Good morning, Colorado!
We know you’ve got plenty to do on this federal holiday, whether it’s prepping burgers, filling water balloons or scouting out the best seats for the fireworks display (or drone show, depending on where you live). So we’re just going to dive right in on an abbreviated Sunriser.
Let’s light this fuse already, shall we?
CTO & Newsletter Wrangler
THE NEWS
COVID-19
Vaccines and social distancing saved 800,000 American lives from COVID, according to a new study by a CU professor
The effect of the preventative actions taken in the early days of the pandemic was substantial, according to a massive new study co-authored by University of Colorado professor Stephen Kissler. John Ingold digs into the report, including measuring the ripple effects of those measures, from delayed medical care, learning loss in schools and a new hostility toward public health measures.
COURTS
Colorado Court of Appeals rules sheriff’s agreement with ICE unlawful, reversing district judge’s decision
A Colorado sheriff’s practice of holding undocumented immigrants in jail through an agreement with federal immigration authorities violates state law, the Colorado Court of Appeals found Wednesday, reversing a district judge’s ruling. Olivia Prentzel reports on the latest in the yearslong battle between Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell and the ACLU.
WATER
Colorado’s U.S. Senators express support for added protection of Dolores River, with safeguards for existing uses
On Tuesday, Colorado’s senators released a joint statement saying they support additional protection around the Dolores River — where advocates have proposed a nearly 400,000-acre national monument — but only if it doesn’t disturb existing mining, hunting, grazing and water rights in the area. Jason Blevins explores what that protection might look like.
HOUSING
New workforce housing and creative space opens in Mancos
Across the street from the Mancos Opera House, a two-story glass and steel structure opened in the town of 1,200 offering something that is in short supply in the area: housing for the area’s workers and a space for printmakers and artists to make their art. Mark Stevens has more for The Colorado Trust.
Section by Eric Lubbers | CTO & Newsletter Wrangler
SunLit
Old Firehouse suggests books on shades of meaning, a shady underbelly and pure fantasy
Each week as part of SunLit — The Sun’s literature section — we feature staff recommendations from bookstores across Colorado. This week, the staff from Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins recommends:
Read what the bookstore staff had to say about each. Pick up a copy and support your local bookstores at the same time.
Section by Kevin Simpson | Writer
Be safe, wear sunscreen and eat your fill. Happy Fourth and see you tomorrow!
— Eric & the whole staff of The Sun
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