Good morning! And yes, even if your circadian rhythm has been blaring alarms that something isn’t right since yesterday, it is morning as I write this.
But this weekend was notable before the time change gremlins wreaked their twice-yearly havoc, because my alma mater, Yuma High School, emerged from the state tournament as the unlikely 3A boys basketball champions. I say unlikely only because the newly christened Outlaws won their last three games of the tournament — including the championship — by 1 point. They say it’s better to be lucky than good, but it doesn’t hurt when you’re both.
So while we celebrate all of the state’s champion hoopers — and try not to think about my ignominious two-year basketball career — let’s dive into a whole weekend’s worth of news, shall we?
CTO & Newsletter Wrangler
THE NEWS
CULTURE
Conflict over the role of “living history” — and other changes — flares at Bent’s Old Fort
If you grew up in Colorado, chances are you’ve been on a field trip to Bent’s Old Fort — or one of the state’s many other living history facilities. But as Kevin Simpson reports, a new superintendent armed with an independent consultant’s report could change the way that Bent’s uses living history — complete with livestock, costumed volunteers and explorable buildings — to tell the site’s story.
ENVIRONMENT
Jared Polis’ environmental justice plans are in limbo at the Colorado Capitol. Here’s why.
The Joint Budget Committee voted down the governor’s request for eight new employees to help bolster pollution enforcement in disadvantaged communities. But as Brian Eason writes, the JBC’s decision to reject the proposal was based on a misunderstanding of how CDPHE prioritizes inspections.
ECONOMY
Why unionizing in Colorado, a modified-right-to-work state, sees limited success
There’s a lot going on in labor laws in Colorado — from how a modified-right-to-work state actually functions to the role of the Colorado Labor Peace Act to the use of premajority unions — and Parker Yamasaki and Tamara Chuang are here to help explain it all in this week’s edition of “What’s Working.” This is a great starter to send to anyone in your life interested in the future of labor.
CRIME
Former CBI scientist intentionally manipulated data, casting doubt on 652 cases, investigation reveals
An internal investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation found that former forensic scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods intentionally manipulated DNA evidence during her 29-year career at the bureau, casting doubt on hundreds of cases, including some of the most high-profile trials in recent state history. Olivia Prentzel digs into the CBI report.
HEALTH
Colorado’s public health department wants to help you with your taxes. Seriously.
From inside the same government division responsible for vaccination campaigns and pollution regulations, there is a program that works to improve families’ economic mobility. And as John Ingold reports, one of the most dependable ways to get more money in disadvantaged families’ pockets is to make sure they’re getting all the tax benefits they’re eligible for.
COLORADO SUNDAY
The 0 dark thirty shift: At work with the sweepers, lifties and corduroy farmers who keep Colorado resorts humming
In the predawn darkness, teams of workers at Winter Park Resort are fixing lifts, making snow and grooming trails to make sure the resort can handle the tens of thousands of people with as few hiccups as possible. Tracy Ross spent hours in the frostbite-cold watching the work most don’t see at the resort to make sure everyone’s ski days are the best.
Section by Eric Lubbers | CTO & Newsletter Wrangler
THE COLORADO REPORT
🔑 = source has article meter or paywall
Section by Olivia Prentzel | Reporter
THE OPINION PAGE
COLUMNS
CARTOONS
The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Sun’s opinion policy and submit columns, suggest writers or provide feedback at opinion@coloradosun.com.
I hope many things for you as you head into the rest of your week: Good health, good food and good luck finding all the non-internet-connected devices in your household with clocks and resetting them.
See you back here tomorrow!
— Eric and the whole staff of The Sun
Corrections & Clarifications
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