Government & Politics

Sheridan GOP Censures Rep. Cyrus Western, Call For Resignation: He Says They Won’t Get It

Cyrus Western, R-Big Horn, was censured Saturday by the Sheridan County Republican Party for his alleged role in a political mailer that targeted local people and labeled them as “Wanted … for trying to tear our state apart.” The party also called for Western to resign; he says he won’t.

Leo WolfsonMarch 21, 2023

Halverson Ousted As Wyoming County GOP Elections Move Toward ‘Traditional Republican’ Leadership

Lincoln County politico Marti Halverson was ousted as chair of the county party over the weekend in favor of a more moderate Republican. She was one of many hardline conservatives who lost to more moderates across the state.

Leo WolfsonMarch 20, 2023

Denied Making His Own M16, Wapiti Man Says Militia-Building Protected By Second Amendment

A Wapiti man suing for the right to make his own machine gun has fired back at the federal government after the feds asked the judge to dismiss his case. Jake DeWilde on Monday filed a new version of his lawsuit but this time focusing on the Second Amendment.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2023

Gov. Gordon Joins Anti-ESG Effort Led By Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Gov. Mark Gordon signed a letter written by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, to fight back against ESG, which is sometimes called ‘woke capitalism.’ The letter says ESG is “a direct threat” to the American economy and way of life.

March 19, 2023

For Thousands of Wyoming Kids, Dolly Parton Is “The Book Lady”

Thousands of Wyoming children in 13 counties are fans of Dolly Parton, but not for her music. To them, she’s “The Book Lady” who, through her Imagination Library, sends free books to read every month.

Wendy CorrMarch 19, 2023

Gordon’s Refusal To Sign Certain Bills A Political Statement, Lawmakers Say

Some legislators were critical of Gov Gordon for taking the maximum amount of time legally and then letting bills become law without his signature like the transgender sports bill and an abortion bill, while others say weren't bothered by Gordon's lack of support.

Leo WolfsonMarch 19, 2023

True Wyoming Cowboys – On Horseback – Protected U.S. From Japanese Attack By Sea And Balloon During World War II

Cowboys from Wyoming — on horseback — were part of America’s strategy to stop balloon bombs. They were initially deployed to the West Coast to watch for invaders, but some also recall being told to watch for balloon Japan’s secret balloon bombs.

Renée JeanMarch 19, 2023

Legislating By Template Draws Criticism, But Former Lawmakers Say That’s Nothing New

Although Gov Mark Gordon and House Speaker Albert Sommers condemned bills that were influenced by outside sources, longtime former legislators told Cowboy State Daily that using or adapting legislation that has been successful in other states is nothing new.

Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2023

‘Draconian And Discriminatory:’ Gordon Won’t Sign Transgender Sports Ban, Becomes Law Without Signature

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Friday said banning biological males from competing in girls school sports is "draconian" and "discriminatory," but allowed the bill to go into law without signing it.

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2023

Gordon Vetoes Cheney-Inspired Absentee Ballot Bill; Sec Of State Chuck Gray Disappointed

Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a Chuck Gray-supported election security bill on Friday that would have banned members of the public from mailing absentee ballot request forms to voters. This was a practice used by former congresswoman Liz Cheney during her 2020 campaign.

Leo WolfsonMarch 17, 2023

Feds Say Wyoming Man Has No Right To Make His Own Machine Gun

Saying a federal ban on machine guns is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, a Wapiti man is suing the ATF and the nation's top prosecutor, but the federal government says people have no right to build machine guns.

Clair McFarlandMarch 16, 2023

Texas Couple Sues Jackson Ski Resort, Rental Company For “Catastrophic” Crash

A Texas woman claims in a federal lawsuit that Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Hoback Sports Inc. did not properly inspect the rental equipment that burst apart while she skied, causing her to hurtle down the mountain and suffer permanent injuries.

Clair McFarlandMarch 15, 2023

Wyoming’s Suicide Rate Falls As 988 Call Centers Field 10,000 Calls In Two Months

The executive director for the Wyoming Association of Mental Health believes the states two 988 suicide call centers, now staffed 24/7, can be partially credited for Wyomings improving numbers. The centers have fielded more than 10,000 calls since January.

Leo WolfsonMarch 15, 2023

West Virginia Begs Supreme Court To Enforce Transgender Sports Ban, Wyoming In Limbo

While Wyoming's ban on biological males in girls' school sports waits for Gov. Mark Gordon to accept or reject it, West Virginia and 19 other states have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let them enforce their bans.

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2023

With Legal Bill At $50,000, A Broke Uinta County Republican Party Makes Plea For Donations

As it continues to fight a lawsuit brought by one of its own members, the Uinta County Republican Party is asking for help paying a legal tab thats so far reached about $50,000.

Leo WolfsonMarch 12, 2023

Analysis: Wyoming Moderate Conservatives Had More Success In 2023 Legislative Session

A Cowboy State Daily political analysis shows that although there were a few outliers, Wyoming lawmakers closer to the center of the aisle politically had the highest success rate for getting bills passed during this years legislative session.

Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2023

Casper Mother Sobers Up, Tries To Get Meth-Riddled Baby Back But It’s Too Late, Supreme Court Says

Though she sobered up in the days leading up to her parental rights termination hearing, Robin Alcorn did not do enough to get her child back after police found the baby was strung out on meth, the Supreme Court ruled Friday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2023

California Cell Phone Tower Company Sues Park County For Denying Build Permit Of 195-Foot Tower

A California-based cellphone tower builder is suing the Park County Commission after it unanimously rejected its bid to build a 195-foot cell tower in the Cody area. The company said it has to right to build wherever it wants.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2023

Gordon Announces WYDOT Director Luke Reiner’s Retirement

In a short three paragraph statement released late Thursday afternoon, Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wyoming Dept of Transportation Director Luke Reiner would be retiring.

Leo WolfsonMarch 10, 2023

Hageman Supportive Of Release of Additional January 6 Footage

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman on Thursday said she was supportive of the release of all the footage related to January 6.

Leo WolfsonMarch 10, 2023

Wyoming School Choice Advocates Cheer Charter School Expansion, Teachers Not So Much

School choice advocates are rejoicing a charter-school friendly law change that has passed the Wyoming Legislature. The Wyoming Education Association, on the other hand, strongly opposed the bill.

Clair McFarlandMarch 09, 2023

Hageman Denounces Transgender Surgeries, Doesn’t Regret Criticizing Legislators For Failure To Act

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman on Wednesday defended calling out Wyoming lawmakers last month for not passing legislation that would prohibit gender-related surgeries in Wyoming. It is absolutely something that should not be going on and I will double down on that when it comes to our children, she said.

Leo WolfsonMarch 09, 2023

Secretary of State Chuck Gray Pleased With Election Integrity Improvements Passed In Legislature

Although it wasnt an overwhelmingly successful legislative session for staunch conservatives, election security was one bright spot, which Secretary of State Chuck Gray made his presence well-heard in.