http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/wpr/openspaces/index.html Fridays 3 to 4pm. Individual segments of Open Spaces offers in-depth news features, a weekly review of significant issues in a "roundtable" discussion with newspaper editors and reporters from around Wyoming, regular segments including an interactive feature for listeners, and a companion Web page with archival components, Web links and additional news content. en-us Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:20:09 GMT Public Podcaster 30 no A Wyoming News Magazine Fridays 3 to 4pm. Individual segments of Open Spaces offers in-depth news features, a weekly review of significant issues in a "roundtable" discussion with newspaper editors and reporters from around Wyoming, regular segments including an interactive feature for listeners, and a companion Web page with archival components, Web links and additional news content. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578570 In the debate over how to improve the nation's health care system, one idea that comes up frequently is increasing competition among health insurance companies. Wyoming Public Radio's Renny MacKay reports on the level of competition in this state and whether more options for consumers would really improve health care. wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871116/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871116.mp3 00:00:00 no A LOOK AT WYOMING’S HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE In the debate over how to improve the nation's health care system, one idea that comes up frequently is increasing competition among health insurance companies. Wyoming Public Radio's Renny MacKay reports on the level of competition in this In the debate over how to improve the nation's health care system, one idea that comes up frequently is increasing competition among health insurance companies. Wyoming Public Radio's Renny MacKay reports on the level of competition in this state and whether more options for consumers would really improve health care. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578568 This week we learned that the U.S. Forest Service is diverting funds away from certain national forests... and toward forests hit hardest by the bark beetle epidemic. That led to the closure of campgrounds in the Shoshone National Forest, whose budget has been reduced by about 2 million dollars. wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871113/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871113.mp3 00:00:00 no BARK BEETLE EPIDEMIC MAY AFFECT MOBILITY IN FORESTS This week we learned that the U.S. Forest Service is diverting funds away from certain national forests... and toward forests hit hardest by the bark beetle epidemic. That led to the closure of campgrounds in the Shoshone National Forest, whose This week we learned that the U.S. Forest Service is diverting funds away from certain national forests... and toward forests hit hardest by the bark beetle epidemic. That led to the closure of campgrounds in the Shoshone National Forest, whose budget has been reduced by about 2 million dollars. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578562 In recent weeks we have heard the opinions and goals of the Governor and some Republican legislative leaders as they look to begin work on the state budget. Today, State Senator Mike Massie, the lone Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee joins Bob Beck. Massie is also a member of the education committee and for that reason brings an interesting perspective to the debate over how to fund education in the future. wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871111/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871111.mp3 00:00:00 no STATE DEMOCRATS SPEAKS ON BUDGET In recent weeks we have heard the opinions and goals of the Governor and some Republican legislative leaders as they look to begin work on the state budget. Today, State Senator Mike Massie, the lone Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee In recent weeks we have heard the opinions and goals of the Governor and some Republican legislative leaders as they look to begin work on the state budget. Today, State Senator Mike Massie, the lone Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee joins Bob Beck. Massie is also a member of the education committee and for that reason brings an interesting perspective to the debate over how to fund education in the future. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578558 One issue that is interesting in Native American culture is how Native Americans judge those with mixed blood. Karleen Wolfe is half white and half Native American. Her daughter Sydney is only a quarter Sioux and Chippewa. Both struggle to fit in with their Native American friends and family in different ways. In this report on how Native Americans judge the mixed blood among them, Jesse Jacobson explores how a mother and daughter have learned to overcome prejudice and embrace their heritage. wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871108/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871108.mp3 00:00:00 no INTEGRATION STRUGGLE FOR NATIVE AMERICANS One issue that is interesting in Native American culture is how Native Americans judge those with mixed blood. Karleen Wolfe is half white and half Native American. Her daughter Sydney is only a quarter Sioux and Chippewa. Both struggle to fit in One issue that is interesting in Native American culture is how Native Americans judge those with mixed blood. Karleen Wolfe is half white and half Native American. Her daughter Sydney is only a quarter Sioux and Chippewa. Both struggle to fit in with their Native American friends and family in different ways. In this report on how Native Americans judge the mixed blood among them, Jesse Jacobson explores how a mother and daughter have learned to overcome prejudice and embrace their heritage. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578556 The Wyoming Council for Women's issues released a report this morning that looks at the top concerns expressed by women in the state. The last study was conducted five years ago, when 800 women were contacted by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. Carma Corra with the Council says that five years ago health care, child care and employment were the top issues. In 2009 that has not changed. But Corra told Bob Beck some new concerns also made the list. wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871107/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871107.mp3 00:00:00 no WHAT CONCERNS WYOMING WOMEN The Wyoming Council for Women's issues released a report this morning that looks at the top concerns expressed by women in the state. The last study was conducted five years ago, when 800 women were contacted by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis The Wyoming Council for Women's issues released a report this morning that looks at the top concerns expressed by women in the state. The last study was conducted five years ago, when 800 women were contacted by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. Carma Corra with the Council says that five years ago health care, child care and employment were the top issues. In 2009 that has not changed. But Corra told Bob Beck some new concerns also made the list. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578553 Most local arts organizations face funding challenges no matter the economic environment. And in a downturn - affordable space becomes more important than ever. KUNC's Grace Hood reports on one effort, in Northern Colorado, to give performance arts groups a place to call home. wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871104/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871104.mp3 00:00:00 no ARTISTS DURING A RECESSION Most local arts organizations face funding challenges no matter the economic environment. And in a downturn - affordable space becomes more important than ever. KUNC's Grace Hood reports on one effort, in Northern Colorado, to give performance Most local arts organizations face funding challenges no matter the economic environment. And in a downturn - affordable space becomes more important than ever. KUNC's Grace Hood reports on one effort, in Northern Colorado, to give performance arts groups a place to call home. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578550 Wyoming's unemployment rate has more than doubled in the past year and the number of people losing jobs in the state is growing by the day. Although the downturn in the economy has impacted a number of businesses, those hardest hit worked in the energy industry, construction and service industry. Over 20 years ago the city Casper saw massive layoffs following the downturn of the oil industry.Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck reports . wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871102/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871102.mp3 00:00:00 no A TIGHT JOB MARKET IN CASPER Wyoming's unemployment rate has more than doubled in the past year and the number of people losing jobs in the state is growing by the day. Although the downturn in the economy has impacted a number of businesses, those hardest hit worked in the Wyoming's unemployment rate has more than doubled in the past year and the number of people losing jobs in the state is growing by the day. Although the downturn in the economy has impacted a number of businesses, those hardest hit worked in the energy industry, construction and service industry. Over 20 years ago the city Casper saw massive layoffs following the downturn of the oil industry.Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck reports . http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1578547 The job market is tough only in Casper. Other places in the state are in a similar spot. Gillette is on that list. And perhaps more surprising - Evanston. State employment officials say the downturn in the energy industry is hurting workers there, too. The Workforce services manager for the Evanston and Kemmerer offices is David Bassett he spoke with Bob Beck wpr Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/871100/mp3/news/podcast/1562/871100.mp3 00:00:00 no OTHER COMMUNITIES SHARE CASPER’S PAIN The job market is tough only in Casper. Other places in the state are in a similar spot. Gillette is on that list. And perhaps more surprising - Evanston. State employment officials say the downturn in the energy industry is hurting workers The job market is tough only in Casper. Other places in the state are in a similar spot. Gillette is on that list. And perhaps more surprising - Evanston. State employment officials say the downturn in the energy industry is hurting workers there, too. The Workforce services manager for the Evanston and Kemmerer offices is David Bassett he spoke with Bob Beck http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575895 Local officials say hiring is starting to come back, little by little. In the meantime there may be some positive aspects to the economic slowdown. On a recent visit Wyoming Public Radio's Renny MacKay found former roughnecks using the downturn as a time to get new skills, and an economic development office that's pushing for improvements ahead of the next boom. wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869909/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869909.mp3 00:00:00 no UNEMPLOYMENT IN SWEETWATER COUNTY Local officials say hiring is starting to come back, little by little. In the meantime there may be some positive aspects to the economic slowdown. On a recent visit Wyoming Public Radio's Renny MacKay found former roughnecks using the downturn Local officials say hiring is starting to come back, little by little. In the meantime there may be some positive aspects to the economic slowdown. On a recent visit Wyoming Public Radio's Renny MacKay found former roughnecks using the downturn as a time to get new skills, and an economic development office that's pushing for improvements ahead of the next boom. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575893 The Obama Administration says it wants to see 25 percent of the country's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2025. But to boost renewable energy's share of total energy consumption we have to figure out how to move it from here to there. For the most part, the places in the country that are the best sources of wind and solar energy aren't close to the places that use the most electricity. Wyoming Public Radio's Molly Messick reports wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869908/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869908.mp3 00:00:00 no ONE TRANSMISSION LINE’S UPS AND DOWNS The Obama Administration says it wants to see 25 percent of the country's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2025. But to boost renewable energy's share of total energy consumption we have to figure out how to move it from here to The Obama Administration says it wants to see 25 percent of the country's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2025. But to boost renewable energy's share of total energy consumption we have to figure out how to move it from here to there. For the most part, the places in the country that are the best sources of wind and solar energy aren't close to the places that use the most electricity. Wyoming Public Radio's Molly Messick reports http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575889 The Laramie downtown clinic was started ten years ago to help the low income, uninsured population in Laramie. They serve about 4-thousand people. Lorna Johnson is the director and says most of their clients do work sometimes multiple jobs .but they either cannot get or afford insurance. Johnson and her medical director Doctor Lars Petersen have agreed to join us to provide their perspective on the health care legislation being debated in Washington. They speak with Bob Beck. wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869906/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869906.mp3 00:00:00 no THE LARAMIE DOWNTOWN CLINIC‘S DIRECTOR, LORNA JOHNSON AND HER MEDICAL DIRECTOR DOCTOR LARS PETERSEN, TALK TO WPR’S BOB BECK The Laramie downtown clinic was started ten years ago to help the low income, uninsured population in Laramie. They serve about 4-thousand people. Lorna Johnson is the director and says most of their clients do work sometimes multiple jobs .but they The Laramie downtown clinic was started ten years ago to help the low income, uninsured population in Laramie. They serve about 4-thousand people. Lorna Johnson is the director and says most of their clients do work sometimes multiple jobs .but they either cannot get or afford insurance. Johnson and her medical director Doctor Lars Petersen have agreed to join us to provide their perspective on the health care legislation being debated in Washington. They speak with Bob Beck. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575887 Hundreds of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... are now back in Wyoming and trying to reintegrate into their communities. An event in Laramie on Veteran's Day next week is aimed at helping civilians talk to vets about the wars. Michelle A. Worden is a professional counselor in Laramie, and organized the event. She tells Addie Goss that as a community, we need to do better at listening. wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869904/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869904.mp3 00:00:00 no MICHELLE A. WORDEN, A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR IN LARAMIE, HELPS CIVILIANS TALK TO VETS ABOUT THE WARS Hundreds of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... are now back in Wyoming and trying to reintegrate into their communities. An event in Laramie on Veteran's Day next week is aimed at helping civilians talk to vets about the wars. Hundreds of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... are now back in Wyoming and trying to reintegrate into their communities. An event in Laramie on Veteran's Day next week is aimed at helping civilians talk to vets about the wars. Michelle A. Worden is a professional counselor in Laramie, and organized the event. She tells Addie Goss that as a community, we need to do better at listening. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575885 Last year, as they saw state revenues began to decline, a small group of legislators started discussing the possibility of reducing funding for education. Now as state revenue forecasters confirm that Wyoming could be in for tighter financial times, there is speculation that the reduction push will pick up. Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck reports. wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869903/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869903.mp3 00:00:00 no WYOMING CONSIDERS REDUCING FUNDING FOR EDUCATION Last year, as they saw state revenues began to decline, a small group of legislators started discussing the possibility of reducing funding for education. Now as state revenue forecasters confirm that Wyoming could be in for tighter financial times, Last year, as they saw state revenues began to decline, a small group of legislators started discussing the possibility of reducing funding for education. Now as state revenue forecasters confirm that Wyoming could be in for tighter financial times, there is speculation that the reduction push will pick up. Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck reports. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575883 The world this month commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down... and with it, the end of the Cold War. One Laramie resident has pieces of the wall to help him remember that day. Addie Goss reports. wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869902/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869902.mp3 00:00:00 no ONE LARAMIE RESIDENT COMMEMORATES THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BERLIN WALL COMING DOWN The world this month commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down... and with it, the end of the Cold War. One Laramie resident has pieces of the wall to help him remember that day. Addie Goss reports. The world this month commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down... and with it, the end of the Cold War. One Laramie resident has pieces of the wall to help him remember that day. Addie Goss reports. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575882 The Wyoming Department of Corrections says prescription drug abuse has been a growing concern across the state. It's gotten to the point where the department is now training local law enforcement agencies on what to look for and how to combat this problem. Alan Rossler is overseeing that training for the department and he tells Bob Beck that something needs to be done. wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869901/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869901.mp3 00:00:00 no PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE IS A GROWING CONCERN ACROSS THE STATE The Wyoming Department of Corrections says prescription drug abuse has been a growing concern across the state. It's gotten to the point where the department is now training local law enforcement agencies on what to look for and how to combat The Wyoming Department of Corrections says prescription drug abuse has been a growing concern across the state. It's gotten to the point where the department is now training local law enforcement agencies on what to look for and how to combat this problem. Alan Rossler is overseeing that training for the department and he tells Bob Beck that something needs to be done. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1575880 Last week Addie Goss reported on a program in Casper for drug addicts in prison. The therapeutic community program, or TC, is designed for men nearing the end of their sentences. They live together for a year, meet in small groups, and try to address the underlying reasons they use drugs. This week we hear from three graduates of the program. wpr Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/869900/mp3/news/podcast/1562/869900.mp3 00:00:00 no GRADUATES OF THE THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY PROGRAM IN CASPER TALK TO WPR’S ADDIE GOSS Last week Addie Goss reported on a program in Casper for drug addicts in prison. The therapeutic community program, or TC, is designed for men nearing the end of their sentences. They live together for a year, meet in small groups, and try to Last week Addie Goss reported on a program in Casper for drug addicts in prison. The therapeutic community program, or TC, is designed for men nearing the end of their sentences. They live together for a year, meet in small groups, and try to address the underlying reasons they use drugs. This week we hear from three graduates of the program. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1573022 Wyoming U-S Senator Mike Enzi has been working on health care reform for several years. Enzi was working closely with the late Senator Ted Kennedy to craft bi-partisan legislation. They achieved many reforms over the years. But Enzi is no fan of a public option, preferring to give people tax credits and vouchers to pay for health care instead. Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck talks to Senator Enzi about how he views the reform efforts as the Senate heads towards debate. wpr Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/868575/mp3/news/podcast/1562/868575.mp3 00:00:00 no ENZI ON HEALTH CARE Wyoming U-S Senator Mike Enzi has been working on health care reform for several years. Enzi was working closely with the late Senator Ted Kennedy to craft bi-partisan legislation. They achieved many reforms over the years. But Enzi is no fan of a Wyoming U-S Senator Mike Enzi has been working on health care reform for several years. Enzi was working closely with the late Senator Ted Kennedy to craft bi-partisan legislation. They achieved many reforms over the years. But Enzi is no fan of a public option, preferring to give people tax credits and vouchers to pay for health care instead. Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck talks to Senator Enzi about how he views the reform efforts as the Senate heads towards debate. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1573019 This week Wyoming health officials said that a large amount of H1N1 or swine flu vaccine will soon arrive in the state. It should be enough to let everyone in Wyoming get a flu shot. But only half of parents nationwide say they plan to get their kids vaccinated. Many say they're worried about vaccine side-effects. Julie Grant reports that some government policies may have inadvertently made people concerned about vaccine safety. wpr Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/868574/mp3/news/podcast/1562/868574.mp3 00:00:00 no H1N1 UPDATE This week Wyoming health officials said that a large amount of H1N1 or swine flu vaccine will soon arrive in the state. It should be enough to let everyone in Wyoming get a flu shot. But only half of parents nationwide say they plan to get their This week Wyoming health officials said that a large amount of H1N1 or swine flu vaccine will soon arrive in the state. It should be enough to let everyone in Wyoming get a flu shot. But only half of parents nationwide say they plan to get their kids vaccinated. Many say they're worried about vaccine side-effects. Julie Grant reports that some government policies may have inadvertently made people concerned about vaccine safety. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1573017 In our state, especially in southern Wyoming, many people are worried about the idea to make part of interstate 80 a toll road. The argument is that Wyoming takes money away from other highways to fix our interstates, especially 80. Senator Michael Von Flatern has worked hard on this issue as the co-chairman of the legislature's transportation committee. He tells Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck what he is up to. wpr Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/868573/mp3/news/podcast/1562/868573.mp3 00:00:00 no I-80 TOLL UPDATE In our state, especially in southern Wyoming, many people are worried about the idea to make part of interstate 80 a toll road. The argument is that Wyoming takes money away from other highways to fix our interstates, especially 80. Senator Michael In our state, especially in southern Wyoming, many people are worried about the idea to make part of interstate 80 a toll road. The argument is that Wyoming takes money away from other highways to fix our interstates, especially 80. Senator Michael Von Flatern has worked hard on this issue as the co-chairman of the legislature's transportation committee. He tells Wyoming Public Radio's Bob Beck what he is up to. http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1573014 Each year, about a hundred male drug addicts in Wyoming are moved from prison to a locked facility west of Casper. They spend about 12 months there toward the end of their prison sentence, living alongside other addicts, and looking hard at why they used drugs.This model is called a therapeutic community, or T-C. Wyoming Public Radio's Addie Goss reports on life inside T-C's walls, and life once these men get out. wpr Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wpr/.jukebox/media/wpr/868570/mp3/news/podcast/1562/868570.mp3 00:00:00 no CASPER DRUG TREATMENT FOR INMATES Each year, about a hundred male drug addicts in Wyoming are moved from prison to a locked facility west of Casper. They spend about 12 months there toward the end of their prison sentence, living alongside other addicts, and looking hard at why they Each year, about a hundred male drug addicts in Wyoming are moved from prison to a locked facility west of Casper. They spend about 12 months there toward the end of their prison sentence, living alongside other addicts, and looking hard at why they used drugs.This model is called a therapeutic community, or T-C. Wyoming Public Radio's Addie Goss reports on life inside T-C's walls, and life once these men get out.