Saturday, July 11, 2026

3 Good Ideas: The Week in Review

DOJ Threatens CO Election Officials, Top 10 Hot Springs, and the MLB Draft

The U.S. Department of Justice sent Colorado election officials a letter this week threatening criminal prosecution if noncitizens are allowed to vote.
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Top Stories

Article Icon 1DOJ Threatens Colorado Election Officials

The U.S. Department of Justice sent Colorado election officials a letter this week threatening criminal prosecution if noncitizens are allowed to vote.

The letter, from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, tells Colorado's secretary of state to explain within five days how the state will comply with federal voter-list law. The DOJ sent similar letters to all 50 states.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold called it a "thinly veiled attempt" to intimidate election officials and pledged to defend Colorado's voters.

Voter-advocacy groups, including Common Cause Colorado, said the state already verifies its rolls through automatic updates tied to driver's licenses and death records. Colorado's constitution already bars noncitizen voting.

Article Icon 1Denver Launches $100M Jobs Agenda

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a $100 million, four-part plan Thursday aimed at supporting 10,000 jobs over the next three years.

The four-part Denver Jobs Agenda includes Open Denver ($40 million to attract new companies) and Work Denver ($45 million for workforce training), plus smaller pots for startups and small businesses. Johnston said almost none of the money comes from the city's general fund.

The push comes as Denver's office vacancy rate sits near 40% even though unemployment, at 3.6%, is below the national rate. City officials say they're already working with 52 prospects that could add more than 12,000 jobs.

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO J.J. Ament said talent is the top factor employers weigh when deciding where to expand, and that the plan directly targets that gap.

Article Icon 1Colorado Hot Springs Crack National Rankings

Four Colorado hot springs landed in USA Today's rankings of the nation's 10 best hot springs, released this week.

The readers'-choice program has an expert panel nominate contenders in each category before the public votes on the winners. Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa placed highest among the Colorado entries, landing at No. 3 overall with more than 30 mineral soaking pools.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, both in Glenwood Springs, came in at No. 4 and No. 5, while The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs also made the list. Glenwood's resort is home to the world's largest outdoor mineral pool.

A hot springs resort in Murrieta, California took the top overall spot in this year's rankings.

The Flyover

Why Are So Many Drivers Suddenly Paying More for Car Insurance?

If your insurance bill has gone up recently, you're not alone.

Across the country, drivers are opening renewal notices only to find their premiums have climbed again, even though nothing about their driving has changed. No accidents. No tickets. Same vehicle. Higher bill.

That's because insurance rates have risen sharply over the last few years, and many drivers haven't taken just 5 minutes to check their options.

That's where Insurify comes in.

Instead of spending hours visiting different insurance websites, Insurify lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers side-by-side after answering just a few simple questions. It's a fast, easy way to see whether another company may offer similar coverage for less.

Compare your options with Insurify today.

Around Colorado

➤ Ouray: Eight helicopters flying out of two helibases are playing a central role in the fight against the Gold Mountain Fire, which has grown to more than 32,000 acres with 8% containment. Crews use the aircraft for reconnaissance, transporting personnel, and dropping water on the flames. (See Details)

Statewide: As Cyclospora cases in Colorado have climbed to 90 so far this year, health officials are reassuring the public that there is no increased risk from consuming produce sold in the state. (More)

Denver: Unaffiliated congressional candidate Shimon Blau said his campaign submitted nearly 2,200 petition signatures, well over the 1,500 required, to appear on the ballot against Democrat nominee Melat Kiros in the 1st Congressional District. (More)

Mesa County: Human remains found near the Wild Rose Picnic Area on Grand Mesa had been scavenged by a bear and other wildlife, the sheriff's office said, prompting a death investigation. (See Details)

Statewide: Colorado fell 14 spots to No. 25 in CNBC's 2026 "America's Top States for Business" rankings, which for the first time factored in permitting speed. Ohio claimed the top spot this year. (See List)


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Colorado Sports

The MLB Draft begins today in Philadelphia, with the Colorado Rockies picking 10th overall. SI's final mock has them taking Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick, a strong defender who hit 18 home runs this season. (More)

Big-mountain freeride skiing and snowboarding will debut at the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, the International Olympic Committee announced this week. The discipline, born from the extreme skiing movement in Crested Butte in the 1990s, will feature 44 athletes competing for four gold medals. (More)

Deion Sanders said at Big 12 Media Days this week that his coaching staff, not his players, will be on curfew when Colorado opens the season at Georgia Tech on Sept. 3. (More)

Meanwhile, Sanders also explained why he won't appear in EA Sports College Football 27, which launched this week: "If I'm not in the game, that means they weren't paying enough." (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | Wimbledon | MLB | WNBA | Golf | NWSL

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Healthy gums do a lot more than protect your smile. They can affect everything from eating comfortably to keeping your teeth where they belong as you age. Great Gums is designed to support healthier gums naturally, helping reduce bleeding and sensitivity while promoting stronger gum tissue. See how it works.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Few Minutes Could Save You Hundreds This Year

Insurance companies don't all price risk the same way, which means two drivers with nearly identical profiles can receive very different quotes.

Whether you have multiple vehicles, a teen driver, a long commute, or you've simply been renewing the same policy year after year, it's worth seeing what's available before your next payment.

With household costs continuing to rise, comparing rates is one of the easiest ways to potentially lower your monthly expenses.

See how much you could save by comparing quotes with Insurify today.

Et Cetera

➤ The Southern Colorado Cares Telethon, benefiting Aspen Acres Fire victims, blew past its original $100,000 goal, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars from donors across Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Castle Rock. (See Details)

➤ Jefferson County deputies used a drone to pinpoint a hidden fire near Golden Gate Canyon on Wednesday after residents reported smoke they initially mistook for dust from a nearby quarry. The aircraft gave firefighters exact coordinates. (More)

➤ About 4,000 cyclists will take over Loveland Pass this morning during the annual Triple Bypass bike tour, closing the route to drivers on U.S. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect heavy delays on I-70. (More)

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Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea: Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days? Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

Researchers found that these daily habits can slow the body's aging rate about as much as cutting your calorie intake by a quarter. (Hear More)

➤ Tyler Robinson declined to take the stand at the preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case, and the next move rests with the judge. (Listen Now)

China has announced plans for a space-and-ground network to spot dangerous asteroids before they reach Earth.(Podcast Available)

  

Meme

The Poll

Have you ever visited hot springs in Colorado?


  1. Yes, frequently
  2. Yes, rarely
  3. No, but plan to
  4. No hot springs for me
 

Yesterday's Results:

Colorado's summer harvest is rolling in. Which are you looking forward to most?

  1. All of them: 28%
  2. Palisade peaches: 20%
  3. Olathe sweet corn: 14%
  4. Rocky Ford cantaloupe: 11%
  5. Pueblo green chile: 10%
  6. None of them: 9%
  7. Other: 8%
Colorado Trivia

In Colorado's San Luis Valley, at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a national park protects the tallest sand dunes in North America. What is it?

Show me the answer

The Colorado Flyover

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Texas All-Stars, New Blue Bell Flavor, and Clint Black in Tyler

Six players with ties to Texas clubs will take the field at MLB All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia, culminating in Tuesday's 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

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The Roundup

Article Icon 1Military Bases Pump $148.8B Into Texas

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that U.S. military installations contribute an estimated $148.8 billion a year to the Texas economy, supporting 628,884 direct and indirect jobs statewide.

The comptroller's biennial study, produced with the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, found the state's 14 installations also generated $91.4 billion in gross domestic product.

Joint Base San Antonio leads at $53.5 billion in output, with Fort Hood second at $37.9 billion and Fort Bliss third at $29.1 billion. "The tradition of military service is long in our great state," Abbott said, adding that each base "serves as a major local employer."

Article Icon 1Texas Sends Six to MLB All-Star Weekend

Six players with ties to Texas clubs will take the field at MLB All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia, culminating in Tuesday's 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, who leads the majors in OPS and the American League in home runs, was voted the starter at designated hitter, his fourth selection; Rangers reliever Jacob Latz was also named to the AL squad.

Four prospects play Sunday's Futures Game: San Antonio Missions catcher Ethan Salas, Midland RockHounds pitcher Jamie Arnold and infielder Leo De Vries, and Rangers farmhand Caden Scarborough. The Home Run Derby follows Monday.

Article Icon 1World Cup Smashes Arlington Hotel Record

Arlington's hotels and short-term rentals pulled in a record $31 million in June as the city hosted FIFA World Cup matches, officials said. Nightly rates jumped nearly 47%, and the first eight matches generated $18 million to $24 million before counting dining and retail.

The previous monthly record was $23.5 million, set in November 2024. Occupancy ran slightly below expectations, but higher rates offset the gap.

Dallas Stadium hosts its ninth and final match, a semifinal, on Tuesday. The full tally will take four to six weeks.

Mayor Jim Ross said Arlington will now chase the Women's World Cup final.

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The Flyover

Why Are So Many Drivers Suddenly Paying More for Car Insurance?

If your insurance bill has gone up recently, you're not alone.

Across the country, drivers are opening renewal notices only to find their premiums have climbed again, even though nothing about their driving has changed. No accidents. No tickets. Same vehicle. Higher bill.

That's because insurance rates have risen sharply over the last few years, and many drivers haven't taken just 5 minutes to check their options.

That's where Insurify comes in.

Instead of spending hours visiting different insurance websites, Insurify lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers side-by-side after answering just a few simple questions. It's a fast, easy way to see whether another company may offer similar coverage for less.

Compare your options with Insurify today.

Around Texas

➤ Waco: The McLennan County courthouse is expected to reopen Monday after authorities found no explosives following a Friday morning bomb threat and evacuation. (See Details)

➤ Brownsville: A judge extended a temporary restraining order through July 22, blocking the city from shutting down seven Midtown bars over alleged code violations, including serving minors, after the businesses sued over last month's closures. (See Details)

➤ Dallas: A three-alarm fire destroyed at least 24 units and displaced more than 40 people at the Cambridge Park Condominiums on Audelia Road early Friday, but no injuries were reported. (See Report)

➤ Fort Worth: Five City Council members are calling for a temporary pause on new data center construction, citing residents' concerns about noise, water, and energy use, and strain on local infrastructure. (More)

➤ Tyler: Eight Daxbot robots are leaving town after surveying about 94 miles of sidewalks, 122 intersections, and 54 transit stops to help the city prioritize accessibility improvements under its Americans with Disabilities Act plan. (Read Story)

➤ Houston: City Council approved a more than $12.5 million drainage project for the city's northwest side, with construction expected to begin immediately, according to Council member Amy Peck. (See Details)

➤ Amarillo: The Parks and Recreation Board recommended a $150,000 feasibility study on the future of the Southwest and Southeast pools, which closed this summer because of aging equipment and safety concerns. (See Details)


Enjoy reading The Texas Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

Texas Sports

Texas Longhorns basketball landed Marcus Spears Jr., the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class, after the five-star forward reclassified to enroll a year early. The 6-foot-9 Dallas native chose Texas over Arizona, Arkansas, and LSU. (More)

The MLB Draft begins today in Philadelphia, with the Rangers picking 16th and the Astros 17th. A final mock draft has the Rangers taking two-way high school prospect Jared Grindlinger, while the Astros are projected to grab Florida right-hander Liam Peterson. (More

Fort Worth Christian shortstop Grady Emerson is expected to be one of the first three players selected in today's MLB Draft. The 18-year-old and reigning Gatorade High School Player of the Year is widely considered the top prep bat in the class. (More)

The San Antonio Spurs fired television play-by-play announcer Jacob Tobey this week after an alleged affair with the sister of Spurs player Lindy Waters III became public on social media. (More)

Colton Nussmeier, a four-star quarterback commit for Georgia, was ruled ineligible to play for Denton Ryan this season after a district committee determined his transfer from Flower Mound Marcus was for athletic purposes. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | Wimbledon | MLB | WNBA | Golf | NWSL

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Healthy gums do a lot more than protect your smile. They can affect everything from eating comfortably to keeping your teeth where they belong as you age. Great Gums is designed to support healthier gums naturally, helping reduce bleeding and sensitivity while promoting stronger gum tissue. See how it works.

Meme

Flying together with our sponsor

A Few Minutes Could Save You Hundreds This Year

Insurance companies don't all price risk the same way, which means two drivers with nearly identical profiles can receive very different quotes.

Whether you have multiple vehicles, a teen driver, a long commute, or you've simply been renewing the same policy year after year, it's worth seeing what's available before your next payment.

With household costs continuing to rise, comparing rates is one of the easiest ways to potentially lower your monthly expenses.

See how much you could save by comparing quotes with Insurify today.

Et Cetera

Blue Bell is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with a new limited-edition Chocolate Lava Cake flavor featuring vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate cake pieces, dark chocolate fudge swirls, and chocolate sundae sauce. The flavor is available in half-gallon and pint sizes while supplies last. (More)

North Texas universities are expanding artificial intelligence programs this fall, with SMU, TCU, and UNT launching new offerings, including one of Texas' few standalone AI bachelor's degrees. (More)

Country music legend Clint Black will return to the University of Texas at Tyler for the first time since 2007 with a March 12, 2027, concert at the Cowan Center. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea: Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study to boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days? Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

Researchers found that these daily habits can slow the body's aging rate about as much as cutting your calorie intake by a quarter. (Hear More)

➤ Tyler Robinson declined to take the stand at the preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case, and the next move rests with the judge. (Listen Now)

China has announced plans for a space-and-ground network to spot dangerous asteroids before they reach Earth. (Podcast Available)

  

The Polling Station

Will you try Blue Bell's new Chocolate Lava Cake ice cream?

  1. Absolutely, sounds delicious
  2.  Maybe
  3. I like other Blue Bell flavors
  4. No, not an ice cream fan

 

Yesterday's Results:

Have you ever sent or received money with an app like Cash App or Venmo?

  1. Yes: 60%
  2. No: 40%
Texas Trivia

Which three MLB franchises have retired Nolan Ryan's jersey number?

Show me the answer

The Texas Flyover

Join The Texas Flyover

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3 Good Ideas: The Week in Review

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