Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Wednesday April 28th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

 

Today - Colorado’s Air Pollution Control Division has been accused of prioritizing industry over public health. Now whistleblowers are accusing the director of having a conflict of interest.

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we take you back to April 28th, 1873 when President Ulysses S Grant made an unexpected visit to Colorado Territory. He was the first president of the United States to stand on Colorado soil, and the first to look upon the Rocky Mountains. He took the Colorado Central Railroad and upon his arrival in Denver he was greeted by hundreds of guests including a party of Utes.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Colorado’s Air Pollution Control Division is under fire, accused of prioritizing industry over environment and public health. Now whistleblowers are saying Director Garry Kaufman has direct conflict of interest in issuing pollution exemptions to one of the largest mining companies in the world. Reporter Michael Booth shares the latest with Lucy Haggard.

 

To read more about the whistleblower complaints, go to coloradosun.com. 

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

Coronavirus case rates and hospitalizations are continuing to increase across Colorado, especially among younger people. Data from the state health department shows cases are occurring at a higher rate among children age 11 to 17 than the general adult population. State health officials urge people to get vaccinated, especially now that all the community vaccination sites are accepting walk-in patients. Children under the age of 16 are not eligible for vaccines, though experts hope there will be options for youth to get vaccinated before the next school year starts in the fall.

https://coloradosun.com/2021/04/27/coronavirus-cases-hospitalizations-rise-colorado-under-18/ 

 

Colorado Democrats are pursuing a bill in the statehouse to ensure people don’t stay in jail longer than necessary after they are arrested. House Bill 1280 would require courts hold a bond hearing within 48 hours of someone being arrested and booked into jail. The bill would also allow hearings to be held by phone or video conference, and would require judicial districts to let people pay bail online. Proponents of the bill argue it ensures everyone receives due process efficiently, as someone arrested on a Friday under current law may have to wait until Monday or Tuesday for their bond hearing. But critics say the bill doesn’t include funding for the changes. And they say the work will drain money from rural law enforcement agencies that already struggle for adequate resources.

 

Commercial rafting dropped 21% in Colorado last year compared with 2019, according to a new report from the Colorado River Outfitters Association. That translated to roughly $36 million less spent as the coronavirus pandemic’s restrictions throttled the activity. Many businesses also reported increased costs due to disease prevention measures, such as increased cleaning and running more rafts to keep groups distanced. But reservations for the coming season are pouring in as more people get vaccinated and coronavirus restrictions are eased, giving outfitters hope for a comfortable rebound this year.

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you&rsquo;re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It&rsquo;s Wednesday April 28th, and even though there&rsquo;s a lot of turmoil right now we&rsquo;re feeling lucky to start the day with you.
&nbsp;
Today - Colorado&rsquo;s Air Pollution Control Division has been accused of prioritizing industry over public health. Now whistleblowers are accusing the director of having a conflict of interest.
&nbsp;
But before we begin, let&rsquo;s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett&rsquo;s book &ldquo;Colorado Day by Day&rdquo;:
&nbsp;
Today, we take you back to April 28th, 1873 when President Ulysses S Grant made an unexpected visit to Colorado Territory. He was the first president of the United States to stand on Colorado soil, and the first to look upon the Rocky Mountains. He took the Colorado Central Railroad and upon his arrival in Denver he was greeted by hundreds of guests including a party of Utes.
&nbsp;
Now, our feature story.
&nbsp;
Colorado&rsquo;s Air Pollution Control Division is under fire, accused of prioritizing industry over environment and public health. Now whistleblowers are saying Director Garry Kaufman has direct conflict of interest in issuing pollution exemptions to one of the largest mining companies in the world. Reporter Michael Booth shares the latest with Lucy Haggard.
&nbsp;
To read more about the whistleblower complaints, go to coloradosun.com.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:
&nbsp;
Coronavirus case rates and hospitalizations are continuing to increase across Colorado, especially among younger people. Data from the state health department shows cases are occurring at a higher rate among children age 11 to 17 than the general adult population. State health officials urge people to get vaccinated, especially now that all the community vaccination sites are accepting walk-in patients. Children under the age of 16 are not eligible for vaccines, though experts hope there will be options for youth to get vaccinated before the next school year starts in the fall.
https://coloradosun.com/2021/04/27/coronavirus-cases-hospitalizations-rise-colorado-under-18/&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Colorado Democrats are pursuing a bill in the statehouse to ensure people don&rsquo;t stay in jail longer than necessary after they are arrested. House Bill 1280 would require courts hold a bond hearing within 48 hours of someone being arrested and booked into jail. The bill would also allow hearings to be held by phone or video conference, and would require judicial districts to let people pay bail online. Proponents of the bill argue it ensures everyone receives due process efficiently, as someone arrested on a Friday under current law may have to wait until Monday or Tuesday for their bond hearing. But critics say the bill doesn&rsquo;t include funding for the changes. And they say the work will drain money from rural law enforcement agencies that already struggle for adequate resources.
&nbsp;
Commercial rafting dropped 21% in Colorado last year compared with 2019, according to a new report from the Colorado River Outfitters Association. That translated to roughly $36 million less spent as the coronavirus pandemic&rsquo;s restrictions throttled the activity. Many businesses also reported increased costs due to disease prevention measures, such as increased cleaning and running more rafts to keep groups distanced. But reservations for the coming season are pouring in as more people get vaccinated and coronavirus restrictions are eased, giving outfitters hope for a comfortable rebound this year.
&nbsp;
For more information on all of these stories, visit our website,<a href="http://www.coloradosun.com/"> www.coloradosun.com</a>. And don&rsquo;t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.
&nbsp;
The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.
&nbsp;
Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you&rsquo;ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don&rsquo;t forget to tune in again tomorrow.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

The Daily Sun-Up

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

Our intro music is by Matt Skellenger Group: https://mattskellenger.bandcamp.com/album/subspace-transmission 

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we&rsquo;re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at <a href="https://coloradosun.com/">https://coloradosun.com/</a>.
Our intro music is by Matt Skellenger Group: <a href="https://mattskellenger.bandcamp.com/album/subspace-transmission">https://mattskellenger.bandcamp.com/album/subspace-transmission</a>&nbsp;