A Potential Company Sale, Exec Bonuses, Cut Benefits: What's Going On With Cloud Peak?
Cloud Peak Energy has announced it will review "strategic alternatives" that means it's open to major changes including a potential sale of the company in order to improve its financial situation. Controversially,the move was announced alongside bonuses to executives encouraging them to stay on. Wyoming Public Radio's Cooper McKim reports.
Lawmakers Will Consider Using Waiver To Reduce Health Insurance Costs
The Wyoming legislature has a long history of exploring ways to get quality and affordable insurance to more citizens…but for a variety of reasons nothing has really ever worked. The legislature has long opposed accepting federal dollars to expand Medicaid due to fears that the money would eventually dry up and the state would have a program it could no longer afford. But there is not an available state solution either. This year a legislative committee started kicking the tires on a proposal by the insurance commissioner where the state could use what’s called a 1332 waiver and create a program that could reduce the premium for citizens who are in the federal marketplace or exchange. The state has hired consultants to develop the plan, but it has a ways to go. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck has more.
Prosecutor Discusses Law Enforcement Shooting Video
Albany County Attorney Peggy Trent made the unusual decision this week to allow a piece of evidence be made available to the media. She allowed the release of a police video including a body cam that showed an encounter between an Albany County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Laramie resident that resulted in the resident being shot and killed. Normally such evidence would be held until a trial, but she explains why she wanted it released.
Wyoming Lawmakers Plan To Fight Upcoming Climate Change Push
Democrats preparing to take over control of the U.S. House of Representatives in January are gunning for major battles on climate change and energy issues, which could hurt the economic gains witnessed in Wyoming this Trump-energy-era. Correspondent Matt Laslo has the story from Washington.
The Mountain West Brings Native Lessons To The Classroom
The United States has a grim history when it comes to our indigenous people. From the multiple massacres of native men, women and children to Indian boarding schools where native children were taken from their families and in many cases physically and sexually abused. For the most part, this history isn’t taught in our public schools. Neither is indigenous culture. But that’s changing. And the Mountain West is on board. Ali Budner reports.
Increasing Native American Representation At UW: 'There Isn't Just One Answer'
Across the country, Native American students are severely underrepresented in higher education. Only 16 percent of Native Americans have a bachelor’s degree. That’s compared to 42 percent of White students. But tribal leaders in Wyoming say a collective effort to increase support for Native American students is having an impact. Wyoming Public Radio’s education reporter Tennessee Watson has more.
Animated Exhibit About The Arapaho People Brings Museum To Life
A new museum installation called "Arapaho Roots" is opening tomorrow in Colorado at the Museum of Boulder. The pieces will be animated Arapaho stories put up on screens throughout the museum. Jordan Dresser was asked to be the show's curator a year ago and has spent time working with the museum to tie in Native history and Native art. He works for the Tribal Historic Preservation Office for the Arapaho Tribe or THPO. At a coffee shop close to the Wind River Reservation, Dresser explained to Wyoming Public Radio's Taylar Stagner that he wants the exhibit to feel alive.
Balangiga Bells Begin Long Journey Home
On Wednesday, Defense Secretary James Mattis made a visit to Wyoming. He was there to witness the formal turnover of the Bells of Balangiga. Wyoming Public Radio’s Maggie Mullen was there for the ceremony in Cheyenne.
After Wage Gap Study, Legislators Must Now Decide What To Do With Information
Wyoming is known for having one of the largest gender wage gaps in the country. But a comprehensive look at what men and women actually earn in the state hadn’t been done in years. So in 2017, state representatives Marti Halverson and Cathy Connolly teamed up to propose a study to better understand what was really going on. Now, the study is finished and legislators will have to decide what to do with the information. Wyoming Public Radio’s Caroline Ballard reports.
