Latest news with #JaredPolis'
Axios
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Colorado braces for heightened threats after strikes on Iran
Colorado leaders are on high alert after Saturday's U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and Monday's retaliatory missile attacks on an American military base in the Middle East. Why it matters: Colorado is home to some of the U.S. military's most critical infrastructure, including Space Force bases, satellite command centers and missile warning systems — all of which could be viewed as strategic targets if tensions escalate. What they're saying: The state "has not been made aware of any Colorado-specific threats" but is working with local and federal agencies to monitor for "suspicious activity" to the state's infrastructure and military assets, Gov. Jared Polis' spokesperson Shelby Wieman told Axios Denver on Monday. State of play: On Sunday, Polis and other U.S. governors were briefed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the release of a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin outlining a heightened national threat environment. As of Monday, Denver International Airport remains in business-as-usual mode, a spokesperson told Axios Denver, with no changes to operations or security protocol. Context: That's because the U.S. State Department's new " Worldwide Caution" alert issued in the wake of Saturday's strikes is focused on potential threats to Americans and U.S. interests abroad, not domestic travel. DIA said it "will adhere to federal guidance should conditions change." Meanwhile, Denver's Office of Emergency Management is "actively monitoring the situation," spokesperson Loa Esquilin-Garcia told Axios, and encouraging the public "to be prepared, vigilant [and] aware of their surroundings, and to report suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement." Threat level: U.S. officials have warned of cyber attacks, travel disruptions, demonstrations and heightened security following the strikes. Zoom in: Colorado is a hub for national security assets, including: Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, which houses the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) — the eyes and ears of the U.S. missile warning system. Schriever and Peterson Space Force Bases near Colorado Springs, which manage satellite operations, global communications and defense tracking. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a Cold War-era bunker that's still active as a secure backup for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Between the lines: Colorado's high-value military footprint makes it a strategic asset — but also a potential vulnerability — in any conflict where space-based systems and communications infrastructure may be in the crosshairs. What we're watching: Any signals of increased security in sensitive areas, including places of worship, and growing protest activity. Already, at least one rally denouncing the U.S. strikes took place Sunday outside the state Capitol in Denver.
Axios
19-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Colorado looks at guardrails for kratom
Kratom is becoming the new tobacco. State of play: Colorado is poised to put constraints on the sale of the intoxicating herbal supplement that are similar to those in place for tobacco products, as concerns mount about fatalities and addiction. A bill sent to the governor's desk would require kratom packaging to remain behind the counter and prohibit sales to those under age 21. A warning label would need to include dosage and drug interaction concerns, as well as warnings for pregnant women. Other provisions include limiting synthetics and the high-potency component 7-OH to 2%. Yes, but: The rules are the first of their kind for kratom in Colorado, but stop far short of what lawmakers and Gov. Jared Polis' administration initially proposed. The original legislation created a regulatory system more like cannabis, with companies that process kratom paying an estimated $300 in fees to cover its costs. It also required state budget dollars to get it started. Between the lines: The governor and Democratic leadership expressed concern about the startup costs for the new regulations, essentially stalling its progress in the legislative session. But in the last week, a Republican lawmaker made a rare "super motion" to send the bill directly to the House without a committee hearing. To win passage, lawmakers then eliminated the more restrictive regulations from the bill. What they're saying:"I still think this is a step in the right direction to: One, get a harmful product out of the market, and two, take some steps toward what I think is the ultimate solution which is licensure," Senate bill sponsor Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn) told us in an interview. What we're watching: Now the attention is on Polis.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Immigration protections bill heads to Colorado governor's desk
DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado lawmakers have moved to pass a controversial immigration rights bill. The bill's passage comes even after Colorado and Denver face a lawsuit from the Department of Justice over so-called sanctuary city and state laws. Colorado House passes immigration protections after DOJ sues for 'sanctuary' policies The bill is now headed to Governor Jared Polis' desk. The bill is drawing widespread support from the majority party, while the minority party is urging caution. A bill that would require federal agents to obtain warrants to carry out immigrant raids in sensitive places is heading to the governor's desk. Representatives passed the bill on Saturday, Senators approved changes made in the House Monday morning. Democratic sponsors said it's important this bill passes now after the president made controversial remarks about due process this weekend. 'If the Constitution protects us all, then we in Colorado have the opportunity with this vote today to demonstrate and affirm that the Constitution does in fact protect us all. That due process actually does extend to everyone,' said Senator Julie Gonzales. Republicans, on the other hand, said the bill goes too far and worry it could put a target on the state. 'It is my considered opinion and I will be a resolute and remaining no vote on this particular bill, that in fact this bill goes beyond due process. It has in it elements where you can wipe away a prior guilty plea. There are elements in this bill that provide privilege and advantage that I do not believe are appropriate. I will remain a no vote on 276,' said Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen. DOJ sues Colorado, Denver for so-called 'sanctuary laws' News came down that the federal Department of Justice had sued the state on Friday as representatives debated the bill. Attorneys for the government argue that laws in Colorado and Denver interfere with and discriminate against the federal government's enforcement of federal immigration law. Governor Jared Polis has maintained that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. He and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston have said the state and city follow all local and federal laws. The governor did add that if courts find any Colorado law is not valid, then the state will follow the ruling. The Governor's Office sent over a statement in reaction to the bill's passage: 'The Governor's Office has been working with legislators, as well as stakeholders, including law enforcement, throughout the process on SB25-276 to help ensure it doesn't interfere with our federal law enforcement partnerships. The State of Colorado is not a sanctuary state and works closely with federal and local law enforcement regularly to make Colorado safer. Governor Polis continues urging Congress to secure the border and do their job and pass comprehensive immigration reform.' Spokesperson for the Office of the Governor Lawmakers did remove a portion of the bill that would have stopped officers from having access to private areas of jails. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New bill will allow smallest road-legal vehicles in Japan, kei cars, on Colorado roads
DENVER (KDVR) — A bill passed through the Senate on Thursday that will allow a tiny car, known as a kei car, on some Colorado roads. House Bill 25-1281, 'Title Register & Drive Kei Vehicles,' passed through the Senate on Thursday and is heading to Gov. Jared Polis' desk to be signed into law. This bill will allow Japan's smallest road-legal, four-wheeled vehicle on Colorado roads. Bill requiring school districts develop cell phone policies becomes law A kei car is a vehicle model that the Colorado bill defines as a car that's 140 inches or less in length and 67 inches or less in width. It has a top speed of 55 mph, an enclosed passenger cab, and is powered by an internal combustion engine. Under the law, these cars can be imported into the United States as used vehicles and can be registered and driven on some roads. These roads include areas where the speed limit is less than 55 mph that aren't limited-access highways. Amendments proposed to Colorado transgender legal protections bill This bill will allow kei cars that are either 25 years old or older when imported into the country, or over 25 years old when it was previously issued a title in the U.S. Once it is signed by Polis, this proposed law will go into effect on July 1, 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MCSO Sheriff Rowell on S.B. 25-003
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Colorado State Senate Bill S.B. 25-003, which restricts the sale of semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, passed the state senate and is now on Gov. Jared Polis' desk. Last week, WesternSlopeNow talked with District 3 U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd and District 54 state Rep. Matt Soper about the bill and both said they were against the bill, saying it infringes on the Second Amendment rights of Coloradans. Those for the bill, like Mesa County Democrats Communications Leader Jen Hancock, say, 'It does not infringe on the Second Amendment in any way.' Wednesday morning, WesternSlopeNow talked with Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell about the bill and learned his views on it. 'I don't believe it makes our community safer. All it does is infringe on law-abiding citizens. Over the last six years, we've had 22 homicides here in this community. Over the last quarter century, we've had six mass shootings in this community. Not one single firearm used in any of those crimes is on this list of specified firearms.' As of this posting, Polis has not yet decided to sign or veto the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
