KSPK NEWS
May 5th 2026
Bill introduced in state senate to amend 2024 AI law.
SB26-189, a revised proposal to amend the 2024 artificial-intelligence law, was
introduced in the senate late last week. The bill, which will have its first hearing this
afternoon before The Senate business, labor and technology committee, largely mirrors a
draft bill written by a governor-appointed task force. When the draft proposal was
released in March, Governor Jared Polis said the law would ensure that residents are
aware when ai or an automated decision-making system is used that impacts decisions
that affect their lives. Polis said that Coloradans will receive an up-front notice when ai
is being used, and if the decision is adverse, then they will have access to more
information about the decision, an opportunity to correct wrong information and request
that a human review the decision. With only 9 days left in this year's session, lawmakers
will have to move quickly if there is any chance that the bill will be passed this session.
Multiple Coloradans were expected to lose snap benefits last Friday.
About 9,000 Coloradans were expected to lose their supplemental nutrition assistance (or
snap) program benefits last Friday. The one big beautiful bill, or HR1, signed into law
last July, striped benefits from refugees, asylum seekers and other non-citizens. Those
restrictions took effect friday. According to the center on budget and policy priorities,
snap participation nationwide has fallen by 3 million people after HR1 was signed into
law – mostly due to stricter work requirements. The Colorado fiscal institute says that
changes to snap have placed a greater financial burden on states to cover a larger share of
administrative costs and benefits, costing Colorado $180 million more every year.
Poitrey Canyon Fire in Las Animas County 100% contained.
The Poitrey Canyon Fire, burning northwest of Kim in Las Animas County, is now 100%
contained as of yesterday, according to The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and
Control. According to firefighters, a multi-mission aircraft was able to guide firefighters
to heat sources along control lines, and crews are now patrolling the perimeter of the fire
to mop up hot spots and to ensure that control lines are contained. The division was
working with Las Animas County yesterday to transfer command back to the county.
While most resources will be released, at least one engine from the division will remain
on scene to monitor conditions. With more rain and moisture expected in the area, crews
are confident that the control line will hold.
South I-25 closed at CO16 yesterday due to police activity.
The Southbound lanes of Interstate 25 were closed just before noon yesterday between
Colorado 16/Mesa Ridge Parkway and US 85 in Fountain, at mile marker 131.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, police activity was the cause
for the closure, and drivers were delayed an estimated 20 minutes. CDOT says that one
lane of traffic was reopened about noon, however the right lane remained closed due to
the police activity. Both lanes were fully reopened around 12:30pm. No information was
available as to what police activity was taking place that caused the closure.
CPW announced yesterday that Lake Dorothey State wildlife area has reopened.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced yesterday that The Lake Dorothey State Wildlife
area has reopened following the containment of The Schwachheim Fire. The fire, which
began on April 12th, is now 100% contained, burned about 1,580 acres inside the wildlife
area. CPW says planned restoration at the wildlife area includes reseeding firebreaks,
repairing parking areas, addressing potential erosion concerns to protect watershed
health, and to support long-term recovery. CPW also says it is contacting turkey hunters
who were impacted by the wildlife area closure.
May 4th 2026
Labor organization bill head to Gov Polis' desk.
HB26-1005, a bill that would make it easier for labor organizations to impose fees on all
workers, regardless of union membership, is headed to Governor Jared Polis' desk, where
he has indicated that he will veto it. The Governor vetoed the same legislation last year,
and says he will veto it again, unless business representative and labor organizations
reach an agreement. Currently, Colorado law requires a second election to permit the
establishment of a union "security agreement" in a unionized workplace. Under such an
agreement, all workers will pay union dues, whether or not they are union members.
That election requires a higher threshold of 75% to pass. HB1005 would repeal that
second election requirement. Opponents argue that the measure would make Colorado a
less attractive state for businesses. Business organizations say the framing of the
legislation is misleading.
CO AG Weiser announces purdue pharma settlement.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser on Friday announced that a settlement reached
with purdue pharma had become legally effective. Weiser said that the announcement
capped off almost a decade of work. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and a supreme
court decision in 2024 invalidated provisions in a prior settlement. The $7.4 billion
settlement announced Friday includes funding for communities nationwide, as well as
money for individual victims and groups who filed claims during Purdue's bankruptcy.
Colorado will receive $75.6 million of the settlement. The settlement includes
independent monitoring of opioid medication. Purdue will also make public more than
30 million documents related to their opioid business.
Weston man arrested by CSP Saturday.
A Weston man is facing charges after The Colorado State Patrol says that he was spotted
drinking a beer while behind the wheel on Interstate 25 in the Walsenburg area around
1pm on Saturday. According to CSP, a gray ford transit connect van with a possible
intoxicated driver was speeding and "actively drinking a beer" on Northbound I-25 near
Walsenburg. Troopers caught up to the van just south of Pueblo, about 40 miles north of
where he had first been spotted. When contacted, the man was uncooperative and sped
away from the trooper, traveling another 8 miles before a second trooper stopped him,
successfully conducting a tactical vehicle intervention. The suspect, a 32-year-old man
from Weston, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, felony eluding
and assault on a peace officer, among other charges.
CPW announces implementation of out of state parks pass.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced on Friday that it has implemented an out-of-state
vehicle license plate daily parks pass. CPW says that the parks and wildlife commission
recently approved a park pass for vehicles with out-of-state license plates for $15 per day.
The fee went into effect on Friday. Vehicles with Colorado license plates can still
purchase the annual keep colorado wild pass with their vehicle registration for $29 per
year, or purchase a daily park pass for $10 per day.
Gleneagle resident shared video of bear in yard with CPW.
A resident of Gleneagle shared a video with colorado parks and wildlife showing a bear
easily accessing a bird feeder in their yard. CPW says that bird feeders can provide bears
with up to 8,000 calories in a single visit, and while the food may make them sick, bears
often return because it is an easy food source. With bears becoming active in Colorado,
CPW wants to remind residents to take precautions by removing bird feeders, securing
trash and by bringing pet food indoors to help prevent bear encounters.
May 1st 2026
CO Gov Polis signed expanded safe haven law yesterday.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed HB26-1024, a bill that expands Colorado's
safe haven law, giving parents up to 30 days after a newborn's birth to legally surrender
the child. The previous deadline was 72 hours. The original law was created in 2000 and
makes fire stations and hospitals among the places where a child can be surrendered
safely and legally under the law. Under the safe haven law, the birth mother's
information is redacted, so it is completely anonymous, giving the birth mother the
opportunity to surrender a baby safely, anonymously. State data shows that the safe
haven law was used 8 times in Colorado last year, with eight newborns surrendered. The
new, expanded safe haven law will take effect in August.
CO State House passed tamale act yesterday.
The Colorado State House yesterday passed HB26-1033, otherwise known as the tamale
act, by a vote of 46 to 17. The bill says that homemade food sellers must complete a food
safety course in order to keep Coloradans safe. The course includes proper food
handling, as well as time and temperature control. Food sellers will be required to have
proof of course completion, which can be done in person or online. Food sellers will also
not be allowed to transport the food more than once, or transport it longer than two hours.
The bill also removes the $10,000 cap on net revenues for homemade food, and does not
apply to the sale of certain food products. The bill now moves on to the Colorado State
Senate for consideration there.
Oklahoma murder suspect arrested in Alamosa Tuesday.
Charles Shamblin, 35, of Oklahoma, was arrested in Alamosa Tuesday on a first-degree
murder charge. Shamblin was one of three men charged in connection with the murder of
Matthew Fagan, 23, who disappeared while hiking near lake tenkiller in Oklahoma.
Shamblin and his co-defendant Tyler Leverett maintained that the third man, Michael
Snelling, committed the murder and threatened them into helping him hide the body.
Shamblin was released in 2017 due to a lack of evidence. Fagan's body was not located
until November of 2024, and was not positively identified until December of 2025. That
new evidence led to a new warrant issued on April 28th. The U.S. Marshals Service
Colorado violent offender task force from The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office and
Alamosa Police made the arrest at an apartment complex near West 10th and US 285 in
Alamosa. Shamblin was booked into The Alamosa County Detention Center.
Tesla looking to install supercharger station in Walsenburg.
Tesla is looking to install a tesla supercharger station in downtown Walsenburg. Tesla is
looking at using the parking lot adjacent to heritage park for the eight-station facility.
The charging station will be capable of charging tesla and non-tesla vehicles. Tesla is
seeking a 10-year deal with a renewal term every five years and at least 18 months notice
to terminate the agreement. Once the charging station is open to the public, Tesla
proposes paying the city $1,650 per month rent, with the rent increasing by 3% each year.
Given approval, development generally takes 16 to 18 months.
CDOT and ACG pause US160 and US 285 access control plan.
The Colorado Department of Transportation and Alamosa City Government have paused
the adoption of a US160 and US285 access control plan to give themselves more time to
hear from highway business owners. Local business owners have been critical of the
plan, saying that the changes will cause economic harm to their businesses. Property
owners and community members are invited to schedule a 30-minute one-on-one meeting
with the project team to discuss their concerns of the plan as it relates to the City of
Alamosa. To schedule your meeting, email planning@alamosa.gov or call 719-589-6631.
April 30th 2026
CO Gov Polis signed bill to prohibited animal sales yesterday.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB26-1011 into law prohibiting pet
stores from selling dogs and cats. Eight states and 26 Colorado towns have banned pet
stores from selling animals, such as dogs, cats and rabbits, in an effort to stop
overbreeding in terrible conditions in the puppy mill industry. The bill does still allow
pet stores to house pets available for adoption through local shelters. Opponents of the
measure argue that it targets small businesses rather than the real culprits, namely puppy
mills. Polis said yesterday that "Colorado's furry four-legged friends deserve loving
homes". He said he was "grateful to the sponsors of this bill for standing up for these
animals, helping them find a forever home in our Colorado for all".
Suspect in UCCS Professor killing missed sentencing hearing yesterday.
Caesar Lorenzo Wilson, who was found guilty of stabbing and killing 54-year-old UCCS
Professor Haleh Abghari, did not show up in court for his sentencing yesterday. Wilson
was convicted of killing the UCCS visual and performing arts department professor on
August 7th, 2024, when police found Abghari stabbed to death in her home along Caddy
Point. Wilson was arrested and charged with her death seven months after the stabbing.
Yesterday, Wilson refused to be transferred from jail saying he was not feeling well.
Yesterday wasn't the first time Wilson refused to go to court. The judge issued a "by any
means necessary" warrant for Wilson yesterday to ensure that he will appear at the next
sentencing hearing, which is expected to be rescheduled for May 6th.
No growth reported on Las Animas County Poitrey fire in last 24 hours.
As of yesterday, The Poitrey Fire burning in Las Animas County northwest of Kim had
remained at 2,113 acres, with no growth in 24 hours. The fire is now 45% contained.
Firefighters said that weather conditions are improving in the area and crews are hopeful
for getting rain with 1-1.5 inches expected in the area. There are currently 121 personnel
working to fight the fire, as of yesterday. Following a disaster declaration from Governor
Jared Polis, The Colorado Division of Fire Protection and control assumed control of the
fire on Sunday. Single-engine air tankers, large air tankers and helicopters have been
assisting fire crews in fighting the fire.
Trinidad's Perry Stokes Airport playing vital roll in firefighting support.
With two wildfires taking place in Las Animas County over the past number of weeks,
Trinidad's Perry Stokes Airport has become an important base of operations for aerial
firefighting teams responding to the fires. Aerial firefighting teams have relied on
airports like perry stokes to move equipment, coordinate missions and support aircraft
used in fire suppression and emergency response. For Trinidad and the surrounding
region, Perry Stokes Airport's role in the wildfire response demonstrates how local
airports can quickly become vital command and support centers when communities face
urgent threats.
Last day to file for CO low income energy assistance is Today.
Today is the last day to apply for funding from Colorado's low-income energy assistance
program, or leap, to cover a portion of winter home heating costs. Almost 120,000
Coloradans have applied for support from the federally-funded program this season with
an average benefit of about $300. To qualify, you must have an income of up to 60% of
the state median income. You can receive assistance once per season. For more
information or to apply, go to cdhs.colorado.gov/leap.
April 29th 2026
U.S. District Court denies CO GOP emergency injunction request.
U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer yesterday denied The Colorado Republican
Party's request for an emergency injunction that would bar unaffiliated voters from
participating in Colorado's upcoming Republican primary election. Brimmer said that
preventing unaffiliated voters from receiving Republican primary ballots just weeks
before ballots for the June 30th primary are scheduled to go out in the mail would lead to
voter confusion, violating a longstanding federal court doctrine that cautions against
changing election rules "on the eve of an election". Attorneys for the State GOP asked
the court on April 20th to prevent the party's primary ballots from going to unaffiliated
voters, based on a March 31st ruling that found a portion of the voter-approved law that
establishes Colorado's semi-open primary system unconstitutionally infringes on the
party’s freedom of association under the first amendment.
4th US Rep Boebert introduces "Trump ballroom act".
4th Congressional District U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert yesterday introduced the
"trump ballroom act" that would congressionally authorize President Donald Trump to
design and construct his long-desired ballroom facility as an addition to the white house.
The president has said that the incident at the white house correspondents' dinner last
weekend could not have taken place in the new ballroom because it would be more
secure. Boebert agrees. Work on the new ballroom has been stalled because of legal
challenges, which Boebert says were allowed by a "liberal activist judge". Boebert says
her bill aims to cut through legal roadblocks so that construction can move forward.
SLV County Commissioners discussed possible DA term limit elimination Monday.
San Luis Valley County Commissioners on Monday discussed the merits of bringing a
November 2026 ballot questions to San Luis Valley voters in an effort to eliminate the
existing term limit for the 12th Judicial District Attorney's office and instead allowing the
DA to serve unlimited terms. Currently, The DA can serve two consecutive four-year
terms. Each of the 6 counties in the valley would have to approve a question on their
respective county ballots to give voters an opportunity to make the change. Of the 22
judicial districts in Colorado, only one, Pueblo's 10th Judicial District, has eliminated
term limits for the DA's office.
Pueblo County D70 schools announces new Moody's ratings.
Pueblo County School District 70 has announced that Moody's ratings has upgraded the
school's issuer rating and general obligation bond ratings, noting years of surplus
operations and strong financial management that has bolstered the district's reserves.
The rating was raised from A1 to A2, and the general obligation unlimited tax bond
rating was increased to A3 from A1, marking a significant improvement for the district.
District 70 serves about 8,846 students across nearly 80% of Pueblo County's land area,
excluding the City of Pueblo and the far eastern portion of the county.
CDOT announces construction to improve exit ramp in Trinidad.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that it will begin construction
on a project to improve safety at Interstate 25 and Exit 14 in Trinidad. Work will begin
on Monday, May 4th. The project will realign the southbound off-ramp into a straighter
configuration while replacing asphalt with concrete paving. Realignment will offer better
visibility. Construction will take place in 2 phases. Phase 1 will be constructed off the
roadway with few impacts to the traveling public. Phase 2 will shutdown the southbound
off-ramp at Exit 14 for approximately 2 weeks. Traffic will be detoured on I-25 to exit
13. Work will take place Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm. Work is expected to be
complete in September.
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