Just One Thing: Drive safe
The incoming storm could be one of the biggest May snowstorms in Denver history, depending on how it unfolds. In any case, the roads are likely to be somewhat treacherous around much of the mountains and Front Range from Tuesday afternoon/evening through Wednesday evening. Please drive carefully...and don't drive if you don't have to.
Colorado weather: This storm could be among Denver's biggest May snowstorms in history
Xcel Prepares Additional Crews: NWS Heavy Snow Warning
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Today's Guests
State Senator Byron Pelton (R-Logan County) is a US Navy veteran and represents one of the largest (by square miles) districts in Colorado, basically the northeastern part of the state. He's a farmer/rancher and a strong supporter of agriculture interest in the legislature. We'll talk about a bill he's sponsored to reform speed camera enforcement and contracting, a bill that's been the subject of significantly erroneous reporting by Westword, KDVR, and other outlets.
Senator Byron Pelton Colorado's 1st Senate District
If we have time we'll cover a couple of other bills, including an effort by the Democrats to preemptively gut a likely ballot measure that would require that money collected in transportation-related taxes like the gas tax actually be spent on roads and other relevant transportation expenses rather than siphoned off for other priorities of politicians.
SB26-152 Changes Automated Vehicle ID Sys Usage | Colorado General Assembly
Westword deleted their wrong report: Page not found | Denver Westword
And replaced it with this, which also explains the initial error: Colorado May Soon Change Speed Camera Fines for Drivers
As of Monday night and despite my emailing the reporter over the weekend, KDVR has kept their erroneous reporting posted. Colorado bill could ticket drivers going just a few miles over speed limit, sparking debate
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A devious move by Dems: HB26-1430 Transportation Funding Adjustments | Colorado General Assembly
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It's ridiculous that Gov Polis signed the 2024 bill into law to begin with. But at least they're trying to make it better now. Colorado lawmakers advance rewrite of 2024 law to regulate artificial intelligence - Denver Gazette
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Leland Vittert is the host of "On Balance with Leland Vittert" on NewsNation. It's the show my wife and I (almost) never miss. Our favorite show on cable news. Weeknights 7 PM MT (with replay at 10 PM MT).
Sign up for Leland's free daily note, basically a recap of his "show prep": Leland Vittert's War Notes
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Greg Perez is a meteorologist at KDVR Fox 31. He'll join us to talk about the winter storm blasting us later today and tomorrow.
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Other Stuff
Potentially a very big deal. I understand the desire to regulate and try to maintain some standards of safety, but this kind of regulation also has a significant chance of allowing China to pass us in AI innovation: White House Considers Vetting A.I. Models Before They Are Released - The New York Times
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Yesterday I mentioned that it's unclear to me whether Louisiana has standing to block the ability of doctors in other states to mail "the abortion pill" to Louisiana. The 5th Circuit granted an injunction to block such mailing but yesterday the Supreme Court temporarily allowed it to continue. It's a double-edged sword for Republicans, politically…
Supreme Court restores access to abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth, mail and pharmacies
Supreme Court temporarily restores ability to receive abortion drug mifepristone by mail
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Sure, I'm glad it’s not happening now but how did this happen for so long without the public knowing? House sexual harassment payouts exceeded $300,000 - POLITICO
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This is exactly what needs to happen, at least as a test to see if the US can compete with China: The Secret Team Blowing Up Ford’s Assembly Line to Make a $30,000 Electric Truck - WSJ
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I'm trying to think of a story I care less about than this one and I'm failing, but in case you care: The 10 best looks from the 2026 Met Gala
Met Gala 2026: Celebrities, Red Carpet, Theme & More | Vogue
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Can anybody tell me about this place? Are the burgers any good? email me and let me know! Smalls Sliders is opening several locations across Denver
As the Strait of Hormuz ceasefire falters, the speaker of the Iranian parliament makes clear that he believes Trump will cave:
The new equation of the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified. The security of shipping and energy transit has been jeopardized by the United States and its allies through the violation of the ceasefire and the imposition of a blockade; of course, their evil will diminish.
We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet.
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We've had this to talk about since last week...maybe we'll get to it today:
2026 Report: U.S. Airports With the Longest and Shortest Walking Distances - Spoiler alert, be prepared to WALK at DIA
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Bills signed into law by Gov Polis yesterday
I REALLY don't like it when government passes unenforceable laws. This is one: HB26-1144 Prohibit 3D Printing Firearms & Components | Colorado General Assembly
We talked with State Rep Meghan Lukens about this bill a month or two ago: HB26-1058 Protections for Minors Featured in Digital Content | Colorado General Assembly
This is an interesting bill because it was really bipartisan in support (but had a good number of Dems in opposition): SB26-121 Overtime Threshold for Agricultural Employees | Colorado General Assembly
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Neither the federal move nor the Denver response is surprising...
DOJ threatens Denver with lawsuit over city's assault weapo1ns ban - Colorado Springs Gazette
US DOJ Pre-Suit and Denver Response
DOJ demands Denver end its longstanding ban on assault weapons
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Quite a dynamic contest, don't you think? Han River nap contest returns - The Korea Herald
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So, on the one hand since the group is renting out the whole place, one could argue they can do what they want with it. On the other hand, the fact that this place is supported by taxpayer funding (from a local sales tax) makes me think that this is illegal.
'Muslim only' event at taxpayer-funded Texas waterpark gets backlash
Taxpayers Question Muslim-Only Event At Epic Waters
Separately, can you imagine a "Christians only" day at the waterpark, or a "Jews only"? I know it's impolitic, but Islam is not compatible with a free country...this is the least egregious example of that, actually. In the meantime, what manager at the waterpark thought that allowing this would be a good idea? And is anybody fooled by the new language in the flyers for the event, as if we don't all know that it's "Muslims only"?
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While I oppose using taxpayer money to match 401(k) contributions and I’m against governmental direct involvement in retirement plans, politically this is the sort of thing that Republicans should be campaigning on but it’s impossible while Trump is creating so much noise and chaos that positive messages really can’t get through.
Trump Has an IRA to Sell You - WSJ
Chaos is exhausting. Trump is the living embodiment of chaos. The Tasmanian Devil of politicians. And just like in 2018, Republicans are gonna get stomped. Maybe worse this time even though it's absolutely true that there is nothing positive to say about the Democrats.
Brutal poll numbers for Trump, probably too bad for the terrible reputation of Democrats to save Republicans in the midterms even though 6 months is still a long time: Semafor Washington, DC: Back-up plan | Semafor
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Today's Video
I sure hope this isn't AI