Good morning, Colorado.
Hope you’re ready to rise and shine — both today and, if you’re a Colorado high school student, on June 18. That’s when our newsroom will host the fifth annual (free!) Rise & Shine Journalism Workshop for students who are already thinking about a career as a journalist and those who have never considered a future on a news desk.
During this year’s bootcamp, which will run at The Sun’s downtown Denver office and also online, some of Colorado’s most talented reporters will introduce high schoolers to key skills every journalist must develop. You can ask Kyle Clark of 9News how he preps a story for his broadcast audience and listen to Ryan Warner of Colorado Public Radio explain how he decides what issues to dissect on the mic.
And you’ll get one-on-one time with a mentor, a professional journalist who can answer all your questions about how they cover breaking news assignments, stay on top of their beats and find the right sources. It’s your chance to conduct your first interview as a student journalist.
Meanwhile, here’s your first deadline: Applications must be submitted by April 25. Find all the deets about this year’s program here.
Now, let’s spring ahead to today’s headlines, shall we?
Education Reporter
THE NEWS
POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
Colorado’s marijuana tax revenue keeps falling from its pandemic high, spurring new calls to rein in spending
⬇︎41%
The amount last year’s marijuana tax collections dipped from the all-time high.
50+
The number of programs paid for by the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund.
The big milkshake that is Colorado’s Marijuana Tax Cash Fund has too many straws and not enough ice cream. Brian Eason takes us through the lifecycle of Colorado’s cash crop — and how lawmakers are hoping to fix it.
IMMIGRATION
At least 10 international students at Colorado universities have had student visas revoked
At least six international students at Colorado State University and four in the University of Colorado system have had their student visas revoked, with no clear indication of why they were targeted by the Trump administration. Olivia Prentzel has more.
HEALTH
Trump funding cuts threaten HIV prevention as disease gains ground in Colorado
Colorado sees more than 400 new cases of HIV every year, a number that has been increasing since the pandemic. But mass layoffs and funding cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services by the Trump administration could make it harder for the groups on the front line of public health to provide help, John Ingold and Jennifer Brown report.
ECONOMY
Coloradans rushed to buy cars before wave of Trump tariffs take effect
25%
The import tariff on foreign-made cars and light-duty trucks the Trump administration launched today.
Colorado buyers had the Trump administration on their minds when they headed to dealerships looking to get new vehicles before the anticipated price spike from a fresh round of the president’s tariffs kicks in. Tamara Chuang has more on the impacts to local businesses and shoppers.
AGRICULTURE
Elk can migrate through private Colorado ranch after first-of-its-kind deal with conservation group
A new form of conservation easement will allow Colorado’s elk herds to migrate through and graze on a 3,000-acre private ranch in Park County — and other ranchers are already calling up the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Trust to get a similar deal. Tracy Ross has more.
Section by Eric Lubbers | CTO & Newsletter Wrangler
COLORADO REPORT
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Section by Eric Lubbers | CTO & Newsletter Wrangler
THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
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.
What’s Happening
April 3-9
Selena Celebration. The late singer Selena Quintanilla accomplished a lot in the short 23 years she sang on earth. Selena, a proud Mexican American from Corpus Cristi, Texas, performed Tejano music — a South Texas blend of Mexican folk music and German and eastern European sounds, like the accordion. Her distinct version of Tejano pulled from a large variety of musical influences, like cumbia, reggae and R&B.
Her blended sounds, sparkly performances and charming weave between Spanish, Spanglish, and lightly twanged English bridged generational and geographic borders.
Her tragic murder in March 1995 galvanized fans, and she is still listened to and celebrated widely across the U.S.
On Friday and Saturday, the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, or CHAC, and Creature Arcade: Tattoo and Illustration are hosting a two-day bash in honor of the late, great singer.
On Friday, Aztec dancers, a Selena look-alike contest and flash tattoos will take place on the block outside of CHAC. On Saturday, the party continues from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with a car show, folklorico and Aztec dance performances, a karaoke contest and more Selena-inspired festivities.
Free; 5-9 p.m., April 4 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m., April 5; CHAC Gallery at 40 West, 7060 W. 16th Ave., Lakewood
Section by Parker Yamasaki | Reporter
Thanks for turning to The Sun on another news-packed morning! We hope you’ll share information about our Rise & Shine Journalism Workshop with a high school student in your orbit. After all, we’re here to keep local news around for generations.
— Erica & the whole staff of The Sun
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Corrections & Clarifications
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