Government & Politics

Wyoming Dem Lawmakers To Hold Town Halls Outside Of Their Own Districts

Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, and Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, are holding town hall meetings outside of their own districts later this month. They will travel to Cheyenne, Casper, Lander and Park County to let people know Democrats are “not disappearing.”

Jackson WalkerAugust 06, 2025

Giant Elon Musk Head Travels Through Yellowstone

A giant 12-foot-tall Elon Musk head hauled on a flatbed trailer behind a pickup is making the rounds through national parks, including Yellowstone. It’s sparking praise and alarm in its protest of DOGE cuts for national parks.

Justin GeorgeAugust 06, 2025

Commissioners on Tuesday dropped a proposed permitting rule for home businesses after critics called it an affront to the state's Food Freedom Act. The new plan includes a simplified site mapping option to ease costs for small businesses in Laramie County. Rick Poach was one of a laundry list of critics of the plan at Tuesday's meeting.

Laramie County Scraps Controversial Permitting Plan After Food Freedom Outcry

More than 200 residents showed up to a Laramie County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday to protest a proposed home business rule that they said ran violated the state's Food Freedom Act. The commissioners subsequently dropped the rule.

Clair McFarlandAugust 06, 2025

A 65-year-old Wyoming man is in federal prison from pulling EPA-mandated emissions systems from ailing diesel engines. As the Trump administration inches toward reversing those mandates, Troy Lake's family is pushing for the president to pardon him.

Wyoming Man In Prison For Removing EPA-Mandated Filters Seeks Trump Pardon

A 65-year-old Wyoming man is in federal prison for pulling EPA-mandated emissions systems from ailing diesel engines. As the Trump administration inches toward reversing those mandates, Troy Lake's family is pushing for the president to pardon him.

Clair McFarlandAugust 02, 2025

As Corp. For Public Broadcasting Shuts Down, Wyo. PBS and Public Media Press On

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced Friday it’s shutting down after Congress stripped it of the next two years' federal funding. What that means for Wyoming PBS is less money, but not a shutdown, CEO Joanna Kail says.

Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2025

Anonymous Rifle-Themed Site Targets Hageman For Defending Public Lands Sale

An anonymous group calling itself Project Winchester is vowing to oust Rep. Harriet Hageman for defending a federal lands sale bill. The online campaign backed by a former Obama surrogate raises legal concerns over campaign finance violations.

Jackson WalkerAugust 01, 2025

On a 54-43 vote Friday afternoon, the long wait for Wyoming’s Brian Nesvik to become the next head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wyoming’s delegation and governor call the vote a win for the state and delisting grizzlies.

Wyoming’s Brian Nesvik Confirmed To Lead U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service — Finally

On a 54-43 vote Friday afternoon, the long wait ended for Wyoming’s Brian Nesvik to become the next head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wyoming’s delegation and governor call the vote a win for the state and delisting grizzlies.

Sean BarryAugust 01, 2025

Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. John Barrasso on the floor of the senate Thursday, July 31, 2025, where he chastized Democrats for holding up the nomination of Brian Nesvik as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Barrasso: Holding Up Trump Nominees Part Of Democrat Tantrum Over Losing Election

Wyoming U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said Friday that Senate Republicans aren’t losing patience with what he calls deliberate “obstructionist” tactics by Democrats. He said they’ve lost it entirely as 160 Trump nominees await confirmation.

Greg JohnsonAugust 01, 2025

Delisting Grizzlies Drives Support — And Opposition — For Nesvik’s Confirmation

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik is poised to be the new chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His stance in favor of taking grizzly bears off the endangered list drives much of his support — and opposition.

Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2025

Vote Near For Wyoming’s Brian Nesvik To Lead US Fish & Wildlife Service

Nearly four months after committee approval, U.S. Senate confirmation is imminent for Wyoming’s Brian Nesvik as head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sen. John Barrasso on Wednesday blasted Democrats for blocking Trump’s nominees.

Sean BarryJuly 31, 2025

A marathon legislative hearing on the future of Wyoming's nuclear industry drew a standing room only crowd to the Thyra Thompson State Office Building in Casper on Wednesday.

Legislators Clash Over Proposed Bill That Would Allow Spent Nuclear Fuel In Wyoming

State legislators and Wyomingites clashed Wednesday over a proposed bill that would pave the way to build nuclear microreactors in the state. It also would allow the spent fuel to come back to Wyoming. After hours of testimony, the bill was tabled.

David MadisonJuly 31, 2025

David Bush, left, state government affairs manager with Black Hills Energy, testifies Tuesday about the potential repeal of carbon capture requirements in Wyoming.

Wyoming Won’t Repeal Carbon Capture Law As EPA Targets Key Climate Regulation

Wyoming lawmakers reject efforts Tuesday to repeal the state’s carbon capture mandate. At the same time, the EPA announced a major effort to roll back greenhouse gas regulations.

David MadisonJuly 29, 2025

Hageman's Popularity Has Many Uncertain If They’ll Run For Governor

Harriet Hageman’s potential bid for Wyoming governor has put other candidates on hold. Only two have officially declared and others, including Secretary of State Chuck Gray, wait for her decision.

Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2025

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Opposes More Nuclear Waste Storage Sites

The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is pushing back against expanding nuclear waste storage in the state, opposing efforts supported by some Republicans, the state’s Libertarian Party and others. It also follows a Trump order to fast-track nuclear production.

Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2025

Wyoming Counties Lobby Department Of Interior For More Input On Federal Lands

Campbell and Converse counties this week sent expansive letters to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum lobbying for more input on federal lands. But one Campbell County commissioner says he wouldn’t have signed off on his county’s letter given a do-over.

David MadisonJuly 24, 2025

Gov. Gordon Says Wyoming Can Educate Kids Better Than Federal ‘Talking Heads’

Wyoming is eager to exercise more control over educating its own kids. Gov. Mark Gordon told Cowboy State Daily’s Jake Nichols on Thursday that Wyoming can educate its kids better than federal “talking heads” in Washington, D.C.

Greg JohnsonJuly 24, 2025

State lawmakers wrestle with allowing nuclear fuel disposal sites after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling limited Texas’ ability to challenge plans for a standalone nuclear waste facility. Wyoming leaders say they want tight control over what comes into the state.

Wyoming Legislators Debate Whether To Let Nuclear Waste Sites Multiply

Wyoming lawmakers are wrestling with whether to green light potentially numerous nuclear waste sites throughout the state. Some say it’s good for the economy, while others say it’s not worth the risk.

Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2025

Wyoming Senators Say Nesvik Vote — And Delisting Grizzlies — Has Waited Long Enough

Wyoming’s U.S. senators say the Senate should skip its scheduled August break if that’s what it takes to finally get Brian Nesvik in charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That’s likely to lead to a long-awaited delisting of grizzly bears.

Mark HeinzJuly 24, 2025

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, addresses the Wyoming Legislature in this file photo.

Lummis Calls For Cancellation Of August Recess

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis on Tuesday called for the cancellation of the Senate’s August recess in order to move 136 nominees who are awaiting confirmation. That includes Brian Nesvik who is nominated to head up the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Sean BarryJuly 22, 2025

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray (file photo)

Judge Throws Out Challenge To New Wyoming Voter Registration Law, Gray Cheers

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a voting-advocacy group’s lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s new law that requires proof of citizenship and Wyoming residency before someone can register to vote. Secretary of State Chuck Gray celebrated the ruling.

Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2025

University Of Wyoming President Ed Seidel Says He’ll Step Down

University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has announced that he will step down when his contract expires on June 30 next year. The decision follows a controversy involving the distribution of money and demotion of a professor, who is now suing UW.

Clair McFarlandJuly 21, 2025

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

Wyoming GOP Lukewarm On Musk’s New Party, Dems Say It’s ‘The Last Thing We Need’

Elon Musk’s plan to form a new political party — the America Party — is drawing mixed reaction in Wyoming. Republicans are lukewarm to the idea so far, while a leading Democrat says it’s “the last thing we need.”

Matthew ChristianJuly 07, 2025

Feds Could End Wyoming’s Controversial Cloud Seeding Program For Good

A federal bill calling for a nationwide ban of cloud seeding and other weather modification could end Wyoming’s controversial program for good. Some Wyoming legislators support the ban, while others call it a “knee-jerk reaction.”