Jackson Unpacked

This week on Jackson Unpacked [July 9]: KHOL reports on the fallout of a conservative scheme that infiltrated several progressive political groups across Wyoming. A new effort in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley aims to connect people with housing assistance. The Colorado River is tapped out. Plus, Thin Air Shakespeare is back at the Center for the Arts in Jackson this week and modernizing “Much Ado About Nothing” with a Mexican-American lead character.

This week on Jackson Unpacked [June 30]: Several town governments across the Mountain West, including Jackson, are trying something new to help local workers purchase homes: offering down payment assistance. A school superintendent on the Wind River Indian Reservation discusses how the legacy of federal Indian boarding schools continues to affect Indigenous students today. Plus, KHOL Spanish-language correspondent Alicia Unger reports on why some local LGBTQ Latinos say they face extra challenges when it comes to coming out.

Jackson Unpacked airs locally at 89.1 FM or via live-stream Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. and Fridays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. Support Jackson’s only nonprofit newsroom by becoming a member of KHOL today.

In this bonus episode of Jackson Unpacked, KHOL's Will Walkey talks with Mike Koshmrl of the Jackson Hole News&Guide about human-bear conflict on Jackson Hole roadways, and the choice by Wyoming Game & Fish to haze famed grizzly "Felicia."

A full transcript of this interview is available here. A shorter version of Walkey and Koshmrl's conversation was also featured in a recent Jackson Unpacked episode, "It's a Feedback Loop." 

This week on Jackson Unpacked [June 23]: A first-of-its-kind nuclear power plant is coming to Wyoming. Is it safe, and what does it mean for the state? Jackson Hole News&Guide reporter Mike Koshmrl discusses his recent reporting on the hazing of Grizzly Bear 863, aka Felicia, on Togwotee Pass. A Jackson botanist is using citizen science to track the impact of climate change on local plant species. Plus, KHOL music director Jack Catlin interviews bandleader John Kidwell of the local New Orleans-style jazz ensemble Jackson 6.

This week on Jackson Unpacked [June 16]: Local businesses from restaurants to the Rec Center are struggling to find employees this season -- so much so that some might have to shut down entirely. The concert series Music on Main in Victor returns this week after a year of forced hiatus. Plus, a regional look at how severe drought conditions are impacting the mental health of farmers and ranchers across the West, and a duo called the Musical Mountaineers heads back to the hills.

In this bonus episode of Jackson Unpacked, KHOL shares a recent special edition of "Wildcard" from our friends at KVNF in Paonia, Colorado. Host Gavin Dahl rounds up some of the best recent stories from across the Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition, which KHOL is a member of. Listen now to hear about the first year of Colorado's red flag law from KSJD Cortez, the infestation of Front Range trees by emerald ash borer from KGNU Boulder, and much more. Plus, KHOL's recent story on the clash over scenic helicopter tours near Grand Teton National Park.

This week on Jackson Unpacked [June 9]: Rendezvous Park is now home to the latest public art project in Teton County: a larger-than-life troll statue named Mama Mimi. KHOL interviews two of the organizers of Jackson’s first month-long celebration of LGBTQ Pride this June. Plus, KHOL Spanish language correspondent Alicia Unger reports on how health officials are trying to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among some members of the local Latino community.

This week on Jackson Unpacked [June 2]: The Jackson Hole real estate market shattered records last year and appears on course to do the same in 2021. A failed education bill in the Wyoming State Legislature reflects the growing national debate on how American youth should learn about American history. Plus, a conversation with a local music therapist, GPS moose collaring in Wilson and more. This week’s show rebroadcasts some of the KHOL team’s favorite stories from last winter -- before we officially launched Jackson Unpacked as a podcast.

This week on Jackson Unpacked [May 26]: Both the Teton County Board of Commissioners and the Town of Jackson recently passed unanimous bans on commercial air tours over Grand Teton National Park, but scenic helicopter tours out of the Jackson Hole Airport aren’t likely to stop anytime soon. KHOL interviews a conservative conservationist who supports the Biden administration’s pause on new oil and gas leases on public lands. Plus, conversations with the author and local resident Philippa Forester and Jackson multi-instrumentalist Ben Musser aka Benyaro.

This week on Jackson Unpacked [May 19]: Rep. Liz Cheney is in hot water with some Teton County Republicans, as well as the national GOP. A new mindfulness training program is showing promising results for a wide range of local community leaders. Plus, a conversation with the Jackson indie folk-rock band Inland Isle about their debut album, "Time Has Changed Us."