🥶 Arctic temperatures incoming

⚖️ Trump Challenges Colorado (Again)

President Trump has been very vocal about addressing consumer credit card debt. But his administration has also been quietly challenging a Colorado law meant to curb credit card interest rates. David Sirota, editor in chief of The Lever, joins host Bree Davies to discuss his outlet’s reporting on the president’s dance between the will of credit card companies and the work of state lawmakers. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

📈 Apartment Vacancy Rate Hits 16-Year High

The number of empty apartments in the Denver metro was the highest it’s been in 16 years with a 7.6% vacancy rate at the end of 2025 and over 34,000 vacant units on the market. The surplus is credited to a surge in new construction in recent years, requiring landlords to lower rents (which fell 4.8% over the last year) and offer concessions such as free rent or Visa gift cards. Experts anticipate “a favorable rental market for at least another year.” [CO Sun]

♿ Disability Rights Group Drops Lawsuit Against RTD

After nonprofit Atlantis ADAPT sued RTD last month over raising prices for the popular Access-on-Demand ride service for people with disabilities, a judge ruled against the lawsuit saying the group was unlikely to win its case. [Denverite]

💰 Medicaid Fraud Scheme Costs State $25 Million

Medicaid officials estimate a coordinated fraud scheme — first identified in 2023 — among drivers working for Colorado’s free medical transportation program cost the state roughly $25 million. Deceptive drivers allegedly exploited a mileage-based payment system by crowding vehicles with patients, taking excessively long routes, fabricating trips, and even “recruiting” riders using cash or drugs. [Denver Post 🔒]

🛣️ CDOT Is Widening Another Highway

Following a three-week public comment period, the Colorado Department of Transportation has decided to move forward with a plan to widen a six-mile stretch of I-270 in north Denver by at least two additional lanes in the hopes of easing congestion. The project is expected to cost roughly $800 million and take about five years to complete. [Westword]