June 9-13, 2025
Each week, KUNC collects and curates some of the more important stories of the week that have aired on our daily newscast. We know how busy life can be, and that it's not always possible to get your news on our airwaves (or from streaming us right here on our website). Fill in the gaps and catch up right here. No one enjoys the feeling of missing out!
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Protesters rally against ICE at Colorado Capitol as police use smoke, make arrests to disband offshoot
Thousands of protesters assembled outside the Colorado State Capitol Tuesday evening, most marching peacefully to protest immigration enforcement, but with some arrests for vandalism, obstruction and assaulting police. Protesters in Denver assembled at the Capitol before breaking into groups. Many sat on the lawn with signs and cheered as supporters drove by honking. Organizers with the Denver Party for Socialism and Liberation gave speeches. They then marched a smaller group to the federal courthouse and back to the Capitol peacefully and without incident. Police followed that group at a distance.
Top Republican in Colorado Senate resigns to take private sector job
The top Republican in the Colorado Senate announced that he is resigning from the legislature to take a job in the private sector. Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, is resigning effective Monday, June 16. In a written statement, Lundeen said his service to the state “has been an honor and blessing.” Lundeen said his new job is as the president and CEO of the American Excellence Foundation, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., but that has a national footprint. He will remain in Colorado as he enters the role. Lundeen has served as minority leader since 2022. His current term ends in early 2027. He is term-limited and couldn’t seek reelection in 2026.
CoPIRG rolls out new ozone air quality maps
Ozone season in Colorado typically runs from June through August. This season, a Colorado nonprofit has a new tool to help residents keep tabs on where ozone levels are the worst. The Colorado Public Research Group, or CoPIRG, uses air quality monitoring data to create color-coded maps that track ground level pollution. The state has struggled to meet federal air quality benchmarks for decades, and ozone pollution is widespread. CoPIRG urges Coloradans to sign up for ozone alerts from the state and, if they can, opt for public transit to reduce the number of cars and trucks on the road.
Firestone sues Central Weld Water to keep taps flowing
A Weld District Court judge has granted the Town of Firestone’s request for a temporary restraining order that prevents the Central Weld County Water District from cutting off water service to the town. Firestone sued the water district Tuesday, alleging that the district had violated the terms of a 1974 agreement, as well as a 2023 settlement of a lawsuit filed in 2021. The town sought a TRO to prevent Central Weld from cutting off water to the town as early as June 5. A hearing will be scheduled within 14 days on Firestone’s request for a preliminary injunction. Firestone asserts breach of contract, breach of good faith and other claims, and “seeks return of amounts overcharged by the District and paid by the Town in an amount to be determined at trial.”
Scientists, local volunteers take part in BioBlitz to catalog plants, insects in Louisville
Scientists and local volunteers in Louisville participated in a so-called “BioBlitz” this week. It’s an effort to document every kind of species in the city. Wildlife experts and volunteers identified hundreds of species in their efforts. Leaders of the effort say it’s more than a pretty nature walk. It’s about knowing what’s out there and what’s at risk to help land managers. The local effort is just one piece of a huge statewide survey to catalog all species by 2029.
Gross Reservoir legal saga continues
Denver Water is appealing a judge’s order that would stop the agency from filling Gross Reservoir after it finishes construction on a new dam. It’s the latest twist in a legal back-and-forth over the Boulder County reservoir. The judge says initial building permits didn’t account for the dam’s impact on the environment and were issued illegally. The Denver Post reports construction of the dam will continue while the appeal works its way through court.
NCAA settlement puts colleges on deadline to pay student athletes
A landmark settlement case with the NCAA last week means colleges and universities must be ready to directly pay student athletes starting next month. The House vs. NCAA class-action settlement pays out billions to former college athletes and sets a cap for schools paying athletes from here on out. NCAA top division schools will have to pay out up to $20.5 million. This includes the University of Colorado Boulder. CU’s Big 12 Conference football and basketball programs are expected to receive the bulk of those payments.
Sightseeing cable car construction progressing in Idaho Springs
Construction is moving along on the Mighty Argo Cable Car in Idaho Springs. The sightseeing gondola already has concrete footings and some support structures. When finished, it will take passengers more than a mile up the mountain and 1,300 feet above the Argo Mill. The project also includes a network of hiking and mountain bike trails. The gondola should open in early 2026.
House approves Trump’s request to cut funding for NPR, PBS
The House narrowly voted Thursday to cut about $9.4 billion in spending already approved by Congress as President Donald Trump’s administration looks to follow through on work done by the Department of Government Efficiency. The package targets the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides money for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service as well as thousands of public radio and television stations around the country. The vote was 214-212. The Trump administration is employing a tool rarely used in recent years that allows the president to transmit a request to Congress to cancel previously appropriated funds. That triggers a 45-day clock in which the funds are frozen pending congressional action. If Congress fails to act within that period, then the spending stands.
