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• USPS Cuts Saturday Mail, Public Supports Move Play Video

  February 7, 2013 12:58 PM

  The U.S. Postal Service is drowning in red ink. To try and save $2 billion a year, they will end a 150 year old service: Saturday mail delivery. The USPS has threatened the cut for a while, in an effort to offset those dwindling revenues. And while the cut... more »

• Layoffs likely as D11 board discusses budget cuts Play Video

  April 25, 2012 7:34 PM

  As many as 54 jobs are on the block as the District 11 Board of Education takes a preliminary vote tonight to cut some $8.6 million from the 2012-2013 school year budget. Of the job cuts identified, 25 would come from schools, around 17 from central administration and another 12... more »

• Rep. Lamborn responds to Army announcement

  January 25, 2012 7:24 PM

  Rep. Doug Lamborn serves on the House Armed Services Committe. Late this afternoon, he released this statement on the Army's plan to reduce brigades by up to 30 percent: "The Obama Administration's plan to dramatically reduce the size of our Army is deeply troubling. It would be unwise and... more »

• Local jobs at stake in budget stalemate Play Video

  November 22, 2011 7:58 PM

  Thousands of local jobs are in jeopardy after the Congressional "Supercommittee" failed to agree on spending cuts. The stalemate triggered $1 trillion in automatic cuts to Medicare and defense spending. Economist Fred Crowley of Southern Colorado Economic Forum says any cuts in defense spending will have a direct, negative... more »

• Education cuts hitting home Play Video

  November 14, 2011 6:27 PM

  Classroom in Colorado Springs School District 11 will be empty next week as employees take their two mandatory furlough days this year. Glen Gustafson, D11's chief financial office, says all of the furloughs are happening during Thanksgiving week to minimize the impact on the community. "We know that this... more »

• Postal workers plan rally in Colorado Springs

  September 22, 2011 1:16 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Postal Service employees plan to rally at Colorado Springs City Hall and other Colorado communities next week to warn about the impact of proposed cuts. The Communications Workers of America Union's Denver chapter says the rally on Tuesday is part of a national effort... more »

• Broncos cut seven

  August 30, 2011 2:50 AM

  ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - The Denver Broncos have released veteran cornerback Nate Jones and waived six other players. Jones, an eighth-year pro, played in all 16 games for the Broncos last season, including three starts, and had 43 tackles. He played four years in Dallas and two in Miami before... more »

• Latin musicians sue Grammy Academy

  August 3, 2011 12:01 PM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Some Latin jazz musicians are so angry about cuts in Grammy awards categories that they're suing. It's a class-action lawsuit accusing the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of harming them by eliminating their style of music as a separate category in next year's awards.... more »

• Budget cuts mean fewer cancer screenings in CO

  July 3, 2011 5:04 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado's new state budget that took effect last week cuts millions from cancer-screening and prevention programs that doctors say save lives. The cuts include more than two-thirds of the budget for the Colorado QuitLine for smokers. The cuts also include a $1.6 million cut to the... more »

• Durango donors give $200K to prevent school cuts

  May 29, 2011 2:59 PM

  DURANGO, Colo. (AP) - Colorado schools have been bracing for painful budget cuts next year because of declining state support. In Durango, local philanthropists are giving some $200,000 to make sure school cuts in their community don't go too deep. The Durango-based Marc and Jane Katz Family Fund is... more »

• Bigger fights looming over state budget talks

  April 9, 2011 12:19 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado senators have given preliminary approval to a $7 billion budget plan, but not before Republicans presented amendments to forbid the state from contracting with abortion providers or from withholding funding from departments and universities. Those amendments failed yesterday. The Senate will take a final vote on... more »

• Budget deficit looming as legislators gear up for the second half

  March 19, 2011 8:04 PM

  Legislators have known since heading to the Capitol in January that they'll be looking at a lot of bills, but their big job is making sure the dollars and cents add up. "The most pressing issue for this entire session is the budget," says Rep. Bob Gardner, (R) House... more »

• D11 looks to cut $12.5 million

  March 7, 2011 1:35 PM

  Colorado Springs School District 11 is bracing for an estimated $12.5 million in budget cuts for the upcoming school year. That dollar amount is based on combination of revenue shortfall from the state ($11.2 million) and increases in operating costs ($1.3 million). Board members were given a packet containing... more »

• Protesters decry Nevada university budget cuts

  March 6, 2011 7:59 PM

  LAS VEGAS (AP) - Hundreds of Nevada college students and supporters waved signs decrying looming state higher education budget cuts during a peaceful protest on the Las Vegas Strip. A crowd of more than 500 demonstrators gathered Sunday in front of the fountains of the Bellagio casino resort. They... more »

• Hickenlooper proposes cuts to schools, parks, prisons

  February 15, 2011 10:07 PM

  Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has put together his plan to balance the state budget with its billion-dollar shortfall. The biggest cuts would come to Colorado's public schools. "Make no mistake, the choices we are making today will hurt," says Governor Hickenlooper. The Democrat's proposal would cut $375 million... more »

• Republicans call President Obama's budget cuts "timid"

  February 14, 2011 2:10 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans are calling President Barack Obama's deficit cutting efforts too timid . In his 2012 budget, Obama proposes trimming the deficits by $1.1 trillion over a decade, although his changes would actually add to the deficits this year and next. Obama is projecting the deficit will... more »

• No immediate impact from Pentagon cuts in Springs

  January 7, 2011 12:16 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - The Pentagon's plans to cut defense spending aren't expected to have a big immediate impact on Colorado Springs. The Defense Department on Thursday announced a proposal to freeze its growing budget to help the nation reduce its massive deficit. The plan is based on... more »

• Senate's GOP leader says tax cuts will be extended

  December 5, 2010 11:23 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate Republican leader says it's become clear now that taxes will not be raised for anyone during the current economic downturn. Sen. Mitch McConnell's assessment comes a day after Senate Republicans voted down Democratic efforts to limit any extension of the Bush-era tax cuts for... more »

• Union fights Mayor Hickenlooper on pension cuts

  October 19, 2010 1:49 PM

  A plan that includes changing the minimum retirement age from 55 to 60 and slashing retirement benefits for future Denver city workers has union officials lobbying for its defeat. Gubernatorial candidate Mayor John Hickenlooper last month hinted at the proposed changes when he unveiled his 2011 budget. He... more »

• Colorado: $189 million in new cuts

  September 20, 2010 12:00 PM

  Gov. Bill Ritter may have to slash another $189 million from Colorado's budget because of a sluggish economic recovery and lower-than-expected revenues. In June, Ritter was forced to cut $60 million from this year's $18.2 billion budget, using money from marijuana registrations, cutting funding for the Department of Corrections... more »

• Kory Sperry among 7 Broncos cuts

  September 3, 2010 8:41 PM

  ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - The Denver Broncos have waived seven players and placed injured running back LenDale White on injured reserve. White ruptured his Achilles' tendon Thursday night in a game at Minnesota and will undergo surgery next week, according to his representative. The biggest surprise on the list of... more »

• Douglas Bruce contempt hearing continues

  September 3, 2010 12:27 PM

  Government lawyers are continuing to push for Colorado Springs tax-cutting activist Douglas Bruce to give information about his role in three ballot measures before voters this fall. The contempt-of-court hearing against Bruce continues in Denver. Bruce is the father of Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill Of Rights (TABOR), and the... more »

• GOP House leader: Obama economic team should resign

  August 24, 2010 10:48 AM

  In a speech on jobs and the economy, House Republican leader John Boehner is urging President Barack Obama to support an extension of tax cuts and to fire key economic advisers. The text was released in advance before the lawmaker from southern Ohio spoke to the City Club of... more »

• New unemployment claims surge to 484,000

  August 12, 2010 8:46 AM

  New applications for unemployment insurance rose last week to their highest level in almost six months, a sign that employers are still cutting their staffs. The Labor Department says first-time claims for jobless benefits edged up by 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 484,000. Analysts had expected a drop.... more »

• Virginia politicians voice outrage over Pentagon cuts

  August 10, 2010 8:21 AM

  Lawmakers are reacting swiftly and fiercely to news that the Pentagon's belt-tightening could mean lost military jobs in their districts. Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to shutter a major command that employs some 5,000 people around Norfolk, Va., and to eliminate other jobs throughout the military. Gates says the... more »

• Pentagon move imperils Colorado Springs jobs

  August 9, 2010 4:05 PM

  Thousands of Colorado Springs jobs depend upon the defense industry. No doubt, a shiver went through offices around the city Monday when Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced a ten percent cut in the use of Defense and Homeland Security contractors next year. Secretary Gates also announced the elimination of... more »

• Douglas Bruce due in court today

  July 26, 2010 9:15 AM

  The father of Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights is headed to a Denver court to answer questions about new tax-cutting proposals. Douglas Bruce of Colorado Springs was scheduled to appear Monday for a deposition in a lawsuit over three tax-cutting ballot measures headed to Colorado voters this fall. ... more »

• Hard times for Illinois, but not for governor's staff

  July 6, 2010 2:04 PM

  Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has handed out raises topping 20 percent to his staff even as he calls for $1.4 billion in spending cuts because of the state's budget crisis. An Associated Press analysis of documents shows Quinn has given his staff 43 raises averaging 11.4 percent since he... more »

• Colorado faces more red ink

  June 21, 2010 1:08 PM

  Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter is going to be getting out the budget ax. State budget forecasters told lawmakers on Monday that there are insufficient funds to pay the bills for this fiscal year and the new fiscal year beginning July 1. According to the governor's budget office, Colorado will... more »

• Gov. Ritter will sign $18.2 billion budget

  April 29, 2010 10:22 AM

  The $18.2 billion budget passed by legislators is about to become law. Gov. Bill Ritter planned to sign the budget bill Thursday. It will take effect in July, when the fiscal year begins. Schools will get 6.4 percent less than usual, and some districts are planning for layoffs. The... more »

• Postal Service parent agency urges go-slow approach

  March 11, 2010 8:24 AM

  Although the Postal Service is free to cut services and close locations as it sees fit, the Postal Regulatory Commission is urging the service to give residents more advance notice and take into consideration their concerns and comments. Among the suggestions: give people more time to express their opinions... more »

• City of Pueblo faces hardships in 2010

  March 5, 2010 5:13 PM

  The City of Pueblo is dealing with money woes, that could impact services. January's sales tax revenues fell -1.1% from the same time a year ago. "Housing starts are down, commercial construction is down, that's the lion's share of that use tax money that comes in," said Jerry Pacheco, City... more »

• Why schools will lose money despite laws to protect it

  February 28, 2010 12:50 AM

  Lawmakers will finalize some $240 million in cuts to K-12 education next week leaving local districts short on revenue for the 2010-2011 school year. In Hanover, near the El Paso/Pueblo county line, the school board has already voted to close one of its two elementary schools. The District... more »

• Colorado House cutting $475 million from state budget

  February 18, 2010 8:23 AM

  Colorado lawmakers are slashing jobs and state services in an effort to cut another $475 million from this year's budget, targeting education, prisons and Medicaid patients. The House approved 31 bills Wednesday that will cut nearly every sector of state government as they work to cut $1.5 billion over... more »

• D 70 may move top-ranked school

  February 16, 2010 6:03 PM

  A big crowd is expected at Tuesday night's school board meeting at Pueblo County High School. Board members will consider the first round of cuts aimed at trimming $5 million from the District 70 budget. That includes moving one school and possibly closing others. One idea D-70 is considering is... more »

• Colorado Senate passes more tax hikes; Pueblo layoffs warned

  February 11, 2010 8:40 AM

  The Senate narrowly passed bills taxing candy and soda and energy used in manufacturing despite fears that the taxes could cause layoffs. Rocky Mountain Steel in Pueblo, the state's largest energy user aside from utilities, says it may have to cut 30 to 120 jobs because of the energy... more »

• Colorado Springs scraps park trash cans

  January 25, 2010 6:14 PM

  The City of Colorado Springs is trying to save money by getting rid of trash cans in neighborhood parks. The city announced Monday that it's removing about 400 trash cans from 128 parks within the next two weeks. The city says eliminating the trash service will save $5,700 a... more »

• Parents fight to keep schools in D-70 open

  January 4, 2010 7:42 PM

  Parents in Pueblo County are fighting to save their childrens' schools. Faced with a smaller budget next year School District 70 is considering closing Vineland Elementary and Middle Schools. Other money-saving options being talked about include going to a 4-day school week, cut some funding for athletics or cut some... more »

• School District 70 examines major cuts

  December 17, 2009 5:57 PM

  School District-70 in Pueblo County is considering making major cuts to balance its budget next year. Superintendent Dan Lere tells News First 5 several options are being talked about including closing schools, cutting bus routes and reducing funds for athletic programs. District-70 says it needs to cut about $5 million... more »

• Pueblo County's elected officials agree to salary cuts

  December 8, 2009 9:55 PM

  All ten elected officials in Pueblo County have agreed to take salary cuts as part of the 2010 budget. This comes after County Commissioners approved 12 mandatory furlough days for all county employees in 2010. Salaries for elected officials are set by the state legislature, which means they are... more »

• Tourism revenue at risk under new city budget

  November 25, 2009 8:06 PM

  Don Wick and his wife Shirley have owned the Old Town Bed and Breakfast in Old Colorado City for the last 6 years. They easily admit, this year has been a tough one financially. "Business, this year has been in the tank," Wick said. As small business owners,... more »

• Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum closed Thanksgiving Week

  November 20, 2009 9:35 AM

  If you're looking for free ways to entertain the relatives while they're in town over the Thanksgiving holiday, you'll have to skip the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. It will be closed the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 24 - 28, because of budget constraints. Normal hours through 2009 are 10... more »

• City leaders say Pueblo should avoid lay-offs, furloughs

  November 10, 2009 2:58 PM

  The City of Pueblo's economic forecast is looking a bit brighter these days, thanks in part to a summer hail storm that caused nearly $106 million in damages. "The hail damage was absolutely a blessing in disguise," said Vera Ortegon, Pueblo's City Council President. Over the past several months, auto... more »

• Tough budget cuts lie ahead for Colorado Springs

  November 8, 2009 10:14 PM

  Many questions about the city of Colorado Springs future will be answered Monday when city council sits down for their first post-election meeting to discuss how to make up for a $30 million dollar budget shortfall. "I have some very some strong fears about what's going to happen to the... more »

• Gov. Ritter plans decrease for school funding

  November 6, 2009 9:37 AM

  Gov. Bill Ritter is proposing cutting state education funding because of the Colorado's budget problems. Speaking to education groups on Thursday, Ritter said that the plan would include a "modest decrease" for kindergarten through 12th grade schools. He plans to unveil his complete budget plan for next year late Friday.... more »

• Overflow crowds comment on city budget cuts

  October 23, 2009 12:44 AM

  Public comment went well into the night as one of the largest crowds in years packed Colorado Springs City Hall. Council chambers and two extra rooms all overflowed. Some offices in the building were opened to accommodate people. It was estimated more than 500 people showed up for the public... more »

• Sun Microsystems slashing up to 3,000 jobs

  October 20, 2009 4:46 PM

  Sun Microsystems Inc. plans to eliminate up to 3,000 jobs over the next year as it awaits a takeover by Oracle Corp. Sun disclosed the layoffs Tuesday in a regulatory filing. They are the latest in a series of job cuts at the server and software maker, whose prolonged financial... more »

• States letting inmates cut even more prison time

  October 15, 2009 8:28 AM

  Prisoners who behave behind bars and participate in treatment classes are increasingly winning extra time off their sentences. States under pressure to erase budget deficits and ease prison overcrowding are increasing the amount of time inmates can deduct from their terms behind bars when they take classes including job training... more »

• Colorado Springs proposes slashing hundreds of jobs

  October 9, 2009 1:15 PM

  Jobs will be lost and services cut. A preview of Colorado Springs 2010 budget is out and the impact is ugly. If the budget proposal stands it includes the elimination of most city funded bus routes. Parks and recreation is all but eliminated. Police and fire will reduce staffing... more »

• Colorado state workers take second furlough day

  October 9, 2009 10:00 AM

  Many state offices are closed again for another furlough day to help save money. Driver's license offices will be closed Friday as well as state history museums. State parks will be open but their visitor centers won't be. State troopers as well as workers who process unemployment benefits will still... more »