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When Iranian forces brought down a U.S. Army helicopter Monday, Dillon Jackson’s reaction wasn't shock so much as recognition. “There’s a lot of ways that could have gone differently,” said the Kemmerer native, who spent 22 years flying Navy helicopters.

Wyoming Navy Pilot Flew Missions Over Strait Of Hormuz, Now Watches War From Home

Dillon Jackson, a Kemmerer native, spent 22 years in the U.S. Navy flying helicopters over some of the world’s most volatile waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. “The thing most people don’t understand is just how narrow it is," Jackson said.

Zakary SonntagJune 13, 2026

David and Jennifer Sinclar were leaving a gas station in Canada when the tow base plate on their RV broke. A video of them dragging their Chevy Colorado's bumper down the road has gone viral.

Oh No! Full-Time RV Couple Lose Truck When Front Bumper Tears Off While Towed

Longtime Yellowstone RV travelers David and Jennifer Sinclair were leaving a gas station in Canada when the front bumper of their truck tore off while being towed. A video of them dragging the bumper down the road has been viewed millions of times. 

Andrew RossiJune 13, 2026

Ken Wige holds a pistol in a holster that he took out of the Colorado River. He estimates it was there at least 10 years. Divers who plunge the depths of the Colorado River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir find all kinds of treasure, from Old West six-shooters to cellphones. One woman burst into tears when given her phone back that had her grandchild’s birth video on it.

Six-Shooters And Cellphones: Divers Find All Kids Of Treasure In Colorado River

Divers who plunge the depths of the Colorado River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir find all kinds of treasure, from antique six-shooters to cellphones. One woman burst into tears when given her phone back that had her grandchild’s birth video on it.

Dale KillingbeckJune 13, 2026

A Casper radiologist and adrenaline junkie who’s climbed the tallest peaks on six of the world’s seven continents took on the brutal Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon last week. It starts with a grueling swim from The Rock to San Francisco — twice.

Casper Man Tackles Brutal Alcatraz Triathlon For 8th Time, Sets Personal Swim Best

Casper radiologist Dr. Joe McGinley last week took on the brutal Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon for his eighth time. At age 51, McGinley finished in the top half of the field for all ages involved and set a personal best in the icy swim across the bay.

Dale KillingbeckJune 13, 2026

Photos taken at the time of the Teton Dam disaster show how water started leaking and then waters surging through the dam site.

‘Scariest Day Of My Entire Life': 50 Years After Living Through Teton River Flood

It was June 5, 1976, whe a dam on the Teton River collapsed, sending a torrent of water into the Idaho towns below. “It was one of scariest days of my entire life,” said a survivor, adding that 50 years later, the memories of the disaster are still vivid.

Dale KillingbeckJune 13, 2026

Beekeepers gather around instructor Mike Morrison during an open apiary workshop at the Wyoming Honeybee and Pollinator Program's Etna location in May 2025.

Wyoming Beekeepers Want More Warning Before Mosquito Chemicals Fly

Most people are relieved when mosquito trucks start spraying, but not beekeepers as pesticides can wreak havoc on hives. There's not adequate communication they say. "You can't protect yourself from something you don't know about," one beekeeper said.

Kolby FedoreJune 13, 2026

Texas outfitters are worried that a screwworm outbreak there could ruin their hunting season. Some Wyoming outfitters and hunters say if the infestation hits here, it could be a wildlife disaster. "We don’t know yet whether to be scared,” said one.

Wyoming Outfitters, Hunters Say Screwworm Would Be Wildlife Disaster If It Hits State

Texas outfitters are worried that a screwworm outbreak there could ruin their hunting season. Wyoming outfitters and hunters say if the infestation hits here, it would be a wildlife disaster. "We don’t know yet whether to be scared,” said one.

Mark HeinzJune 13, 2026

At the R&B Cafe in Cheyenne, weekends are packed with hungry breakfast crowds in a file photo.

From Cafés To Clinics, Wyoming’s Labor Crunch Is Holding The Economy Back

Wyoming business owners say they are leaving a lot of money on the table because they can’t fill open jobs, forcing them to turn away customers and reduce hours. “I keep banging my head against the wall,” said one owner.

Renée JeanJune 13, 2026

After serving on Johnson County’s first grand jury in 1881, OP Hanna suddenly developed a respect for the law, talking a lynch squad out of hanging a man for killing a mule. “Had I not arrived just when I did ... they surely would have hung him,” he said.

When Frontiersman OP Hanna Stopped A Lynch Squad From Hanging A Man For A Killing A Mule

After serving on Johnson County’s first grand jury in 1881, OP Hanna suddenly developed a respect for the law, talking a lynch squad out of hanging a man for killing a mule. “Had I not arrived just when I did ... they surely would have hung him,” he said.

Jackie DorothyJune 13, 2026

Wyoming doesn’t charge sales taxes on large data center equipment purchases because lawmakers in 2010 wanted to compete with Texas to attract a major tech company’s project. Then, there were four data centers in the state, now there are 31 and counting.

Here's Why Wyoming Gives Tax Breaks To Huge Data Centers

Pro-economic development legislators pushed through a popular tax break for huge data centers in 2010. A rogue Republican tried to undo it in 2021, but his GOP colleagues, industry advocates, and economic development agencies opposed him.

Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2026

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is investigating a graphic video where an alleged Wyoming man tortures a seemingly wounded coyote. The video shows a man grabbing the coyote by its tail and then tossing, kicking, stabbing, and taunting the animal.

Investigation Launched In Graphic Coyote Torture Video Allegedly Shot In Wyoming

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is investigating a graphic video where an alleged Wyoming man tortures a seemingly wounded coyote. The video shows a man grabbing the coyote by its tail and then tossing, kicking, stabbing, and taunting the animal.

Mark HeinzJune 12, 2026

Sgt. Zach Burns remains in critical condition after being shot multiple times by a suspect in Baggs on Monday. “It wasn’t a good thing that happened, but it was a great thing” in how people reacted, the mayor said, which was “like heroes.”

Deputy Shot In Baggs Saved By Quick-Acting Residents

Sgt. Zach Burns remains in critical condition after being shot multiple times by a gunman in Baggs on Monday. “It wasn’t a good thing that happened, but it was a great thing” in how people reacted, the mayor said, which was “like heroes.”

Greg JohnsonJune 12, 2026

A proposed 5,600-worker man camp south of Cheyenne that would have been larger than 84 Wyoming cities and towns has been put on hold after weeks of community backlash. The developer says it's still “desperately needed” and is looking for a new site.

Developer Puts Massive 5,600-Worker Cheyenne Man Camp On Hold, Looks For New Site

A proposed 5,600-worker man camp south of Cheyenne that would have been larger than 84 Wyoming cities and towns has been put on hold after weeks of community backlash. The developer says it's still “desperately needed” and is looking for a new site.

Renée JeanJune 12, 2026

Sandy and Jack Crawford say they’ve been essentially homeless a chimney fire damaged their house near Laramie in February 2025.

Couple Says Insurance Company’s Mishandling Of Fire Claim Has Made Them Homeless

An Albany County couple who lost most of their possessions in a fire that left their house unlivable say that their insurance company’s mishandling of the situation has left them essentially homeless for nearly a year and a half.  

Mark HeinzJune 13, 2026

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Car Dealer Faces 15 Felonies In Alleged $2 Million Resale Of Hail-Damaged Cars

A Utah car dealer is facing 15 Wyoming felony charges for the alleged attempted illegal resale of nearly $2 million worth of hail-damaged vehicles. Investigators describe a trail of alleged forged signatures, fake notary stamps and dead vehicle owners.

Kolby FedoreJune 12, 2026

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NOAA Officially Declares El Niño Is Here, Don Day Still Ain't Buying It Yet

NOAA and the National Weather Service have officially declared an El Niño has formed, which could mean more of what Wyoming doesn’t need — warmer, drier conditions. Wyoming meteorologist Don Day says he still ain’t buying it yet calling predictions "clickbait."

Andrew RossiJune 12, 2026

A health expert said Friday that closing rural Wyoming hospitals is “an economic earthquake” in a rural state that already has huge holes in its access to health care. Six Wyoming hospitals are at risk of closure, including three within three years.

Six Wyoming Hospitals Are At Risk Of Closure, Wyoming Health Official Warns

At a healthcare summit in Laramie on Friday, one health official said six Wyoming hospitals are at risk of closure. Natrona Collective Health Trust CEO Beth Worthen said closing rural Wyoming hospitals would be “an economic earthquake."

Kerry DrakeJune 13, 2026

A demonstration outside a clinic that performs abortions in Casper, Wyoming, in a 2023 file photo.

Judge Strikes Down Another Set Of Wyoming’s Abortion Restrictions

A retired Wyoming judge on Friday struck down three state-level abortion laws, including one requiring abortion clinics be licensed as surgical centers. He said the pro-choice group challenging the laws provided evidence “that abortion is inherently safe.”

Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2026

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Case Advances Against Greybull Woman Charged With Taking $155K From Elderly Parents

A Greybull woman accused of siphoning more than $155,000 from her elderly parents over the course of a decade advanced Wednesday to felony-level District Court. She could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

Kolby FedoreJune 12, 2026

Wyoming’s state-level property tax board told counties on Thursday that a 4% cap on yearly increases in residential property taxes is unconstitutional, and the counties shouldn’t let taxpayers have that exemption.

Wyoming Tax Board Says 4% Cap On Property Tax Is Unconstitutional, Won't Accept It

Wyoming’s state-level property tax board told counties on Thursday that a 4% cap on yearly increases in residential property taxes is unconstitutional and it will refuse to certify this year's property tax assessment figures if the cap remains.

Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2026

Tourists at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park.

Floating Body Of Denver Man Recovered From Yellowstone Lake Near Capsized Kayak

A Denver man was found dead near a capsized kayak on Yellowstone Lake, park officials announced Thursday. Former ranger Tara Ross, who patrolled the lake said extreme cold and "wild winds" make it dangerous. "You may have 10 minutes to survive," she said.

Kolby FedoreJune 11, 2026

Wyoming Republican Party Chairman Bryan Miller, far right, on the final day of the 2026 Wyoming Republican Party Convention on the state fairgrounds in Douglas.

Park County Republican Party Sends Platform Loyalty Tests To GOP Candidates

Republican candidates for office in Park County received a letter warning them if they don’t commit to backing at least 80% of the state GOP platform, they won’t receive an endorsement or support from the party. "They is not a purity test," it reads.

Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2026

Public backlash against a reported kill order may have saved a bison who attacked and killed a woman in Custer State Park. Advocates for the animal say he was acting within his wild nature on his home turf when he attacked and killed the 70-year-old Canadian tourist.

Bison Escapes Death Sentence After Killing Woman In Custer State Park

Public backlash against a reported kill order saved a bison that killed a woman in Custer State Park last month. Advocates for the bison say he was acting within his wild nature on his home turf when he killed the 70-year-old Canadian tourist.

Kate MeadowsJune 11, 2026

Crusoe, a founding partner in the huge 2.7-gigawatt Project Jade data center near Cheyenne, quietly pulled out months ago. That hasn’t slowed the project, which is going “full steam ahead,” remaining partner Tallgrass Energy told Cowboy State Daily. Above is construction on an AI data center Crusoe's building in Texas.

Partner Pulling Out Doesn’t Slow Huge 2.7GW Cheyenne Project Jade Data Center

Crusoe, a founding partner in the huge 2.7-gigawatt Project Jade data center near Cheyenne, quietly pulled out months ago. That hasn’t slowed the project, which is going “full steam ahead,” remaining partner Tallgrass Energy told Cowboy State Daily.

Renée JeanJune 11, 2026

The first job for Union Pacific’s new Trump-themed locomotive No. 4547 was carrying parts of the Artemis III rocket. It rolled through Wyoming without much notice last week.

New Trump Locomotive No. 4547 Rolls Through Wyoming Carrying Artemis III Rocket

The first job for Union Pacific’s new Trump-themed locomotive No. 4547 took it through Wyoming carrying the Artemis III rocket. Nobody except railroad watchers noticed. “They were just these weird-looking, covered capsule-looking things,” one said.

Renée JeanJune 11, 2026

Grizzly 122, The Boss, is pictured here last fall in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This spring, he managed to slip out of his radio tracking collar, and nobody knows where he is.

Canada’s Favorite 700-Pound Grizzly ‘The Boss’ Rips Off Tracking Collar

Canada’s favorite grizzly, a 700-pound monster called The Boss, has lived a storied life, brawling with other males and surviving getting hit by a train. His latest stunt was removing an electronic tracking collar that wildlife agents had just put on him.

Mark HeinzJune 11, 2026

The view looking down the Green River to Squaretop Mountain in western Wyoming is one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks, even being on the license plate.

Amended Barrasso Bill Would Erase Clinton-Era Roadless Rule

The Clinton-era Roadless Rule on U.S. Forest Service lands will be erased if Wyoming Republicans U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman get their way. “I have been fighting the Roadless Rule since the day it was handed down,” said Hageman.

Mark HeinzJune 11, 2026

Sgt. Zach Burns has been identified as the Carbon County deputy who took multiple bullets in a shootout with a suspect in Burns on Monday. He’s in critical condition but improving, the sheriff reported Wednesday.

Deputy Who Took Multiple Bullets In Baggs Shootout Is Critical, Improving

Sgt. Zach Burns has been identified as the Carbon County deputy who took multiple bullets in a shootout with a suspect in Baggs on Monday. He’s in critical condition but improving, the sheriff reported Wednesday.

Greg JohnsonJune 10, 2026

First United Methodist Church in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Police Say Sheridan Couple Accused Of Stealing Fundraiser Donations From Church

A Sheridan couple is facing felony theft charges after police say they hauled away two pickup loads of donations from outside the church that had been collected for a fundraiser. They said they believed the items had been left outside for anyone to take.

Kolby FedoreJune 11, 2026

Camden Martinez

Casper Man Accused of Shooting Into Vehicle As Girlfriend Tried To Leave

A 19-year-old Casper man faces four felony charges and the potential for 40 years in prison after firing three times at a vehicle that was taking his girlfriend away from his home. She was trying to get out of a “bad situation."

Dale KillingbeckJune 11, 2026

Sweetwater County School District 1 2

State Finds Major Special Ed Failures In Sweetwater County School District 1

A state investigation found widespread failures with Sweetwater County School District 1’s special ed program and gave it a year to correct them. "This wasn't a failure by just one person. This is a systemic failure," said a former school board member.

Kate MeadowsJune 10, 2026

A Pinedale rancher told U.S. Senators on Wednesday that he and other Upper Basin farmers are tired of Wyoming giving up Colorado River water. Negotiations moved up a notch this week with Wyoming leaders meeting in Washington, D.C., with other states.

Pinedale Rancher Tells Senators He’s Tired Of Wyoming Giving Up Colorado River Water

A Pinedale rancher told U.S. Senators on Wednesday that he and other Upper Basin farmers are tired of Wyoming giving up Colorado River water. Negotiations moved up a notch this week with Wyoming leaders meeting in Washington, D.C., with other states.

Mark HeinzJune 10, 2026

From left, Chuck Gray, Bo Biteman, Frank Chapman, David Giralt, Jillian Balow, Steve Friess, and Kevin Christensen. The seven U.S. House candidates fielded faith-oriented questions Tuesday in front of a largely Christian audience at the Cheyenne Metropolitan.

Wyoming U.S. House Candidates Face Christian Lobby, Swap War Stories

Seven of the 10 Republican candidates running to become Wyoming’s next U.S. House candidate courted a largely Christian audience Tuesday with statements on their faith, and their different approaches to education, family rights, and abortion policy. 

Clair McFarlandJune 10, 2026

Eva Martinez

Cheyenne Woman Says She Didn’t Abandon Newborn Boy To Die 38 Years Ago

A 57-year-old woman who was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder in the death of a newborn boy in early 1988 repeatedly claimed the baby wasn’t hers. Investigators say DNA testing shows it’s 1.97 million times more likely she’s the baby’s mother than anyone else.

Greg JohnsonJune 10, 2026

Highway 287 trump 5 14 26 v2

Lummis Still Backs 'Trump Interstate' Despite Texas Sponsor Losing Interest In It

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis said she still backs renaming U.S. Highway 287 as I-47 — aka "The Trump Interstate" — even though the main sponsor said it may not be a priority after he lost a primary race. "She continues to back it," said a Lummis spokesperson.

Kolby FedoreJune 10, 2026

Tiny Tim is a full-grown bull bison who lives in a field in Yellowstone and has survived two winters despite having one unusable leg. “It takes him a while to get anywhere, but he always gets there,” said a wildlife photographer who’s followed Tiny Tim.

Meet Tiny Tim, The Yellowstone Bison That's Survived Two Winters On Three Legs

Tiny Tim is a full-grown bull bison who has survived two winters in Yellowstone despite having one unusable leg. “It takes him a while to get anywhere, but he always gets there,” said one wildlife photographer who’s following Tiny Tim.

Andrew RossiJune 10, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, June 14, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Cindy Cobb in Savery, Wyoming. Cindy writes, "I am so blessed to live where I live. To be able to have a different sunrise view every morning. I love that my flag is blowing in the Wyoming wind."

Photo by Cindy Cobb

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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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

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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

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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

Wyoming Life

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