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WYOMING GOVERNOR-PORTRAIT
Portrait of Gov. Dave Freudenthal hung in Wyoming Capitol
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A portrait of former Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal has joined those of other past governors in the state Capitol. Freudenthal and other current and former elected officials took part in an unveiling event Friday in the Capitol rotunda. The portrait now hangs in the recently restored building's east wing, joining those of almost every other former governor who served at least one full term. The exception is Republican Gov. Matt Mead, who served two terms from 2011-2019 and whose portrait is still in the works. A Democrat, Freudenthal served two terms from 2003-2011.
UNIVERSITY-RECORDS LAWSUIT
Wyoming media prevail in university president records case
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A group of Wyoming news organizations has largely prevailed in a lawsuit over records related to the dismissal of a university president. A judge ruled Friday the vast majority of records sought by the Casper Star-Tribune, WyoFile and others will be released. Some information and documents were ordered withheld. University of Wyoming trustees decided last year to not renew President Laurie Nichols' contract. They have not explained their decision, which took Nichols and many others at the school by surprise. The university made sweeping use of attorney-client privilege to avoid disclosing communications among trustees. Attorneys for the university and Nichols, who sided with the school in the case, did not return messages seeking comment.
ROCK SPRINGS DEATHS
Police continue to investigate deaths of Wyoming couple
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) — Police in western Wyoming say they're still investigating the mid-December deaths of a married couple. Twenty-six-year-old Hunter Jeremy Sewell and 29-year-old Whitney Nicole Sewell were found dead in their home in Rock Springs on Dec. 16. Rock Springs Police Department officials said the following day there was no sign of any immediate threats to the public. They have said little about the case since. Police spokeswoman Jennifer Maze says more information will be available after an investigation is complete. Memorial services for the couple took place Dec. 23.
WINTRY WEATHER-WYOMING
Roads reopen in southern Wyoming, but blow-over risk remains
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Roads are reopening after blowing snow closed routes across much of southern Wyoming. Interstate 80 and U.S. 287 in southern Wyoming reopened Friday afternoon. South of Rock Springs, Wyoming 430 reopened to local traffic but U.S. 191 remained closed. The National Weather Service has posted a blizzard warning for the Arlington area through Saturday morning. The Wyoming Department of Transportation warns of an “extreme blow-over risk” for tractor-trailers and other light, high-profile vehicles between Cheyenne and the Arlington area. The Weather Service says strong winds will continue in southeastern and central Wyoming through Saturday night. Gusts up to 75 mph could occur in some areas.
ABORTION-WYOMING
Wyoming delegation urges court to overturn abortion ruling
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Members of the Wyoming congressional delegation in Washington have signed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a case protecting the right to have an abortion without excessive restriction from the government. Casper Star-Tribune reported that the brief filed Thursday argues criteria for the 1973 abortion rights ruling in Roe v. Wade for what qualifies as an undue burden on abortion access are unworkable. State officials say the three Wyoming lawmakers have been consistent voters against abortion rights. Officials say the brief includes 39 Republican senators and 168 representatives, only two are Democrats.
WYOMING-DEATH PENALTY
Wyoming lawmaker announces new death-penalty repeal attempt
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A conservative group and the American Civil Liberties Union both support a state lawmaker's plan to try again to repeal the death penalty in Wyoming. Republican Rep. Jared Olsen of Cheyenne said Thursday he will sponsor a death-penalty repeal bill during a legislative session that begins Feb. 10. Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty, a group with Montana roots that now has an office in Wyoming, also supports the effort. Lawmakers have introduced or drafted death-penalty repeal bills for several years. Last year, a repeal bill got far more support than usual, clearing the House and several committee votes before defeat in the Senate.
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