Government & Politics
News
After Threats Last Week, No Fireworks During Hageman Phone-In Town Hall
A series of combative town halls last week prompted Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman to cancel near-future in-person events. After threats in Laramie and Wheatland last week, there were no fireworks during her Friday phone-in town hall.
Leo WolfsonMarch 29, 2025
Lummis Wants End To ‘Silly’ Restrictions On Short-Barreled Rifles, Shotguns
Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis is a backing a bill to lift 90-year-old restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. A Wyoming firearms law expert agrees, calling the restrictions “silly.”
Mark HeinzMarch 28, 2025
More Than 100 Wyoming Attorneys And Judges Demand Delegation Protect Judges
More than 100 Wyoming attorneys and judges, including a former governor and two former attorneys general, have sent a letter to the Wyoming congressional delegation. They demand Barrasso, Lummis and Hageman denounce recent attacks on judges.
Leo WolfsonMarch 28, 2025
Trump Cuts $40 Million In Wyoming COVID-Era Health Grants
President Donald Trump’s administration eliminated $12 billion in federal COVID-era health grants Wednesday. Wyoming’s cut of that is $40 million, almost all for the state’s Public Health Division.
Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025
Trump Bans Northern Arapaho Tribe's Law Firm From Federal Contracts
The White House this week ordered federal agencies to stop working with a law firm that has earned $500,000 lobbying for the Northern Arapaho Tribe. An attorney at the firm worked on special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation in 2016.
Clair McFarlandMarch 27, 2025
Trump Endorses Cynthia Lummis For Reelection To Senate
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday night, praising Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis. He also gave her an official endorsement for reelection in 2026.
Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025
Al Simpson Makes Final Trip To Wyoming Capitol, Lies In State
Former Wyoming U.S. Sen Al Simpson’s casket was brought into the Wyoming Capitol on Thursday to lie in state for two days. Best friend to President George H.W. Bush and decades-long legislator, Simpson’s March 14 death was international news.
Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025
Lummis Says Hegseth Shouldn’t Resign After Reporter Allowed In On Attack Plans
Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when speaking with reporters Wednesday about a security breach that allowed a reporter into a chat outlining sensitive attack plans. She said he shouldn’t be forced to resign.
Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025
Gordon, Delegation Champion Brian Nesvik To Lead U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon joined the state’s congressional delegation Wednesday in endorsing Wyoming native Brian Nesvik as the next director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He was also opposed by the Sierra Club at his confirmation hearing.
Sean BarryMarch 26, 2025
Delegation: ‘No Truth’ To Report Rock Springs Social Security Office On Cut List
Democrats say Social Security is under siege, but Wyoming’s congressional delegation says that’s not true. They also say there’s “no truth whatsoever” to reports the Rock Springs field office is on a cut list.
Sean BarryMarch 25, 2025
Starting April 1, Wyoming Post Offices May Lose Afternoon Mail Pickup
It's still not clear if afternoon pickup for Wyoming wyoming mail will be impacted under the Delivering for America plan, which starts April 1. It could mean Wyoming post offices will lose it.
Renée JeanMarch 25, 2025
Hageman Cancels In-Person Town Halls Over ‘Democrat Threats Of Violence’
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman has canceled in-person access for two of her upcoming town hall meetings because of “Democrat threats of violence.” She says incidents at recent town halls in Wheatland, Laramie and Rock Springs make safety an issue.
Leo WolfsonMarch 25, 2025
Wyoming Is First State To Require Proof Of Citizenship To Vote In All Elections
Wyoming has some of the strictest voter ID laws in the nation after the recently competed legislative session. That includes being the first state in the nation to require proof of U.S. citizenship for all elections in the state.
Leo WolfsonMarch 25, 2025
Former Wyoming Legislators Win Big In County Republican Party Elections
Former House Speaker Albert Sommers was elected chairman of the Sublette County Republican Party this month. County GOP elections around Wyoming followed the trend of putting former legislators into leadership roles.
Leo WolfsonMarch 25, 2025
Legislators Can Keep Suing Freedom Caucus Over Election Flyers, Judge Says
A Sweetwater County District Court ruled Friday that a pair of Rock Springs state legislators can keep suing the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. They claim the group defamed them in election flyers during the 2024 campaign cycle.
Leo WolfsonMarch 24, 2025
‘Trump Force One’ Parked At Cheyenne Airport A Magnet For Photos And Selfies
President Donald Trump’s family plane remains parked at the Cheyenne Regional Airport on Monday, and has been a magnet for selfies and photos of the jet. The large 757 landed sometime Saturday, and has been drawing attention since.
Leo WolfsonMarch 24, 2025
When The Legislative Mudslinging’s Over, Wyoming’s Capitol Custodians Clean Up
Amid the fast-paced action at the Wyoming Capitol during the legislative session, some workers there often blend into the backdrop without much recognition. When the legislative mudslinging is over, the Capitol custodians clean up.
Leo WolfsonMarch 23, 2025
Trump Administration Calls For More Affordable Homes On Public Land
The Trump administration has called for more affordable homes to be built on public lands. Some builders say using free or low-cost public land would lower the cost of building more homes, and could help ease a longtime crunch for Teton County, Wyoming.
David MadisonMarch 22, 2025
Degenfelder Cheers Dismantling of U.S. Dept. Of Education At White House Signing Ceremony
Wyoming education chief Megan Degenfelder, who attended President Trump's executive order signing which dismantles the Dept. of Education, said Thursday's action was a "historic day for education in America, and a win for American students."
Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2025
With Approval Ratings At An All-Time Low, Wyoming Democrats Searching For Direction
With national approval ratings for Democrats at an all-time low, the party is searching for solutions. Wyoming Democrats attending a “Gather For Good” rally opposing Rep. Hageman on Wednesday offered few clear answers as to how their party should move forward.
Leo WolfsonMarch 20, 2025
Hageman Doesn’t Back Down As Hostile Crowd Curses Her At Unruly Laramie Town Hall
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman took on a hostile town hall crowd in Laramie on Wednesday, but wouldn’t back down. More than 500 gathered, many yelling curses to the point of local Democratic Party chair saying he’s “heartbroken” by the behavior.
Leo WolfsonMarch 20, 2025
Environmentalists Push To Block Brian Nesvik As Pick To Lead Fish & Wildlife
Environmental groups are pushing to block the nomination of former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik to head the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. But a former FWS warden says he’s the right pick.
Mark HeinzMarch 19, 2025
Lummis Wants To Pull $7.5B From Biden’s EV Mandates For Improving Highways
Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis introduced a bill Wednesday that would pull $7.5 billion from former President Joe Biden’s electrical vehicle mandates. Instead, it should be used to improve highways in Wyoming and across the country, she says.
Leo WolfsonMarch 19, 2025
Gordon Holds Veto Party With Law Officers To Axe Second Amendment Rights Bill
Gov. Mark Gordon held a ceremony Tuesday to veto a bill that aimed at protecting Wyoming residents from federal firearm orders. The bill would have allowed people to sue law enforcement agencies for enforcing federal laws that contradict Wyoming’s.
Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025
Boycotts, Name Changes And Backfires: Being A Politician Business Owner
Being a business owner and elected official in Wyoming can often intersect. Sometimes that means supporting legislation leads to boycotts of your business or prompt name changes. Most say the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025
Barrasso Visits More Than 100 Wyoming Troops Stationed In The Middle East
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso spent Sunday visiting more than 100 Wyoming troops stationed in the Middle East. He praised them for being "in harm's way" and "keeping us safe and free at home."
Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025
Former Wyoming Legislator Cyrus Western Picked To Run EPA Field Office
Former Wyoming legislator Cyrus Western of Big Horn will run the EPA’s Denver field office, overseeing President Trump’s agenda for the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions. “When the president asks you to work for him, you don’t say no,” Western said.
Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025
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