Are there two famous actors more effortlessly likeable than Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara? When it was announced that the two-time Oscar winner would be joined by Ms. O’Hara, one of musical theater’s greatest leading ladies and an eight-time Tony Award nominee albeit only a winner once, shamefully would be matched onstage as protagonists in a love story, I knew I’d be rooting for their characters under any circumstances. Little did I know how trying those circumstances would be though I probably should have guessed. Before Ms. O’Hara’s name became attached, it was disclosed that “This World of Tomorrow,” a new play co-written by Mr. Hanks and James Glossman inspired by short stories crafted by the movie star, published several years ago would deal with time travel, involving a scientist from the future who searches for love in the past. Mr. Hanks is, naturally, cast as the scientist, Bert Allenberry, co-founder of S. K. A. E. L. (pronounced “scale’), a technology company offering “chronometric adventures” into ancient times pre-2089, that is. Ms. O’Hara plays Carmen Perry, a recently divorced woman living with her sister’s family in the Bronx in 1939, as the New York World’s Fair is in progress just a subway ride away, in Queens. A Tony Award-winning director, Kenny Leon, known for his work with Denzel Washington Mr. Hanks’s co-star in the movie that earned him his first Academy Award, “Philadelphia” and other top stage and screen actors, has surrounded his leading man and woman with similarly appealing supporting players, among them such beloved theater stalwarts as Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Jay O. Sanders, who deftly juggles a string of colorful roles and accents. If the play itself offers an unabashedly sentimental journey, it is hardly backward-looking; the authors and Mr. Leon take pains to highlight both recurring dangers and timely concerns. “You shoulda killed Hitler,” notes Bert’s wisecracking partner, M-Dash, wittily played by Mr. Santiago-Hudson; there are additional references to the Nazi leader, and other sinister figures and developments, to reinforce how history can repeat itself. We learn that, in 2089, Bert has an “Intimate Relations Contract” with his female work partner, suggesting some creepy product of increasingly delicate, fraught gender relationships. And while he and M-Dash enjoy a loose, chummy rapport, Bert’s interaction with other colleagues can have a more clinical, detached feel, perhaps the logical extension of too much time socializing through digital devices. An A. I. figure called Elma-an acronym for Eternal Learning Machine Associate-seems no more or less human than anyone else. Little wonder, then, that Bert seeks love, and warmth, in a bygone era, and he finds it in abundance. Ms. O’Hara has generally gotten more attention for her glorious soprano than her acting chops, but her last Broadway role, that of a ravaged alcoholic in a musical adaptation of “Days of Wine and Roses,” proved a powerful showcase for the latter. In Carmen, who has her own troubles, the actress has a vehicle for the fine blend of sunniness and composure and the capacity for understated melancholy that have distinguished her acting and singing. Mr. Hanks’s Bert complements these qualities with an easy, self-effacing humor and a sense of quiet vigilance, forging a relaxed chemistry that avoids, or at least transcends, corniness. Kayli Carter makes an effervescent third wheel as Carmen’s young niece, Virginia, who accompanies her aunt to the World Fair and becomes a giddy player in the central couple’s courtship. Mr. Sanders is predictably winning as Carmen’s protective brother, Virginia’s dad, and even better as the big-hearted, observant proprietor of a Greek diner where a pair of key scenes unfold in 1953. “She is waiting for. tomorrow,” the diner owner tells Bert at one point, referring to Carmen. “And you? You are here looking for. yesterday.” And their paths cross just as charmingly as you would expect, given the company provided.
https://www.nysun.com/article/tom-hanks-and-kelli-ohara-take-an-unabashedly-sentimental-journey-in-this-world-of-tomorrow
Category Archives: general
Markets in Late-Cycle Phase, Not Recessionary: QCP
The behavior in global financial markets is a classic late-cycle characteristic and not a signal of an imminent recession, Singapore-based crypto trading firm QCP Capital said in a Wednesday note, referring to a broad-based correction across equities, gold, and crypto markets. Bitcoin is trading flat over the past 24 hours at around $91,750, attempting a recovery after a brief dip below $90,000, according to CoinGecko data. The pullback was amplified by thinner liquidity and persistent spot Bitcoin ETF outflows, underscoring the asset’s sensitivity to macro shifts, Decrypt was told. “The reasons behind this round of broad-based asset corrections are highly consistent with tightening liquidity, a reversal in policy expectations, declining risk appetite, and valuation adjustments after excessive gains,” Tim Sun, a senior researcher at HashKey Group, told Decrypt. The rapid repricing of investors’ sentiment and expectations amid macro uncertainty is evident in the odds of a quarter-point rate cut, which dropped from over 60% a week ago to 32. 8% today, according to CME’s FedWatch tool data. On prediction market Myriad, owned by Decrypt‘s parent company Dastan, users put the chance of a 25bps rate cut in December at just 32%. Duration-sensitive assets like Bitcoin, as a result, have been hit hard, QCP analysts noted, highlighting crypto’s lagging performance even as equities benefit from strong corporate earnings. Equities, on the other hand, appear more resilient due to strong earnings from AI-based equities’ corporate capital expenditure and strong household balance sheets. “We believe the broader financial markets are firmly past the early-cycle phase,” Jyotsna Hirdyani, South Asia Head at Bitget, told Decrypt. She characterized the current environment as a “late-mid to early-late stage, where momentum is slowing, vulnerabilities are rising, and markets are more sensitive to macro shocks, but the classic recession markers are not flashing red yet.” The U. S. credit spreads have widened only slightly, and systemic stress remains limited, suggesting the current correction is a positioning shakeout rather than a fundamental breakdown, Sun explained, echoing QCP Capital’s take. Is the Bitcoin bottom in? Regarding Bitcoin’s trajectory, analysts see a bottoming process underway but caution against expecting a rapid V-shaped recovery. “Bitcoin’s bottoming process is primarily driven by liquidity, market sentiment, and the distribution of coin-holding,” the HashKey analyst said. “A weak rebound followed by range-bound bottom formation is the more probable scenario. A true trend reversal still requires stabilization in macro liquidity.” While structural metrics like exchange balances suggest underlying resilience, “confidence is limited because liquidity conditions remain fragile and macro sentiment is weak,” Hirdyani added, stating that confirmation of a durable bottom would require “higher lows, improving ETF and spot inflows, and clearer policy signals.” All eyes are now on the December FOMC meeting, which could provide the catalyst for a more sustained recovery if it delivers dovish language regarding the 2026 policy path. Investor sentiment remains muted, with Myriad users putting a 63% chance on Bitcoin’s next move taking it to $85,000 rather than $115,000.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/markets-in-late-cycle-phase-not-recessionary-qcp/
PennWest Cal Hosts Holiday Drives Throughout Campus
As the holidays approach, many families face the stress of providing food, clothing, and gifts for their loved ones. Relief may come from community partners, food banks, and often, donation drives. Senior Ahmiya Edwards, a Psychology major, has started a “stay warm” drive, collecting coats, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and throw blankets. “I chose to donate these items to the Light of Life Rescue Mission,” Edwards said. “I’ve spread the word on my social media and talked about how everyone needs a little help and that helping people changes you for the better,” she said. Edwards felt she was called to help this holiday season. “Many people can’t provide for themselves, and I feel that my role on this earth is to help those who are struggling. (I saw) families out in the cold with not really a lot of things that can keep them warm,” she said. She also acknowledged that members of her own college community may be struggling. “Anyone on campus can feel free to take what they need if they’re in need of it,” Edwards added. Although Edwards is graduating, “I do plan to make this an annual thing; I will be doing it in my hometown, but I will also be recruiting a freshman to continue it on campus,” she said. “My goal is to make it a foundation so it can be expanded in the future.” The warm clothes drive will be running until the end of the fall semester (Dec. 12), and people will be able to drop donations in boxes in the lobbies of all four dorm buildings. “I feel it’s important for students to donate during the holiday season because most of us can give back and keep people warm,” Edwards said. Edwards isn’t the only one collecting donations several other PennWest California clubs and organizations are offering drives for students and faculty to donate to.
https://www.caltimes.org/11870/news/pennwest-cal-hosts-holiday-drives-throughout-campus/
“Dodgers turned into Los Angeles Japan”; “Tokyo Dodgers” – Fans bet on World Series winners to rope in Kazuma Okamoto and Kona Takahashi
The LA Dodgers may be about to bolster their squad with yet more Japanese talent this offseason, as first baseman Kazuma Okamoto and right-handed pitcher Kona Takahashi have been linked with the nine-time World Series champions. On Thursday, insider Jeff Passan announced Okamoto and Takahashi had officially been posted by their NPB teams, the Yomiuri Giants and the Saitama Seibu Lions respectively. “First baseman Kazuma Okamoto and right-hander Kona Takahashi have been posted, joining Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai coming over from Japan this winter. Okamoto and Takahashi’s posting windows begin tomorrow and will end Jan. 4 at 5 p. m,” Passan posted to X. 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) Unlock Free tips from our Experts Get Picks Now Though several teams are reportedly interested in acquiring the pair, many fans are of the opinion that the reigning World Champions will eventually prevail. “The Dodgers has turned into Los Angeles Japan,” a fan wrote. “The Tokyo Dodgers,” another fan commented. “When are the tryouts at Chavez Ravine? Will there be snacks?” another fan replied. “What’s the point? They’re signing with the Dodgers anyway,” another fan responded. “Dodger, Dodger, and Dodger,” another fan shared. “Can’t wait for the Dodgers to fill those 24 man roster spots exclusively with Japanese players,” another fan posted. The Dodgers’ Japanese stars showed their quality when it mattered most in 2025 In Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, LA has three of the most talented Japanese players in the world at their disposal, and that trio lived up to their reputation when called upon in the biggest moments of the postseason. Shohei Ohtani, boasting extraordinary ability both at the plate and on the mound, put in arguably the best performance in MLB postseason history in Game 4 of the NLCS. He was eventually crowned the MVP of the series. Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six games in the playoffs, going the full nine innings in two of those. He ended October with a 5-1 record and a 1. 45 ERA for the postseason, taking home the World Series MVP award. Having struggled as a starting pitcher earlier in the year, Roki Sasaki was deployed as a closer in the postseason by skipper Dave Roberts, and the role appeared to suit the 24-year-old quite well. Playing a starring role in helping his team get the better of the Phillies in the division series, Sasaki was named the NLDS MVP.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-dodgers-turned-los-angeles-japan-tokyo-dodgers-fans-bet-world-series-winners-rope-kazuma-okamoto-kona-takahashi
Dr. Martens’ Stock Takes Hit Despite Turnaround Progress in the First Half
Dr. Martens’ chief executive officer Ije Nwokorie, who took the helm earlier this year, said on Thursday that the while the company is still in its “early days” of a turnaround, he is “happy” with the advances it is making in the business. The CEO added that this strategic progress, as well as the benefits from the cost action plan implemented last year and its continued focus on cost management, is “delivering a meaningful improvement” in the company’s financial performance including a continued reduction in net bank debt. In the first half of fiscal 2026, the U. K.-based footwear company noted that net revenue dipped 0. 8 percent on a reported basis to 322. 0 million pounds from 324. 6 million pounds the same period last year. noted that overall revenue growth was impacted by a focus on “improving the quality of revenue” by increasing full price mix and reducing clearance. Net debt for the first half was 302. 3 million pounds, down from 348. 7 million pounds in the first half of fiscal 2025. “While the marketplace remains uncertain and consumers are cautious, and our biggest trading weeks are ahead, we are confident in our plans for the year,” Nwokorie said. “I am laser-focused on execution and setting the business up for growth in the coming years.” Despite this confidence, shareholders remain concerned over the business, with shares for Dr. Martens down 13 percent on Thursday. By category, overall, pairs were down 1 percent to 4. 7 million, with DTC pairs down 3 percent driven by reduced clearance activity and wholesale pairs up 4 percent. Full price DTC pairs were up 6 percent, in line with the growth in full price DTC revenue. As a proportion of the first half of fiscal 2026 group revenue, boots accounted for 50 percent, shoes 30 percent, sandals 15 percent and bags and other items 5 percent. The company noted that the performance of shoes was driven by the Adrian tassel loafer, which saw pairs growth of 24 percent and the Adrian Black Polished Smooth was the number two bestselling overall product through DTC in the half. It also saw strong performances in the new Buzz shoe, the Mary Jane shoe, and the Lowell shoe. Boot pairs declined 17 percent in DTC or 9 percent overall in the first half, again impacted by the drive to increase full price mix. “As expected, we have seen continued softness in the performance of our iconic boots, namely the 1460 boot and the 2976 Chelsea boot, although the decline is now moderating and they remain amongst our top selling products,” the company noted. By channel, DTC revenue was down 1. 9 percent to 179. 5 million pounds in the first half, while wholesale was up 0. 6 percent to 142. 5 million pounds, as expected. Within DTC, retail revenue improved 3. 0 percent to 98. 2 million pounds and e-commerce was down 7. 3 percent to 81. 3 million pounds. By region, EMEA revenue was down 2. 3 percent to 158. 6 million pounds for the year while in APAC, revenue dipped 1. 9 percent to 46. 6 million pounds. In the Americas, revenue grew 1. 8 percent to 116. 8 million pounds. The company also noted that its spring/summer 2026 wholesale order books are “healthier year-on-year” with the Americas order book showing “good progression” indicating a positive shift in confidence among key accounts. The EMEA order book is showing an “encouraging breadth of product,” particularly in shoes, the company noted.
https://wwd.com/footwear-news/shoe-industry-news/dr-martens-first-half-2026-earnings-stock-hit-1238357342/
Florida next coach odds: Lane Kiffin remains the favorite
As Florida’s head coaching search drags on, one big name remains a clear favorite for the job. Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin remains the most likely candidate as a 53 percent favorite to be the next head coach in Gainesville, according to Kalshi, a New York-based financial exchange and prediction market. Kiffin, who has led the No. 8 Rebels to a 10-1 start, has been flirting with leaving Oxford with several high-profile openings like Florida and LSU available. No. 22 Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz and Washington’s Jedd Fisch follow Kiffin with a 20 percent chance to land the job. Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, who has a six percent chance at being the next Gators head coach, per Kalshi, and no other candidates have odds better than five percent. As of Thursday afternoon, the market, which opened Oct. 21, has drawn nearly $950,000 in bets at Kalshi. Florida parted ways with head coach Billy Napier, who went 22-23 in four seasons, in October after the Gators struggled during a 3-4 start. After losing to Kiffin’s Ole Miss on Saturday, the Gators fell to 3-7, securing their fourth losing season in five years. Kiffin is also seen as a favorite for the LSU opening. Betting on College Football? Check out the best College Football betting sites Read our expert’s guide on how to bet on College Football Get the latest College Football National Championship winner odds Kalshi has Kiffin with a 40 percent chance at taking that job, making him the leader in that market as well. He’s far from a guarantee to leave Ole Miss, though. As of this writing, Kalshi is giving him just a 17 percent chance of leaving the school he’s called home for the past six seasons. Ole Miss reportedly is willing to match any offer Kiffin receives. Why Trust New York Post Betting Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/20/betting/florida-next-coach-odds-lane-kiffin-remains-the-favorite/
‘RHOP’ stars Wendy, Eddie Osefo accused of possessing 40 credit cards, using aliases to conceal identities
“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Dr. Wendy Osefo and her husband, Eddie Osefo, are being accused of possessing 40 credit and/or debit cards and using aliases to conceal their identities. The Baltimore Banner reported Thursday that prosecutors are seeking additional financial records of the couple, as they believe they will “show a pattern of excessive spending” and support “a motive” in their criminal fraud case stemming from a reported home burglary. In newly filed court documents, prosecutors alleged that the Osefos have “approximately 40 credit and/or debit cards, some of which are believed to be in company names.” Prosecutors also alleged that the two have used the names “Pam Oliver” and “Eddie Hennessy” in a “deliberate attempt to mask their identity.” Additionally, prosecutors alleged that Wendy falsely denied using PayPal, Venmo and Cash App to pay for jewelry. “The State anticipates seeing purchases as well as returns on the financial records. Additionally, the State expects such documentation to show a pattern of excessive spending, supporting motive in this case,” prosecutors wrote. “The State avers that insurance fraud is a financial crime, and in that, the amount of debt owed by the Osefos jointly, individually and by the businesses that they own is highly relevant to their motive.” However, defense attorneys for the Osefos believe prosecutors are on a “fishing expedition,” and they want the subpoenas quashed. Eddie’s attorney, Joseph Murtha, added that he feels the requests for bank records are overly broad and strangely timed. Murtha argued that prosecutors are “looking for something they haven’t figured out after 18 months of investigating,” claiming that authorities haven’t spoken to the Osefos, both 41, “from the time of the break-in until they were charged criminally.” The judge overseeing the case said he would address the dispute at a status hearing on Dec. 2. Neither Murtha nor Wendy’s attorney, Jeremy Eldridge, immediately responded to Page Six’s requests for comment. The Bravolebrities were arrested last month for allegedly staging an April 2024 burglary at their Finksburg, Md., home in order to claim losses. Wendy a college professor and political commentator was indicted on 16 charges: seven felony counts of insurance fraud, eight misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and one misdemeanor count of making a false statement to a police officer. Eddie a lawyer and entrepreneur was indicted on 18 charges: nine felony counts of insurance fraud, eight misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and one misdemeanor count of making a false statement to a police officer. Shortly after their arrests made headlines, their rep told Page Six in part that “the Osefos, alongside their legal team, look forward to their day in court.” Then, at BravoCon 2025, which took place this past weekend in Las Vegas, Wendy called the legal run-in an “unfortunate situation.” She told the crowd at the “RHOP” cast panel, “Right now, I can’t say too much. But I will say, when the time is right, I will share my story with everyone.” The mother of three made sure to stress, “For now, they’re just allegations.”.
https://pagesix.com/2025/11/20/celebrity-news/rhop-stars-wendy-eddie-osefo-accused-of-having-40-credit-cards-using-aliases/
Central Flag Football dominates Irwin County, Lowndes
THOMASVILLE Thomas County Central’s flag football team closed its regular season on Tuesday with a pair of impressive area victories. It throttled Irwin County 39-0 and Lowndes 19-7. Central won Division 4 Area 1 with a 12-0 record and will host the first and second rounds of the state playoffs on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Thomas County Middle School (TCMS). Central will host Rockdale, while Blessed Trinity and Woodward Academy will play in the other playoff game at TCMS. Central enters the playoffs with a 12-game winning streak. Quarterback Kate Thedford threw for 164 yards and two touchdowns against Lowndes. Lexi Frysz caught seven passes for 98 yards and one touchdown. Jaida Pinkins and Jaden Crews each snagged a touchdown reception. Qua’Mya Yearby recorded seven tackles and one interception to pace the Lady Yellow Jackets’ defense. Teammate Kaaliyah Brooks also tallied an interception. Thedford also threw for 151 yards and three touchdowns against Irwin County, while Frysz added a touchdown toss. Pinkins, Crews and Gracie Floyd each caught three passes for the Lady Yellow Jackets. Pinkins scored two touchdowns, while Crews and Floyd each snagged one score. Yearby paced the Lady Yellow Jackets’ defense again, recording five tackles and one interception.
https://timesenterprise.com/2025/11/20/central-flag-football-dominates-irwin-county-lowndes/
Palm Coast Council’s Theresa Pontieri Calls for Stronger Controls on City Utility to Protect Against Privatization
Note: This is one of two articles on the subject. See: “A Brief History of Palm Coast’s Water and Sewer Utility.” As more than a dozen states, including Florida, are encouraging the privatization of utilities, Palm Coast City Council member Theresa Pontieri wants new, pre-emptive guardrails protecting the city’s water and sewer utility from being bought by a private company. Palm Coast bought the water and sewer utility in 2003 for $82. 3 million. The utility is not for sale. Council members are not interested in a sale. No company has proposed buying the utility. But Pontieri is proposing that if the utility were to be considered for a sale, a non-binding referendum would be required first, as well as a supermajority of the five-member council before approval is ratified. Her colleagues are interested. The proposal, which would amend the city’s utility ordinance, will be discussed at a workshop in January. “We’re seeing across the country utilities being purchased up by private entities,” Pontieri said at Tuesday’s council meeting. “This is a very concerning thing for me, because it takes local control out of the hands of the residents of their own utilities, their own water. We know how valuable, particularly in the city, how valuable our water assets are, and we are seeing these types of assets being privatized around the country, and I think we need to protect that.” Pontieri’s proposal highlights an issue of great consequence to ratepayers: as utilities privatise, rates rise, and local control, including environmental oversight and transparency, diminishes. The issue has so far received little attention among the broader public. That attention spikes when it may be too late-when a utility is in the process of being privatized, as is the case now in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. In Minnesota, state regulators have approved the $6. 2 billion sale of Allete Corp. to BlackRock, a private equity firm. Allete was the former owner of Palm Coast’s water utility, and is the current owner, through subsidiaries, of all the remaining undeveloped land in Palm Coast’s Town Center. (See: “Behind BlackRock’s Deal to Buy Allete, Major Landholder in Palm Coast’s Town Center.”) Allete last month sued Palm Coast government, alleging the city’s water and sewer utility has failed the company, costing it two contracts to sell land in Town Center. It is unclear-and sheer speculation-if the lawsuit is part of BlackRock-related strategic positioning ahead of a play for the city’s utility. Electric, water and sewer rates have been increasing sharply in recent years across the country, particularly since 2022, and rising faster than the rate of inflation. Investment in aging infrastructure is a reason (and the leading reason in Palm Coast). But so is AI and data centers, which affect both power and water. So is climate change. So is private acquisition of utilities, a trend Florida lawmakers spurred. A 2022 study of 500 water utilities in the country concluded that private ownership is unquestionably the leading factor in driving up water and sewer rates, while “In states with regulations favorable to private providers, water utilities charge even higher prices.” Florida is among those states. In 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation (SB 194) encouraging consolidation of utilities, and authorizing public utilities to use methods that boost their sale price, thus encouraging publicly owned utilities to sell. The bill was an invitation to privatization. “Given the potential issues with small water systems, states have looked into ways to encourage system consolidation,” a legislative analysis of the bill states. “One tool that has been used in other states is a concept called fair market valuation. Fair market valuation (FMV) is a regulatory tool that seeks to incentivize larger water utilities that may be better positioned to make investments in the system and may have better access to economies of scale, lower cost capital, and water and wastewater system expertise.” (See the bill’s full legislative analysis here.) At the time, 14 states had passed so-called “fair market value” legislation. Florida became the 15th. Such laws have “unleashed dozens of buyout attempts,” Stateline reported two years ago. “The deals provide a short-term cash boost for local governments, which can struggle to cover the cost of aging infrastructure. But critics say the public services and tax savings that governments might provide residents with the quick money don’t make up for the rate hikes, a phenomenon known as ‘taxing through the tap.’” “When we specifically look at what’s going on in Tallahassee as well,” Pontieri said, “we’re losing a lot of local control. We’re losing a lot of home rule. We need to keep as much local autonomy as possible.” If a future council were to sell the utility to a private company, transparency would plummet. Private companies are still required to be accountable to the state Public Service Commission, but local transparency into a private utility’s accounts would not be nearly as detailed. For example, today, all Palm Coast water utility records are public down to individual accounts, consumption and billing. That would not be the case with a private utility such as Florida Power and Light with electricity accounts. “So I would ask this council to give direction to our legal counsel to amend our ordinance,” Pontieri said, suggesting Alachua County as an example to follow. There, a supermajority of the local commission is required to approve a sale of the county’s public utility. The Alachua ordinance says the utility may be sold if there is a “public benefit” to the sale. Pontieri finds the words vague. She would add a requirement in Palm Coast that the sale would have to be preceded by a non-binding referendum. “I just want us to put in place some protections for our residents and that we keep our most valuable asset in the hands of our local community,” Pontieri said. Council members Charles Gambaro and Ty Miller are interested, but asked for a workshop first. It will have to wait until January: there is no council workshop in December.
https://flaglerlive.com/palm-coast-utility-privatization/
Historic Colorado River deal to conserve flows advances after winning key approval from state water board
A yearslong effort to purchase two of the most powerful water rights on the Colorado River has cleared another hurdle after the state water board agreed to manage the rights alongside Western Slope water officials. The Colorado Water Conservation Board voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept the two water rights tied to the Shoshone Power Plant into its environmental flow program. The approval is a critical piece in the Colorado River District’s $99 million deal with the owner of the aging plant in Glenwood Canyon Xcel Energy but the deal has faced pushback from Front Range water providers that fear the change could impact their supplies. Backers of the deal aim to make sure the water now used by the small hydroelectric plant and then put back in the river will always flow westward. “The importance of today’s vote cannot be overstated as a legacy decision for Colorado water and the Western Slope,” Andy Mueller, general manager of the Colorado River District, said in a news release. “It secures an essential foundation for the health of the Colorado River and the communities it sustains.” Colorado water officials hailed the decision as a monumental achievement for the state that will help protect the river and its ecosystem. The state’s instream flow program allows the Water Conservation Board to manage dedicated water rights for the health of rivers, streams and lakes. “Acquiring the Shoshone water rights for instream flow use is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve and improve the natural environment of the Colorado River,” Dan Gibbs, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, said in a news release. One of the main sticking points during the hourslong meeting Wednesday was whether the board should manage the water rights with the River District. That would include decisions on how and when to require upstream users like Front Range utilities to send more water downstream. Generally, the board is the sole manager of water rights in its instream flow program, which the Shoshone rights are now a part of. Several Western Slope entities said they would withdraw their financial support from the purchase if the Colorado River District was not allowed to co-manage the right with the board. Local governments and other organizations across the Western Slope promised more than $16 million toward the purchase. Front Range water providers argued that the statewide board is the sole authority that can manage such rights and should have final decision-making power. The water board instead approved the co-management strategy, which means that the two authorities will decide together how to act when there is not enough water to meet the right’s obligations. The Colorado River District a taxpayer-funded agency that works to protect Western Slope water wants to purchase the Shoshone rights to ensure that water will continue to flow west past the plant and downstream to the towns, farms and others who rely on the Colorado River, even if the century-old power plant were decommissioned. A stream of Western Slope elected officials, water managers and conservation groups testified in support of the deal and the rare opportunity it presented. “The Shoshone call is one of the great stabilizing forces on the river a heartbeat that has kept our valley farms alive, our communities whole and our economies steady even in lean years,” Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel said, urging the board to approve the plan. The meeting on Wednesday came after weeks of extensive mediation between the River District and Front Range entities. However, the representatives from opposite sides of the Continental Divide could not come to a consensus on a way forward. Representatives from Front Range utilities have said repeatedly that they supported the purchase as a whole, but they stated concerns about the purchase changing the status quo on the river. The water rights connected to the plant are the oldest major water rights on the main stem of the Colorado River, which means that they must be fulfilled before any rights established afterward. Those include more junior rights held by Front Range utilities to divert water from the river and bring it under the Continental Divide to their customers. The plant’s rights can command up to 1, 408 cubic feet of water per second year-round, or about 1 million acre-feet a year enough water for 2 million to 3 million households’ annual use. The Water Conservation Board’s approval is one of several that must be acquired by the River District. The deal now must go through the state’s water court and its Public Utilities Commission. Along with the $16 million coming from Western Slope entities, the district will pay $20 million and the Water Conservation Board allocated another $20 million. The financial plan also includes $40 million awarded under the federal Inflation Reduction Act by the Biden administration, but that money remains frozen as part of the Trump administration’s broad halt to spending by the previous president.
https://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/2025/11/20/colorado-river-shoshone-water-rights-vote/