Early water restrictions take effect in Denver; Coalition launches in Colorado to push back on tech industry practices; CU delays student access to ChatGPT after pushback

Headlines Tuesday, March 25, 2026

  • cover play_arrow

    Early water restrictions take effect in Denver; Coalition launches in Colorado to push back on tech industry practices; CU delays student access to ChatGPT after pushback KGNU News

Early water restrictions take effect in Denver

New water restrictions across the Denver metro area are set to take effect Tuesday, March 25, as officials respond to unusually dry conditions and historically low snowpack levels.

The measures come earlier than typical seasonal rules and include limits on outdoor watering, with residents asked to cut back usage to preserve supplies. Recent data show snowpack levels well below normal, raising concerns about how much runoff will be available to refill reservoirs this spring and summer.

Under the updated guidance, customers are being urged to delay turning on sprinkler systems and to water only during cooler parts of the day. Officials say the goal is to stretch limited water resources as warmer temperatures arrive.

This is the first time since 2013 that additional limits beyond standard summer watering rules have been implemented, highlighting the severity of current conditions.

Water managers say future restrictions could be adjusted depending on spring weather and snowpack recovery.

READ MORE

 

Coalition launches in Colorado to push back on tech industry practices

A new advocacy group, the People’s Alliance for Responsible Technology (PART), launched Tuesday, bringing together Colorado and national organizations focused on protecting consumers from the growing influence of artificial intelligence and large tech companies.

The coalition says it will advocate for stronger oversight of automated systems used in areas like hiring, housing, healthcare and lending decisions that can significantly impact everyday life. PART’s formation comes amid rising public concern about how AI tools are being deployed and whether they operate fairly.

PART says its focus will be on promoting transparency and accountability, including ensuring people know when AI is being used, can challenge decisions and have options if harm occurs. The group plans to engage with lawmakers on future regulations.

 

CU delays student access to ChatGPT after pushback

CU is delaying student access to ChatGPT across its campuses following concerns raised by faculty and students over the rollout.

University officials announced the pause will push student access to mid-August, around the start of the fall semester, instead of the originally planned spring launch. Faculty and staff will still receive access beginning March 31 as scheduled.

The decision comes after hundreds of faculty members signed a letter opposing the rollout, citing concerns about academic integrity, data privacy and the pace of implementation. Some educators also raised questions about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on critical thinking and classroom learning.

Students echoed similar concerns, saying the university moved too quickly without enough input from the campus community.

The agreement with OpenAI, valued at about $2 million annually, is intended to expand access to technology, though debate continues over how it should be integrated into higher education.

READ MORE

 

Polis opens time capsule from 1907

Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined state historians Tuesday morning to open a time capsule sealed more than a century ago at the Colorado State Capitol.

The tin box, dated 1907, was discovered beneath a pedestal that once held the “On Guard” Civil War monument outside the Capitol. Crews found it last year while removing the base of the statue, which had been taken down in 2020.

Officials used a CT scan to examine the contents before opening it. Inside, they found newspapers from the early 1900s, including editions of The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News, along with letters, business cards, and official documents tied to the monument’s construction.

READ MORE

 

Proposed Colorado lot-splitting bill advances at state capitol

A bill that would allow homeowners to split residential lots across Colorado is advancing at the state Capitol.

The measure would require many local governments to allow qualifying single-family lots to be divided into two separate parcels.

Under the proposal, lots must meet minimum size requirements and other conditions, including mortgage holder approval, before being split.

Lawmakers are expected to continue discussions as the bill moves through the legislative process.

READ MORE

 

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.

 

 

Picture of KGNU News

KGNU News

Search

Now Playing

play_arrow

Live Broadcast

Recent Stories

Upcoming Events

KGNU PARTNERS

Want to help us build a better radio station?

We’re conducting a survey to help us understand how our listeners are using new technology. Please spend 15 minutes to let us know what you think.

Public media moves forward because you listen, watch, share and support. Thank you for being part of this community — and for helping us continue the journey during Public Media Giving Days.