Writer

David Madison

David Madison is an award-winning journalist and documentary producer based in Bozeman, Montana. He’s also reported for Wyoming PBS. He studied journalism at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and has worked at news outlets throughout Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana.

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Latest from David Madison

Interest In Community Solar Power Projects Grows In Wyoming And Montana

As legislators in Wyoming and Montana debate solar power in their states, more homeowners are installing panels. They’re also considering community solar projects where people can subscribe to get power, like they would for Netflix or other services.

David MadisonMarch 31, 2025

Riggin Schaffer, an 18-year-old WyoTech student with dreams of building muscle cars stopped to help the injured driver of a one-car rollover Sunday on Highway 130 near Laramie. While doing that, he was hit by another driver and killed.

18-Year-Old Good Samaritan Hit, Killed While Helping Injured Driver Near Laramie

An 18-year-old WyoTech student from Montana with dreams of building muscle cars stopped to help the injured driver of a one-car rollover Sunday on Highway 130 near Laramie. While doing that, he was hit by another driver and killed.

David MadisonMarch 28, 2025

A plan to store carbon dioxide in underground voids deep within a huge swath of southwest Wyoming was approved Wednesday by the Bureau of Land Management.

BLM OKs Plan To Store CO2 Under 600,000 Acres Of Southwest Wyoming

The Bureau of Land Management has approved a plan to store carbon dioxide under 605,100 acres of land in southwest Wyoming. Over 30 years, it could store 600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

David MadisonMarch 27, 2025

Power Plants Burning More Wyoming Coal So Far In 2025

Despite the layoffs of 28 Kemmerer coal mine workers last week, there’s evidence of an uptick in demand for thermal coal from Wyoming. So far in 2025, power plants are burning more coal.

David MadisonMarch 27, 2025

Rare Element Resources has already started operations at its rare earths demonstration plant in Upton, Wyoming.

With Rare Earths In Trump’s Fast Lane, Wyoming Projects Get Cash Infusions

As the Trump administration continues to put domestic development of rare earth mining and processing in the fast lane, Wyoming’s big projects benefit. The push means huge infusions of cash to develop them.

David MadisonMarch 26, 2025

The exterior of the famous Bedford Castle in Wyoming is every bit a fairy tale, including appropriate architecture around the 40-acre grounds.

Need A Mansion? More Than 50 Wyoming Homes On The Market For At Least $10 Million

A collection of luxury properties are for sale just in time for the spring real estate buying season in Wyoming. Here’s a look at three unique homes that span the spectrum from a legacy Western spread to full-blown castle.

David MadisonMarch 26, 2025

Trump Order Further Tees Up Wyoming To Become Leader In Rare Earth Elements

Trump’s executive order last week to boost production of rare earth elements tees up Wyoming become a focus for that. Breaking China’s stranglehold on the world’s supply “is an emergency,” says Holly Krutka, who heads UW’s School of Energy Resources.

David MadisonMarch 24, 2025

Carson, a 120-pounds Saint Bernard, touched down in Ennis, Montana, on March 11 as part of a grassroots effort to rescue dogs from large urban animal shelters and deliver them to remote areas in states like Montana.

More Groups In Rural States Rescuing Big Dogs From Urban High-Kill Shelters

More large breed dogs are winding up in urban animal shelters with high kill rates. But rural shelters thousands of miles away, are rescuing them and saving their lives. Like Carson, a 120-pound Saint Bernard who just escaped death row in Los Angeles.

David MadisonMarch 23, 2025

First seen in 2022, the “Make Bozeman Montana Again” billboard is back, igniting debate on social media about the soul of Bozeman.

The Local Man Behind The “Make Bozeman Montana Again” Billboard

Derek Aspinwall told Cowboy State Daily that Bozeman, Montana, is changing to be more like an Aspen or Vail, Colorado. So he put up a billboard pleading with the community to slow the development and get back to its roots before it's too late

David MadisonMarch 22, 2025

The Flat Creek Apartments have 48 affordable housing units built on public land under an agreement with developers to keep rents at a level local workers can afford.

Trump Administration Calls For More Affordable Homes On Public Land

The Trump administration has called for more affordable homes to be built on public lands. Some builders say using free or low-cost public land would lower the cost of building more homes, and could help ease a longtime crunch for Teton County, Wyoming.

David MadisonMarch 22, 2025

The aftermath of months of camping protesters over the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2017.

Greenpeace Ordered To Pay $667M In Protest Damages Over Dakota Access Pipeline

Greenpeace was ordered by a judge Wednesday to pay $667 million related to a 10-month violent protest over building the Dakota Access Pipeline. Protesters camping at the North Dakota site damaged the land and created a policing and cleanup nightmare.

David MadisonMarch 20, 2025

The Laramie River Station power plant near Wheatland, Wyoming.

Trump Promises Comeback For U.S. Coal, To Reopen “Hundreds” Of Coal-Fired Plants

President Trump promised this week to reopen “hundreds” of coal-fired power plants and spark a comeback for the industry. Wyoming experts say that’s refreshing to hear, but it won’t happen as long as coal costs more than gas and renewables.

David MadisonMarch 20, 2025

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Excess gas is flared off at the Sinclair oil refinery in southern Wyoming.

New Report Says There’s Still 'Substantial' Oil And Gas Under Wyoming

A U.S. Geological Survey report released last week says there’s still "substantial" oil and gas underneath Wyoming. The Powder River, Wind River and Bighorn basins still have nearly 50 million barrels of oil and close to 1 billion cubic feet of gas.

David MadisonMarch 19, 2025

Jack Gilmore is thrown from a bull during Professional Bull Riders action at the 2023 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in this file photo.

Bull Riding Border War Brewing After Frontier Days Switches From PBR To PRCA

The Professional Bull Riders circuit will not return to Cheyenne Frontier Days this year after the Daddy of ’em All decided to go with PRCA Xtreme Bulls. So, PBR has set up its own competing event in Fort Collins for the same days in July.

David MadisonMarch 18, 2025

Pawnee City, Nebraska, where in addition to helping new homebuyers, a new grant program also provides money to those looking to invest in businesses in its charming downtown.

Nebraska Town Offers $50,000 House Down Payment If People Move There

To stem the stream of locals and businesses leaving town, Pawnee City, Nebraska, is offering a $50,000 incentive to move to the hometown of Larry The Cable Guy. The money is a down payment on a house for people who move there.

David MadisonMarch 17, 2025

A video posted on Facebook introduced the world to Delores “Dee” Baker, one of the few 100-year-old South Dakotans to do a shotski in a crash helmet.

100-Year-Old Dee Baker Wears A Crash Helmet When She Takes Shots Of Liquor

A viral video introduced the world to the oldest bar hopper in the Black Hills of South Dakota, 100-year-old Dee Baker. Baker wears a crash helmet when she takes shots of liquor. The centenarian is known as the life of the party in Lewie's Burgers and Brews.

David MadisonMarch 15, 2025

While Wyoming hasn’t passed a state ban, cities and towns like Thermopolis have enacted their own bans against adding fluoride to tap water. Utah voted this month to ban fluoride in drinking water statewide.

Utah To Become First State To Ban Fluoride In Drinking Water

While Wyoming hasn’t passed a statewide ban on adding fluoride to tap water, some communities like Casper, Evanston, and Thermopolis have enacted their own. Utah voted this month to eliminate fluoride in drinking water, the first statewide ban in the nation.

David MadisonMarch 15, 2025

Massive Alaskan Avalanche Claims Three On Mountains Wyomingite Helped Popularize

An enormous avalanche killed three men on Alaska’s Chugach Range early this month, a popular ski region for heli-skiiers. A Jackson guide was among the pioneers to develop the region’s thriving helicopter-skiing industry.

David MadisonMarch 13, 2025

Bison move through the facility at Stephens Creek.

Bison Burgers And Steaks Are Part Of Yellowstone Herd Management Plan

The annual buffalo harvest is underway just outside Yellowstone National Park. The controversial program delivers organic meat to Montana tribes and draws critics calling for an end to thinning the park’s bison herd.

David MadisonMarch 11, 2025

Ryan Pasborg ran into this burning house to save a Green River woman and her son.

Story Of Green River Heroism Takes Bizarre Turn With Phony AI Court Cases

A Wyoming judge has sanctioned a lawyer for citing fake AI cases in a lawsuit over what caused a nearly fatal house fire in Green River. A woman and her son were saved by Ryan Pasborg, who was given the nation's highest honor for heroism for his actions.

David MadisonMarch 10, 2025

Natrona County High School grads turned playwrights Matthew Spangler and Nina McConigley.

"Cowboys And East Indians" Play To Premiere At Denver Center For Performing Arts

Former Casper author Nina McConigley teamed-up with two other Natrona County High graduates to turn a pair of short stories into a Wyoming-inspired play. It will premiere January 2026 on stage at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

David MadisonMarch 09, 2025

A photo exhibit submitted by the Flathead Conservation District supporting its call for the demolition of this home built by John and Stacy Ambler, a couple from San Diego.

Judge: Couple Can Keep House Built Without Permits In Glacier National Park

A judge has spared a home built by a California couple inside of Glacier National Park in Montana. Critics of the ruling say Glacier National Park allowed a couple from San Diego to build whatever they wanted, however they wanted.

David MadisonMarch 09, 2025

Wyoming Remains A Sea Of Political Red, But There’s A Little More Blue Creeping In

While Republican voters continue to move to Wyoming and help make this famously red state even more red, data reveals that at the same time, there are a few more blips of blue. But they aren't enough to come close to challenging the GOP.

David MadisonMarch 08, 2025

A loaded coal train rolls past the Dry Fork Station power plant about 10 miles north of Gillette, Wyoming.

Lawmaker Announces Plan To Build Next-Generation Coal-Fired Plant In Wyoming

A new coal-fired power plant hasn’t opened in the U.S. since 2013, but that’s about to change. A leading state legislator tells Cowboy State Daily that plans are in the works to build a next-generation coal and CO2 plant in Wyoming.

David MadisonMarch 06, 2025

The Frontier Bar, Montana’s unofficial hub of cold beer diplomacy.

Along Montana-Canada Border, Tariffs Could Spike Prices For Beer, Fishing Lures

A lot of commerce flows across the 545 miles of border between Montana and Canada. With promised 25% tariffs going into effect Tuesday, locals expect prices for all kinds of things to spike, including beer and fishing lures.

David MadisonMarch 04, 2025

Valan Anthos, an attorney and "drag king," testifies against a bill that would allow parents to sue if their children are exposd to "hyper sexualized" shows. Anthos appeared in make-up and said his drag act was inspured by the boy band 'NSYNC.

Bill Moving Through Montana Legislature Would Let Parents Sue Over Drag Shows

Wyoming lawmakers recently chose not to advance a bill outlawing the use of public money for drag shows. Across the border in Montana, a bill is moving through the Legislature that would let parents sue over "hypersexualized" shows.

David MadisonMarch 03, 2025

An illustration showing what the front of the Field and Stream Lodge could look like.

New Field & Stream Branded Hotel To Launch In Montana

A new Field & Stream-themed lodge is being launched in the middle of hotel boom in Bozeman, Montana. It promises guests a throwback summer camp experience filled with the magazine’s outdoors nostalgia.

David MadisonMarch 02, 2025

The real estate industry in Wyoming accounted for $8.5 billion or 17.1% of the gross state product in 2024, according to research compiled by Wyoming REALTORS, a statewide industry group. Best sellers include homes for first-time homebuyers.

Montana, Wyoming Top List Of Fastest-Selling Real Estate Markets

A new real estate report shows Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska are the fastest-selling real estate markets in the nation. Inventory in Wyoming is very low -- ranging from 1.79% in Natrona County to 2.05% in Sweetwater County to 5.63% in Park County.

David MadisonMarch 02, 2025

A Montana state agency is moving ahead with restoring passenger service to southern Montana, and rail advocates in Laramie sees promise in a new report from the Federal Rail Administration. This Union Pacific train hauls people from Denver to Cheyenne Frontier Days in this file photo.

New Study Adds Momentum To Return Of Passenger Rail To Wyoming, Montana

A January report from the Federal Railroad Administration recommends restoring Amtrak routes across the West, including through Cheyenne. It specifically recommended passenger train travel across southern Wyoming and a north-south route to Billings.

David MadisonMarch 01, 2025

Girl Scouts Push Back On Claim That Cookies Have Unsafe Levels Of Weed-Killer Chemical

Going up against Joe Rogan is no easy task, but that's what the Girl Scouts are doing after he discussed a study that called its cookies "toxic." The Girl Scouts of Wyoming and Montana told Cowboy State Daily the cookies are "very safe to eat."

David MadisonMarch 01, 2025

Edward “Ean” Nurse worked at the Great Northern branch of Park Side Credit Union in Missoula, Montana. On Feb. 25, Nurse was ordered to pay $389,000 in restitution for the cash he stole by removing it from the bank’s vault. He then replaced the real cash with fake prop money, according to court documents.

Montana Credit Union Worker Replaced $340,000 In Vault With Fake Money

When a credit union employee needed cash to feed his gambling habit, he bought fake cash from an online prop money company and swapped it with real bills in the vault. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to replacing $340,000 over seven months.

David MadisonFebruary 27, 2025

Montana Bill Would Charge Women With 'Abortion Trafficking' For Going Out Of State

A Montana bill would charge women with abortion trafficking for seeking abortions in other states. Opponents flooded a Wednesday hearing claiming overreach, supporters say it's needed to keep minors from being taken for secret abortions.

David MadisonFebruary 26, 2025

Legislature Making It Harder For Power Companies To Take Land For Power Lines

A bill landed on Gov. Mark Gordon's desk Tuesday that makes it harder for power companies to use eminent domain in Wyoming to take land to build power lines. Legislators say the goal is to protect property rights while preserving energy production.

David MadisonFebruary 25, 2025

Paul Ailport, left, was sentenced Feb. 13, 2025, to 110 year in prison for attempted murder of his neighbor. Top right, a screengrab from home security video captures Ailport’s pickup on fire and speeding toward his neighbor’s home. Bottom right, the aftermath of Paul Ailport’s fiery truck assault on his neighbor’s home.

Montana Man Gets 110 Years For Crashing Homemade Truck Bomb Into Neighbor’s House

A neighborhood feud turned into a scene from “Mad Max” when a Montana man transformed his truck into a firebomb on wheels and sent it crashing into a neighbor’s house. He was sentenced earlier this month to 110 years in prison for attempted murder.

David MadisonFebruary 25, 2025

Sun Valley Resort in Idaho is recognized as a world-class ski area. A recent Idaho Supreme Court ruling against Sun Valley stopped ski industry watchers in their tracks and raised concerns about an avalanche of liability lawsuits.

‘Nuclear Verdicts’ Against Big Ski Resorts Could Price Mom-And-Pop Areas Out Of Business

A widow suing the world-famous Sun Valley Resort in Idaho over the death of her husband could end with a “nuclear verdict” that could spike insurance rates across the industry. That could price mom-and-pop areas like those in Wyoming out of business.

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2025

Strange on the Range creator Ella Bishop-Heil.

Strange On The Range: Wyoming Comic Artists Create Eclectic Compilation Of Wild & Weird

Strange on the Range is a new underground publication that features an eclectic mix of Wyoming comic artists. The hard-copy magazine is dedicated to the work of Wyoming comic illustrators.

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2025

Jerry Valentine, Montana’s Cinderella pinball wizard, headed to the North American Championships after only 18 months of competitive pinball.

Wyoming Only State Not Sending A Pinball Wizard To North American Championships

A budding pinball scene fizzled out a few years ago in Cheyenne, which means Wyoming will be the only state without someone competing at the North American Championships. But a Cinderella pinball wizard from Montana is going full-tilt to earn a title.

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2025

A group of self-described tree-hugging hunters are trying to influence a lawsuit between the state of Montana and Yellowstone National Park about how bison are managed.

Environmentalists Known As “Tree-Hugging Hunters” Want More Yellowstone Bison Hunted

A group of environmentalists who describe themselves as “tree-huggers who hunt," are uniting around a message that might surprise some: They say it’s time to hunt and kill more bison outside Yellowstone National Park.

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2025

Montana State University researchers are testing immune-boosting supplements on honeybees. They’re also strapping the bees into machines for live flight tests and other scientific study.

To Boost Bee Immune Systems, Researchers Strap In Honeybees For Live Test Flights

Viruses spread through honeybee hives like the flu virus in a crowded waiting room. Looking to boost bee immune systems, researchers are examining the impact of viruses on honeybee flight performance and testing supplements.

David MadisonFebruary 22, 2025