3 counties could decide the future of Colorado charter schools

Good morning, Colorado. There’s a nice view of the L.A. Freeway ridgeline across the Indian Peaks Wilderness from my regular running route, and yesterday, when I turned around to head west I caught a glimpse of … could it be … dappled snow across the peaks? Nederland folks, can you confirm?

In any case, the forecasters are calling for more snow heading our way this weekend — up to 2 feet in some of the southern mountains — and the flake-chasing internet is psyched. Powder magazine is already pulling out adjectives like “hammering” to describe what’s to come, but let’s be real, it’s probably not time to boot up unless you really, really don’t care about the bottom of your skis. I’ll opt for some closet shuffling instead this weekend, and maybe try to catch a screening of the latest Warren Miller flick.

All right, enough anticipation. Let’s get to the news.

Parker Yamasaki

Reporter

THE NEWS

EDUCATION

State Board of Education race could have a big impact on the future of charter schools in Colorado

A growing call for transparency in charter schools is at the crux of a State Board of Education election in the 8th Congressional District. The incumbent candidate is openly skeptical of the schools, concerned by their demographic makeup and lack of funding transparency, while her opponent is a strong voice for school choice. Erica Breunlin explains how the outcome of this one race could determine the future of charter schools.

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WATER

Denver’s Gross Reservoir expansion violates Clean Water Act, federal judge rules

Denver Water spent decades getting permits for an expansion of Gross Reservoir, a massive project that has been opposed in court by a variety of environmental groups. On Wednesday, a U.S. District Court judge sided with the environmentalists, ruling that at least one of those permits didn’t thoroughly consider alternatives that would cause less damage. Michael Booth has more on why the judge thinks Denver Water has “only itself to blame.”

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HEALTH

Health insurance prices for some in Colorado will go up next year. Here’s how much.

Open enrollment for two subsets of insurance — individual and small-group markets — opens Nov. 1. And if you want coverage that kicks in with the new year, you’ll need to select a plan by Dec. 15. Not sure if you’re in one of those subsets, or how much money you can save, or why you should care about any of this? John Ingold lays it out.

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• Fact Brief ☀️Would Amendment 79 allow Colorado taxpayer funds to be used to pay for abortions? A 1984 state constitutional amendment bans the use of taxpayer dollars for abortions. Por Jaijongkit looks at how Amendment 79 could affect the law.

MORE NEWS

• State orders Mollie Kathleen mine to halt all tours after guide killed, 23 trapped underground. The tourist attraction is inspected on a yearly basis and was deemed “satisfactory,” with no violations or hazards, during the most recent investigation Aug. 29. Olivia Prentzel reports.
• The Outsider ☀️Free Land Holder group that fenced public land shows similarities to sovereign citizen movement. A Colorado grand jury in 2017 indicted eight members of the sovereign citizens movement, a loosely affiliated band of anti-government groups, on charges of conspiracy, extortion, failure to pay taxes and influencing public servants. That and more from Jason Blevins.

Section by Parker Yamasaki | Reporter

THE COLORADO REPORT

• Want to talk to a dead loved one? A CU researcher is teaming with Google to study AI-powered “generative ghosts.”  “We anticipate that within our lifetimes it may become common practice for people to create a custom AI agent to interact with loved ones and/or the broader world after death.”
  — The Denver Post ????
• NOAA releases winter outlook for Colorado. The seasonal forecast hinges on a developing La Niña weather pattern.
  — 9News
• Colorado film festival guide: 30+ events for movie lovers in 2024-25. Whether Boulder lands Sundance or not, there’s still plenty for film lovers to see and do in Colorado.
  — CPR News
• Key takeaways from Sean Payton’s Broncos dominant win over his old team. This Falcons fan loved watching your Broncos embarrass the Saints on Thursday Night Football.
  — The Athletic ????

???? = source has article meter or paywall

Section by Kevin Jeffers | Product Team

THE OPINION PAGE

COMMUNITY

• PRO: Denver ballot measures to end fur sales and slaughterhouses in city are logical steps forward, based on science.  Initiated Ordinances 308 and 309 aren’t just moral imperatives, they’re investments in a safer, more equitable and more sustainable future
  — Mickey Pardo, Professional biologist with a Ph.D. from Cornell University in animal behavior and 15 years of experience studying the ecology and behavior of mammals and birds
• CON: Denver Ordinance 308 to ban fur, other animal products would put city’s heritage and economy at risk.  The proposed prohibition on fur products in Denver is an overreach with serious unintended consequences
  — Murphy Robinson, the former Deputy Mayor of Denver, a trustee of the National Western Stock Show, and a member of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

CARTOONS

In “What’d I Miss?” Ossie wonders about the wisdom of student loan forgiveness — until a friend explains the numbers behind her lingering debt.

CARTOON

Drew Litton wonders if, just maybe, the shared passion for things like Broncos football can at least offer respite from divisive politics.

CARTOON

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.

Podcast Playlist

CONVERSATION

Each weekday The Daily Sun-Up podcast brings you a bit of Colorado history, headlines and a thoughtful conversation. We keep it tight so you can quickly listen, or stack up a few and tune in at your leisure. You can download the Sun-Up for free in your favorite podcasting app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or RSS to plug into your app. This week our range roams from Colorado music history to the ballot box.

• The views of Colorado voters, and how to interpret poll results. There are a lot of polls during the election run-up, and at SunFest we heard from pollsters on what voters are thinking, as well as what you should look for when interpreting poll data.
  LISTEN
• Free Land Holders say an area in Colorado is theirs to take. A little-known group is trying to claim 1,400 acres of federal land in southwestern Colorado. Sun reporter Jason Blevins talks about their claim through centuries-old treaties.
  LISTEN
• Instruments up, batter up. Music class is in session as G. Brown, director of the Colorado Music Experiences, joins Sun writer Kevin Simpson and they talk about an iconic walk-up song that’s retiring with Chuck Nazty and other Colorado music stories.
  LISTEN
• Colorado’s tech community discusses AI advances. At a SunFest panel hosted by Sun tech reporter Tamara Chuang, artificial intelligence experts reviewed policies that aim to protect consumers yet seem like a threat to innovation.
  LISTEN
• Community voices on pollution & Denver’s safety-net hospital vote. Sun reporter Michael Booth talks about a listening tour in neighborhoods hardest hit by pollution, while John Ingold explains a Denver ballot measure to support the city’s safety-net hospital.
  LISTEN

????️ Remember, you can ask Siri, Alexa or Google to “play the Daily Sun-Up podcast” and we’ll play right on your smart speaker. As always we appreciate your feedback and comments at podcast@coloradosun.com.

Section by David Krause | Editor

Maybe I’ll get the ski wax out, too.

— Parker & the whole staff of The Sun

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Corrections & Clarifications

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