A weekly news rundown sharing the local stories and happenings of Cheyenne and Laramie County. Tune in every Friday for new episodes.
Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected].
Potential impacts of Medicaid cuts on Wyoming Wyoming Hospital Association Vice President Josh Hannes dives into how a potential $880 billion cut to Medicaid program spending would impact hospitals, nursing homes and health insurance for Wyomingites. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., told reporter Hannah Shields earlier this week that "Medicaid reforms are unlikely to negatively impact" Wyoming. Other news outlets recently reported House Speaker Mike Johnson is ruling out major slashes to the $900 billion Medicaid program. This week on The Perch, Hannes spoke with the WTE's Hannah Shields about what to expect. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36502505
A Wyoming Vietnam veteran makes his first trip to Washington D.C. Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran Billy Fiorelli is making his way to Washington, D.C., next week with his husband, Paul, for the first time in their lives. The trip is completely paid for by Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of AARP, as part of AARP’s Voyage of Valor, which takes American veterans on trips to the nation's capital. Billy Fiorelli said it was important for him to make this trip now, because when he gets home, he’ll begin chemotherapy treatments to combat stage 3 cancer after doctors found tumors on his aorta and lymph nodes. He has previously beaten cancer three times. This week on The Perch, he spoke with the WTE's Taylor Staples about the upcoming trip. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36404255
Cheyenne chef Petrina Peart talks about competing on NBC's new cooking show Petrina Peart is a local chef and the executive chef at the Wyoming Governor’s Residence. She recently competed in the first season of the new NBC show "Yes, Chef!" as one 12 chefs selected to compete in the cooking show. The show is hosted by chefs Martha Stewart and José Andrés. Peart was born and raised in Jamaica, and didn’t get into cooking until she joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. This week on The Perch, she spoke with the WTE's Taylor Staples about her culinary journey and her experience on the show. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36301320
Cheyenne high school senior opens shop in Frontier MallKacee Lillie began selling shirts and earrings she designed when she was 14. Now 18 years old, she has opened a boutique in Frontier Mall in Cheyenne. This week on The Perch, Kacee shared how she got in the business, her concerns about tariffs from the Trump administration, and how she navigated her life as a high schooler starting and running a business. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36215510
Is the 15th Street Railcar Experience worth it for Cheyenne?Cheyenne City Council members Michelle Aldrich and Dr. Mark Rinne discuss the proposed 15th Street Railcar Experience. Aldrich is strongly opposed to the project, saying it is unrealistic and a waste of money. Rinne says it will be a net benefit for the community and is very attainable. The two visited the WTE this week to have a conversation with reporter Noah Zahn about why they support or oppose the project that the city has been working on for several years. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36092060
Rep. Harriet Hageman town hall dramaAfter Wyoming's U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman's town halls grew chaotic across the state – particularly one in Laramie – she transitioned from in-person to tele-town hall events. Following the announcement, the Wyoming Democratic Party and the Laramie County Democratic Party moved to host their own in-person town hall at the same time to allow people to voice their concerns and submit their findings to Hageman. Residents had the option to sign up to attend the tele-town hall online, but some never received the link after signing up, claiming they were intentionally excluded from the list. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35999340
Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Conductor William Intriligator on how music shaped himWilliam Intriligator has been conductor and music director of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra for the past 17 years. This week, he came on The Perch to share what music has meant to him, how its driven his life and his work in Cheyenne. He spoke with Taylor Staples, the WTE's arts and entertainment reporter. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35894780
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Mark Gordon full interviewThis special episode of The Perch airs the full interview Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon had with Wyoming Tribune Eagle Managing Editor Brian Martin and the WTE Editorial Board on Monday, March 17, 2025. The conversation included the governor's take on the 2025 Wyoming legislative session, as well as how happenings in Washington, D.C., may impact the Cowboy State. This includes topics from DOGE federal layoffs to Wyoming property taxes. Next week, we will share a conversation we had with Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Music Director William Intriligator on how he approaches his work and art in Cheyenne. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35800920
Gov. Mark Gordon on the current state and future of WyomingGov. Mark Gordon sat down with Wyoming Tribune Eagle Managing Editor Brian Martin to share his thoughts on this year's 2025 legislative session and how happenings in Washington, D.C. may impact the Cowboy State. This episode airs excerpts from the full hour-long interview with the governor, which is available to listen to in full and unedited on a special episode of The Perch, uploaded today, March 21, 2025. Next week, we will share a conversation we had with Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Music Director William Intriligator on how he approaches his work and art in Cheyenne. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35799995
Key Takeaways from Wyoming's 2025 Legislative Session Last week, the Wyoming Legislature wrapped up its 2025 general session. It gained national attention after the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, a group of hardline Republicans, gained majority control of the House of Representatives. This is the first time in the nation a Freedom Caucus has gained majority control of a state legislative branch. Hannah Shields, our state government reporter, shares what she learned from her coverage of the session this year. Next week, we will share a conversation we had with Gov. Mark Gordon to hear his thoughts after the session wrapped up. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35680385
Danae Hays gives behind the scenes look of comedy before Cheyenne show After going viral on TikTok during the pandemic and never having performed on a stage before, Danae Hays began her first tour around a year ago after amassing a large following online. She is performing tonight, if you’re listening on Friday, at the Cheyenne Civic Center. Her conversation with the WTE's Taylor Staples explores her transition from viral internet celebrity to live stand-up comedy and how she uses comedy to deal with struggles in her life. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35569615
Wyoming lawmaker on her bill to ban trans athletesWyoming Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, shares her story from the challenges she faced as a youth and collegiate athlete to why she is now pushing for legislation that would ban trans athletes from competing in female collegiate sports in Wyoming. This week, she spoke with WTE reporter Ivy Secrest. This episode is the second of two parts covering the bills. Last week, The Perch shared a conversation with Santi Murillo, an advocate for the queer community in Wyoming and the first trans athlete to compete at the University of Wyoming. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35476110
Former trans athlete discusses potential bansSanti Murillo was the first trans athlete at the University of Wyoming. Now, she is advocating against bills that would further restrict trans athletes' access to sports in the state. She shared her story with WTE reporter Ivy Secrest. This is episode is the first of two parts covering the bills. Next week, The Perch is bringing you a conversation with Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, who is sponsoring one of those bills. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35377790
Wyoming law enforcement officials concerned about property tax cutsLocal sheriff departments and fire departments across Wyoming are at risk of losing a significant amount of funding this year as the Wyoming Legislature considers further property tax cuts. This week, WTE reporter Ivy Secrest shares her conversation with Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak and Laramie County Fire Authority Chief Jason Caughey on the issue. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and happenings at the Wyoming Capitol over the past week, as well as a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35279150
Mid-session update: Wyoming Legislature hits the halfway pointNote: As of this week, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle is changing the upload date of The Perch from every Wednesday morning to every Friday morning. The Wyoming Legislature is now halfway through its 2025 legislative session. This week, reporters Hannah Shields and Carrie Haderlie share what they've been covering so far, and which bills will be advancing to the second half of the session. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and happenings at the Wyoming Capitol over the past week, as well as a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35184855
Cheyenne's New Children's MuseumCaroline Veit has been working to bring a children's museum for over a decade. Driven by a passion to bring Cheyenne children an opportunity she never had growing up, the museum is set to open soon in downtown Cheyenne. Arts & Entertainment Reporter Taylor Staples shares her conversation with Veit. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and happenings at the Wyoming State Capitol over the past week and a forecast of upcoming events in the next week. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35057815
Wyoming Freedom Caucus makes progress on top prioritiesThe Wyoming Legislature's general session has been going on for one week. WTE reporter Hannah Shields and freelance journalist Carrie Haderlie share what they've reported on over the past seven days including the progress the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been making on their five-and-dime agenda after securing the first Freedom Caucus majority in a state legislative branch in the nation. Also, WTE Managing Editor Brian Martin and Wyoming News Now News Director Jeremy Downing talk about a new partnership between the media outlets and discuss Wyoming's media landscape. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34951045
Wyoming's Key Legislative Topics in 2025The Wyoming Legislature's general session kicked off this week. WTE reporter Hannah Shields and freelance journalist Carrie Haderlie share what they see as the most important topics and bills going through the Legislature this year. Key topics include education, elections, gaming, property taxes and housing. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34857955
Sheriff to update undocumented immigrant law enforcementOn this week's episode, WTE reporter Ivy Secrest shares what she learned in her reporting on how the Laramie County Sheriff's Office plans to update the way way they enforce immigration law and what that could mean for the county. Additionally, reporters share a roundup of local and statewide news. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34768675
WTE's Top 10 stories of 2024On this week's episode, WTE reporters talk through the top 10 stories of 2024 that were voted on by newsroom staff. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34674605
Unions and Strikes in CheyenneThis week's episode is all about unions. Reporter Noah Zahn shares what he heard from Sierra Hills Assisted Living employees who are performing the first healthcare facility strike in the state of Wyoming and Ivy Secrest shares what she heard from local Starbucks employees who participated in the nationwide strike this week. This week's episode was published three days later than normal due to the the holiday falling on a Wednesday this year. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34635165
Downtown Businesses Oppose Paid ParkingOn this week's episode, WTE reporter Noah Zahn shares what he heard from downtown business owners who are opposed to the incoming paid on-street parking program in downtown Cheyenne in 2025. Also, reporters bring updates about local and statewide news. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34496100
Addressing Wyoming Fires in 2025On this week's episode, WTE reporter Ivy Secrest shares what she learned about the impact of fires across the state in one of the most devastating years for Wyoming from fires and how fire wardens across the state hope to address the situation in the coming years. Also, reporters bring updates about local and statewide news. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34378145
Bills may end all transgender access to female sports and spacesOn this week's episode, WTE reporter Hannah Shields shares what she has learned about concerning two bills that will be in the 2025 general session that may restrict transgender female access to college sports and private spaces. Also, reporters bring updates about local and statewide news. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34292235
"Humanity over Racism" group organizesOn this week's episode, WTE reporter Ivy Secrest spoke with individuals trying to organize to create meaningful change that would address racism in LCSD1. Also, reporters bring updates about statewide and local government issues. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34170855
Mayor Patrick Collins on a second termOn this week's episode, WTE reporter Noah Zahn speaks with Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins about his first term as mayor and plans for the next four years after we was recently reelected in November. Also, reporters bring updates from Wyoming Legislature and Cheyenne City Council meetings. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/34024692
LCSD1 name change policyOn this week's episode, WTE reporter Ivy Secrest shares what she learned from LCSD1 teachers and community members on how the district's new name change policy has rolled out in its first semester. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/33906162
2024 General Election recapOn this week's episode, WTE reporters recap the results of Tuesday's general election covering local and statewide races. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/33814678
2024 General Election previewOn this week's episode, WTE reporters recap who will be on the ballot next Tuesday ahead of the general election in Laramie County and across the country. Additionally, WTE photographer Milo Gladstein shares the story behind his Freedom Project, which showcases Laramie County residents and what freedom means to them. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/33687887
Addressing racism in Cheyenne schoolsOn this week's episode, WTE reporter Noah Zahn shares what he heard at a community meeting last week that was held in response to a racist incident at South High School the week prior. Also, reporter Ivy Secrest provides an update on last year's ordinance regarding the unhoused population along Crow Creek and Hannah Shields brings the latest happenings at the state government. The Perch is a brand new podcast from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle sharing weekly news roundups and in-depth stories of what the WTE staff report in the field. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/33577317
