Open Spaces

Today on the show, about 70% of Wyomingites oppose large scale data centers. We talk with some about their concerns and learn more about how regulations can be improved. Some states are making birth and postpartum doulas more accessible, but Wyoming's not on board yet. And we chat with a group advocating to make life easier for people with blindness and impaired vision. Those stories and more. Lov...

Today on the show, this year’s dramatic and often tragic fire season is winding down, though it’s certainly not over. We talk to an author about the intraparty conflict in Wyoming’s Republican Party. It all started with Trump. We chat with a group of friends who bought a house together for affordability and for the sense of community. Plus, we get the details behind this week's massive donation to...

Today on the show, a new airbase in Casper will house wildfire fighting choppers, planes and firefighters. A beloved fur baby from the Rockies won a competition for the oddest pet insurance claim from last year. And, after an attempted shutdown, a federal program that teaches trades to young adults is having a comeback. Those stories and more. Love WPR's reporting? Sign up for our newsletters to g...

The general election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3. To help you prep to vote, we teamed up with KHOL Jackson to offer all the candidates in competitive races for statewide and federal office 20-minute interviews. Almost all of them took our offer. Hear excerpts about their priorities and experience in this special 2026 general election preview. Plus, our reporters break down the ballot initiativ...

Today on the show, Under Secretary of the Department of Energy Kyle Haustveit talks data centers, drought and the "nuclear renaissance." Vast swaths of quiet and remote wilderness areas are some of the most protected public lands. So, the recent buzz of chainsaws in one area is causing a stir. And Guest or dude ranches are holding strong as institutions of western culture. Those stories and more....

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 ha...

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...

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 i...

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 t...

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_m...

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...

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. Lov...

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 deliver...

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 sto...

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 Un...

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. T...

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 ex...

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....

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...

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.