Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Lawyers for two Wyoming teenagers sentenced to life in prison for the home invasion slaying of a Sheridan man are asking the Wyoming Supreme Court to reduce their sentences. The arguments at the state's high court yesterday came after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down mandatory juvenile life sentences earlier this year.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — An interim legislative committee is recommending striping the state school superintendent and the Education Department of some of its authority and transferring it to the state Board of Education. Yesterday's move came after consultants sharply criticized the agency's performance implementing reforms under Superintendent Cindy Hill.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Two western lawmakers say they plan to make their case in the next session of Congress to reform an 1872 law exempting metal mining companies from paying royalties for profiting from U.S. public lands. Congressional auditors yesterday reported the U.S. government doesn't even know how much so-called "hard rock" mines produce from federal public lands in the 12 western states where most of the mining occurs.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Federal officials say rising demand and falling supply pose a risk of water shortages over the next 50 years for some 40 million people in seven Western states, including Wyoming. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today said there's no one solution, but the region needs to conserve more and increase supply.