October 19th 2026
Proposition 134 on the Colorado November Ballot.
In our continuing series on ballot issues, today we take a look at Proposition 134, titled
"Male and Female participation in school and collegiate sports". Proposition 134 would
require that all elementary through collegiate school-based athletic teams and sports be
designated as male-only or female-only based on biological sex, unless the team or sport
is open to individuals of either sex. Proposition 134 would also require schools and
school districts to implement policies to ensure that students are assigned to gender-
designated teams that align with their biological sex and prohibit investigations of, or
penalties for, a school that designates a team or sport as female-only. Proponents say
females should be able to compete against other females. Allowing biological males to
participate on female teams creates an unfair advantage for the males and can prevent
female athletes from achieving wins, records, podium spots and scholarship
opportunities. Opponents say the proposition would turn athletic eligibility into a body
inspection and manufactures new grounds for discrimination. Opponents say it could
subject many athletes, not just those who are transgender, to uncomfortable physical
inspections. A "yes" vote would mean that all school-based athletic teams would have to
be designated as for biological males only, biological females only or mixed. A "no"
vote would allow schools and athletic associations to continue setting their own policies.
CDPHE announces first reported pediatric influenza-associated death this RV season.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has announced that the first
reported pediatric influenza-associated death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, is
an elementary-aged child from outside the Denver metro area. CDPHE said Friday that
there is no record that the child received the 2026-27 flu vaccine. No additional
information about the child was provided. The death comes as flu activity increases
across Colorado, with hospitals reporting more positive flu tests and flu-related
hospitalizations. Health officials urge parents to get their children vaccinated before flu
transmission increases further.
EPA announces completion of major Walsenburg cleanup.
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it has completed a major
cleanup of the former lamme hospital and an abandoned residence in Walsenburg that
was destroyed by fire in October of 2023. Cleanup began on September 17th and was
completed by October 10th. The EPA says it removed 1,520 cubic yards of asbestos-
contaminated material and contaminated debris from the site. The EPA says it used air
monitoring to ensure asbestos fibers did not migrate off-site and disposed of the
contaminated debris at a permitted landfill in Pueblo.
Raton home destroyed by fire last night.
A home in Raton was destroyed by fire last night. According to Raton fire, a call came in
regarding a house on Terrill Avenue just before 8pm yesterday. Upon arrival, fire
fighters found the front of the house at 337 Terrill Avenue fully engulfed in flames. Fire
fighters doused the flames, but the house is a total loss. The occupants of the home were
able to get out and were not injured. Fire fighters remained on scene last night. The
cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Las Animas County R&B announces County Road closure on Wednesday.
Las Animas County Road and Bridge has announced that County Road 40.2 will be
closed on Wednesday, October 21st, beginning at 9am. The road is scheduled to reopen at
about 4:30pm. The road will be closed from the railroad tracks near the intersection of
County Road 40.2 and County Road 61.5 at the train overpass for about one mile. Please
use an alternate route if you will be in the area at that time. For more information, call
Las Animas County Road and Bridge at 719-846-2931.
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.
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