$2.5 million granted for Pikes Peak recreation; CO pays $6.1 million for abortion pill lawsuit; Denver gas stations sold contaminated gas

Headlines Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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    $2.5 million granted for Pikes Peak recreation; CO pays $6.1 million for abortion pill lawsuit; Denver gas stations sold contaminated gas KGNU News

 

Colorado grants $2.5 million for Pikes Peak tourism and recreation

Colorado is granting $2.5 million to launch the first steps in a long-term vision for tourism and recreation around Pikes Peak. The three-year grant was awarded by Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and will help fund trails, expand camping, and improve habitat for bighorn sheep and elk in Dome Rock State Wildlife Area.

Governor Jared Polis said that this plan will help local and state officials to provide more active management as federal land managers navigate shrinking budgets.

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CO pays $6.1 mil in abortion pill lawsuit

Taxpayers are on the hook for more than $6 million in legal fees after a federal court settlement over the state’s attempt to ban “abortion pill reversal” treatments. A U.S. District Judge ruled in favor of faith-based clinics, finding that the state’s regulations violated the First Amendment rights of medical providers.

According to the Colorado Times Recorder, the lawsuit was filed by the Becket Fund and Alliance Defending Freedom. While medical groups like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warn the procedure is not backed by science and can be dangerous, the court found the state lacked a compelling argument to restrict it.

The payout comes at a difficult time as Governor Jared Polis warns of significant budgetary challenges facing the state this year. Despite the ruling and the cost, the bill’s sponsors maintain that their intent was to protect patient safety and ensure medical care remains grounded in transparency and evidence-based science.

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Denver-area gas stations sold contaminated gas

At least 19 gas stations in the Denver Metro Area were selling contaminated unleaded gas cut mixed with diesel fuel according to a statement from Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment. Officials say the number of people who have filed complaints saying that they purchased contaminated gas recently is now over 400. Those who put the fuel in their cars are being told to go to the gas station they bought it from to be reimbursed.

Parker automotive repair shop manager Adam Civilla told CBS News Colorado his shop has seen more than a dozen cars with diesel issues towed in since Friday, and he expects more. Repair costs could start around $1,000. The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety is also encouraging impacted customers to contact them by submitting a complaint online or calling 303-866-4967.

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Five passengers without injury after Telluride plane crash

A private jet went off the runway at Telluride Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon after its landing gear collapsed just after its wheels touched down. All three passengers on, and two pilots, escaped the incident without injury.

The pilot reported that a sudden, powerful crosswind gust pushed the plane off the runway upon touchdown. The aircraft skidded approximately 300 yards before coming to a rest on its side.

The runway was immediately closed following the accident. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will lead the investigation.

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Trump Administration’s EPA disapproved CO regional haze plan

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has rejected Colorado’s regional haze plan, including coal plant retirement dates. Under the Clean Air Act and federal Regional Haze Rule, states must reduce air pollution and improve air quality in national parks and wilderness areas. In its disapproval of Colorado’s plan, the EPA claims the voluntary coal plant retirements included in the state’s plan would harm grid reliability.

Michael Hiatt, deputy managing attorney at Earthjustice, said “The Trump administration’s ideological attacks on Colorado’s energy policies are illegal and will increase costs for customers, as clean energy in Colorado is far cheaper than coal.”

The Colorado Sun reports that closing Colorado’s remaining coal plants over the next few years is a key part of reaching the state’s target of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector by 2030. With each coal fired plant emitting millions of tons of carbon dioxide a year out of Colorado’s overall 115 million tons of emissions, the coal plants are the largest single sources to eliminate.

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You can hear daily headlines on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show with coverage of local and regional public affairs and news with headlines and commentary. Click here to listen to full episodes of the Morning Magazine.

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