Government & Politics
News

Wyoming Must 'Close The Door' On Running Over Wolves With Snowmobiles, Schmid Says
Though his bill to ban running predators over with snowmobiles failed, Wyoming Rep. Mike Schmid says he’s determined to “close the door” on the practice in Wyoming.
Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025

Wyoming Confirms First Human Case Of Bird Flu, 3rd Hospitalization In U.S.
Wyoming’s first human case of bird flu was caused by an infected poultry flock in Platte County. The person is hospitalized in another state, and is the nation’s third hospitalization.
Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025

In Montana, If You Kill Someone In A Duel, You Have To Provide For His Family
Montana legislators are taking aim at an antiquated law that says if you kill or maim someone in a duel, you have to then provide for his family. That it’s still on the books elicited laughter from the Legislature when the bill to repeal the law was introduced.
David MadisonFebruary 15, 2025

After DEI Fight With Legislature, University Of Wyoming Launches Image Makeover
After a very public and contentious DEI fight with the state Legislature, the University of Wyoming is launching an image makeover. They say their new “Wyoming First” agenda will focus on actively promoting its state-focused programs.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 15, 2025

Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 24
The 24th day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session Friday featured lively discussions on universal school vouchers, abortion bills and banning ballot drop boxes.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 15, 2025

Trump Order Might Help Wyoming Couple Get Back Guns Seized By ATF
Thanks to an executive order from President Donald Trump, a Sheridan couple who lost their guns in an ATF raid might get them back.
Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2025

Government Overreach, Sloppy Drafting Kill 2 Of 3 Wyoming Immigration Bills
The Wyoming Legislature killed two of three immigration-related bills after critics said they were poorly written. They also say the bills included overreach to constricted law enforcement agencies already cooperative with federal immigration officials.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 14, 2025

Ban On Ballot Drop Boxes In Wyoming Slowly Moving Forward In Legislature
Although they didn’t take a vote on it on Friday, multiple members of a Wyoming Senate committee told Cowboy State Daily they plan to support a ban on ballot drop boxes in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025

Converse County Commissioner Lobbies Congress For Relief From Federal Road Regs
Converse County Commission Chair James Willox lobbied a congressional subcommittee Wednesday, asking for “flexible” transportation laws. He said rural Western counties especially need relief from burdensome federal regulations.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 14, 2025

Wyoming Delegation Applauds Elon Musk’s DOGE Downsizing Government
Wyoming’s congressional delegation is fully behind Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, applauding its dramatic downsizing of the federal government. It’s “too big and spends too much,” says Sen. John Barrasso.
Sean BarryFebruary 14, 2025

Freedom Caucus Texting People To Pressure Senators To Pass “Five and Dime” Bills
The campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been sending out text messages urging people to pressure their state senators to pass the group’s “Five and Dime” slate of bills.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025

Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 23
Day 23 of the Wyoming legislative session Thursday featured important conversations about property tax relief and school choice bills. Also, a group of hunters and anglers rallied at the Capitol against what they call “bad bills.”
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025

Sportsmen Rally Against “Bad Bills” They Say Would Ruin Wyoming’s Outdoor Paradise
With what they call “bad bills” being considered by the Wyoming Legislature, a group of hunters and anglers rallied outside the Capitol on Thursday. They say average people need more political clout to keep Wyoming an outdoor paradise.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025

With Repeal Of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Likely, Opponents Ask For Exceptions
Even some opponents of a bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zones seemed resigned to it likely passing during testimony before legislators Thursday. Now they’re asking for exceptions.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025

Landmark Property Tax Bill Now Calls For 50% Cut Based On COVID-Era Valuations
A bill that started the day as a straight 50% property tax cut was dramatically changed on Thursday. The 50% cut is now based on a property’s COVID-era assessed value from 2019-2024.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025

Hageman’s Postal Service Investigations Find Denver Mail Being Processed In Cheyenne
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman has been investigating the U.S. Postal Service and found that Denver mail is being processed in Cheyenne. The Denver centers are so overwhelmed, they can’t keep up, yet plans are to transfer Wyoming mail there.
Renée JeanFebruary 13, 2025

Wyoming Would Buy $10 Million In Gold Under Plan Approved By Committee
Gold commodities have been skyrocketing, a trend that’s only continued since the election of President Donald Trump. Now the Wyoming Legislature is looking to get in on the action, proposing to buy $10 million worth of gold.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025

Wyoming’s Oil And Gas Industry Excited Over Trump's Pick To Head BLM
Leaders in Wyoming’s oil and gas sector are excited about Kathleen Sgamma, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management.
Zakary SonntagFebruary 13, 2025

Wyoming Firefighters, Law Officers Fill The Capitol To Protest Proposed Tax Cut
A group of Wyoming firefighters and law enforcement officers filled the state Capitol in Cheyenne on Wednesday to protest a proposed 50% property tax cut. They say it could gut the budgets of their local departments.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025

Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 22
Debate over a 50% property tax cut went into the late hours of the Legislature on Wednesday night after firefighters and law enforcement officers rallied against it at the Capitol earlier in the day.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025

Montana Legislature Requires Public Bathroom Use Determined By Birth Sex
A law requiring bathroom use to correspond with a person’s sex organs at birth passed the Montana Legislature on Monday. Supporters say it will protect women and girls, while detractors worry it will only cause confusion.
David MadisonFebruary 13, 2025

Wyoming School Board Races A Step Closer To Becoming Partisan
A legislative committee easily passed a bill to the House floor Wednesday that would change local school board elections in Wyoming. Now nonpartisan, if Senate File 98 passes candidates will have to declare their political affiliations.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025

Lander Mayor Monte Richardson Dies Unexpectedly
Lander Mayor Monte Richardson died unexpectedly Wednesday. He had served as mayor since 2019. The City Council will meet Tuesday to appoint an interim mayor.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025

Bill To Give Parents More School Choice, $7K Per Kid Vouchers Advances — Barely
The Senate Education Committee advanced a school choice bill Wednesday that would give parents $7,000 per child vouchers, but just barely. The 3-2 vote means the Senate will debate allowing parents to have public money to seek private education.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
