AM
Denver
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Denver. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Civil rights icon Carlotta Walls LaNier is sharing her historic experience integrating Little Rock Central (despite recent executive orders curtailing DEI programs) from her Denver home during Black History Month, urging listeners to break the chain by standing for what is right now. Denver7
- ➤ Crisosto Apache, Colorado's first Indigenous poet laureate, was named at an appointment ceremony at the Governor's Mansion last Wednesday and interviewed by Denver7 on Tuesday; they will serve for two years to host workshops and readings (promoting poetry and the arts) statewide. Denver7
- ➤ Colorado South Asian Artists Group marks its first anniversary with Grounded, an exhibition of South Asian art at the Center for the Arts Evergreen until Feb. 7. The show features interactive installations (including a functional swing) that invite community members to experience diverse artistic traditions. Colorado Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Brenda Smith, wife of the ex-superintendent who resigned last week, was placed on administrative leave on Monday, Feb. 2. School officials did not say if her leave was linked to television reports and plan to review district policies at a Feb. 6 study session. Sentinel Colorado
- ➤ Cherry Creek Schools placed HR Chief Brenda Smith on administrative leave on Feb. 2, 2026; her husband, Superintendent Chris Smith, resigned effective Jan. 30 (his last day was Friday) as the board met in executive session with legal counsel to review employment policies. Denver7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Colorado Parks and Wildlife said a gray wolf from its restoration program died in Routt County during a capture and collaring on Jan. 28, potentially affecting the King Mountain Pack. The agency will perform a necropsy (an animal autopsy) at its Fort Collins lab to check for underlying conditions. Colorado Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today at 10 a.m., families, lawmakers, and law enforcement gather at Capitol West Steps to honor over 670 individuals missing for a year or more — family members meet at 8 a.m. in Senate Committee Room 357 for a resolution reading and bubble release. Denver7
- ➤ Denver native Lisa Calderón launched her mayoral campaign on Tuesday for the 2027 race, promising improved safety, social housing & union jobs. The professor at Regis University and CU Boulder and executive director of Emerge Colorado said she will work to secure safe, efficient transit for residents. Denver7
- ➤ Since Jan. 27, 2025, Pueblo native Dennis Coyle, a linguist for Afghan communities, has been detained by the Taliban, and his family is now working with local lawmakers + federal officials to secure his release. Secretary of State Rubio declared he was wrongfully detained, and efforts continue to bring him home. Colorado Public Radio
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Three state-licensed healing centers in Aspen, Golden & downtown Denver now offer psilocybin-assisted therapy to adults seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma. They begin sessions with pre-screening and preparation before guided treatment in safe, comfortable spaces. Colorado Public Radio
- ➤ Arapahoe County will invest $4 million in community-designed opioid recovery programs that partner with local organizations to expand treatment options and support services. The county has already allocated over $6 million for harm reduction and will add withdrawal management programs to help residents recover. Denver7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ East Denver families are trying the Tin Can phone — a modern twist on an old school landline that delays kids’ smartphone use — to help keep young users off social media. The device lets children make approved calls and schedule playdates, and orders will be delivered in late spring. Colorado Public Radio
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Denver Summit FC held its first media day at Infinity Park as Colorado’s first female professional sports franchise showcased team spirit and teased a secret kit ahead of their debut season. Players expressed pride in representing Denver and inspiring local youth soccer. Denver7
- ➤ Colorado skiing icon Lindsey Vonn plans to race at the Olympics on Sunday at 3:30 a.m. MST despite a torn ACL. She will run training sessions on Thursday and Friday and, if her knee is stable, compete in a dramatic comeback at age 41. Colorado Public Radio
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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