Closing a human trafficking loophole | Urban renewal in Laramie | Keeping the arts affordable

Stricter laws in Wyoming, Montana aim to keep illicit massage parlors at bay
The Sheridan Press
The Sheridan Press explains how Wyoming and Montana closed a loophole exploited by criminals to run what law enforcement calls illicit massage parlors in the second part in a series of in-depth stories examining human trafficking in Wyoming. These businesses, disguised as legitimate spas, are a larger trafficking scheme where individuals are coerced into performing sex work for paying customers, The Sheridan Press reports. Officials say many of the businesses are a part of a larger syndicate with ties to Flushing, New York, or Menlo Park, California, and the majority of victims are from China or South Korea, The Sheridan Press reports. Read the full story.

Laramie Urban Renewal Agency advances West Side development plan
Laramie Boomerang
The Laramie Urban Renewal Agency advanced a proposed plan aimed at encouraging redevelopment on the West Side, including the potential use of tax increment financing to support future projects. A tax increment financing district allows future increases in property tax revenue within a designated area to be used to fund redevelopment. Any unused funds are returned to the taxing authorities after project expenses are reimbursed. So far, public feedback has indicated strong concern for environmental protection and flood resilience. Residents also have expressed support for investment in existing neighborhoods, affordable housing, green space, walkability and public amenities, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports. Read the full story.

Jackson Hole’s Center for the Arts freezes rent for 3 years
Buckrail
After Jackson topped the list of 100 most vibrant arts communities in the U.S., the town’s Center for the Arts announced a freeze on sublease rental rates for the next three years for its 18 resident arts nonprofits. Those organizations specialize in theater, music, dance, visual arts and more, Buckrail reports. “The core of The Center was always about creating an affordable, long-term home for the arts in Jackson,” Executive Director Marty Camino said. “It’s exciting to see national data that supports the idea that this type of investment not only works — it excels.” Read the full story.

City of Gillette denies records request sought after police chief’s sudden retirement
Gillette News Record
Gillette city officials are tight-lipped after Police Chief Chuck Deaton’s retirement. After receiving tips from the community, the Gillette News Record filed a public records request for documents within the city and Gillette Police Department since Jan. 1, 1997, related to Deaton, as well as his calendar since Feb. 1, 2026. The city attorney denied the request for human resource records concerning Deaton, citing a state statute that forbids public agencies from releasing employee personnel records. The city administrator also declined to answer questions about Deaton receiving a pension or similar retirement payment plan paid to Deaton by taxpayers, the Gillette News Record reports. Read the full story.

Lawmakers seek state funds for Lovell bike trails
Powell Tribune
Local lawmakers’ attempt to steer $1.2 million of state money to a new set of bike trails east of Lovell came up just short in the budget session, but the project will likely get the opportunity to compete for a smaller sum. Within the biennial budget, the Legislature set aside $800,000 from a Wyoming tourism account to build or operate trails in the state. Boosters of the Cottonwood Canyon trails want to construct over 26 miles of trails for bicyclists, horse riders and hikers on Bureau of Land Management property, the Powell Tribune reports. Read the full story.