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Colorado Faces $1.5 Billion Budget Shortfall by 2027-28, Primarily Due to Medicaid

Colorado Faces $1.5 Billion Budget Shortfall by 2027-28, Primarily Due to Medicaid

Colorado is projected to face a significant budget deficit of $1.5 billion by the 2027-28 fiscal year. This substantial shortfall is primarily attributed to rising costs associated with the state's Medicaid program. The announcement highlights a growing fiscal challenge for Colorado, indicating that current spending and revenue projections are out of alignment for the upcoming budget cycles. The state government will need to address this impending financial gap through various measures, which could include budget cuts, revenue enhancements, or a combination of both, to maintain fiscal stability and continue funding essential services. The focus on Medicaid as the primary driver suggests that healthcare expenditures are placing considerable strain on the state's financial resources.

USDA Rural Development Invests $24 Million to Upgrade Fort Lupton's Wastewater Infrastructure

USDA Rural Development Invests $24 Million to Upgrade Fort Lupton's Wastewater Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced a $24 million loan for a significant wastewater infrastructure project in Fort Lupton, Colorado. This investment, celebrated by USDA Under Secretary Glen R. Smith, Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Colorado State Director Sallie Clark, will enable Fort Lupton to connect to an existing water treatment plant. The project aims to provide the necessary capacity to support larger infrastructure developments throughout the region. Under Secretary Smith emphasized that this investment aligns with Presidential Executive Orders to strengthen essential infrastructure and expand long-term opportunities in rural communities. The consolidation of the wastewater system is expected to treat the city's wastewater to optimal levels, thereby improving water quality in the South Platte River and delivering cleaner raw water to downstream users. Congressman Evans highlighted the rapid growth in Northern Colorado and the critical need for water infrast...

Representative Gabe Evans Secures $24 Million USDA Investment for Fort Lupton Wastewater Infrastructure

Representative Gabe Evans Secures $24 Million USDA Investment for Fort Lupton Wastewater Infrastructure

Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08) announced a $24 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for a significant wastewater infrastructure project in Fort Lupton, Colorado. This investment aims to bolster the city's wastewater system, allowing it to connect to an existing water treatment plant. The project is designed to enhance water quality in the South Platte River and ensure affordable wastewater costs for residents and businesses. USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Glen R. Smith and Colorado State Director Sallie Clark joined Representative Evans to celebrate this funding, emphasizing its role in strengthening essential infrastructure and supporting responsible growth in Northern Colorado. The initiative aligns with USDA's commitment to rural communities by promoting innovation, protecting natural resources, and laying a foundation for future development.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Auctions Nearly 3,000 Acres of Ohio's Wayne National Forest for Oil and Gas Development

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Auctions Nearly 3,000 Acres of Ohio's Wayne National Forest for Oil and Gas Development

The U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has leased nearly 3,000 acres of the Wayne National Forest in Ohio for oil and gas development. This action follows an online auction where 40 parcels within the forest were sold, generating over $11 million. The highest bid reached nearly $10,000 per acre for a parcel in Monroe County. This move has drawn criticism from environmental groups, who warn of potential damage to the region, while industry officials argue it is necessary to meet national energy demands. The BLM had announced its plans to lease the land in July, and the auction proceeded after a mandatory protest period. This is not an isolated incident, as the BLM is also offering National Forest land in other states, including New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado, for similar bids.

Representative Jeff Crank Votes for Ratepayer Protection Act to Mitigate AI Data Center Costs

Representative Jeff Crank Votes for Ratepayer Protection Act to Mitigate AI Data Center Costs

Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) recently voted in favor of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act. This legislation aims to prevent American consumers from incurring higher utility rates due to the rapid construction and energy demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. The bill mandates that state utility regulators consider implementing rules for large-load data centers, specifically those drawing over 100 MW of power. These rules would ensure that such data centers cover the full incremental costs associated with their power consumption, including grid upgrades and new energy generation. Representative Crank, who co-sponsored the act alongside fellow Coloradan Representative Gabe Evans, emphasized that the bill is designed to protect families in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District from increased utility bills. The United States is currently engaged in a race for AI dominance, which is deemed crucial for both economic and national security, yet concerns have arisen regarding the financi...

House takes 'small step' to shield Americans' energy bills from data centers

House takes 'small step' to shield Americans' energy bills from data centers

Lawmakers said the legislation would help prevent Americans' energy bills from spiking because of nearby data centers.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan Subpoenas Boulder and Fairfax County DAs Over 'Preferential Treatment' of 'Criminal Aliens'

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan Subpoenas Boulder and Fairfax County DAs Over 'Preferential Treatment' of 'Criminal Aliens'

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has issued subpoenas to the district attorneys of Boulder, Colorado, and Fairfax, Virginia. The subpoenas are part of an ongoing investigation into sanctuary jurisdictions and their policies concerning the prosecution of foreign national criminals. Chairman Jordan accuses both District Attorneys, Michael Dougherty of Boulder County and Steve Descano of Fairfax County, of providing “preferential treatment” to “criminal aliens” and failing to cooperate with the committee's requests for information. According to Fox News Digital, Jordan stated in separate letters to the DAs that their offices' lenient treatment of foreign national criminals endangers communities and allows them to evade both criminal and immigration accountability. The committee has been investigating district attorneys who consider immigration status in criminal complaints, even when the crime is unrelated to the suspect's legal status. Dougherty criticized the subpoena as a "political s...

Colorado Governor Jared Polis Issues Executive Order to Enhance Pollinator Protections

Colorado Governor Jared Polis Issues Executive Order to Enhance Pollinator Protections

Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order aimed at bolstering protections for the state's pollinator populations, including bees and butterflies. The order addresses significant threats such as habitat loss, drought, invasive species, and pesticide exposure, which have been impacting these crucial insects. Governor Polis emphasized the vital role pollinators play in Colorado's agricultural sector, supporting crops like peaches, corn, and Rocky Ford melons, as well as contributing to the state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation economy. This executive action follows previous state efforts, including the 2026 legislative session's House Bill 1132, which mandates state agencies to prioritize native plants for pollinator habitats in their projects. The order outlines four key actions: creating a statewide pollinator strategy, reducing pesticide use on state lands, supporting local governments and private landowners in habitat protection, and expanding pollinator habitats within the state hig...

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Great Smoky Mountains fall foliage could be best in the US. When to see peak colors

Great Smoky Mountains fall foliage could be best in the US. When to see peak colors

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will see vibrant fall colors as leaves begin to change. Why colors could be so vivid this year and where are the best places to see foliage.

MT Sobek and OARS Announce Expanded Whitewater Rafting Adventures Across American West

MT Sobek and OARS Announce Expanded Whitewater Rafting Adventures Across American West

MT Sobek and OARS Announce Expanded Whitewater Rafting Adventures Across American West

MLB roundup: Guardians overtake White Sox for 1st place in AL Central

MLB roundup: Guardians overtake White Sox for 1st place in AL Central

By Field Level Media Sep 17 (Field Level Media) - Rookie Petey Halpin belted a three-run homer in the sixth inning to help the host Cleveland Guardians grab sole possession of first place in the American League Central with a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

Author Peter Heller Reflects on Career Transition from Adventure Journalism to Fiction Writing

Author Peter Heller Reflects on Career Transition from Adventure Journalism to Fiction Writing

Author Peter Heller Reflects on Career Transition from Adventure Journalism to Fiction Writing