Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday April 1st, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - Youth who decided to leave the foster care system before aging out during the pandemic are allowed to return for support. Now, this exception may become permanent in Colorado. 

 

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 April 1st, 1889 when Governor Job A Cooper approved legislation to make Colorado smarter. He signed a bill that established The Colorado State Normal School in Greeley to train public school teachers. By the early 20th century the school had a strong nationwide reputation.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

During the coronavirus pandemic, youth who left the foster care system voluntarily before aging out at 21 years old have been allowed to return for services and support. Now the state child welfare division wants to make the federally led exception permanent in Colorado. Reporter Jennifer Brown talks with Lucy Haggard about what the change would do, and what it will take to make it happen.

 

To read more about Colorado’s foster care system, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

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

 

The deficit in Colorado’s unemployment trust fund is approaching $1 billion after more than a year of pandemic-induced job losses. The state fund ran out of money in mid-August and had to start borrowing from the federal government to pay benefits. Employers fill the trust fund by paying unemployment insurance premiums for their workers. When the fund falls below a certain level, a surcharge kicks in. But a recent state law has postponed premium increases until 2023. As of mid-March, 245,000 people were receiving some form of unemployment benefits, so the deficit will continue growing.

 

A bill introduced in the state legislature this week would allow law enforcement officers to use deadly force only as a last resort. Democrat-led House Bill 1250 would require officers to respond proportionately to a threat and exhaust other options first, such as de-escalation tactics. The bill follows a sweeping police accountability law the state passed in 2020 following national outcry over the killing of George Floyd. Another bill introduced this week seeks to limit law enforcement’s use of ketamine, the powerful sedative administered to Elijah McClain before he died in Aurora.

 

The Colorado Department of Corrections is offering each employee $500 to get vaccinated against coronavirus. More than 6,000 people work for the state prison system, which has seen thousands of coronavirus cases and 29 deaths among inmates. The total incentive payout will be roughly $1.2 million, but state officials say it is worth it to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. More than 1 million Coloradans have been fully vaccinated as of Wednesday.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/31/colorado-prisons-vaccine-distribution-incentive/ 

 

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 March 31st, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Colorado air pollution control managers allegedly ordered staff to ignore federal laws and speed up permits. Today - what the whistleblowers are saying.

 

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 March 31st, 1933 when Governor Edwin C Johnson signed legislation that changed the way Colorado carried out the death penalty for inmates sentenced to capital punishment. The law called for a suitable and efficient room or place, enclosed from public view. It also required the administration of lethal gas instead of hanging - the previous method.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

A complaint filed Tuesday with the EPA alleges Colorado air pollution control managers ordered staff to ignore federal laws and speed up permits at all costs. The three whistleblowers, all employees inside the Air Pollution Control Division, say the unlawful actions have gone on for years, and impact the health of Coloradans. Reporter Michael Booth shares more with Lucy Haggard. 

 

To read more about air pollution and monitoring, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

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

 

Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, the last of the ten killed at a King Soopers last week, was publicly memorialized in Lafayette on Tuesday. Hundreds of law enforcement officers and relatives attended the service, with many more tuning in to a livestream. Talley was remembered as a practical joker, a family man and a hero whose last actions may have helped save dozens of lives.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/30/eric-talley-memorial-service-boulder-shooting/ 

 

A new proposal argues foster children should be allowed to return to Colorado’s system even after emancipating themselves. Current law allows youth to stay in the system until they are 21 years old, but many choose to leave once they turn 18. Once they leave, they can’t go back, and many find the transition to be difficult. The proposal from Colorado’s child welfare division would make permanent a federal rule change, brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, that allows emancipated foster youth to return and receive additional support until they are 21.

 

Colorado is poised to give some sex assault victims unlimited time to sue their abusers. Senate Bill 73 is awaiting Governor Jared Polis’ signature after the bipartisan measure cleared the statehouse Tuesday. The bill would phase out the countdown for child sex abuse victims to file civil suits. Current law requires them to file suit within six years after turning 18 years old. For criminal cases, there is no statute of limitations for child sex assault in Colorado.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/30/colorado-sexual-assault-statute-of-limitations-change/ 

 

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 Tuesday March 30th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - A day in the life of a ski cop.

 

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 March 30th, 1923 when The Colorado State Normal School at Gunnison was renamed the Western State College. The change reflected the school’s broadening curriculum. Western State College buildings now boast names of many prominent Coloradans like Otto Mears, David H. Moffat, and Wayne N. Aspinall.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

On the ski mountains at Vail and Beaver Creek, the Mountain Patrol program puts skiing police officers alongside safety teams. Reporter Jason Blevins talks with Lucy Haggard about his day on the slopes with a ski cop.

 

To read more about Colorado’s winter resort industry, go to coloradosun.com.

 

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

 

Every Coloradan age 16 and older will be eligible for coronavirus vaccines starting Friday. Governor Jared Polis said Monday he expects an increase in vaccine supply, particularly for the one-dose Johnson and Johnson shot. Every person who wants to get vaccinated will likely be able to do so by the end of May. More than 1.6 million Coloradans have been at least partly vaccinated so far.

 

A Democrat-led bill in the statehouse would create a dedicated fund for K-12 teacher and staff raises. But even if the bill passes, there won’t be money in the account this year. Rather, the measure is intended to exist as a pressure point on lawmakers for times when districts choose not to use their own money to raise pay. Some educators have been fleeing the industry due to stagnant wages and high pressure in the coronavirus pandemic.

 

A backcountry guide and newly minted father was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash Saturday in Alaska. Greg Harms, a 52-year-old man from Aspen, was considered a trailblazing heli-skiing guide, and founded a touring company that led trips around the world. Local authorities say the cause of the crash is still unknown.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/29/greg-harms-alaska-helicopter-crash/ 

 

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 March 29th, 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 University of Colorado Boulder is studying the viral spread of coronavirus on college campuses after many became hotspots.

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 March 29th,  1883 - the end of a chaotic week for Custer County’s town of Rosita. It was described as the Querida War. It all began with the founding of the Bassick Mine which revitalized the area. But the superintendent’s authoritarian rule inspired workers to fight back - literally. The mine closed just a few years later. 

 Now, our feature story. 

Many colleges and universities have been coronavirus hotspots, wracking up thousands of cases in mere days. New findings from the University of Colorado Boulder shed light on viral spreads in residential halls, with significant implications for future pandemic semesters. Reporter John Ingold spoke with Lucy Haggard on what the researchers found.

To read more about coronavirus research, go to coloradosun.com. 

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

The recent shooting at a Boulder King Soopers was a nightmare scenario for many grocery store workers. As essential employees, they’ve had to enforce mask orders and risk their own health and safety to pay their bills, often with minimal or no hazard compensation. Some worker unions say they’ve been arguing for more security and better protocols, like keeping emergency exits clear, long before Monday’s tragedy. Many stores have since increased the number of guards on site.

The U.S. Department of Education partly approved Colorado’s plan to modify standardized tests for students this spring. Some grade levels will test in only English language arts, while others will test only in math. State lawmakers are also working to request that the test results don’t affect accountability measures, such as teacher evaluations, given the chaos of schooling during the coronavirus pandemic. 

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/26/cmas-exams-after-covid/ 

The Colorado Republican Party elected Kristi Burton Brown as its new chair. Brown had been serving as the GOP’s vice chair, and got her start in politics as an anti-abortion advocate. With Priscilla Rahn as vice president and Marilyn Harris as secretary, the state party has its first all-female officer team in its history.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/27/kristi-burton-brown-elected-colorado-gop-chair/ 

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 March 26th, and we’re lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - The effects of Monday’s tragedy on the mental health of our 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’re going back to March 26th, 1931 when an intense burst of wintry weather proved deadly for residents of Colorado. Two teachers in Kiowa County decided to close school early and a bus driver named Carl Miller set out with 22 students. The weather caused the bus to skid off the road into a ditch. A snowdrift built up behind the bus and by the time rescuers arrived 5 students had died. Bus driver Carl Miller’s body was found less than 4 miles from the bus. He had left to find help.

 

Now our feature story.

 

Following the massacre in Boulder on Monday, experts are encouraging people to check in on how they and those around them are processing the tragedy. Reporter Michael Booth shares some tips with Lucy Haggard from a local psychologist about self care in the aftermath of a crisis.

 

To read more on how to manage stress and trauma, go to coloradosun.com.

 

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

 

The man accused of killing ten people at a King Soopers store in Boulder had his first court appearance on Thursday. He faces at least ten counts of first degree murder, each of which comes with a mandatory life sentence without parole. But the suspect’s lawyers say they will assess his mental health status to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial. His next court appearance will likely be within three months.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/25/ahmad-al-aliwi-alissa-first-court-hearing-boulder-shooting/ 

 

Colorado’s Surface Transportation Board has rejected a plan to revive traffic on the high mountain Tennessee Pass railroad line. Colorado Midland and Pacific had amended its proposal last week to remove crude, gas and hazardous materials, which left just passengers and commodities as allowed cargo. But board members noted in a meeting Thursday that the company’s request for an expedited approval would be inappropriate because the proposal is so controversial. The railway company can resubmit its proposal to the board for a more comprehensive review.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/25/surface-transportation-board-kills-colorado-midland-pacific-tennessee-pass/ 

 

A mistrial has been called in the criminal case against two snowboarders accused of causing an avalanche above Interstate 70. Of the forty jury summonses sent out to local residents, a fraction showed up for jury selection on Thursday, and not enough remained to seat a six-person panel after some were dismissed for cause. A new trial date has been set for early June, though a lawyer for the snowboarders says he will likely file a motion to dismiss the reckless endangerment charges.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/25/mistrial-colorado-case-against-backcountry-snowboarders-triggered-avalanche/ 

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. 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 March 25th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - In the wake of the shooting in Boulder, Biden has called for stricter gun regulations. But  state lawmakers will likely have more opportunity to pass legislation. So, what’s already in the works here in Colorado?

 

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 March 25th, 1981 when Florida businessman Charles E Bradshaw purchased the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Bradshaw was intent on maintaining it’s charm while making it a must-ride experience. It was renamed the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and it represents the gold standard of the many excellent historic rail lines operating in Colorado.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

President Joe Biden has called on Congress to enact stricter gun regulations after a shooting in Boulder on Monday left ten people dead. But federal action is unlikely, putting the discussion in the hands of state lawmakers. Reporter Jesse Paul spoke with Lucy Haggard about what legislation may come out of this tragedy, and what the Democrat-led state government is already pursuing.

 

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

 

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

 

The suspect in the shooting at a Boulder King Soopers Monday will have his first court appearance on Thursday. Meanwhile, on Wednesday afternoon, a police procession carried the body of Officer Eric Talley from Boulder to a funeral home in Aurora. Talley was one of ten people killed. A vigil for the victims was held Wednesday night at the county courthouse, and another one will occur Thursday night at Fairview High School not far from the grocery store.

 

A bill in the statehouse would put a fee on certain insurance premiums to fund natural disaster mitigation and prevention work. House Bill 1208 is led by Democrat Lisa Cutter, whose district includes Conifer and Evergreen. The towns have been deemed high risk for catastrophic loss should a wildfire roll through. Cutter and co-sponsors say the fee would raise premiums by less than $5 a year. But critics argue charging insurance companies is not the right way to raise money for the vast amount of mitigation work needed statewide.

 

A handful of Colorado companies are targets of environmental groups and state lawmakers, who say their toxic emissions are dangerous and unchecked. But opponents say the system is rigged -- companies can revise their self-reported toxic emissions downward, with no consequence, to escape new limits in state law. Advocates are digging through the records to help their neighbors fight decades of toxic pollution.

 

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 March 24th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - After multiple incidents involving children, Denver’s Tennyson Center will be closing its residential care program. What this means for the system as a whole in Colorado.

 

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 March 24th, 1921 when Governor Oliver H, Shoup signed a bill approved unanimously by the General Assembly, The bill asked the federal government to rename a western waterway, a request stemming from a longstanding debate - Where exactly was the Colorado River? 

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Denver’s Tennyson Center is shuttering its residential care program after a series of incidents involving children in its custody. Reporter Jennifer Brown spoke with Lucy Haggard about the 116-year-old institution and what the program’s closure means for the state’s ailing  foster care system. 

 

To read more about Colorado’s foster care system, go to coloradosun.com.

 

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

 

Law enforcement officials announced the identities of the ten people killed Monday when a gunman opened fire at a Boulder King Soopers. They are Denny Stong, Neven (neh-ven) Stanisic (stANisick), Rikki Olds, Tralona (trah-loh-na) Bartkowiak (bart-kow-ee-ack), Suzanne Fountain, Teri Leiker (lie-kurr), Eric Talley, Kevin Mahoney, Lynn Murray and Jody Waters. Each of them had a life, whether as a grocery store clerk, a local business owner, or a soon-to-be grandfather. Memorials at the Boulder Police Department and the King Soopers garnered dozens of flowers, candles and notes in memory of the deceased.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/23/boulder-shooting-update-march-23/ (there’s an embedded video of the presser for pronunciation check, though Chief Herold says a couple of the names incorrectly, and spellings were later fixed)

 

An avalanche outside Beaver Creek ski area Tuesday killed one man, bringing the death toll in Colorado this season to 12 people. That’s  the highest the count has gone since 1993. Gary Smith was a 37-year-old mountaineer based out of Eagle County. Avalanche danger in the area was considered moderate on Tuesday, with recent storms having dumped more than a foot of snow in the area.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/23/eagle-county-gary-smith-killed-in-avalanche-beaver-creek/ 

 

Colorado switches Wednesday to its third iteration of coronavirus metric dials. Dial 3.0, as it’s called, makes it easier for counties to achieve less restrictive designations. Those in the so-called level green status will be allowed to deviate from the statewide mask mandate starting on April 4. The new dial system comes amid a plateaued rate of decline in cases and hospitalizations, and experts warn variants may continue to pose problems.

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.

Goodmorning, it’s Tuesday March 23rd.

Yesterday, a shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in south Boulder left 10 people dead, including one Boulder police officer.  

One suspect in custody.

Today - Reporter Lucy Haggard and Colorado Sun Editor Larry Ryckman discuss what is and isn't known about the mass tragedy.

Thanks for listening, to learn more and to get the most recent updates visit us at coloradosun.com

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.

We’re supported by readers and listeners like you.

Join us 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 March 22nd, 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. 

 

In addition to the three COVID vaccines in use in the U.S. - labs are continuing their research for more. Today - what Colorado State University is finding, and what it means for the future.

 

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 March 22nd, 1921 when Ruth Melville, the daughter of US senator Samuel Nicholson, smashed a bottle of mineral water from Springs in El Paso on the US navy’s newest battleship - the USS Colorado. The christening brought Colorado a bit closer to the sea.

 

 Now, our feature story. 

 

There are now three coronavirus vaccines approved for emergency use in the U.S. Many labs are forging ahead with their own vaccine efforts, including some here in Colorado. Reporter John Ingold spoke with Lucy Haggard about vaccine research at Colorado State University and what the future of vaccines might look like.

 

To read more about the science of coronavirus vaccines, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

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

 

Colorado’s coronavirus dial system will loosen on Wednesday. The state health department cited the growing number of people getting vaccinated. More than 2 million additional people became eligible Friday as the state moves into its next vaccination phase. But health officials are warning that the state’s cases have plateaued at a high level.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/19/colorado-dial-system-3/ 

 

A proposed ballot initiative for Colorado’s 2022 election is already riling up ranchers. The citizen-led measure would categorize some actions that assist livestock reproduction as sex acts, including artificial insemination. It would also require that an animal live at least 25% of its natural lifespan before going to slaughter. Following a squabble with the industry over MeatOut Day, Governor Jared Polis said Friday that he opposes the ballot measure.

 

A new wave of ski patroller unionization is rolling through Colorado. Workers at Keystone are in the process of voting, and those at Breckenridge have filed requests to vote. Union organizers argue they need to be considered in financial decisions, but many workers still remain skeptical. Telluride, Aspen, Steamboat and Crested Butte are already unionized.

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 March 19th, and we’re lucky to start the day with you.

 

It’s officially spring this weekend, and for many Coloradans that means allergies. Today, we’re talking to an allergist about what’s to come this season.

 

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 March 19th, 1855 when the US Army and volunteers from New Mexico stumbled upon a faction of Mouache Utes led by Tierra Blanca. A battle ensued in what is now known as Saguache. 

 

Now our feature story.

 

The first day of spring is Saturday, March 20, and for many Coloradans the season brings allergies. Reporter Michael Booth spoke with an allergist to understand more of what’s on the horizon, and shared part of that conversation with Lucy Haggard.

 

To read the full interview with Dr. Pete Cvietusa, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

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

 

Colorado Democrats unveiled their proposal for a public health insurance option Thursday. The bill is a top priority for Governor Jared Polis and progressive lawmakers. But opponents, including private insurers and hospitals, argue providers would bear the financial burden and patients would have fewer choices for care. The bill requires federal approval for a special kind of waiver, but proponents say they’re confident they can get it signed off.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/18/colorado-public-option-proposal-2021-details/ 

 

State lawmakers also announced a $4 billion transportation plan Thursday that emphasizes gas and road-use fees, including a 25 cent charge per home delivery. The fees collected as part of the plan would help fund much-needed projects to improve air quality, reduce traffic and expand public transit. Lawmakers have tried for years to address a growing number of transportation problems, and while Democrats control both chambers of the legislature, Republicans are likely to push back against the bill.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/18/colorado-gas-road-usage-fee-proposal-2021/ 

 

Last weekend’s storm spread multiple feet of snow across the Front Range. But statewide, drought conditions still persist. Thursday’s drought monitor report found that conditions improved across the Front Range and the eastern plains. But the Western Slope remains largely in the worst two categories of drought, and experts warn that spring snowstorms alone won’t be enough to fix the problem.

 

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

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.