Government & Politics

U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) speaks in front of poster of Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol on

House Votes To Defund Public Media, Gouging NPR and PBS

By a 216 - 213 vote, the U.S. House on Thursday approved a Trump administration plan to rescind two years' budget from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman voted for the measure, which also impacts PBS and NPR.

Jimmy OrrJuly 18, 2025

More than $9 billion in federal clawbacks — including $1.1 billion in cuts for PBS and NPR — has to hit President Donald Trump’s desk by Friday. It’s part of a rule that requires Congress to act withing 45 days of the president asking for clawbacks.

Friday Or Bust: House Under Legal Deadline For PBS, NPR Cuts

The U.S. House of Representatives has a legal deadline of Friday at 11:59 p.m. to vote on the proposed $1.1 billion in cuts to public television and radio. Wyoming's congressional delegation is firmly in favor of the cuts.

Sean Barry & Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2025

The Upper Green River, one place where the Upper Colorado River Basin begins.

Wyoming Irrigators Frustrated By Getting Shut Off Earlier In Colorado River Basin

Western Wyoming irrigators are frustrated after being shut off earlier than normal to send Colorado River Basin water downstream. State officials are holding public meetings to keep tabs on Wyoming’s share of the Colorado River.

David MadisonJuly 17, 2025

Wyoming leaders announced Thursday they’re challenging a judge’s order that blocks the state’s new school-choice program. They’re taking their appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court, a move Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder applauds.

Degenfelder Fighting Judge's Block On School Choice Program

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder announced Thursday the State of Wyoming is challenging a judge’s order that blocks the state’s new school-choice program. “I am grateful for the Attorney General’s swift action,” Degenfelder said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2025

With “aye” votes from Wyoming’s two U.S. senators, a recissions bill scheduled to claw back around $1.1 billion from publicly funded media, which stands to impact outlets like NPR and PBS, cleared a committee Tuesday with a Friday deadline to get to Trump.

Wyoming Senators Say Their Votes To Defund Public Media Due To Left-Wing Bias

In statements and interviews with Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday, Sens. Lummis and Barrasso said their votes for massive cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting are warranted because of what they call a left-wing bias of its public media outlets.

Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2025

Now A Legislative Committee Investigating Weston County Clerk's Election Errors

The Management Audit Committee is forming a task force to investigate the Weston County clerk's handling of the 2024 election, where multiple errors warped uncontested races. Secretary of State Chuck Gray applauds the move, while others question it.

Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2025

A pair of state senators sparred at length Wednesday about whether an agency under the governor should audit the Legislative Services Office. Sen. Chris Rothfuss says it violates separation of powers protocols, while Sen. Darin Smith says it doesn't.

Legislators Spar Over Whether Governor’s Agency Should Audit Legislature

A pair of state senators sparred at length Wednesday about whether an agency under the governor should audit the Legislative Service Office. Sen. Chris Rothfuss says it violates separation of powers protocols, while Sen. Darin Smith says it doesn't.

Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025

Gordon Defends Energy Platform; Gray Says Wind, Solar A ‘Woke Clown Show’

Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray continued their ongoing feud Thursday on the Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake Nichols. Gordon defended his “all-of-the-above” energy platform, while Gray called wind and solar a “woke clown show.”

David MadisonJuly 10, 2025

Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Jackson, Wyoming, on July 29. He’ll attend a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee. He's pictured here with wife Usha at a black-tie event in Washington, D.C.

Vice President J.D. Vance To Hobnob In Jackson At Fundraiser For RNC

Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Jackson on July 29 to attend a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee. The announcement came as a surprise to Katherine Rueckert, chair of the Teton County Republican Party.

Andrew RossiJuly 10, 2025

A Wyoming legislative committee subpoenaed officials from two small towns and a special district Wednesday, over slow progress after problematic audits. Some lawmakers objected to deploying the rarely-used subpoena power.

Wyoming Lawmakers Use Subpoena Power To Demand Answers For Faulty Town Audits

A Wyoming legislative committee voted to subpoena officials from Bear River, Manderson and a special district Wednesday, over slow progress after problematic audits. Some lawmakers objected to deploying the rarely-used subpoena power.

Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2025

Lummis Wants To Give Wyoming More Control Of Investing Its $5.4B Education Fund

Wyoming’s delegation, governor and top education official are hailing a bill that would give the state more options to invest its $5.4 billion education trust fund. Sen. Cynthia Lummis is sponsoring what officials call “a game-changer” for schools.

Sean BarryJuly 09, 2025

A ballot drop box outside the Laramie County Clerk's Office in Cheyenne.

Chuck Gray Says He’s Not Done With Wyoming Election Reforms, Like Paper Ballots

Chuck Gray says he’s not done pushing election reform in Wyoming, including doing away with electronic voting machines in favor of pen-and-paper ballots. Another try at banning ballot drop boxes is also among more than a dozen other changes he wants.

Matthew ChristianJuly 08, 2025

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