The Journal.
The Journal.
The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios
A Fight Over Buc-ee’s and for the Soul of the American West
20 minutes Posted Jul 22, 2025 at 8:00 pm.
0:00
20:00
Download MP3
Show notes

Buc-ee's — the chain of road stops with a beaver mascot and a die-hard fanbase — is looking to expand westward. Its next stop is Palmer Lake, Colorado: a small, rural town known for its lush greenery and outdoor recreation. But some local residents are looking to “heave the beave.” And they have a powerful billionaire backing them: ‘cable cowboy' John Malone. WSJ’s Jim Carlton reports on this standoff over development and the future of the American West. Annie Minoff hosts.  


Further Listening:

- The Fight Over Water in the West

- The Rise of the Yimbys


Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices