In Other News ...
LGBTQ rights are under attack again, candidates elected in 2022 show how they'll govern, and UW bans TikTok. The top news stories from Laramie and Albany County as of February 3, 2023.
Welcome to the Laramie Reporter’s “In Other News” segment, a biweekly rundown of the top news stories from Laramie and Albany County as reported by local, state and national media. Subscribe to our newsletter to get this rundown in your inbox every other week.
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The University of Wyoming has banned TikTok for anyone using campus wifi or using a university-owned device. UW’s ban follows from Governor Mark Gordon’s own ban of the same social media app from state government devices and networks. TikTok has been getting national attention lately because of concerns about the Chinese company that owns it. The app might represent a cybersecurity risk, as the data it collects could be passed onto the Chinese government.
Reading status: Open access
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Wyoming lawmakers are approaching the midway point for the 2023 Legislative Session. A consortium of Laramie lawmakers are working to put a backstop on the erosion of abortion rights. Some of those same lawmakers also attempted to further enshrine an individual’s right to make their own healthcare decisions in the Wyoming Constitution, but that effort failed Wednesday. Meanwhile, one Albany County representative has brought a bill that would effectively crush Laramie’s new rental regulations and ban all Wyoming municipalities from passing their own.
Reading status: Open access
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Other bills working their way through the Wyoming Legislature could mean big things for residents of Albany County.
A push to expand Medicaid is back on the table and has advanced out of committee.
A dramatic tax cut for cigar aficionados has cleared the Senate and now faces debate in the House.
A bill eliminating blanket legal protection for teachers who administer corporal punishment has also passed the Senate and also now faces debate in the House.
A bill requiring Wyoming students to pass a citizenship before receiving a diploma died in the Senate after passing in committee.
A bill allowing municipalities to host (and fund) ranked choice elections died in committee.
A shield law aimed at protecting journalists who refuse to give up anonymous sources has advanced out of committee and faces debate in the House.
In two separate bills, lawmakers are looking to limit crossover voting — the political practice of changing one’s party for the sole purpose of voting in another party’s primary.
A bill that would eliminate solar energy buy-back programs known as “net metering” is also before lawmakers.
A bill raising the minimum allowable age for marriage to 16 has cleared the House and now faces debate in the Senate.
Reading status: Open access
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In Wyoming, like elsewhere, LGBTQ rights are under attack. Wyoming lawmakers are considering their own version of Florida’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which prohibits teachers from giving instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity and might require schools to out queer students to their families. LGBTQ activists, mental health professionals and education officials have denounced the bill, pointing to research that shows bills of this nature stigmatize queer youth and push them into depression and suicidal ideation. State lawmakers are also considering a bill that would outlaw gender-affirming care for those under 18. The bill would redefine the giving of that care as felony child abuse, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Again, experts warn that such bills are a matter of life and death for trans youth.
Reading status: Open access
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Meanwhile, the University of Wyoming says it’s trying to figure out how to balance the safety of its queer students with the free speech rights of people like an anti-trans preacher now banned from tabling in the student union. A faculty letter signed by more than 20 units and departments on campus accuses UW President Ed Seidel of “bothsidesism” when it comes to the issue of trans rights.
Reading status: Open access
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Proposed amendments to Albany County’s Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone regulations are out for public comment. The amendments limit what can be developed on the land above Laramie’s main source of drinking water. In general, the new protections have been celebrated by those who want to further insulate the aquifer from nitrate contamination and they’ve been derided by pro-business Republicans, who view new regulations as unnecessary restrictions on business and free enterprise.
Reading status: Open access
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Three newly elected councilors and one re-elected councilor were sworn in last month. The council elected Brian Harrington as the city’s next mayor. The council will now host hybrid meetings, providing both in-person and virtual opportunities for public comment.
Reading status: Open access
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The school board trustees elected or re-elected in 2022 have also been sworn in. In November, Albany County voters thwarted an attempted right-wing takeover of the school board, rejecting all seven members of a “conservative slate” that had campaigned together. The results of the election are already being seen in the board’s decisions and discussions.
Reading status: Open access
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Albany County Commissioners voted to increase the Albany County Sheriff’s investigations budget by $15,000. Commissioners discussed the budget increase during an executive session called to discuss litigation. Commission Chair Pete Gosar said the investigations budget increase is related to ongoing or pending litigation, but would not provide any further details.
Reading status: Open access