Winn denies wrongdoing in HUD scandal, threatens libel suits

Phil Winn, a former ambassador and Republican Party chairman, is addressing allegations related to his time at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He claims he did not participate in any illegal activities, only admitting to potentially poor decisions. Winn's statements come during a congressional investigation into misconduct at HUD. This probe revealed that former officials received $6 million for consulting on low-income housing contracts. Winn expressed frustration that the scandal has hindered his community work, which he is passionate about. He argued that media reports have exaggerated the financial gain from these housing projects. Winn refuted claims that he and his associates profited $160 million, calling it "outrageous" and stating they earned much less than reported. Over the years, Winn has hired lawyers to communicate with Denver newspapers about the coverage of his alleged involvement. He believes the complexity of the HUD projects makes it difficult for reporters to capture the full story. In addition to these developments, the news also covered a push for renewable energy in Colorado. Legislation aims to increase renewable energy standards for utility companies, which could create jobs in the field. Lawmakers are divided over aspects of the bill, reflecting ongoing debates about clean energy and its implications for traditional energy sources like coal.