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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

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Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Thursday's headlines include: * Baggs Suspect Planned Large-Scale Attack * Gillette Hoskinson Clinic Says It Has A Buyer * Truck Overturns With Millions Of Bees In Yellowstone

Mac WatsonJune 18, 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

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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

Geno Stecks received the first ticket for violating Cheyenne’s new vehicle noise ordinance. He was driving this 2006 Subaru with a modified muffler.

Meet The First Driver To Get A Ticket Under Cheyenne’s New Noise Ordinance

Mechanic Geno Stecks got the first ticket under Cheyenne’s new noise ordinance while delivering a car part in the middle of the day. When the officer told him he couldn't hear his radio because of the exhaust, Stecks said, "Turn your volume knob up."

Kerry DrakeJune 16, 2026

A full house turned out to hear debate about a 3,500-acre annexation for future Microsoft data center expansions. Cheyenne’s Public Services Committee narrowly recommended approval, while Councilman Larry Wolfe urged postponement, to give the city time to negotiate a $50M community benefits agreement.

Cheyenne Committee Backs Microsoft Annexation While Councilman Pushes $50M Deal

Despite calls to delay or deny a 3,500-acre annexation for Microsoft data centers, Cheyenne’s Public Services Committee narrowly recommended approval Monday. A councilman urged them to postpone to give the city time to negotiate a $50 million agreement.

Renée JeanJune 16, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Tuesday, June 16, 2026

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

Jake NicholsJune 16, 2026

Two young bighorn sheep rams ventured into Cheyenne, it’s thought they might have come from either he Iron Mountain herd in southeast Wyoming, or a herd near Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Wyoming Game And Fish Kills Bighorns That Wandered Into Cheyenne

A pair of young bighorn sheep rams that wandered into Cheyenne were killed by Wyoming wildlife officials. However, one biologist and wildlife researcher says it's not necessary. He said they should be quarantined instead.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2026

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Gillette Welder Accused Of Stealing Identity, Leaving Man Owing Child Support

A Minnesota man says a stranger spent years building a life in Wyoming using his identity — earning more than $500,000, fathering a child and leaving the man owing child support. "I don't even know him nor have I ever been to Wyoming,” the man said.

Kolby FedoreJune 15, 2026

Casper Police escort a man identified as the homeowner’s father off the property where he lived on Monday morning.

Two Left Homeless After ‘Suspected Arson’ Of North-Side Casper Home

Casper's police and fire department report they are investigating a "suspected arson" at a north-side home on Friday evening that left two people homeless. “My dad had asked her to leave,” then the fire started, said a woman about someone staying at the house.

Dale KillingbeckJune 15, 2026

Cows graze in a field near the Naughton power plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming, in a file photo.

Nothing Goes To Waste: Nebraska Builds Plant To Turn Cow Manure Into Natural Gas

A first-of-its-kind renewable natural gas facility under construction in central Nebraska will convert cattle manure into pipeline-quality natural gas from the poop produced by a huge feedlot. 

Kate MeadowsJune 15, 2026

So far, nobody’s claimed a renegade Russian tortoise found wandering around in Thermopolis's Riverside Cemetery. “I’m hoping someone didn’t abandon it, because that’s not cool,” said the cemetery worker who found it.

‘I Saw Something Moving’: Renegade Russian Tortoise Found In Thermopolis Cemetery

So far, nobody’s claimed a renegade Russian tortoise found wandering around in Thermopolis's Riverside Cemetery. “I’m hoping someone didn’t abandon it, because that’s not cool,” said the cemetery worker who found it when he “saw something moving."

Andrew RossiJune 15, 2026

A detective was about to fly to Wisconsin to arrest Roger Durkee when he got the news: Durkee was dead. He believes Durkee killed the “Shafter Jane Doe” 32 years ago, who spent 7 months in Wyoming shortly before her body was dumped along I-80.

After 32 Years, Suspected ‘Shafter Jane Doe’ Killer Avoided Justice By Dying

A detective was about to fly to Wisconsin to arrest the lead suspect in the 32-year cold case of a woman whose nude body was dumped along I-80 when he got the news the suspect was dead. The woman's time in Wyoming led to the breakthrough in the case.

Jen KocherJune 14, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, June 19, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Lisa Michelena near Shell, Wyoming. Lisa writes, "I took the picture this morning from my front steps. We live on Beaver Creek at the Michelena Ranch."

Photo by L. Michelena

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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Ray Hunkins: Finish The Job Mr. President

Columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "There are no doubts US forces are capable of achieving victory. Victory as the goal should be presented to the Pentagon and then the President should step back and let the military do its job. Micro-managing battle plans by our political leaders didn’t work in Vietnam and it won’t work in Iran."

Ray HunkinsJune 05, 2026

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Guest Column: Calm Down And Make Data Centers Play By The Rules

Guest columnist Rex Arney writes, "Data centers bring substantial capital investment, generate tax revenues, support construction employment, and help diversify Wyoming's economy. The economic benefits are real."

Guest ColumnJune 15, 2026

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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

Wyoming Life

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