Episode 52 is a little different — instead of our usual sit-down conversation, we’re sharing the full audio from Governor Mark Gordon’s annual Meet the Press Luncheon at the Wyoming Press Association’s winter convention.

In this recording, the governor opens with a pointed acknowledgment of the value of local journalism and the talent in Wyoming’s press corps, then pivots into the issues that are about to dominate the session: a serious budget fight, deep proposed cuts, and what he says would be “cutting the guts out” of the University of Wyoming if a $40 million reduction moves forward. He also weighs in on proposed cuts to Wyoming’s public media, pushes back on attacks on the judiciary in the wake of recent abortion rulings, and talks about the state’s long-term fiscal posture, economic diversification, and what’s next for emerging opportunities like manufacturing, data centers, and Wyoming’s new stable token.

You’ll also hear questions on K-12 funding pressure in small districts, water negotiations tied to the Colorado River, wildfire and emergency alert infrastructure, shared stewardship of federal forest lands, and what advice the governor has for young professionals who are deciding whether Wyoming is worth staying in.

Check us out at newslj.com to keep tabs on this story, or for more news from Newcastle, Weston County and the Black Hills of northeast Wyoming!