The Catch Up: April 21-25, 2025
Each week, 皇冠网址 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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Colorado Catholics and state leaders react to the death of Pope Francis
Colorado Catholics, along with state leaders, reacted to the death of Pope Francis this week. Flags across the state are at half-staff. Denver鈥檚 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception held a special mass and gathering Monday morning for Francis. The church and leaders from the Archdiocese invited the public to place flowers and candles. Governor Jared Polis reacted to the news on social media, saying, "Pope Francis has spoken up for the protection of our environment and planet, and he used his voice to support the basic humanity of LGBTQ people.鈥�
Deadly rock-throwing case nearing the end of trial
The murder trial of a teen involved in a 2023 fatal rock-throwing incident in Jefferson County is underway. Joseph Koenig was 18 when he and two other teens threw a rock into Alexa Bartell's windshield, killing her. All three teens were arrested and charged. Two have taken plea deals to testify against Koenig, who's accused of throwing the rock that killed Bartell. reports Koenig's attorney alleges the defendant did not throw the rock but agrees all three parties are responsible for Bartell's death. The other two defendants are scheduled for sentencing after Koenig's trial ends. Both sides have rested their cases and proceedings are drawing to a close.
鈥榃e're ready to go鈥�: Colorado agencies take to the skies to train ahead of wildfire season聽
One way fire crews on the Front Range prepare for wildfires is by running through training exercises. State and local agencies carried out targeted aerial training earlier this month near Lyons. This annual targeted aerial training has been going on for more than a decade, but it has gotten bigger and evolved over time. It now involves several agencies, such as the Colorado Army National Guard, the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and fire teams from other states like Nebraska and South Dakota. The goal of these exercises is to iron out communication and protocol kinks before it鈥檚 too late. Some of the crews have never worked with aircraft before.
Colorado Democrats revive proposal to allow lawsuits over past child sexual abuse
Colorado lawmakers are trying to give victims of childhood sexual abuse a chance to sue even if their statute of limitations has expired. A similar effort failed to get through the legislature last year. Revisiting the statute of limitations would require a constitutional amendment. That means, if lawmakers pass the measure, voters will still have to approve it at the ballot box. The proposal was approved this week by a Senate committee and is now up for debate in the full chamber.
Auto thefts in Colorado decline by nearly half
The Colorado State Patrol is touting a dramatic decrease in stolen vehicles. The significant drop in thefts can be credited to three things, according to the agency鈥檚 Auto Theft Prevention Authority: legislation, increased grant funding and public awareness. A 2023 state law put harsher criminal penalties on auto theft in Colorado. The legislation also increased funding for enforcement and outreach. The State Patrol has resources available online, including 鈥渉eat maps鈥� of stolen vehicles by area and a Victim Assistance Program to help with costs after a theft.
Red Rocks announces summer movie lineup
Red Rocks Amphitheater has released its summer movie schedule. Film on the Rocks is back for its 26th season with five showings this year. The first, on June 9th, is 2001: A Space Odyssey. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Shrek 2 come later in the season. Films start at dusk with live entertainment beforehand. In Fort Collins, the Holiday Twin Drive-In opened for the season this past weekend. Coming attractions there include Harold and the Purple Crayon and Deadpool & Wolverine.
MLB鈥檚 Rockies win environmentalism award on Earth Day
The Colorado Rockies might be struggling on the field, but they are winning in their environmental efforts. Major League Baseball awarded the team and Coors Field the Eco Slugger Innovation Award on Earth Day yesterday. The award recognizes the franchise for its innovative sustainability initiatives, including its stormwater management program, reusable cup pilot program, and Earth Day education activities and programs. Across the MLB, all 30 clubs use LED field lighting and a majority offer EV charging at ballparks.
Bison birthing babies at Commerce City refuge
Calving season has started at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Six baby bison are already roaming the 15-thousand-acre refuge in Commerce City. The first calf was born last week. Officials with the refuge they expect around 40 more 鈥渞ed dogs鈥� to be born this spring. You might be able to spot one. The refuge is free and open every day from sunrise to 8 p.m.
