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Transmission & Streaming Disruptions

August 5th, 2016

Listen to the full show here.

 

Lesser Known GOP Candidates Hope To Make A Big Splash

When U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis announced that she would not seek re-election this year, some big names in the state stepped forward, but so did a number of others, especially in the Republican Party. But their lack of cash and name recognition has made it difficult to get the same attention as two current office holders and another candidate with a famous last name. 

Why Everyone In Colorado Is Fighting Over Your Signature

Wyoming politics can be influenced by energy issues, but it’s nothing like we are seeing in Colorado. Millions of dollars are being spent in a fight over two controversial ballot initiatives. Taken together, they would seriously restrict oil and gas development in Colorado. Opposing campaigns, infused with this fresh flow of cash are all about one thing right now: signatures. Gathering enough of them to get these initiatives on the November ballot or stopping that from happening. Signatures for these proposed ballot measures are due on August 8th. Inside Energy’s Leigh Paterson reports.

Wyoming's School Funding Boom Begins To Fade

 

Thanks to a recent energy boom, Wyoming ranks among the top K-12 spenders per-student. But as oil and gas prices drop, and coal companies declare bankruptcy, the Cowboy State’s school funding future is in jeopardy. Wyoming Public Radio’s Aaron Schrank reports.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Cease Dell Creek Wolf Pack Kill

When a pack of wolves in northwest Wyoming started killing cattle, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did what they promised when they introduced the species 20 years ago...they responded by killing off the wolf pack. The federal agency is in charge of their management while their endangered species status is debated in court. Then, in another instance a pack killed 19 elk and left them uneaten. Wyoming Public Radio's Melodie Edwards took a horseback ride in the area to find out what's going on with wolves there.

For Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Walls Of Paperwork Block Path Forward

This week, the New American Economy issued a report on the economic impact of immigrants in every state, highlighting the role immigrants play as entrepreneurs. One place where immigrants are starting new companies in Wyoming is the Wyoming Technology Business Center – a business incubator for start-ups. Wyoming Public Radio’s Caroline Ballard reports.

Native American Visual Artist Featured At UW Art Museum

This week the University of Wyoming hosted a summer institute for an organization that supports women of color in academia. One of the guest speakers was Sarah Ortegon, artist and former Miss Native American USA. Wyoming Public Radio’s Maggie Mullen had a conversation with Ortegon at the UW Art Museum, where some of her paintings are currently exhibited. 

Meth Contamination Can Be Costly

Many homes or apartments in Wyoming are contaminated by methamphetamine and if you move into one of those places, you may not know it. It can lead to health problems and be expensive to clean up. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck reports that Wyoming is one of the few states that does not require disclosure of a meth-contaminated home.

Youth Struggling With Trauma Use Drumming To Cope

The Cathedral Home for Children just north of Laramie is a boarding school for teens that have had traumatic experiences. Besides providing a safe space, the home helps the kids deal with their emotions. This summer they’re trying something new… drumming circles. Wyoming Public Radio’s Maggie Mullen joined them for their most recent drum circle. 

New Book Collects "Best Of Best" From Wildlife Camera Trap Around The World

Thanks to innovations in camera technology, wildlife biologists are now able to peek into the lives of animals like never before. Now, a new book called Candid Creatures: How Camera Traps Reveal the Mysteries of Nature, compiles the best camera trap photos from around the world. I talked with author, Roland Hayes, head of the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Hayes starts our conversation by explaining just what a camera trap is.

Bob Beck retired from Wyoming Public Media after serving as News Director of Wyoming Public Radio for 34 years. During his time as News Director WPR has won over 100 national, regional and state news awards.
Email: lpaterson@insideenergy.org; leighpaterson@rmpbs.org
Maggie Mullen is Wyoming Public Radio's regional reporter with the Mountain West News Bureau. Her work has aired on NPR, Marketplace, Science Friday, and Here and Now. She was awarded a 2019 regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her story on the Black 14.
Melodie Edwards is the host and producer of WPM's award-winning podcast The Modern West. Her Ghost Town(ing) series looks at rural despair and resilience through the lens of her hometown of Walden, Colorado. She has been a radio reporter at WPM since 2013, covering topics from wildlife to Native American issues to agriculture.