Government & Politics
News
Wyoming Senate, House Choose Teams To Hash Out $170 Million Budget Gap
Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman on Wednesday announced the appointment of the five senators to send to smooth out $170 million in budget differences between the Senate and the state House of Representatives. The House picked its members Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026
PRCA Bill Stumbles, But $15M From State For Move To Cheyenne Not Dead
A House committee gave a surprise “no” vote Wednesday for $15 million to move the PRCA headquarters to Cheyenne. But the money for the move isn’t dead, supporters say.
Renée JeanFebruary 26, 2026
Controversial Gun Rights Bill Passes Committee, Cops Still Don’t Like It
A Wyoming Senate committee on Wednesday forwarded a gun rights bill to the House floor. While tweaked, law enforcement officers still don’t like it, claiming it could allow criminals to sue them over technicalities.
Mark HeinzFebruary 26, 2026
Wyoming Lawmakers Bet Big On $87 Million Veterans Home Remodel
Wyoming lawmakers approved an $87 million remodel of the Veterans Home in Buffalo after years of delay and rising estimates. Supporters argued action can’t wait, while skeptics warned the state’s construction spending is “adding up.”
David MadisonFebruary 26, 2026
Massive Turnout As Bill To Purge Sex Books From Kids' Library Sections Heads To Senate
In a passionate debate held Wednesday over a bill that would let people sue libraries for keeping sexually explicit books in the children's section, some argued the Bible could spark lawsuits. “We have a lawsuit hanging over our head,” said Rep. Crago.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
Senate Committee Forwards Firefighting Bills Over Fear Of Brutal Fire Season
A lone monitoring station on the Laramie Range is reading just 3% of its normal snowpack. That's a number that explains why, 40 miles down the road in Cheyenne, lawmakers were advancing legislation to put more firefighters in the field before fire season.
David MadisonFebruary 25, 2026
Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Version Of “Tim Tebow Law” For Homeschool Athletes
Wyoming lawmakers on Wednesday advanced a bill expanding homeschoolers’ access to public school activities from grades 6-12 to all K-12. The move mirrors “Tim Tebow Laws” in other states allowing equal participation for homeschooled athletes.
David MadisonFebruary 25, 2026
Governor Won't Push To Oust Platte County Commissioners
Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday said will not be waging a civil case to remove three Platte County Commissioners from office, despite citizens’ complaints. He said many claims were speculative and voters have the power to make changes in the primary.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
Wyoming Diesel Delete Mechanic Pardoned By Trump Goes To State Of The Union
One year ago, Troy Lake was in federal prison for "deleting" emissions systems on ailing diesel engines. On Tuesday, he attended President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
‘What A Difference A Year Makes’: Delegation Praises Trump’s State Of The Union
Wyoming’s congressional delegation praised President Trump’s Tuesday State of the Union address, with Sen. John Barrasso comparing his first year to Biden’s time in office: “What a difference a year makes.” State Democrats say that year has been disastrous.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 25, 2026
Gordon Says House Made 'Cuts In Name Only,' But Budget's Looking OK
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon told reporters Tuesday he’s optimistic about the budget, though the House made some “cuts in name only.” House Appropriations Chair John Bear disagreed and cited bleak projections.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026
So Far, The Wyoming Business Council Remains Alive
After a Senate bill to reform the Wyoming Business Council stalled on Tuesday, the agency continues to remain alive in both chambers. "The question is, how much money will they have," Sen. Chris Rothfuss told Cowboy State Daily.
David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026
Committee Passes $3 Million Forest Health Bill Program To Help Reduce Wildfire Risk
Sen. Larry Hicks on Tuesday argued that now is the time to pass a $3 million forest health bill because the Trump administration has created favorable conditions that haven’t existed in his three decades working in forestry and natural resources.
David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026
Cheyenne Forced Annexation Fight Over Farm Heats Up Ahead Of Final Vote
Things got heated at the Cheyenne city council meeting Monday over whether the city would annex a popular farm business. When the owner didn't accept being called out of order, the mayor said, "You can sit down and you cannot accept it. I don’t care.”
Kate MeadowsFebruary 24, 2026
House, Senate To Negotiate $170 Million In Budget Differences
The Wyoming House of Representatives on Monday handed the Senate a two-year budget draft totaling $9.96 billion, while the Senate sent the House a $10.13 billion draft budget of its own; a difference of $170 million.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026
‘Checkgate' Bill To Eliminate Teton Housing Rules Clears Wyoming House
The Wyoming House passed a bill Monday to kill Jackson and Teton County affordable housing policies. It’s the bill pushed by conservative activist Rebecca Bextel, who’s at the center of legislative probes for handing out checks on the House floor.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026
Gray’s Election Bill Dies Amid Clash Over Accountability, ‘Personality Conflicts'
Sec. Chuck Gray told a Senate committee that a 15-month pursuit of a county clerk proved the system was broken. Sen. Cale Case said the bill was feeding a political dispute between the state's top officials and called the animosity “very disappointing.”
David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026
University Of Wyoming Pushes Back On Budget Cuts: "No Cuts Are Appropriate, Period"
The University of Wyoming on Monday said it disagrees with a House budget tweak that lawmakers framed as an 'Art-of-the-Deal' negotiation. “The university continues to oppose any cut. UW is adamant: No cuts are appropriate, period," said a spokesman.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026
“I Want My Husband To Quit”: Highway Patrol Families Say Low Pay Creating Crisis
Wyoming troopers and their families say low pay, lost overtime and short staffing are driving burnout and resignations. The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association's first-ever social media blitz — run by a 25-year veteran who doesn't use Facebook — has gone viral.
David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026
Wyoming House Rejects Attempt To Make Abortion Ban 'Viability' Instead Of ‘Hearbeat'
A bill to ban abortions in Wyoming after the point at which a heartbeat can be heard remains unchanged after lawmakers tried to tweak it Monday. Rep. Mike Yin said he believes the judicial branch will halt the ban if it passes, and abortion will remain legal.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026
House Approves Raises For Wyoming State Employees
On Saturday evening a Wyoming Republican representative from Casper and a Democratic representative from Laramie found a way to get House approval for giving state employees raises. The move is not final but it stands a chance.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 22, 2026
"I Forgot To Eat My Wheaties!”: Rep. Dalton Banks Collapses On House Floor
After a week of late nights, early mornings, and marathon debates on how Wyoming should spend money for the next two years, two state representatives had medical events on the House floor this week, including Rep. Dalton Banks, who collapsed on Saturday.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026
Former UW Lineman-Turned-Legislator Says Keep NIL Money Out Of High School Sports
As 41 states open their doors to NIL deals for high school athletes, Wyoming lawmakers backed by Sen. Gary Crum, a former UW lineman, are moving against it. But money is already available for teen sports stars — right next door in Colorado.
David MadisonFebruary 21, 2026
When Wyoming’s Governor Ruled Cloud 9, Cheyenne's One-Of-A-Kind Airport Bar
Cloud 9 was Cheyenne’s off-duty political clubhouse where Gov. Ed Herschler drank, smoked and mingled with everyone from hunters to Supreme Court justices. Its boozy camaraderie and unbuttoned attitude evoke a looser golden age of Wyoming politics.
Zakary SonntagFebruary 21, 2026