Grand Teton National Park deal adds protections for 640 acres of Wyo. land
The federal government is buying a one-square-mile parcel of land from the state of Wyoming. It means that the land will receive permanent protection in Grand Teton National Park.
The federal government is buying the Kelly parcel. It’s a 640-acre plot of land that Wyoming held in its state school trust.
The parcel has been a target for conservationists but was nearly auctioned off for potential home development.
The land is in the middle of a migration corridor for elk, pronghorn and mule deer and includes striking views of the Teton Range.
The $100 million comes from a mix of private donations and the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said, “Today marks an incredible milestone, decades in the making, to permanently protect an essential wildlife migration corridor and treasured landscape within Grand Teton National Park.”
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon certified the project days before the start of the new legislature when a conservative bloc takes power. The legislators suggested they might try to prevent the deal from going through during their new session in January.
Gordon says he plans to buy other land back from the federal government, saying, “along with the protection of an iconic parcel of land, we now begin working to ensure that there is no net-gain in federal lands in Wyoming.”
The land investment is part of Wyoming’s efforts to make the $100 million benefit the state’s public education system.
Phoenix may trade water rights for $300M amid Colorado River drought
The Colorado River, a critical water source for approximately 40 million people, faces mounting challenges due to a prolonged drought. In response, officials are considering measures to alleviate the strain, including the possibility of compensating some communities to relinquish their water rights.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is currently in discussions with the city of Phoenix, Arizona, to strike such a deal. Under the proposed agreement, Phoenix would give up a portion of its Colorado River water allocation in exchange for up to $300 million in federal funding. These funds would be allocated toward the construction of an advanced water purification plant.
The planned facility would recycle wastewater, treating it to meet drinking water standards. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce up to 7,500 acre-feet of water annually, equivalent to approximately 3,750 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The director of Phoenix Water Services, Troy Hayes, described the project as essential for improving drought resilience while reducing costs. Other officials emphasized that the purification plant would help lower Phoenix’s dependence on the Colorado River, a key goal as water shortages persist.
This development follows a recent meeting in Las Vegas, where representatives from states relying on the Colorado River gathered to discuss the ongoing drought and the impending expiration of current water-sharing agreements in August 2026.
Negotiations over a new framework have stalled, with the Upper Basin states, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming, asserting that Lower Basin states, Arizona, California and Nevada, must further reduce water usage.
In contrast, Lower Basin representatives argue they have already made substantial conservation efforts and believe reductions should be applied system-wide.
As the deadline approaches, talks between Colorado River Basin states continue.
Meanwhile, Phoenix’s advanced water purification plant is expected to move forward if the agreement regarding its water rights is finalized. Officials projected that crews will complete construction by 2030.
Canadian wildlife resort offers a night with wolves, experts warn against trend
Parc Omega in Quebec, Canada, puts guests face-to-face with nature when they book a night at the park’s cabin. Some wildlife experts in Wyoming, meanwhile, say that such meetings between humans and wolves can cause negative impacts to the wild animals.
Imagine a pane of glass separating you from a pack of wolves. A wildlife preserve in Canada uses giant windows and sliding doors to give guests a look inside a wolves habitat.
A local researcher in Wyoming said changing a wolf’s surroundings to include more interaction with humans can shift its behavior and create a false sense of security.
Wildlife experts said the trend could become dangerous if it’s brought to Wyoming National Parks because it blurs the line between wildlife and human interaction. Wolves aren’t known to attack humans, but experts said the growing popularity can change that. Once animals become too familiar with people, it decreases their natural fear of humans.
Parc Omega’s website states that its experience puts safety precautions in place for lodgers. Visitors are not allowed to feed the wolves or open the windows to interact directly with animals. It also mentions a tall fence separating the animal’s habitat from the lodge’s yard and patio.
Right now, across America’s national parks, there aren’t any wildlife-viewing lodges. Many parks use technology or designated viewing areas to keep people and animals separate.
‘Risk and uncertainty’ as Syrian rebels oust Assad after decades in power
Syrian rebels oust dictator Bashar al-Assad, who has fled the country after nearly 25 years in power. And the suspected killer of a health care CEO in New York City is still at-large after eluding a massive manhunt for almost a week. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
‘Risk and uncertainty’ as Syrian rebels oust Assad after decades in power
It’s the dawn of a new era in Syria. After more than a decade of civil war in the country, President Bashar al-Assad was ousted after rebel groups overtook the capital in a coup on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Now Syria and its people are left with the question of what comes next as countries around the world, including the United States, react to the changing landscape.
Syrians could be seen celebrating in the streets as word spread that Assad had fled the country. State media reported the president and his family landed in Russia Sunday evening and Assad has been granted political asylum in Moscow.
The toppled leader, who had been in power since 2000 and whose family had ruled for five decades, was forced to vacate after rebel forces quickly captured city after city leading to them taking control of Damascus.
Since the civil war broke out in the wake of the pro-democracy Arab Spring demonstrations of 2011, Assad’s forces have been accused of brutal severe human rights violations, including using chemical weapons against their people. They’ve been held responsible for the deaths of more than 5,000 people and the displacement of millions of others.
The rebels who led to Assad’s ouster were headed by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Jolani called the coup “a victory for the whole Islamic nation.”
Jolani’s group used to be linked to Al Qaeda. Though it has cut those ties, the U.S. still designates it a terrorist group.
President Joe Biden spoke from the White House Sunday, calling the end of Assad’s regime a “fundamental act of justice.” Biden added the U.S. will support Syria’s neighbors Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq should any threat arise from this period of transition.
Biden referred to this as a time of “risk and uncertainty.”
“We will remain vigilante. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses,” Biden said. “We’ve taken note of statements by the leaders of these rebel groups in recent days and they’re saying the right things now. But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words but their actions.”
Biden said Assad’s downfall came in part due to allies Iran, Russia and Hezbollah being weaker today than when Biden began his term.
President-elect Donald Trump issued a statement on his Truth Social platform Sunday, saying Iran and Russia are in weakened states right now and calling for the end of the war in Ukraine. However, in a post on Saturday, Dec. 7, Trump said the U.S. should not get involved with Syria, saying, “This is not our fight. Let it play out.”
Iran’s president said it is up to the Syrian people to decide the future of their country.
Amid the time of transition in Syria, the U.S. showed it will continue its efforts against ISIS in the region. U.S. Central Command said it launched a series of airstrikes Sunday targeting ISIS camps and leaders in central Syria, confirming 75 “targets” had been hit. U.S. officials said it will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria.
Trump promises to pardon Jan. 6 rioters on first day in office
In his first network TV interview since winning the election, President-elect Trump touched on some of his biggest campaign promises and his plans to start following through with them immediately when he takes office in January.
In an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker for Sunday’s “Meet the Press,” Trump said, “A lot of it will have to do with economics. A lot’s gonna do with energy. A lot’s having to do with the border. We’re gonna immediately strengthen up the border and do a real job.”
Trump also doubled down on his promise to pardon Americans jailed for their role in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, saying they had no other choice than to plead guilty. Department of Justice records show more than 1,500 people have been arrested or charged in connection with that attack and nearly 900 have pleaded guilty.
While Trump said he will not tell his nominees for FBI director and attorney general to go after his political rivals, he did share his opinion on what should happen to lawmakers who were on the House’s select committee to investigate January 6.
“Everybody on that committee, for what they did, honestly, they should go to jail,” he said.
After that interview, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-WY), who was on the committee, issued a statement saying, “Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of congress who later investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic.”
Trump did reiterate multiple times during Sunday’s interview he has no plans to go after political rivals, but as we’ve reported here at Straight Arrow News, President Biden is considering preemptive pardons for Cheney and others who were part of the House Jan. 6 investigation, as well as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Police release new images of suspect in NYC deadly shooting
The manhunt for the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson enters a new week.
Over the weekend, the NYPD released new images of the apparent suspect. Police identify the man in the pictures as “a person of interest” wanted for questioning for the fatal shooting outside a Hilton hotel Wednesday, Dec. 4.
One image shows the masked man in the back of a taxi. Another shows him walking on the sidewalk outside a vehicle. Police are hoping these images, along with others released last week, will help lead to the gunman.
Authorities reportedly traveled to Atlanta on Saturday, Dec. 7, and have been searching a lake near Central Park. On Friday night, Dec. 6, reports said investigators found a backpack believed to belong to the shooter. Inside they found two items: a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money.
Jay-Z accused of raping 13-year-old girl alongside Diddy
Music mogul Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs. In a civil suit filed Sunday, the anonymous accuser claimed the assault happened in 2000 at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.
The federal lawsuit was originally filed in October only listing Combs as a defendant, but it was refiled Sunday to include Carter.
Jay-Z, who is married to Beyonce, denied the accusation and said in a statement directed at the attorney who filed the suit, “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!”
Combs’ lawyer also responded, calling the suit a “shameless” publicity stunt.
In September, federal prosecutors in New York criminally charged Combs with racketeering, sex trafficking and other offenses. He is in jail awaiting trial, which is scheduled to start May 5.
Kennedy Center honors Coppola, Grateful Dead, The Apollo
President Biden was among those in attendance — a tradition President Trump did not continue during his first term in office, saying he did not want to be a political distraction as some attendees had threatened to boycott his appearance. As Trump gets ready to start his second term in office, there are questions about whether federal funding for the arts might be on the chopping block.
Reports: Juan Soto, Mets agree on largest contract in pro sports history
Former New York Yankees star outfielder Juan Soto is staying in the Big Apple, but moving leagues in reportedly the largest deal in professional sports history.
But should Soto decide not to opt out, his pay will reportedly go up an extra $4 million a year for the remainder of the deal — meaning in the end, this could be an over $800 million deal.
The agreement also reportedly includes a $75 million signing bonus. Soto’s deal surpasses the record set just last year by Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract.
Note: The headline has been corrected to Assad. A previous version had the incorrect name.
Biden admin seeks deal on Colorado River involving 7 Western states
The Biden administration is hoping to broker a deal involving seven Western states when it comes to the Colorado River. The administration is hoping to get such a deal done before Donald Trump takes office in late January.
The administration has now proposed nearly a half-dozen plans for usage that would protect water levels. The Department of the Interior is now working to develop a strategy that would be in place by late 2026, when the current federal plan is set to expire.
Seven states surround the river and depend on it. They are New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada and California. The Colorado River is the largest source of water in the region and provides clean water, hydropower and habitat to roughly 40 million people, as well as tribal nations and a wide range of species.
The battle over water rights has gone on for decades as drought conditions and rising temperatures have resulted in lower water levels. Researchers at UCLA have determined 10 trillion gallons of water have gone out of the river basin between 2000 and 2021.
A climate adviser to the White House says it owes it to future generations to find long-term solutions that ensure the river’s stability.
A top water official from Arizona said the states will try to make as much progress as they can in the days that remain in this administration.
Wyoming state abortion ban struck down as unconstitutional
A judge in Wyoming has ruled that two laws making up the state’s abortion ban violate the state’s constitution. The ruling makes abortion legal in the state for the time being.
Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens sided with the women and nonprofits who filed a lawsuit against the state over the ban, finding the state failed to define key terms in the law, including what makes a fetus viable.
Owens grounded her ruling in concerns over women’s rights, writing in part that the state “has enacted laws that impede the fundamental right to make health care decisions for an entire class of people, pregnant women.”
This is the third time Owens has ruled to block a version of the state’s abortion ban. The ruling could be appealed to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Republican Gov. Mark Gordon’s office did not immediately respond to the ruling but has supported appeals challenging the previous rulings.
With the decision, abortion is currently legal in Wyoming up until the point of fetal viability, which medical professionals generally consider to be about 24 weeks into pregnancy.
Wyoming is the latest state where supporters of abortion rights access have had success. Voters in seven states — Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York — approved ballot measures earlier this month that expanded abortion rights.
Two states, Florida and South Dakota, defeated abortion rights measures. Nebraska, meanwhile, saw voters split on two measures related to abortion rights.
State-level courts have issued rulings recently related to abortion restrictions and bans. Judges in North Dakota and Georgia struck down their respective state bans in September, although the Georgia Supreme Court allowed the Peach State’s ban to remain in effect while the case is heard.
In the U.S., 13 states currently have total abortion bans in effect that resemble the laws blocked in Wyoming. A further 21 states have enshrined abortion rights as state law.
Controversy after volleyball teams opt out of SJSU matches over trans athlete
San Jose State University’s volleyball team has become the focal point of a national debate over transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. This has sparked a wave of forfeits, a coach suspension, and public statements from high-profile political figures.
Several Mountain West Conference (MWC) teams, including Wyoming, Boise State, Utah State and Southern Utah, have forfeited matches against San Jose State. The schools have cited concerns about fairness and safety due to a transgender athlete on the SJSU roster.
The forfeits began in October when Boise State and Utah State withdrew from matches with SJSU. Other teams followed suit, with players citing safety and a desire to protect the “integrity of women’s sports.”
In one instance, the University of Nevada’s volleyball team considered a forfeit before ultimately deciding to play, with players stating their solidarity with those who had forfeited but choosing to honor scheduled matches.
The issue gained widespread attention in November when President-elect Donald Trump publicly voiced support for the forfeitures. He framed the situation as a safety risk and aligned with state officials, including governors from Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.
Trump pointed to what he described as “a safety incident” involving the athlete, though San Jose State later clarified the circumstances of the referenced event.
San Jose State also faced internal challenges, suspending assistant volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose. The suspension came after her public comments on Fox News questioning the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
The Mountain West Conference clarified that San Jose State’s transgender athlete meets NCAA and conference eligibility requirements. That means forfeiting teams will incur official losses, impacting their standings and potential qualification for the upcoming MWC tournament in Las Vegas.
The forfeitures and backlash have also raised questions about future conference policies and legal frameworks, as universities balance state-level political influences with federal laws regarding inclusivity in sports. Other MWC teams are expected to weigh in on whether they will participate in matches with San Jose State.
As the debate continues, the situation at San Jose State has become a flashpoint in the evolving discourse on gender and athletics, with implications that may resonate beyond the MWC.
As fires spread to around 100,000 acres in Wyoming, conspiracy theories grow
Around a thousand firefighters are battling a pair of wildfires in Wyoming with an estimated 100,000 acres burning as of Wednesday, Oct. 9. Officials say the fires were sparked by lightning strikes, but as fast as flames have spread so have the conspiracy theories.
Some social media users have floated unproven claims suggesting a connection between the elk fire’s growth and lithium deposits, alleging global leaders are starting the fires on purpose to clear out the land for lithium mining.
Wyoming recently announced lithium discoveries in Natrona County. However, Bighorn National Forest, where the elk fire is burning, is far from that site. Experts also note that hot, dry and windy conditions have fueled the fires as crews fight to stop their spread.
Evacuations have been ordered across several counties and U.S. Highway 14, one of the main roads in the state, was shut down.
The state of Wyoming is further taking action to protect livestock and getting emergency funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help with agricultural recovery.
Residents also took to social media this week, expressing frustration over lack of media coverage. They note that news outlets are caught up in Hurricane Helene recovery and Hurricane Milton.
Suspicious packages allegedly targeting election officials found in 6 states
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States Postal Service (USPS) said that they are investigating why and who sent suspicious packages containing powder to election officials in at least six states on Monday, Sept. 16, which included Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Wyoming. In most cases, the material appears to be harmless.
Oklahoma officials said the white powder sent to their offices contained flour. Meanwhile, Wyoming official said that the results of the type of substance sent to officials are still pending.
Suspicious mail also forced the evacuation of offices in Iowa, Kansas and Wyoming. In Nebraska, a return address was listed as “U.S. Traitor Elimination Army.”
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said that the situation was resolved “thanks to the swift action taken by our staff members, law enforcement and other first responders.”
Evnen said he had notified the U.S. Elections Divisions to warn other states about any incoming suspicious mail.
The latest scares come less than two months before the November election. Last November, suspicious letters were sent to election officials and government buildings in a handful of states as well. Some letters reportedly contained fentanyl and delayed the counting of ballots in some elections.
This year, offices nationwide have increased security in the wake of threats following the 2020 election and false claims it was “rigged.” In Cobb County, Georgia, where a tight race is expected, sheriff’s deputies will be at early voting locations and panic buttons are installed at the election office.
First AI-assisted political candidate can’t be powered to victory in Wyoming
The first artificial intelligence-aided political candidate, Victor Miller, lost his race in Cheyenne, Wyoming’s mayoral election on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The vote was a landslide for the incumbent mayoral candidate.
Of the more than 11,000 votes cast, Miller, who dubbed himself the “Meat Avatar” and ran alongside his AI bot he named “VIC,” wrangled in fewer than 330 votes on Tuesday. Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Patrick Collins easily won reelection with more than 6,200 votes.
While Miller congratulated Collins on his victory, he called his own campaign, “historic,” “groundbreaking” and “remarkable.” He also said that he plans to go further with AI in government.
Miller announced the formation of the Rational Governance Alliance to expand on his idea to put AI directly “in charge of government decisions.” Miller’s ultimate goal is to have AI responsible for decision-making in public office while humans serve as “legal and physical intermediaries.”
Miller’s push for AI government and belief that the technology is better at making unbiased decisions than humans has drawn criticism. One Princeton professor likened Miller’s idea of AI governance to “replacing a car with a cardboard cutout of a car.”
In June, Miller faced a legal challenge to his run for mayor of Cheyenne. After Wyoming’s Secretary of state questioned Miller on the legality of his run, Miller was forced to put his own name on the ballot instead of his AI-bot VIC’s name on the ballot as the candidate.