Group of Democrats want to censure Gov. Polis; Steve Pearce confirmed as BLM director; Independence Pass to reopen

Headlines Wednesday, May 20, 2026

  • cover play_arrow

    Group of Democrats want to censure Gov. Polis; Steve Pearce confirmed as BLM director; Independence Pass to reopen KGNU News

 

Group of Colorado Democrats want to censure Gov. Polis

A group of Colorado Democrats wants to formally censure Gov. Polis after he granted clemency last week to former Mesa County Clerk and Trump ally Tina Peters.

The group filed a complaint Monday asking the state Democratic party to condemn the governor for “conduct detrimental to the interests of the Colorado Democratic Party.” The complaint also seeks to temporarily suspend Polis from attending and speaking at party events.

The move is an unprecedented rebuke of the governor from fellow Democrats. Nearly 200 people have signed onto the complaint, including Democratic state officials, lawmakers, and party organizers.

READ MORE

 

Steve Pearce confirmed as BLM director

The Bureau of Land Management will have a new leader in Steve Pearce, a former congressman from New Mexico.

Pearce’s nomination was confirmed as part of a package of nearly 50 nominees for various positions across the federal government.

Before he was in Congress, Pearce owned an oilfield services company in New Mexico, and was a consistent advocate for the fossil fuels industry as a lawmaker.

During his nomination hearing, Pearce was hesitant to walk back previous stances, advocating for the sale of public lands to reduce the federal deficit.

Conservation groups have decried the decision to have the nation’s largest land management agency, overseeing over 250 million acres, be headed up by a politician with an anti-public lands track record.

READ MORE

 

Independence Pass to reopen

Independence Pass, Colorado’s historic scenic byway, will reopen for the 2026 season on Thursday at noon.

Vehicles will be allowed to drive along the seasonal areas of Hwy 82 after it receives its annual maintenance.

This year’s maintenance included filling potholes, replacing guardrails, resurfacing areas of the road, removing rockfall from the area and clearing drains to allow for better water drainage.

Colorado Department of Transportation executive director Shoshana Lew said that “The annual opening of Independence Pass signifies the winter to summer weather transition and allows commuters to take advantage of this beautiful stretch of pure Colorado roadway.”

READ MORE

 

Emergency tree-cutting project announced

Yesterday, it was announced that an emergency project to cut down trees along Colorado highways will start immediately. The project will cost $4 million and is aimed at reducing the risk of fires as the summer progresses.

Five highways deemed to be at risk for wildfires will be targeted, and Colorado residents should expect traffic and or alternate routes along: parts of Highways 119, 72, 93, 128, and 67.

Trees are expected to be cut down Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. until the end of June.

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.