What the DEA reclassifing marijuana means for Colorado cannabis

Cannabis advocates in Colorado cheered the Biden Administration’s reported move to reclassify marijuana and said the decision likely would reduce businesses’ tax burden significantly. Industry leaders cautioned that such a move — if finalized — would not resolve some major challenges facing the industry, such as limited access to banking. But they pointed to the … Read more

Colorado autism clinics struggle as state’s reimbursements fall short

For the first time in years, Jay Ortengren has seen his 16-year-old son, Ethan, reach milestone after milestone as he lives with a severe form of autism. Ortengren and his family uprooted their lives in search of the best treatment for Ethan after he was diagnosed as a young child. Finally, they seemed to find … Read more

Colorado GOP chair Dave Williams under fire from fellow Republicans

The Republican Party in Colorado is having a crisis of confidence, facing increasing calls from within for Chairman Dave Williams to step down following a raucous GOP assembly last weekend and, in the days that followed, bitter infighting in full view. Huerfano County Republican leadership in southern Colorado this week signed a letter demanding Williams … Read more

Denver’s Roads to Recovery initiative prioritizes treatment over jail

For Aly Garrett, the safe haven provided by Tribe Recovery Homes is a source of inspiration and, she hopes, salvation. The 34-year-old is on probation for charges related to fentanyl use. Her addiction started four years ago while she was in an abusive relationship and dealing with trauma that stemmed from her mother’s use of … Read more

There are 16 dog parks in Denver. That’s not enough for canine owers.

Every day, Andrea Cunningham drives Grover, her 3-year-old wirehaired pointing griffon, four miles roundtrip to Fuller Dog Park in northeast Denver — even though she lives just blocks from Cheesman Park. She makes the trek to avoid getting ticketed for an unleashed dog, but she hopes Denver will expand its offerings of dog-friendly outdoor spaces. … Read more

Aurora homeless campus sparks concerns for residents in metro Denver

A plan to convert a Crowne Plaza Hotel into a facility to temporarily house and serve individuals who are homeless has spurred concerns from residents of Aurora and Denver about safety in the area and the effectiveness of the center in addressing homelessness in the region. The Aurora City Council approved the purchase of the … Read more

Colorado assault weapons bill heads to House floor after committee vote

After a marathon committee hearing, Colorado Democrats’ bill to ban the sale of semi-automatic rifles and other so-called assault weapons cleared its first hurdle early Wednesday morning and now is poised to pass the full House. The measure, House Bill 1292, passed the House Judiciary Committee on a 7-3 party-line vote. The wide margin came … Read more

Kamala Harris touts progress in Denver, promises to fight on abortion

Vice President Kamala Harris told supporters in Denver on Tuesday that she would fight to ban “assault” weapons, raise the federal minimum wage and protect abortion rights if she and President Joe Biden win reelection in November. “In memory of Columbine, Aurora, Uvalde and Club Q, we continue — and we all continue — to … Read more

Denver, Boulder require new development to contribute to affordable housing

When Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic allies sought to overhaul land use rules in the state last year in hopes of spurring more housing development they faced immediate blowback from municipalities intent on protecting their local control. Seeking housing solutions From the mountains to the prairies, Colorado’s housing crisis is squeezing state residents in ways … Read more

Westminster’s housing crisis faces local opposition, state demands

Jodi Lovejoy can look out the window of her Westminster apartment and see the mountains of the Front Range. She can track the rolling clouds and watch the weather change over the peaks, something she used to do with her children. The neighborhood is quiet, dotted by mature trees. She doesn’t own the two bedrooms … Read more