August 6th 2026
CO US Senator Bennet's Gov campaign agrees to settlement in finance case.
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's Gubernatorial Campaign has agreed to pay a
$7,433 fine for using Bennet's senate campaign account to pay for gubernatorial
campaign travel expenses. The settlement, which was reached on July 31st, also includes
an admission by Bennet and his campaign that they violated state campaign finance laws.
The settlement is tied to multiple complaints saying that Bennet traveled for his
gubernatorial campaign in 2025, paying for it with funds from his U.S. Senate Campaign
account, a total of 39 travel-related expenses totaling $24,440.59 in payments. Those
payments represented prohibited contributions from the senate committee, according to
Colorado's elections division. The campaign "cured" the violations, according to the
analysis. The settlement was signed by Bennet, his registered agent Timothy Gebhardt,
and Colorado's campaign finance enforcement manager, on July 21st.
CPW announces another lethal removal of a uncollared wolf.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced yesterday that agents lethally removed an
uncollared male yearling wolf in Grand County on Tuesday. The action was taken in
response to four confirmed depredation events involving four calves, according to CPW.
The wolf was a member of the one ear park. The first depredation was confirmed on
June 29th in Jackson County. Consecutive events were also confirmed on July 26th, July
31st and August 1st, also all in Grand County. The events occurred despite the producers
pursuing non-lethal conflict minimization efforts, according to CPW. conflict
minimization efforts included conducting a site assessment, deploying range riders, the
use of scare devices, active human presence and applying for injurious non-lethal hazing
permits.
Colorado City MD announced stage 4 water restrictions yesterday.
The Colorado City Metropolitan District announced yesterday afternoon that Colorado
City is now under level four water restrictions, meaning that outdoor watering is now
prohibited. District officials said yesterday that plants, gardens, landscaping and other
vegetation can only be watered between 5am and 7am, and between 7pm and 9pm, and
only with a watering can or with a hose with a shut-off nozzle. Residents could receive a
written notice and a $100 fine on the first violations. For a second violation, residents
may receive a written notice and a $250 fine. After more than 2 violations, officials say a
district manager can suspend service to the location and/or issue a $500 fine. Questions
can be directed to the district at 719-676-3396.
Hiker rescued by Alamosa VSR after fall Sunday.
Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue responded on Sunday to a report that an
experienced climber had fallen and came to a stop on a narrow ledge with exposure,
creating a risk of a second fall, while traveling between Little Bear Peak and Blanca
Peak. Crews said the witness reported that the climber's lower leg was fractured with
severe bleeding. Due to the terrain and the patient's unstable location, air support was
requested from the Colorado Army National Guard. A technical hoist was used to
evacuate the patient and the reporting party from the mountain, taking them to the
Alamosa Airport. No emergency crews were injured during the rescue.
Custer County Sheriff's Deputies rescued baby bear found along the Highway.
After receiving reports of a dog on the road, Custer County Sheriff's Deputies rescued a
baby bear from the side of a highway. The bear was found malnourished and dehydrated
near airport road. The bear is a female who also had an injured foot. CPW picked up the
bear and took it to the CPW facility near Del Norte for rehab and veterinary care.
Officials say, following the winter, the bear will be released into the wilderness. Another
bear was herded out of the town of Westcliffe yesterday as well. CPW has set a trap for
that bear, so that it can be relocated.
August 5th 2026
Initiative 195 backers delivered petition signatures to CO SOS Monday.
Volunteers and coalition members from the bell policy center on Monday delivered
157,000 petition signatures to Colorado's Secretary of State's Office in the hopes of
placing a graduated tax proposal on the November ballot. The proposal would amend
The Colorado Constitution to change Colorado's flat rate into a graduated income tax.
Backers say the graduated tax would marginally decrease the tax liability for the lower
ends of the new tax bracket, while raising taxes for others. If the proposal makes it to the
ballot and is approved by voters, it is expected to generate $2 billion more in tax revenue
for the state. What's being called Initiative 195 would set up a six-tier structure for state
income taxes. Those earning between $100,000 and $500,000 annually would see no
increase in their taxes. Those making under $100,000 annually would see a small
decrease. Those making over $500,000 annually would see an increase, with a tax rate as
high as 8.4% for those making over $1 million per year.
Monte Vista man arrested in connection with Friday shooting.
Kyle Slingerland, 42, of Monte Vista, has been arrested in connection to a shooting that
left a man in critical condition on Friday. According to The Monte Vista Police
Department, officers were called to the area of 6th Avenue and Washington Street around
10:19am Friday on the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers and Rio Grande
County Sheriff's deputies secured the scene, rendered aid to the victim and detained
several individuals. The victim, a 32-year-old male, suffered a gunshot wound. He was
taken to a local hospital before being airlifted out of the valley. He remains in critical
condition. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist in the
investigation.
Beulah men arrested for obstructing firefighting efforts during Aspen Acres Fire.
Teddy Thurman, 69, and Michael Anderson, 60, both of Beulah, were each arrested in
separate incidents for allegedly obstructing firefighting efforts during The Aspen Acres
Fire. According to fire officials, Thurman was arrested on July 2nd on suspicion of
obstructing a firefighter. Thurman did not evacuate and was reportedly driving around
town. He was told he needed to remain on his property and to stay clear of emergency
crews, however, refused to stay at his home and was arrested. Anderson was arrested on
July 3rd on suspicion of obstruction of government operations. Anderson had previously
been warned not to be on the roads after he was seen recording and livestreaming homes
and properties in the mandatory evacuation area. When he returned to the area on July
3rd, he was arrested. Both arrests were made during ongoing firefighting operations for
The Aspen Acres Fire.
CDOT announced completion of various projects in El Paso County.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced the completion of the
military access, mobility and safety improvement project in El Paso County. The five-
year project, costing around $161 million, was designed to improve safety, efficiency and
military connectivity across four corridors in The El Paso County Region. Those
corridors were I-25, CO-94, South Academy Boulevard and Charter Oak Ranch Road.
Together, the four form the transportation links connecting Fort Carson, Peterson Space
Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station and Schriever Space Force Base.
CPW offering free admission for Military Members to all State Parks this August.
To thank U.S. Military Members for their dedicated service and sacrifices, Colorado
Parks and Wildlife is continuing to offer free admission to all Colorado State Parks for
active-duty military, veterans and national guard members during the month of August.
Qualifying military members can pick up their free military parks pass, valid for the
month of August, at any Colorado State Park or CPW office by simply showing proof of
their military service.