By Quentin Young | editor
“We understand that climate change is wreaking havoc on the system, and all of us need to figure out ways to contribute.”
– Andy Mueller, Colorado River District's general manager
Hay bales lie in pastures near Stagecoach Reservoir in Routt County on Aug. 17, 2026. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)
By Chase Woodruff
As the clock winds down on a historically dry year in the Colorado River Basin, Colorado water officials Wednesday said they’re willing to launch a new state-run conservation program that would chip in to address system-wide shortages — but not without more certainty from the federal government, and possibly the state Legislature, about how the program would work.
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posed for photos at a Nunn campaign event held at JR’s Southpork Ranch at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 17, 2026. Nunn was one of three House Republicans who broke with the Trump administration’s in a Sept. 15 vote to rein in the Iran war. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
By Ashley Murray
As the November midterms approach, vulnerable U.S. House Republicans voted late Tuesday to require congressional approval for President Donald Trump to continue his war in Iran. Seven Republicans broke ranks and joined all Democrats to pass a War Powers Resolution sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat. Tuesday’s vote marked the third time since June that the House passed a measure to curb Trump’s military powers in Iran. The war has dragged on for over half a year.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks at a campaign event for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Aug. 17, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
By Jennifer Shutt
The U.S. House departed Wednesday for a seven-week campaign break after spending less than two weeks in session during August and September. The extended “district work period” is intended to give incumbents from both political parties time to meet with constituents and fundraise back home before voting in this year’s midterm elections ends on Nov. 3. Less time on Capitol Hill also means less time voting on potentially divisive issues. Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, for example, would have been able to force a vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday had leaders not sent lawmakers home a day early.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Majority of Coloradans dislike AI, new survey finds | By Sara Wilson
Police cooperation with ICE to appear on Colorado ballot | By Sara Wilson
States, cities sue Trump administration over new green card restrictions | By Nada Hassanein
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