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Jake Thomas Canestrini

Rock Springs Man Accused Of Torturing Woman For Days With Razor Blade And Fork

A Rock Springs man was in court Thursday, accused of holding a woman captive for days and torturing her with a razor blade and fork. "I will murder your cat,” police say he told her. "I will murder your ... family if you get the cops involved."

Kolby FedoreJune 19, 2026

For the first time ever, more U.S. electricity was generated from solar power than coal in May. Wyoming energy experts say that’s a reflection of greater demand for power than a decline in coal, and that “coal's not going away anytime soon."

U.S. Solar Power Generation Passes Coal For First Time

For the first time ever, more U.S. electricity was generated from solar power than coal in May. Wyoming energy experts say that’s a reflection of greater demand for power than a decline in coal, and that “coal's not going away anytime soon."

Kate MeadowsJune 19, 2026

New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, left, holding a 3D-printed ghost gun, stands with Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, middle, and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, who is holding a machine gun conversion device called an auto-sear.

California, New York Aim To Ban 3D Printers That Can Make ‘Ghost Guns’

In the latest twist in efforts to ban 3D-printed “ghost guns,” lawmakers in New York and California are pushing to ban printers capable of making them. From a technical standpoint, the bans won’t work, said Kevin Thomas, owner of T&G 3D Printing in Basin.

Mark HeinzJune 20, 2026

Yellowstone rangers used a front-end loader and creativity to get a 2,000-pound bison carcass away from a busy road near Canyon Village on Friday. Wildlife photographer April Mead said a grizzly was circling the area determined to have the roadkill for breakfast.

Yellowstone Rangers Bulldoze 2,000-Pound Bison Roadkill While Grizzly Circles

Yellowstone rangers used a front-end loader and creativity to get a 2,000-pound bison carcass away from a busy road near Canyon Village on Friday. A wildlife photographer said a grizzly was circling the area determined to have the roadkill for breakfast.

Andrew RossiJune 19, 2026

A now-former Newcastle police sergeant, Nicholas Kaminski, already charged for allegedly staking and assaulting a woman faces more charges, accused of terrorizing the woman for 10 months. In once instance, he threatened to “knife her to death,” according to court documents.

More Charges For Former Newcastle Cop Accused Of Assaulting And Terrorizing Woman

A now-former Newcastle police sergeant already charged for allegedly stalking and assaulting a woman faces more charges, accused of terrorizing the woman for 10 months. In once instance, he threatened to “knife her to death,” according to court documents.

Kolby FedoreJune 19, 2026

A hunting guide in Utah who shot his bow at cattle was convicted of attempted destruction of livestock.

Utah Hunting Guide Accused Of Poaching Also Caught Shooting At Cows With Bow

While investigating a Utah hunting guide for poaching a deer, wildlife officials came across a video of him shooting at cows with a bow. “It’s appalling,” says a Rock Springs bowhunter. “That sort of outfitter would never get a license in Wyoming."

Mark HeinzJune 19, 2026

The mother of Aiden Hall, 22, of Cheyenne, who shot himself while handcuffed in the back of a police car Sunday, is asking how that could happen. She told Cowboy State Daily that police confiscated his pocket knife, but not his pistol.

Mother Of Cheyenne Man Who Shot Himself In Police Car Files Wrongful Death Petition

The mother of a Cheyenne man who shot and killed himself while handcuffed in the back of a police car in January has filed a wrongful death petition. “I don’t want this to happen to anybody else’s family,” the mother said shortly after his death.

Greg JohnsonJune 19, 2026

Stephanie Montgomery, right, gets her horse ready to receive the mochila about 1:30 a.m. on Friday as husband, Scott, and fellow rider, Jolene Mathies look on.

Dark Assignment: Wyoming Pony Express Riders Deliver Through The Night

The annual Pony Express re-ride crossed into Wyoming early Friday morning. By 1:35 a.m., riders made it to the Old Fort Laramie Bridge. “We’re on a time schedule,” 75-year-old rider Jay Jensen said. “We’ve got 59 hours to get through Wyoming.”

Dale KillingbeckJune 19, 2026

The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration has installed license plate cameras on or around the Wind River Reservation, authorities confirmed Thursday.

License Plate Cameras At Entrances To Wind River Reservation Spark Controversy

The Drug Enforcement Administration has installed license plate cameras on or around the Wind River Reservation, authorities confirmed Thursday. "All this stuff is somewhat '1984'-ish," Sen. Cale Case said. "It’s a big step in our surveillance society.”

Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday held that marijuana use alone isn’t enough to let the federal government charge a person with a felony for possessing a gun.

Firearms Expert Says Supreme Court Marijuana Case Important For Wyoming Gun Owners

George Mocsary, a firearms law expert, says the U.S. Supreme Court's Thursday opinion upholding a marijuana user's right to keep a gun is important for Wyoming. "The case is ultimately about whether government can take away a constitutional right," he said.

Clair McFarlandJune 19, 2026

Dane Eyerly was visiting Yellowstone National Park when he got this photo of another visitor illegally on a thermal feature taking selfies. "Don't be this guy," Eyerly advised in sharing the photos to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park Facebook group.

'Don't Be This Guy': Yellowstone Selfie Seeker Steps Illegally Onto Hot Spring

A man in Yellowstone was caught stepping illegally onto a fragile hot spring could get jail time and a hefty fine when park rangers catch up to him. “Don’t be this guy,” said a visitor who posted a photo of the offender on Thursday.

Andrew RossiJune 18, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, June 19, 2026

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

Jake NicholsJune 19, 2026

Wyoming Game and Fish personnel outfit a pronghorn doe with a specialized speed-testing collar in the Pinedale area.

Ultimate Test: Wyoming Antelope vs African Cheetah To See Which Animal Is Faster

What a drag! A long-awaited speed test to see whether Wyoming pronghorn are faster than Africa’s cheetahs was a bust. The pronghorn didn’t feel like running and never went faster than 27 mph. Officials are hoping to do another test in the winter.

Mark HeinzJune 18, 2026

State Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, left, and challenger Doug Moore.

John Bear, One Of The Freedom Caucus’ Most Powerful Members, Has A Challenger

John Bear, one of the most powerful members of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, has a GOP challenger for his Gillette House district. "I don’t see myself being a career politician,” said Doug Moore. “I am the only conservative in this race,” countered Bear.

Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2026

Theresa McIntosh

Cheyenne 14-Year-Old Charged As Adult In Mom’s Shooting Set For Trial

A Cheyenne 14-year-old charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the death of his mother is set for a jury trial in less than two months. His defense claims he was emotionally abused, while investigators say he admitted he hated his mother.

Greg JohnsonJune 18, 2026

Steve Braithwaite, driver of a 23-foot banana was pulled over in Montana this week

Giant Banana Pulled Over in Montana: Driver Says Cops Have Stopped Him 100s Of Times

For 15 years, Steve Braithwaite has driven a 23-foot banana across the country and, on Wednesday, just like hundreds of times before, he was pulled over by law enforcement. "They always find a reason to pull me over," Braithwaite said.

Kolby FedoreJune 18, 2026

A Dodge pickup involved in a double fatal car crash Wednesday evening lay on its side before wreckers righted it and winched it onto a trailer. The driver of the pickup tried to flee the scene, one witness said.

Two Dead, One Tackled And Arrested in Riverton Crash

Two people died Wednesday evening after a two-vehicle crash unfolded in front of Riverton’s Walmart. Law enforcement officers tackled a suspect who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular homicide.

Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2026

A semitruck carrying millions of honeybees flipped over on U.S. Highway 191 in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday. Cheyenne beekeeper Michael Jordan called the scene "a devastating loss" of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the owners of the bees.

Semitruck Carrying Millions Of Bees Crashes In Yellowstone National Park

A semitruck carrying millions of honeybees flipped over on U.S. Highway 191 in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday. Cheyenne beekeeper Michael Jordan called the scene "a devastating loss" of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the owners of the bees.

Andrew RossiJune 17, 2026

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Wyoming Congressional Delegation Doesn't Support Democrat Bill To Stop Federal Land Sales

Wyoming's congressional delegation says they do not support a Democrat bill that bans the sale of large swaths of federal lands. “I oppose any effort to make public land management more difficult ... and threaten our Western way of life," Hageman said.

Mark HeinzJune 18, 2026

The man who shot Sgt. Zach Burns in Baggs last week was likely planning a mass shooting, said the Carbon County Sheriff. “The gunman had stockpiled hundreds of AR-15 magazines ... and had been prepared to initiate a large-scale act of violence," he said.

Sheriff Says Baggs Suspect Who Shot Deputy Likely Was Planning 'Large-Scale Act'

The man who shot a deputy in Baggs last week was likely planning something, said the Carbon County Sheriff. “The gunman had stockpiled hundreds of AR-15 magazines ... and had been prepared to initiate a large-scale act of violence," he said.

Greg JohnsonJune 17, 2026

Hoskinson Health & Wellness in Gillette, which envisioned itself as the "Mayo Clinic of the West" before announcing last month it would close, may have a buyer. The Hoskinson family announced Wednesday it's in talks to sell to a large hospital chain. Above, Charles Hoskinson.

Gillette's Hoskinson Clinic, Set To Close Next Month, Says It May Have Buyer

Hoskinson Health & Wellness in Gillette, which envisioned itself as the "Mayo Clinic of the West" before announcing last month it would close, may have a buyer. The Hoskinson family announced Wednesday it's in talks to sell to a large hospital chain.

Renée JeanJune 17, 2026

Drought and consumer demand are pushing beef to record high prices, leaving Wyoming ranchers praying for rain even if Americans are willing to pay more. "It will rain — eventually," says Laramie County rancher Mark Eisele. Above, beef prices at a Cheyenne grocery store on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Wyoming Ranchers Pray For Rain As Drought, Demand Push Beef To Record High Prices

Drought and demand are pushing beef to record high prices, leaving Wyoming ranchers praying for rain even if Americans are willing to pay more. "This is about drought, pure and simple," said a Laramie County rancher.

Kate MeadowsJune 17, 2026

This image is an artistic interpretation of a 2022 incident potentially involving an unidentified flying object (UFO) reported near Colorado Springs. This image is derived from the first-hand narrative description contained in an FBI report that has recently been released.

Pentagon Report Documents Giant Potato-Shaped UFO Over Colorado Springs

After Wyoming lawmakers grappled with the topic of UFOs last year, the Pentagon released a report of five U.S. Army service members who said they observed a giant translucent airborne potato-shaped UFO over the Cheyenne Mountains in 2022.

Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2026

The Hot Springs County GOP hosted a Charlie Kirk memorial fundraising dinner May 29, which factored into a controversy at its Monday meeting.

Hot Springs County GOP Members Walk Out After Failed Vote To Drain Account

The Hot Springs County GOP rejected a party leader's bid Monday to nearly drain its bank account and send $4,000 to the state party. Then five people on the losing side of the question walked out, leaving not enough voters to pay their bills.  

Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2026

Dena Hansen and Cheyenne green sign IMG 6015 6 17 26

Jury Finds Former Cheyenne Water Manager Guilty Of Stealing $350K Over A Decade

A Laramie County jury on Wednesday found the former manager of the South Cheyenne Water and Sewer District guilty of stealing about $350,000 from district accounts over a decade. For years, the amounts were small enough to disappear into a stack of utility bills. She faces up to 10 years in prison.

Kolby FedoreJune 17, 2026

Kris Hool shares his concerns about the data center with Natrona County commissioners on Tuesday.

Natrona County Opponents To Data Center Man Camp Call It A 'Travesty' And 'Sin'

Fearful residents from east Natrona County voiced their opposition Tuesday to a proposed man camp for a Prometheus Hyperscale data center in Converse and Natrona counties. One called the proposal a “travesty” and another described it as "a sin."

Dale KillingbeckJune 17, 2026

Michael Hughes

Supreme Court Upholds 21-To-26-Year Sentence For Casper Cop Who Caused Standoff

The state Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the 21-to-26-year prison term for a former Casper police officer who shot at other officers during a standoff. He argued a judge wrongly disregarded his plea deal to sentence him to a term five times longer.

Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2026

Uinta County Commissioner Mark Anderson was among those with lots of questions about the data center Prometheus Hyperscale has proposed on his family's ranch land in Uinta County during a May 2026 town hall meeting.

Uinta County OKs Huge Data Center, Some Fear They'll Get Left 'Holding The Bag'

Residents are split over the proposed massive Prometheus Hyperscale data center, which Uinta County commissioners gave a green light Tuesday. “My concern is, Prometheus promises all of these things ... and we end up holding the bag," said a critic.

Renée JeanJune 17, 2026

Seminoe Reservoir in Seminoe State Park in Carbon County, Wyoming.

After Feds OK Controversial Seminoe Power Projects, Critics Vow To Fight

Opponents say the proposed 972-megawatt power project at Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County threatens the state's most prized bighorn sheep herd and the "Miracle Mile" section of the North Platte River famed for its blue-ribbon trout fishing.

Mark HeinzJune 17, 2026

Drilling hands prepare to tighten 10-inch metal pipe casing that will be connected and fitted into a drilled well in Wyoming's northeastern Powder River Basin south of Gillette in this file photo.

Montana Judge Tosses 1.5M Acres Of Wyoming Oil And Gas Leases, Costs State $50M

A federal judge in Montana has thrown out more than 1.5 million acres of Wyoming oil and gas leases sold under the Trump administration, forcing the state to return $50 million in payments. “The environmental group found a sympathetic venue in Montana,” said a Wyoming landman.

Renée JeanJune 16, 2026

Hundreds of swallows are swarming and nesting in Angie Pitts' lean-to in Mountain View. She didn't mind until she saw the bird droppings covering her vehicles. “I don’t want to kill them, but I want them gone,” she said. "It's just gross."

Oh, The Humanity! Hundreds Of Swallows Pooping Everywhere In Mountain View, Wyoming

Hundreds of swallows are pooping all over the place in Mountain View, Wyoming, including on Angie Pitts' property. She didn't mind that much until she saw her vehicles caked in poop. “I don’t want to kill them, but I want them gone,” she said.

Andrew RossiJune 17, 2026

Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday sued his tax board for refusing to recognize a 4% limit on property tax increases. He said the board exceeded its law-given authority, and the executive branch's job is just to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed."

Gordon Sues His Tax Board For Blocking Property Tax Cap

Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday sued his tax board for refusing to recognize a 4% limit on property tax increases. He said the board exceeded its law-given authority, and the executive branch's job is just to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed."

Clair McFarlandJune 16, 2026

Rail Tie, one of Wyoming’s most controversial wind projects, got a new five-year extension from Albany County on Tuesday. The company is “fishing to keep the project alive,” said the lone commissioner to vote against the extension.

Albany County Extends Permit For Rail Tie Wind Project Despite Opposition

Rail Tie, one of Wyoming’s most controversial wind projects, got a new five-year extension from Albany County on Tuesday. The company is “fishing to keep the project alive,” said the lone commissioner to vote against the extension.

Kate MeadowsJune 16, 2026

An albino robin visits a bird bath in a Cheyenne-area yard. The young bird has become a daily attraction for homeowners Heather and Eric Wiseman.

Rare 1-In-30,000 Albino Robin Hangs Out In Yard Of Cheyenne-Area Couple

With its stark white feathers and red eyes, what Audubon Rockies says looks like a rare 1-in-30,000 albino robin has been hanging out in the yard of a Cheyenne-area couple. "It's following its mother around and begging for food,” said the homeowner.

Kolby FedoreJune 16, 2026

Wyoming's attorney general on Tuesday said he appointed two prosecutors to investigate whether Secretary of State Chuck Gray violated any laws by releasing sensitive voter data to the federal government, but neither decided to charge Gray with a crime.

AG Says Prosecutors Declined To Charge Chuck Gray With A Crime  

Wyoming's attorney general on Tuesday said he appointed two prosecutors to investigate whether Secretary of State Chuck Gray violated any laws by releasing sensitive voter data to the federal government, but neither decided to charge Gray with a crime.

Clair McFarlandJune 16, 2026

Cody Volunteer Fire Department at the Cody Stampede Parade in a file photo.

Cody Fire Department Back In Stampede Parade, Allowed To Throw Water Balloons

After missing last year’s Stampede Parade for not being able to throw water balloons, the Cody Volunteer Fire Department is back this year — and allowed balloons. “They love throwing water balloons, and people love throwing them back,” said an organizer.

Andrew RossiJune 16, 2026

Service dogs are trained to interrupt an anxiety or stress moment when they see it in their masters.

Wyoming Group Trains Dogs To Interrupt Veterans’ PTSD Attacks

A nonprofit in Mills, Wyoming, is training dogs to interrupt military veterans’ PTSD attacks, led by a woman who lost her Green Beret son to suicide. “When I lost him, I knew I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how,” she said.

Dale KillingbeckJune 16, 2026

The WYO Rodeo Parade draws huge crowds to downtown Sheridan each year, as seen in this file photo.

Sheridan Bans Claiming Spots Too Early Along WYO Rodeo Parade Route

After years of watching lawn chairs and coolers appear earlier and earlier along the WYO Rodeo parade route, the Sheridan City Council on Monday banned people claiming spots too early. "I expect that the first year will be a little rough,” said the mayor.

Kate MeadowsJune 16, 2026

A daylong power outage shut down businesses and government in Cokeville for much of Tuesday, but it couldn’t halt a weekly seniors dice game moved beneath the shade trees. "I just tried to make the best of the situation," one senior center staffer said.

Lengthy Power Outage Darkens Cokeville, Disrupts Businesses And Seniors

The power went out across Cokeville on Tuesday, forcing the Town Hall to close and disrupting business during an extended outage. At the local senior center, "I just tried to make the best of the situation," said a staffer.

Kolby FedoreJune 16, 2026

A former Wyoming Boys' School resident strapped down to a restraint chair with a mask over his head. A court filing claims he was put in the chair with a mask for up to eight hours a day.

Court Filings Say Wyoming Boys' School Staffers Restrained, Attacked Boys

A group of young men suing the Wyoming Boys’ School claim they were attacked, confined in a chair and made to wear a mask. “The best part of the chair is watching the kids cry and scream,” a security guard is alleged to have said.

Clair McFarlandJune 15, 2026

A Wyoming man named Aron Snyder confirms he’s the person seen tossing, kicking and stabbing a coyote in a video. The video is “a very bad optic,” he says while apologizing in a weekend social media post.

‘A Very Bad Optic’: Wyoming Man Apologizes For Controversial Coyote Killing Video

A Wyoming man named Aron Snyder confirms he’s the person seen tossing, kicking and stabbing a coyote in a video. The video is “a very bad optic,” he says while apologizing in a weekend social media post.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2026

Wyoming’s coal sector is startled at Republican candidates who oppose data centers. They say the revival of coal is largely due to projected demand for energy from data centers "It's frustrating," said Travis Deti, of the Wyoming Mining Association.

Coal Industry Frustrated With GOP Candidates Who Want To Kill Data Centers

Wyoming’s coal sector is startled at Republican candidates who oppose data centers. Industry leaders say the revival of coal is driven by demand for energy from data centers.  "It's frustrating," said Travis Deti, of the Wyoming Mining Association.

Clair McFarlandJune 15, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Peter John Camino. Peter writes, "I’m a 3rd generation sheep rancher and I was out gathering sheep for docking. I felt so blessed at this moment to live where I do, loving what I do. This kind of portrait makes rising at 4:00 a.m. worth it!"

Photo by Peter John Camino

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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Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: Make The Whole State Of Wyoming Our Capitol

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Wyoming gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow proposed an idea the other day that resonated with me, and it’s worthy of your consideration. It's cowboy as hell."

Rod MillerJune 19, 2026

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: Sure, Pass Unconstitutional Bills And Blame 'Activist Judges'

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Stupidity is a defense, but it has its limits. Four years of passing the same unconstitutional abortion bills stretches that defense past the breaking point."  

Tom LubnauJune 17, 2026

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Ray Hunkins: UW Athletics At A Crossroads With Pending Bill In Congress

Columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "Gone from college athletics is the amateur model, developed and refined over 174 years. In its place is the Wild West model and what I call the helter-skelter model, a chaotic, no-holds-barred free-for-all, without adult supervision."

Ray HunkinsJune 17, 2026

Wyoming Life

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