Wyoming News Briefs

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The federal Drug Enforcement Administration is warning Wyoming residents about an extortion scam involving people who bought prescription drugs online. Officials say the scammers are calling consumers and telling them such purchases are illegal, the Casper Star-Tribune reports. Victims are told they can transfer funds electronically to an overseas location to avoid arrest or property seizure.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Farmers and ranchers in two Wyoming counties are eligible for federal disaster assistance for losses stemming from wildfires in northern Colorado. The Farm Service Agency has announced that Albany and Laramie counties qualify for the aid, the Casper Star-Tribune reports.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming has received a $20 million, five-year grant to study water resource issues. It's the single largest grant in UW's history and comes from the National Science Foundation. Researchers and educators from four UW colleges and 11 departments will take part in the water study

RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — A cousin of one of the two victims stabbed to death at a Hudson home is accused of beating up one of the murder suspects at the Fremont County jail. The Riverton Ranger reports 18-year-old Kym FastHorse has been charged with battery for the May 19 assault on 20-year-old Joseph Jude Jenkins of Arapahoe.