Good morning, Colorado.
We have a lot of news to cover today, so I’ll keep this brief. A significant story emerged after 5 p.m. yesterday. Reporter Nancy Lofholm was present in a crowded courtroom in Grand Junction, where a jury delivered a guilty verdict for Tina Peters. This conviction concludes a lengthy saga that threatened Colorado’s voting integrity and adds to the list of convictions linked to post-2020 election conspiracy theories.
This situation exemplifies our commitment at The Sun to report on crucial issues, regardless of the time or place. Here’s what you can expect in this morning’s Sunriser.
THE NEWS
CRIME AND COURTS
Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk, left the Mesa County Justice Center courtroom with her supporters on Monday in Grand Junction.
After eight days of testimony, the jury deliberated for about four hours before finding Peters guilty on seven of ten counts relating to a breach of the election system in 2021. As Nancy Lofholm reports, the jury examined conflicting portrayals of Peters, considering her as either a law-breaking, attention-seeking conspiracy theorist endangering Colorado’s electoral process or as a public servant attempting to safeguard sensitive election information.
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ENVIRONMENT
State wildlife biologists are expressing excitement about the latest developments regarding boreal tadpoles in a bog high above Pitkin, labeling it “potentially life-changing.” For the past seven years, biologists have been transporting tadpoles to remote high-altitude ponds to help save the boreal toad species. Now, for the first time, these relocated toads are successfully breeding in the wild. Jennifer Brown reports more.
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WATER
Train cars are stationed near the Colorado River in Bond.
Officials from the Colorado River have developed a swift timeline to negotiate a new agreement with the federal government for tracking, counting, and storing water that could benefit the four Upper Basin states: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Water reporter Shannon Mullane shares details about a potential conservation credit program.
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BUSINESS
A boy runs across Main Street in downtown Ordway.
There has been a notable decline in new business filings in Colorado during the second quarter, representing the steepest year-over-year drop recorded since 2005, according to Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the University of Colorado’s Business Research Division. Economists attribute this downturn to the conclusion of a program that drastically reduced filing fees to just $1. As a result, business filings are returning to levels seen prior to the discount.
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STATE LEGISLATURE
As a special session looms, notable civic and business organizations from across the political spectrum have expressed their support for a deal aimed at preventing two measures from appearing on the November ballot. Brian Eason and Jesse Paul provide insight into the process leading to this agreement.
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MORE NEWS
A bylaw amendment could complicate the removal of Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams, making it more challenging to convene a special meeting for a vote on his removal. Jesse Paul reports.
In related news, a woman from the Colorado Springs area, known as 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 the ruling, Rebecca Lavrenz did not apologize for her actions and stated that the judge’s decision was ultimately in God’s hands.
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THE COLORADO REPORT
THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
All Colorado households should have access to affordable housing solutions. The answer lies in developing publicly owned mixed-income buildings that can adapt to the evolving needs of Coloradans.
— State Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village), Tamara Pogue (Summit County commissioner), and Peter F. LiFari (Maiker Housing Partners)
The Colorado Sun strives to maintain a nonpartisan stance, and the opinions expressed by columnists and editorial writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the newsroom. For more details on our ethics policy or to submit opinions, you can reach us at opinion@coloradosun.com.
SunLit
REVIEW
“The Girls in the Cabin” uncovers the struggles of a troubled girl and her grieving family.
Two excerpts from Caleb Stephens’ psychological thriller “The Girls in the Cabin” provide unsettling insights into what should have been a restorative camping trip for a widowed father and his two daughters, which quickly descends into a nightmare. This Colorado Book Award finalist explores the characters entangled in darkness through multiple perspectives.
READ AN EXCERPT
An interview with author Caleb Stephens reveals his shift to a straightforward thriller following the completion of a more complex apocalyptic novel.
Thank you for joining us today. We’ll see you tomorrow.
— Olivia and the entire staff of The Sun
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Corrections & Clarifications
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