Latest Wyoming News From A.P.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Amid reports of increasing flu cases in Wyoming, state health officials are encouraging residents to take common-sense steps to avoid influenza or spreading it to others. Emerging diseases chief Clay Van Houten says the agency has seen more reports of flu-like illness and flu cases recently with a few reported outbreaks in schools and health care facilities in Wyoming.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — University of Wyoming Associate Professor of Anthropology Sarah Strauss has been appointed to the American Anthropological Association's new task force on global climate change. Strauss says anthropology has a primary obligation to contribute to climate change research by helping people in local communities understand global environmental change and to communicate the potential risks associated with it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Legislature face the reality of falling natural gas prices this week when it gets down to considering the state's budget. The Joint Appropriations Committee last week recommended a $3.2-billion state funds budget bill for the two-year funding cycle that starts in July. House Speaker Ed Buchanan said the House could start consideration of the budget bill tomorrow.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Fairview rancher has been convicted of animal cruelty after 98 horses were seized by authorities last May in one of Wyoming's largest cases of animal mistreatment. The Star-Tribune reports James Ridge was convicted of four counts of animal cruelty last Friday and could receive up to a year and a half in jail and a $2,250 fine.