Open Spaces

Today on the show, for the past few years, states that share the Colorado River have been meeting behind closed doors. But as they’ve failed to forge a deal for the river’s future, more are questioning the secretive process. We hear about the legal case against a transgender Laramie woman who pulled a gun after she was pushed down. And, if a new federal proposal goes through, it could get a lot harder for ranchers to track oil and gas development beneath their property. Those stories and more.Love WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

Today on the show, we share some takeaways from last week’s primary election; we hear how commuters on Teton Pass are looking for ways to make the steep and sometimes deadly highway safer; and we talk to the author of Wyoming Public Media's inaugural book club pick. Those stories and more.Love WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

Today on the show, nuclear power is having a moment. A film touring the state shows the highs and lows of coming back home after serving in the military. Plus, Cheyenne Roundup breaks down the primary election results. Those stories and more.Love WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

A dozen people filed to run to become Wyoming's lone representative in the U.S. House. Hear about their priorities and leadership styles in this recent forum hosted by Wyoming Public Media, WyoFile and the League of Women Voters.Watch the full panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlI4tucM8PULove WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

Wyomingites will choose a new governor this year. We heard from two of the candidates who want the job at a recent forum hosted by Wyoming Public Media, WyoFile and the League of Women Voters. Hear their vision for Wyoming's youth, healthcare, energy future and more.Watch the full panel discussion: https://youtu.be/fcfJSWywOyg?si=RWwoO8w-rwpyMR1kLove WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

With less than a month until Wyoming's primary election, the candidates for Wyoming's next chief of public schools are trying to differentiate themselves. We asked them about school vouchers, parental rights, youth mental health and more at a candidate forum hosted by Wyoming Public Media, WyoFile and the League of Women Voters.Watch the full panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J_mHMTVl0g&t=1980sLove WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

Wyomingites will choose a slate of new state leaders in this year’s election. That includes the state treasurer, who oversees the state’s numerous investment accounts, and the secretary of state, who oversees businesses and elections. Hear some of the candidates' visions for Wyoming's future with this recap of a candidate forum hosted by Wyoming Public Media, WyoFile and the League of Women Voters.Watch the full panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J_mHMTVl0gLove WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

It’s an election year! Do you know who you’re voting for in Wyoming's August 18th primaries? Wyoming Public Media is teaming up with WyoFile and the League of Women Voters for a series of candidate forums to help you get to know who’s running.This week: U.S. Senate. Two Democrats and five Republicans are trying to replace Cynthia Lummis, who’s retiring from office. Hear what they have to say.Watch the full panel discussion: https://youtube.com/watch?v=SUbb6gO-aLI&feature=sharedLove WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

Today on the show, we learn more about how Wyoming has become a top state to register businesses. We talk to the author of a book that traces the histories of seven overlooked and misunderstood Westerners. Plus, America’s 250th is coming up. Celebrations are happening statewide, including Cheyenne. Those stories and more.Love WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to get our stories delivered right to your inbox here: http://bit.ly/4dzuaq1

Today on the show, we hear how more businesses are registering in the Cowboy State. A new business court could help bring more. Wyoming is ranking better every year on child and family wellbeing. But more can be done. And, how one Kinnear resident is supporting change for people involved in the justice system. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we hear from a woman who grew up in Wyoming but decided to self-deport. Weston County has a new clerk after two years of investigations into the former county clerk’s election mistakes. And we tag along on one of the hottest outdoor recreation pastimes of the moment: bird watching. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the Laramie County Sheriff’s office recently had the highest number of immigration arrests of any enforcement agency in the U.S. They’re promoting it on Facebook. Wyoming’s plan to use more than $200 million to transform rural healthcare just got the green light. We hear what’s in it. And we hear from a baroque violinist – who’s also an alfalfa farmer outside Pavilion. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we check in with the Wyoming State Engineer’s office to hear about restrictions on water this dry summer. After a year of funding uncertainty, Shoshoni’s senior center is back in the black and taking on more projects than ever. A new program can help you protect your home from wildfires. And our former news director, Bob Beck, is receiving an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Wyoming. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, Bill Gates’ nuclear power project in Kemmerer is officially under construction. We talk to a reporter who was at Terra Power’s groundbreaking last week. We hear from a landslide specialist about what can happen when it rains over a wildfire burn scar. And we head to the gym with a 68-year–old powerlifter. Turns out, heavy weights are good for your bones, brain and social life. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we’re checking in with our state government reporter, Jordan Uplinger, about the interim Legislative session topics. Some dance halls are having a resurgence around the state. And, the Brinton Museum is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn with a multigenerational exhibit of Indigenous art. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the man who brought an injured wolf into a bar was sentenced this week for a felony charge of animal cruelty. We hear from a reporter who was in the courtroom. A Wyoming newspaper was selected for a national program to help redesign its business model. That’s after the paper was almost shuttered last summer. And we hear how one law in the 80's paved the way for ski resorts to expand their footprint on public land. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the University of Wyoming faced steep cuts during this year’s state budget talks. But the cuts never came. We hear from UW’s president what happened. Veterinarians, especially large animal vets, are increasingly in short supply in the state. And the United Kingdom’s consul general has been visiting Wyoming. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, it’s beginning to look a lot like tick season…. But in March? The creepy crawly critters can carry diseases. What to look for and how to stay safe. A new set of vending machines on the Wind River Reservation aim to help with drug abuse and mental health. And abortion is now illegal in Wyoming in most cases. Providers say women with unexpected pregnancies won't have many options. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, on this season’s last episode of Cheyenne Roundup, Maggie and Jordan recap new laws, the governor's vetoes and how the Freedom Caucus’s priorities fared. The pages of Cheyenne’s daily newspaper no longer include a police blotter. We hear from a reporter on what other changes they’re making to covering crime and public safety. And a photographer originally from Powell set out to find the Wyoming women shaping the West. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, in the Cheyenne Roundup, Chris and Maggie outline the likely sticking points of budget negotiations. Plus, an update on Checkgate. We learn about what lawmakers are doing about energy, climate issues, and healthcare. And A UW exhibit brings a mysterious desert workshop back to life. Those stories and more.

On today’s show, we tune into this week’s Cheyenne Roundup, where Chris and Maggie catch us up on where the state budget’s at. We meet a goat named Porsche Lane, who was at the center of a lawsuit over constitutional rights. And we hear from a Wind River artist featured in a new Ucross exhibit. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, our weekly legislative recap series, called Cheyenne Roundup, a partnership with WyoFile, is back. Today, we break down how the state budget gets made. We hear from two dementia awareness advocates. And with Minneapolis hitting a breaking point over immigration enforcement, we hear what's happening here in Wyoming. Also, why is a bar in Lithuania watching Jackson’s Town Square webcam? Those stories and more.

Today on the show, our reporters tuned into forums around the state with lawmakers. People are gearing up in a big way for the upcoming budget session. Lawmakers are deciding how to fund public education. The current proposal would boost teacher pay and class sizes, but also cut hundreds of teachers. And we learn about a new Olympic sport – ski mountaineering – from a Wyomingite making her debut. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, lawmakers took their first crack at marking up the state budget this week. Our state government reporters have updates. Wyoming’s Hunger Relief Program helped fill in the gap when SNAP benefits went on pause during the government shutdown. It helped feed 20,000 Wyomingites. And, there have been two avalanche fatalities in Wyoming so far this winter season. An avalanche forecaster has advice. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, abortion will remain legal in Wyoming for now. We dig into the crux of the arguments from the Wyoming Supreme Court, including a look back at the passing of one key constitutional right. The property tax bill for your home might be going away, maybe forever. That’s if some state lawmakers get their way. We’ll also hear how, despite a federal boost, coal still struggled in 2025. And local community fundraising is becoming more important to some Laramie-based non-profits. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, Wyoming Public Radio’s reporters share their favorite stories from 2025 and why.With each one, we’ll hear from the reporters themselves on what made them pick the stories they did.

Today on the show, Wyoming lawmakers heard from agency heads about their budget requests this month. There’s been a little friction. The top market for coal is burning it for electricity. But researchers are trying to find alternative uses, like farming. What does it take to rebrand a word like "coal"? And, in a time when the United States government is not celebrating diversity, one town in Wyoming is honoring its diverse roots. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, how food is distributed to tribal members, using trades education to battle climate change, a tribute to a late rising country music star, and news on the Rocks Springs Resource Management Plan. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, finding Wyoming stories otherwise left untold, how technology is helping to protect cattle from grizzly bears, and what happens when wolves leave Yellowstone. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, a woman’s experience after ICE detained her husband. Wyoming has submitted some novel ideas to try to get a slice of 50 billion in federal dollars to transform healthcare. We hear more details. And what happened during the arraignment of the man who brought a wolf into a bar. Those stories and more.

Today’s show is all about data centers. We’re airing a series of stories from our partners at the Mountain West News Bureau, focused on this topic. We’ll dive into concerns about future water supplies and why one company thinks a remote cattle ranch near Evanston is an ideal spot for a data center. Then we’ll zoom out and hear from our reporters. The Trump administration is looking to coal to meet the daunting power demand for AI, but there's concern about a bubble around the AI industry and what would happen if that bubble popped. Plus, we’ll hear from the vice president of a data center being built in Cheyenne. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, our state government reporter dove into election complaints to see voters’ concerns. We also hear from this year’s state park artists in residence. And we get a sneak peek at the new season of our podcast, The Modern West. It’s about the quirky and sometimes extreme workarounds Westerners are finding for affordable housing. Those stories and more.

Thank you for the support during our Fall Fund Drive. Our newsroom wanted to showcase some of our favorite stories we’ve reported so far this year. Before each story, we’ll hear from the reporters themselves on why the story you’re about to hear is their favorite.

Today on the show, Wyoming hospitals are feeling a little out of balance as they watch federal and state actions make their finances teeter. Fires in the northeast ignited a bunch of coal seams last year. Now, three counties want to map them. And, A Wyoming trail runner just medaled at the World Championships. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the GOP spending bill that’s now law is throwing a curveball at state lawmakers. Kickbacks to Wyoming from the coal industry are a lot less now. Could you really defend yourself against a grizzly with bear spray? Some people found out when they practiced spraying a robo bear. And, F.E. Warren Base in Cheyenne will be the first to modernize its nuclear missiles under the Sentinel program. It means the Air Force will ask landowners for easements. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, Democratic lawmakers in Wyoming have been going on a tour to hear from voters outside their communities. NOLS turns 60 this month. The head of the Lander-based outdoor leadership school says his students' skillsets are needed now more than ever. And we’ll hear about the cowboy artist who won the nation's top folk and traditional arts award. Ernie Marsh makes bridle bits for horses. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the man who allegedly ran down a wolf on a snowmobile last year has been indicted. We get updated on the case. The number of rural hospitals delivering babies is dwindling. So midwives are stepping up to help low-risk women. And, towns and cities in the state have made over 12 million dollars so far this year from historic horse racing machines. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, there have been a lot of questions about how journalism is doing in the past couple of weeks. We sit down for a roundtable about the state of journalism in Wyoming. Thanks to lawmakers, Wyomingites have seen their property taxes shrink. But it could cost some small towns their savings. And, Wyoming is THE fossil fuel state. But rooftop solar has managed to carve out a niche market. What will that look like now that Congress is rolling back federal incentives? Those stories and more.

Today on the show, first responders from across the state gathered recently for a mental health conference. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab techs - almost all those professions get their first taste of science at college. A University of Wyoming professor speaks about what federal cuts could do to his program. And, we hear an artist translate a new mural at the Center of the West in Cody into sound. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, it’s been almost six months since thousands of federal workers were fired and others were ordered to return to office. We’ll hear from one VA employee in Cheyenne about that transition. A group of non-federal workers are helping fill in gaps on the Bridger-Teton National Forest after trail crews were cut earlier this year. And, a University of Wyoming graduate says she’s leaving Wyoming, citing a wave of new legislation targeting transgender people. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we dive into how staff of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West prepare bison bones to display in their Draper museum. We also weigh in on how aggressively wildfires should be suppressed to keep fires at bay but also keep fuel loads at a reasonable level. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, most gun-free zones in Wyoming are null and void after a law went into effect this month. We check in with Wyoming’s Superintendent of Public Instruction on the recent lawsuit pausing school vouchers from getting distributed. Some people in our region are waiting for the day they can hunt grizzly bears. And others are happy hunting with a camera. Those stories and more.

Today on Open Spaces, there’s been a lot of talk about large swaths of public land going up for sale to help with housing in the West. We break down what’s actually at stake. School's out for the summer, but a lot is happening in the state’s education system - two lawsuits and school funding recalibration. And the current chair of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, or CPB, is Wyoming’s own Ruby Calvert. She speaks on potential cuts to public media. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, a new film follows a group of Native youth on their journey into adulthood. As Wyoming battles a housing crisis, the Trump administration is proposing to eliminate several programs that specifically help rural communities access affordable housing. And tariff uncertainty is hitting craft beer brewers. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, hundreds of students at Job Corps in Riverton are scrambling to finish up the program after the Trump administration tried to pause it indefinitely. For many, that means leaving their community. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) wants to scrap a lease for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Lander that specializes in tribal collaboration. We hear about possible impacts. And we get a tour of the planned Wyoming State Shooting Complex near Cody. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, some conservatives in our region say efforts to hand over parcels of federal land to states aren’t enough. They want to see most federal land go to states. A new study says the abortion pill mifepristone is more dangerous than previously known. Wyoming lawmakers shared the study on social media, but how do we know if it’s true? And, over half of Wyoming’s school districts have now adopted a four day school week. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, a new survey shows the vast majority of Wyomingites believe climate change is happening. We’ll spend a day with the Albany County Outdoor School – a program that brings local fourth graders into their public lands. And we hear a tribute to a Northern Arapaho elder who was fluent in the language. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, two conservative women started with similar beliefs about abortion. Then they got pregnant, and their beliefs shifted. We hear from a non-profit that tracks federal election spending. They found Wyoming’s D.C. hopefuls get almost all of their campaign funding from out of state. And we’ll join a conversation exploring some of our misguided stereotypes about rural America. Those stories and more...

Today on the show, a researcher and her team mapped more than 150 miles of fence near Cody. When Diana Foster Greene first started studying women who received - and were denied - abortions in the mid-2000s, there wasn’t much research on this. And, there’s a relatively small active Jewish community in the state. While one rabbi says he’s seen antisemitism rise since the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, he says he still feels welcomed here. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, in honor of a successful fund drive, we are showcasing our award-winning work. Every February, WPR submits stories from the past year for award consideration. We are still waiting to hear the results from 2024. So we wanted to share the stories that won awards in 2023:It was a big year for energy in the state. Including a groundbreaking for a huge wind energy project outside of Rawlins. A forum tried to address stigmas that are stopping firearms owners from seeking mental health resources. We’ll also hear about two of WPR’s Modern West podcast seasons. Those stories and more...

Today on the show, Gov. Mark Gordon reflects on this year’s legislative session. Lawmakers were set to pick the topics they would spend the next few months hearing about from the public and stakeholders. But that didn’t happen. Now what? And a UW dean was removed from his position. We’ll dig into the backstory. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, healthcare providers with the Veterans Administration (VA) are worried that upcoming return-to-office orders might violate standards of patient privacy. A freshman legislator personally experienced mental health problems. We check in on how this impacted his lawmaking in the landscape. And, if you’ve been jonesing for some fresh Modern West episodes, you’re in luck. We have a preview of the new season. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we’re going to take a break from the breaking news cycle. Instead, we'll hear one of the final interviews given by longtime Wyoming US Senator Al Simpson, who died in Cody on March 14th. Jim Raymond and Jim Jones are co-hosts of the podcast JimJam. The podcast focuses on the transition from work life to retired life. Back in December, they went to the home of Al and Ann Simpson. They spent a day interviewing both of them. We will listen to the full conversation with Al.

Today on the show, former U.S. Senator Al Simpson passed away in Cody at the age of 92. We will hear about his legacy. But first, the Wyoming general legislative session has ended. We'll dive into two bans on where transgender people can go in the state. Both were recently signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon. Wyoming just defunded a program that aimed to put more water on the landscape. And the debate over grizzly bears in our region may be more about humans than about the animals. Those stories and more on Open Spaces.

A lot has been going on in the state since our last episode and we have you covered. It’s been a year since a rural ranching community in Sublette County was cast into the international spotlight over one man’s treatment of a wolf. Federal funding freezes and layoffs have had real impacts on our state. We hear from two people who were fired from the research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some of those who have lost their jobs are also losing their housing. And, the 68th Wyoming Legislature has gaveled out. Cheyenne Roundup fills us in on the end.

This week on Open Spaces, Wyoming Public Radio asked our listeners to share with us how they’re impacted by the latest orders by the Trump administration. Messages streamed in. We’ll hear from a few of those. It’s been three years since the war in Ukraine started. We check in with a Laramie pediatrician who has gone to the country three times. Paleontologists discovered the fossils of the oldest known dinosaur in North America outside of Dubois. It’s also the first dino to be named in Shoshone. And we’ll have an update on the legislature with the Cheyenne Roundup. Those stories and more.

Today on Open Spaces, the Wyoming Legislature has passed the halfway point in its 40-day general session. We’re taking this Open Spaces to focus on some big themes, like how some bills may end up affecting how Wyoming residents and businesses handle taxes. There are a lot of bills that will potentially affect K-12 school education. We talk to three stakeholders, including a teacher. And one bill could have Wyomng join 19 other states in calling for a rare convention proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. They specifically want to limit federal powers, but some think the event could go awry. Those stories and more.

This week on Open Spaces, Wyoming lawmakers might roll back a sales tax on electricity, which would save us money but could cripple small towns. That’s a revenue they depend on to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. Grizzly bears are still considered threatened in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, but scientists say the population has recovered. A new exhibition offers an intimate look into the lives of creative ranching women at the turn of the 20th Century. And, of course, we’ll have our weekly check-in on the Wyoming Legislature with the Cheyenne Roundup. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we’ll hear about a bill that seeks to “make carbon dioxide great again." It would stop a lot of Wyoming’s climate change mitigation efforts, but that doesn’t mean an emissions free for all. Big movie theater chains may be closing their doors across the country. But, in some small towns in our region, theaters are still vibrant community hubs. And, we hear some tips on keeping your brain healthy and reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, a little lake north of Pinedale has long been treasured by locals for fishing. But this fall, something happened... it turned red. There’s going to be an influx of new faces at the Wyoming Capitol this month after a slate of newcomers beat out incumbents in recent elections. And we have the story of how a group of Green River High School students wrote a proclamation to make January 5th Nellie Tayloe Ross Day. Those stories and more.Editor's note: This audio has been updated to correct a misstatement.

Welcome to our year-in-review of Open Spaces. Today we have a batch of stories our reporters picked as their top news items of last year. We’ll hear how wildfire managers anticipated a busy summer after a flurry of spring burns got the season started early. We’ll revisit the early days of a program that aims to work with Native families to address grief and intergenerational trauma. And we’ll dive back into the mysterious illness that left dozens of cows nearly unrecognizable. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we’ll hear from county firefighters reflecting this past year’s massive wildfires, and about some food sovereignty projects on the Wind River Reservation. We’ll tag along with a long time Sublette county local for a very unique kind of Christmas tree hunt…Those stories and more on Open Spaces.

Today on the show, tourism in the Cody area hasn’t kept up with other Yellowstone gateway towns. We’ll hear how the town is changing up its marketing strategy to reflect that. Employers in the Cowboy State are getting creative with how they house workers. And for some, that means trucking in homes from factories. And, Miss Wyoming talks about the importance of sports and more open conversations about mental health. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, more than a decade ago, Wyoming Republicans backed a change to the state constitution, which gave people the right to make their own healthcare decisions. It was meant to signal disapproval of the Affordable Care Act. That amendment was just used to strike down two near-total abortion bans in the state. Climate change, the energy transition, and affording everyday life are all big topics on our minds. How that all might be affected in Wyoming with Donald Trump as our next president. And we hear about bringing the more-than-a-hundred-year-old remains of an Eastern Shoshone boy back to the Wind River Reservation from an East Coast boarding school. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the results of the election are in and The Wyoming Freedom Caucus now has a majority of seats in the House. One legislator says it’s going to be interesting. A Lakota historian reflects on how the railroad impacted bison habitat. In football, the Cowboys' running back, Sam Scott, flipped to the other side of the ball and is contributing in big ways this season. Plus, a rare disease popped up in Carbon County - how the handling of it has upset locals. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, as we gear up for the general election, we dive into how ballots get counted and how elections get certified. In an effort to lower their carbon footprints, people in our region are building homes out of straw bales. Students took a trip to a creek outside of Cheyenne with ties to a 19th Century treaty. Plus, we hear about how Grizzly 399 was managed differently than other bears. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, all of your questions about voting in the upcoming election answered. Plus a look at contested Wyoming House races in the General Election. On the Wind River Reservation, one tribal member is leading a program to help people coming back from prison stay out. And, a photographer talks about what motivates him to go to the front lines of some of the largest fires. Those stories and more.

Today on Open Spaces, we're bringing back some of the biggest storylines of the summer to thank you, our listeners, for keeping us on the air and making this kind of place-based, informative storytelling possible. Gillette welcomed over 55 thousand people for a week-long event. And we’ll bring you behind the scenes of one of the biggest fires in Wyoming this summer. Those stories and more.

Today on Open Spaces, it’s been a busy wildfire season. We’ll hear how fire departments are coping with fewer volunteers. A non-profit that fills in the gaps for the largest national forest in Wyoming, is preparing to play a bigger role going forward. Last winter, the corporation that owns the Pinedale Roundup laid off all its employees except one. Then, major news hit. And the Road to Cheyenne series is back to prepare Wyomingites for the general election. Those stories and more.

Today on Open Spaces, a summer camp lives out Wyoming’s vision for attracting young people to the state’s outdoor industry – even if camp chores include moving 90-pound hay bales. We hear from Cherokee painter DG House about how the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem inspires her art. Furry friends on Native American reservations are feeling the heat from climate change. And highlights of a bike race from Logan Utah, to Jackson Hole. Lo-to-Ja. Lotoja. Get it?Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the latest draft for how to manage millions of acres of federal lands in southwest Wyoming attempts compromise but there is still a chance for litigation. It’s been a pretty big year for wildfires in Wyoming. The state fire management officer says working with partners has been key. We hear from students at the University of Wyoming about changes happening on campus, like the possibility of carrying concealed weapons. And we check in with retiring State Senator Affie Ellis. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the Primary elections are almost over. We are going to take this Open Spaces to digest and analyze what happened. We chat with representatives of three voting blocks in the Wyoming legislature. Wyoming’s current speaker of the house will be out of politics for now after two sessions in the leadership position. He lost his bid for a senate seat. This comes after a particularly divisive campaign cycle. And we turn away from politics to hear about how artificial intelligence is making its way into journalism - and a small-town newsroom in Wyoming is ground zero. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, a tribal bison manager in Wyoming says Yellowstone’s new plan to manage the animals is a good compromise. Three Fremont County schools are growing their libraries with new collections of Native books. These days, all eyes are on rural voters, especially since both presidential candidates picked running mates with rural roots. And, the primary is right around the corner - we look into recent complaints about tests for voting equipment. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, how do we balance safety with the desire to leave no trace? That’s the question that’s been consuming the rock climbing community in wilderness areas. Some Wyoming voters have received mail about the upcoming election that contains wrong or misleading information. And we check in on the southeast section of the state for the latest edition of our primary election series - The Road To Cheyenne. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we sent some of our reporters to hear how Wyomingites felt about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Summer heat is impacting river ecosystems and the fishing guides that rely on them. And we continue taking a closer look at the primaries, this time Wyoming’s lone congressional Those stories and more on Open Spaces.

Today on the show, Gov. Mark Gordon is the latest guest on a show where the interview happens over a meal – and he finished his whole plate. A silent trend is affecting Wyoming’s economy: the steady decline of childcare providers. And some of the state’s rules could be making it worse. Spanish-speaking communities are vital in many Mountain West towns — and so is their need to access services and express themselves at public events. And our special series looking at the upcoming primary, The Road to Cheyenne. Those stories and more.

This week, we reach beyond our studios and bring you interviews from Wyoming PBS’ "Wyoming Chronicle." Brian Nesvik has been the Wyoming Game and Fish director since 2019. After about 30 years in the department, he’s announced his retirement. We catch up with him as he reflects on his career. And we stay in the Game and Fish department, as we learn about a success story. Undesirable fish were found in a lake in Saratoga but local and federal officials came in to save the population.

Today on the show, Campbell County is part of a national program aimed at strengthening and growing opportunities in local economies shaped by coal industries. The Eastern Shoshone Tribe debuted a new arbor at their annual powwow in Fort Washakie. We’re back with our primary election series - the Road To Cheyenne. We’re taking a look at state House and Senate races in the northwest part of the state and we’ll hear from some voters. And an interview with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Those stories and more.

June 19 marked the 70th anniversary since former Wyoming Gov. and U.S. Sen.Lester Hunt died by suicide in his office in Washington, D.C. Hunt’s political career peaked amid McCarthyism and he himself was targeted politically by McCarthy’s cronies. For many years, details of the political pressures exerted over Hunt were underreported or hidden. Our panelists, including historians, a current state lawmaker and a mental health expert, consider Hunt’s life and legacy, and the throughlines between his lifetime and today.

Today on the show, with Teton Pass out of commission, we check in with businesses and commuters. We visit Kemmerer, where a highly anticipated nuclear power project just broke ground. And we kick off the primary election season with a new series - "The Road To Cheyenne." Every Open Spaces until the primaries, we will keep you updated with what you need to know. Today, the big picture. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, fire managers are anticipating a busy summer after a flurry of spring burns got the season started early. A new program aims to work with Native families to address grief and intergenerational trauma. India’s new consul general for our region met with state officials this week to talk clean energy, tourism and trade. And, a conversation with Governor Mark Gordon about working through disagreement. Those stories and more.

This week, we reach beyond our studios and bring you interviews from Wyoming PBS’ "Wyoming Chronicle." Robin Sessions Cooley has had a long career in state government. She was most recently the director of the Department of Workforce Services. Now she’s trying her hand at being a Wyoming District Court Judge. She says her law degree really helped in her most recent job. And we hear from Miss Wyoming USA, Beck Bridger. She's also a sergeant in the US Army.

Today on the show, the first-ever Sportsperson Conservation Forum tackled some of the biggest issues in the field this week. A Wyoming woman whose son was killed for being gay has won the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her advocacy work. A handful of recent federal rule changes target coal. And while the industry has been declining for a while now, Wyoming still heavily relies on it. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, We’ll hear from best selling author CJ Box. He writes stories about wildlife and hunting culture in Wyoming and has thoughts on the recent wolf incident in Sublette County. Wyomingites need solutions for affordable rental housing, and fast. Cheap housing is growing scarce. Preserving posters printed more than 100 years ago can be a challenge, and a new exhibition looks at how to ensure the preservation of Buffalo Bill-era posters. Those stories and more.

This week, we reach beyond our studios and bring you interviews from Wyoming PBS’ "Wyoming Chronicle." It’s an election year and there are a couple of new rules. The Secretary of State talks in detail on the new rules and the reasoning behind them. And a vertical farm operation has put roots down in the state and is focused on how to make sure there’s a production method in the world's back pocket for a future where agricultural production is less stable and more expensive.

Today on the show, a conservative student group at the University of Wyoming has become a significant presence in campus politics. Almost a third of families with single moms live in poverty in the state and one organization is helping to change that. And we learn about how a couple decides to buy a record shop in Cheyenne – despite competition from national chains and a tough environment for small shops. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, Wyoming is the only state to feed elk every year depending on snowpack. A newly finalized plan gets the ball rolling for reimagining what that might look like going forward. A federal agency wants to revoke management of lands on the Wind River Reservation. Muddy Ridge could go to the BLM, or to the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes. We take a ride on a snow plow in Grand Teton National Park during one of the biggest storms of the season and hear about one leader’s efforts to prioritize his crew’s mental health. Plus - we learn about how Wyoming judges are dealing with a rise of threats. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the newsroom is celebrating our successful fund drive with some of our favorite stories from this year so far. The FBI started a new initiative to gather more data about cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people in Wyoming. We’ll hear from the Senate reading clerk about his job, and his voice. And Wyoming leads the nation in self-employed businesses. We hear from some. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, recent allegations of wolf abuse in the southwest part of the state have drawn attention from around the world. A massive operation by animal rescue groups has given 10 West Bank dogs a new life in Wyoming. Eastern Shoshone educator Ivan Posey has announced a run for House District 33, which includes part of the Wind River Reservation. And one Wyoming town is struggling financially to keep its recreation center afloat. Those stories and more.

On today's show, we check in with both political parties on how they are hoping to get young voters more involved. We’ll hear from the Senate reading clerk about his job reading all of the bills in the Wyoming Legislature and his voice. We learn about a group of Black musicians that left a lasting musical influence on Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. And our podcast, "The Modern West," is out with a new season. This time, it's focusing on stories from Wyoming Public Radio reporters. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, we hear the final recording of Wyoming Public Media’s and WyoFile’s podcast that keeps track of the Wyoming legislative session: the "Cheyenne Roundup." A special guest helped moderate the discussion - you may recognize him from previous episodes of Open Spaces.

Today on the show, we follow along as a Shoshone elder teaches a younger tribal member the Shoshone language. White supremacist trolls have been interrupting the Laramie City Council with hateful, antisemitic comments. And, the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra traveled to Europe for the first time in 17 years. We get to go along too. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, the University of Wyoming mourned and remembered three UW swimmers that were killed in a car crash at the end of February. Casper is home to Wyoming’s only remaining procedural abortion clinic. Its existence is threatened by a bill passed during this year’s legislative session. Brick-and-mortar Wyoming Food Freedom stores are helping producers expand their market throughout the state. Plus, we hear from the Superintendent of Yellowstone on ways the park is trying to improve employee housing. Those stories and more.

This week, we reach beyond our studios and bring you interviews from Wyoming PBS' "Wyoming Chronicle." A young park ranger came to Wyoming and established the state’s chapter of Women Who Hike. And an energy efficient house designed by University of Wyoming students won second place in the annual Global Solar Decathlon. Join us for those stories.

Today on the show, two-thirds into the Budget Session, we look at why some lawmakers and advocates are frustrated with how it started. One bill that didn’t get killed early on would ban most forms of gender-affirming care for minors. Some say the negative impacts could ripple through Wyoming’s youth. And Colorado has released its first set of wolves. But a few actually migrated down a while ago. And the opinion there is more complicated than you’d think. Plus, we hear from author Craig Johnson. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, a national group that casts doubt on climate science was allowed to speak at the state capitol during the legislative budget session, and leadership wasn’t impressed. The FBI has a new initiative to gather more data about cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people in Wyoming. And, a filmmaker is taking it upon herself to shoot her movie in Wyoming even after the legislature has decided not to create a film incentive in the state. Those stories and more.

This week, we reach beyond our studios and bring you interviews from Wyoming PBS' "Wyoming Chronicle." We check in with an author who wrote a book about the history of Wyoming and its role in the American West. It partially focuses on Jim Bridger. And a Wyomingite has a unique talent. Jack Mease creates miniature versions of familiar, but much larger, objects.

Today on the show, WyoFile and Wyoming Public Radio political reporters preview the upcoming legislative budget session. Maybe you’ve noticed your electricity bills going up. Well, state lawmakers are trying to address that in some bills they’ve drafted. When it comes to the Colorado River, there’s not enough water to go around. But a historic piece of water ownership is about to change hands, and you can see it right off the side of the highway. Those stories and more.

Today on the show, this spring, shed antler hunting is going to look a bit different. Wyomingites will be the only ones allowed to hunt for the first week. Members of a comedy group in Jackson find community – and laughter – in the world of improv. And Wyoming Public Radio is taking part in an initiative to improve our reporting and help people be better informed about voting. We'll learn more about the project. Those stories and more.