Colorado News Roundup: Olympic Athletes, YMCA Closure, and Chocolate Science
Steamboat Springs is sending a strong contingent to the Winter Olympics, with several athletes boasting ties to Colorado set to compete in alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country events. The exact number of athletes and their specific events were not detailed, but the region is well-represented on the national stage.
In Longmont, the YMCA is facing financial difficulties and will be discontinuing its fitness operations this month. The closure highlights the economic pressures facing community organizations, even those providing essential services.
Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would remove all criminal penalties for prostitution, a move that would make the state the first in the nation to take such a step. The proposal is being brought forward by a group of Democratic legislators, signaling a potential shift in the state’s approach to sex work.
Breckenridge officials are re-evaluating a policy requiring certain businesses to invest in workforce housing, citing unintended consequences. The town is seeking to address housing affordability for its employees while minimizing negative impacts on the local economy.
Colorado’s political landscape is also seeing changes, with a proposed bill aiming to require disclosure of donors and spending for state capitol caucuses. The measure, championed by a Democratic unity bill, seeks to increase transparency in political funding.
Listeners of KUNC can find the station on a variety of frequencies across Northern Colorado, including Morgan County (96.7), Sterling (90.3), Yuma (88.3), Wray (93.5), Holyoke (90.5), and Julesburg (89.1). The station also broadcasts on the Front Range (105.5) as The Colorado Sound and in Steamboat Springs.
Beyond the headlines, Colorado State University is delving into the science of a beloved treat: chocolate. A dedicated laboratory at CSU is researching how chocolate is made, developing new varieties, and exploring the reasons behind its widespread appeal, particularly around Valentine’s Day.
In environmental news, scientists have successfully reversed a 25-year decline in an ecosystem within Rocky Mountain National Park. The restoration involved the installation of manmade beaver dams along a creek, demonstrating the potential for targeted interventions to repair damaged natural environments. The area had been described as being on the verge of “collapse” before the project began.
KUNC, licensed to Greeley, Colorado, operates as a News/Talk public radio station serving Northern Colorado. Established as KCBL in 1967, it transitioned to KUNC in 1970. The station faced a potential sale in 2000 but was ultimately saved by a fundraising effort led by the newly formed Community Radio for Northern Colorado, ensuring its continued local operation. In 2007, KUNC began broadcasting from Buckhorn Mountain, expanding its coverage area to include parts of the Denver metro area.
