On this episode, the campaign for Medicaid expansion is gaining steam, although it’s still having trouble in the legislature. Plus a preview of the upcoming state budget debate. We’ll hear about the latest wild horse roundup in Wyoming – some people find it controversial, but many residents in southwest Wyoming say it’s a necessity. And we will look at population growth in Sheridan. Those stories and more.

Open Spaces

Open Spaces February 18, 2022

On this episode, the Wyoming Legislature begins its work next week and a proposal to change the Wyoming Primary Election process could get some interest. COVID surges are impacting staff at some of the state's smallest hospitals. Mask restrictions on the Wind River Reservation are helping student-athletes stay in school. Those stories and a visit with the Meeteetse Chocolatier.

Open Spaces February 11, 2022

On this episode, we will talk with Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney about the January 6th committee. We will also discuss efforts to reform Wyoming's education system including the latest step—public input. Fentanyl overdose deaths are increasing nationwide. Test strips could help people test drugs and avoid fentanyl, but those are illegal in many states. And we will hear from a neuroscientist about his latest book, in which he comes out as a drug user.

Open Spaces January 28, 2022

On this episode, children are less at risk from COVID, but low vaccination rates and the omicron surge could put more in the hospital. We'll hear about a case in western Wyoming that's pitted private property rights against a rural lifestyle. Eastern Shoshone elders are creating a dictionary to pass down to younger tribal members. Those stories and more.

Open Spaces January 21, 2022

On this episode, the latest attempt to update the law that deals with providing involuntary mental health treatment to someone in a crisis has failed. Solutions include more facilities. Volunteer rescue teams are all over the Mountain West, and many saw an increase in calls in 2021. The kinds of calls changed, too, becoming recovery operations instead of rescues. In the past year, multiple whistleblower's have come out saying the Wyoming National Air Guard have mishandled sexual assault reports and reporting. Meanwhile, the Wyoming National Army has been part of a pilot sexual assault response training program.

Open Spaces January 7, 2022

Rental regulations in Laramie could address substandard living conditions. A board game is helping teachers educate students about Native American history. The price of real estate in our region's ski towns is pushing long-term residents out. That's certainly the case in Jackson. Those stories and a look at how climate is impacting stockgrowers.

Open Spaces December 17, 2021

On this episode, we will talk some about business, including the longtime discussion of how to diversify the economy. We'll hear about the worker shortage in southwest Wyoming. Some say the cause isn't just the pandemic — that there are other factors too. The Ucross Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Join us for those stories and a conversation with the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park.

Open Spaces December 3, 2021

On this episode, when it comes to measuring drought, scientists are looking at four main numbers. Right now, they're all heading in the wrong direction. Wildfire seasons are getting more dangerous and more severe. But the federal government is losing experienced people to fight them. But the new infrastructure law hopes to change that. Plus a visit with State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist. Those stories and a special from Montana Public Radio on the Fetterman massacre.

Open Spaces November 26, 2021

On this episode, Terra Power announced that a Natrium Nuclear Reactor is going to be placed in Kemmerer and the state senator from the area will join us to talk about it. Some are questioning whether it's ethical to get a booster vaccine. Climate change is impacting downhill ski season. Join us for those stories and more.

Open Spaces November 19, 2021

On this episode, we look back on the legislature's special session that led to just about nothing. Still, many legislators say it was a good idea. Many school districts are struggling with staffing shortages right now. That means teachers and principals are working overtime Climate change could be affecting big game animals... and hunting. Those stories and more.

Open Spaces November 5, 2021

On this episode, thanks to COVID-19, elective surgeries are hard to come by these days. In Jackson, there's another push for a real estate transfer tax. Reporter Cooper McKim visits Rock Springs to ask: what's next for Wyoming. We hear from a handful of locals who have many different opinions. Join us for those stories and more.

Open Spaces October 29, 2021

On this episode, we'll hear about one Wyoming county with no hospital and low COVID vaccination rates...many of the residents say they're skeptical of the vaccine. We will bring you another episode of the Kids Ask WhY podcast where kids talk about COVID-19 with a Wyoming doctor. Plus a conversation with Wyoming's House Minority Leader Cathy Connolly on a wide range of subjects including Juvenile Justice. Those stories and more.

Open Spaces October 15, 2021

On this episode, Wyoming National Guard whistleblowers are saying they got retaliated for trying to go down the official channels of reporting sexual harassment and workplace hostility complaints. Much of the water in the West is already designated in a deal that was made when there was a lot of precipitation. A climbing project outside the Wind River Reservation is years into planning. But the Tribes don't feel like they've been brought to the table. Plus an interesting conversation on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Those stories and more.

Open Spaces October 8, 2021

On this episode, when it comes to kids back in the classroom, the coronavirus is one problem. Wildfire smoke is another. Much of the west is gripped in a historic drought. There are a lot of ideas for how to relieve it, some more feasible than others. In Teton County, crab apples are attracting bears... a team of entrepreneurs came up with an idea. Those stories and more.

Open Spaces October 1, 2021

On this episode, DACA recipients in Teton County can qualify to buy affordable housing. But some don't like it. Supporters say it benefits the community. Hospitals across the West are becoming overburdened with mostly unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. There's not much research into how wildfire smoke affects animals who spend most or all of their time outside, but one researcher has scratched the surface. We'll have those stories and a look at sundown towns in the Mountain West.

Open Spaces September 17, 2021

A news and public affairs program about Wyoming and the West.