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Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, June 5, 2026

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

Jake NicholsJune 05, 2026

Secretary of State Chuck Gray, left, and Victor Miller.

Cheyenne Artificial Intelligence Candidate Sues For Spot On The Ballot

A Cheyenne man is suing Secretary of State Chuck Gray after Gray denied his bid to get on the Republican primary ballot to elect a virtual intelligence personality to the U.S. Senate. “I won’t tolerate a mockery of our electoral system,” Gray said.

Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2026

Albany County Sheriff 9 11 25

Laramie Couple Charged After Meth-Filled Syringe Found In Baby's Crib

A Laramie couple was bound over to felony-level court this week after a meth-filled syringe was found in their baby's crib. Both claimed the syringe belonged to the other, while the baby’s mother admitted using meth, according to court documents.

Kolby FedoreJune 04, 2026

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz is opposing the Trump administration reclassifying marijuana as medicinal, while state law generally expects Wyoming to match drug categories to the federal government’s. That's for the Legislature to decide, he said.

Wyoming Attorney General Objects To Trump Reclassifying Marijuana As Medical

Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz is opposing the Trump administration reclassifying marijuana as medicinal, while state law generally expects Wyoming to match drug categories to the federal government’s. That's for the Legislature to decide, he said.

Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2026

John W. Goodman

Riverton Man Who Slit Man’s Throat And Dumped Body Gets Life In Prison

A Riverton man who admitted to slitting the throat of another man, wrapping his body in hotel bedding and dumping it in the snow was sentenced Thursday to life in prison. "Even after the victim was dead, the violence did not stop,” said the prosecutor.

Kolby FedoreJune 04, 2026

EPA Region 8 administrator and former Wyoming legislator Cyrus Western called Thursday's announcement a win for Wyoming.

EPA Announces Push To Rescue Dave Johnston Coal Plant Near Glenrock

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it is proposing a rule to change an Obama-era 2014 Wyoming regional haze plan that would have shuttered the Dave Johnston Unit 3 power plant in Converse County.

Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2026

Kelsey Stephens was among ranching family members speaking out against a "wind wall" in southeastern Wyoming that stretches from Casper to Cheyenne and beyond.

Wyoming Ranchers Rally Against 'Wind Wall' Of Turbines Across The State

Wyoming ranchers rallied at the state Capitol on Thursday demanding action against what they call a “wind wall” of turbines across the state. “We’ve got surrounded by wind farms,” said one rancher about wind power and its impact on Wyoming’s rural future.

Renée JeanJune 04, 2026

An aurora over Casper on Nov. 11, 2025.

Powerful Geomagnetic Storm Could Bring Aurora Shows To Wyoming Thursday And Friday

Scientists are excited about the possibility of colorful aurora shows on Thursday and Friday nights and Wyoming is in the target zone. Conditions for this event are being compared to May, 2024, which provided some of the most colorful shows in decades.

Andrew RossiJune 04, 2026

Weston County Courthouse

Goat Dispute Turned Deadly: Supreme Court Rejects Self Defense Argument Over Man Who Killed Neighbor

Two neighbors in Weston County had a longstanding dispute over goats. It escalated when one man shot and killed the other. The Wyoming Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the self-defense argument of the man who said the neighbor charged him on a skid steer.

Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2026

More than 32 years after her body was found along I-80, the woman known as “Shafter Jane Doe” has been identified, officials announced Thursday. Her nude body was posed on the ground, arms extended to either side in the shape of a cross.

32 Years After Her Posed Body Was Found Along I-80, ‘Shafter Jane Doe’ Identified

More than 32 years after her body was found along I-80, the woman known as “Shafter Jane Doe” has been identified, officials announced Thursday. Her nude body was posed on the ground, arms extended to either side in the shape of a cross.

Jen KocherJune 04, 2026

A Torrington family says the Goshen County Sheriff’s Office told them a suspect turned himself in for shooting their Rottweilers, whose mutilated bodies were found in the North Platte River. The sheriff’s office hasn’t confirmed the family’s statement.

Torrington Family Says Suspect Turns Self In For Shooting Mutilated Rottweilers

A Torrington family says the Goshen County Sheriff’s Office told them a suspect turned himself in for shooting their Rottweilers, whose mutilated bodies were found in the North Platte River. The sheriff’s office confirms there is a suspect in the case.

Kolby FedoreJune 03, 2026

Rihanna Keller comes out of a women's bathroom in the Wyoming Capitol on July 1, 2025, in a protest of the state's cross-sex access ban for public restrooms. Now Kelver is facing a felony aggravated assault charge and is waging a self-defense argument.

Transgender Bathroom Protestor Faces Felony Assault Charge, Claims Self-Defense

The transgender Laramie resident who protested Wyoming’s cross-sex access ban for public bathrooms at the Capitol last summer is now waging a self-defense argument in a felony assault case. “I did not go looking for confrontation,” said Rihanna Kelver.

Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2026

The Wyoming Department of Education warned lawmakers this week that artificial intelligence is coming, so students should receive training outside of Facebook and Instagram. “The job of a school is to create real intelligence,” said Rep. Ocean Andrew (not pictured).

Wyoming Department Of Education Says Prepare For AI — Because It's Coming

The Wyoming Department of Education warned lawmakers this week that artificial intelligence is coming, so students should receive training outside of Facebook and Instagram. “The job of a school is to create real intelligence,” said Rep. Ocean Andrew.

Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2026

Laramie doesn’t have any plans for data centers, but that didn't stop locals Tuesday calling for a permanent moratorium on them.  The city could be “run over by billion-dollar corporations who promise the sun and moon and the stars,” said one resident.

Laramie Has No Data Center Plans, But That Doesn’t Stop Locals From Opposing Them

Laramie doesn’t have any plans for data centers, but that didn't stop locals Tuesday calling for a permanent moratorium on them.  The city could be “run over by billion-dollar corporations who promise the sun and moon and the stars,” said one resident.

Kate MeadowsJune 03, 2026

Garrett Maheu

Fugitive Accused Of Breaking Into Casper-Area Homes, Taking Orange Juice

An Evansville man accused of not returning to a Casper halfway house after work faces more charges for allegedly breaking into people’s homes. He "grabbed a container of orange juice from the fridge” when confronted by a frightened woman at one house.

Dale KillingbeckJune 03, 2026

A pair of strong snowstorms that hit southern Wyoming in early May, the month was Jekyll and Hyde for moisture with the state still in various degrees of drought.

Despite Huge Storms During Jekyll-And-Hyde May, Much Of Wyoming Still In Drought

Despite huge storms in southern Wyoming, May was Jekyll and Hyde, either exceeding or falling short of moisture expectations — with much of the state still in drought. “It looks like it hasn’t rained for years in Thermopolis,” said meteorologist Don Day.

Andrew RossiJune 03, 2026

A black bear snoozed without a care in the world as tourist activity buzzed all around it near Tower Junction in Yellowstone National Park.

Tired Of Mobs And Mating Season, Yellowstone Black Bear Zonks Out By Roadside

As Yellowstone buzzed with tourists and other bears were caught up in courtship, a black bear apparently decided he’d had enough and zonked out by the roadside near Tower Junction. The bear was out so hard, some people worried that it was dead.

Mark HeinzJune 03, 2026

The Laramie County Library's main branch in Cheyenne.

Man Sets Fire To Controversial Book In Cheyenne Library, Then Pulls Alarm

Cheyenne police are evaluating whether a man could face charges for setting fire to a book, tossing it into the Laramie County Library and pulling a fire alarm. The book he burned, “Paper Towns,” has been targeted by some school districts for removal.

Kolby FedoreJune 03, 2026

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon released an executive order on Wednesday telling executive-branch agencies to “promote responsible development of data centers and other large-load facilities.” The order comes as local governments create their data center rules.

Gordon Orders 'Responsible' Data Center Development In Wyoming

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon released an executive order on Wednesday telling state agencies to “promote responsible development of data centers and other large-load facilities.” The order comes as local governments create their data center rules.

Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2026

Police in Montrose, Colorado, say a Gillette resident bought a gun in Wyoming, drove hundreds of miles and unleashed a shooting spree before taking his own life. “The risk to public safety was high,” police say, adding they don't know why he did it.

Gillette Man Goes On Shooting Spree In Colorado Town Before Shooting Self

Police in Montrose, Colorado, say a Gillette resident bought a gun in Wyoming, drove hundreds of miles and unleashed a shooting spree before taking his own life. “The risk to public safety was high,” police say, adding they don't know why he did it.

Kolby FedoreJune 02, 2026

Presley Whitaker during her recovery in a Salt Lake City hospital after having her hand taken off in an accident with a rodeo horse.

Montana Woman Loses Hand In Rodeo Accident: 'I Thought She Was Going To Die'

A Bozeman woman is home following a 24-day hospital stay after her hand was ripped off in a terrifying horse accident at the Montana State University rodeo practice arena. “The boys, they had to go find her hand,” said her husband and MSU rodeo coach.

Kate MeadowsJune 02, 2026

Kautz powers 6 2 26

Attorney Asks Wyoming Supreme Court For Special Prosecutor To Investigate Chuck Gray

Cheyenne attorney George Powers, who filed a complaint calling for a criminal investigation against Chuck Gray for releasing sensitive voter data to the federal government, asked the Wyoming Supreme Court on Tuesday to appoint a special prosecutor.

Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2026

The city of Rock Springs declared June is “pride month” — and is catching backlash. The city "made the whole month gay pride month and boy oh boy, people are upset,” says a councilman. The mayor countered that he wouldn't play gatekeeper on events.

City Of Rock Springs Catches Backlash For ‘Pride Month’ Declaration

The city of Rock Springs declared June is “pride month” — and is catching backlash. The city "made the whole month gay pride month and boy oh boy, people are upset,” says a councilman. The mayor countered that he wouldn't play gatekeeper on events.

Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2026

David Lee Wilkinson, 31, of Casper was sentenced to six to eight years in prison Monday for trying to burn down his ex-boyfriend’s house.

Casper Man Who Tried To Burn Down Ex’s House — But Saved Snake — Gets 6-8 Years

A Casper man who tried to burn down his ex-boyfriend’s house last summer — but made sure to save his own pet snake — was sentenced Monday to six to eight years in prison. The man “destroyed everything in my life,” the ex told the judge.

Dale KillingbeckJune 02, 2026

A sandhill crane boldly defends its territory from a three-year old grizzly called Storm on Saturday in Yellowstone National Park.

Sandhill Crane Gets Aggressive To Scare Young Yellowstone Grizzly Away From Nest

A young grizzly called Storm got too close to a sandhill crane’s nest in Yellowstone, but the crane was having none of that and drove Storm off. "I'd put my money on the crane,” said a bird biologist about how protective sandhill cranes can be.

Mark HeinzJune 02, 2026

Lincoln County Sheriffs Office 12 11 25

Lincoln County Man Accused Of Beating, Shaking Down Man Who Owes Him Money

A Lincoln County man is accused of beating a man to coerce him to sign over a truck and equipment during a daylong shakedown over a debt. “Catch people like you and string you up and flog you daily,” police say the contractor threatens on video.

Kolby FedoreJune 02, 2026

Wild turkeys recently attacked an elderly California woman, leaving her bruised and bloody. Casper's urban turkeys also "have absolutely established a reputation for aggressive, bold, and disruptive behavior,” says Game And Fish.

When Urban Turkeys Attack: Like Those In Casper, Wild Flocks Can Become Bullies

Wild turkeys recently attacked an elderly California woman, leaving her bruised and bloody. Casper's urban turkeys also "have absolutely established a reputation for aggressive, bold, and disruptive behavior,” says Game And Fish.

Mark HeinzJune 02, 2026

Hailey Krahenbuhl and Sully.

Wyoming Barrel Racer Says She Was Approached By Alleged Horse-Stabber

A Wyoming barrel racer was stunned to learn that the teen girl accused of stabbing three horses in Las Vegas over the weekend tried to borrow one of her horses last month. “It makes my skin crawl to realize she was stalking my horses, too,” she said.

Julie MankinJune 02, 2026

Django and Hildy, a pair of Rottweilers owned by the parents of Angelica Garcia, who she says were shot and dumped into the North Platte River.

Torrington Family Says Rottweilers Were Mutilated And Dumped In The River 

A Torrington family is in shock after finding their mutilated dogs partially submerged in the North Platte River. Angelica Garcia said one dog's head was removed and the other was missing its neck and chest. "They were family dogs," she said.

Kolby FedoreJune 01, 2026

Chuck Gray

Chuck Gray’s U.S. House Poll Leveled Disparaging Remarks Against Rasner, Friess

The poll U.S. House candidate Chuck Gray touted Monday leveled disparaging claims about opponents Reid Rasner and Steve Friess. It claimed Friess "never had a real job" and Rasner acted like a "Hollywood celebrity" during a marriage to "his gay husband."  

Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2026

Julie Fitzsimons was killed when she was run down by a distracted motorist in downtown Sheridan.

Family Says 60-Day Sentence For Driver Who Killed Woman Brings Them ‘Deeper Grief’

The family of a woman killed by a distracted driver in downtown Sheridan a year ago said they feel slighted by the 60-day sentence he got Friday. It brings “deeper grief,” not closure, said the woman’s daughter.

Jen KocherJune 01, 2026

A Cheyenne City Council committee on Monday advanced a measure that could put two multimillion-dollar Derby Club gaming establishments out of compliance with city rules. It would prohibit gaming centers from being within 500 feet of day care centers and schools.

Proposed Rules Could Block Two Cheyenne Gaming Locations From Renewing Permits

A Cheyenne City Council committee on Monday advanced a measure that could put two multimillion-dollar gaming establishments out of compliance with city rules. It would prohibit gaming centers from being within 500 feet of day care centers and schools.

Renée JeanJune 02, 2026

Libertarian Shawn Johnson (left), Chuck Gray (upper right), Reid Rasner (center right), Steve Friess (lower right)

Why It's Possible For A Libertarian To Win Wyoming's U.S. House Seat

This year's election climate could make the perfect storm for Libertarian Shawn Johnson to win Wyoming's U.S. House seat, politicos say. That is, if he courts conservatives, and if the winner of the crowded GOP primary is hugely unpopular. 

Clair McFarlandJune 01, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, June 5, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Aaron Johnson. Aaron writes, "Sunrise over the Salt River Range that I took from my home in Auburn Wy. Photos never do the real thing justice, but I hope you like it as much as I did."

Photo by Aaron Johnson

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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Opinion

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Fred harrison 4 23 26

Fred Harrison: A Tale of Two Courts — The Battle For Wyoming’s Constitution

Columnist Fred Harrison writes, "On May 14, the Wyoming Supreme Court handed down a monumental victory for families and separation of powers. The court put down its red pen, picked up a dictionary, and read the Constitution as it was actually written."

Fred HarrisonMay 27, 2026

Dave simpson head 10 3 22

Dave Simpson: I'm Voting For The Skunk At The Garden Party

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "Serving in office, Chuck Gray was often the skunk at the status quo garden party. He had repeated run-ins with Gov Gordon, and two episodes when Gordon reportedly suggested they go outside and settle their differences."

Dave SimpsonMay 25, 2026

Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: Wyoming’s False Spring — 90 Degree Temps & Wet Snow In Same Week.

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "Wyoming’s remarkable ability to dish out Jekyll-and-Hyde weather was on full display. In Lander, we hit the 90s on May 13 and then got blasted with wet snow on May 17."

Bill SniffinMay 23, 2026

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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Crime & Courts

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