Sam Pena
Denver, East Coast United States
Emmy-nominated storyteller. Strategic Communicator. Former Denver7 and @newschannelnine reporter. @csuf 🎓. Email me: spena@narrativestrategies.com 🇨🇴
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Articles by Sam Pena
Closing the Skills Gap: Building a Future-Ready Workforce in State and Local Government
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has moved beyond chatbot novelty. What began as a search-and-synthesize tool in late 2022 has evolved into agentic technology capable of reshaping entire workflows, leaving organizations across sectors racing to adapt.
Avs surge, Nuggets stumble to game 7s in the first round of NHL and NBA playoffs
DENVER, Colo — It was a night of clutch performances, lucky bounces, and championship-level intensity. The Colorado Avalanche fought off elimination with a game 6 win against the Dallas Stars, while the Nuggets stumbled into game 7, after a grueling night against the Los Angeles Clippers. In sports, sometimes it's better to be lucky than good: Thursday night, the Avs were both. With the game tied in the third period, Nathan MacKinnon flung the puck into a scrum in front of the net.
Twin CU Denver sisters develop tool to help users outsmart phishing scams
DENVER, Colo — As phishing scams continue to rise, two graduating sisters from CU Denver are turning their capstone project into a tool to help people avoid phishing scams. Ashlynn and Deveyn Hainey, twin sisters from Englewood, Colorado, will graduate this May from CU Denver, but before they don their caps and gowns, they’ve already made a mark with PhishSense, a Gmail add-on that detects phishing emails and teaches users how to spot scams themselves.
Colorado urges residents to apply for LEAP assistance before April 30 deadline
DENVER — As Colorado heads into the final stretch of its winter heating assistance program, state leaders are urging residents to apply for help before the April 30 midnight deadline. The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), has already supported more than 83,000 households this season. LEAP is designed to offset the cost of home heating for eligible low-income households. Payments are typically made directly to utility companies, appearing as credits on customers’ bills.
Coloradans clean out their cabinets for National Drug Take Back Day
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo — Colorado residents and local law enforcement joined a nationwide effort to combat prescription drug misuse by safely disposing of old, unused, or expired medications during National Drug Take Back Day. Hosted in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), local law enforcement agencies, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Denver Police and Thornton Police, set up collection sites across the state.
Pajamas, pups and purpose: Parker company supports rescue dogs in need with matching PJs
PARKER, Colo. — Darren and Phillip, a brand founded in Parker, is stealing hearts across the nation with irresistibly adorable matching sleepwear for humans and their four-legged friends. Behind the pastel pajamas and picture-perfect photo-ops lies a much deeper mission: to support rescue dogs in need. This year, Darren and Phillip launched their limited-edition Easter collection, just in time for springtime snapshots and family snuggles.
'They've set the standard': A look at CU Boulder's star-studded NFL Draft class
BOULDER, Colo. — It’s not fall yet, but the buzz around CU Boulder feels like football season has arrived early and for good reason. With 15 Buffs eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, the program could send both Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL in the first round. Hunter and Sanders were standout stars at the heart of Colorado's resurgence under Coach Prime. Hunter is considered a top-vie lock by most, while Sanders could land within the first 25 picks.
'They've set the standard': A look at CU Boulder's star-studded NFL Draft class
BOULDER, Colo. — It’s not fall yet, but the buzz around CU Boulder feels like football season has arrived early and for good reason. With 15 Buffs eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, the program could send both Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL in the first round. Hunter and Sanders were standout stars at the heart of Colorado's resurgence under Coach Prime. Hunter is considered a top-vie lock by most, while Sanders could land within the first 25 picks.
'A colorful light': Family of Alexa Bartell honors her life two years after the 20-year-old's tragic death
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — It's a beautiful spot, filled with chirping birds and scenic views. But for the family of Alexa Bartell, every visit to Indiana Street, is a painful reminder of what was lost. They don't hear the birds, they don't see the beautiful water or smell the green grass. All they can see is a lonely car stranded in the middle of a field, where Alexa was found dead.
Memorials for Pope Francis in Denver throughout the week ahead of funeral
DENVER — The Catholic Church in Denver has entered a period of mourning following the death of Pope Francis. The Pope died Easter Monday morning from a stroke and now local churches will host memorials throughout the week. The requiem bells at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Downtown Denver rang for an entire hour Monday morning.
Denver church in need of $1 million to save food bank
DENVER — In the past 30 years, Redeeming Love Fellowship Church has served more than 1.8 million pounds of food to its community. The church is now asking the community for help, as it could potentially lose its building. The food bank faces an urgent deadline: raise $1 million by June 30, 2025, or risk losing the building that has allowed them to serve thousands of households since 1989. “This isn’t just about buying property,” said Eden Armendariz, director of the food pantry.
Pothole Palooza returns to Westminster for the second year of street paving
WESTMINSTER, Colo. — It's the final day of Westminster's second-annual Pothole Palooza and the city is going all out to patch up streets and keep drivers rolling smoothly. Running from April 14-17, the four-day event has mobilized Westminster's street crews across the city to fill potholes. Eight crews will respond to areas reported by Westminster residents or fill potholes they discover along the way.
Aurora expands tree canopy through $5 million federal grant
AURORA, Colo. — The City of Aurora and dozens of volunteers put their green thumbs to use on Tuesday, planting 10 new trees at Utah Park. The event is part of Aurora's efforts to plant 2,000 trees by 2028. In 2023, Aurora received a $5 million grant from the USDA Forest Service, to expand their tree canopy. The funding is part of a nationwide $1.5 billion Urban and Community Forestry Program, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Colorado bill aims to codify Supreme Court protections for people with disabilities
DENVER — A new bill making its way through the Colorado legislature seeks to protect the rights of people with disabilities to live and receive care in their own homes, a move advocates say is long overdue. House Bill 25-1017 would codify into Colorado law the protections established by the landmark 1999 U.S. Supreme Court case Olmstead v. L.C., which ruled that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Colorado bill aims to codify Supreme Court protections for people with disabilities
DENVER — A new bill making its way through the Colorado legislature seeks to protect the rights of people with disabilities to live and receive care in their own homes, a move advocates say is long overdue. House Bill 25-1017 would codify into Colorado law the protections established by the landmark 1999 U.S. Supreme Court case Olmstead v. L.C., which ruled that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What makes Friday trial different for suspect in 2023 rock throwing that killed 20-year-old Alexa Bartell
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — The murder trial for one of three men accused of throwing rocks at several cars in 2023, and killing 20-year-old Alexa Bartell, started Friday morning with jury selection. What makes the trial of Joseph Edwin Koenig, 20, different than other murder trials is two of his friends — who were also charged in the deadly incident — took plea deals on the condition they testify against Koenig.
Public meeting held in Nederland to address concerns over Caribou-Cross Mine
NEDERLAND, Colo. — The owners of the Caribou-Cross Mine in Nederland hosted a public meeting on Tuesday, to discuss their plans to expand operations and address community concerns. The meeting, which was part of the mine’s efforts to maintain transparency and open communication with local residents, focused on the mine's previous water quality issues, as well as the steps taken to address them.
Commerce City family in need of help after losing home and two dogs in fire
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — A Commerce City family is trying to rebuild after a devastating fire destroyed their home early Monday morning, killing their two dogs. Diana Sandoval said she woke up around 4:50 in the morning to the smell of smoke. “It was dark, but not the usual kind of dark,” Sandoval recalled. Realizing something was wrong, the couple sprang into action. They rushed through the smoke-filled house and carried out their six children, including their 2-year-old daughter.
MSU Denver's Affordable Housing Institute hopes to address state housing crisis
Share DENVER — Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) launched a new institute to combat the growing affordable housing crisis in Colorado. MSU received a large pledge to establish the FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute with classes teaching students about solutions for the affordability issue plaguing the state. The Affordable Housing Institute offers students specialized training in affordable housing finance, property management and resident services.
MSU Denver's Affordable Housing Institute hopes to address state housing crisis
DENVER — Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) launched a new institute to combat the growing affordable housing crisis in Colorado. MSU received a large pledge to establish the FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute with classes teaching students about solutions for the affordability issue plaguing the state. The Affordable Housing Institute offers students specialized training in affordable housing finance, property management and resident services.
History, love and hair: Inside the legacy of Ethel and Gil's Beauty Salon
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — It’s not just any beauty salon, it’s a second home, a community hub and a living testament to a family's legacy. Since 1961, Gil and Ethel's Beauty Salon, has seen thousands of clients, memories and transformations. Through it all, it's stood the toughest test of all: Time. For Sunshine Romero, the salon was more than just a place of business; it's where she grew up.
Nederland residents voice concerns about proposed operation expansion of Caribou-Cross Mine
NEDERLAND, Colo. — Nederland residents are voicing concerns about the Caribou-Cross Mine, which is attempting to expand work operations. The mine's owner, Grand Island Resources (GIR), filed a permit to increase the mine’s operational footprint from 9.9 acres to 200 acres. The mine was formerly owned by the late Tom Hendricks, who operated the mine for nearly five decades. Hendricks was known for his conscientious approach to mining, balancing operations with respect for nature.
Street sweeping begins in Denver on Tuesday. Here's what you need to know.
DENVER — If you woke up to a ticket on your car parked in Denver, it's not an April Fools' Day prank. It's because street sweeping season has begun. Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) spent the past few weeks sending out reminders that parking restrictions that support the program are on the way to keep sweeping operations active. Street sweeping officially starts April 1, so make sure to keep an eye on the red and white signs on your block for parking restrictions.
Colorado considers capping reimbursements to large hospitals for patients on state employee health insurance
DENVER — A bill that has been met with backlash from Colorado hospitals aims to limit how much money can be reimbursed to large, urban hospitals when treating patients who utilize the state employee health insurance plan and for small group health insurance policies. The money the state saves would funnel into Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as Community Health Centers.
Colorado Youth Outdoors hosts teen job fair in Larimer County
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Colorado Youth Outdoors (CYO) campus was buzzing with energy Saturday morning as local businesses offered Larimer County teens a chance to jump-start their careers. CYO partnered with Larimer County's Economic Workforce Development to host the job fair for teens between 14 and 18 years old. “It’s really about helping them take that first step into the workforce,” said Claire Haenny, the Program Manager for CYO.
Denver chef to start in national show for Eat This TV
DENVER, Colo — Denver chef Elise Wiggins will take her Italian cuisine to a national level with her own cooking show. The Louisiana native filmed 12 episodes of the show coming to Eat This TV in spring. The show will take place inside her Central Park restaurant Cattivella, which is set to celebrate its eight-year anniversary this weekend. Wiggins started cooking from a young age in Louisiana before eventually cultivating her talent across the world.
Colorado considers capping reimbursements to large hospitals for patients on state employee health insurance
Watch our in-depth report on this new bill at 10 p.m. Friday on Denver7. A bill that has been met with backlash from Colorado hospitals aims to limit how much money can be reimbursed to large, urban hospitals when treating patients who utilize the state employee health insurance plan and for small group health insurance policies. The money the state saves would funnel into Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as Community Health Centers.
Gates open at 10 a.m. Thursday for first round of March Madness games at Ball Arena
DENVER — Gates open at 10 a.m. Thursday for NCAA Tournament first round games at Ball Arena.
RTD prepares for increased ridership during March Madness weekend
DENVER — With March Madness set to return to the Mile High City, RTD is gearing up for a surge in ridership. The first round of games are set to take place at Ball Arena on Thursday, March 20, and Saturday, March 22. With them, thousands of fans are expected to flood downtown Denver to catch the action. To ensure fans can safely and efficiently travel to the arena, RTD has ramped up its transit operations, adding special features and additional security measures.
National Sports Center for the Disabled to host fundraiser for adaptive athletes
WINTER PARK, Colo. — The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) is set to host a fundraiser for adaptive athletes on March 22 at Winter Park Resort. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities are welcome to hit the slopes for a good cause. The event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the top of Winter Park's gondola. The proceeds will support the NSCD's adaptive outdoor programs for youth and adults.
Thousands in green line the streets for 58th annual Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade
DENVER — Downtown Denver was filled with the sound of bagpipes and the unmistakable Irish green on Saturday morning as thousands watched the 58th annual Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade made its way through the streets of downtown Denver in 1889. Since then, the festivities have come and gone, but this iteration of the parade has been going strong since 1962. The parade started on 19th and Wynkoop before weaving a path down Blake.
Colorado astronaut Nichole Ayers shares feelings ahead of SpaceX Crew-10 Mission Wednesday
As she prepared for the SpaceX Crew-10 launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida Wednesday evening, Colorado astronaut Nichole Ayers shared her feelings about the historic moment. "I'm excited about the view, getting to see the world from that perspective... and I'm excited to share the experience with this team," Ayers said.
Denver Housing Authority opens new affordable housing building in Sun Valley
DENVER — The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) is celebrating a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Sun Valley neighborhood. DHA is opening the Joli apartments and townhomes, marking the latest step in the ongoing transformation of the historic area. The Sun Valley area, which DHA has been involved with since the 1940s, has seen dramatic changes in recent years. The area originally had 333 public housing units, which are now being replaced by newly constructed apartments and townhomes.
Advocates set to gather at state capitol to discuss legislation for Coloradans with disabilities
DENVER — More than 600 people are set to gather at the Colorado Capitol for Disability Advocacy Day on Thursday. The event connects activists with state lawmakers to discuss future legislation to protect people with disabilities. It's an anxious time for individuals with disabilities in Colorado, Executive Director of Disability Law Colorado Andrew Romanoff said.
Trump's pledge to 'drill, baby, drill' receives mixed reaction in Colorado
DENVER — President Donald Trump is pledging to increase America's oil and gas production during his second term, but his pledge is getting mixed reactions in oil-rich Colorado. Some people are hopeful the plan will lead to an economic boom, along with more jobs. Others worry the president’s plan will shift the country away from clean energy sources. Just three miles from the heart of downtown Denver, lies a neighborhood that some say feels forgotten.
Trump's pledge to 'drill, baby, drill' receives mixed reaction in Colorado
DENVER — President Trump is pledging to increase America's oil and gas production during his second term. But his pledge is getting mixed reaction in oil-rich Colorado. Some people are hopeful the plan will lead to an economic boom, along with more jobs. Others worry the president’s plan will shift the country away from clean energy sources. Just three miles from the heart of downtown Denver, lies a neighborhood that some say feels forgotten.
Denver Film celebrates the "Brightest Night in Hollywood" with Oscar viewing party at Sie FilmCenter
DENVER, Colo — Film lovers in Denver gathered in style at the Sie FilmCenter for a glitzy celebration of Hollywood’s biggest night — The Oscars. The event, hosted by Denver Film, drew more than 500 guests, all dressed to the nines and enjoying a live broadcast of the 97th Academy Awards. The "Brightest Night in Hollywood" event kicked off with a star-studded Red Carpet walk, where attendees donned their most glamorous outfits, with a chance to win the coveted Best Dressed Award.
Community College of Denver launches tuition-free high school diploma program Original
DENVER — The Community College of Denver (CCD) launched its new tuition-free high school diploma program for adults. The initiative costs a one-time $50 fee and aims to help adults who did not complete high school unlock new academic and career opportunities. The program was made possible through the passage of Senate Bills 23-007 and 24-51, approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education.
Colorado vape business suffers series of burglaries and armed robberies
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — A disturbing string of burglaries has been wreaking havoc on a Colorado vape shop. Purple Greens Vape and Glass was burglarized thrice in the past three months. Owner Kelly Morse revealed that the crimes started in 2022 and have since been a recurring nightmare. The company has six locations in Colorado, and since 2022, they've had seven burglaries and one armed robbery. "We're talking about over $100,000 in damages and stolen merchandise at this point," Morse explained.
'It's just pure magic': Teen Colorado magician set to appear on "Penn & Teller: Fool Us"
CASTLE PINES, Colo. — Liam Abner knows his mind works in mysterious ways, a mind tailor-made for the world of illusion. The 16-year-old Castle Pines magician is already making a name for himself, as he's set to appear on the hit TV show "Penn & Teller: Fool Us." Liam's passion for magic started six years ago, when he caught a magic show by Richard Nakata at Reinke Bros in Littleton. "I was hooked right away," Abner said.
Colorado restaurant owner in support of tipping bill, aimed at providing wage relief
DENVER — One Denver restaurant owners says a state bill could provide relief, as more restaurants close across the city, but it would come at the expense of tipped worker wages. House Bill 1208, also known as the Restaurant Relief Bill, would make it so restaurants are only paying out a portion of tipped workers’ paychecks, while tips make up the difference.
Troubled Edge of Lowry apartment complex in Aurora set to close Tuesday morning
AURORA, Colo. — The dilapidated Edge of Lowry apartment complex in Aurora, which gained widespread national media attention after video of armed men in its hallways went viral last summer and fueled claims of a gang take over, will shut down Tuesday morning.
'Tell the truth': Commerce City parents plead for justice after their 16-year-old son was shot and killed
COMMERCE CITY, Colo — A Colorado teen, 16-year-old Envy Reinhardt, was shot and killed while sitting in a car Monday night, and Commerce City police have arrested another 16-year-old, who is now facing a manslaughter charge. The shooting occurred near the intersection of Tichy Boulevard and Kearney Street, where Envy and three other teens were sitting in an SUV. According to Commerce City police, one of the boys inside the vehicle shot Envy.
Colorado Department of Corrections reaches settlement to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing inmates
DENVER, Colo — Disability rights advocates and the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) reached a new settlement to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing inmates last month. The case addressed longstanding complaints related to communication accommodations and healthcare access within the state’s prison system. This started in 2019, when students from the Civil Rights Clinic at the University of Denver’s Law Center started investigating reports about inadequate services for deaf inmates.
AAA report finds a surge in Colorado pedestrian fatalities
DENVER — After reaching a record low number of pedestrian deaths in 2009, a AAA study found that pedestrian deaths increased by over 80% across the United States. In Colorado, those deaths surged dramatically, with 120 pedestrian fatalities recorded in 2024. Colorado reached a record number of crash deaths in 2022, with 764 reported and 115 involving a pedestrian, according to CDOT.
CSU Spur hosts student visit aimed at building climate workforce
DENVER — In an effort to foster awareness and cultivate a new generation of climate workers, the Neighborhood Resilience Corps organized a visit to CSU Spur for 20 Montbello and Green Valley ranch students. The nonprofit held the trip last Wednesday, Ut offered an in-depth look at climate adaptation careers and the diverse opportunities available for young people in addressing climate change.
A Golden Day: Thousands attend annual Goldens in Golden event
GOLDEN, Colo — Thousands of Golden retrievers and their human companions traveled to Golden, Colorado, on Saturday morning for the 2025 Goldens in Golden event. The City of Golden started the event in 2019 after realizing that National Golden Retriever Day is in February. The economic development manager for Golden, Robin Fleischmann, said the event is their small businesses' busiest day of the year.
Colorado businesses feeling the pain of skyrocketing egg prices
Pete's Kitchen has been a staple of Colorado dining for decades. The Denver diner is now one of many businesses struggling with the skyrocketing price of eggs. It’s a severe problem for businesses that rely on eggs to serve the items on their menu. Restaurants, diners and grocery stores are all dealing with a surge in egg prices causing a major drop in supply. Some are now charging extra fees for eggs or not stocking eggs at all. Waffle House announced a nationwide 50-cent surcharge for each egg.
Girl Scouts of Colorado says it's in danger of losing millions in revenue during King Soopers strike
DENVER — The Girl Scouts of Colorado are facing an unexpected obstacle its members worry could impact their annual cookie sales. The strike at Colorado King Soopers stores Thursday, one of the Girl Scouts' major booth outlets, could cost the group millions in sales. Super Bowl weekend is the busiest time of year for the troop as people flock to grocery stores to prepare for their parties. The Girl Scouts had plans to set up stands at 77 King Soopers locations across Colorado.
Girl Scouts of Colorado in danger of losing millions in revenue during King Soopers strike
The Girl Scouts of Colorado are facing an unexpected obstacle that could impact their annual cookie sales. The ongoing strike at King Soopers, one of the Girl Scouts' major booth outlets, could cost the group millions in sales. Super Bowl weekend is the busiest time of year for the troop as people flock to grocery stores to prepare for their parties. The Girl Scouts had plans to set up stands at 77 King Soopers locations across Colorado.
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