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A man who has reportedly threatened “suicide by cop” multiple times held police in a 2.5-hour standoff early Saturday morning. “They are putting him in a squad car, guys. It’s over,” says the man behind Fubar on Patrol, who livestreamed the standoff.

Cheyenne Man Arrested After Overnight Armed Standoff

A man who has reportedly threatened “suicide by cop” multiple times held police in a 2.5-hour standoff early Saturday morning. “They are putting him in a squad car, guys. It’s over,” says the man behind Fubar on Patrol, who livestreamed the standoff.

Greg JohnsonJune 06, 2026

Campell county pronghorn 4 5 26

'No Permission, Just Shoot': Instagram Videos Lead To Wyoming Poaching Charges

A Washington man faces 14 Wyoming poaching-related charges after Game and Fish investigators say Instagram videos and phone data exposed illegal hunts over more than 10 years. “No permission, just shoot,” the man messaged, Game and Fish says.

Kolby FedoreJune 05, 2026

Screwworm and cattle

Wyoming State Vet Says Wyoming Ranchers Need To Be Worried About Screwworm

Wyoming State Veterinarian Hallie Hasel said Wyoming ranchers and pet owners should treat the detection of the New World screwworm in Texas as "an immediate threat." She said Texas officials are doing a good job stopping the spread but it should be taken seriously.

Andrew RossiJune 05, 2026

BLM is investigating recent acts of vandalism at six Native American rock art sites in the Bighorn Basin

Six Bighorn Basin Rock Art Sites Burned, Shot In ‘Irreparable’ Vandalism

The BLM is investigating multiple incidents of “irreparable” vandalism at rock art sites in the Bighorn Basin. They were burned, shot and had names scratched into them. "People get away with this all the time,” said a Wyoming archaeologist.

Andrew RossiJune 06, 2026

The city of Laramie closed sections of Laramie River Greenbelt Park on Friday morning because of a bear sighting in the area. “He’s looking for food and water, and I’m sure that’s an enticing spot for a bear,” said a bear expert.

Laramie Closes Popular Greenbelt Park After Bear Sighting

The city of Laramie closed sections of Laramie River Greenbelt Park on Friday because of a bear sighting in the area. Barricades were installed on streets in the vicinity of the sighting, and residents were asked to avoid the area for their own safety.

Andrew RossiJune 05, 2026

Die-hard University of Wyoming fans wear their UW jerseys and Buffalo Bills beanies while at Niagara Falls, New York, near Buffalo.

University Of Wyoming Partners With Buffalo Bills Again As UW Builds 'Student Pipeline'

The University of Wyoming has announced a partnership with the Buffalo Bills again. The goal is to build a "student pipeline" as support is building in western New York. In fact, there are more incoming students from New York in 2026 than Utah or Idaho.

Jimmy OrrJune 05, 2026

A mallard drake is pictured with a blow dart in its back in Billings, Montana, where there’s been a rash of waterfowl getting shot with blow darts.

Deer Killed, Ducks Maimed: Montana Wildlife Keeps Getting Shot With Blow Darts

Montana game wardens are trying to crack the case of a mule deer fawn being killed with a blow dart, along with ducks and geese getting attacked. Aside from maiming and killing the animals, shooting them with blow darts is illegal.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2026

Male Grizzly 288, called Quill, got aggressive with female Grizzly 864 while trying to mate with her in Yellowstone National Park

Grizzly Courtship Isn't Very Cuddly. In Fact, It Can Turn Into An Aggressive Fight.

Grizzly courtship isn’t always cuddly. It can look more like a brawl as a videographer captured earlier this week in Yellowstone. But, persistence and aggression can often pay off, one biologist told Cowboy State Daily.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2026

President Trump lifting restrictions on motorized use of federal lands has some Wyoming motorsports enthusiasts cheering a move they say prioritizes much-deserved public access. Critics call it a “terrible” idea that will destroy those areas.

ATV Riders Cheer Trump Opening Access To Federal Lands, Critics Expect Disaster

President Trump’s lifting of restrictions on motorized use of federal lands dating back to the 1970s has some Wyoming motorsports enthusiasts cheering a move they say prioritizes public access. Others worry that it will cause a wildlands disaster.

Mark HeinzJune 04, 2026

Wyoming State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz on Thursday said she’s calling for a poll amongst legislators to see if there is enough support for a special session to address data center issues. “My biggest concern is water,” Steinmetz said.

Wyoming State Senator Interested In Special Session To Address Data Centers

Wyoming State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz on Thursday said she’s calling for a poll among legislators to see if there is enough support for a special session to address data center concerns, like water use. Both the governor and Senate President called such a move premature.

Clair McFarlandJune 04, 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

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"Desert sunrise on Turtle Hill Road."
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Heather Hicks. Heather writes, "Desert sunrise on Turtle Hill Road."

Photo by Heather Hicks

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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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Let’s Give Kids What They Need Most

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Ask a kid, any kid, what he or she wants the most. When you get past the cotton candy and the shiny objects, boys and girls alike want to live with their own mothers and fathers in homes filled with love."

Jonathan LangeJune 06, 2026

Dennis sun 1 25 23

Dennis Sun: Not The Right Decision For Public Lands

Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "I recently came across an article in Cowboy State Daily which really concerned me. The article was about President Trump lifting all restrictions on off-road vehicles on public lands. I think it is a horrible action."

Dennis SunJune 06, 2026

Ray hunkins headshot 10 4 24

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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