Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead says he has misgivings about legislation that would exempt the state from any new federal ban on assault weapons. Mead says he owns some firearms that could be banned, but he says he doesn't like having a law on the books that's unenforceable. Critics say the bill would be unconstitutional because states are bound by federal law.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead says he hopes to meet with Wyoming lawmakers over the next year to try to resolve a fundamental disagreement over whether the state should be putting its extra cash into permanent savings or into the state's rainy day fund. Mead wants to increase the state's rainy day fund to have a cushion in the face of flat revenue projections. Legislators, meanwhile, want to beef up the permanent fund.

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns that big changes are in store for the nation's forests as global warming increases wildfires and insect infestations, and generates more frequent floods and droughts. Yesterday's report says wildfires are expected to at least double the area burned over the next 25 years, and insect infestations will cover even more ground.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow school districts to try year-round class schedules in hopes that students will better retain what they learn. The bill passed on a 33-27 vote yesterday and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Districts would not have to increase the number of overall school days to opt into the program.