Open Spaces

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.