told Cowboy State Daily.

Andrew RossiJune 21, 2025

Star Valley Search and Rescue's jet skis returned to shore after the search and recovery of Joyce Balls, who died after falling into the Snake River Canyon on Wednesday afternoon.

Idaho Woman Dies After 100-Foot Fall Into Snake River Near Alpine

An 89-year-old Idaho woman died Wednesday when she fell 100 feet into the Snake River near Alpine, Wyoming. She was picnicking with family when she “lost her footing,” authorities say. A drone located the woman, who was recovered less than a mile away.

Andrew RossiJune 19, 2025

An intense sunset behind Devils Tower.

Wyoming's Latest Sunset Of The Year Is Friday — It Just Gets Darker From There

When the sun sets Friday, Wyomingites will have enjoyed more than 15 hours of daylight on what's called the longest day of the year. It just gets darker from there until the shortest day on Dec. 21.

Andrew RossiJune 19, 2025

Wyoming’s weather will be wild this weekend with near-record highs, including pushing 100 in some areas, then snow and freezing temperatures. Whether it’s brutal heat or summer snow, “everyone’s going to be mad at me,” says meteorologist Don Day.

Wyoming's Wild Weather: Snow And Pushing 100 Degrees This Weekend

Wyoming’s weather will be wild this weekend with near-record highs, including pushing 100 in some areas, then snow and freezing temperatures. Whether it’s brutal heat or summer snow, “everyone’s going to be mad at me,” says meteorologist Don Day.

Andrew RossiJune 19, 2025

A hawk that got caught in a hailstorm in central Montana on Saturday evening June 14, 2025. Haden Wichman, who spotted this hawk, wasn't sure if it survived, but saw multiple other birds that died in the storm that produced golf ball-sized hail.

Supercell Thunderstorms Pummel Wildlife, Bust Windows With Baseball-Sized Hail

June, July and August are “hailstorm season” in Wyoming, Montana and the rest of the Rocky Mountain region. A surge of supercell thunderstorms over the last week have pummeled wildlife and caused widespread destruction with up to baseball-sized hail.

Andrew RossiJune 17, 2025

Joe Stone, co-founder of Dovetail Trail Consulting, on one of the trails near Taggart Lake. Increasing universal accessibility at Taggart Lake and the many trails in the vicinity is one of the primary goals of the $8.5-million Reimagining Taggart Lake Initiative, which is set to be completed by Summer 2027.

Grand Teton’s Popular Taggart Lake Trails To Get $8.5 Million Facelift

The Taggart Lake trail system is a popular Grand Teton National Park destination for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts. It’s about to get more popular with $8.5 million worth of improvements, including better parking.

Andrew RossiJune 15, 2025

Built in 1924-1925, the Hayden Arch Bridge in Park County, Wyoming, is the only open-spandrel concrete bridge of its kind in the state.

Hayden Arch Bridge West Of Cody Is 100 Years Old And One Of A Kind

The Hayden Arch Bridge, built over the Shoshone River west of Cody, is the only arch bridge of its kind ever built in Wyoming for vehicle use. Now 100 years after it opened in 1925, locals plan for its next century.

Andrew RossiJune 14, 2025

Since the death of Grizzly 399 in October 2024, a wooden post along Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon has served as the unofficial memorial for fans of "The Queen of the Tetons."

Makeshift 399 Memorial At Spot She Was Killed Draws Fans, But May Not Be Legal

Since the death of Grizzly 399 last year, a wooden post along Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon has served as the unofficial memorial for fans of the bear. People leave flowers, stuffed animals, and other artifacts. But it's probably not legal.

Andrew RossiJune 14, 2025

A Japanese Black cow with zebra stripes painted onto its body as part of a Japanese study. The cow might look ridiculous, but scientists found that the stripes were a significant deterrent to biting flies, which led to the cows displaying fewer defensive behaviors when painted.

Should Wyoming Ranchers Paint Zebra Stripes On Their Cows? Science Says Yes

A team of scientists has shown that painting zebra stripes on cattle reduces the biting flies landing on them by more than 50%. Should Wyoming ranchers start painting their cows? The science says it would work, but ranchers see it as a last resort.

Andrew RossiJune 13, 2025

The U.S. Air Force so far only has five of its new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare planes, making it one of its newest and rarest advanced aircraft. One of them landed at the Casper/Natrona County Airport on Tuesday.

US Air Force’s Newest And Rarest Advanced Warfare Plane Lands In Casper

The U.S. Air Force so far only has five of its new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare planes, making it one of America's newest and rarest advanced aircraft. One of them landed at the Casper/Natrona County Airport on Tuesday.

Andrew RossiJune 11, 2025

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