- Colorado has the nation’s toughest restrictions on state taxing and spending. And now a suit in federal court says that may violate the U.S. Constitution. Three dozen current and former elected officials from across the political spectrum are asking the court to overturn TABOR–the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
- Environmental groups are taking a novel approach to fighting coal mines. They’re asking the federal government to examine the impact–not just of the mining operations but also the coal as it’s burned in far off power plants. This tactic is being tested against an expansion of the Elk Creek mine in the small western slope
- Colorado ranks in the top ten nationwide for foreclosures. But as Colorado Public Radio’s Ben Markus reports, the quarterly numbers from the State Division of Housing offer new hope. Foreclosure fillings fell last quarter by 27%. Ryan McMaken is the chief economist at the Colorado Division of Housing.
- Officials unveiled the details of a unprecedented water deal. The agreement took nearly five years to negotiate. In part, Denver Water will address environmental damage to mountain rivers and streams—committing millions of dollars.
- There’s enough oil beneath Western Colorado and across the border into Utah and Wyoming to dwarf Saudi Arabia. The trick is, it’s locked in rock, and so-called oil shale isn’t even liquid yet. Some companies are working on ways to profitably turn it into a source of energy.
- Deep cuts to the state’s education budget may shutter a half century old program in Jefferson County. Generations of Jeffco students have attended Outdoor Lab Schools in idyllic country settings. But with major deficits looming, the relatively expensive program is on the chopping block. Colorado Public Radio’s Ben Markus has more.
