Outside the Springs

Most people agree that having free media outside of government control is a necessity for a democratic nation. But many experts will say that free media will continue to affect elections from the local level to the national level in both good and bad ways.

People across the world were shocked when Russia invaded Ukraine last February marking one of the biggest military attacks in recent history. As soon as the attack commenced, many across the globe feared the move could spark World War III.

Homeless encampments, and the accompanying hazards, have sprung up in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and elsewhere throughout the state in the last few years.

Water rights have been an issue impacting Colorado since before it became a state in 1876, and it continues as the demand for water grows. The Division of Water Resources (DWR), also known as the Office of the State Engineer, administers water rights, issues water well permits, represents Colorado in interstate water compact proceedings, monitors streamflow and water use, approves the construction and repair of dams and performs dam safety inspections.

Once sports betting became legal in Colorado in 2020, the industry seemed to instantly surge. Advertisements for local casinos and big national sports betting companies could be seen just about everywhere from billboards to social media to TV ads.

Colorado ranchers are facing a challenge absent since WWII: wolves. Attacks on livestock, so far mostly in Jackson County, are stirring up political discussions in the state; discussions that started with Proposition 114. This policy, passed in 2020 by a razor-thin less than 1% majority, will kick off in 2023.

When the Supreme Court ruled to overturn the decades-long Roe v. Wade decision, people from both sides of the political spectrum reacted. Many conservatives across the country embraced the decision and were delighted that the legality of abortions would be brought to each state to consider.

Colorado House Speaker Alec Garnett says Colorado laws and regulations have failed to keep up with the evolution of cannabis products.

In the Centennial State, Conservation Colorado leads the charge for 30 by 30. Conservation Colorado and other philosophically aligned ecologists, like Western Resource Advocates, want to add 14 million acres to Colorado’s permanent protections by 2030. That’s a 233% increase in acreage over a few years from the current 6 million.

Colorado is the eighth largest state by area. It has considerable natural resources and historic outdoor recreation. Conservation has always been part of its commonwealth. But new environmentalism, like the type seen in the 30 by 30 plan, is of a different “nature” than traditional land management.