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Nearly 10 pounds of fentanyl powder seized in drug trafficking operation on Colorado’s Western Slope
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Nearly 10 pounds of fentanyl powder seized in drug trafficking operation on Colorado’s Western Slope

By Jennifer McRae | CBS Colorado Seven people have been arrested, accused in a drug trafficking operation in Garfield County on Colorado's Western Slope. According to investigators, approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, three ounces of cocaine, nine-and-a-half pounds of fentanyl powder, and approximately 220 fentanyl pills, along with a firearm, were seized. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office said that suspects Sindy Vazquez Martinez and Osbaldo Ramirez-Andrade operated a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and additional illegal drugs from Frisco to Rifle. Investigators said that they used their residence in Glenwood Springs, located 185 yards from the front door of the Glenwood Springs Middle School and 60 yards from school property, as a base t...
Douglas County commissioners balk at legislation ‘impairing local control’
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Douglas County commissioners balk at legislation ‘impairing local control’

By Noah Festenstein | Denver Gazette Douglas County's commissioners are balking at several proposals at the state Capitol that they said would diminish local control. In a resolution, the commissioners said lawmakers have "repeatedly injected state policies into long-standing matters of local concern, including local elections and land regulation.”  The resolution, which the commissioners approved on April 22, identified four specific proposals surrounding commissioner board vacancies, building codes and permitting: READ THE FULL STORY AT THE DENVER GAZETTE
Denver vs. Aurora: Homelessness reports reveal two competing visions
Approved, Local, State, Westword

Denver vs. Aurora: Homelessness reports reveal two competing visions

By Bennito Kelty | Westword The first state-funded homelessness report to look at the crisis across Colorado came out on Monday, April 28, with an estimate that nearly 53,000 people are experiencing homelessness statewide. The recommended solution sets it apart from another report published just a couple of weeks ago. "Homelessness ends with a home," The Colorado State of Homelessness Report 2024 urges in its call to action. "Every part of the homelessness response system — from street outreach to emergency shelter — must stay focused on connecting people to permanent housing as quickly as possible." Funded by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the new report suggests that government agencies and nonprofits continue focusing on putting people in housing, s...
Colorado Springs mayor expects more raids, arrests after nightclub bust
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Colorado Springs mayor expects more raids, arrests after nightclub bust

By Breeanna Jent  | The Gazette After law enforcement officers raided an "underground" nightclub early Sunday morning, Mayor Yemi Mobolade said he expects additional arrests in Colorado Springs' future. "I anticipate that there will be more arrests. I hope to see more raids happen in my city. This is not the first one," Mobolade told national media outlet NewsNation Now. More than 300 law enforcement officers from at least 10 agencies raided the property at 296 S. Academy Blvd., at the northwest corner of Academy Boulevard and Airport Road, on Sunday. They detained 114 people, including active-duty military members and individuals alleged to be in the U.S. illegally, officials said. On Monday, a social media post from the Drug Enforcement Administration showed a busload of 60 peop...
Nearly $100 million renovations set to start on oldest Colorado Springs high school
Approved, KKTV CBS 11, Local

Nearly $100 million renovations set to start on oldest Colorado Springs high school

By Grace Kraemer | KKTV COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - A $100 million renovation at Colorado Springs’ oldest high school is set to begin this summer. Colorado Springs District 11 is planning a years long project to revamp the Palmer High School in downtown. The district held an open house Tuesday evening to discuss the plans. It drew in dozens of people who were interested in learning more about what the renovations look like, what they mean for the school, and how it will impact the surrounding community. " My parents graduated from here and then I did. My children did, so we have a long history,” said Pamela Steele, an alumni of Palmer High School. The renovation project is set to start in June and wrap up early 2028. It includes tearing down several buildings, update class...
Aurora’s 3-strike vehicle law: Nearly 1,000 off the streets as crackdown unfolds
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Aurora’s 3-strike vehicle law: Nearly 1,000 off the streets as crackdown unfolds

By Vicente Arenas | Fox31 AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Aurora Police Department statistics show 920 vehicles have been impounded under the city’s new three-strikes seizure law. Ward IV Council member Stephanie Hancock sponsored the city’s new traffic law. “I think the concern with our constituents has been, ‘Why are there so many cars with expired tags or no license plates at all on the roads?’ It’s very likely these cars don’t have insurance,” Hancock said. In Aurora, vehicles can be seized when a driver lacks a license, insurance and registration. Pictures of some of the vehicles that have been seized and sold can be seen on the Roller Auction website. When the new law went into effect, FOX31 saw several expired plates in just one location. APD said there are also a...
Was it the people’s town hall — or a political playbook in action?
Approved, Local, National, Rocky Mountain Voice, State, Top Stories

Was it the people’s town hall — or a political playbook in action?

By RMV Staff | RMV NE CO Newsroom, Rocky Mountain Voice As constituents speak out in Greeley, and across Colorado, political operatives sharpen their sights on Colorado’s 8th District. On April 26, more than 100 residents gathered at the Moxi Theater in downtown Greeley for a two-hour town hall organized by progressive groups, including Vote Save America PAC. Billed as “The People's Town Hall: Where is Gabe?” – the event gave attendees from across the political spectrum a chance to speak up about representation, leadership, and what they want to see from elected officials. The Collective Voice: The True Keynote In a unique format, nearly 50 individuals were given three minutes each to share their thoughts, speaking with passion, urgency, and reflection. The event was led by Kar...
FEMA cuts $32 million from Denver’s immigrant shelter grants under Trump directive
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FEMA cuts $32 million from Denver’s immigrant shelter grants under Trump directive

The Denver Gazette The Trump administration has terminated roughly $32 million in grant funding to Denver earmarked for the city's response to the illegal immigration crisis, saying such spending no longer aligns with the federal government's enforcement priorities.  "The Department, consistent with President Trump's direction, is focused on advancing the essential mission of enforcing immigration laws and securing the border," the letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.  "Consequently, grant programs that support, or have the potential to support, illegal immigration through funding illegal activities or support for illegal aliens that is not consistent with DHS's enforcement focus do not effectuate the agency's current priorities," the agency said. "T...
As Denver mulls $70 million price tag, backers point to study saying women’s soccer stadium will bring in $2.2 billion
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As Denver mulls $70 million price tag, backers point to study saying women’s soccer stadium will bring in $2.2 billion

By Deborah Grigsby | Denver Gazette As Denver's elected officials weigh a push for $70 million in spending along Interstate 25 and Broadway Avenue, economists and business leaders hope the buzz around the city’s new National Women’s Soccer League team rubs off on councilmembers who have pushed back on the project’s price tag. Supporters argued that the proposed stadium would serve as a major economic "jolt" to South Broadway, while councilmembers are worried about shrinking revenues and redirecting interest money originally slated for a slew of projects funded by a bond voters approved a few years ago.    City economists published a 19-page economic impact study last week, projecting that a 14,500-seat stadium and entertainment district could generate $2.2 billion in eco...