Favoritism Or Economics: Oil And Gas Permitting During The Shutdown
Air traffic controllers are working without pay, food and drug inspections are falling behind, and Native American communities are missing out on federal funding. A restart on all that is unclear in the temporary government re-opening. Meanwhile, an industry close to President Trump’s heart has gone largely unaffected. Some Department of Interior employees who handle drilling permits are working and getting paid. Wyoming Public Radio’s Cooper McKim reports.
Wyoming's Delegation Wants A Wall
As lawmakers will now try and reach a compromise with the short term lifting of the government shutdown, Wyoming lawmakers are holding firm with President Trump’s demand for a wall. Matt Laslo has the story from Washington.
If Immigrants Go Uncounted On Census, Mountain West Economy Could Suffer
The battle over a controversial citizenship question on the 2020 Census may have profound economic implications for our region. Ali Budner reports.
Film "Grizzly Country" Reflects On Importance Of Grizzly Bears
Doug Peacock spent much of his life alone in the wilderness in Montana and Wyoming observing grizzly bears. Director Ben Moon just released a short film titled “Grizzly Country” focusing on Peacock’s life and connection to grizzlies. Wyoming Public Radio’s Kamila Kudelska spoke with Doug Peacock about how grizzly bears helped him after returning from Vietnam and why he believes they need to continue to be protected.
Primary Elections Aren't Likely To Change Soon
From time to time people want to do something about Wyoming’s primary election. Some hate the time of year, some hate that Democrats have no say, and some don’t like that Democrats can cross party lines and have too much of a say. This year is one of those times…if it will lead to anything is anyone’s guess. But what’s clear is that there’s no consensus on what should be done and if the state can afford it. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck explains.
To Strengthen School Safety Lawmakers Consider Statewide Mandate
For years Wyoming lawmakers have been grappling with how to ensure kids are safe at school. In 2009 they passed anti-bullying legislation. Last year they granted districts the right to decide whether to arm teachers and staff as a defense against violent intruders. This session school violence is once again on the docket. Wyoming Public Radio’s education reporter sat down with Cheyenne Senator Affie Ellis to discuss her support for a bill that would require all districts to develop comprehensive school safety and security plans.
CBD Is Illegal In Wyoming. Will Industrial Hemp Help Change That?
Cannabidiol or more commonly known as CBD has gained popularity as people use those products for anxiety, back pain and even epilepsy. CBD is currently illegal in Wyoming, but a bill on industrial hemp might resolve that problem.
Shutdown Threatens SNAP Food Benefits; Nonprofits Take Up Slack
The Wyoming Department of Family Services has been working overtime to issue Wyoming families their food benefits, known as SNAP, a couple weeks early. As Wyoming Public Radio’s Melodie Edwards reports, that’s because with the government reopening for only just three weeks, it’s unclear when they’ll get them again.
Comics Can Help Re-Contextualize Native Americans In Pop Culture
This month, the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne hosted a series of events by Indigenous artists and speakers to explore Native people’s concepts of illness and health. One speaker was Laguna Pueblo Tribal Member Lee Francis who owns Red Planet Books and Comics in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lee is also the CEO of the printing press Native Realities. His talk was about Native representation in pop culture. Wyoming Public Radio’s Taylar Stagner met with Francis at a local watering hole in downtown Cheyenne to talk about the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the media you consume.
