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As re-introduced gray wolves cross state lines protection ends
Approved, State, thelobby-co.com

As re-introduced gray wolves cross state lines protection ends

By The Lobby Wyoming ranchers are expressing their concern as gray wolves reintroduced into Colorado have been spotted near the state line. The proximity of these wolves to Wyoming raises fears about potential conflicts with livestock and poses a threat to the livelihoods of ranchers. While wolves in Colorado are federally protected and cannot be hunted or killed by the general public, once they cross into Wyoming's vast "predator zone," they lose their protected status and can be shot on sight. There have already been reports of conflicts. In September, at least one wolf was killed after crossing into Wyoming, according to reports by ranchers and stakeholders. However, Wyoming officials declined to confirm the incident, citing an 11-year-old state policy that keeps the identity o...
Colorado House unanimously supports bill recognizing emergency phone operators as first responders
Approved, State, thelobby-co.com

Colorado House unanimously supports bill recognizing emergency phone operators as first responders

By The Lobby In a rare display of unity, a bill at the Colorado Capitol received the approval of every representative present on Monday. The measure, which seeks to recognize emergency phone operators as first responders, is now headed to the Senate for further consideration and approval. These unsung heroes are often the first people you speak to in times of crisis, yet they have not been classified as first responders. Lawmakers at the Capitol have come to a bipartisan agreement that it is time to rectify this oversight and give credit where credit is due. PRIME SPONSORS Rep. Sheila Lieder Rep. Ryan Armagost Sen. Chris Kolker Sen. Kevin Van Winkle 9-1-1 dispatchers work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that people across the state receive the help they need...
Aurora council votes to fill homeless service provider funding gaps at quarterly workshop
Approved, Denver Metro, denvergazette.com, Local

Aurora council votes to fill homeless service provider funding gaps at quarterly workshop

By Kyla Pearce | The Gazette While Aurora's councilmembers held differing opinions on how to handle dollars for homeless service providers, they eventually agreed to allocate federal money to several organizations, bringing a few of them to flat funding. The councilmembers, however, entirely cut funding to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. Aurora's policymaking body earlier delayed a decision on funding homeless service providers. The debate about city funding for homeless service providers has been going on since city staffers recommended last year that the council cut or limit funds to several organizations that provide services to homeless people in Aurora following a dip in the local government's revenues. READ THE FULL STORY AT THE GAZETTE
Wolf captured on camera near road in Colorado
Approved, denvergazette.com, State

Wolf captured on camera near road in Colorado

By Spencer McKee | Out There Colorado Another wolf sighting has been captured on camera in Colorado, about a month and a half after the species was formally reintroduced to the state. An article from 9News reports that the wolf was spotted last Thursday near Kremmling, with a rancher capturing footage from the road. This is at least the second time a wolf sighting has been publicized since reintroduction, with at least 10 wolves known to be roaming the state. READ THE FULL STORY AT OUT THERE COLORADO
Trump changes tune and wants to debate Biden: ‘For the good of the country’
Approved, denvergazette.com, National

Trump changes tune and wants to debate Biden: ‘For the good of the country’

By Jack Birle | The Gazette Former President Donald Trump has avoided debating his Republican primary opponents, but now, as the overwhelming favorite for the GOP nomination, he wants to debate his likely general election opponent. Trump said he would like to debate President Joe Biden "now" while appearing on the Dan Bongino Show on Monday. "I’d like to debate him now because we should debate. We should debate for the good of the country," Trump said. READ THE FUL STORY AT THE GAZETTE
Amid calls for change at RNC, chief of staff announces departure ahead of ’24 election
Approved, denvergazette.com, National

Amid calls for change at RNC, chief of staff announces departure ahead of ’24 election

By Julia Johnson | The Gazette The Republican National Committee's chief of staff will be stepping down from his role months ahead of the 2024 presidential election. RNC chief of staff Mike Reed told employees in an email Tuesday, "I write today to let you know that this month will be my last at the RNC." Reed — who noted he spent two decades "working almost exclusively on Republican campaigns, including four years working right alongside President Trump's White House and campaign team" — stated he is leaving the RNC to work in the private sector. He cited several personal reasons for his departure, including his "growing family." "In the chaotic world of D.C. and the RNC, Mike Reed has been a calm and steady hand as our chief of staff," RNC Chairwoman ...
Ken Buck, three other Republicans thwart effort to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Mayorkas
Approved, gazette.com, National

Ken Buck, three other Republicans thwart effort to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Mayorkas

By Anna Giaritelli  | The Gazette House Republicans failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a contentious vote Tuesday that will temporarily spare the Cabinet official from facing removal proceedings. Lawmakers voted by a narrow margin of 214-216 to reject the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, who was confirmed by the Senate in February 2023 to lead the department’s 260,000 employees. GOP Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Blake Moore (R-UT), and Ken Buck (R-CO) were the only members to break with the party and vote in defense of Mayorkas. All Democrats voted against the impeachment articles. READ THE FULL STORY AT THE GAZETTE
Democrat turns tail on proposed pet tax after voter backlash
Approved, coloradopeakpolitics.com, Commentary, State

Democrat turns tail on proposed pet tax after voter backlash

By Colorado Peak Politics A lawmaker who ruffled the fur of Colorado pet lovers with her bill mandating state registration of our four-legged children plus a mandated pet tax has turned tail and now plans to withdraw her measure. State Rep. Reginal English, a tax-and-spend Democrat from El Paso County, quickly came under fire on social media for her bill. It imposed fees of $8.50 on every pet with a designated caregiver, $25 for pets without designated caregivers, and $16 for pets that were permitted to breed. Channel 7 first reported English’s “decision to pull the bill was not because she felt pressured by the backlash.” Yet reported a few sentences later: English said the decision to pull the bill was not because she felt pressured by the backlash, but came ...
Telehealth bill aims to increase rural access to vet care
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, Rural Colorado, State

Telehealth bill aims to increase rural access to vet care

When Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, needed critical care for a dog which developed spine issues, it resulted in a six-hour round trip drive to a veterinarian in Colorado Springs. “We have been known as a home for wayward Pomeranians,” said Martinez, presenting a telehealth veterinarian care bill Monday to the Colorado House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee. He recalled every two to three weeks transporting the dog from the San Luis Valley to Colorado Springs for treatment. “I was able to make the drive, but a lot of people can’t,” Martinez said. House Bill 24-1048, which Martinez sponsored with Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, would aim to make veterinary care more accessible to those living in similar outlying areas of the state, with limited veteri...
George Brauchler, once term-limited in 18th District, announces he will run for DA in new 23rd Judicial District
Approved, coloradopolitics.com, State

George Brauchler, once term-limited in 18th District, announces he will run for DA in new 23rd Judicial District

By Ernest Luning | Colorado Politics Parker Republican George Brauchler, the former district attorney for Colorado's 18th Judicial District, announced on Monday he wants his old job back, kind of. After facing term limits three years ago as the top prosecutor in the state's largest judicial district — covering Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties — Brauchler is vying to become the inaugural district attorney from the new judicial district that will be created at the beginning of next year, when the old 18th district splits in two. Brauchler is running for the 23rd Judicial District, the state's first new judicial district in 60 years, which will encompass Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, while Arapahoe County will have the old 18th district to itself. The seasone...