The Catch Up: March 10-14, 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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Supreme Court will hear Colorado conversion therapy case
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a Colorado case concerning a state law banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ-plus youth. At issue is whether the law violates free speech rights. Colorado prohibits the practice of trying to change a person鈥檚 sexual orientation or gender identity through mental health therapy. The conservative legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom is representing a counselor in Colorado Springs who claims she鈥檚 had to turn away clients because of the law. The U.S. high court is taking on the case amid actions by the Trump Administration targeting transgender people. The court will hear the case during its new term in October.
Colorado bill restricting sale of semiautomatic guns clears first House committee
A sweeping gun-control proposal cleared a key committee in the state legislature last night/Tuesday. The measure would make it illegal to buy, sell and make a wide range of guns that use detachable magazines. Someone could get those guns if they undergo specific training and get approval from their local sheriff. The latest version of the bill would give sheriffs the power to reject someone鈥檚 application if they think they could pose a danger. Tuesday鈥檚 committee vote happened after more than twelve hours of public testimony. If the bill is signed into law, it would create some of the strictest gun rules in the country.
CSU is on a 鈥渉iring chill鈥� amid funding concerns
Colorado State University has implemented what it calls a 鈥渢emporary hiring chill鈥� in response to uncertainty around state and federal funding. A from CSU鈥檚 chief financial officer this week said the university would also make pay adjustments and tighten discretionary spending. The hiring chill pauses all recruitment for vacant positions except ones considered essential. According to the memorandum, the actions are necessary to maintain CSU鈥檚 fiscal health. Colorado is staring down a billion dollar budget shortfall that may mean challenges for CSU and other state funded institutions.
State House advances possible Sundance tax incentives
The Colorado House has given initial approval to a package of tax breaks meant to lure the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder. The incentives would be worth up to $34,000,000 over the course of a decade. Supporters say the festival would bring tens of thousands of moviegoers to Colorado, and tens of millions in spending. Boulder has also agreed to contribute incentives. The city is competing with Cincinnati and Salt Lake City for the festival, which says it鈥檚 outgrown its longtime home of Park City, Utah. Republicans have pushed back on the incentive package. They鈥檝e questioned the fairness of dedicating so much money to a single event focused on the film industry.
Steamboat local donates $1M for CSU Michigan River Camp project
A rustic camp at Colorado State Forest will transform into a new education and research facility thanks to a $1,000,000 gift. A Steamboat Springs resident is giving the money to Colorado State University to overhaul the Michigan River Camp. The site two hours west of Fort Collins supports ongoing outdoor research. New plans call for a meeting center and overnight lodging for up to 40 people. The camp will also serve other university partners and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A is underway to try and raise additional funds for the project.
Meati 鈥榰nclear on the future鈥� as 150 layoffs, plant closure loom
Boulder-based alternative meat company Meati Foods has announced plans to lay off 150 workers and close its production plant in Thornton. The news came Friday after a bank seized about two-thirds of the company鈥檚 cash. BizWest reports Meati wasn鈥檛 behind on payments, but it had fallen short of business targets under its loan terms with the bank. The alternative meat industry has faced recent setbacks due to higher costs and a changing consumer market. Meati's future remains uncertain, with layoffs set to begin in May. The company was founded by University of Colorado grad students. Its products are made from mushrooms.
Lafayette group petitioning to stop development annexation
Some residents in Lafayette are fighting to preserve a piece of property as open space as the city considers annexing it for housing. The 78-acre parcel near 119th Street and Baseline Road is being eyed by a Texas developer. Members of the local group Preserve Lafayette are worried residential development would damage the land and habitat. They want to preserve what they see as the city鈥檚 rural gateway. The Daily Camera reports the development group says they will continue to meet with residents to discuss concerns. City council will review the annexation petition in April.
Valarie Allman is now a 2-time winner of Colorado Sportswoman Of The Year
Two-time Olympic Discus Gold Medalist Valarie Allman has been named Colorado Sportswoman of the Year for 2024. Allman took gold in Paris last summer. She's the American record holder for women's discus. Allman joins just a handful of women who've been recognized multiple times by Sportswomen of Colorado. The Silver Creek High School graduate was named Colorado Sportswoman in 2021 after her gold medal win in Tokyo.
Calling all Boulder artists: enter to have your work grace new library cards
The Boulder Public Library District is taking artwork submissions this month for new library card designs. Digital art, drawing, painting and print entries are due by the end of the month at a library location or through the library district website. Two entries from teens and adults will be chosen by a public vote in April. Library staffers will select three winners among kids鈥� entries.
Rare Korean moon jars on display at Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum recently opened a new exhibit of Korean Moon Jars. These white, globular vases were created in Korea for the elite. Some on display are from the 18th century. They got the name 鈥渕oon jar鈥� in the 1950s. There are only around 40 of these types of jars in existence worldwide. They were only produced for a short period of time, and they鈥檙e difficult to make. The exhibit features six jars from the Joseon Dynasty, as well as six contemporary ones.
