AP interview: Colombia to denounce Maduro at UN meeting

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia's president compared Nicolás Maduro to Serbian war criminal Slobodan Milosevic as he goes on a diplomatic offensive to corral the Venezuelan socialist, warning that he would be making a "stupid" mistake if he were to attack his U.S.-backed neighbor. Ivan Duque made the...

New Mexico Bowl among options for NMSU under new deal

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State has inked an agreement that opens the possibility for the Aggies to make an appearance in the New Mexico Bowl or other postseason games owned by ESPN Events. New Mexico State athletic director Mario Moccia announced the six-year deal during a news conference Friday...

Forecasts: Colorado growth still strong, risks still there

DENVER (AP) — High employment and consumer spending are keeping Colorado's economy strong, but government economists said Friday they're still watching for slower growth or even a recession in years ahead due to a weakening global economy and trade disputes. Both legislative and executive branch economists...

Regents seek $95.3 million increase for higher education

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Board of Regents is requesting a $95.3 million increase in state tax funding for 32 universities and colleges in the system. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports $50 million of that proposal advanced this week would go to the six public universities that some regents hope could...

AFP targets Democratic legislators in 2020 races

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservative group Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin is setting its sights on three Democratic legislators in 2020. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the group is going after Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, Rep. Robyn Vining and Sen. Patty Schachtner. Shilling won...

North Carolina AG praises law to end rape evidence backlog

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein says a new law to fund testing for sexual assault kits sitting in law enforcement evidence closets will put rapists in prison and ensure a backlog never happens again. Stein, police and sexual assault victim advocates held a news conference...

Michigan Legislature approves budget for public schools

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Republican-led Michigan Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a K-12 budget that would boost base per-student aid for most schools by $240, or 3%, which supporters lauded as record funding and some Democrats said would not keep pace with costs in an underfunded system. The...

Michigan Republicans propose $400M more for road fixes

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Republicans are proposing to shift $400 million in general funds to the transportation budget to help fix deteriorating roads and bridges. A $5.4 billion transportation spending plan won approval on a 4-2 party-line vote Thursday. It would boost funding by 7.4% but spend...

House OKs measure to prevent possible end-of-month shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a short-term bill Thursday to prevent a federal shutdown when the budget year ends Sept. 30, and give lawmakers until the Thanksgiving break to negotiate and approve $1.4 trillion for federal agencies. The Senate is expected to approve the stopgap bill next week. The vote...

House passes spending bill to prevent possible government shutdown at end of September; Senate OK expected next week

WASHINGTON (AP) — House passes spending bill to prevent possible government shutdown at end of September; Senate OK expected next week.