Government & Politics
News
Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman 'Looking Seriously' At U.S. House Run
Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman told Cowboy State Daily he is considering a run for Wyoming's U.S. House and has formed an exploratory committee to look into a campaign. "I will have a decision after session – one way or another," he said.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026
Tom Kelly Announces Run For Superintendent Of Public Instruction
Tom Kelly, a freshman lawmaker from Sheridan who is also a college professor, said Wednesday he is running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. He arrived in Wyoming in 2019 leaving Illinois for Colorado, until Colorado became "just Illinois with mountains."
Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026
Gordon Says Facing $40M Cut, UW Should ‘Listen To The People Of Wyoming'
Gov. Gordon said that as the University of Wyoming faces a proposed $40 million cut, it should “listen to the people of Wyoming.” He also fielded questions about K-12 funding and dismantling the Wyoming Business Council during a Tuesday forum in Lander.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026
Freedom Caucus Pushes Back On $15M Bid To Bring PRCA Headquarters to Cheyenne
Some Wyoming Freedom Caucus legislators question using $15 million in state lodging tax money to lure the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association from Colorado to Wyoming. “Business and industry should be able to stand on their own,” Rep. Scott Heiner said.
Renée JeanFebruary 03, 2026
Robots Could Be Answer To Wyoming’s Ever-Escalating Road Repair Costs
Although robots aren't ready to fix roads now and cut down on the $400 million to $600 million shortfall Wyoming faces in the next two years, they could help in the future. Robotic road repair is on the horizon and could save big money in the long run.
Renée JeanFebruary 02, 2026
Delegation Saddened By Deaths In Minnesota, Says State Should Cooperate With ICE
Wyoming’s congressional delegation last week all expressed sadness for the deaths in Minnesota and voiced support for investigations. They said violence is not likely in Wyoming because state and local officials here cooperate with federal efforts.
Coy KnobelFebruary 01, 2026
Lummis Says Fed Reserve Pressured Banks To Close Customer Accounts Over Political Views
Sen. Cynthia Lummis says her office has uncovered written evidence that the Federal Reserve instructed bank examiners to pressure banks into closing accounts for customers based on their political views — even as Fed leadership publicly denied doing so.
David MadisonJanuary 31, 2026
Critics: Self-Defense Legal Fee Reimbursement Bill Could Spark Court Chaos
A former Washakie County prosecutor is critical of a bill forcing counties to pay back the legal fees of Wyomingites cleared of murder or manslaughter charges in shootings ruled as self-defense. He said it would throw courts into chaos.
Mark HeinzJanuary 30, 2026
Adding Land To Wind River Reservation Is Part Of Bison Reintroduction Plan
Opponents and proponents of a bison reintroduction project on the Wind River Reservation both say restoring bison to the area involves another goal: increasing the size of the reservation to accommodate them.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 30, 2026
At Hageman's Thermopolis Townhall, Attendees Yelled More At Each Other Than At Her
Attendees clamored and yelled at Rep. Harriet Hageman's townhall in Thermopolis on Thursday with the topic of immigration enforcement causing most of the drama. But most people yelled at each other more than at Hageman.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 30, 2026
Rock Springs Councilman: New City Flag Looks Like Something From Third World Country
Rock Springs City Councilman Rick Milonas says the new city flag, designed by a 17-year-old student, is a “terrible fit for the community” and the “most butt-ugly thing I’ve ever seen." The city council adopted the new flag by an 8-1 vote last week.
Kate MeadowsJanuary 29, 2026
UW Student Leaders Protest Proposed $40 Million State Budget Cut To University
Students at the University of Wyoming say they aren't waiting for the Legislature to finalize its budget before fighting back against cuts they worry could slash funding by 15%. They say the cuts will hurt UW's ability to generate future revenue for Wyoming.
David MadisonJanuary 29, 2026
Wyoming Lawmaker Pushes ‘Stem Cell Freedom Act,’ Challenging FDA
State Sen. Eric Barlow is pushing a bill that would allow doctors to perform stem cell treatments not approved by the FDA, creating guidelines for treatment while shielding physicians from state licensing discipline.
Zakary SonntagJanuary 29, 2026
Degenfelder To Investigate Rock Springs School District's Special Ed Program
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder announced Wednesday her office is launching an investigation into the special education program at Sweetwater County School District No. 1 after multiple noncompliance complaints.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2026
Weston County Residents Grill Wyoming Lawmakers On Tax Cuts
Wyoming lawmakers faced backlash Monday at a Newcastle town hall over property tax cuts slashing local budgets. “We have no way to raise more money. It was the legislature, not local people, that told us we were taking a budget cut," said one firefighter.
Zakary SonntagJanuary 28, 2026
Wyoming Lawmakers Reverse Course, Will Not Deny $58 Million In Medicaid
Wyoming lawmakers reversed their denial of $58 million in federal Medicaid funds for tribal clinics after people protested. Rep. John Bear called it an accounting issue, while Rep. Larsen said Bear was "covering (his) butt."
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2026
Bill Would Force Wyoming Counties To Pay Self-Defense Legal Fees
If a Wyomingite kills somebody, claims self-defense, is charged with murder, but is cleared, the county that charged them would be on the hook for all the defendant’s legal fees and other expenses, according to a bill before the Wyoming Legislature.
Mark HeinzJanuary 27, 2026
Weston County Clerk's Thursday Trial Cancelled Due To Appeal
The Weston County clerk accused of skipping a legislative subpoena was scheduled to go to trial Thursday in Casper Circuit Court — until the judge ruled that her claims against the lawmakers who summoned her should be heard in a higher court first.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2026
Wyoming Might Not Have Enough Public Lands For Controversial Selloff Bill
An initial review of data from the Office of State Lands and Investments shows Wyoming might not have enough eligible public land to satisfy a controversial bill seeking to sell between 30,000 and 200,000 acres to families for $1 per acre.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2026
State Treasurer, Lawmaker Work On Fund To Compensate Wind Farm Neighbors
State Treasurer Curt Meier and Sen. Brian Boner are working on a bill that would divert one-sixth of property taxes from wind, solar, and industrial projects into a fund for affected neighbors. “I’m not blind to the impacts that people have," Meier said.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 26, 2026
Teacher’s Nude Photo Shocks Special Ed Class At Rock Springs High School
A Rock Springs High School teacher accidentally projected a personal nude photo during a special ed class lesson, shocking some students and upsetting parents. Parents are criticizing what they say was a delayed response by the school.
Zakary SonntagJanuary 24, 2026
Lawmaker Unveils Bill To Sell Between 30,000 And 200,000 Acres Of State Lands
A Cheyenne state legislator unveiled a bill Thursday that seeks to sell between 30,000 and 200,000 acres of non-trust state lands in 10-acre parcels to individual families — at $1 an acre. He says it will help ease Wyoming’s housing shortage.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2026
Gordon Halts Lawsuit Challenging Wyoming’s Cap On Property Tax Growth
A board tasked with ensuring Wyoming’s property tax assessments are fair and lawful planned to challenge the state’s 4% growth cap on residential property taxes. Gov. Mark Gordon put a halt to the lawsuit Thursday.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2026
Wyoming Bill Requiring Voter Approval Of Stormwater Fees Dies On Tie Vote
A Wyoming bill that would have required voter approval to impose stormwater fees died in committee Wednesday on a tie vote despite lawsuits over “tax-like” charges. Lawmakers debated tax-fee laws and flood risks, leaving infrastructure funding in limbo.
Zakary SonntagJanuary 22, 2026