Latest news with #Coloradans
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
As more Coloradans want to live in Mexico, consulate warns of scams
As more Coloradans consider relocating to Mexico, the Mexican Consulate in Denver is warning about scam artists and intermediaries offering to sell appointments for visas. In the last year, the Consulate reports a 15% increase in applications for residency in Mexico. A Westminster couple shared their experience applying for a visa in hopes of educating others. "How exciting!" exclaimed Amy Lodes, as she and her husband Randy worked with a consular employee to process paperwork to obtain temporary residency in Mexico. Just weeks into retirement, the Lodes are chasing a dream that began on a beach in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. "This started percolating years ago when we were on vacations and we'd go on beach walks," said Randy Lodes. Amy Lodes chimed in, "Houses (were) for sale on the beach, and we were like 'What would it be like to live here?'" The Lodes gathered up birth and marriage certificates and put together financial records to prove they have adequate income. They did their research and knew to go straight to the Mexican Consulate in Denver to apply for temporary residency. Others, however, have shelled out hundreds of dollars unnecessarily. Miguel Barradas Cerón is the Consul for Legal Affairs at the Mexican Consulate, and said, "Do not pay for appointments, do not pay for any kind of intermediaries. If you have any questions regarding your visa process, you can come to us; we can solve your questions face-to-face here at the consulate. You can email us." Once approved for a visa, the fee is $54, which is paid at the Consulate. The Lodes look forward to having their retirement savings go further. Amy Lodes said, "We're going to pay approximately $1,000 a month, American money, for our condo in Mexico." She and Randy Lodes continued, "It has a rooftop patio, so we have an amazing amount of living space, with a plunge pool, you can see the ocean and the palms." They look forward to a slower pace, warm weather year-round, and making new friends. "I've always said 'my toes need to be in the sand every single day, '" Amy Lodes noted. Doing their research and following the visa application instructions to the letter has been worth it, they say. "Congratulations!", the Lodes were told. "Yay, thank you! We're so excited!" added Amy Lodes. It's not necessary to get a visa for travel to Mexico for stays lasting less than six months. To learn more about applying for temporary or permanent residency in Mexico, visit the consulate's website.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
ZIP Code Change Could Become US Law
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two bills designed to help smaller municipalities generate more local revenue have successfully passed through the U.S. House of Representatives and may soon be signed into law by President Donald Trump. The bipartisan bills, HR 3095 and HR 672, introduced by Republican Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, respectively, would assign distinct ZIP codes to 80 communities across the country. HR 3095 was passed in a 278-121 vote, with 31 representatives not voting. HR 672 was passed unanimously. Why It Matters The ZIP code system was introduced in the U.S. in 1963, and while they're most commonly known for helping with mail deliveries, codes also help with emergency response planning, economic development and insurance assessments. Boebert has said cities without unique ZIP codes "have their sales tax revenue, insurance rates, mail delivery rates, and response times for first responders negatively impacted." The congresswoman said the legislation would "address these issues and directly improve the quality of life for Coloradans and Americans living in these communities." Stock image/file photo: A woman checking her mail. Stock image/file photo: A woman checking her mail. GETTY What To Know Boebert's bill, if signed into law, would affect 66 communities without unique ZIP codes across 19 states. The communities are listed below: California Canyon Lake Hidden Hills Industry North Tustin Tehachapi Colorado Castle Pines Centennial Cherry Hills Village Frederick Greenwood Village Highlands Ranch Keystone Lone Tree Mountain Village Mt. Crested Butte Severance Silver Cliff Sterling Ranch Superior Telluride Florida Coconut Creek Deerfield Beach Lighthouse Point Oakland Park Parkland Wilton Manors Illinois Burr Ridge Indiana Carmel Noblesville Westfield Zionsville Kentucky Camargo Louisiana Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge Montz Minnesota Quartzite Township Springwater Township Nevada Grass Valley New Hampshire Swanzey New Jersey Kinnelon New York Flanders Glendale Riverside Pendleton Wheatfield North Carolina Weddington Ohio Green Oklahoma Hochatown South Carolina Goose Creek Mauldin Texas Fairview Fate Heath Josephine Murphy Northlake Parker Sargent Virginia Fairlawn Wisconsin Caledonia Franklin Glendale Greenfield Rochester Village of Harrison Village of Mount Pleasant Village of Somers HR 672 would create unique ZIP codes for the following 14 areas: California Eastvale Colorado Castle Pines Silver Cliff Connecticut Scotland Florida Hollywood Miami Lakes Ocoee Iowa Urbandale Wisconsin Franklin Greenfield Village of Caledonia Village of Mount Pleasant Village of Somers Wyoming Mills What People Are Saying Republican Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado said in a news release: "Zip code reform is not a partisan issue; it's a unifying, fundamental need for the municipalities that have been denied their own zip code and have dealt with public safety issues, mail delivery problems for seniors and veterans, business permitting challenges, and the loss of revenue that leads to cutting public services. It's time for the Senators who represent the many communities in this bill to step up and deliver this bill to President Trump's desk." Democratic Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut, who sponsored HR 672, said following the vote: "The people of Scotland [Connecticut] face the serious consequences of having six ZIP Codes for a town of less than 1,600 people. Delivery of Social Security notices and checks, Medicaid information, prescription medications, and absentee ballot applications are disrupted day in day out. Residents have paid their taxes to the wrong town and sent their children to the wrong school." What Happens Next Both bills are set to be reviewed by the Senate. If they pass, they will head to the White House to be signed into law.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Coloradans surveyed, say "no" to a pedestrian bridge project to celebrate the state's 150th birthday
Coloradans surveyed are against the idea of building a bridge from the Colorado State Capitol to Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park. Gov. Jared Polis says the people have spoken. The governor set up a statewide survey asking if they wanted the $18 million pedestrian bridge called "Colorado 150 Walkway" to celebrate Colorado's 150th Birthday next year. Colorado became a state on Aug. 1, 1876. The governor admits he didn't expect such a visceral reaction when he released renderings of the Colorado 150 Walkway in May. "Over 93% of Coloradans do not want the bridge at the Capitol," Polis told CBS Colorado. "So there will not be a bridge there." Gov. Polis said Coloradans are excited about celebrating the 150th birthday of the state. "They are equally excited about Colorado 150 -- nation 250," Polis said. The governor says the branding and celebration will include both the Colorado birthday and the United States' 250th birthday. The state has a sesquicentennial commission working on what will happen across the state.
UPI
22-07-2025
- Business
- UPI
New NWSL club Denver Summit FC reveals logo, team branding
Denver Summit FC will be among 16 teams in the NWSL competing for the championship in 2026. File Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo July 22 (UPI) -- Denver Summit FC, the NWSL's 16th franchise, revealed its team name, crest and colors Tuesday ahead of its inaugural season, which will start in 2026. Denver was awarded the expansion franchise Jan. 30. More than 15,000 votes and suggestions were gathered from a ":name the club" fan vote. The Summit's badge features the mountains under a red sky with an orange sun. "We are pleased to unveil Denver Summit FC as our name and to share our crest and colors with Colorado and the world," Denver Summit FC president Jen Millet said in a news release. "It was vital for us to name our club in collaboration with our community. "Our crest, colors and brand are representative of Denver and all of Colorado. It embraces our aspirational goals and pioneering spirit to build the best soccer club in the world." The NWSL announced in September that it awarded its 15th franchise to Boston. The Summit will be the first women's professional sports team from a major national league to be based in Denver. "We are excited to firmly place Denver Summit FC in Denver's storied sports lexicon," Summit controlling owner Rob Cohen said. "Coloradans are passionate about the outdoors, so it was always our vision that the crest should depict our natural surroundings. "Our elevation offers us a distinct home field advantage, and our goal is to build a club that is always pursuing excellence on and off the field. Much like the picturesque Rocky Mountains, our charge is to stand apart while always reaching for new heights."
Axios
21-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Colorado's economy delivers mixed results in mid-2025
Colorado's latest economic data is sending mixed signals at the halfway mark of 2025. By the numbers: Metro Denver's inflation rate through June ticked up to 2.3% year-over-year, nudging past May's 2.2%, per a new report from the University of Colorado Boulder's Leeds School of Business and the Secretary of State's office. That's still below the national average of 2.7% in June, which marked the swiftest pace since February as Trump-era tariffs began taking a bigger bite out of the economy. Stunning stat: New business filings statewide surged to 51,200 in the second quarter of 2025, up 19% year-over-year — marking Colorado's strongest second quarter on record, according to Brian Lewandowski with the Leeds School of Business. The intrigue: It's unclear what's behind the spike or which sectors are seeing the most new ventures. But Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold floated a theory: a mix of entrepreneurial spirit and financial pressure. Some Coloradans may be looking to supplement income "after noticing that their money at the grocery store isn't going as far as it used to," Griswold told reporters Monday. Zoom out: Job growth across Colorado rose to 0.4% last month, the state's fourth-highest rate on record. Labor force participation held strong at 67.7% — sixth-highest nationally. Yes, but: Home prices in Colorado continued to climb last month — up 2.3% year-over-year. What they're saying: The state's economy "has remained resilient," Griswold said in a statement. "But many Coloradans struggle with the cost of living, and Trump's new law will increase the cost of energy, health care and more," the Democrat warned, referring to the president's " big, beautiful bill." What we're watching: Colorado's resilience could soon face a tougher test.
