Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday March 18th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

Today we hear from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet on the American Rescue Plan that was signed last week.

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 18th, 1998 when four men who had grown up in Pueblo returned. They returned to receive congratulations and cheers as each member had received the nation’s highest military commendation. The Medal of Honor. At the time, Pueblo held the distinction of claiming more living medal of honor recipients than any other American town.

Now, our feature story.

The American Rescue Plan, the latest federal coronavirus relief bill, was finalized and signed last week. The bill includes an estimated $14 billion for Colorado in the form of direct payments, local government support and funding for a variety of needs. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Jesse Paul for a virtual event wednesday to talk about the stimulus plan, including his plug for the child tax credit.

To read more about how the federal coronavirus relief bill affects Colorado, go to coloradosun.com. 

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

Twenty years ago, the Colorado Supreme Court found Telluride violated a state law prohibiting rent control when it made developers include work force housing in their plans. Lawmakers this year are taking advantage of an opening in the decision to make it easier for cities to create affordable housing plans without breaking the law. House Bill 1117 would let municipalities require developers to build affordable housing or contribute to funds to support it. 

Coloradans will be able to plug in electric vehicles at every state park very soon. The state Parks and Wildlife commission approved a contract with EV maker Rivian Wednesday to install chargers at every park, at no cost to the state. Advocates hope the deal will help build out the EV charging network required to make the shift away from gasoline powered vehicles.

A large boulder fell in the Ouray (YOU-ray) Ice Park Monday night, knocking out the Schoolhouse Bridge athletes use to access the climbs in the park. The collapse also took out the water lines used to create the precarious fangs that draw thousands of climbers to the park each year and shut down the historic Ouray Hydroelectric Power Plant, which supplies green energy to the San Miguel Electric Association. 

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, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up by the Colorado Sun. It’s Wednesday March 17th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. 

Today - A state bill that could push more schools to remove Native American mascots.

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we take you back to March 17th, 1932 when President Herbert Hoover signed a bill to designate Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Then, in 2000 President Bill Clinton promoted the site to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 

 

Now, our feature story. 

One day before the U.S. Senate confirmed Deb Haaland as the first Native American to lead a Cabinet department, Cheyenne Mountain School board voted to remove its native american mascot. The Colorado Springs district is the latest in Colorado to do so, following renewed calls for racial justice last summer. Sun contributor Sue McMillin talks with Lucy Haggard about the lead-up to the vote and a state bill that could push more schools to revisit their caricatured representations.

 

To read more about the Cheyenne Mountain School board vote and Senator Danielson’s bill, go to coloradosun.com.

 

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

 

A bill at the state legislature would make Colorado one of the first states to cap prescription drug prices. Attorney General Phil Weiser would also be granted power to enforce price caps. The bill comes in the wake of a statewide crackdown on illegal drug trading. It has its first committee hearing on Wednesday.

A report from the state auditor’s office found the department of labor kept incomplete records on who was overpaid or underpaid in unemployment benefits. The audit assessed the previous fiscal year, which ended on June 30, and labor department officials say they have made necessary changes since then. Since March 2020, more than 1 million new unemployment claims were filed in Colorado.

Four of the five candidates to lead the Colorado Republican Party still claim fraud occurred in the 2020 election. But none of the candidates have offered evidence for fraud, and some leaders in the party question how much longer these claims should be entertained. After the 2020 election cycle, Colorado Republicans no longer have majority control in any state branch or national delegation.

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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Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up with The Colorado Sun. It’s Tuesday March 16th, 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 - Advocates are pushing for greater support of Colorado’s search and rescue crews.

 

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to March 16th, 1905 when partisanship and personalities collided to place three men in the governor's office in just 24 hours. The 1904 election between Democrat Alva Adams and the incumbent, Republican James Peabody, was full of corruption on both sides. Both claimed victory which ultimately led to the swearing in of an entirely new candidate, Republican Lt. Gov. Jesse F. McDonald.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Colorado’s search and rescue crews volunteer their time to go into the backcountry at any time of day or night to look for people who may be their own friends. Reporter Jason Blevins talks with Lucy Haggard about what these crews are up against and why advocates are redoubling efforts to make sure volunteers are supported in their work — and their mental health.

 

To read more about Colorado’s search and rescue crews, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

 

The Colorado Supreme Court says Democrats violated the state constitution when they used computers to speed read long bills out loud. The court ruling released Monday is the latest in a battle that started in 2019, when GOP lawmakers requested a 2,000 page bill to be read in its entirety. Democrats saw the request as an effort to stall the lawmaking process. The 4-3 high court decision did not specify the rules for future legislation readings.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/15/colorado-supreme-court-speed-reading-lawsuit-decision/ 

 

Colorado’s updated unemployment rate shows the state is in better economic condition than experts thought. The state labor department announced December’s unemployment rate was 6.9%, down from the previously estimated 8.4%. Most months since April 2020 were adjusted after a review that took into account revised population and workforce data. 

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/15/colorado-pandemic-job-loss-unemployment-rate/

 

The snowstorm that blanketed the Front Range this weekend was Denver’s fourth largest in the city’s recorded weather history. Denver International Airport received 27 inches of snow. The three storms larger than this one occurred in 1946, 2003 and 1913. Snow totals across the Front Range ranged from 17 inches in Greeley, to 40 inches at Red Feather Lakes in Larimer County. 

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/15/denver-snowstorm-record-books/ 

 

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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Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up from the Colorado Sun. It’s Monday March 15th, 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 -- Two of the largest water storage options in the American West are at record low levels. And despite the need, building a dam can be more challenging than you think.

 

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 15th, 1877 when Colorado’s first state legislature met in Denver. The General Assembly and Governor John L. Routt hammered out legislation on issues, some fundamental and some symbolic. Among the latter, no statue trumped the one signed by Routt on this day which determined the state seal.

 

 Now, our feature story. 

 

Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two of the American West’s largest water storage options, are at record low levels. Yet in northern Colorado, water managers are asking for permission to build more dams. Reporter Michael Booth talks with Lucy Haggard about the proposed Chimney Hollow project and explains why building a dam in Colorado is easier said than done.

 

 To read more about the chimney hollow dam project, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

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

 

A massive blizzard on Colorado’s Front Range has led to closures Monday, including at the state capitol. The storm, which started rolling in on Saturday, dropped anywhere from one to three feet of snow from Denver to the Wyoming border. I-70 and I-25, two of Colorado’s major highways, closed multiple times over the weekend as crews worked to keep up with the snow. Denver International Airport also halted flights Sunday.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/14/colorado-winter-storm-march-2021/ 

 

Every Coloradan age 16 and older will be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine by mid-April. Governor Jared Polis said Friday that overlapping the vaccine’s distribution phases will ensure demand and supply are adequately matched. The next phase, 1b4, will open up vaccine access this Friday for those 50 years and older, as well as many essential workers.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/12/jared-polis-coronavirus-briefing-vaccines-march-12/ 

 

Democrat Gregg Smith will not run to unseat Republican Representative Lauren Boebert, Smith announced Monday. He announced his candidacy shortly after the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6 but faced criticism for his connections to the private security firm Blackwater. A number of other democrats have since jumped into the 2022 congressional race, and Smith said he feels confident one of them can beat Boebert.

 

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 12th, and we’re lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - The Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine is now available to eligible Coloradans. So, how does it compare to the Moderna and Pfizer?

 

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 12th, 1895 when A party of masked men stopped a wagon southwest of Walsenburg. Inside the wagon rode a party of Italian immigrants. The masked men believed the Italians were involved in the recent murder of a saloon owner, and killed three of the men while the other two escaped. 

 

These lynchings incited international tension when the Italian government demanded an investigation. Ultimately, the federal government paid 10,000$ to the families of the dead.

 

Now our feature story.

 

Coloradans who are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine now have another option to choose from in the form of a Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine. Health reporter John Ingold talks with Lucy Haggard about how to understand the difference between the new vaccine and the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

 

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

 

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

 

Health care providers across Colorado are postponing vaccine appointments because of a massive snow storm forecast for the weekend. Four of the state’s largest healthcare companies are all rescheduling appointments from this Saturday and Sunday. People who were scheduled to get a vaccine from Kaiser, UCHealth, Centura or SCL Health should check with their provider on the status of their appointment.

 

Colorado municipalities could more easily adopt ranked-choice voting if a bill in the state legislature passes this session. The method has voters rank each candidate in order of preference. Proponents of the bill say the process gives voters more of a say over who gets elected, as opposed to choosing one candidate per office. Just four cities in the state have implemented ranked-choice voting: Boulder, Telluride, Basalt and Carbondale.

 

A new HealthOne hospital in Centennial highlights a trend in new facilities, or lack thereof, across the Denver metro area. Backers of the new hospital argue it will provide much-needed overnight and specialty care for nearby neighborhoods. But critics say the company’s choice to build in a fast-growing, high-income part of the city is driven less by a need for services there, and more by market interest and profit potential. 

 

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 11th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - Governor Jared Polis announces plans for more recovery initiatives 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 11th, 1945 when Colorado came under attack. On this day a Japanese balloon bomb crashed on the western slope. At the time, The federal government was pouring money into Colorado, establishing military bases as it was considered a safe place to locate war related institutions.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Shortly after Congress approved the latest coronavirus relief bill Wednesday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and state Democrats unveiled their own plans for the next round of state recovery initiatives. Reporter Jesse Paul spoke with Lucy Haggard to unpack what Coloradans will likely see from the state stimulus efforts.

 

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

 

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

 

One year into the coronavirus pandemic, nursing homes across Colorado are feeling significant financial strain. Two of the state’s largest nursing home operators are seeking to transfer a combined 29 facilities to new management. Residents of long-term care facilities have accounted for 40 percent of Colorado’s COVID-19 deaths. 

 

Educators and pediatric health professionals across the state are warning that the pandemic over the past year had a significant impact on the mental health of Colorado kids. A proposal from the governor’s office and an upcoming bill in the statehouse seek to provide youth with free mental health resources. Big questions remain about both options, including how they will be funded.

 

Members of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association say the utility is refusing to tell them how much it will cost to leave the partnership. Seven rural electric co-ops are involved in the complaint, including United Power in Brighton, San Isabel Electric Association in southeast Colorado, and San Miguel Power Association in Nucla. The co-ops want to leave Tri-State in part because of the utility’s slow move toward renewable generation.

 

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, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up by the Colorado Sun. It’s Wednesday March 10th, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. 

 

Today - Colorado Ranchers at odds with Governor Jared Polis after he declares March 20th to be “Meat Out Day”, encouraging more plant based eating.

 

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to March 10th, 1884 when Crews for the Colorado Central Railroad laid tracks into the mining town of Silver Plume in Clear Creek County. Their work completed an engineering marvel known as the Georgetown Loop.

 

Now, our feature story. 

 

Livestock is one of Colorado’s largest industries, and particularly cows. Yet ranchers are once again at odds with Governor Jared Polis, this time over the recently proclaimed Meat Out Day. Reporters Jennifer Brown and Michael Booth talk with Lucy Haggard to explain the latest beef between cattle hands and the governor.

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

 

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

 

President Joe Biden is expected to sign the latest federal stimulus bill next week. A Colorado Sun analysis concludes that at least $13.5 billion of the bill will come to the state. The stimulus will arrive in the form of $1,400 direct payments, an expanded child tax credit and funds for state and local governments. Unemployment recipients will also get an extra $300 for 25 weeks, on top of their normal payments.

Colorado’s former license plates, which had green mountains instead of the current white ones, may become available again. A bill in the statehouse would bring the old design back as early as next year. The bill would also mandate new plates when someone buys a car. The retro design would cost up to $75 extra, one-third of which would go toward a disability support fund.

An Aurora doctor who tried to prioritize refugees for the COVID-19 vaccine was told to stop by the state health department. Dr. P.J. Parmar wanted to ensure his clinic served residents in the 80010 zip code, which is one of the most racially diverse and also poorest in the metro area. But state rules prohibit vaccine providers from asking for ID. Parmar has now opened his clinic to anyone who wants a vaccine. But he argues that the state’s vaccine equity clinics aren’t good enough at distributing the vaccine to those who need it the most.

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, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up with The Colorado Sun. It’s Tuesday March 9th, 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 - Colorado’s Coronavirus case rates, death rates, testing, and vaccinations compared to the rest of the country. Also, what to expect in the upcoming months.

 

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what happened on this day in Colorado history - adapted from Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to March 9th, 2002 when the first Frozen Dead Guy Days festival took place high in the mountains of Boulder County. The festival began after the city of Boulder found itself in possession of the frozen remains of a Norwegian civil servant named Bredo Morstol. The festival has since been voted one of the top cultural festivals in the country.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

For the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, states have largely made decisions independent of one another, and Colorado has seen its own successes and struggles. Health reporter John Ingold talks with Lucy Haggard about how Colorado has compared to its peers and what may be in store for the next few months.

 

To read more about the coronavirus pandemic, go to coloradosun.com.

 

Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

 

Fully vaccinated people can gather freely with each other without masks or social distancing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC announced new guidance Monday as a growing number of vaccinated Americans wonder when they can resume socializing. The CDC also said that those who are vaccinated can visit freely with low-risk individuals, even if they are not also vaccinated.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/08/coronavirus-vaccine-guidance-cdc-colorado/ 

 

A shooting at Denver’s Civic Center Park Monday afternoon sent one man to the hospital and briefly locked down the state capitol. Legislators continued to discuss a bill that would mandate the safe storage of firearms through the lockdown, though House Speaker Daneya Esgar asked colleagues to stay away from the windows. 

https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/08/denver-civic-center-park-shooting-colorado-capitol/ 

 

National snowmobile sales are almost 20% higher this winter than last season. But Colorado’s below-average snow year has translated to a paltry 2% increase, similar to other low snow seasons. While early season snows led to waves of recreators in the fall, and spring storms are bringing renewed options across the high country, industry experts say Coloradans have often traveled out of the state to find fresh powder.

 

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, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up from the Colorado Sun. It’s Monday March 8th, 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 -- Reporter Jesse Paul joins us to discuss how state lawmakers are preparing for future wildfires after this past year’s devastating season.

 

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 8th, 1897 when Lafayette Head, a rancher from the San Luis Valley, passed away. Back when Colorado Territory was formed in 1861, Head's ranch became part of Colorado. In 1872, he was elected to the Colorado Territorial Legislature from Conejos.

 

And now, our feature story. 

 

Jesse Clip -- smooth out (fading?) transitions between plane sounds at start/end of his audio

 

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

 

Violence and destruction broke out near the University of Colorado Boulder on Saturday as officers responded to a party involving hundreds of people. Boulder police say three officers suffered minor injuries from being struck by bricks and rocks. The department brought in its SWAT team to help clear the flood of people in an area known as University Hill. Images shared by local media showed no social distancing and most without masks despite the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

The JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley shut down on Friday and Saturday so workers could be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Workers were paid for four hours of their time and got a $100 if they agreed to be inoculated against the virus that killed six of their coworkers last year. About 350 people per hour received the shots.

 

Indigenous students with historical ties to Colorado could soon get in-state tuition at public colleges under a proposal that recently cleared its first hurdle in the statehouse. Student advocates say the bill is part of a broader push on how Colorado schools need to address injustice against Indigenous people, and to ensure all Native American undergraduate and graduate students have the support they need to succeed, such as mental health and financial resources. Fort Lewis College already waives tuition for Native students.

 

Online retail sales jumped 34 percent last year nationwide and the results are showing up in Colorado state sales tax revenue reports. Coloradans shopping from home at “non-store retailers,” like Amazon, added up to $11.5 billion in gross sales in 2020. That’s a 91 percent increase over the previous year, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Sales taxes collected from out-of-state retailers hit $113.8 million in 2020, up 140 percent from 2019. 

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.

You’re listening to a special edition of The Daily Sun-Up, a podcast from The Colorado Sun. This week we’re featuring special coverage to mark the one-year anniversary of the first known coronavirus case in Colorado. This is Fear, Loss, Change: A Pandemic Year. I’m Lucy Haggard. 

And I’m Erica Breunlin. Today is Friday, March 5th, 2021.

People of all ages have struggled to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, and kids have been no exception. Adults have made decisions with kids’ best interests in mind, yet the youth are the ones who feel those effects most.

But the youngest among us are proving resilient and capable of coping through unprecedented times.

Let’s look at this a bit closer. What are some of the struggles that kids have uniquely faced this past year?

You spoke with a few kids for this story. What did they have to say about what it’s like being their age during the pandemic?

And what about their silver linings? What will these young people carry with them, even after the pandemic tapers off?

You’ve been listening to Fear, Loss, Change: A Pandemic Year. To read the stories that go with today’s podcast, go to coloradosun.com forward slash coronavirus dash one dash year.

This episode of the Daily Sun-Up was made by Erica Breunlin, and me, Lucy Haggard, with help from Pirate Audio. Our editor is Larry Ryckman. Special thanks to Gianni Carbonaro, Malcom Lovejoy and Carmen Rodriquez. 

If you like what we do at The Colorado Sun, consider contributing. Go to coloradosun.com forward slash membership. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.