Good morning, Colorado.
There’s a lot of important news to cover today, so let’s get right to it. A significant story emerged yesterday evening when a jury delivered its guilty verdict against former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. The verdict was announced in a crowded courtroom in Grand Junction, marking the conclusion of a lengthy case that questioned the integrity of Colorado’s voting system and ties to post-2020 election conspiracies.
This case is just one instance of the issues we are dedicated to reporting, regardless of how long it takes or when the news breaks. Here’s a summary of today’s headlines.
THE NEWS
CRIME AND COURTS
Tina Peters was found guilty on seven out of ten counts related to a 2021 breach of Mesa County’s election system after eight days of testimony and around four hours of jury deliberation. The jury faced a difficult task as they considered contrasting images of Peters: one portraying her as a lawbreaker and conspiracy theorist undermining Colorado’s elections, and the other as a public servant merely trying to safeguard election information.
ENVIRONMENT
State wildlife experts have shared promising news regarding boreal toads in a high-elevation bog near Pitkin. For seven years, wildlife biologists have been transporting tadpoles to high-altitude ponds in an effort to save the species. Remarkably, this year, the transplanted toads have begun reproducing in the wild. Further details are available in a report by Jennifer Brown.
WATER
Colorado River officials are moving quickly to negotiate a new agreement with the federal government aimed at tracking, counting, and storing water effectively for the benefit of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Water reporter Shannon Mullane has all the insights regarding a potential conservation credit program.
BUSINESS
New business filings in Colorado have sharply declined in the second quarter, attributed by some economists to the end of a program that had reduced filing fees to just $1. According to Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the University of Colorado’s Business Research Division, this represents the largest decrease tracked since 2005. Tamara Chuang provides further context.
STATE LEGISLATURE
As the legislative session approaches, a coalition of civic and business groups has expressed support for a deal to prevent two measures from appearing on the November ballot. Brian Eason and Jesse Paul analyze the origins and implications of this potential special session.
MORE NEWS
Recent changes to the bylaws of the Colorado GOP could make it harder to remove embattled Chairman Dave Williams. The revision will complicate the process of calling a special meeting to vote on his removal. Additionally, a woman from the Colorado Springs area, known as the “praying Grandma,” has received a one-year probation sentence related to her involvement in the January 6 riot. Rebecca Lavrenz, who offered no apologies before her ruling, stated that she believed the outcome was in God’s hands.
We want to hear from you! What issues do you want political candidates to focus on during the 2024 election? Our survey remains open for your input.
THE COLORADO REPORT
THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
Affordable housing support is essential for all Colorado households. The solution lies in developing publicly owned mixed-income communities that can adapt to the evolving needs of 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 those of the newsroom. For more information on our ethics policy, or to submit feedback, please reach out at opinion@coloradosun.com.
SunLit
REVIEW
“The Girls in the Cabin” unveils the unsettling journey of a mourning family. The psychological thriller by Caleb Stephens offers chilling glimpses into a camping trip intended to provide healing but quickly transforms into a horrific scenario. The Colorado Book Award finalist is told from various perspectives, setting the stage for characters ensnared in turmoil.
Look for an interview with author Caleb Stephens, who sought to create a more straightforward thriller after completing a complex apocalyptic novel.
Thank you for joining us today. We’ll see you again tomorrow.
— Olivia & the entire team at The Sun