Government & Politics
News
Wyoming Lawmakers Drafting Legislation To Ban Cloud Seeding For 10 Years
After nearly four hours of passionate testimony, a legislative committee voted Thursday to draft legislation that would halt cloud seeding programs in Wyoming for 10 years, and ban geoengineering.
Clair McFarlandAugust 29, 2025
Now Even A Rock Is Demanding The Release Of The Epstein Files
An oft-painted rock south of the Wyoming-Colorado border is demanding the release of the Epstein files. So are Wyoming leaders on both sides of the political aisle, left and right.
Clair McFarlandAugust 28, 2025
Wyoming Senate District 6 Finalists Share Values But Differ On Legislative Approach
The three contenders for the Wyoming Senate seat vacated by Darin Smith are all pro-life, pro-ICE, and pro-restriction of sexual content in children’s libraries. But they differ in how they’d approach those issues.
Clair McFarlandAugust 28, 2025
Should Diesel Mechanic Be Pardoned? Zeldin Says His Opinion Is For The President
If EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin thinks President Trump should pardon a Cheyenne mechanic for removing emissions controls from diesel engines, he’s not saying so publicly. He said Thursday that his opinion on the issue is for Trump, not the media.
Greg JohnsonAugust 28, 2025
EPA Admin Zeldin Says Feds Should Let Wyoming Manage Its Own Coal Byproducts
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin was in Wyoming on Thursday to sign a letter supporting Wyoming — not the federal agency — to manage its own coal plant byproducts. “Nobody knows Wyoming like the people of Wyoming,” he said.
Greg JohnsonAugust 28, 2025
Now A Candidate For Gov, 50-Year-Old Rule Says Eric Barlow Can’t Chair Committee
Now that state Sen. Eric Barlow has announced he’s running for governor, he’s stepped down as chairman of a state legislative committee. That’s because of a 50-year-old rule that says candidates for statewide office can’t chair legislative committees.
Clair McFarlandAugust 27, 2025
Two-Thirds Of Wyoming House Sign Letter Urging Trump To Pardon Diesel Mechanic
Two-thirds of Wyoming's state House on Tuesday urged President Trump to pardon Troy Lake, a 65-year-old diesel mechanic in prison for stripping emissions systems from trucks. The 41 Republican House members called his prosecution EPA overreach.
Clair McFarlandAugust 27, 2025
Three Candidates To Replace State Sen. Darin Smith Selected On Monday
Replacing Wyoming State Sen. Darin Smith, R-Cheyenne, is one step closer as three people were chosen Monday to be considered for the legislative seat that covers parts of Laramie County, and all of Platte County.
Jimmy OrrAugust 26, 2025
Wyoming Senators Cheer Trump’s Order Against Flag-Burners, But Is It Legal?
President Trump’s new order calls for stricter prosecution for people who burn American flags while committing other crimes. It drew praise from Wyoming’s U.S. Senators while getting strong criticism from a leading First Amendment expert.
Clair McFarlandAugust 26, 2025
Wyoming Democrats Lead Statewide Listening Tour On Public Lands, Hot-Button Issues
Democratic state Reps. Karlee Provenza and Mike Yin are holding town halls across Wyoming to learn which issues trouble people most. They're also riding the momentum of a public lands outcry Provenza led this summer.
Clair McFarlandAugust 25, 2025
Wyoming Classical Academy Opens New $15 Million School In Mills
Hillsdale College member classical charter school in Mills continues to grow as staff and students started the school year Monday in a new 36,000-square-foot, $15 million building.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 25, 2025
Wyoming Highway Patrol, Truckers Support Trump's Work Visa Pause For Drivers
Wyoming officials and industry leaders support the Trump administration’s pause on issuing work visas for commercial truck driving, but critics say the move targets a small group and overlooks broader trucking safety issues.
Clair McFarlandAugust 23, 2025
Rock Springs State Legislator Has Missed All Interim Meetings To Date
A state legislator from Rock Springs has not attended any meetings of the two interim committees he's on. Darin McCann told Cowboy State Daily on Friday that he didn’t realize the interim is so active and meetings are on days he can’t get away from work.
Clair McFarlandAugust 22, 2025
Wyoming National Guard Feeling Money Pinch From Inauguration, ICE Missions
The Wyoming National Guard is preparing to help ICE, and provided $250,000 worth of security for President Trump’s inauguration. Now the Guard is bracing to cut back on normal "business," saying those responses could cause a budget shortfall if Congress doesn't help.
Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2025
Wyoming Legislators Consider 43% Fuel Tax Hike, WYDOT Warns Of $400M Shortfall
The transportation committee on Wednesday contemplated a bill to raise Wyoming's fuel tax 43% — from 23 cents to 33 cents by the summer of 2028. But it's challenging, lawmakers said, because constituents hate the word "tax."
Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2025
Lawmakers Consider Charging Fee For Mountain Biking On Wyoming State Trails
Wyoming might start charging bicyclists to use state trails. Riders and mountain biking advocates said they might support a fee as long as the money goes back into trail building and maintenance.
Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2025
No Matter Whether It’s Legal Or Not, Hunters Likely To Corner-Cross Anyway
Regardless of all the hype and controversy around corner-crossing, hunters say it doesn’t really matter. No matter what the U.S. Supreme Court or Wyoming Legislature decide on the issue, they’ll probably do it anyway.
Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2025
Wyoming Is First State To Launch Its Own Digital Currency — Frontier Stable Token
Wyoming became the first state in the nation Tuesday to launch its own digital currency. It’s a huge deal, an expert says about the Frontier Stable Token, which is backed by the U.S. dollar and short-term U.S. Treasury bills.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 19, 2025
Wyoming Highway Patrol Backs State Bill To Ban Non-English Speaking Truckers
The Wyoming Highway Patrol on Tuesday said it supports legislation to enforce English-language requirements of truckers. During testimony, a trooper referenced a high-profile crash in Florida where an illegal truck driver killed three people last week.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Bracing For Battle Over Trump’s D.C. Police Takeover
Wyoming’s congressional delegation is behind President Trump’s takeover of the Washington, D.C., police, which Congress must vote on to extend it beyond 30 days. Sen. John Barrasso said Democrats would rather “coddle criminals” than prosecute them.
Sean BarryAugust 18, 2025
Lummis, Neiman Back Pardon Effort For 65-Year-Old Mechanic EPA Put In Prison
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman support a pardon for a mechanic in prison for deleting emissions systems from diesel engines. Troy Lake's family seeks a presidential pardon, saying the Biden administration was over-zealous prosecuting him.
Clair McFarlandAugust 16, 2025
Committee Tables Bill That Would Fine Libraries $50,000 When Kids Access Sex Books
A bill that would create penalties for when kids access sex books and obscene materials in school or public libraries was tabled this week by a Wyoming legislative committee. Among the penalties is $50,000 for each time a kid accesses explicit materials.
Clair McFarlandAugust 15, 2025
Despite Being Booted From Committee Agenda, Columnist Gets Half-Hour Testimony
Despite a lawmaker removing him from a legislative meeting’s official schedule over his controversial column, former Wyoming House Speaker Tom Lubnau was allowed to testify Thursday — for 28 minutes.
Clair McFarlandAugust 15, 2025
Wyoming Weighs Bill To Give Abandoned Mineral Rights Back To Landowners
Lawmakers are proposing to let landowners reclaim long-abandoned mineral estates, resolving tangled ownership dating to the homesteading era and protecting the rights of property owners.
David MadisonAugust 14, 2025
Committee Says Bill That Targets Child 'Grooming' In Wyoming Needs More Work
Wyoming lawmakers tabled a bill Wednesday that could impose harsher prison sentences for grooming kids than for molesting kids, in some cases. Judiciary Committee members decided to revisit the proposal at their October meeting.
Clair McFarlandAugust 14, 2025
Former House Speaker Booted From Committee Schedule Over Column
A Wyoming legislative committee chair booted former House speaker and public records expert Tom Lubnau from a committee agenda, citing Lubnau's confrontational political columns and concerns over maintaining decorum.
Clair McFarlandAugust 13, 2025
Wyoming’s Delegation Rallies Behind Trump’s Decision to Mobilize Troops in D.C.
Wyoming’s all-Republican delegation said Trump’s decision to federalize the nation’s capital is a smart approach to crime. “President Trump has made it clear that lawlessness and chaos will not be tolerated in our nation's capital or in any American city,” Hageman said.
Jackson WalkerAugust 12, 2025
Wyoming Timber Industry Set For Huge Comeback, More Sawmills Needed, Officials Say
Long-term success of expanding the Wyoming timber industry hinges on building back the “local timber industry,” instead of trucking logs to mills in other states, Bighorn National Forest Supervisor Andrew Johnson told a legislative committee on Tuesday.
Mark HeinzAugust 12, 2025
Wyoming Lawmakers Scrap Plan To Have Senate Confirm State Justices
A proposed change to the Wyoming Constitution that would make state Supreme Court nominees clear senate confirmation died Tuesday – after numerous attorneys brought fierce debate to the Judiciary Committee.
Clair McFarlandAugust 12, 2025
Barlow Says If GOP Primary For Wyoming Governor Gets Ugly, It Won’t Come From Him
Even the opening prayer at state Sen. Eric Barlow’s announcement for governor cautioned it could be an ugly campaign. But Barlow said if it gets ugly it's not going to come from him and he won’t get caught up in smear and misinformation campaigns.
Greg JohnsonAugust 12, 2025
Wyoming State Senator Eric Barlow Announces Run For Governor
Campbell County Republican Eric Barlow on Tuesday announced he’s running for governor in 2026. The state senator and former Wyoming House speaker says he was motivated to preserve the state’s independent spirit and to “keep Washington, D.C., out of Wyoming’s business.”
Greg JohnsonAugust 12, 2025
Rock Springs Councilman Cries Foul Over Contract For Wife Of Another Councilman
The nuclear industry debate has reached the city of Rock Springs, which just hired a contractor to educate the public about it. That the wife of a city councilman got that contract has another councilman crying foul, but the mayor says she's qualified.
Clair McFarlandAugust 12, 2025
Darin Smith Sworn In As Interim U.S. Attorney For Wyoming
Darin Smith was sworn in Monday as interim U.S. Attorney, leaving his state Senate seat vacant. State Republican Party precinct committee people in his region have 15 days to send three nominees to the Platte and Laramie County commissions.
Clair McFarlandAugust 11, 2025
Natrona County Bans Big Trucks On 26 Roads Amid Gravel Mine Controversy
Natrona County commissioners aren’t done taking action that could impact a controversial gravel mining operation proposed for the base of Casper Mountain. This week, they voted to ban heavy trucks on 26 roads, including one near the disputed mine.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 08, 2025
Greybull City Administrator Resigns From $210K Remote Second Job In Connecticut
The city administrator for Greybull was also working remotely for a city in Connecticut as its chief financial officer. She quit that $210,000 per year position last week after town officials there learned she was also working in Wyoming. Greybull’s mayor says the town knew about the other job and was fine with it.
Renée JeanAugust 08, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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.”
Matthew ChristianJuly 07, 2025
Lummis: Wyoming Wins Big With Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill
Amidst a huge ceremony at the White House, complete with a soaring B-2 bomber overhead, President Trump signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law on Friday. U.S. Cynthia Lummis says the bill is a huge win for Wyoming.
Sean BarryJuly 04, 2025
Full Speed Ahead: Trump Kills Biden Rule Limiting How Fast Trucks Can Go
Wyoming truckers are cheering a new Trump administration rule reversing a Biden-era agenda that would have put speed limiting devices — called governors — on semitrucks. Truckers say the Biden rule would have been a safety hazard.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025