Daniels Fund

We’ll hear how decades of oil and gas drilling in the West has left behind thousands of abandoned, largely forgotten wells. And how Wyoming recently attempted to count its entire population of homeless people. But some advocates say the count isn’t getting everyone who is really homeless in the state. We will hear from the Wyoming basketball great who invented the jump shot. We’ll also find out how wildlife biologists are trying to save cutthroat trout, and hear an interview with Laramie artist Tara Pappas. Those stories and more. 

Open Spaces February 5, 2016

PART I: Living On Top Of Forgotten Oil And Gas Wells

Coal Country Celebrates Clean Power Plan Hold

An interview by Eric Whitney, News Director of Montana Public Radio, with Al Ekblad, Executive Director of Montana's AFL-CIO, about the future of the coal industry and the workers who depend upon that industry for their livelihoods.

The Future Of Coal: A Union Boss Weighs In

Continuing low oil prices have left tens of thousands of oil workers out of a job.

Now, a growing number of them are turning to the courts, saying they weren’t paid fairly when times were good.

Wage Theft Claims Surge As Oil Prices Fall

Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Your Future Electricity Bill

The US oil and gas industry was shocked recently by the sudden death of one of its most influential executives.
Aubrey McClendon was killed after driving his SUV into a concrete embankment, a day after being indicted on bid rigging and price fixing charges.
He was the former CEO of Chesapeake energy, a major producer now floundering under low oil and gas prices.
Dan Boyce explores whether Chesapeake’s cautionary tale contains glimmers of hope.

Chesapeake Energy's Downfall Is Another Oil Company's Gain

Peabody Energy’s senior lenders, recently recommended it file for bankruptcy. 
If the coal giant goes under, it would be the latest in a string of major producers to file for Chapter 11. But if you drive through one of the country’s most productive coal regions - Wyoming's Powder River Basin, dynamite blasts still shake the earth and miners in gigantic trucks are still scooping up coal. So what does bankruptcy actually mean on the ground? Our Inside Energy reporter Leigh Paterson has more.  

As Coal Mining Continues, What Does Bankruptcy Mean On The Ground?

The coal industry’s recent downturn is casting ripples throughout the economy in the West. In Wyoming, the unemployment rate is climbing faster than any other state in the country—and it’s not just miners who are struggling. From a hotel in Gillette, Wyoming Public Radio’s Stephanie Joyce explores the fallout from the collapsing mineral economy. 

From Housekeepers To Railroad Conductors, Coal’s Crash Takes Its Toll

Brennan sat down with WPR's Bob Beck to ask him about his 30 year career in public radio.

WPR's Bob Beck on KHOL

WPR offers NPR programming, state news, classical, jazz, contemporary music and more. Wyoming Public Media connects Wyoming through news and cultural programming that informs, inspires, and educates.



Open Spaces February 5, 2016

Wyoming Public Radio

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