Good morning, Colorado.
In today’s news, a significant story emerged late yesterday afternoon when a jury issued a guilty verdict for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Reporter Nancy Lofholm was present in the crowded courtroom in Grand Junction when the decision was announced, concluding a lengthy saga that threatened the integrity of Colorado’s electoral system. This conviction is part of a broader narrative connected to claims surrounding the 2020 election.
Here’s a roundup of news for this morning.
THE NEWS
CRIME AND COURTS
Tina Peters leaves the Mesa County Justice Center courtroom surrounded by supporters on Monday in Grand Junction.
After eight days of testimony, the jury deliberated for approximately four hours, ultimately finding Peters guilty on seven out of ten counts related to a 2021 breach of the county’s election system. The jury was tasked with evaluating conflicting representations of Peters: one as a lawbreaker and conspiracist who endangered the state’s voting integrity, and another as a public servant attempting to safeguard sensitive election data.
ENVIRONMENT
Recent updates regarding boreal tadpoles in a high-altitude bog near Pitkin have wildlife biologists expressing hopeful optimism. For the past seven years, efforts have been made to transport tadpoles to elevated ponds to revive the boreal toad population, and for the first time, these toads are now reproducing in their natural habitat.
WATER
Officials overseeing the Colorado River have laid out an expedited timeline aimed at establishing a new framework in collaboration with the federal government. This agreement intends to enhance the tracking, counting, and storage of water to benefit the states within the Upper Basin, which include Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Details on a prospective conservation credit program are forthcoming.
BUSINESS
There has been a notable decrease in new business filings in Colorado for the second quarter, with reasons cited by economists potentially linked to the conclusion of a program that temporarily reduced filing fees to one dollar. Recent figures indicate a sharp drop, marking the largest year-over-year decline recorded since 2005.
STATE LEGISLATURE
A special session may be on the horizon as a coalition of key civic and business groups unite in support of an agreement aimed at blocking two proposed measures from appearing on the November ballot.
MORE NEWS
A proposed amendment could complicate efforts to remove Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams from his post. The change would make it more challenging to convene a special meeting for a vote on his removal. Additionally, a woman from the Colorado Springs area, referred to as “praying Grandma,” was sentenced to one year of probation for her involvement in the January 6 riots. In a pre-sentencing Facebook post, Rebecca Lavrenz expressed no remorse and indicated she believed the outcome was in divine hands.
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THE COLORADO REPORT
THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
Affordable housing support should be available to all Colorado families. A viable solution lies in the development of publicly-owned mixed-income housing to meet the changing demands of residents.
— State Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village), Tamara Pogue (Summit County Commissioner), and Peter F. LiFari (Maiker Housing Partners)
SunLit
REVIEW
“The Girls in the Cabin” by Caleb Stephens presents a haunting narrative featuring a troubled girl and her grieving family. This psychological thriller captures the essence of a camping trip that devolves into chaos, all told from multiple perspectives.
For more insights, stay tuned for an interview with Caleb Stephens about his transition to a straightforward thriller after tackling a complex apocalyptic narrative.
Thank you for joining us today. See you tomorrow.
— Olivia & the entire team at The Sun