Government & Politics

Cheyenne-area state Rep. John Eklund died early Friday morning, multiple state lawmakers have confirmed to Cowboy State Daily. Eklund, 74, had been battling cancer for years, his wife Suzi confirmed Friday.

John Eklund, Longtime Wyoming Lawmaker And Rancher, Dies At 74

State Rep. John Eklund, a longtime Wyoming lawmaker, rancher and family man, died Friday at 74 after battling cancer. Colleagues praised his integrity, love of agriculture and deep commitment to his community.

Clair McFarlandNovember 14, 2025

Wyoming Supreme Court Pauses Judge's Order For More School Counselors, Computers

The Wyoming Supreme Court on Wednesday paused a judge’s order requiring school upgrades like more computers and school counselors, and better teacher pay. The pause gives lawmakers more leeway in the 2026 budget session.

Clair McFarlandNovember 14, 2025

Burns Locks Up Compost Site, Claims Cheyenne Businesses Dump To Avoid Fees

The town of Burns has locked up its compost dump site after an influx of what it claims are Cheyenne businesses dumping there to avoid paying their local fees. It’s still free for town residents, but now they have to get the key from the town hall.

Jackson WalkerNovember 14, 2025

An oil rig on Bureau of Land Management land in Converse County, Wyoming.

Wyoming Senators, Energy Insiders Say Biden-Era Public Lands Rule Must Go

Wyoming’s U.S. Senators are stumping for the BLM’s Biden-era Public Lands Rule to be rescinded. Some Wyoming energy industry insiders say it’s the right thing to do.

Mark HeinzNovember 13, 2025

Senate Bill Could Pay Out Millions To Lummis, Others Targeted By FBI Spying

A new Senate amendment could let lawmakers win big payouts over FBI spying tied to Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 probe. Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis said she didn’t write the measure and hasn’t decided if she’ll seek damages.

Sean BarryNovember 12, 2025

Veterans’ Path Of Honor Memorial Fulfills 75-Year Dream At Fort Washakie

After 75 years of planning, Wind River Reservation veterans finally built the Veterans' Path of Honor Memorial in Fort Washakie. The site continues to grow as new names and stories are added representing all who served.

Jackie DorothyNovember 12, 2025

Homeless camp near Carey Avenue, West 3rd Street and Deming Drive along Crow Creek in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in this file photo.

Cheyenne City Council Considers $750 Fine For Sleeping In The Streets

The Cheyenne City Council is weighing an amendment that would increase the fine for sleeping in city streets by 15 times, from $50 to $750. Some members say they find the proposal cruel and ineffective.

Jackson WalkerNovember 11, 2025

"Ol' 115," a streetcar that ran through Sheridan in the 1920s, made its final trip through town to the Sheridan Community Land Trust's headquarters. The historic streetcar will be restored and used an outdoor educational display.

Sheridan's Last Streetcar Make Final Run Through Town To Its First Permanent Home

"Ol' 115," a streetcar that ran through Sheridan in the 1920s, made its final trip through town to the Sheridan Community Land Trust's headquarters Friday. The historic streetcar will be restored and used an outdoor educational display.

Andrew RossiNovember 10, 2025

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was criticized by both the left and the right in the wake of Sunday’s tentative deal to end the shutdown. “The Dems were never going to win this, and they knew it,” said former Trump spokesman Sean Spicer.

Pundits Say Schumer, Dems Losers in Shutdown Showdown

Chuck Schumer was criticized by both the left and the right Monday in the wake of the tentative deal to end the shutdown. Former operatives for each party said Schumer was foolish to usher Democrats into the shutdown because he had no viable strategy.

Sean BarryNovember 10, 2025

Cheyenne City Council is weighing changes to its “no soliciting” ordinance to bolster the city’s rules against unwelcome door-to-door soliciting in the wake of an aggressive sales push by roofing companies this past summer.

Fed Up With Aggressive Salesmen, Cheyenne Eyes Harsher 'No Soliciting’ Rules

After baseball-sized hail caused widespread damage throughout Cheyenne in August, some roofers disregarded “no soliciting” signs to the irritation of homeowners. City council members on Monday said the backlash was so fierce, it warrants a municipal response.

Jackson WalkerNovember 10, 2025

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) walks from his office to a Republican conference meeting on Capitol Hill on November 9, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Senate convened for a rare Sunday session in an attempt to end the government shutdown.

Eight Senate Democrats Defect And Vote For Shutdown Deal

The U.S. Senate voted Sunday by the slimmest of margins to end the government shutdown. Sixty votes were needed to overcome the filibuster in the Senate and the bill got the bare minimum when eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans on the vote.

Sean BarryNovember 10, 2025

Folks in Lander love to create their own "Godzilla" to-go drinks, but it's fading in popularity as locals debate stricter liquor laws. City officials weigh a new demerit system to crack down on problem bars while others push for enforcing current rules.

"Godzilla" Drinks Live On As Lander Eyes Crackdown On Problem Bars

Folks in Lander love to create their own "Godzilla" drinks, which can comprise anything you want and it's made to-go, but it's fading in popularity as locals debate stricter liquor laws. City officials are weighing a new demerit system to crack down on problem bars.

David MadisonNovember 09, 2025

In 1988, Wyoming reluctantly raised its drinking age to 21 to avoid losing federal highway money, becoming the last state to do wo. The change ended years of defiance and a “bloody border” reputation that drew young drinkers from neighboring states. Above, the Buckhorn Bar in Laramie is packed on weekends when the University of Wyoming is in session.

Last Call: The Night Wyoming Became The Last State To Raise Drinking Age To 21

In 1988, Wyoming reluctantly raised its drinking age to 21 to avoid losing federal highway money, becoming the last state to do so. The change ended years of defiance and a “bloody border” reputation that drew young drinkers from neighboring states.

Scott SchwebkeNovember 09, 2025

When He Went Out To Eat, Dick Cheney Was A ‘Meat-and-Potatoes Type of Guy’

Dick Cheney was a familiar face at the Snake River Grill in Jackson over the years. Katie Cooper, managing partner of the restaurant said he'd sit at Table 10 and always order a New York strip steak and potatoes.

Anna-Louise JacksonNovember 09, 2025

Natalie Lombard, a veterinary surgical tech at Colorado State University, decided to bring Perrier aka Perry home after the horse donated his stem cells for use in regenerative therapies.

From Failed Racehorse To Medical Pioneer: How Perrier Found His Calling Saving Other Horses

A gifted thoroughbred named Perrier didn't make it as a racehorse but his stem cells were donated to Wyoming researchers. What they did with them has produced a breakthrough "holy grail" cure for injured horses.

David MadisonNovember 08, 2025

Trump Pardons Cheyenne Diesel Delete Mechanic Troy Lake

President Donald Trump pardoned Troy Lake on Friday. The 65-year-old Wyoming diesel mechanic spent seven months in federal prison for tweaking and removing emissions systems on ailing engines. When he got the news, he wept.

Clair McFarlandNovember 08, 2025

Former Cody High School Parent Claims Teacher Was 'Creepy' With Daughter

The parent of a former Cody High School student said a teacher was "creepy" with her. The teacher says this and other claims against him are exaggerated. He had called for his own misconduct hearing to be public rather than in executive session.

Jackson WalkerNovember 07, 2025

Barrasso Honors Cheney Despite Complex History, Silence From Trump

Though a lightning rod for controversy, Dick Cheney was for years a celebrated Wyomingite. Sen. John Barrasso lauded the man's legacy Thursday, while Wyoming's other delegates and the president were measured about Cheney's death.

Jackson WalkerNovember 07, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to Senate Republicans at a breakfast in the State Dining Room of the White House on Nov. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. President Trump wants Senate Republicans to scrap the 60-vote threshold to end the government shutdown and move other legislation without Democrats’ support. Wyoming’s U.S. senators oppose the idea, saying Democrats would retaliate down the road.

Barrasso, Lummis Oppose Bypassing Dems With ‘Nuclear Option’ To End Shutdown

President Trump wants Senate Republicans to scrap the 60-vote threshold to end the government shutdown and move other legislation without Democrats’ support. Wyoming’s U.S. senators oppose the idea, saying Democrats would retaliate down the road.

Sean BarryNovember 07, 2025

Projected WYDOT Deficit Reaches $600M With No Solution In Sight

Wyoming Department of Transportation's director says the previously reported $400 million deficit in the department is closer to $600 million now. Lawmakers say solving the problem is no easy feat.

Jackson WalkerNovember 06, 2025

Uinta County Voters Defeat $40.6 Million Tax Project By More Than 2-To-1 Margin

Uinta County voters don’t want to pay an additional 1% tax for a new swimming pool and other projects totaling about $40.6 million. They voted more than 2-to-1 against the controversial proposal.

Clair McFarlandNovember 06, 2025

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Membership Survey: 31 House Reps Say They're Not Members

Through past reporting and a slew of point-blank inquiries this week, Cowboy State Daily has determined that half of the Wyoming House of Representatives, which has 62 members, are not Freedom Caucus members or say they're not Freedom Caucus members.

Clair McFarland & Jackson WalkerNovember 06, 2025

Delegation Applauds Trump’s Pick Of Steve Pearce To Head BLM

Members of Wyoming’s delegation applauded President Trump’s Wednesday pick of New Mexico's Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management as a "major win for Wyoming."

Sean BarryNovember 06, 2025

Rebuilding Wyoming’s Stretch Of Interstate 80 Would Cost More Than $1 Billion

While Wyoming’s stretch of Interstate 80 is currently in good shape, maintenance is key. Otherwise, it would cost $2.6 million per mile to rebuild, or more than $1 billion dollars total. That doesn’t include costs associated with passing lanes, ramps, and bridges.