Government & Politics
News
Wyoming Legislator Says He’ll Push Anti-Dark Money Measure After Committee Doesn’t
A Wyoming Legislative committee declined Thursday to draft a letter to Congress urging a constitutional amendment to ban dark money in politics. “It’s something we need to look at closely,” said Sen. Ed Cooper, who promised to push the issue.
Clair McFarlandOctober 17, 2026
Midwest School On Cut List, Was First In Country To Have Night Football Under Lights
Midwest became the first spot in the nation to play high school football under lights in 1925. Now grades 6-12 are on the cut list in the Natrona County School District. “This is a town killer,” the mayor of Midwest said.
Kate MeadowsOctober 16, 2026
Prop 1 Supporters Blast Fire Dept's Cancellation Of Trunk Or Treat As 'Propaganda'
After the Laramie County Fire Authority said they were cancelling its trunk-or-treat due to property tax cuts, supporters of Prop 1 mocked the post as "propaganda" and said it is a political stunt "to tacitly shame people into not voting for a tax cut."
Clair McFarlandOctober 16, 2026
With No Chuck Gray At U.S. House Debate, Opponents Offer Anyone-But-Chuck Strategies
Three of four candidates for Wyoming’s lone U.S. House seat fielded questions Thursday evening at a Wyoming Public Television debate — without Republican nominee Chuck Gray. Minus Gray, two of the other candidates offered anyone-but-Chuck strategies for voters.
Clair McFarlandOctober 16, 2026
Better Wyoming PAC Attack Mailers Targeting Republicans Hit This Week
A Wyoming political action committee (PAC) launched attack mailers this week against some Republicans running for two of the rare purple seats in the state Legislature. “It’s almost to a point where it’s close to libel,” said one candidate targeted.
Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2026
Wyoming Highway Patrol Investigating "Threatening" Letter To Elections Office
The Wyoming Highway Patrol and federal agencies are investigating a "threatening" letter discovered at the Capitol on Thursday morning, targeting the Secretary of State's office. Election offices in at least five other states were also targeted this week.
Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2026
At Wyoming Gov. Debate, Bextel Bashes Barlow Almost The Whole Time
Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel took every chance to bash Republican Eric Barlow, calling him a “swamp creature” and a “Democrat” during Wednesday’s PBS Wyoming governor’s debate in Riverton.
Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2026
If Proposition 1 Passes, Teton County Residents Will Benefit The Most
Teton County residents will benefit the most if Prop. 1, the 50% residential property tax cut ballot initiative, passes, data shows. Residents would save nearly 25% of projected statewide savings. "This is a dream for Teton County," Sen. Cale Case said.
Clair McFarlandOctober 14, 2026
Embattled Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell Resigns
The Wyoming Business Council accepted the resignation of CEO Josh Dorrell on Wednesday. Challenges and controversies flanked Dorrell's tenure, from the state routing COVID relief funds through the agency, to lawmakers trying to eliminate it.
Clair McFarlandOctober 14, 2026
Former GOP Chair Eathorne Endorses Constitution Candidate Bextel For Governor
Former Wyoming GOP Chairman Frank Eathorne has endorsed Rebecca Bextel, the Constitution Party candidate, in the race for governor. Eathorne’s endorsement is “quite a turn for the man who preached ‘ride for the brand,’” said a former state GOP delegate.
Clair McFarlandOctober 13, 2026
Ag Teacher Wins Wyoming's 'Teacher Of The Year' — Shows City Kids How To Farm
The Wyoming Department of Education announced Sunday its 2027 Teacher of the Year is an agriculture instructor who teaches kids at Cheyenne South High School how to farm. It's fun to teach city kids to farm, he said, because it's completely new to them.
Clair McFarlandOctober 12, 2026
Gillette Haunted House Scrambling To Stay Open After Neighbors Complain
A family-run haunted house in Gillette is facing closure after neighbors complained about building materials and props remaining on the family’s property year-round. Kyla Colburn, who runs the haunted house, has collected 1,366 signatures to keep it open.
Clair McFarlandOctober 12, 2026
ATF Rolls Back Restrictions On Silencers, Short-Barreled Shotguns And Rifles
The ATF said Friday it won't enforce the National Firearms Act on suppressors and short-barreled rifles and shotguns, though background checks still apply. "It’s one of the biggest victories against federal gun control in American history," said a gun advocate.
Clair McFarlandOctober 10, 2026
Many Wyoming Prosecutors Reluctant To Prosecute Bar Owners Over Shake-A-Day
Yes, shake-a-day is technically illegal gambling in Wyoming. But many prosecutors told Cowboy State Daily on Friday they're reluctant to prosecute anyone for it. That is "going to be very, very low on my priority list," said the Uinta County Attorney.
Clair McFarlandOctober 09, 2026
Sweetwater County School District Turmoil Continues With Walkout Of CFO, 3 Others
The CFO and three others in Sweetwater County School District No. 1's accounting office have left or taken leave. It's the latest turmoil for the district that includes recently putting the superintendent on administrative leave.
Kate MeadowsOctober 09, 2026
Rec Board Asks Fremont County To Donate Alfalfa Field For $30 Million Rec Center
The Fremont County Commission is weighing whether it can donate 30 acres of a Riverton alfalfa field to a group that wants to build a $30 million sports complex on a rural road. The town's growth has been immense, with a second hospital, and Amazon facility.
Clair McFarlandOctober 08, 2026
Wyoming Lawmakers Push For A Near Ban On Parents Giving Alcohol To Their Children
Because of youth alcohol abuse in Fremont County, some local lawmakers are pushing for a statewide near total ban on parents giving alcohol to their children. In Wyoming, it's currently legal for immediate family members to give alcohol to their kids.
Clair McFarlandOctober 08, 2026
Wyoming Border Patrol’s Sheriff Buford ‘Endorses’ First Political Candidate
Wyoming Border Patrol, a clothing store that makes comedy videos about meandering Coloradans, has entered the political arena with Sheriff Buford "endorsing" a candidate. “I put his campaign priorities through the official Buford test,” says the ad.
Clair McFarlandOctober 07, 2026
Sublette County Spending Millions From Financial Reserves To Pay The Bills
Once flush with oil and gas revenue, Sublette County is spending millions from its reserves to cover everyday expenses. With mineral revenues down and costs rising, officials are grappling with how long the county can keep spending at its current pace.
Kate MeadowsOctober 07, 2026
Casper City Council OKs $58,000 For AI That Analyzes Police Body-Cam Video
Casper City Council approved $58,000 Tuesday for AI software for police that, among other things, can analyze body-cam video and flag interactions for review. “Our goal is not to replace the judgment or experience of our people,” said the police chief.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 07, 2026
Wyoming Bars Shutting Down Shake-A-Days And Football Pools After New Law
Many Wyoming bar owners are shutting down their shake-a-days and football pools because of a new law tightening gambling restrictions. One bar owner said lawmakers have “tilted the favor completely to casinos,” and leave little bars struggling to compete.
Clair McFarlandOctober 07, 2026
"Victory For Everyday People": After Six Years, Teton County OKs Affordable Housing
After six years of permitting wars, the Teton County Commission on Tuesday approved an affordable housing project on private land. “This is a victory for snowplow drivers, teachers, mechanics, janitors, and everyday people,” one proponent said.
Clair McFarlandOctober 06, 2026
Former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan Endorses Lisa Kinney For U.S. House
Former Gov. Mike Sullivan endorsed Democrat Lisa Kinney for U.S. House on Tuesday. “It's important Wyoming have somebody dedicated to public service, who works well with people and has proven their leadership like Lisa has, and Chuck hasn’t," he said.
Clair McFarlandOctober 06, 2026
Trump Endorses 'True Friend Of MAGA' Chuck Gray For Wyoming's U.S. House Seat
President Trump endorsed Chuck Gray for U.S. House on Tuesday, describing him as "an America First Patriot and a true friend of MAGA." Trump said Gray, who won the GOP nomination with about 25% of the vote, has been a "tremendous Secretary of State."
Clair McFarlandOctober 06, 2026