The Colorado Sun ☀️

· 1mo ago

Boosted by @trending@homestead.social

Colorado just made it easier to get a COVID vaccine this year https://coloradosun.com/2026/09/05/covid-vaccine-fall-2026-without-prescription/

Colorado just made it easier to get a COVID vaccine this year

Colorado issued an order extending a statewide standing prescription for COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring pharmacists can dispense them.

· 2w ago

Iconic St. Mary’s Glacier has disappeared amid record-hot summer https://coloradosun.com/2026/09/18/st-marys-glacier-idaho-springs-melts-record-hot-summer/

Iconic St. Mary’s Glacier has disappeared for first time in over a century

Iconic St. Mary’s Glacier has disappeared for first time in over a century

Future snowfalls can replenish the perennial snowfield, but snow and ice are melting faster than they can be replaced

· 2mo ago

One Boulder couple’s response to climate change: Grow trees, lots of trees, and give them away https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/26/one-boulder-couples-response-to-climate-change-grow-lots-of-trees-and-give-them-away/

One Boulder couple's response to climate change: Grow trees, lots of trees, and give them away

As Colorado’s forests face unprecedented challenges, one garden is cultivating hope one seedling at a time

· 2mo ago

Aurora ICE detention center worker arrested in shooting of protestor https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/17/aurora-ice-detention-center-worker-arrested-in-connection-with-shooting-of-protesto/

· 2mo ago

Boosted by @MaryAustinBooks@mstdn.social

Gunnison County sheriff vows to end cooperation and communication with ICE https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/05/gunnison-county-sheriff-quits-ice/

Gunnison County sheriff vows to end cooperation and communication with ICE

Following protests, Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie promised to end cooperation with federal immigration officers but fears retaliation

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/31/colorado-river-breakdown-management-plan-federal-report/

· 2mo ago

So wait, what’s happening with the Colorado River? Here’s the breakdown.

Everything you need to know about the new federal report on the Colorado River's future

Everything you need to know about the new federal report on the Colorado River's future

Federal agencies released the first of several highly anticipated reports that will outline how the river will be managed for years to come.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/29/john-hickenlooper-hospital-pricing-transparency-act/

· 2mo ago

John Hickenlooper’s plan for universal healthcare? First make the prices transparent.

John Hickenlooper’s plan for universal healthcare? First make the prices transparent.

Hickenlooper’s Patients Deserve Price Tags Act passed out of committee last week with bipartisan support.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/28/federal-officials-upgrade-razorback-sucker-fish-to-threatened/

· 2mo ago

Colorado River native razorback sucker recovering nicely, federal and state officials say

Razorback sucker, native to the Colorado River, upgraded to "threatened" from "endangered"

Razorback sucker, native to the Colorado River, upgraded to "threatened" from "endangered"

Federal officials upgrade fish's status from endangered to threatened, as some advocates call the move premature.

· 2mo ago

Firefighters, biologists work together to rescue Uncompahgre cutthroat from charred forest

Firefighters, biologists work together to rescue Uncompahgre cutthroat from charred forest

A one-of-a-kind fish rescue removed 103 Uncompahgre cutthroat trout from Nate Creek in the middle of the Gold Mountain fire burn zone

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/29/sundance-boulder-2027-how-to-volunteer/

· 2mo ago

Sundance needs 2,000 volunteers to run its inaugural fest in Boulder. Could you be one?

Sundance needs 2,000 volunteers to run its inaugural fest in Boulder. Could you be one?

The festival will need more help than ever this year. Based on how competitive volunteer spots have been in the past, that should be no problem.

· 2mo ago

Colorado, known for its unpredictable electrical storms, is third-highest in the nation for lightning deaths. https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/23/lightning-safety-tips-colorado/

Here’s how to reduce your lightning risk if you’re in Colorado’s backcountry with no shelter nearby

Here’s how to reduce your lightning risk if you’re in Colorado’s backcountry with no shelter nearby

Colorado is third-highest in the nation for lightning deaths, according to data provided by the National Lightning Safety Council.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/30/dove-creek-water-bills-town-hall-shut-down/

· 2mo ago

Doubled water bills turn politics in Dove Creek, the Pinto Bean Capital of the World, up to high

Doubled water bills bring politics to a boil in the Pinto Bean Capital of the World

Doubled water bills bring politics to a boil in the Pinto Bean Capital of the World

Fight over the basic water and sewer cost led to council and staff resignations and now town hall is closed to the public

· 2mo ago

Are more than 80% of wildfires started by humans? https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/17/humans-cause-most-wildfires/

Are more than 80% of wildfires started by humans?

Yes. Humans cause roughly 84% of wildfires in the U.S., University of Colorado researchers found in an extensive review of wildfire data.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/29/fort-morgan-meatpackers-reach-tentative-agreement-with-cargill-to-end-70-day-lockout/

· 2mo ago

Fort Morgan meatpackers reach tentative agreement with Cargill to end 70-day lockout

Fort Morgan meatpackers reach tentative agreement with Cargill to end nearly 70-day lockout

Fort Morgan meatpackers reach tentative agreement with Cargill to end nearly 70-day lockout

The 1,700 beef processing employees haven’t been allowed to return to work since May 20, as negotiations on a new contract hit a wall

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/29/us-news-world-report-education-rankings-colorado-first/

· 2mo ago

Colorado ranked top state for education by publication, even as students lag in reading and math

Colorado ranked top state for education by publication, even as students lag in reading and math

U.S. News & World Report named Colorado No. 1 in education. Gov. Jared Polis celebrated the achievement and also called it “a low bar.”

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/29/colorado-things-to-do-state-fair-leaf-peeping-camping-rodeos-blucifer/

· 2mo ago

10 of our favorite uniquely Colorado things

10 of our favorite uniquely Colorado things

Colorado is home to something for just about everyone. Here are some of those things that put us in a Colorado state of mind.

· 2mo ago

Colorado River water managers “wait with bated breath” for federal management plan due this week https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/28/colorado-river-federal-management-plan-due-this-week/

Colorado River water managers "wait with bated breath" for federal management plan due this week

The report represents the culmination of three years of gridlocked negotiations over how to manage the river basin’s water supply.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/31/report-data-center-fees-special-trust-water-funding-colorado/

· 2mo ago

New report: Data center fees, special trust, sod grass tax on list of options for water funding in Colorado

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/30/heavy-rain-flooding-aspen-acres-gold-mountain-fire/

· 2mo ago

Heavy rain sparks dangerous flooding in Colorado wildfire burn scars

Heavy rain sparks dangerous flooding in Colorado wildfire burn scars

Emergency evacuations were ordered in Ouray County as mudslides closed Red Mountain Pass and floodwaters inundated parts of Pueblo County

· 2mo ago

West side of the Aspen Acres fire poses greatest challenge to get wildfire under control https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/11/west-side-of-the-aspen-acres-fire-poses-greatest-challenge-to-get-wildfire-under-control/

Aspen Acres fire could burn for a "long duration" and last into winter

Aspen Acres fire could burn for a "long duration" and last into winter

Growth in Aspen Acres and Willow fires make them two of the 10 largest wildfires ever recorded in Colorado

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/29/cargill-lockout-wheres-the-beef/

· 2mo ago

Cargill lockout: Where’s the beef?

Negotiations resume nearly 70 days after Cargill meatpackers were locked out over a new contract

Negotiations resume nearly 70 days after Cargill meatpackers were locked out over a new contract

Negotiations resumed this week, nearly 70 days after more than 1,700 Cargill employees were locked out of the plant without pay.

· 2mo ago

Teen boy killed, four others injured by lightning on Mount Blue Sky https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/27/teen-boy-killed-hikers-injured-lightning-mount-blue-sky/

Teen boy killed on Colorado 14er “tried to protect younger brother” when lightning struck

Teen boy killed on Colorado 14er “tried to protect younger brother” when lightning struck

A lightning strike on Mount Blue Sky killed 15-year-old Levi Strobel and injured his younger brother and three adults Sunday

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/31/victor-marx-selects-fellow-former-marine-as-running-mate-in-colorado-governors-race/

· 2mo ago

Victor Marx selects fellow former Marine as running mate in Colorado governor’s race

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/30/northeast-colorado-drone-weeds-wildlife-habitat-wild-turkeys/

· 2mo ago

Colorado gets a weed-killing drone for wild turkey habitat

A weed-killing drone is helping protect Colorado's wild turkey habitat

A weed-killing drone is helping protect Colorado's wild turkey habitat

Colorado will employ an herbicide-spraying drone controlled by GPS in northeastern State Wildlife Areas to pinpoint noxious weeds and make room for good habitat.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/30/whats-happening-colorado-150-statehood-colorado-day/

· 2mo ago

What to do in Colorado this week: Birthday pancakes in Denver for Colorado Day

What to do in Colorado this week: Birthday pancakes in Denver for Colorado Day

Plus: An annual brass band festival in Silverton, Colorado artisans at Civic Center Park and the Vail Dance Festival

· 2mo ago

A group of aspen trees can slow or even stop fires, study says. Colorado foresters agree. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/28/a-group-of-aspen-trees-can-slow-or-even-stop-fires-study-says-colorado-foresters-agree/

A group of aspen trees can slow or even stop fires, study says. Colorado foresters agree.

The research supports the state's efforts to diversify stands that have been devastated by pine beetle infestations and drought.

· 2mo ago

New fire starts up near Aspen Acres fire with weather conditions creating the possibility for more https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/24/wildfires-aspen-acres-gold-mountain-ferris-willow-fishhook-elk/

New fire starts up near Aspen Acres fire with weather conditions creating the possibility for more

Storms with lightning and high winds could spur new flames. The Aspen Acres fire remains the state’s largest wildfire.

· 2mo ago

Wildfires scorch Colorado as crews race to fortify containment lines https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/19/wildfires-scorch-colorado-aspen-acres-fire/

Wildfires scorch Colorado as crews race to fortify containment lines

Procession along I-70 scheduled Monday for pilot killed fighting Gold Mountain fire. On Sunday, firefighters worked across Colorado and prepped for monsoon weather.

· 2mo ago

Heat, wind expected to intensify Colorado wildfires as Aspen Acres nears 100,000 acres https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/13/aspen-acres-approaches-100000-acres-as-heat-wind-increase-fire-danger/

Heat, wind expected to intensify Colorado wildfires as Aspen Acres nears 100,000 acres

The Aspen Acres fire, in Pueblo and Custer counties, remains Colorado’s largest wildfire at 98,609 acres

· 2mo ago

First-ever federal rock climbing management plan for public lands thrills climbers, riles wilderness advocates https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/13/rock-climbing-parc-act-guidance/

First-ever federal rock climbing management plan for public lands thrills climbers, riles wilderness advocates

Rock climbing guidance for four federal land agencies abandons potential bans on anchors, thrilling climbers but irking wilderness advocates

· 2mo ago

What’s Working: Colorado homeowners insurance is among the most expensive in the US https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/11/colorado-homeowners-insurance-expensive/

What’s Working: Colorado homeowners insurance is among the most expensive in the US

The cost of replacing a home is higher, pushing up insurance prices. Property insurers are still making a profit.

· 3mo ago

What to do in Colorado this week: Get roped into a rodeo in Golden, Gunnison, Steamboat Springs and more https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/09/whats-happening-this-week-colorado-rodeos/

What to do in Colorado this week: Get roped into a rodeo in Golden, Gunnison, Steamboat Springs and more

Plus: The 40th Black Arts Festival, hot air balloons in Erie and a free film screening at the Colorado Mountain Club

· 3mo ago

Colorado domestic violence shelters struggle to stay open as federal crime victim funds dry up https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/07/domestic-violence-prevention-funding-shortfall/

Colorado domestic violence shelters struggle to stay open as federal crime victim funds dry up

Nonprofits across the state saw their funds drop by more than half at the same time domestic violence deaths are rising

· 2mo ago

Aspen Acres containment climbs to 48% as crews focus on protecting Colorado communities https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/17/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-acres-greenridge-fishhook-friday-update/

Aspen Acres containment climbs to 48% as crews focus on protecting Colorado communities

The state's largest currently burning wildfire remains active near the communities of Rye and San Isabel. Plus: Updates on Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow, Fishhook and Elk fires.

· 2mo ago

Shimon Blau qualifies for ballot as unaffiliated candidate in 1st Congressional District, will face Melat Kiros https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/24/shimon-blau-melat-kiros-unaffiliated-ballot-qualify/

Shimon Blau qualifies for ballot as unaffiliated candidate in 1st Congressional District, will face Melat Kiros

Blau, a first-time candidate, is Jewish and posted on social media that he decided to enter the race because he was alarmed about Kiros’ statements on Israel and refusal to call the Boulder firebombing last year of a Jewish community rally antisemitic

· 2mo ago

More wildfire evacuees return home as firefighters brace for another day of high fire danger https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/20/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-acres-hartmanhill-fishhook-monday-update/

More wildfire evacuees return home as firefighters brace for another day of high fire danger

Some residents in Custer County return as Aspen Acres reaches 61% containment. Plus: Updates on other major wildfires burning in Colorado.

· 3mo ago

Xcel rate hike may leave more people struggling to pay bills, even as the utility offers more aid to customers https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/07/xcel-utility-rates-increase-low-income-bill-support-plan/

Xcel rate hike may leave more people struggling to pay bills, even as the utility offers more aid to customers

As many as a third of Xcel’s 1.4M customers could qualify for help under plan the utility has pitched to state regulators

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/30/colorado-sees-record-year-for-tourism/

· 2mo ago

Colorado sees another record year for tourism, despite slowing growth in spending, visitation

Colorado sees another record year for tourism, despite slowing growth in spending and visitation

Colorado sees another record year for tourism, despite slowing growth in spending and visitation

Two years of slight growth are a warning call that Colorado’s $29.2 billion tourism economy is losing steam.

· 2mo ago

Yes, the “explosive diarrhea” parasite is in Colorado. No, it’s not a big deal. https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/11/colorado-cases-of-cyclosporiasis-what-to-know/

Yes, the “explosive diarrhea” parasite is in Colorado. No, it’s not a big deal.

Colorado has seen cases of cyclosporiasis, the disease caused by the "explosive diarrhea" parasite. But the cases aren't part of an outbreak.

· 2mo ago

Cargill workers in Fort Morgan reject tentative contract to end lockout https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/04/cargill-workers-in-fort-morgan-reject-tentative-contract-to-end-lockout/

Cargill workers in Fort Morgan reject tentative contract to end lockout

More than 1,700 meatpackers haven’t been to work since May 20 after negotiations for higher wages and benefits broke down.

· 2mo ago

Aspen Acres fire leaps over containment line as hot, dry conditions continue in southern Colorado https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/16/colorado-wildfires-aspen-acres-fire-acres-gold-mountainfishhook-thursday-update/

Aspen Acres fire leaps over containment line as hot, dry conditions continue in southern Colorado

The fire, the largest currently burning in the state, was estimated at 99,820 acres as of Thursday morning.

· 2mo ago

Firefighters in Beulah recount desperate battle against “monster” blaze fueled by 100 mph winds https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/10/beulah-firefighters-aspen-acres-fire/

Firefighters in Beulah recount desperate battle against “monster” blaze fueled by 100 mph winds

For Beulah’s volunteer fire department, the Aspen Acres fire was a nightmare scenario they had trained for.

· 2mo ago

Keep your aspen close and healthy in fire season, study says https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/28/aspen-trees-wildfire-mitigation-study-colorado-forests/

· 3mo ago

Aspen Acres fire grows to nearly 94,000 acres as forecasters eye chance of rain https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/07/colorado-wildfire-update-july-7/

Aspen Acres fire grows to nearly 94,000 acres as forecasters eye chance of rain

Monsoonal moisture could bring scattered showers to the fire Wednesday, but hot and windy conditions are expected to return by the weekend

· 2mo ago

New heat pump rebate aims to curb emissions in Colorado’s Front Range https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/16/colorado-heat-pump-rebate/

New heat pump rebate aims to curb emissions in Colorado's Front Range

The $1,500 rebate is available to homeowners and businesses in the 10-county Denver metro region who install a new heat pump.

https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/31/water-funding-fees-taxes-trust-fund-colorado/

· 2mo ago

Data center fees, special trust, sod tax could help raise $20B to protect water supply in Colorado

Data center fees, special trust, sod tax could help raise $20B to protect water supply in Colorado

Severance tax revenue from energy production is unreliable source to pay for infrastructure and access to water, new task force report finds

· 2mo ago

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps debuts construction trades program for Routt County high schoolers https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/14/rocky-mountain-youth-corps-construction-trades/

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps debuts construction trades program for Routt County high schoolers

As federal funds for trail work ebbs, a new program teaches house-building skills to corps students who typically work in public lands

· 2mo ago

Victor Marx dinged for campaign finance violations https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/24/victor-marx-dinged-for-campaign-finance-violations/

Victor Marx dinged for campaign finance violations

Colorado officials allege the campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx accepted $78,000 in excessive contributions during the primary.

· 2mo ago

Aurora police officer indicted in 2025 shooting that killed a 37-year-old Black man https://coloradosun.com/2026/08/03/aurora-police-officer-indicted-in-2025-shooting-that-killed-a-37-year-old-black-man/

Aurora police officer indicted on murder charge in 2025 shooting that killed a 37-year-old Black man

Aurora police officer indicted on murder charge in 2025 shooting that killed a 37-year-old Black man

Matthew Neely, 54, shot and killed Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, 37, Aug. 30 in Aurora. The case was referred to a grand jury earlier this year.

· 2mo ago

Greg Lopez qualifies for November ballot as unaffiliated candidate in Colorado’s gubernatorial race https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/28/greg-lopez-ballot-qualification-phil-weiser-victor-marx/