Regional National Civics Bee competition held in Colorado Springs
On Saturday, middle school students from all over the area showcased their knowledge and spirit for the region when they were tasked with writing an essay on how they would improve their community. The goal of the competition is to get students involved in Civics and their community.
'I think this is important because it helps me realize and learn about my country and how I can become an active member in it and how I can change laws for the better,' said Camilla Balser, who scored first place.
Balser emerged as the regional champion with her 'thoughtful and compelling' essay.
'I think it's great getting our kids involved in our community,' said Michael Lordino, President of the Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce. 'I'm always amazed in the depth of knowledge these students have of their community and how they want to better it, so it is always just very impressive to hear them talk about it.'
The winners will have the chance to compete on May 30 at the State level in Denver. Those who win will then pass on to the National Civics Bee in Washington D.C. in the fall.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
4 days ago
- Fox News
WATCH LIVE: Secretary RFK Jr joins National Governors Association meeting
RFK Jr. participates in a fireside chat at the National Governors Association 2025 Summer meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Fox News
Incoming NGA Chair 'disappointed' in Dem governors 'playing politics' in bipartisan group
Colorado Springs, Colo. – Incoming chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Okla., is "disappointed" that some Democratic governors might stop paying their dues to the bipartisan group. The Atlantic reported ahead of the NGA's summer meeting in Colorado Springs, Colo., that at least two Democrats, Govs. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Laura Kelly of Kansas, plan to stop paying their dues when asked to renew their membership this month over the NGA's response to President Donald Trump's second term. "We shouldn't be playing politics like they do in Washington, D.C.," Stitt told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview at the summer meeting. "But sometimes, if you're a governor running for president or a higher office, you make it political." Kelly is chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), the partisan gubernatorial arm that has been vocal in resisting the Trump administration. As Walz weighs a third gubernatorial run, the former vice presidential candidate has remained a leading critic of Trump's administration since losing the White House alongside Vice President Kamala Harris last year. The Democratic discontent comes as Democratic Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado prepares to cede his chairmanship to Stitt, a Republican, at this weekend's summer meeting. Gov. Wes Moore, D-Md., is set to become vice chair. "I would tell anybody, listen, do you want your leaders to take their ball and go home just because they get mad at something? That's not the way to solve problems," Stitt said, adding that he likes both Walz and Kelly. "Listen, this isn't the time to take our ball and go home. Let's sit down and debate what the best policies [are] going forward," Stitt added. The Oklahoma governor said it can be "frustrating" when Democrats are constantly targeting Trump, but as a business leader, he said there are plenty of instances in which governors can find common ground, including a reduction of the United States' more than $36 trillion in debt. Ahead of the summer meeting, Eric Wohlschlegel, NGA communications director, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the NGA and told Fox News Digital the NGA's "mission hasn't changed." According to The Atlantic report, Democratic members of the NGA complained the group "did not respond forcefully enough" when the Trump administration paused federal funding early this year, as Gov. Janet Mills of Maine clashed with Trump over biological men playing in women's sports and, more recently, when Trump authorized the National Guard to California to amid the anti-ICE protests. "Every public statement NGA issues reflects bipartisan consensus. So far this year, all but one statement has had that consensus, and when governors don't agree, we simply don't issue one. That's how we preserve our role as a bipartisan convener, a principle we won't compromise," Wohlschlegel explained. Thirteen Republican and seven Democratic leaders planned to attend the summer meeting, featuring discussions with Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A source familiar with the situation blamed the controversy on "Democratic infighting, unspoken campaign jockeying and a few anonymous voices looking to reshape a nonpartisan institution into a political one." The source added that "no governors are on the record expressing discontent with the NGA. No allegations of misconduct, governance failure or mismanagement have been raised." And without addressing the controversy directly, Conor Cahill, a spokesperson for Polis, told Fox News Digital the governor "has been honored" to lead the NGA and to "work across the aisle with governors on education, permitting reform, standing up to federal efforts to strip away gubernatorial authority around the National Guard and elevating the priorities of states." He added that "during this polarizing time, bipartisan organizations are needed more than ever, and NGA must continue to demonstrate value to all governors and effectively communicate governors' opinions on various matters with the public and the federal government." Abegail Cave, a spokesperson for Stitt, told Fox News Digital ahead of the NGA that "people seem to forget NGA is a bipartisan organization, not a political one." Fox News Digital reached out to Walz and Kelly for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Mayor Mobolade vetoes marijuana sales tax amendment
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — For the first time in his tenure as Mayor, Yemi Mobolade saying no to city council as he announced he is rejecting Ordinance 25-59 which would have given city council the authority to look for and review programs to fund before sending them to the mayor for consideration. Both sides appear to be at odds as to how the city should go about allocating marijuana sales tax dollars. 'It's this is just the beginning of a long series of conversations about where our dollars are going to come from for all the services required in our city,' said Councilmember Nancy Henjum. City Council passed the resolution during their last regular meeting on July 8th. In a 6-3 vote, council members voted to have a say in who can get the money. 'An ordinance like this gives council an opportunity to focus dollars on a specific problem and not have it get lost in the broader, broader picture,' said Councilmember Tom Bailey. Mayor Mobolade disagrees, saying in a statement that the change would undermine the current process of creating the city's budget by 'creating an unnecessary and unauthorized level of bureaucracy.' In a joint statement, city council responded to the mayor's comments, saying, 'any attempt to frame this as City Council 'usurping' authority is political theater.' But not all council members agree, despite passing the resolution. Councilmember Dave Donelson spoke out and said the process should not change for allocating money, but that part of the solution is in enforcing laws to address some issues being brought up in the city. 'I think a big part of this solution is going to have to be simply the willingness to lock people up for breaking our laws,' Donelson said. 'Is that great? Is that ideal? No. But in the world we are in, that's part of the solution. Mayor Mobolade also believes investments should primarily go toward public safety, while the council says funds can also be used for mental health and PTSD programs. Either way, the council and Mayor Mobolade will have more time to talk about allocating money, as Mobolade says there is currently $1.4 million in the city's marijuana sales tax fund. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
