(Rakesh Ahuja, MD/Wikipedia)

A former businesswoman wants to build a training and rehabilitation center for the blind and visually impaired in Rock Springs. Doug Randall reports. Early childhood education is a key to student success, that’s according to Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice-President for children’s media for PBS. Click past the jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

Glorianna’s new single , “Kissed You Goodnight” has hit the charts and

our play list.  Watch the video and tell us what you like or dislike about it at

www.facebook.com/cowboycountry1063

Sen. Chris Rothfuss (D-Laramie)

A bill that would allow the state to begin negotiating and possibly acquire land east of Laramie to secure that city’s water supply will be heard in front of the Senate Minerals Committee today. Senator Chris Rothfuss (D-Laramie) says Senate File 93 is important to Laramie. Sheridan has been named the numb er one small town for cowboy charm by Western Horseman Magazine. Business Reporter Sharon Fain has details. Click past jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

Wyoming State Legislature

The full Senate will take up the education accountability bill. Senate File 57 was reported out of the Senate Appropriations committe.

Glendo State Park (Courtesy Wyoming State Parks)

New webcams have been installed and are operational at Glendo and Boysen State Parks by the Wyoming Division of  State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.   Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen says he supports a proposal by Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power to build a new generating station on Campstool Road within city limits. Click past the jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

Larry Busacca / Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Oh how the plot is thickening between tell-it-like-it-is country gal Miranda Lambert and controversial hip-hop artist Chris Brown. If you haven’t heard, the two have been in a bit of a virtual tiff, with Lambert tweeting her honest feelings for the star who spent time on probation in 2009 for beating then-girlfriend Rihanna. The battle began with Lambert expressing feelings about Brown getting stage time for two Grammy performances this year, and now the male singer is fighting back.

“Using my name to get publicity? I love it! Perform your heart out!” Brown tweeted early Saturday morning (Feb. 18). Though he could have been alluding to any number of people who have called him out for poor behavior, it’s quite likely Brown was referring to Lambert’s blatant mention of him before singing her song ‘Gunpowder & Lead’ at a recent show while holding up a sign that read, “Take note Chris Brown.”

Brown’s intention with the comment became a little clearer a few minutes later when he tweeted, “Go buy @miranda_lambert album! So motivational and ‘PERFECT’!” And the mudslinging continued. Though Brown didn’t call out Lambert by name again, it was clear he was speaking to her, and he did take a minute to give a shout to everyone who isn’t holding him to his past actions: ”Goodnight to all the people who live life and who aren’t stuck in the past! TEAM BREEZY is my family! Positivity and blessings!” he tweeted.

This was all in response to Lambert’s neon concert sign, which she encouraged her fans to shoot photos of, as well as a series of tweets she posted Feb. 13. During her online rant, she said things like “And Chris Brown twice? I don’t get it. He beat on a girl” and “Not cool that we act like that didn’t happen. He needs to listen to Gunpowder and lead and be put back in his place. Not at the Grammys.”

At press time, Lambert had not responded to Brown again using the social media site.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Thinkstock

A new Nielsen poll finds smartphones are becoming less of a luxury and more of a so-called necessity — at least for younger people.

Nielsen gathered data to learn more about the age, income and demographics of the typical US smartphone user. Specifically, the firm wanted to know if lower prices are making the devices more popular among those who earn less money.

Turns out more than half of people between 18 and 24 who make less than $15,000 per year are smartphone owners, compared to 43 percent of those aged 25 to 34 and just 31 percent of folks between 35 and 44 years old.

While researchers don’t know if the people surveyed, especially those in the younger group, have outside financial help (parents, spouses, etc.), it’s clear that even the respondents on limited budgets are making room for smartphone ownership.

But what researchers found most interesting is that although the younger set deems the devices a necessity, older people consider them more of a luxury — which is valuable information for developers, publishers and advertisers.

[TechCrunch]

Enjoy!

Thinkstock

The latest government report on inflation is predicting food price inflation to lag behind the general inflation rate over the next few years. The  Wyoming Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee Monday endorsed a bill that would require coaches and trainers of organized non-school  youth sports and activities to receive training on concussions. Amy Richards has a report. Click past jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

Mountain Goat (Courtesy of U.S.F.W.S)

Biologists say non-native mountain goats have gained a foothold in parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and could threaten native bighorn sheep. Doug Randall reports.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials say they plan to investigate whether inhalable caffeine, is safe for consumers and if its manufacturer was right to brand it as a dietary supplement. Click past the jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

After a lengthy debate Senate File SF 25 the open records bill, passed Committee of the Whole in the Senate. It must pass two more readings before moving on to the House.

Lawmakers will get their first look at the state’s $3.2 billion dollar proposed budget Tuesday. Leadership has scheduled two days fo general file on the budget. Click past the jump to listen to the Legislative Report.

Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)

US Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) voted against legislation to extend the payroll tax holiday Friday. The legislation passed the house 293-132 and was also approved by the US Senate. Wyoming’s first legal distillery says it’s first batch of bourbon whiskey will be ready to drink in December. Business Reporter Sharon Fain has details. Click past jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

Wyoming Capitol (Amy Richards/TSM)

By Amy RichardsA bill that would have called for a Constitutional Amendment to change the Superintendent of Public Instruction from an elected position to an appointed position failed introduction in the House Friday.

(David Greedy/Getty Images)

A monthly survey of bankers in 10 Midwest and Great Plains states shows the rural economy slowing down, but reflects strong gains in hiring and farmland prices.  Doug Randall reports. Allegiant Air has been fined $100,000 dollars for violating rules protecting air travelers with disabilities. Karen Snyder reports from Casper. Click past the jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

House Joint Resolution 11, which called for a Constitutional Amendment to change the Superintendent of Public Instruction from an elected postion to an appointed position failed introduction in the House Friday.

The House passed House Bill 32, the redistricting bill, on third and final reading Friday.  That bill heads to the Senate. Lawmakers in both chambers will begin working the budget bill on Tuesday.

Matthew Lloyd, Getty Image

Forget about a clear conscious or sleeping pills — according to a new survey, the best way to get a good night rest is a teddy bear.

Travelodge polled 6,000 British adults and found that a surprising 35 percent still sleep with a teddy bear because they find the stuffed toy relaxing and comforting.

In fact, 25 percent of British men admitted to taking their teddy bear with them on business trips, and 15 percent classify their teddy as a “best friend.”

“Teddy Bears represent happiness and security in childhood,” explained Dawn James of the Teddy Bear Times. “They are the best friend that always listens and never criticizes. This is why so many adults hang on to their childhood bears, because they see them as a lifelong friend.”

[PR Newswire]

(Courtesy of Wyoming Game and fish)

The Department of Environmental Quality will host the first meeting of the Upper Green River Basin Advisory Task Force Tuesday evening. D-E-Q spokesman Keith Guille says a complex variety of factors, including emissions from the oil and gas industry, are believed to be the cause of the ozone issues. The draft Platte Valley Deer Herd Initiative Management plan is available on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website. Amy Richards has a report. Click past jump to listen to Wyoming Radio News.

Wyoming Legislature

I-80 (Courtesy of WYDOT- Webcam)

A new report shows that Wyoming needs to spend an extra $110 million each year to just maintain its current highway system. Doug Randall reports. A bill to change Wyoming’s Wolf Management Law to accommodate an agreement to end federal protection for the animals in the state has cleared its first committee hearing. Click past the jump to listen to