Open Spaces

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.