Wyoming – 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.

Wyoming – 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.

Wyoming – 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

By Renny MacKay

Laramie, Wyo. – As the U.S. Senate gets closer to voting on a health care overhaul bill, the focus continues to be on a public option for health insurance. Wyoming's congressional delegation is vocally opposing the public option. But, many doctors want it.

By AP

Cheyenne, Wyo. – A Cheyenne refinery says it plans to fight the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's nearly $7 million fine levied in late September for allegedly dumping hazardous waste into a pond designed to hold storm water.

Gerald Faudel, Frontier Oil Corp.'s vice president of government relations, told the Tribune Eagle, "We continue to believe there's a misunderstanding with that pond."

By AP

Cheyenne, Wyo. – The state's oil and gas industry is aiming to kill a proposed bill whose proponents say would help make Wyoming's workplaces safer.

The Joint Judiciary Committee on Monday is due to vote on whether to take up the measure, known as "Duty owed to employees of independent contractors."

According to the bill, owners of worksites would owe a duty of reasonable care to employees of independent contractors - even when the employees are injured doing the work the contractor was hired to perform.

By AP

Laramie, Wyo. – Police arrested the 20-year-old driver of a vehicle that crashed and left a Laramie teenager dead.

Fredric Saccoto was taken into custody on suspicion of felony aggravated homicide by vehicle after the crash at about 1:20 a.m. on Friday.

Laramie Police Commander Mitchell Cushman says the vehicle held five passengers, including 18-year-old Lace Peck, who died at the scene.

By AP

Cheyenne, WY – A group of Wyoming politicos and journalists is launching a nonprofit online news publication dedicated to covering state government.

The Cowboy State Free Press started publishing stories on the
Web a few weeks ago and plans to ramp up its operation by the beginning of the legislative session in February.

The nonprofit group received 74-thousand dollars in startup funding from a confidential consortium that's supporting such ventures in many states.

By Bob Beck