A listing of today's stories:
For Wyoming’s DUI Law, Change In Store
On July first, the state’s driving under the influence law will change in a big way. Drivers arrested for driving drunk will no longer be able to refuse a test of their blood alcohol level. Instead, law enforcement officers will be able to have tests performed, whether drivers like it or not. But implementing that kind of change is a tricky process. Wyoming Public Radio’s Molly Messick reports.
Wyoming Delegation Weighs In On Gas Prices
Stubbornly high gas prices were a constant refrain in Washington this week. Congress spent much of its time voting on bills and holding hearings. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports on how each member of the Wyoming delegation is weighing in on the debate.
Hispanic Wyoming, Beyond the Numbers
This week, Wyoming online news source Wyofile wrapped up a three-part series called, “Hispanic Wyoming.” One of its jumping-off points is new Census data, showing that Wyoming’s Hispanic and Latino population is now almost 9 percent of the state’s total population. Sheridan writer Sam Western wrote that series and joined us to talk about it. Also along for this conversation is Ed Munoz. He directs the University of Wyoming’s Chicano Studies Program. Sam Western began by talking about the genesis of his series…
The Great 2011 Wyoming Birdathon
Just past midnight on Monday, UW Zoology Professor David MacDonald and some grad students will try to come close to the state record for bird counting. It is called a birdathon.
Where Wyoming Law and Tribal Water Rights Collide: Confusion
When it comes to water, Wyoming law has always been simple: whoever gets to the water first gets to use it. However, things start to get complicated when you add tribal water rights holders to the mix… and downright contentious when those tribes hope to use the resource for something other than agriculture. Wyoming Public Radio's Tristan Ahtone reports.
Wyoming author Tim Sandlin Discusses New Novel
Tim Sandlin is a veteran Wyoming writer who gained some fame over 15 years ago with a series of books called the GroVont Trilogy. He’s written screenplays and other books along the way, but has gone back to his roots with his latest book called, “Lydia.” As always, the book is narrated by author Sam Callahan and his mother Lydia is getting out of prison for attempting to poison Ronald Reagan’s dog. Sandlin is an unusual writer who has been compared to the likes of Jack Kerouac to Larry McMurtry.
Powder River Basin Coal, from Wyoming to China
Wyoming’s Powder River Basin produces about 40% percent of all coal in the U-S. The coal goes to power plants all over the country, encompassing both coasts. Now, there are expansions being planned in the Basin. While domestic use decreases, industry seems confident that China may increase its imports of Wyoming coal. Irina Zhorov reports.
Remembering Cokeville
It was May 16, 1986 when the small western Wyoming town of Cokeville changed forever. Former Town Marshall David Young and his wife, Doris, took a number of hostages at the Cokeville elementary school for a million dollars a child. The Youngs had weapons and a homemade bomb. The bomb eventually went off, killing Doris Young and injuring many of the hostages. David Young shot himself moments later. The 25 year anniversary of the horrific event is not only being remembered in Cokeville. It is also being chronicled by the office of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. That's thanks to a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. Bob Beck has this story.
In order to hear the documentary use this link.
