Leo Wolfson
Leo Wolfson is the State Government and Politics Reporter for Cowboy State Daily and is based in Cheyenne. He is responsible for covering Wyoming politics on a federal and statewide level.
Leo led Cowboy State Daily's coverage of the 2022 Wyoming primary election, including the highly contentious race between former congresswoman Liz Cheney and her successor U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman. He also managed CSD's coverage of the 2023 State Legislature, which was by far the most extensive and timely media coverage of a legislative session in the state's history.
Before joining Cowboy State Daily, Leo was a general assignment reporter for the Cody Enterprise Newspaper in Cody from 2018-2022. Prior to that, he reported for a suburban newspaper outside Denver.
Latest from Leo Wolfson
Extension Keeps Rural Wyoming Connected For Remote Health Care
Tucked into the government spending bill that averted a shutdown this past weekend is something important for rural Wyomingites. It’s an extension of remote health care.
Leo WolfsonDecember 25, 2024
It Didn't Help U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas' Fear Of Flying When A Door Flew Off Mid-Flight
Late U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas didn’t like heights and really didn't like flying -- especially after after experiencing a door flying off mid-flight. But that didn't stop him from flying back to Wyoming almost every week while serving in Washington.
Leo WolfsonDecember 25, 2024
Casper Legislator Wants Special Elections, Not Appointments, To Fill Vacancies
Casper Republican Steve Harshman wants to change how Wyoming fills its top elected seats when there are vacancies. He says there should be special elections, not appointments from political parties.
Leo WolfsonDecember 23, 2024
Wyoming’s State Planes Get Some Criticism; Others Say They Pay For Themselves
Wyoming’s two current state planes were purchased during former Gov. Jim Geringer’s administration. He recalled the time when the door flew off mid-flight while he and U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas were onboard. “He about lost it,” Geringer laughed. “I don’t blame him.”
Leo WolfsonDecember 23, 2024
Cody Native Living Dream As Notre Dame Makes Run For College Football Title
Cody native Luke Talich was on the field Friday as Notre Dame beat Indiana to advance in the College Football Playoffs. He told Cowboy State Daily that the playoffs are another chapter of an incredible season for the walk-on from Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonDecember 21, 2024
Wyoming Delegation Votes To Avoid Shutdown, Praises Trump And Musk’s Leadership
Wyoming’s congressional delegation voted to pass a temporary spending measure Friday night that will keep the federal government from shutting down. Cynthia Lummis praised Donald Trump and Elon Musk for exhibiting leadership while Biden didn’t.
Leo WolfsonDecember 21, 2024
Trump, Congress May Get Rid Of Those Annoying Twice-A-Year Clock Changes
People who hate daylight saving time and changing their clocks twice a year may finally have something to look forward to. President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to get rid of it, and so do congressional Republicans.
Leo WolfsonDecember 21, 2024
Bill Would Require Tighter Regulation Of Wyoming Abortion Clinics And Doctors
State Rep. Martha Lawley is bringing back a bill Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed this past session to require tighter regulation of Wyoming abortion clinics and doctors. Opponents call it an attempt to end abortions in the state.
Leo WolfsonDecember 21, 2024
Musk-Trump Spending Overhaul Has Congress Scrambling To Avoid Shutdown
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman supports President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s overhaul of a 1,500-page spending package. Their 116-page version failed Thursday night with a Friday shutdown deadline looming.
Leo WolfsonDecember 20, 2024
Chuck Gray Wants Legislators To Ban Ballot Drop Boxes In Wyoming
Secretary of State Chuck Gray said during a press conference Thursday that he plans to push legislation banning ballot drop boxes in Wyoming. He also wants Wyoming legislators to pass a number of other election security bills.
Leo WolfsonDecember 19, 2024
Legislator To Resurrect Landmark Bill To Eliminate Wyoming Property Taxes
State Rep. Steve Harshman is bringing back a landmark property tax bill for the upcoming session that would eliminate property taxes for most Wyoming homeowners. To make up for that lost revenue, the state sales tax rate would be increased.
Leo WolfsonDecember 19, 2024
Freshman Legislator To Reintroduce Bill To Define Gender At Birth In Wyoming
Casper Republican Jayme Lien promises to reintroduce one of the most high-profile bills of the last session in the What is a Woman Act. It would define gender as a person’s biological sex at birth for use of bathrooms and other public facilities.
Leo WolfsonDecember 19, 2024
Trump Says Liz Cheney ‘Could Be In A Lot Of Trouble’ Over New Jan. 6 Report
President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney “could be in a lot of trouble.” A House subcommittee report released Tuesday calls for an investigation into Cheney for alleged witness tampering.
Leo WolfsonDecember 18, 2024
Residents Outraged As Laramie Council Gives City Manager $43,000 Raise
Despite getting an earful from local residents, Laramie City Council gave its longtime city manager a $43,000 raise Tuesday. It’s a nearly 25% hike from her current salary, and brings the position in line with other larger Wyoming city managers.
Leo WolfsonDecember 18, 2024
Wyoming Legislator Mad State Pharmacy Board Still Won’t Allow Public Comment
The Wyoming State Pharmacy Board continued Tuesday not allowing public comment at its meetings. That includes Casper state Rep. Jeanette Ward, who is calling out the group for not listening to public input on the closure of a Cheyenne pharmacy.
Leo WolfsonDecember 18, 2024
John Bear Thinks Micro Plants Could Help Wyoming Coal, Create Power Autonomy
State Rep. John Bear is promoting the development of micro coal-fired power plants to serve Wyoming communities across the state. It’s a concept he says could help stabilize coal, attract industry and create power autonomy.
Leo WolfsonDecember 17, 2024
House Committee Accuses Liz Cheney Of “Criminal Witness Tampering”
A U.S. House committee report released Tuesday accuses Liz Cheney of “criminal witness tampering” during the Jan. 6 Select Committee hearings. One Wyoming political opponent calls the report a sign of how “dishonest the Cheneys really are.”
Leo WolfsonDecember 17, 2024
Wyoming Democratic Party Chair Joe Barbuto Is Running For DNC Vice Chair
Wyoming Democratic Party Chair Joe Barbuto is running to be vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. If elected, he would become the first Wyoming resident since former Gov. Nellie Tayloe Ross in 1928 to hold a DNC leadership position.
Leo WolfsonDecember 17, 2024
Bill Would Allow Concealed Carry In Wyoming Schools With “Enhanced” Permit
The sponsor of a bill that would allow concealed carry of firearms in Wyoming schools with an “enhanced” permit says it’s a compromise to repealing gun-free zones. There’s a strong chance those zones could be banned in the upcoming legislative session.
Leo WolfsonDecember 16, 2024
Author Gets Heat For Grizzly 399 Children's Book Put Out After Death Of Famous Bear
Former Cody resident Matthew Thomas is being accused of trying to profit off of Grizzly 399’s recent death by publishing a children’s book about the bear. Thomas says the book was almost done when she was hit by a car and killed in October.
Leo WolfsonDecember 14, 2024
Wyomingites At U.S. Capitol On Jan. 6 Say ‘No Surprise’ FBI Informants Were Part Of It
Two Wyoming residents who were at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021 say there’s “no surprise” to learn the FBI had at least 26 informants there that day. A new report released Thursday also says many of those informants committed illegal acts.
Leo WolfsonDecember 14, 2024
Wyoming Trona Mine Closer To Being Powered By 8 Tiny Nuclear Reactors
Tata Chemicals announced Friday that it has signed a new letter of intent for using up to eight nuclear microreactors to power its Green River trona operation. Tata is the first company in the U.S. to pursue small-scale industrial nuclear power.
Leo WolfsonDecember 13, 2024
Powell Saddle Bronc Rider Brody Wells On A Tear At National Finals Rodeo
Powell, Wyoming, saddle bronc competitor Brody Wells has been on a tear at the National Finals Rodeo this week, including a massive 90-point ride. He’s placed four times and has earned nearly $90,000 so far.
Leo WolfsonDecember 13, 2024
A Strip Club Outside Yellowstone? Not Yet, But New Rules Could Open The Door
There are no plans to put a strip club or other adult business outside Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. But new Park County development standards could open the door.
Leo WolfsonDecember 13, 2024
Wyoming Sues BLM Over “Narrow-Minded” Plan To End Coal In Powder River Basin
Gov. Mark Gordon has made good on a threat to sue the BLM over what he calls its “narrow-minded” plan to end coal in the Powder River Basin by 2041. Filed Wednesday, the lawsuit claims the plan is illegal and ignores the state’s concerns.
Leo WolfsonDecember 12, 2024
Freedom Caucus Upset Over Using State Jet To Fly Around Major UW Donors
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is upset the University of Wyoming flew some major donors in a state-owned jet last month. The trip to watch the UW men’s basketball team play Texas Tech was a perk for donors who give more than $10,000 to the Cowboy Joe Club.
Leo WolfsonDecember 12, 2024
Proposal Would Give Wyoming Cities And Towns More Control Of Gaming Machines
The Joint Appropriations Committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would allow cities in Wyoming to decide if they want historical horse racing in their communities. Another bill would allow operators to broadcast local horse racing nationwide.
Leo WolfsonDecember 12, 2024
UW Wants $1.5M From State For Its Share Of $2.7B NCAA Settlement To Pay Athletes
The University of Wyoming asked legislators Tuesday for $1.5 million more to help run the athletics department. The school is facing a shortfall after paying out its share of a massive $2.7 billion NCAA settlement with student-athletes.
Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024
Wyoming Bitcoin Company Gets $4.1 Million In Chinese Crypto Mine Settlement
Wyoming-based Bison Blockchain will receive $4.1 million in a settlement over a Chinese-owned cryptocurrency mine in Cheyenne. The Chinese company was shut down by President Joe Biden earlier this year over national security risks.
Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024
Wyoming Car Dealers Not Surprised By Utah Man Who Drove New Car Into Dealership
When a Utah Mazda dealership wouldn’t take back a new car, the angry customer drove it through the front doors. While extreme, Wyoming car dealers say they’re not surprised.
Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024
Legislators Say They’re Not Going To Give Gordon A Blank Check For Wildfires
The Joint Appropriations Committee grilled members of Gov. Mark Gordon’s staff Monday about how much it will cost to fix the damage caused by Wyoming’s historic wildfire season. They also said they’re not willing to give Gordon a blank check.
Leo WolfsonDecember 10, 2024
Cheyenne Council Passes Controversial Ban On Huge RVs Parking On City Streets
Despite vocal — and at times emotional — opposition, Cheyenne City Council on Monday passed a ban on parking huge RVs and other “oversized” vehicles on city streets. The only exceptions are during the summer months or with a permit.
Leo WolfsonDecember 10, 2024
Democrats, Freedom Caucus, Unhappy With Legislative Committee Assignments
Democrats and the Wyoming Freedom Caucus are both unhappy with some of the committee assignments for the upcoming session. The Freedom Caucus condemns Senate appointments in particular, saying committees will be controlled “by Liz Cheney Republicans.”
Leo WolfsonDecember 10, 2024
Trump Says He Won’t Go After Cheney For J6 Committee, But She Should “Go To Jail”
President-elect Donald Trump said on “Meet The Press” on Sunday that he will not direct his top law enforcement officials to go after Liz Cheney and members of the J6 Committee, but believes they “should go to jail.”
Leo WolfsonDecember 09, 2024
Wyoming Dems Upset With Legislative Committee Assignments; Neiman Says He Tried To Be Fair
Although Democrats say they are outraged after Saturday’s announcement of committee assignments for the upcoming 2025 legislative session, incoming House Speaker Chip Neiman said he tried to be as fair as possible.
Leo WolfsonDecember 08, 2024
Students, Parent Argue Against Banning Cellphones In Wyoming Schools
Wyoming teens and a parent say there are good reasons for students to have cellphones at school. They argue banning them won’t be a slam dunk answer to poor test scores and lack of socialization, and could increase safety risks.
Leo WolfsonDecember 07, 2024
Lummis Joins Elon’s DOGE Push In “Herculean Effort” To Cut Government Pork
Wyoming U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis has joined the DOGE Caucus in Congress to help Elon Musk and the incoming Trump administration’s efforts to cut government pork. Lummis said Friday it will be “a Herculean effort” to slash spending by $2 trillion.
Leo WolfsonDecember 06, 2024
Insiders Speculate Biden Will Issue Pardon For Liz Cheney
Although the New York Times and Politico are reporting that President Biden may issue a preemptive pardon for Liz Cheney, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, an attorney, believes it’s an “absolutely absurd” proposal which would turn “justice on its head.”
Leo WolfsonDecember 06, 2024
Legislator Wants To Ban Cellphones In Wyoming Classrooms
Kids using cellphones during class at school has gotten out of hand, says state Sen. Wendy Schuler. She's proposing legislation that would ban cellphones in class across Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonDecember 06, 2024
Wyoming Hasn’t Had A Democrat In Congress Since Teno Roncalio, 46 Years Ago
It’s been 46 years since Wyoming was represented by a Democrat in Congress. That was Teno Roncalio, who served five terms in the U.S. House, ending in 1978.
Leo WolfsonDecember 06, 2024
Study: Wyoming Third Worst State For Personal Freedoms
A new study from the Libertarian-leaning Cato Institute finds that Wyoming is the third worst state in the nation for personal freedoms. Bringing the state down is education, drug laws and incarceration rate.
Leo WolfsonDecember 05, 2024
BLM Expects Controversial Rock Springs Plan To Be Final Before Biden Leaves
Gov. Mark Gordon will make a last effort to fight the finalizing of the BLM’s controversial Rock Springs Resources Management Plan. But a Wyoming BLM official expects the plan to be made final before President Joe Biden leaves office.
Leo WolfsonDecember 05, 2024
Legislators Table Bill To Protect Utility Companies From Wildfire Lawsuits
The Joint Minerals Committee expressed interest in a bill that would have given public utilities liability protection from wildfire lawsuits. Legislators ultimately killed the plan Monday, saying it’s not ready.
Leo WolfsonDecember 04, 2024
Hated By Many Republicans, Democrats Also Blast Liz Cheney For Supporting Harris
Already hated by many Republicans, it seems independents and Democrats also weren’t big fans of Liz Cheney’s support for Kamala Harris against Donald Trump. A new poll shows Cheney many have actually hurt her chances.
Leo WolfsonDecember 04, 2024
Wyoming’s Sleeping Giant Ski Area Is For Sale, Listing At $500,000
The owner of Sleeping Giant Ski Area near Cody, Wyoming, says he's "not running away" from the business, but he listed the resort for sale Tuesday. He wants $500,000 from a strategic partner to help run the resort, or for someone to buy it outright.
Leo WolfsonDecember 03, 2024
“Larger Than Life”: Former UW Football Coach Dana Dimel Dies At 62
Former University of Wyoming football coach Dana Dimel was a popular figure while coaching the Pokes from 1997-1999. He died Tuesday at the age of 62.
Leo WolfsonDecember 03, 2024
Biden Pardoned His Son; Will Trump Do The Same For Jan. 6 Participants?
Wyomingites have mixed opinions about whether President-elect Donald Trump will, or should, pardon participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Some say Biden’s sweeping pardon of his son makes Jan. 6 pardons easier for Trump.
Leo WolfsonDecember 03, 2024
Former Laramie Council Hopeful Pleads To Sabotaging Wyoming Public Radio Equipment
Former Laramie City Council candidate Paul Montoya has pleaded no contest to sabotaging Wyoming Public Radio equipment. He maintains his innocence, telling Cowboy State Daily on Monday the charges weren’t “worth the time and expense” to bring.
Leo WolfsonDecember 03, 2024
Bird, Not Controversial New LDS Temple, To Blame For Cody Power Outages
A flurry of angry social media posts say construction of a controversial new LDS temple caused a series of power outages in Cody on Sunday and Monday. But they’re wrong. The city says a bird fried by a power line is to blame.
Leo WolfsonDecember 02, 2024
Hageman Slams Biden For Pardoning His Son After Repeated Promises He Wouldn’t
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman slammed President Joe Biden for unconditionally pardoning his son Hunter Biden on federal gun and tax evasion charges Sunday. Biden had repeatedly insisted he wouldn't.
Leo WolfsonDecember 02, 2024
Sheridan Native’s Portable Water Carbonizer Taking The Beverage World By Storm
Although other water carbonizers exist, what has made Buzz Wiggins' invention successful is the portability of it. If someone wants to carbonize their water 10 miles into the backcountry they can do that. If they decide they want to carbonate their water at the office, they can do that too.
Leo WolfsonNovember 30, 2024
Ego And Bias: Pollster Explains How National Polls Got The Election Wrong — Again
Most national polls were wrong — again — in this year’s presidential election. A national political pollster told Cowboy State Daily that ego and bias are why many just can’t seem to get it right.
Leo WolfsonNovember 29, 2024
How Lander Nearly Became Wyoming’s Capital City
Wyoming voters were asked to decide in 1904 if Cheyenne should remain the state capital city, or if it should move to another city. Although Cheyenne won that vote, Lander came close.
Leo WolfsonNovember 29, 2024
Hageman Says “Terrorist-Supporting” Nonprofits Shouldn’t Get Tax Breaks
Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman voted to support a bill that could strip “terrorist-supporting” American nonprofits of their tax-exempt status. The U.S. Treasury secretary would decide which groups fit that mold.
Leo WolfsonNovember 27, 2024
Wyoming’s Only Mile-Long Horse Track Also State’s First New Track In Decades
A new horse racetrack has been approved for Cheyenne, the first new track to be built in Wyoming since the 1980s. When complete, it will be Wyoming’s first mile-long track for horse racing.
Leo WolfsonNovember 27, 2024
Cheyenne City Council Blasted Over Banning "Nuisance" RVs Parking On City Streets
A proposal to not allow "nuisance" RVs and other similar vehicles on city streets was blasted by some Cheyenne residents Monday. They say it’s an example of government overreach, while the city says it’s about safety.
Leo WolfsonNovember 26, 2024
Wyoming Legislator Wants To Extend Trans Sports Ban To UW, Community Colleges
Martha Lawley, a Republican state House member from Worland, says she wants to extend Wyoming’s transgender sports ban to UW and community colleges. She also wants to clarify that biological sex at birth determines bathroom and locker room use.
Leo WolfsonNovember 26, 2024
Delegation Wants To Name Casper Trails Center For Former House Rep. Barbara Cubin
Wyoming’s congressional delegation want to honor the political legacy of Barbara Cubin, the state’s second-longest serving U.S. House rep. They’ve introduced a bill to name the Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper for her.
Leo WolfsonNovember 25, 2024
Wyoming Man Gets 3 Years In Prison For Swinging Flagpole At Police On Jan. 6
Bedford, Wyoming, resident Douglas Harrington was sentenced to three years in prison Monday for assaulting police with a flagpole during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Riot. It’s the harshest sentence so far for a Wyoming resident related to Jan. 6.
Leo WolfsonNovember 25, 2024
Barrasso: Let's Crank Up The Fossil Fuels And Boot The Illegal Immigrants
John Barrasso told Fox News on Sunday he's 100% behind President-elect Trump’s promise for mass deportations of illegal immigrants. He also said a new Trump administration could bolster Wyoming’s energy industries.
Leo WolfsonNovember 25, 2024
43-Game Win Streak And 31 Wyoming Football Titles, Nobody Beats The Sheridan Broncs
The Sheridan High School football team just won its fourth straight Wyoming state championship, the program’s 31st overall. Also riding a state record 43-game winning streak, the program is proving nobody busts these Broncs.
Leo WolfsonNovember 23, 2024
Bo Biteman Named Wyoming Senate President, Chip Neiman Is New House Speaker
The Wyoming Senate and House on Saturday elected their leaders for the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Sen. Bo Biteman will be the new Senate president, while Rep. Chip Neiman will be House speaker.
Leo WolfsonNovember 23, 2024
Bondurant Gravel Mine Expansion Has Neighbors In Uproar
A proposed gravel pit expansion in Bondurant, Wyoming, has many neighbors in an uproar. They’re concerned about the noise it could create and impacts to wildlife and nearby streams.
Leo WolfsonNovember 22, 2024
Barrasso Says RFK Will Bring A Much-Needed Shakeup To FDA
John Barrasso, Wyoming's senior U.S. senator and a physician, said he believes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will bring a much-needed shakeup to the federal Food and Drug Administration, if his nomination is approved.
Leo WolfsonNovember 21, 2024
Sheriff Refuses State Of Wyoming Request To Ticket Ranchers For Wayward Cattle
The state of Wyoming wants the Crook County Sheriff to ticket ranchers for trespassing when their cows wander onto unfenced state-owned leased grazing lands. But the sheriff has refused, saying “that’s not a solution to the problem, nor is it right.”
Leo WolfsonNovember 21, 2024
Wyoming Legislators To Bring Back Property Tax Bill Governor Vetoed
The Wyoming legislators advanced a property tax bill this week that Gov. Mark Gordon already vetoed earlier this year. If passed, the law would cut property taxes by 25% for single-family homes valued at $2 million or less.
Leo WolfsonNovember 20, 2024
Pro-Life Legislators Say Fight Not Over As Wyoming Abortion Pill Ban Struck Down
After Wyoming’s first-in-the-nation ban of abortion pills, pro-life legislators say their fight isn’t over. They may put it to voters to decide if abortion is “health care.”
Leo WolfsonNovember 20, 2024
Legislature Considering Non-Citizen Labels On State-Issued IDs
Wyoming IDs may get a complete redesign in the near future that would include a special designation identifying people who aren’t U.S. citizens on the state-issued cards.
Leo WolfsonNovember 19, 2024
Wyo. Mining Group Says Trump’s Energy Secretary Could Mean “180-Degree” Turn For Coal
The head of the Wyoming Mining Association says Trump’s nominee for energy secretary could roll back Biden regulations and reinvigorate the coal industry. He hopes to see “a 180-degree turn” for federal fossil fuels policy.
Leo WolfsonNovember 19, 2024
Sheridan County Elections Supervisor Stunned By Surprise Post-Election Firing
After helping oversee what he calls a “very successful” general election, Sheridan County’s election supervisor was suddenly fired last week. “I never saw it coming,” James Temple said.
Leo WolfsonNovember 18, 2024
Wyoming Republicans Censure Laramie County Clerk Again, Call For Resignation
The Wyoming Republican Party censured Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee for a second time at its meeting Saturday and asked for her resignation. If she doesn’t resign, the party will request Gov. Mark Gordon remove her.
Leo WolfsonNovember 18, 2024
Republican Brent Bien First To Announce Campaign For Wyoming Governor In 2026
Cody Republican Brent Bien told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party Central Committee meeting in Big Piney that he’s running for governor in 2026. He also ran for governor in 2022 but lost to Mark Gordon in the primary.
Leo WolfsonNovember 16, 2024
What To Do After A Truck Plows Into Your House
A Cheyenne couple is finding out how to rebuild their home after a truck crashed into it during a freak accident. For the first week after the accident, parts of the house kept caving in. Now that it's stabilized, rebuilding has begun.
Leo WolfsonNovember 16, 2024
Trump And Republican Congress Could Throw Out Controversial Rock Springs Plan
With Trump returning to the White House and Republicans taking over the Senate and House, the BLM’s controversial Rock Springs Resource Management Plan could get derailed. It could get killed outright.
Leo WolfsonNovember 16, 2024
Arizona AG Ends Investigation Into Trump's "War Hawk" Comments About Liz Cheney
The Arizona attorney general has closed an investigation into Donald Trump’s controversial comments about Liz Cheney being a "war hawk." Her investigation showed there was “no reasonable likelihood that we could obtain a conviction for Trump’s statements.”
Leo WolfsonNovember 15, 2024