Trashing “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak

As most Coloradans know, the lyrics to “America the Beautiful” were inspired by a trek to the summit of Pikes Peak via prairie wagon in 1893. But when Katharine Lee Bates penned a poem called “Pikes Peak,” which became an American anthem after it was set to music in 1910, she could scarcely have imagined … Read more

East Colfax communities in Denver and Aurora seek help staying in area

Photographs line the walls, plants sit on windowsills and a Buddhist altar is arranged atop a dresser. Nearly every surface of the living room is covered by an item or memento collected by Thin Soe, Ye Ye Thin and their five children over the years in their three-bedroom apartment in Denver’s East Colfax neighborhood. Since … Read more

Colorado bill would require debt collectors to disclose who debtor owes

A bill in the Colorado legislature, filed in response to reports that patients were confused when a company they’d never heard of sued them over medical debts, would limit how collection agencies can pursue payment. HB-1380, which passed the state House on Wednesday, would require debt collectors operating in the state to disclose who initially … Read more

Denver City Council members back worker unionization ballot measure

Denver voters this fall may be asked to decide whether park rangers, human services caseworkers, city planners and a wide swath of other municipal employees should have the right to unionize and negotiate labor contracts with the city. The move, long sought by labor interests in Denver, has gained steam with backing from four City … Read more

Police use of “prone restraint,” supervised drug sites

Colorado House passes bill allowing supervised drug-use sites, but it still faces roadblocks A bill to allow supervised drug-use sites to open in willing Colorado cities cleared the state House for the second time in two years on Friday, but it faces a significant uphill battle in the face of opposition in the Senate and … Read more

FAFSA submissions plunge 27% in Colorado amid financial aid mess

Nearly 27% fewer aspiring Colorado college students have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid this year compared to 2023 amid a federal financial aid fiasco. That drop has state higher education leaders worried the ongoing delays and confusion surrounding the revamped financial aid application — known as FAFSA — will deter students from … Read more

Bakery Four starting Italian dinner concept

When Shawn Bergin can find the time, his favorite thing to do in his Tennyson Street bakery is to toy with savory creations, whether for staff meals or weekly specialties. This week, for example, Bakery Four is offering al pastor rolls, pasta and sandwiches as lunch specials. “We just don’t do anything at the bakery … Read more

Budget week part 2, tax credits, prone-restraint bills in Colorado legislature

Colorado legislators will work through Budget Madness Part 2 this week, as the state’s spending plan for next year is set to pass the House on Monday before crossing over and restarting the process in the Senate. The House worked all day and into the night Thursday (before taking Good Friday off) to give initial … Read more

Gun-free zones, more money for higher education and renter protections this week in the Colorado legislature

Transgender and nonbinary people would be better protected from harassment in Colorado under new bill Transgender and nonbinary people would receive more explicit protections in Colorado’s anti-bias and harassment law if a newly introduced bill becomes law. Advocates characterize the bill as a simple legislative fix to ensure gender identity and expression are protected across … Read more

Colorado lawmakers aim to protect gender identity in hate crimes law

Transgender and nonbinary people would receive more explicit protections in Colorado’s anti-bias and harassment law if a newly introduced bill becomes law. Advocates characterize the bill as a simple legislative fix to ensure gender identity and expression are protected across state law, while also sending a message about Colorado’s values. “(The bill) ensures nonbinary and … Read more