Government & Politics
News
UW Breaks Ties With National Ph.D. Group After Trump’s DEI Scrutiny
University of Wyoming has cut ties with a nonprofit allegedly trying to “diversify corporate America.” The move is a response to President Trump’s push for academia to pull away from DEI.
Mark HeinzMarch 17, 2025
Wyoming Health Dept Says Trump Not The Reason $8.4 Million For Vax Ads Ending
The Wyoming Dept of Health has spent about $8.4 million in federal public money on pro-vaccine advertising since mid-2020. It expects the last of those grants to expire this year, but not because of President Trump's new vaccine-skeptical health secretary.
Clair McFarlandMarch 17, 2025
Protesters Get More Aggressive In Targeting Hageman At Rock Springs Town Hall
For the second time in three days Saturday, Democrats and others who oppose President Trump protested and heckled Harriet Hageman. During a Rock Springs town hall, she was met with signs and angry outbursts over her support for Trump and his policies.
Leo WolfsonMarch 17, 2025
Former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson To Lie In State At Wyoming Capitol
Funeral services for Al Simpson have been announced, which includes two days of the former longtime Wyoming U.S. senator lying in honor at the Wyoming Capitol.
Leo WolfsonMarch 17, 2025
Utah To Become First State To Ban Fluoride In Drinking Water
While Wyoming hasn’t passed a statewide ban on adding fluoride to tap water, some communities like Casper, Evanston, and Thermopolis have enacted their own. Utah voted this month to eliminate fluoride in drinking water, the first statewide ban in the nation.
David MadisonMarch 15, 2025
Gordon Vetoes Bill Making New Attempt To Ban Abortion In Wyoming
Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill on Friday that attempted a new approach at banning abortion in Wyoming. Gordon said he vetoed the bill because it would add further confusion to Wyoming’s abortion bans that are being considered in court.
Leo WolfsonMarch 15, 2025
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso Joins Jake Nichols To Discuss Al Simpson's Legacy
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso on Friday morning joined Cowboy State Daily radio host Jake Nichols to discuss the passing of former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson and what Simpson meant to Wyoming.
March 15, 2025
Democrats Blink: Barrasso, GOP Win Shutdown Standoff
U.S. Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso dared Senate Democrats this week to block an emergency bill to fund the government. In the end, ten Democrats joined with Republicans and a midnight shutdown was averted.
Sean BarryMarch 14, 2025
Congress Passes HALT Fentanyl Act, Barrasso Says Law Will Cripple Cartels
Congress passed a bill Friday cracking down on fentanyl trafficking — legislation that U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said will cripple cartels smuggling the drug into the country. “They’re running scared," he said. "Now is the time to turn up the heat."
Sean BarryMarch 14, 2025
Gun Advocates Praise Study Showing Citizens Stop More Mass Shooters Than Police
Wyoming gun rights advocate Mark Jones told Cowboy State Daily that a new study showing armed citizens stopped more active shootings than police proved Wyoming was right to repeal gun-free zones.
Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025
World, Wyoming Delegation Mourns Al Simpson’s Death
People from around Wyoming and the world expressed their condolences over the passing of former Wyoming U.S. Senator Al Simpson, who died Friday morning. His wife Ann told Sen. Barrasso that it was a full moon and “Al went to heaven on a moonbeam.”
Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025
Former Wyoming U.S. Sen. Al Simpson Dies At 93, Remembered As Gentle Giant
Former U.S. Sen. Alan K. Simpson died early Friday morning at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of a man who transcended Wyoming culture and politics. Standing 6-foot-7, he’s remembered by friends and colleagues as a gentle statesman who truly served Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025
Hageman Town Hall In Afton Turns Aggressively Feisty Over DOGE, Postal Service
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman was cheered, applauded, heckled and questioned during an aggressively feisty Thursday night town hall meeting at the Afton Civic Center. The loudest reactions were for Elon Musk's Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Postal Service.
Greg JohnsonMarch 14, 2025
Governor Signs College Transgender Sports Ban Into Law
Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday signed a bill into law requiring Wyoming colleges to restrict athletes’ participation in sports to biological sex at birth. The law also prohibits schools from competing against other schools that don’t adhere to the same standard.
Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025
New Law Aims To Protect Utility Companies And Ratepayers From Wildfire Lawsuits
A bill signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon aims to put more responsibility on utility companies while also protecting them from lawsuits related to wildfires in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonMarch 13, 2025
Degenfelder Praises Dept. Of Education Cuts, Says They Will Empower Parents
Wyoming education chief Megan Degenfelder praised President Trump for slashing staff at the U.S. Dept. of Education. "We’re taking education decisions out of the hands of unelected officials and giving them back to parents and teachers," she said.
Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025
Gordon Vetoes Attempt To Defund His Energy Project Program
Gov. Mark Gordon has vetoed an attempt by the Wyoming Legislature to defund his $152 million Energy Matching Funds program. The program has been used for energy projects, including fossil fuels and alternative energy.
Leo WolfsonMarch 12, 2025
Hageman Calls For Transfer Portal Changes, Says Josh Allen May Not Have Stayed
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman says more regulation on transfer rules for college student athletes is needed. She said Tuesday that the University of Wyoming could’ve lost Josh Allen under the current NIL and transfer rules.
Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025
Barrasso, Hageman Applaud Ceasefire Agreement With Ukraine
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman are applauding President Donald Trump and his staff for arranging a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine on Tuesday. Now all that remains is a commitment from Russia to play ball.
Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025
Cynthia Lummis ‘Gearing Up For Reelection’ To US Senate In 2026
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ team confirmed to Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday that she’s gearing up for a reelection bid in 2026. That means there could be an even more crowded field for other statewide Wyoming races in 2026.
Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025
John Bear Says There’s Room For More Faith In Wyoming, National Government
State Rep. John Bear wants to see more of a religious presence in Wyoming and national government, no matter the religion. He also wants the government to play no role in guiding religion.
Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025
Chuck Gray Calls For Weston County Clerk To Be Removed From Office
Secretary of State Chuck Gray said Monday he wants Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock removed from office and called for fast action from the governor and attorney general. Gov. Mark Gordon said Gray “likes to make a lot of noise.”
Leo WolfsonMarch 10, 2025
Delegation Questions USPS Plan, With Wyoming Mail Handled In 4 Other States
Wyoming’s congressional delegation questions a USPS plan that would have Wyoming mail handled in four other states. The outgoing postmaster general appears set to roll it out despite advisories it will hurt rural areas, they say.
Renée JeanMarch 10, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Staffer, 70, Walks 70,000 Steps A Week During Session
Cheyenne resident Virginia Clarke, 70, is a ball of energy as a Wyoming legislative staff member working the legislative session at the state Capitol. She walks about 70,000 steps a week, or about 35 miles.
Leo WolfsonMarch 08, 2025