Good morning, Colorado.
Today brings a wealth of news, and I aim to keep this introduction brief. However, I wanted to highlight a significant development that emerged late yesterday evening. Reporter Nancy Lofholm was present in the crowded Grand Junction courtroom when a jury delivered a guilty verdict for Tina Peters. This conviction concludes a lengthy series of events that has raised serious concerns about Colorado’s voting integrity and adds to the ongoing list of convictions related to post-2020 election claims.
This situation exemplifies our commitment at The Sun to report on critical issues, regardless of the time or place. You’ll find the details of this story and more in today’s Sunriser.
THE NEWS
CRIME AND COURTS
Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters exited the Mesa County Justice Center courtroom surrounded by supporters on Monday in Grand Junction. After an eight-day trial, a jury took about four hours to convict her on seven out of ten charges linked to a 2021 breach of the county election system. Nancy Lofholm reports that the jury weighed conflicting portrayals of Peters, considering whether she was a law-breaking opportunist who endangered the election system or a concerned public servant attempting to safeguard sensitive election data.
ENVIRONMENT
State wildlife biologists have reported exciting news regarding boreal tadpoles found in a bog in the mountains above Pitkin. For the first time, the transplanted boreal toads they have been nurturing for years are reproducing in the wild. Jennifer Brown has the full story on this hopeful development for the species.
WATER
Officials managing the Colorado River have set a swift timeline to establish a new agreement with the federal government regarding water tracking, counting, and storage for the benefit of the four Upper Basin states: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Water reporter Shannon Mullane has the latest on the proposed conservation credit program.
BUSINESS
In a concerning trend, Colorado has seen a significant decline in new business filings during the second quarter. Economists are linking this drop to the conclusion of a program that offered reduced filing fees. Tamara Chuang provides insight into this developing situation.
STATE LEGISLATURE
As the legislative session approaches, a coalition of prominent civic and business organizations has come together to advocate for an agreement that could prevent two measures from reaching the November ballot. Brian Eason and Jesse Paul delve into how this potential special session came to be.
MORE NEWS
A proposed amendment to party bylaws may complicate efforts to remove embattled Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams, making it more difficult to convene a special meeting for a vote on his position. Additionally, a woman from Colorado Springs, dubbed the “praying Grandma,” has been sentenced to one year of probation for her involvement in the January 6 riot. In a Facebook post prior to her sentencing, Rebecca Lavrenz expressed no remorse and felt the judge’s decision was guided by divine influence.
What topics would you like to hear discussed by candidates during the 2024 election as they seek your vote? Our survey remains open for your input.
THE COLORADO REPORT
THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
All Colorado residents should benefit from affordable housing initiatives. The answer lies in developing publicly owned mixed-income properties that can evolve to meet the needs of Colorado’s residents.
— State Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village), Tamara Pogue (Summit County commissioner), and Peter F. LiFari (Maiker Housing Partners)
The Colorado Sun operates as a nonpartisan news organization, and the views expressed by columnists and editorial writers do not necessarily reflect the perspectives of our newsroom. For more details on our ethics policy, or to submit columns or feedback, please contact us at opinion@coloradosun.com.
SunLit
REVIEW
In “The Girls in the Cabin,” Caleb Stephens presents a haunting narrative centered on a troubled girl and a grieving family. This psychological thriller offers unsettling insights into what a widowed father intended to be a healing camping trip for himself and his daughters, only to devolve into a chilling ordeal. The narrative unfolds from multiple perspectives, revealing the darkness that ensnares the characters.
Thanks for being with us today. We’ll see you tomorrow.
— Olivia & the entire staff at The Sun
The Colorado Sun is committed to transparency and accountability. If you notice any factual inaccuracies, please request a correction by emailing corrections@coloradosun.com.