Open Spaces: Podcast

On this episode, observers say that better treatment options could reduce Wyoming’s prison population. In our ‘Faces Behind The Fire’ series, we’ll meet an archaeologist who works with firefighters each summer, saving Wyoming’s precious artifacts from destruction. We’ll also go in search of an owl that’s become harder to spot as climate change has dried up its habitat. We chat with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue…and discuss some possible changes to the University trustee’s powers of authority. Those stories and more.

On this episode, the Wind River Reservation tribes have collaborated to pass a law combating violence against women. A geyser that’s normal inactive in Yellowstone National Park has erupted four times in the last 2 months. Does this mean doomsday is near or is it normal? A story about a 50-million-year-old mammal found in a southwest Wyoming quarry and why it's so valuable. Plus Congress has crafted a water bill that could have lots of support in Wyoming. Those stories and more.

On the episode, the governor's economic diversity council says Wyoming's adults need to go back to school and that the state should help pay for it. We will have a story about the likely bankruptcy of the eight largest coal producer in the country due in part to a market strategy. We’ll hear voices from the commemoration of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. And speak with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Gary Trauner. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, the parents of Mathew Shepard recently returned to Laramie and we hear what it’s like to be back. This week the Cody school board decided to allow teachers to carry guns in school and a story about a new policy that significantly reduces public input and review for oil and leases on BLM land. These stories and more. 

On this episode, Wyoming loses 60 percent of its young talent any given year. But one program is trying to convince young people to make a U-turn. Wyoming Tourism officials are thrilled about a new UW degree. And to the world’s extremely wealthy, the most desirable fur on the international market is Wyoming’s soft, spotted bobcat. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, we'll feature a number of wildlife stories on the program, starting with a controversy surrounding a bison holding area in Yellowstone and the women’s antelope hunt. A story about how Wyoming leaders are looking to change the Endangered Species Act...and we’ll explore the challenge of studying moose. Join us for an hour of wildlife stories.

On this episode, a story about how budget cuts might impact Wyoming's renowned special education services. We’ll also hear a civil dialogue over whether Evanston should build an ICE immigration detention center. For some teens living in the Mountain West, gun control feels like a threat to their heritage. We’ll also hear about Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s thoughts on enhanced interrogation methods. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, our education reporter Tennessee Watson explores how sexual violence reports fall through the cracks at UW. A lack of affordable housing in Cheyenne is causing the two homelessness shelters to operate a full capacity each night. And as agencies struggle with what to do with the hundreds of Wilderness Study Areas in the Mountain West, one U.S. Senator is taking action. Those stories and a wrap up of the 2018 legislative session. 

On this episode, many lawmakers continue to tweak Wyoming’s gun laws. A group of friends in Guernsey, Wyoming try to solve the affordable housing problem themselves. And The community of Laramie is coming together to make the mountainside on the outskirts of town a park. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, Lawmakers who oppose implementing new taxes to fund education say school finance is too opaque. But districts say there isn't a penny that isn't accounted for. We’ll take look at a huge new oil and gas project and what it means for Converse County. And food insecurity among students at the University of Wyoming is more common than you might think. Plus, tales from a couple who lived with a wolf pack. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, Lawmakers voted down a number of taxes this week, but some know the issue isn’t going away. And…figuring out just how hard Wyoming is getting hit by prescription opioid overdoses may be hard to track because of the stigma. And a story about the difficulty of passing on family ranches and farms to the next generation. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, Wind River tribal leaders recently proposed the idea of waiving the tuition costs for tribal members at UW. They say there's good historical grounds for doing so. We’ll take look at how the history of grizzly bear management may hold some lessons for its future. And some Wyoming counties are missing out on millions in unpaid tax revenue from mineral companies. Those stories and more. 

On this episode, a group tasked with diversifying the state’s economy has unveiled some preliminary recommendations…including ways to improve broadband. Why veterans leave higher education, and what the University of Wyoming is doing to help them stay. A story about overlapping federal leases in the Powder River Basin, and its impact on mineral rights. Should student fees be used to bring controversial speakers to the UW campus? Those stories and more. 

On this episode, we will feature a special on clean coal, a story about how national tax reform will impact energy out west, looking at coal, oil and gas… renewables too. Members of a native American tribe go on their first buffalo hunt. And we will discuss sexual violence prevention and find out what Wyoming’s Congressional delegation hopes to accomplish in 2018.  

On this special episode of Open Spaces, we sit down for a civil discourse in the city of Gillette where job layoffs, rising poverty and hate speech have torn the community apart. We hear the stories of a diverse group of people...including the experience of a Hispanic community leader. As part of our series, “I Respectfully Disagree,” a group of ten people models better dialogue in Gillette. Join us for that conversation.

On this episode, how tax reform could impact energy production in the United States, both with fossil fuels and renewables. In one of Wyoming's highest performing school districts, honesty yields results. And 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, 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.