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Expect An Even More Conservative Focus With A Freedom Caucus Majority In House
The 68th Wyoming Legislature begins its 37-day session Tuesday with the Freedom Caucus holding a majority of seats and leadership positions in the Wyoming House. The group has a number of conservative issues on its agenda.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 14, 2025
Cynthia Lummis, Chuck Gray Team-Up To Oppose Corporate Disclosure Rule
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Secretary of State Chuck Gray have teamed up to oppose the federal Corporate Transparency Act. The two filed a Supreme Court brief opposing the act, calling it an "unconstitutional intrusion" by the federal government.
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 13, 2025
Barrasso Backs All Of Trump’s Cabinet Picks, Says They Need Confirmation ASAP
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 2-ranking Republican in the Senate, said on “Face the Nation” Sunday that he backs all of Trump’s cabinet picks. He also said they need to be confirmed ASAP.
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 13, 2025
Price Tag For University Of Wyoming Projects Over Past 10 Years Nearly $900M
Construction on a new $65 million swim center is underway at the University of Wyoming. It’s the 11th capital project in 10 years for Wyoming’s only public university, with a combined price tag of nearly $900 million.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 13, 2025
Degenfelder Says Trans Rules, School Choice Among Top Priorities For Legislature
Wyoming schools chief Megan Degenfelder wants to expand a ban on trans participation in female sports and limit bathrooms to biological sex. She also says school choice and getting rid of gun-free zones are top priorities for the Legislature.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 11, 2025
In Brief: Barrasso Says Use Unspent COVID Money To Finish U.S.-Mexico Wall
Wyoming’s senior senator introduced a bill Thursday that would use unspent COVID-19 money to finish the southern border wall, if it passes. John Barrasso says it’s critical to protect U.S. citizens from “dangerous criminals and cartels.”
Clair McFarlandJanuary 11, 2025
Montana Trans Bill Goes Beyond Bathrooms, Includes Prisons And College Campuses
Montana’s Legislature heard testimony Friday on what could become one of the most far-reaching transgender bills in the nation. House Bill 121 goes beyond requiring use of bathrooms by sex at birth at schools, it includes all public spaces.
David MadisonJanuary 10, 2025
Wyo. Delegation On Trump Trial: “Move On From This Witch-Hunt And Go Forward”
Wyoming’s congressional delegation said good riddance to the hush-money case against Donald Trump which ended Friday. They said it was time to end the “weaponization of the judicial system.”
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 10, 2025
Wyoming Dem Leader Slams Trump's Push For Greenland But Fetterman OK With It
While the head of Wyoming's Democratic Party is saying President-elect Trump's discussion of acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal is "absurd and dangerous," U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, also a Democrat, says the conversation is responsible and he's open to it.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 10, 2025
Gordon Joins Trump’s Dinner At Mar-A-Lago, Bashes Feds Over Mysterious Drones
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon took an active role in President-elect Donald Trump’s dinner event with GOP governors Thursday. He calls it “incredibly frustrating” the feds have no answers about mysterious drones flying over the U.S., including Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 10, 2025
Lummis, Barrasso Resurrect Bill To Ban Renaming Devils Tower
U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis resurrected a bill this week to ban efforts to rename Devils Tower. They continue a 30-year tradition of Wyoming’s delegation introducing legislation to protect the national monument’s name.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 10, 2025
Concealed Carry At Wyoming Capitol Gets Final OK, But Won’t Happen Right Away
The State Building Commission gave final approval for people to carry concealed firearms in some areas of the Wyoming Capitol on Wednesday. It’s unclear exactly when this will actually be allowed.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 09, 2025
Laken Riley Act Passes Overwhelmingly, Only Nine Democrats Opposed
Wyoming Sens. Barrasso and Lummis voted for the Laken Riley Act on Thursday, mandating illegal immigrants be arrested for burglary and theft. Wyoming’s delegation blames Biden’s immigration policy for the murder of a young woman by an illegal immigrant.
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 09, 2025
Proposed Bill Would Make Corner-Crossing Legal In Wyoming
The question of corner-crossing in Wyoming should be settled once and for all in favor of accessing public land, says a Wyoming legislator sponsoring a bill to make it legal.
Mark HeinzJanuary 09, 2025
Laramie County Residents Angry Over Proposed “Land Grab” Zoning Regs
Some Laramie County residents are angry over proposed zoning laws they call a local government “land grab.” Commissioners say tightening some rules is needed to help neighbors upset with businesses and other operations setting up in neighborhoods.
Renée JeanJanuary 09, 2025
Trump Says No More Wind Farms: “You Don’t Need Energy That Needs Subsidy”
Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday he wants to halt wind farming. Wyoming Sen. Cale Case generally agrees, saying the market — not federal subsidies — should decide.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2025
Bill Would Require “Made In The USA” Labeling On American Beef Sold In Wyoming
State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Lingle, wants to make it clear when people in Wyoming are eating beef not raised in America. A bill she’s proposing would require “Made In The USA” labeling on all American beef sold in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 08, 2025
Freedom Caucus Vows To Unify What’s Been A Deeply Divided Wyoming Legislature
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus announced its legislative priorities at a press conference Tuesday, which includes bringing unity to the Capitol. Especially the past two sessions, the Legislature has grown more deeply divided.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 08, 2025
Lummis And Barrasso Help Revive Federal Trans Sports Ban In Senate
Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis are among a host of co-sponsors federal law targeting transgender sports participation. Allowing biological males to compete against women is “disturbing, unfair and unsafe,” Barrasso says.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 07, 2025
Gordon Expects “Interesting” Legislative Session With Freedom Caucus In Control
Gov. Mark Gordon was somewhat cryptic when asked Tuesday about what he expects from the Wyoming Freedom Caucus in the upcoming legislative session. Multiple times he said he expects it to be “interesting” with the Freedom Caucus in control of the House.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 07, 2025
Officials Say Flu, Other Viruses Spike In Wyoming, Even As Tests Come Up Negative
Doctors in Wyoming reporting a sharp increase in illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and other unknown viruses. Even so, people testing for flu are coming up negative, indicating the virus is changing, health officials say.
Jackie DorothyJanuary 07, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Celebrates Certification Of Trump’s Election Win
Wyoming’s congressional delegation celebrated the presidential election certification Monday. It’s the final step before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office Jan. 20.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 07, 2025
Carbon Dioxide Can’t Be Labeled A “Pollutant” Under Proposed Wyoming Legislation
State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz’s “Make Carbon Dioxide Great Again” bill would force Wyoming to no longer recognize carbon dioxide as a “pollutant.” It also would repeal low requirements that coal plants retrofit with carbon capture technology by 2030.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 06, 2025
Wyoming History: Nellie Tayloe Ross Sworn In As First Woman Gov. 100 Years Ago
It’s been 100 since a series of tragedies and unexpected twists changed history for one Wyoming woman, the Cowboy State and politics in the United States. Nellie Tayloe Ross was sworn in Jan. 5, 1925, as Wyoming’s — and America’s — first woman governor.
Jackie DorothyJanuary 04, 2025
Wyoming Man Took Jimmy Carter Fishing After He Lost Election To Reagan
A Wyoming man remembers the time in 1981 when he guided Jimmy Carter on a fishing vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The former president had just lost to Reagan, so Steve Winters and his wife took him fishing and fed the Carters homemade tamales.
David MadisonJanuary 03, 2025
Wyoming Voters Will Decide On Slashing Property Taxes By 50%
A petition for a ballot initiative to slash Wyoming property taxes by 50% was certified Friday by the secretary of state’s office. That means Wyoming voters will decide the issue in 2026.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 03, 2025
Lummis Blasts Biden For Rewarding Cheney’s “Vendetta Against Donald Trump”
Wyoming Republican Cynthia Lummis blasted President Joe Biden on Friday for giving Liz Cheney the Presidential Citizens Medal. She said the move was a reward for Cheney pursuing “her vendetta against Donald Trump.”
Leo WolfsonJanuary 03, 2025
Bringing A Gun To School Could Mean More Than A Year Expulsion Under Proposal
Veteran Wyoming legislator Steve Harshman says expelling students who bring guns to school for a year often isn’t enough. A bill he’s proposing for the upcoming session would allow school boards to expel gun violators for longer than a year.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 03, 2025
Wyoming AARP Says Photo IDs To Vote Would Alienate Many Senior Voters
Wyoming AARP and voting rights groups are concerned about a proposal Secretary of State Chuck Gray is pushing to require photo identification to vote. They say that could alienate many seniors who no longer drive or have photo IDs.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 02, 2025
Barrasso Slams Biden's Giving Liz Cheney Second Highest Civilian Honor
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso slammed President Joe Biden’s awarding Liz Cheney the Presidential Citizens Medal on Thursday, the second highest civilian honor. Barrasso said Cheney doesn’t deserve an award for her “partisanship and divisiveness.”
Leo WolfsonJanuary 02, 2025
Teton County Legislator Wants River Otters Off Wyoming’s Protected List
A state legislator from Teton County wants to take river otters off Wyoming’s protected species list, where it’s been for about 70 years. While he says otters have bounced back from being extinct outside Yellowstone, biologists aren’t sold on delisting.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 01, 2025
Carbon County Ranchers Claim Sinclair Is Taking Their Water To Run Refinery
A group of Carbon County ranchers are appealing the state’s decision to allow a water exchange for the Sinclair refinery. They claim the refinery is taking their water from the North Platte River and ignoring more than 100 years of Wyoming water law.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 01, 2025
Hageman Picked As Chairwoman For House Anti-Woke Caucus
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman was named chairwoman of the House Anti-Woke Caucus on Monday. The caucus is dedicated to fighting the growing influence of "woke" ideologies in government, business and society.
Leo WolfsonDecember 31, 2024
Cheyenne Woman Recalls Grilling Jimmy Carter With Questions When She Was 12
Cheyenne resident Susan Allen will likely never forget the moment when then-President Jimmy Carter picked up the phone and talked to her. It was 1977, she was 12 and asked the president what he does to unwind and his thoughts on solar power.
Leo WolfsonDecember 31, 2024
$100M Kelly Parcel Sale One Of The Largest Of Its Kind In American History
The sale of the Kelly Parcel in Teton County to Grand Teton National Park for $100 million became official Monday. It’s one of the largest federal government purchased from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in its nearly 60 year history.
Leo WolfsonDecember 30, 2024
Wyoming Leaders Remember Former President Jimmy Carter
Although not regarded as an effective president, Wyoming leaders who interacted with Jimmy Carter said he had an affable spirit and a kind heart. "He was a marvelous human being," former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson told Cowboy State Daily.
Leo WolfsonDecember 29, 2024
After Decades Of Debate, $100 Million Sale Of Kelly Parcel Is Final
The controversial Kelly Parcel land transfer in Teton County is finally complete after decades of negotiations and debate between Wyoming officials and the federal government. Gov. Mark Gordon announced Friday that he’s officially certified the sale.
Leo WolfsonDecember 28, 2024
Gordon Investigating Weston County Clerk Over Election Misconduct Claims
Gov. Mark Gordon says he’s investigating allegations of election misconduct against the Weston County clerk. The complaint stems from the general election in which the clerk mistakenly mixed ballots with errors in with correct ballots.
Clair McFarlandDecember 28, 2024
Wyoming Freedom Caucus Unveils 'War On Woke' Plan For Legislative Session
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus has declared a “war on woke” for the upcoming legislative session, which begins next month. It features five proposed bills aimed at election integrity, ESG policies and reducing property taxes.
Clair McFarlandDecember 27, 2024
Idaho Tops 2 Million Population For First Time, Wyoming Still Below 600,000
Idaho has topped 2 million people for the first time, showing double-digit population growth. That outpaces Wyoming, which remains the least populated state with fewer than 600,000 people.
David MadisonDecember 26, 2024
Extension Keeps Rural Wyoming Connected For Remote Health Care
Tucked into the government spending bill that averted a shutdown this past weekend is something important for rural Wyomingites. It’s an extension of remote health care.
Leo WolfsonDecember 25, 2024
It Didn't Help U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas' Fear Of Flying When A Door Flew Off Mid-Flight
Late U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas didn’t like heights and really didn't like flying -- especially after after experiencing a door flying off mid-flight. But that didn't stop him from flying back to Wyoming almost every week while serving in Washington.
Leo WolfsonDecember 25, 2024
Casper Legislator Wants Special Elections, Not Appointments, To Fill Vacancies
Casper Republican Steve Harshman wants to change how Wyoming fills its top elected seats when there are vacancies. He says there should be special elections, not appointments from political parties.
Leo WolfsonDecember 23, 2024
Wyoming’s State Planes Get Some Criticism; Others Say They Pay For Themselves
Wyoming’s two current state planes were purchased during former Gov. Jim Geringer’s administration. He recalled the time when the door flew off mid-flight while he and U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas were onboard. “He about lost it,” Geringer laughed. “I don’t blame him.”
Leo WolfsonDecember 23, 2024
Wyoming Delegation Votes To Avoid Shutdown, Praises Trump And Musk’s Leadership
Wyoming’s congressional delegation voted to pass a temporary spending measure Friday night that will keep the federal government from shutting down. Cynthia Lummis praised Donald Trump and Elon Musk for exhibiting leadership while Biden didn’t.
Leo WolfsonDecember 21, 2024
Trump, Congress May Get Rid Of Those Annoying Twice-A-Year Clock Changes
People who hate daylight saving time and changing their clocks twice a year may finally have something to look forward to. President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to get rid of it, and so do congressional Republicans.
Leo WolfsonDecember 21, 2024
Bill Would Require Tighter Regulation Of Wyoming Abortion Clinics And Doctors
State Rep. Martha Lawley is bringing back a bill Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed this past session to require tighter regulation of Wyoming abortion clinics and doctors. Opponents call it an attempt to end abortions in the state.
Leo WolfsonDecember 21, 2024
Replacing Worn-Out 115-Year-Old LaPrele Dam Could Cost $190M, Start In 2026
Wyoming state engineers say there’s no saving the worn-out 115-year-old LaPrele Dam near Douglas, and it could cost $190 million to replace. Work on a new dam could start in 2026.
Mark HeinzDecember 20, 2024