Open Spaces: Podcast

On this episode, The Center of the West is teaching students via Skype. We will speak with a couple of superintendents about possible changes to the school funding model. One Wyoming non-profit is hoping to train hairstylists to recognize the signs of domestic violence. And we will feature a number of energy stories. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, according to a new NPR poll, many Native Americans say they experience discrimination when they call the police or go to federal court. We will look at how many in Wyoming are nervous about changes to the sage grouse management plans… but how others are relieved. And we will talk about prison reform, people and Grizzly encounters, and a conversation with a state senator about getting more bang for our buck in education. Those stories and more. 

On this episode a story about how a federal subsidy could help wind energy surge forward in Wyoming – if the state decides to welcome it. We’ll also hear about an upcoming musical satire at UW that challenges the status quo of politics. And University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols is looking forward to a number of initiatives including entrepreneurship. These stories and more. 

This week some important state revenue information was released and while some think more cuts are needed, the Speaker of the House disagrees. A sexual assault survivor talks about what it was like to share her story with administrators at the University of Wyoming. And we will look at the Interior Department’s draft five-year strategic plan. Those stories and much more. 

On this episode, one little known fact about Wyoming’s Hathaway Scholarship is preventing Dreamers from being eligible. And a court decision has informed the federal government that it must consider climate change under certain circumstances. As ice patches in the high country melt, very fragile artifacts left behind by prehistoric people who lived up there is washing out… Also, we’ll learn more about retirement…how smart raccoons are…and hear a spooky ghost story! Those stories and more.

On this episode, Senator Barrasso wants to find ways to address forest fires. The state of Wyoming is following the issue closely. For the first time, the government let a Native American tribe exhume the graves of boarding school children so they could be given a proper funeral. The University of Wyoming is hoping students will help prevent sexual violence. But those messages don't always sink in. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, many college students in Wyoming are worried following the announcement that DACA will be phased out. In Albany County law enforcement, schools and community groups are coming together to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system. And there are some big unanswered questions about whether forest fires are increasing or decreasing the warming of the climate. We’ll also take a look at how sage grouse management may change, and how cities are asking lawmakers for the ability to raise money. Those stories and more.

On this episode, after over 40 years, the Wyoming Department of Education is phasing out a program to support migrant students. Some people are not impressed. Local government in the state want a more stable source of revenue. A story about the move from federal to state management of Yellowstone grizzly bears, and how the debate isn’t over quite yet And a look at how efforts to remove DACA could impact Wyoming. Those stories and more. 

Wyoming has a funding shortfall, but teachers are stepping up to make sure their students don't feel the effects of budget cuts. The 2017 total solar eclipse wowed big crowds in Casper. And we’ll learn what Rock Springs is doing to draw more attention downtown… and why that has traditionally been a challenge. Those stories, plus conversations about the possibility of alien life, the debate over raising taxes, and what cultural events are planned at the University of Wyoming this fall.

On this episode, we spend a lot of time talking about how Wyoming is preparing for the eclipse. The event requires a lot of planning. We have a story about a small agricultural county that’s lucky enough to be in the path of the total eclipse — and how local businesses are benefiting. Casper residents are signing up with the home sharing service Airbnb in record numbers to accommodate eclipse visitors. We also hear how school kids are getting ready and learn about eclipse art. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, Wyoming’s U.S. Senators are among those trying to convince Republicans to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. A UW trail building program created a crew this summer specifically for veterans in need of a job. And, we’ll find out what could happen to fish if Congress approves one of Wyoming’s water storage projects. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, we'll hear about a show that depicts a white settler getting skinned alive by Native Americans — who are played by white actors. Even though Wyoming has the most lenient food regulations, grass fed cattle producers are struggling to get their meat out to urban markets...even though ranchers say the state has the best quality beef around. A local school district has opened up a clinic to make sure kids have year round support. They did it in hopes of curing a trend. We'll also learn about a debate over a proposed coal mine...

On this episode, Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Mike Enzie defend the Senate Healthcare Bill against criticism. In June, there’s a voluntary climbing closure of Devils Tower to respect Native American ceremonies, but more climbers are ignoring the advisory. And we’ll learn why a coal company wants to dig the first new Wyoming mine in decades — and how it has nothing to do with electricity. We’ll also take a look at the Wyoming band Teenage Bottlerocket. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, like in the rest of the country, investigating and prosecuting alleged sexual assaults in Wyoming is complicated. We'll take a look at how budget cuts are affecting suicide prevention efforts in the Wyoming, where rates are stable but still high. We will hear about a new teaching tool being used in Arapaho and new methods are being used to keep invasive species from taking over. These stories and more. 

On this episode, jobs are coming back to coal country in Wyoming, reuniting families and boosting the economy. The job numbers aren't as high as before the crash, but things are starting to even out. Superintendent Jillian Balow sees opportunity as Wyoming transitions to new federal education guidelines. And a story about how Wyoming leaders may change the Endangered Species Act. Plus, we'll hear about a Cheyenne program to develop more service dogs. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, some legislators and communities are discussing whether communities should be allowed to raise more local money through fees or taxes. We'll find out how a group of middle schoolers is helping Laramie restaurants go green. A Jackson climber who sees friends die by avalanche and addiction creates a common solution. And Wyoming’s congressional delegation discusses the President’s budget. Those stories and much more.

On this episode, 37 UW workers will lose their jobs following graduation. Wyoming arts organizations remain nervous that federal funding could get eliminated. And we’ll experience the exciting countdown until gates open for antler hunting season. Those stories and more.

On this episode, Wyoming U.S. Representative cast her vote to do away with the affordable care act this week. Leadership at the Casper Police Department continues to be scrutinized for an alleged hostile work environment. We will look at the debate over concealed carry on the University of Wyoming campus. Plus a look at the return of wolf management to the state of Wyoming and the Importance of Humanities at UW. Those stories and more.

On this episode, as the state reworks school funding, lawmakers weigh politics versus efficient spending. We also talk with award-winning author Timothy Egan and it's been over a month since Uber arrived in Wyoming and they've seen a lot of interest. These stories and more. 

On this episode, we will be joined by Governor Matt Mead who will recap the legislative session and reiterate the need to diversify the state economy. We will be joined by Baroness Catherine Ashton who is visiting Laramie this week. Plus stories on energy and an evocative new play is exploring what the Ku Klux Klan and Native Americans have in common using black humor. Those stories and more.

On this episode, school districts balance the impact of budget cuts and learning. Many women who have filed sexual assault reports in Casper believe their cases have been mishandled or neglected by law enforcement. And a story from Washington about how Republicans are arguing about climate change. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, education students are skeptical of their future as teachers in Wyoming. Proposed budget cuts to Meals on Wheels at the federal level have those who depend on the delivery service worried about the future. When congress eventually reforms the affordable care act, the worry in Wyoming is that many could lose their insurance. We’ll also hear how the repeal of the Affordable Care Act will affect Wyomingites and learn about declining moose numbers. Those stories and more.

On this episode, legislative freshmen discuss their experience during this year's session. The Wyoming Legislature resolved a major issue of housing inequality this session all because of one determined citizen. One University of Wyoming College of Law Professor is hoping a study of his will lend facts and sensibility to the immigration debate. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, we will revisit the bill that would have allowed guns on college campuses. Wyoming kids are using the state’s newly adopted science standards for the first time this year. We’ll look back at what it took to reach agreement on teaching climate change. We'll hear what ranchers and labor advocates are saying about new wages for foreign sheepherders. Plus stories on health care, avalanches, and former Senator Olympia Snowe. These stories and more. 

On this episode, we will hear about a pair of legislative bills intended to address a $400 million shortfall in education funding. The question is will either pass. If President Trump’s travel ban sticks, it will have a major impact on some of the University of Wyoming’s international students’ studies and personal lives. Wyoming’s Transportation Director went to Capitol Hill to ask for more highway funds. Plus a conversation about wage gap legislation and education issues. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, we’ll see how lawmakers are looking at ways to generate more revenue: from new taxes to diversifying the economy. We’ll explore a possible alternative to the controversial land transfer bill that would empower locals with negotiate with the feds. We'll look at what virtual education means for teaching in Wyoming. Plus a look at the lead contamination at Pinedale High School and an update on Liz Cheney’s first weeks in Washington. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, with Trump about to take over the White House, the coal industry’s relieved it won’t have to comply with a new rule curbing carbon dioxide emissions. In Washington, Wyoming’s U.S. Senators are working to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, but Senator Mike Enzi says it will be done with baby steps.We’ll hear how hard it is for Native Americans to find rentals in reservation border communities due to housing discrimination…Those stories and more on Open Spaces from Wyoming Public Radio News.

On this episode, we’ll hear why members of the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee say they believe still more budget cuts are needed. And we’ll learn how the Northern Arapaho are trying to make sure they don’t get left out of grizzly delisting the way the Standing Rock Sioux did on the pipeline. We’ll hear about the strange things that started happening when a UW student was commissioned to paint the sinking of the USS Arizona. Those stories and more.