CO Senate debating budget; Hurd will have a challenger; Denver Archbishop defends Pope

Headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2026

State senate debating Colorado budget

The Colorado Senate begins debate on a new state budget this week.

That, after the state house passed a budget bill on Saturday. Lawmakers are trying to agree on a spending plan that addresses the state’s $1.5 billion budget deficit.

The House approved their budget plan after a day and a half of delays. Along with the budget, they considered more than 60 companion proposals and dozens of amendments floated by both sides of the aisle. Only a few of those changes got the green light. The House approved a bipartisan amendment to save the state’s Auto Theft Prevention Program, as well as one to strip money from Wolf Reintroduction. The house also agreed to protect medical coverage for some undocumented immigrants. But that could all be stripped from the bill as it advances.

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Incumbent U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd will have a Republican primary challenger in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District after all 

Former state Rep. Ron Hanks was the only candidate to qualify for the primary ballot through the 3rd District GOP assembly on Friday, just one day after announcing his bid. This set up a head-to-head primary contest in the 3rd district, which includes most of Colorado’s Western Slope, Pueblo, and the San Luis Valley.

In 2024 Hurd prevailed over Hanks in a six-way GOP primary race in the 3rd District and went on to win election to the House over Democrat Adam Frisch.

Video of Friday’s 3rd District assembly shows Hurd getting booed by members of the crowd during a short speech to party delegates.  Hurd said, “I respect the assembly process and the role that all of you play in it. That’s why I’m here but I made my decision to get on the ballot by petition, and I’m confident in that path.”

In other congressional races, Colorado’s primary elections will be held on June 30. Two Democrats in the 3rd District will face each other one-on-one, Alex Kelloff and Dwayne Romero. They qualified through the assembly process last month.

Colorado’s three other incumbent GOP House members will run unopposed in their June primaries.

Rep. Lauren Boebert in the 4th District
Rep. Gabe Evans in the 8th District
Rep. Jeff Crank in the 5th District

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Archbishop Golka defends Pope

Denver Archbishop James Golka is defending Pope Leo against criticism from Donald Trump. The president attacked the pontiff on social media Sunday night, because of his opposition to the Iran war. Trump also accused the leader of the Catholic church of not, in Trump’s words, “doing a very good job.” He added that the pope is, quote, “catering to the Radical Left.”

According to 9News and the Associated Press, Archbishop Golka said he joins other bishops in condemning Trump’s remarks, calling them disrespectful and unacceptable.

Pope Leo himself said his appeals for peace are rooted in the Gospel.

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Dark Horse auction ends today

The auction for decor from Boulder’s legendary Dark Horse bar is entering its final hours, offering fans one last chance to own a piece of the shuttered institution. Bidding on the bar’s famous collection of eclectic memorabilia, from vintage sleighs to taxidermy, ends today.

All proceeds from the sales will be put toward severance pay for the bar’s long-term staff. It is a final push to support the Dark Horse family following the building’s closure for what will become Williams Village.

While the auction ends tonight, the bar’s legacy may not be entirely over. Owners have kept several iconic items, giving hope for a potential future resurrection elsewhere.

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Bear season is starting

Now that spring is here, bears are coming out of hibernation. And that has city officials in Boulder reminding residents that there will likely be more bear activity in the area, with the animals wandering into the city in search of food. People need to lock up their trash cans, and store waste in enclosed areas like garages and sheds.

When bears find food it encourages them to hang around, according to the Daily Camera and a city press release. People living west of Broadway and south of Sumac Avenue must be especially vigilant, and use bear-resistant trash containers. And all residents putting their trash or compost out the night before pickup are required to use bear-resistant containers.

The press release adds that the area around Boulder is also home to other wildlife species, including mountain lions, which are known to venture into the city in search of food and shelter.

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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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