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Wyoming Attorney General James “Jim” Barrett was flying to a conference in Riverton in 1969 when his pilot died mid-flight. Not a pilot himself, Barrett had to take the controls. He buzzed Rawlins at 230 mph, crash-landed the plane and survived.

When His Pilot Died Mid-Flight, Wyoming Attorney General Had To Take The Controls

Wyoming Attorney General James “Jim” Barrett was flying to a conference in Riverton in 1969 when his pilot died mid-flight. Not a pilot himself, Barrett had to take the controls. He buzzed Rawlins at 230 mph, crash-landed the plane and survived.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 04, 2025

At Thunder Basin High School in Gillette, the youngest high school in Wyoming deliberately fires up school spirit to kick off homecoming week.

Wyoming Homecoming: Building Traditions At One Of State's Newest High Schools

Thunder Basin High School hasn't even welcomed back a class for its 10-year reunion yet. But one of the state's newest high schools is deliberately crafting rituals and traditions meant to last generations, including lighting its logo on fire for homecoming.

David MadisonOctober 04, 2025

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day is spending nine days in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the ultimate weather authority for the 2025 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. With more than 600 balloons, it's the largest event of its kind in the world.

World’s Largest Hot-Air Balloon Fest Relies On Don Day’s Weather Forecasts

Wyoming meteorologist Don Day's official title for the next nine days is "chief of weather" at the annual balloon festival in Albuquerque, the largest in the world. Although he claims he can't control the weather, he is responsible for briefing the 600+ pilots on weather conditions.

Andrew RossiOctober 04, 2025

Music has been Mandie Asay's life and her instrument an angelic voice. She's spent 20 years sharing a passion for music with her Cowley, Wyoming, students. Recently near death with a tube in her throat, Mandie had one question: "Can I sing?"

Near Death, Beloved Cowley Music Teacher Has One Question: 'Can I Sing?'

Music has been Mandie Asay's life and her instrument is her voice. She's spent 20 years sharing a passion for music with her Cowley, Wyoming, students. Recently, near death with a tube in her throat, Mandie had one question: "Can I sing?"

Dale KillingbeckOctober 04, 2025

Three days into a federal government shutdown, Republicans and Democrats seem far from any deals to end it. Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman on Friday blasted Democrats for $1.5 trillion “blackmail” that’s keeping government from reopening.

No Deals As Hageman Blasts $1.5 Trillion 'Blackmail' By Democrats In Shutdown

Three days into a federal government shutdown, Republicans and Democrats seem far from any deals to end it. Wyoming’s Harriet Hageman on Friday blasted Democrats for $1.5 trillion “blackmail” that’s keeping government from reopening.

Sean BarryOctober 04, 2025

A botched part of the 2024 election in Weston County has amplified calls in Wyoming to ditch voting machines in favor of hand counting. If it happens, there are hurdles to clear, like what happens when no one shows up to count.

Will Wyoming Revert To Hand Counting Votes in Elections? Maybe, But Hurdles Remain

A botched part of the 2024 election in Weston County has amplified calls in Wyoming to ditch voting machines in favor of hand counting. If it happens, there are hurdles to clear, like what happens when no one shows up to count.

Steve BohnelOctober 03, 2025

Laramie County Commissioner Linda Heath, left, also is an elected Republican Party precinct committeewoman. Dallas Tyrrell, right, is a committeeman and former chair of the Laramie County GOP.

Scheduling Conflict Blows Up Simmering Feud Between Laramie County Republicans

A simmering fued within the Laramie County Republican Party blew up Friday with prominent members exchanging accusations of bullying and hypocrisy. The tipping point was a scheduling conflict between conservative-led fundraisers.

Jackson WalkerOctober 03, 2025

House Speaker Chip Neiman, right, and Rep. J.D. Williams come from different wings of the Wyoming’s Republican Party, but a county advocacy group honored them this week as legislators of the year for 2025.

Wyoming Counties Honor Republicans Neiman, Williams As State’s Legislators Of The Year

House Speaker Chip Neiman and Rep. J.D. Williams come from different wings of the Wyoming’s Republican Party, but a county advocacy group honored them this week as legislators of the year for 2025.

Steve BohnelOctober 03, 2025

Amy Edmonds, a former state representative serving Cheyenne and past advisor for former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, has been tapped to serve as Gov. Mark Gordon’s communications director. She starts Monday.

Gordon Hires Former Legislator And Cheney Advisor As Spokeswoman

Amy Edmonds, a former state representative serving Cheyenne and past advisor for former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, has been tapped to serve as Gov. Mark Gordon’s communications director. She starts Monday.

Steve BohnelOctober 03, 2025

Heather Wayment, 46, gets a ride on the back of a motorcycle to meadow big enough to land a rescue helicopter in the remote mountains of central Idaho on Sept. 18. After missing for two days in the wilderness, she was found by some mountain bikers who gave her food and water and sat with her until help arrived.

Backcountry Bikers Rescue Exhausted, Nearly Naked Hiker Lost In Idaho Wilderness

A woman who was lost for three days, without shoes, in the remote mountains of central Idaho was rescued by three mountain bikers who just happened to find her. The woman was nearly naked because she wrapped her clothes around her feet to walk.

Mark HeinzOctober 03, 2025

Starting in 2026, the new 25% property tax cut is no longer automatic. People hoping to benefit must sign up by Feb. 2 and attest they live in their homes eight months of the year. This also means the most ardent opponents don't have to sign up for it. 

Freedom Caucus Reminds Everyone That Sign-Up Required To Get 25% Tax Cut

Starting in 2026, the new 25% property tax cut is no longer automatic. People hoping to benefit must sign up by Feb. 2 and attest they live in their homes eight months of the year. This also means the most ardent opponents don't have to sign up for it. 

Jackson WalkerOctober 03, 2025

Land set aside for non-motorized use is being sought for a gravel mining operation at the base of Casper Mountain. Residents adjacent to the mine are raising opposition.

Leases For Controversial Casper Gravel Pit Shot Down Again By State Land Board

An effort to keep alive a controversial gravel mine proposal for state land near the base of Casper Mountain was shot down again Thursday by the Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners, 3-2. It's the second time the leases have been denied.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 02, 2025

The Bureau of Land Management’s controversial plan for managing millions of acres in southwest Wyoming is again open for public comment. A Wyoming legislator said he’s confident that federal officials will get it right this time.

Here We Go Again: Controversial BLM Rock Springs Plan Reopened For Public Comment

The Bureau of Land Management’s controversial plan for managing millions of acres in southwest Wyoming is again open for public comment. A Wyoming legislator said he’s confident that federal officials will get it right this time.

Mark HeinzOctober 02, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray, right, and State Treasurer Curt Meier sparred over whether Wyoming needs wind power Thursday as the state land board considered renewing 50-year leases for two Carbon County wind farms. The board voted 3-2 for the leases.

Chuck Gray, Curt Meier Spar Over Renewing 50-Year Wind Leases In Carbon County

Secretary of State Chuck Gray and State Treasurer Curt Meier sparred over whether Wyoming needs wind power Thursday as the state land board considered renewing 50-year leases for two Carbon County wind farms. The board voted 3-2 for the leases.

Steve BohnelOctober 02, 2025

Laramie County Republicans are torn between two prominent events, both set for Oct. 17. One is a local memorial honoring Charlie Kirk, while another is the party's Red State Rendezvous to help raise money for the Laramie County GOP. Above left, a memorial rally for Kirk at the state Capitol on Sept. 13. At right is Tulsi Gabbard, the keynote speaker at the county party's Red State Summit in September 2024.

Kirk Memorial Or Party Fundraiser? Events On Same Night Split Cheyenne GOP

Laramie County Republicans are torn between two prominent events, both set for Oct. 17. One is a local memorial honoring Charlie Kirk, while another is the party's Red State Rendezvous to help raise money for the Laramie County GOP. 

Jackson WalkerOctober 02, 2025

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2025, wrote a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to pardon Wyoming diesel "delete" mechanic Troy Lake. Lake altered emissions systems in ailing diesel trucks, but his prison term is unfair, she says.

Lummis' Letter Urges Trump To Pardon Wyoming Diesel 'Delete' Mechanic

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis on Tuesday wrote a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to pardon Wyoming diesel "delete" mechanic Troy Lake. Lake altered emissions systems in ailing diesel trucks, but his prison term is unfair, she says.

Clair McFarlandOctober 02, 2025

President Trump posted memes mocking Democratic leaders on Wednesday that Republicans said were in jest. Some Democrats called them racist.

Wyoming Delegation Mum On Trump’s Sombrero Memes Mocking Dems

Wyoming’s congressional delegation declined to weigh in Wednesday on memes posted by President Donald Trump that mock top Democrats. Both memes feature House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York with a fake sombrero and handlebar mustache.

Sean BarryOctober 02, 2025

A University of Wyoming NIL partnership features a live cow and student-athletes in Dairy MAX ads in a crossover promotion that bridges the state's agricultural industry and sports marketing.

Live Cow, Student-Athletes Star In University Of Wyoming Dairy NIL Deal

A University of Wyoming NIL partnership features a live cow and student-athletes in Dairy MAX ads in a first-of-its-kind crossover promotion that bridges the state's agricultural industry and sports marketing.

Scott SchwebkeOctober 01, 2025

The Wyoming Libertarian Party and Americans for Prosperity Wyoming want school-choice opponents to reconsider, saying teachers can use the system to their advantage. The Wyoming Education Association says those claims don't change its stance that the state's program is unconstitutional. Tyler Lindholm, pictured, is the state director for Americans for Prosperity Wyoming.

Wyoming Libertarian Party Says School Choice Doesn't Have To Be 'MAGA'

The Wyoming Libertarian Party wants school-choice opponents to reconsider, saying teachers can use the system to their advantage. The Wyoming Education Association says those claims don't change its stance that the state's program is unconstitutional. 

Steve BohnelOctober 01, 2025

Wyoming’s members of Congress blame Democrats for not voting with Republicans to keep the government open. From the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. John Barrasso said a shutdown would be a result of the “idiocy” of Democrats.

Wyoming Delegation Pins Likely Federal Shutdown On ‘Idiocy’ Of Democrats

Wyoming’s members of Congress blame Democrats for not voting with Republicans to keep the government open. From the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. John Barrasso said a shutdown would be a result of the “idiocy” of Democrats.

Sean BarryOctober 01, 2025

The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is pushing for deeper property tax cuts after championing a 25% cut this year. Meanwhile, Sheridan County may drop its property tax deferral program because only two people have signed up in 10 years.

Sheridan County May Drop Tax Deferral That Only 2 Have Signed Up For In A Decade

The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is pushing for deeper property tax cuts after championing a 25% cut this year. Meanwhile, Sheridan County may drop its property tax deferral program because only two people have signed up in 10 years.

Jackson WalkerSeptember 30, 2025

Six Wyoming lawmakers attended the 50 States One Israel trip this month. From left, Sen. Dan Laursen, Rep. Daniel Singh, Sen. Stephan Pappas, Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, and Sen. Tim Salazar.

Wyoming Legislators Criticized For Israel Visit Say Trip Was Worth It

Six Republican state lawmakers were criticized by some for their visit to Israel this month, where they toured the ruins of the Hamas attack and spoke with officials. Those who went say they found many themes relevant to Wyoming.

Steve BohnelSeptember 30, 2025

While touting her work in returning $10.6 million to Wyoming residents through her negotiations between people and federal agencies, Rep. Harriet Hageman called out the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs for lacking transparency and efficiency.

While Touting Her Work With Feds, Hageman Calls Out Bureau Of Indian Affairs

While touting her work in returning $10.6 million to Wyoming residents through her negotiations between people and federal agencies, Rep. Harriet Hageman on Tuesday called out the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs for lacking transparency and efficiency.

Jackson WalkerSeptember 30, 2025

Sens. Bob Ide and Dan Laursen, and Reps. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams and Jayme Lien prepared for their subcommittee meeting on the Weston County Clerk’s botched 2024 election.

Weston County Clerk No-Shows Subpoena From Committee Investigating Her

The Weston County clerk accused of botching portions of the 2024 general election in northeast Wyoming and filing a false post-election audit did not show up Monday for a legislative subcommittee meeting for which she was subpoenaed. 

Clair McFarlandSeptember 29, 2025

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