Lower CO River basin states pushing back against upper basin states’ plan; ICE detains man on his way to work in Aurora; 2 others earlier this month

Headlines Thursday, March 26, 2026

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    Lower CO River basin states pushing back against upper basin states’ plan; ICE detains man on his way to work in Aurora; 2 others earlier this month KGNU News

Lower CO River basin states pushing back against upper basin states’ plan

The Upper Colorado River Commission, which consists of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico, says the lower basin states aren’t playing ball when it comes to making a deal to allocate water and share water cutbacks. New Mexico Commissioner Estevan Lopez said that the upper basin states proposed a 20-year plan with a five-year phase-in period to allow the four states to build up a “contribution program” that would allow them to store conserved water in Lake Powell.

“Like our previous attempts, our framework was essentially summarily rejected. I don’t think it was given any serious consideration.”

He said right now, the two basins are going back and forth over a short-term plan that would cover operations for Powell and Mead in 2027 and 28.

But according to NPR affiliate KJZZ, Arizona has retained a high-powered international law firm in case of possible litigation over the river and water rights.

Becky Mitchell, who represents Colorado on the commission, said the 40 million people, 30 tribes, and two countries that rely on the river deserve a working system, not lawsuits.

“Litigation does not make any new water or effectively manage the existing supplies. The courts will not solve these problems.”

The commission said it’s having conversations with the lower basin and the Bureau of Reclamation over how to handle short-term drought.

This story was reported by Rocky Mountain Community Radio’s Caroline Llanes.

 

ICE detains man on his way to work in Aurora; 2 others earlier this month

The Colorado Rapid Response Network, or CORRN, reports that ICE detained an individual in Aurora yesterday. Representatives from CORRN were notified of the detainment at 11 am on Tuesday. 

Confirmers arrived at the scene and spoke with witnesses, who stated the man had been taken on his way to work. He was blocked in by a black Jeep and a grey Hyundai. The officers were reportedly wearing vests that read POLICE ERO. 

CORNN said on Instagram that they have been in contact with his loved ones. Individuals in Fort Collins and Aurora were detained earlier this month, on March 11 and 12. If you think you see ICE, call CORRN immediately at 1(844) 864-8341. 

 

Gov. Polis signs bill to let schools/universities bypass zoning rules for housing

Governor Polis has signed a bill that would allow Colorado public schools, colleges, universities and other organizations to bypass local zoning rules to build housing.

House Bill 26-1001, also known as the Housing Options Made Easier (HOME) Act, is the first major piece of housing legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session and is part of Gov. Polis and Democratic lawmakers’ long-standing effort to boost affordable housing stock.

The bill would require local governments to allow qualifying organizations to build residential units on their land, despite whether or not the land is zoned for residential construction. This would begin in 2028. 

Other qualifying organizations will include transit agencies, public housing authorities and nonprofits that have a history of building housing. Lawmakers are considering several other housing measures this year.

This story was reported by the Colorado Capitol News Alliance.

 

Beaver ban dies

State lawmakers rejected a bill this week that would have banned the killing of beavers on public land. This bill is part of a strategy to bolster wildfire resilience. The ban would’ve applied to both state and federal land. 

Supporters say beaver dams help regulate water supplies and create wetlands that can act as natural firebreaks. Hunting and trapping groups opposed the measure, arguing that beaver management decisions should remain with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

 

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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