Good morning, Sunriser readers!
I never went to summer camp as a kid. Everything I know about that distinct cultural experience I learned from TV shows and movies.
For two weeks this summer I was lucky to work as the inaugural journalist-in-residence for the Green Box Arts Festival in Green Mountain Falls. I didn’t know what to expect, and on my first day there a regular attendee described it to me as “summer camp for adults.” I still didn’t know what to expect.
What unfolded over the next two weeks is hard to describe. It was a mix of elevated art experiences, including performances by the Colorado Ballet, and down home moments, like a townwide pie contest that I got to judge alongside the mayor (a festival highlight for sure, maybe a career highlight at that).
By the end of the festival, I couldn’t walk three blocks without running into half a dozen people that I’d shared something with — a meal, a conversation, a dance floor, an art class. I have a feeling that’s the summer camp vibe my friend was talking about, and I’ll continue seeking it out in the months to come.
But first, let’s all gather ’round and talk about the news.
Reporter
THE NEWS
IMMIGRATION
Most people arrested by ICE in Colorado and Wyoming this year did not have criminal history
Immigration arrests have quadrupled in Colorado and almost tripled in Wyoming. Increasingly, ICE is arresting immigrants with no criminal history, and advocates who work with immigrant communities said the tactics, which include arresting people who appear for their immigration court proceedings, are unlike anything they’ve seen before. Sandra Fish, Taylor Dolven and Andrew Graham of WyoFile have more.
WILDFIRE
Fire burning on 4,227 acres in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park starts to be contained
The fire burning on both sides of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is now 14% contained as of this writing, which represents a significant foothold after days of coordinated efforts to get it under control. Olivia Prentzel has more, including the initial status of the park’s facilities.
CLIMATE
“Slap in the face”: EPA ruling could alter Colorado’s plans for coal plant closures
The EPA told Colorado it can’t set deadlines for coal power plant closures under Clean Air Act rules, Michael Booth reports. Colorado Springs Utilities is already using the ruling to consider extending its Nixon 1 unit in Fountain past a planned December 2029 closure.
HEALTH
Trump administration subpoenas Children’s Hospital Colorado over gender-affirming care
The U.S. Department of Justice has subpoenaed Colorado’s largest pediatric specialty hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, as part of an apparent investigation into gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The administration of President Donald Trump has suggested the care could be prosecuted as illegal female genital mutilation. John Ingold breaks it down.
Planned Parenthood resumes seeing Medicaid patients after funding blocked by federal budget bill
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains canceled hundreds of appointments over the past two weeks when the federal budget bill blocked its Medicaid spending. The abortion provider won a temporary restraining order, allowing it to see patients once again. Jennifer Brown reports.
AGRICULTURE
Wildlife officials approve another $100,000 for Colorado rancher whose livestock was killed by wolves
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission was divided over ranchers’ claims for compensation after livestock were killed by wolves, narrowly approving the latest claims. As Tracy Ross reports, the split vote followed a heated debate over the state’s rules for compensation.
MORE NEWS
Section by Shannon Mullane | Water Reporter
THE COLORADO REPORT
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THE OPINION PAGE
CARTOONS
In “What’d I Miss?” Ossie seeks his mother’s solace and understanding as he tries to process a horrific news item involving an infant.
Jim Morrissey imagines some unintended consequences of all the staffing cutbacks in our national parks.
Drew Litton riffs on the recent appearance of bears at the iconic Red Rocks concert venue, where they mingled with music lovers.
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.
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Thanks for joining us today. See you back here Monday!
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