KSPK NEWS
October 16th 2026
Lawsuit filed against CPW says bag limit reduction vote came with no prior notice.
A lawsuit, filed in Denver District Court on October 2nd, by safari club international and
sportsmen's alliance foundation, says that the Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission
gave no prior notice of its intent to significantly reduce bag limits below what it had
publicly proposed and the public had no opportunity to comment on the changes. The
dispute stems from the commission's July 16th vote, which narrowly approved a two-per-
day limit on mink, pine marten, badger, red fox, gray fox, swift fox, western spotted
skunk, striped skunk, beaver, muskrat, long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, bobcat,
opossum, ring-tailed cat, raccoon and coyote. CPW staff initially recommended at 15-
bag limit last march, but commissioners asked for fewer. The lawsuit says the 6-5 vote
was unlawful, noting that the state's administrative procedures act requires proper notice
and an opportunity for meaningful public comment.
Proposition 133 on the Colorado November Ballot.
In our continuing series, today we look at Proposition 133, titled "penalties for human
trafficking of a minor". Proposition 133 would mandate a sentence of life in prison
without parole for child sex trafficking convictions, and would expand child sex
trafficking to include buying sexual activity with a minor. Proponents say child sex
trafficking causes serious and long-lasting harm to victims. Someone who commits this
terrible crime deserves a life sentence instead of a shorter prison term or probation.
proponents say with this change, victims will have no doubt that child sex trafficking
offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Opponents say harsher sentences
are unlikely to deter human trafficking, but may instead result in punishing victims, and,
that due to the fear of a life sentence, victims may be less likely to report these crimes or
cooperate with police, especially if they are pressured or forced to commit crimes for the
trafficker. A "yes" vote increases the penalty for child sex trafficking to life in prison
without parole. A "no" vote keeps the existing felony criminal penalties in place.
Aspen Acres Fire ignition findings strengthen lawsuit against SIEA.
While several lawsuits had already been filed against San Isabel Electric Association
alleging that the company was responsible for the aspen acres fire, now that investigators
have confirmed that electrical lines were the cause of the fire, and, while investigators did
not establish liability, the findings strengthen lawsuits already filed. In the most recent,
and largest, lawsuit against San Isabel, with 44 plaintiffs, filed on October 7th, alleges that
the plaintiffs suffered damages "including but not limited to property damage, loss of
natural resources, evacuation expenses, economic damages such as losses of income and
business activity... damage to the soil, loss of water storage, loss of aesthetic value", and
more. The lawsuit says "because of SIEA's corporate policy of putting profits over
public safety, plaintiffs and others like them have had their homes, businesses, ranches
and farms damaged or destroyed..." The lawsuit alleges that, in the days before the fire,
residents in the ignition area reported smaller power line-related fires. The lawsuit argues
that SIEA "had or should have had notice of a dangerous condition of the power lines
and/or equipment in the area where the fire occurred". San Isabel Electric has refused to
comment citing the ongoing litigation.
CDPHE confirmes new measles case in Jefferson County.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed a case of
measles in a Jefferson County resident, and are notifying the public of areas for potential
measles exposures. The confirmed case involved an adult with unknown vaccination
status. The individual was likely exposed during travel, not in Colorado. Known
exposure locations include Denver International Airport and Carenow Urgent Care in
Arvada. If you experience symptoms, call your healthcare provider before you visit in
person.
October 15th 2026
First CO deepfake campaign finance complaint headed for hearing.
The first campaign finance complaint in Colorado on the use of a "deepfake" is headed
for a hearing with Colorado's election office. Senator Cathy Kipp, a Democrat from Fort
Collins, complained in August about a "deepfake" video that targets her over her support
for a legislative referral asking voters to allow the state government to keep and spend
some or all of the revenue that would otherwise be refunded to taxpayers under the
Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, or Tabor. The video, which has shown up on social media,
came from the independence institute, according to Kipp. The video, according to the
complaint, "depicts an AI-generated version of (Kipp) working as a cashier in a grocery
store and refusing to give change to a customer. The video then shows Kipp putting the
customer's change into her pocket, saying the money should go to education. The
independence institute says the video is satire and is exempt from a 2024 law regulating
deepfakes.
Proposition 132 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at Proposition 132, titled "increase penalties for fentanyl crimes.
Proposition 132 would increase penalties for possession and distribution, including the
selling, transfer or sharing, of any amount of certain synthetic opioids, commonly known
as fentanyl, and would eliminate the possibility of reduced penalties for certain
possession and distribution offenses. Proponents say that fentanyl is highly potent and
deadly, and it warrants stronger penalties than other drugs. They say the measure targets
drug traffickers with harsher sentences and disrupts the distribution of fentanyl, including
when it is mixed into other substances. Opponents say Proposition 132 is unlikely to
reduce fentanyl use, lower crime rates, or prevent overdose deaths, and that individuals
may be discouraged from seeking addiction treatment, or calling for emergency
assistance during overdoses, due to fear of criminal prosecution and prison time. A "yes"
vote makes possession of any amount of fentanyl a felony,requires a mandatory
minimum 8-year prison sentence for distribution, and eliminates options to reduce
penalties. A "no" vote keeps minor possession charges of fentanyl a misdemeanor and
maintains tiered felony penalties for fentanyl distribution based on drug quantity.
Pueblo West MP alerting residents to two wastewater incidents.
The Pueblo West Metropolitan District is alerting residents to two wastewater discharge
incidents that took place on Tuesday, October 13th. The incidents reportedly happened
during planned infrastructure upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility. The first
incident involved around 54,000 gallons of treated wastewater. The second around
185,000 gallons of partially-treated wastewater. Both were released into pest house gulch
and wild horse creek. PWMD says drinking water in Pueblo West remains safe and
unaffected, and the incidents did not involve drinking water treatment facilities.
City of Monte Vista reminding motorists to watch for pedestrians near Marsh ES.
The City of Monte Vista is reminding motorists to watch for pedestrians near Marsh
Elementary School. The city called attention to the flashing beacon on U.S. 160 near
Marsh Elementary and The Montez Skate Park. Drivers are reportedly passing through
the crossing while its warning lights are flashing. The city is urging motorists to slow
down and watch for people entering the roadway, and don't ignore a flashing beacon.
CDPHE urging Coloradans to vaccinated against the Flu.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is urging Coloradans to get
vaccinated against flu now instead of waiting a few more weeks. The early rise in cases
this year comes after the state saw a record-breaking flu season last year. As of last
week, Colorado had 46 hospitalizations for the flu, which is almost a month earlier than
previous years. Officials say the best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated.
October 14th 2026
Federal Appeals court cleared way for multiple deportations yesterday.
The Denver-based federal appeals court yesterday cleared the way for three people to be
deported and declined to consider their appeal after Fedex failed to deliver their
paperwork to the court in time. An immigration judge in Denver denied the asylum and
torture claims of three females in April of 2024. A member of the board of immigration
appeals upheld the decision in October of 2024. Federal law requires petitioners to file
petitions for review with The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th circuit within 30 days.
The petitioners mailed their petition fewer than 10 days after the board of immigration
appeals' order. Delivery was scheduled for the following day, however, Fedex never
delivered the paperwork. Appointed attorneys for the petitioners argued that the court
should excuse the delay under the circumstances. A three-judge 10th circuit panel
disagreed. The panel dismissed the appeal and permitted the petitioners' deportation.
Proposition NN on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at Proposition NN, titled "keep and spend money for education and
other purposes". Proposition NN would allow the state to keep some or all of the revenue
that the state's constitutional revenue, or Tabor, limit, would otherwise require to be
refunded to taxpayers, up to the amount the state spends on public education, then spend
the retained revenue to increase funding for K-12 education and programs that support
children, and any other purposes to be determined by the state legislature. Proponents
say Proposition NN will raise teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and improve career and
technical education, by redirecting money the state already collects to Colorado's kids
and classrooms. Proponents say that permanent relief from the Tabor limit is long
overdue. Opponents say Proposition NN is essentially a tax increase, permanently
eliminating or reducing Tabor refunds, and for households already stretched thin, losing
Tabor refunds is a significant financial hit. Opponents say Proposition NN eventually
hands the state over $5 billion per year at the expense of Colorado families and while
funding has increased for Colorado schools by 25% over the past 5 years, enrollment
continues to decline. A "yes" vote allows the state to keep some or all of the revenue that
would otherwise be refunded to taxpayers under Tabor. The retained revenue would be
spent on K-12 education, on programs supporting children and on any other purpose. A
"no" vote would maintain current Tabor spending limits and tabor refunds. My
commentary? Proposition NN is one of three ballot issues this year that seeks to severely
limit or destroy Tabor spending caps and tabor refunds, and using children and school
funding to make it sound like it would be for a good cause. The same tactic was used
when marijuana was legalized, and just where has the money gone that was supposed to
go to schools? Who knows? Don't be fooled. This is a way to get rid of Tabor clothed
in helping schools and children. The Colorado Constitution already requires the
legislature to fully fund education as mandated by Amendment 23, however, the
legislature consistently fails to meet what is their legal obligation.
Costilla County suspect convicted in felony menacing case.
Alonzo Lobato Jr. was convicted of felony menacing with a deadly weapon and
obstructing a police officer by a Costilla County Jury on Thursday, October 8th. The
charges against Lobato stemmed from a June 4th, 2025, incident in Chama, where
Colorado State Patrol Trooper Juan Dorado responded to a reported family disturbance at
the Lobato home. Prosecutors said Lobato pulled an assault riffle from a bag positioned
in front of a vehicle and raised it toward dorado when the trooper tried to detain him.
Lobato also yelled that he was not going to jail, according to prosecutors. 12th Judicial
District Attorney Anne Kelly said "Mr. Lobato's actions placed Trooper Dorado in an
impossible situation". "For that, he earned a felony conviction".
October 13th 2026
CDFPC released cause of the Aspen Acres Fire yesterday.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control released the report on the cause of
The Aspen Acres fire yesterday. According to the report, the fire began about 200 feet
west of Colorado Highway 165 at Mile Marker 17, southwest of the intersection of
Colorado 165 and Custer Drive. The report concludes that the fire was caused by an
aspen tree falling onto an energized San Isabel Electric power line. The tree was blown
over by high winds and fell on the power line, causing heat and sparks which ignited the
fire. The start was also witnessed by a local resident at 5:45am on June 29th, with the fire
immediately being spread westward up the hill and towards the south. The fire burned
102,007 acres, destroying about 850 structures in Pueblo and Custer Counties, about 250
of those being homes. Federal standards mandate that electric companies like San Isabel
Electric keep the area around transmission lines clear of brush and trees that might fall on
the lines and cause problems, like power outages and fires.
Amendment 87 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at Amendment 87, titled "graduated income tax". Amendment 87
would remove the constitutional requirement that the state income tax be set at a single
flat rate, and instead, replaces that flat income tax with a graduated state income tax that
sets lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes. Amendment 87
also exempts any additional revenue collected under the measure from the state's
constitutional revenue, or Tabor, limit. Proponents say Amendment 87 cuts taxes for
97% of taxpayers, including most households and small businesses, while increasing
taxes only for top earners who have the ability to pay. They say a graduated income tax
is more equitable than a flat tax. Opponents say the measure is a multi-billion-dollar tax
increase, hiking taxes on higher incomes and will hurt Colorado's economy, and is an
attack on the fair and predictable tax system that tabor currently guarantees. A "yes" vote
creates the new graduated state income tax and raises the state's Tabor spending limit. A
"no" vote keeps the current flat state income tax. My commentary on this one... Be
careful - even Governor Jared Polis has come out against this one. Lowering taxes on
97% of Coloradans sounds good, but raising the Tabor limit is actually a tax increase on
all Coloradans. This measure would almost double taxation on anyone or businesses
making $500,000 or more per year. That's almost a 100% tax increase, making only 3%
of Coloradans carry the majority of the tax load.
New Cielo Vista Ranch report commissioned by Gov Polis released.
A new report commissioned by Governor Jared Polis says that Colorado should acquire
10,000 acres of The Cielo Vista Ranch near San Luis from Owner William Harrison, for
expanded use by the land grant heirs who have historic access to use the ranch. The
10,000-acre piece of land suggested is a mix of prairie and grassland, lower alpine and
sage, ideal for all kinds of activities, including recreation. The purchase of the land also
fits into the state's greater goal of land conservation in Costilla and Conejos counties. A
community engagement plan would also grant recreational access to lands "beyond the
10,000 acres".
Accident closed US 160 near CO 12 last night.
U.S. 160 was closed last night due to a crash that took place 10 miles west of Walsenburg
between County Road 410 and Colorado 12, at Mile Marker 294. At least one of the
vehicles caught fire following the crash. Traffic was completely blocked for some time,
but alternating traffic was allowed around the crash site beginning around 11pm last
night. No further information about the crash was made available.
October 12th 2026
US DOJ sued City of Denver over mask ban Thursday.
The U.S. Department of Justice sued the City of Denver on Thursday over what the
federal government says in an "unconstitutional" mask ban that targets federal agents and
other law enforcement officers. The city ordinance bans federal immigration and other
law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while working in Denver and
requires them to clearly identify themselves with a visible I.D. When operating within
city limits. Federal agents who do not comply can be cited with a $999 fine by Denver
police and face up to 300 days in jail. The lawsuit argues that complying with the new
law "would endanger officers and reduce operational effectiveness by, among other
things, subjecting them to doxxing, harassment and threats to their physical safety." The
lawsuit claims the families of two federal agents in the Denver metro area and Durango
have already been doxxed and harassed after their images were posted online.
Amendment 86 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we look at Amendment 86, titled "requirements for off-cycle congressional
redistricting". The amendment would require the colorado independent congressional
redistricting commission and state supreme court to review and approve any proposed
changes to congressional districts outside of a scheduled redistricting year, and would
prohibit off-cycle changes to congressional district favoring a political party or
unnecessarily dividing communities. Proponents say the amendment protects public
participation in any off-cycle changes and ensures that changes are reviewed through a
fair and transparent process. Opponents say if voters want to enact new congressional
districts in an off-cycle redistricting year, they will not be allowed to. A "yes" vote
would require the Colorado independent congressional redistricting commission to
approve any new districts proposed outside of a scheduled redistricting year. A "no" vote
continues current requirements.
CSP asking for public's help following crash Friday.
The Colorado State Patrol is asking for the public's help following a possible crash on
Friday. CSP says a trooper was patrolling the area of Highway 94 north of Schriever
Space Force Base Friday around 8:30pm when the trooper noticed a man walking in the
road with serious injuries. Troopers are trying to determine what lead to the man's
injuries and are asking anyone who was in the area between 8 and 8:30pm Friday night to
give them a call. CSP says the incident likely occurred on or around westbound Colorado
94 between mile markers 8 and 9. If you have any information about what happened,
you’re asked to call 719-544-2424.
Pueblo County SD70 BOE reopens new member search.
Following a 3-1 vote on October 6th to abandon an appeal of the ruling that the board had
violated the state's open meetings law twice in 8 months, The Pueblo County School
District 70 board of education has reopened the search for a fifth board member. Re-
interviews of lawsuit plaintiffs Jonathan Lewis, Tara Stroesenreuther and Adolph Vigil
will take place. Susie Carnes, whose appointment was invalidated, will also be re-
interviewed. The interviews are scheduled to take place at the next regular board
meeting, which will take place on October 20th.
Pursuit causes crash in Custer County Friday.
An impaired driver crashed in Custer County during a pursuit on Friday. According to
The Colorado State Patrol, troopers began pursuing a suspected impaired, reckless driver
on Friday Afternoon. The driver entered Custer County on Colorado 96. Spike strips
were set up to prevent the truck from entering Silver Cliff, however, the truck crashed
instead near Mile Marker 18. The truck was destroyed in the crash. After a brief
standoff, the driver was taken into custody.
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