Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday May 13th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - The insurance reform bill that Colorado Democrats touted earlier this session has now been introduced. But it’s different than how it was originally described. So what’s going on and what can you expect?

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to May 13th, 1970 when The international olympic committee awarded the 1976 games to Denver. Politicians and business leaders, including Governor John A Love sought the olympics as a way to show off Colorado’s winter sports industry. But opposition soon developed, and the question was placed on the ballot in 1972. 60% of Coloradans did not want to host the games, and Denver reneged on it’s bid. They took place in Austria instead.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

At the beginning of this year’s legislative session, Colorado Democrats touted a bill that sought to create a public health insurance plan. The bill has now been introduced, but it looks very different than what was initially promised. Reporter John Ingold talks with Lucy Haggard about what’s going on with the state’s insurance reform bill, and what may still change before it's almost certain passage into law.

 

To read more about the bill, go to coloradosun.com

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

Two small planes collided over Cherry Creek State Park Wednesday morning, but no one was killed or injured. Both planes were trying to land on adjacent runways at Centennial Airport. One plane deployed a parachute and crash landed a few miles away. The other plane was able to make it onto a landing strip at the airport despite missing a significant portion of its rear fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/12/two-planes-collide-cherry-creek-reservoir/ 

 

A bill in the Colorado legislature would make it a crime to threaten an elected official or their family. Senate Bill 64 seeks to make it a Class 6 felony if someone makes a quote “credible threat” end quote against an elected official, and a misdemeanor for harassing or retaliating against them. A related measure that makes it illegal to dox public health workers, House Bill 1107, was signed by Governor Jared Polis recently. Public employees have seen a rise in harassment and threats due to pandemic-related restrictions and decisions.

 

The coronavirus pandemic has been a boon for many farmers and ranchers as sporadic food shortages led to higher demand. Yet about 3 in 5 rural adults say the pandemic has affected mental health in their communities, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Mental health and urgent care services are often scarce in rural communities, which see higher suicide rates than nearby metropolitan regions. To counteract the trend, health care providers are urging their patients to discuss mental health with the same concern as they do their physical needs.

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Wednesday May 12th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today -- A High School in El Paso County offered an aerospace class for the first time this year. It’s a part of a larger effort to offer more technical coursework.

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to May 12th, 1882 when residents of a Jewish colony along the upper Arkansas River threatened to kill those responsible for settling them there. Far from the paradise that they were promised, the soil in Fremont County seemed suited for growing rocks and little else. Most of the colonists ultimately moved elsewhere in Colorado or across the west.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Calhan High School in El Paso County offered an aerospace class for the first time this academic year. The class is part of a larger effort to offer more technical coursework to launch kids into post-graduation success. Reporter Erica Breunlin shares with Lucy Haggard her experience up in the air with Calhan High students and how local pilots are rooting for the next generation of aviation experts.

 

To read the full story, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

Colorado will start offering coronavirus vaccination clinics at workplaces next week. Governor Jared Polis announced the change Tuesday as the state works to increase flattening demand for the vaccine. Polis said the state has also been preparing for the FDA to finalize approval of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for children age 11 to 15. Vaccinations for that age group could become available as soon as this weekend.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/11/colorado-workplace-vaccination-program/ 

 

Four former employees of Buffalo Exchange in Colorado are suing the franchise’s co-owners and businesses for claims including sexual assault, harassment and negligence. The civil lawsuit comes almost a year after an anonymous Instagram account started posting stories of abuse and misconduct centering around co-owner Todd Colletti. The company’s corporate office revoked the Colorado franchise’s rights to use the brand and name soon after the allegations, but no criminal charges have been filed. Tuesday’s lawsuit seeks class action status for employees who were there for the second half of 2015.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/11/buffalo-exchange-lawsuit-sexual-assault-harassment-negligence/ 

 

Four Colorado cities will receive a collective $2 million in Brownfields grants from the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up and redevelop sites for reuse. Lake City will focus on projects such as hard-rock mine sites and a former kiln. Loveland will clean up the Great Western Sugar Beet plant and other industrial areas along the Big Thompson River. Trinidad and Las Animas County will work on multiple properties, including reopening the Fox West Theater on Main Street. And Craig will be addressing contamination at properties in the town center.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/11/colorado-towns-win-epa-brownfields-grants/ 

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Tuesday May 11th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, but some places like Colorado Springs have held up better than the city of Denver. So why was that the case, and what’s in store for the future?

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to May 11th, 1891 when President Benjamin Harrison, known as the Human Iceberg, defied expectations during a whirlwind visit through Colorado. The busiest day of his visit started in Leadville. He then proceeded down the Arkansas River valley to Buena Vista and Salida. He continued through the Royal Gorge, and emerged at Canon City. Later he was in Florence, Pueblo and ended the day in Colorado Springs where he made his 7th speech of the day.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic as fewer people traveled. Yet Colorado Springs fared better than its bigger sister city Denver. Reporter Zach Bright looks into what happened and how one hotel is optimistic for what’s to come.

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

University of Colorado President Mark Kennedy announced Monday that he will be stepping down after less than two years in the position. The announcement comes soon after the faculty assembly and student government voted to censure Kennedy. The former Republican congressman was chosen as the sole finalist in 2019 when the Board of Regents had a Republican majority. But last year’s election flipped the board to the Democrats for the first time in 40 years.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/10/cu-president-mark-kennedy-resigns/ 

 

Two Colorado oil and gas companies merged Monday as pressure continues to build for consolidating drilling operations. Bonanza Creek Energy and Extraction Oil & Gas will now operate as Civitas Resources, with 425,000 acres of leases across nine counties in the Denver metro area. Executives said the company is pushing to be the first with net-zero emissions by mitigating on-site emissions and purchasing carbon offsets. But activists say the company’s intent to focus on the Denver-Julesburg Basin will probably mean continued drilling in and near residential neighborhoods.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/10/colorado-oil-company-merger/ 

 

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for children age 12-15. A federal advisory committee still has to issue formal recommendations for using the vaccine with the newly approved age group. The two-dose vaccine was already approved for people age 16 and older, compared with the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson approvals for those age 18 and older. Colorado’s school-age youths have seen significant increases in coronavirus cases in recent weeks compared with adults.

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up from the Colorado Sun. It’s Monday May 10th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Join us daily for an in-depth look at one of our top stories. 

 

Today -- The Suncor refinery in Commerce City is currently renewing their air pollution permit. But whistleblowers claim that the permit is based on an illegal, and now retired, memo.

 

Before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today we take you back to May 10th, 2012 when trucks hauled more than 10 tons of molybdenum ore out of the Climax Mine at Fremont Pass. The shipment marked the rebirth of one of Colorado’s most successful and storied mines. 

 

 Now, our feature story. 

 

The Suncor refinery in Commerce City is in the process of renewing their air pollution permit through the state Air Pollution Control Division. But new allegations from some employees within the agency indicate the permit that’s been proposed is based on a now-retired memo that the whistleblowers argue was illegal. Reporter Michael Booth talks with Lucy Haggard about what’s happening.

 

 

To read the full story, go to coloradosun.com.

 

Thanks for listening. Finally, here are a few stories you should know about today:

 

Seven people were killed early Sunday morning when a gunman opened fire on a birthday party in Colorado Springs. Police said the suspected shooter was a boyfriend of one of the female victims, and he shot himself after shooting six other people. Police had not released the names of the victims as of Sunday.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/09/colorado-springs-mass-shooting-birthday-party/ 

 

Colorado lawmakers have decided against pursuing a bill this legislative session to impose a waiting period for firearm purchases. Ten states and the District of Columbia mandate a waiting period, which proponents say mainly helps prevent suicides. Democrats, who control both chambers of the Colorado statehouse, say they considered a waiting period bill, but didn’t feel confident enough in the policy to introduce it this year. Legislators had already planned on a slate of gun legislation, but they say the shooting in March at a Boulder King Soopers reshaped their focus.

 

More than 100 Colorado nursing homes that experienced COVID-19 outbreaks both paid fines and received financial bonuses tied to infection rates. More than 1,000 people died at those facilities in 2020. Some of the issues cited against the facilities included not wearing masks, not washing hands and failing to notify the state or federal government of a viral outbreak. As of March 2021, more than 2,500 coronavirus deaths in Colorado were residents of health care facilities like nursing homes or assisted living. 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Friday May 7th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - The housing market in Colorado has gone haywire - but how has one Eastern Plains town kept its head above water.

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to May 7th 1897 when a 100 foot wide breach in the Castlewood Dam threatened to inundate communities below -- including Denver. Eight years earlier there was a similar flood that killed a thousand people in Pennsylvania. And although the 1897 crisis proved limited, it presaged the fatal failure of Castlewood Dam.  

 

Now, our feature story.

 

The housing market in Colorado and across the country has gone haywire in recent years -- especially since the coronavirus pandemic began -- as people are working from home, losing jobs and shifting life priorities. Reporter Kevin Simpson talks with Lucy Haggard about how one Eastern Plains town has been trying to keep its head above water and stay around for the next generation.

 

To read the full story, go to coloradosun.com

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

A Boulder police officer was legally justified when he shot a gunman targeting a King Soopers in Boulder in March, according to the district attorney. Officer Richard Steidell was among the authorities who responded to the shooting at the grocery store. Steidell hit the gunman in the right thigh with a shot from his 9mm handgun. The DA’s report concluded that Steidell’s actions were (quote) both objectively reasonable and, upon further review, correct. (end quote) Steidell has been on administrative leave during the mandated investigation. 

https://coloradosun.com/2021/04/21/boulder-shooting-suspect-new-charges/ 

 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has added 199,000 acres of land for hunting and fishing access as part of the Public Access Program. Wednesday’s vote by the Parks and Wildlife Commission to do so is the latest action in an effort that Governor Jared Polis started in 2019 to add 1 million acres of land for public use. The lands were set aside when Colorado became a state to provide funding for schools and have been used for a variety of purposes. A hunting or fishing license is required to recreate there, even for so-called nonconsumptive purposes such as hiking or birding.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/06/colorado-opens-school-lands-to-public-access/ 

 

Ski patrollers at Breckenridge voted Wednesday in favor of unionization, with a single vote tipping the scale. The Summit County resort is the latest in the state to attempt unionization after Keystone patrollers rejected a union effort last month. Many patrollers have argued that a union is necessary to respond to stagnant wages, year-round workloads and corporate consolidation in the industry. But others have been skeptical of the union movement, and 29 of Breckenridge’s 114 patrollers eligible to vote opted to abstain. Vail Resorts, which owns the resort, said it was disappointed with the vote but will bargain in good faith with the union.

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday May 6th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - In Woodland Park, Colorado a driver accused another of running a red light. There were no police in sight… but he still received a ticket - a citizen signed ticket.

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to May 6th, 1859 when John H. Gregory found the first lode gold source in present day Colorado. He was in what is now Gilpin County. As Gregory dug into the ravine that day he found shovelful after shovelful of gold ore. The ravine was later named for him -  Gregory Gulch. 

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Most traffic tickets are administered by law enforcement officers. But not all of them, at least in Woodland Park, Colorado. Reporter Jennifer Brown talks with Lucy Haggard about what happened when one driver accused another of running a red light -- with no police in sight. 

 

To read the full story, go to coloradosun.com

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

Authorities announced Wednesday that they’ve arrested the husband of Suzanne Morphew, a Salida woman who went missing almost a year ago. Barry Morphew has been charged with three counts, including first-degree murder, and is being held at Chaffee County jail. Authorities did not share many details Wednesday, but said they do not believe Suzanne is alive. She would have turned 50 on May 2.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/05/suzanne-morphew-barry-morphew-arrest-murder-charge/ 

 

Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Democrats are pursuing a bill to create a new government agency dedicated to early childhood education. The department would house the state’s universal preschool program and consolidate other initiatives already set up for families with young children. Providers of early childhood care and education say the current network of services is too fragmented to have maximum impact. The bill comes as Senator Michael Bennet is leading Congress in a similar but unrelated initiative to permanently expand early childhood tax credits for families.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/05/early-childhood-office-colorado-preschool-program/ 

 

A federal judge ruled Wednesday against the national eviction ban through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The court ruling is just the latest to challenge the CDC’s eviction ban, but the immediate impact is still unclear. A swift appeal from the Biden administration means the issue may be locked up in court for months. Colorado’s statewide eviction ban expired on December 31, defaulting to the national guidance. The state has processed more than 30,000 requests for rent or mortgage help since last summer, totaling about $74 million. 

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Wednesday May 5th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is back in use now. Today -- Why a Colorado woman who experienced blood clotting after getting the vaccine is still an advocate for it.

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to May 5th, 1910 when Oliver T. Jackson filed for a homestead in Weld County. This was the first step toward establishing an agricultural colony for African Americans. Jackson hoped that the nascent community - named Dearfield - would promote independence and self sufficiency for a group with few opportunities at that time. Unfortunately a postwar recession hit Dearfield hard, and by 1925 most had left.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

The Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine was paused for a few weeks last month as health officials investigated a rare form of blood clotting that occurred in a handful of women. The single-dose vaccine is back in use now, as officials determined its value to public health outweighed the rare adverse reactions. Reporter John Ingold talks with Lucy Haggard about a Colorado woman who experienced similar clotting -- and why she’s still an advocate for the vaccine.

 

To read the full story, go to coloradosun.com.

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

Colorado Democrats formally introduced their long-awaited transportation bill Tuesday that seeks to combine fees from multiple sources. Senate Bill 260 would add a new charge on gas purchases, as well as deliveries, rideshare trips and electric vehicle registrations. The bill has support from two state Republicans as well as much of the business community. Funding for transportation projects has been notoriously difficult to gather in Colorado in recent years, with frequent partisan gridlock and multiple rejected ballot measures. 

 

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are adding reservation systems to some of their most popular spots this summer. The land saw record visitation last season, including 700 encounters between humans and bears. The 1.5 million acres includes Brainard Lake and Mount Evans, both of which will operate under a timed entry system. All overnight visitors to the forest will also be required to have bear-proof food storage containers. Other protective changes will be announced soon, including some overnight areas switching to day-use only and instituting fire bans earlier in the season. 

 

The three U.S. Antarctic research stations are now hiring for seasonal jobs, and they’re starting their search for candidates this Thursday in Centennial. Most of the positions don’t require an advanced degree, but recruiters caution they’re not easy jobs. Workers stay at the south pole anywhere from five months to a year at a time, and the coronavirus pandemic means traveling to and from the stations will take a few weeks as well. But impending improvements to one of the research stations will likely reduce the jobs available on the continent within the next decade, so seasoned workers and newcomers alike are encouraged to apply now.

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Tuesday May 4th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - Warren Barnes, a Grand Junction local, could always be found reading along the breezeway off Main Street. But one day he never showed. What happened devastated and shocked the community. 

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to May 4th, 1903 when one of Colorado’s favorite guests, President Theodore Roosevelt, paid a visit while on a railroad tour of the West. While he was here he spoke in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. In Denver he tucked into steak, bacon, beans, potatoes, biscuits and coffee. Reporters remarked that few Americans had ever witnessed a presidential visit as genial as this.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

For years a man sat along the breezeway off Grand Junction’s Main Street, reading book after book. Then one morning he didn’t show up, and the community feared the worst. Sun contributor Nancy Lofholm talks with Lucy Haggard about what happened to Warren Barnes.

 

To read the full story on Warren Barnes, go to coloradosun.com

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

Almost three in four Coloradans have been vaccinated against coronavirus or plan to get vaccinated soon, according to a new survey. The results come from a survey of more than five hundred Coloradans in late April by Keating Research, OnSight Public Affairs and Mike Melanson. Experts say it’s an encouraging sign even as vaccine supply in Colorado is now greater than the demand. But COVID vaccines have not been approved for kids 15 years of age and younger, and cases are rising fastest among middle and high school children. Health officials are urging the rest of the population to get vaccinated and continue taking precautions to stem the tide of cases and protect kids until vaccines are approved for them.

 

An initiative launched Monday seeks to give out Naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses, to at-risk people as they’re discharged from hospital emergency rooms. The Colorado Naloxone Project already has 47 hospitals on board, accounting for roughly half the state’s emergency room volume. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies, and overdose-prevention organizations have been giving it out for decades. But doctors report just 5% of patients that are formally prescribed the drug fill the prescription. Overdose deaths have been rising in recent years in Colorado and across the country, with more than 1,457 Coloradans dying of a drug overdose in 2020.

 

The four Democrats representing Colorado in the U.S. House are asking for nearly $200 million in earmarks as Congress considers a $2 trillion infrastructure bill. Earmarking has not been allowed in the past ten years due to controversy around the practice, but recent rules set in the House have many optimistic that these will help pass the bill. None of the state’s three Republican representatives have submitted earmarks, aligning with the GOP’s general skepticism of the practice. Experts say this may mean Colorado Springs and rural parts of the state miss out on rare funding opportunities. The U.S. Senate has not yet created guidelines for earmarks, but Colorado Democrats John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet are both expected to request some as well.

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up from the Colorado Sun. It’s Monday May 3rd, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Join us daily for an in-depth look at one of our top stories. 

 

Today -- Death rates for pregnant women in Colorado have doubled since 2008... so what is the state legislature doing to combat this trend?

 

Before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today we take you back to May 3rd, 1987 when a front-page story in the Miami Herald halted the presidential aspirations of Colorado’s US Senator Gary Hart. They had exposed his extramarital affair. In the process, it changed the relationship between politics and journalism in the United States. 

 

 Now, our feature story. 

 

Health metrics for pregnant and postpartum mothers are getting worse in Colorado. Death rates for pregnant women have doubled since 2008, with suicide and accidental overdose as the two leading causes. Reporter Jennifer Brown talks with Lucy Haggard about the issue, including a package of bills at the state legislature that seek to turn the tide.

 

To read more about maternal health in Colorado, go to coloradosun.com.

 

Thanks for listening. Finally, here are a few stories you should know about today:

 

A woman died near Durango Friday night after an apparent bear attack. Colorado Parks and Wildlife authorities say she went for a walk Friday morning with her dogs, and when her boyfriend returned home that evening, the dogs were home but the woman was not. The 39-year-old’s name has not been publicly released. A female black bear and her two yearlings that were found nearby were euthanized and sent to a lab for examination. The last fatal bear attack in Colorado was in 2009.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/05/01/durango-fatal-bear-attack-colorado/ 

 

A new state law sets more rules for redistricting some county commissioner boards and guiding future board expansions. Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 1047 on Thursday, which borrows rules from Amendments Y and Z that were approved in the 2018 election. The new law applies to counties with five commissioners where at least some of the commissioners are elected by voters in their district rather than at-large. This applies to three counties currently — Arapahoe, El Paso and Weld. But the law also offers options for other counties to grow their boards as their population grows accordingly.

 

Education lobbyists spent more than $20.5 million in Colorado from July 2015 through March 2021, according to an analysis by Chalkbeat and the Colorado Sun. Organizations doing the work say they represent the public interest, but many parents and community groups feel their voices aren’t heard equally. The sector represents the second largest lobbying interest at the state Capitol, with health care in the lead at roughly twice the spending. The highest spenders within the education lobby are the state’s public colleges and universities, led by the University of Colorado system and the Colorado Community College system.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up from the Colorado Sun. It’s Friday April 30th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - Lumber prices through the roof, and are adding tens of thousands of dollars to the price of a new home. What’s causing this and what’s in store for the future?

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we’re going back to 1890 when Denver’s first zoo, Elitch Gardens, opened its gates. Animals were donated by PT Barnum. In addition to lions, camels and wolves, there were bears in a pit who would beg for treats from crowds. Eventually the zoo evolved into an amusement park with a ferris wheel, carousel, roller coasters, and a haunted house. 

 

Now our feature story.

 

Record lumber prices are adding an average of $35,000 to the sale price of a new home and raising the cost of renovating existing dwellings. Reporter Tamara Chuang talks with Lucy Haggard about what’s causing the high prices, and when they might taper off once more.

 

To read more about politics in Colorado, go to coloradosun.com.

 

Finally, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

The coronavirus pandemic, low pay and overwhelming workloads are leading to a so-called leaky pipe of an education industry. In response, state lawmakers are seeking $13 million through Senate Bill 185 to improve in teacher recruitment and retention efforts. The bipartisan bill also hopes to diversify teacher demographics while compensating for an expected flood of retirement in the next few years. Almost 40% of educators recently surveyed by the Colorado Education Association indicated they are considering leaving the profession. 

 

At least 11 skiers were killed at Colorado’s winter resorts this past season, a Colorado Sun analysis found. Colorado doesn’t require ski areas to report deaths, accidents or injuries, so the data came from a survey of sixteen county coroners. Ten counties reported no fatalities at their ski area. Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showed as many as 10 skiers and snowboarders are treated in emergency rooms every day of the season.

 

A former head of Denver’s elections division may soon join the governing board for the U.S. Postal Service. Amber McReynolds helped Denver transition to a fully vote-by-mail system during her time at the city from 2011 to 2018. She now leads the nonprofit National Vote At Home Institute. McReynolds and two other nominees were confirmed by a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday and will soon face a confirmation hearing before the full Senate. If approved, the governing board would lean to Democrats, who have been calling for Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s resignation.

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. Now, a quick message from our editor.

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