Government & Politics
News
Two-Horse Race To Be Next Chairman Of Wyoming Republican Party
Wyoming is one of the reddest states in the nation politically, which makes leading the Republican Party in the Cowboy State a high-profile position with influence. There’s a two-horse race for GOP state chairman.
Leo WolfsonApril 21, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Says Trump’s Overhaul Of Endangered Species Act Long Overdue
Changing the definition of “harm” in the Endangered Species Act, as the Trump administration proposes, could overhaul the ESA. It’s also long overdue, Wyoming’s delegation says, saying its “a great solution” to a problem caused by federal overregulation.
Sean BarryApril 19, 2025
Protestors To Rally Against Trump Across Wyoming, Nation’s Most Trump-Friendly State
Wyoming protestors plan to rally Saturday across Wyoming against President Donald Trump and his policies — even if they they're appealing to folks in the most Trump-friendly state in the nation.
Clair McFarlandApril 19, 2025
Montana Measles Outbreak Triggers Emergency Response Near Wyoming Border
Five cases of the measles confirmed Thursday are the first in Montana since 1990. They’ve prompted an emergency response in Gallatin County near the Wyoming border and Yellowstone's West Entrance.
David MadisonApril 19, 2025
Wyoming Tribe's Law Firm One Of The Few Fighting Trump's Big-Law Orders
While nine law firms have made deals to avoid President Donald Trump’s orders targeting them, the one that works for Wyoming’s largest federally recognized Indian tribe is continuing to fight the federal government in court.
Clair McFarlandApril 18, 2025
Gordon On Middle East, Asia Tour To Build Wyoming’s International Business Profile
Gov. Mark Gordon is piling up the frequent flier miles on a Middle East and Asia tour to build Wyoming’s international business profile. He’s also meeting with Wyoming military stationed overseas.
Leo WolfsonApril 18, 2025
Prominent Wyoming Mule Deer Advocate Picked To Serve In Trump Administration
Prominent Wyoming wildlife conservationist Josh Coursey has been tapped to serve in President Donald Trump’s administration in a role he can't yet disclose. He joins a number of people with Wyoming ties picked by the administration.
Mark HeinzApril 17, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Strikes Back Against Judicial Activism, Criticism Of Trump
Wyoming’s congressional delegation says people shouldn’t be concerned with the Trump administration’s criticism of judges. Instead, they should be worried about judicial activism.
Leo WolfsonApril 17, 2025
State Lands Will Generate Close To $250 Million For Wyoming Schools This Year
Wyoming has a new Office of State Lands and Investments director in Stacia Berry, tasked with balancing public access and earning income. This year, Wyoming’s public lands are expected to generate close to $250 million for Wyoming schools.
Leo WolfsonApril 17, 2025
Republican Candidate For Wyoming Governor Admits He’s ‘A Nobody’
Cheyenne resident Joseph Kibler is so far the second declared candidate for Wyoming governor. The socially conservative Republican admits he’s “a nobody."
Leo WolfsonApril 16, 2025
Public Broadcasting Chief Calls Cuts ‘Devastating,’ Trump Says PBS “Very Biased”
The chairwoman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, who lives in Riverton, Wyoming, says Trump’s promise to cut funding for PBS and NPR would be “devastating.” Trump says the organization is “very biased” and pushes liberal agendas.
Leo WolfsonApril 16, 2025
It’s Not Known If The 6-10 UW Students Who Had Visas Revoked Are Still On Campus
The University of Wyoming says six to 10 international students have had their visas revoked by President Donald Trump’s administration. The university says it doesn’t know why the visas were revoked or if any of the students are still on campus.
Leo WolfsonApril 16, 2025
University of Wyoming International Students Have Visas Revoked
The University of Wyoming confirmed to Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday that “a few” international students have had their visas to be in the United States revoked. Just how many students and why isn’t clear.
Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025
New Top Prosecutor Named For One Of Wyoming’s Highest-Crime Counties
Fremont County has a new top prosecutor for one of the Wyoming’s most crime-riddled counties. Asked how they’d reduce crime, one of three finalists for the job said that “none of us were given a magic wand upon graduation from law school.”
Clair McFarlandApril 15, 2025
Judge Tosses Casper Doctor’s Lawsuit To Get Back On Wyoming Board Of Medicine
A federal court judge threw out Casper radiologist Eric Cubin’s lawsuit against Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday, rendering a blow to his effort to get back on the Wyoming Board of Medicine.
Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025
Wyoming Delegation, Chuck Gray Say Opposition To SAVE Act Is ‘Radical Left’ Hype
Wyoming’s congressional delegation and Secretary of State Chuck Gray say that the federal SAVE Act will not prevent married women from registering to vote. They say those claims and more by Democrats are “radical left” hype and “a complete fallacy.”
Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025
Legislature’s YouTube Views Explode As Politics Becomes More Of A Spectator Sport
The Wyoming Legislature’s YouTube channel already has nearly 220,000 views this year, more than all of 2024. State politics is becoming more of a spectator sport as more people watch livestreamed meetings and floor debates.
Leo WolfsonApril 14, 2025
Hageman Wants To Ditch Policy That Keeps Non-English-Speaking Truckers On The Road
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman wants the Dept of Transportation to reconsider a policy that allows non-English-speaking truckers on the road. The policy is a “major safety issue for all drivers," she said.
Clair McFarlandApril 12, 2025
Gordon Appoints Attorney General Bridget Hill To Wyoming Supreme Court
Gov. Mark Gordon announced Friday that he’s selected Attorney General Bridget Hill to fill an upcoming opening on the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Leo WolfsonApril 12, 2025
As Senate Debates End To Twice-A-Year Clock-Changes, Lummis Says It’s About Time
A U.S. Senate committee held a hearing this week to promote a push to “lock the clock” and end the twice-yearly clock changing around daylight saving time. Sen. Cynthia Lummis says it’s about time, while John Barrasso says not so fast.
Sean BarryApril 11, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Rallies Behind Trump As Some Republicans Split On Tariffs
A handful of Republicans are joining Democrats against President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but don’t count the Wyoming delegation among them. John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis and Harriet Hageman are rallying behind Trump.
Sean BarryApril 11, 2025
Noem’s Rifle Pointing At Agent’s Face Broke Major Safety Rule, Wyoming Experts Say
Department of Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is taking heat this week after pointing a rifle at the head of an ICE agent during a photo op. Wyoming firearms experts say that breaks a major gun safety rule.
Mark HeinzApril 11, 2025
Barrasso, Lummis Support Selling Off Public Land For Affordable Housing
Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday they support a Trump administration plan to sell federal land to help ease an affordable housing crunch.
Leo WolfsonApril 10, 2025
Barrasso Vows Quick Replacement After BLM Nominee Drops Out Over Trump Criticism
Kathleen Sgamma abruptly withdrew from consideration Wednesday to lead the BLM after a 2021 social media post surfaced of her criticizing President Donald Trump over the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Wyoming’s senior Sen. John Barrasso vows a quick replacement.
Sean BarryApril 10, 2025
State Agencies, Schools And Towns Scramble To Get Rid Of Gun-Free Zones
A new law banning gun-free zones in Wyoming has state agencies and schools scrambling to make rules to implement it by July 1, when it becomes active.
Leo WolfsonApril 10, 2025
Laramie Residents Balk At Guns In Schools, School Board Says There’s No Choice
A crowd of Laramie residents turned out Wednesday evening to tell their school board that they don’t want concealed firearms allowed in local schools. The board said there’s no choice, because the Legislature did away with gun-free zones in Wyoming.
Mark HeinzApril 10, 2025
Barrasso, Lummis Back Atkins To Head SEC As Dems Link Him To ’08 Housing Crash
John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis joined other Republicans in the U.S. Senate in confirming Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. The 52-44 vote fell strictly along party lines.
Sean BarryApril 10, 2025
Not Happy With New Law, Gordon Won’t Sign New Rules Without Legislature’s OK
Gov. Mark Gordon isn’t pleased about a new law that gives the Legislature more power to override state agency rules that he has the final say to approve or deny. He says from now on, he just won’t sign new rules until a majority of legislators approve.
Leo WolfsonApril 09, 2025
Brian Nesvik Survives 10-9 Committee Vote To Be Next U.S. Fish & Wildlife Chief
A Senate committee voted 10-9 along party lines Wednesday to advance Brian Nesvik’s nomination to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cynthia Lummis said she hopes a Nesvik confirmation will mean swift action to delist grizzly bears.
Sean BarryApril 09, 2025
Tariffs A New Wrinkle As Wyoming Legislators Look To Next Biennial Budget
Wyoming legislators are already eyeing next year’s biennial budget and the priorities they would like to see in a changing economic landscape under President Donald Trump. The impact of tariffs is something to account for as are uncertain oil prices.
Leo WolfsonApril 09, 2025
Legislature Wants Tighter Regulations On Wyoming Gaming
The Legislature’s Management Council created a new committee Tuesday that will be directed to get better control on legal gaming in Wyoming. It will make that happen with more regulations on gambling.
Leo WolfsonApril 08, 2025
Trump Calls Out Wyoming While Signing Pro-Coal Executive Orders
President Donald Trump called out Wyoming and its Republican delegation Tuesday at a signing ceremony for his executive orders to boost coal in the nation’s power supply. Wyoming is the No. 1 coal state, but production has shrunk for years.
Sean BarryApril 08, 2025
Lawmakers Consider Stronger Laws After Wyoming 16-Year-Old Stalked, Bullied
Gillian Holman, 16, asked the Wyoming Legislature on Tuesday to study ways to stop adults from stalking minors, and lawmakers agreed. A 41-year-old woman was sentenced last month for impersonating and bullying the girl and another teen.
Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2025
Legislature Cuts Meetings After Summer Committee Bills Go Nowhere
A number of Wyoming legislators complained this past session about interim committee bills that were never introduced, saying it was a waste of time to craft bills that went nowhere. On Tuesday, the number of interim meetings was cut from six to four.
Leo WolfsonApril 08, 2025
UW President Ed Seidel Still Has A Job Day After Faculty ‘No-Confidence’ Vote
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel was visibly relieved Tuesday following a two-hour Board of Trustees meeting, after which UW said he remains "the president." The UW Faculty Senate on Monday drafted a vote of “no confidence” in his leadership.
Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2025
Former Wyoming First Lady Sherri Geringer Dies, Remembered As ‘Quiet, Classy’
Former Wyoming first lady Sherri Geringer, wife of former Gov. Jim Geringer, died Saturday after battling an extended illness. One longtime friend says she’ll be remembered for her “quiet, classy approach to her work as first lady.”
Leo WolfsonApril 07, 2025
With Wyoming Already The Least Populated State, Rural Counties In Decline
Rural populations in Wyoming are shrinking in more than half of the state's counties, recent Census data shows. Local officials and businesses in rural counties say fewer people makes it harder to thrive.
Zakary SonntagApril 07, 2025
U.S. Senate Moves Fast On Bill Backed By Barrasso, Lummis To Cut Judges’ Power
As court orders halting some Trump administration moves pile up, a new bill against nationwide injunctions is advancing quickly in the U.S. Senate. It’s cosponsored by Wyoming Republicans John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis.
Sean BarryApril 07, 2025
UW President Faces Backlash Over Effort To Fund Partner's School, Dean’s Ousting
UW President Ed Seidel is facing backlash after the demotion of a popular dean of engineering. Detractors say the president backed a failed effort to send engineering money to a UW school his partner runs, and the demotion of the dean who stood in the way.
Clair McFarlandApril 04, 2025
Chuck Gray, Gov. Gordon Squabble Over Approval Of Wind Farms
Tempers flared again Thursday between Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray. This time they squabbled over two wind farm projects that will lease state land in Niobrara and Converse counties if given final approval.
Leo WolfsonApril 04, 2025
Wyoming Attorney General Hasn’t Prosecuted 16 Complaints Referred By Chuck Gray
Records show that Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill hasn’t filed charges on any of the 16 election complaints referred to her office by Secretary of State Chuck Gray in 2024. She says her office is still investigating half of them.
Leo WolfsonApril 03, 2025
Barrasso, Lummis On Short End Of ‘Meaningless’ Canada Tariffs Vote
Four Senate Republicans broke ranks, voting with Democrats late Wednesday to overturn President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs on most Canada goods. But Sen. John Barrasso said the vote is "meaningless" because the measure won't get through the House.
Sean BarryApril 03, 2025
GOP Scrambles To Find Top Prosecutor For One Of Wyoming's Roughest Counties
Fremont County GOP leaders are scrambling to nominate three candidates to replace longtime County Attorney Patrick LeBrun in one of Wyoming's roughest counties. So far, two have applied to replace LeBrun, who left Monday.
Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2025
Hageman Tried To Block GOP Rebellion That Shut Down House Floor
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman says she tried unsuccessfully Tuesday to prevent a GOP floor rebellion that led to votes being canceled for the rest of the week in the House.
Leo WolfsonApril 02, 2025
UW To End Gun-Free Zones July 1 And Allow Concealed Guns Inside Buildings
With the repeal of Wyoming’s gun-free zones, concealed carrying of firearms will be allowed in University of Wyoming buildings starting July 1. It’s already legal to carry outside on campus grounds.
Mark HeinzApril 02, 2025
County Republicans Feuding With State GOP Over Local Party Elections
The way some Wyoming county Republican parties have been conducting their elections this spring is causing some to feud with the state party. In one case, the conflict may have impacted results.
Leo WolfsonApril 02, 2025
Rock Springs Hires Goat Army To Munch Its Way Through Clogged Canals
Rock Springs has weeds, brush and grass clogging vital drainage canals through the heart of town. An army of 300 goats has been let loose to gobble their way through.
Mark HeinzApril 01, 2025
Barrasso, Hageman Take Aim At Nationwide Injunctions Against Trump
Republicans in Congress, including Wyoming’s John Barrasso and Harriet Hageman, are considering legislation to rein in the power of federal district court judges. Some are mulling impeachment of judges, as well.
Sean BarryApril 01, 2025