Metro
Colorado’s free preschool faces calls for higher quality standards
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. DENVER | Colorado’s free preschool program has been popular with families since it launched three years ago, but state leaders need to raise the bar on quality. That finding from a state-mandated evaluation of the $349 million program echoes concerns long raised by advocates that universal preschool started […]
APS backs up students with free school supplies, fun at Town Center mall Saturday
AURORA | For Aurora Public Schools students and families, it’s time to get back at it and hit the books — but not before hitting the mall. Aurora Public Schools will hold its 18th annual Back to School Kickoff Saturday, bringing students, families and community organizations together ahead for mixing, entertainment and free school supplies […]
Aurora replacing Great Lawn at Aurora city hall with drought-tolerant ‘Bermudagrass’
AURORA | Aurora is replacing the Great Lawn at the Aurora Municipal Center with drought-tolerant Bermudagrass as part of a citywide effort to reduce water use and improve the sustainability of its parks, city officials said Wednesday. The city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, working with contractor Elite Industries, started the conversion this week […]
ALL ABOARD: Town hall explains how to join any of 22 Aurora boards and commissions
AURORA | Want to help plan the future of Aurora’s libraries or give input about water conservation? Now is the chance — the city is hosting an informational town hall and recruiting volunteers for several boards and commissions that have open seats. The town hall, scheduled for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at […]
U.S. Ed Dept. probes Denver Public Schools over alleged forced student kissing
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. DENVER | The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools over an incident in which a high school teacher was accused of making girls kiss each other as part of a class assignment. The Education Department’s description of the allegation is consistent with a previously reported […]
Aurora crime rate drops 10.5% in first half of 2026. Chief credits technology, focus
AURORA | In the first half of 2026, the city’s crime rate, including property and violent crimes, dropped 10.5%, continuing a two-year decline, police reported today. From January to June, violent crime has decreased 9% and property crime is down 11%, representing 665 fewer victims than the same timeframe last year, according to the Aurora […]
No movement on Aurora’s Eagle County Whitney Reservoir proposal after six years
This story was first published at the Vail Daily. VAIL | It’s been more than six years since Aurora and Colorado Springs’ proposed Whitney Reservoir concept first surfaced with a raging controversy over test drilling for a dam on U.S. Forest Service land in the Homestake Creek Valley near Red Cliff in southeastern Eagle County. […]
After years of planning, UN Heritage for Korean War Memorial unveiled in Aurora
AURORA | Few cities around the world could create and celebrate a Korean War memorial reflecting the nuance of the conflict that in so many ways matches the character of the U.S city home to the site. Aurora did. That was one of the key messages repeated Monday when nearly 200 elected and government officials, […]
Aurora lawmakers deny permit for controversial gas station complex in Aurora Harmony area
AURORA | A group of residents in an east Aurora neighborhood successfully lobbied city council to deny the development of a gas station, liquor store and restaurant proposed for East Alameda Avenue and Powhaton Road. Council denied a conditional use permit for the All In One Harmony development on a 4-3 vote, with council members […]
Philip Morris launches $1.2 billion Aurora Zyn nicotine factory as critics warn of teen health risks
AURORA | A $1.2 billion factory for Zyn nicotine products opened Monday in Aurora to loud cheers by government officials from both the city and the state. The news drew jeers, however, from local health and teen advocates. The flavored nicotine pouches are a product of Philip Morris International, an international powerhouse in the tobacco […]