Good Morning, Sun friends.
It was seven years ago this month that we held a news conference at Civic Center park in downtown Denver to announce that we were creating The Colorado Sun. I remember that in the weeks leading up to that day, as we bantered names for our still-secret endeavor, we had a text chain that eventually devolved into lyrics from the Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun.”
One person texted it. Then we couldn’t stop.
“It’s been a long cold lonely winter.”
“Little darling, the smile’s returning to the faces.”
What a time. Thanks for letting us reminisce this week as we celebrate our beginnings and ask for your continued support. We’ve signed up dozens of new members over the weekend, and we’re so grateful. If you’re already a member, thank you. If you can pitch in $5 or $10 a month to help power our journalism, please join us today.
Reporter
THE NEWS
ENERGY
Xcel using eminent domain to clear a route for its Power Pathway transmission line in Elbert County
Mark Jaffe takes a deep look at the Xcel Energy plan to build a transmission line stretching across 12 counties from Longmont to Pueblo and then up to Denver. The line will cover 550 miles, bringing wind and solar power from the Eastern Plains to the Front Range. Land acquisition has gone smoothly — minus a stretch in Elbert County.
NEWS
After Trump gripe, presidential portraits at the Colorado Capitol may be replaced with governors
A committee that oversees historic preservation is considering whether to replace the presidential portraits hanging at the Colorado Capitol with paintings of the state’s former governors. The idea comes after President Trump complained his portrait was unflattering and called it “truly the worst,” Jesse Paul reports.
EQUITY
Colorado foster kids more likely to pass classes, less likely to get suspended with new state program
Only about 1 in 4 Colorado foster kids graduate from high school with their peers, which is why lawmakers have invested state money into a program that tries to help them keep up. The Fostering Opportunities budget was cut in this year’s state funding crisis, so it won’t be expanding to more school districts but it will continue in Jeffco, Denver and Brighton. Jennifer Brown has the details.
OUTDOORS
High-profile Colorado conservation projects threatened by proposed cuts to Land and Water Conservation Fund
One item in the Trump administration’s budget is the quiet redirection of $387 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund that Trump “permanently” funded at $900 million with his Great American Outdoors Act in 2020. Jason Blevins has a breakdown of what the cuts would mean in Colorado.
MORE NEWS
COLORADO SUNDAY
A Salida rancher asks if it’s time to rethink permanent conservation easements. “Perpetuity is not working.”
A rancher with 800 acres of green pastures between Salida and Poncha Springs wanted to host a two-night bluegrass concert with camping, called the Campout for the Cause. But after the event organizer sold about 1,500 tickets, a land trust with conservation easements on the ranch said no. Jason Blevins has more about what this means for the ranch’s financial sustainability.
Section by Jennifer Brown | Reporter
THE COLORADO REPORT
🔑 = source has article meter or paywall
Section by David Krause | Editor
THE OPINION PAGE
COLUMNS
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.
“Sun, sun, sun, here it comes!”
— Jennifer and the whole staff of The Sun
The Colorado Sun is part of The Trust Project. Read our policies.
Corrections & Clarifications
Notice something wrong? The Colorado Sun has an ethical responsibility to fix all factual errors. Request a correction by emailing corrections@coloradosun.com.