Local

Turning Point USA launches at Valor Christian: Courage, character, and a little wild West spirit

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It was more than just another Tuesday morning at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado—it was a full-on Turning Point. Nearly 50 students, faculty, and guests gathered for the official launch of Valor’s new Turning Point USA chapter, and let’s just say, the energy was more electric than a Bronco game on a Sunday afternoon.

Gabby Reichardt, the Rockies High School Field Representative for Turning Point USA, called the launch a personal milestone. “I’m super proud to have a chapter at Valor as my alma mater and it was definitely a target school of mine for a long time.” She added, “Having a community surrounding the students who want to help support the chapter is really great. And that’s definitely part of our broader high school strategy.”

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Colorado law limits what voters can verify—and critics say that needs to change

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Mesa County’s Ballot Verifier tool has been praised for giving residents unprecedented access to redacted ballot images and cast vote records. But for some longtime election integrity advocates, it’s only part of the solution.

“This is a great step forward,” said Ed Arnos, a Mesa County resident and former lottery systems designer. “But it doesn’t verify the most important part—how the ballots were actually read.”

Colorado law limits what voters can verify—and critics say that needs to change Read More »

From critics to champions: How a ballot transparency tool won over Idaho voters—and inspired Mesa County

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When Ada County launched a ballot audit tool built by a small independent company, no one knew what to expect. But what followed surprised even the clerk who helped shape it. 

Election skeptics became supporters, recount demands dropped and voters started tracking their own ballots—sometimes using nothing more than a $2 bill.

What began as a simple idea sketched on napkins between an Idaho election official and a civic-minded data entrepreneur would grow into a public-facing ballot verification platform now used by counties in multiple states, including Mesa County, Colorado.

From critics to champions: How a ballot transparency tool won over Idaho voters—and inspired Mesa County Read More »

Mesa County launches Ballot Verifier, giving voters unprecedented access to ballots

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Mesa County launched a first-of-its-kind ballot transparency tool last month, allowing residents to view redacted ballot images and corresponding cast vote records online—without filing a CORA request. Supporters say it could reshape public trust in elections. Others say it doesn’t go far enough.

But one thing is certain: Mesa County is at the heart of a national battle over election integrity, and the Ballot Verifier came to fruition out of demand — and the innovation of an election stats company that wanted to answer to it.

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Denver council weighs $70M pitch for soccer stadium expected to bring $2.2B

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As Denver’s elected officials weigh a push for $70 million in spending along Interstate 25 and Broadway Avenue, economists and business leaders hope the buzz around the city’s new National Women’s Soccer League team rubs off on councilmembers who have pushed back on the project’s price tag.

Supporters argued that the proposed stadium would serve as a major economic “jolt” to South Broadway, while councilmembers are worried about shrinking revenues and redirecting interest money originally slated for a slew of projects funded by a bond voters approved a few years ago.

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Hall: A $250K farewell tour for Grand Junction city council’s ‘feckless foursome’

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Oops, they did it again.

That’s right, after being rejected outright in the latest, ill-timed, usually-low-voter-turnout-to-benefit-progressives, springtime elections, our city council once again generously served up another slice of cake while completely ignoring the voice of the people who screamed loudly on April 8, “We don’t want your ideas, follies or leadership anymore!”

I’d say they have deaf ears, but that would imply they are at least attempting to listen to the people.

Hall: A $250K farewell tour for Grand Junction city council’s ‘feckless foursome’ Read More »

With calls up and staffing down, Jeffco sheriff’s office tries new tactics to recruit deputies

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) —The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office hopes an extra $5,000 will help with recruitment efforts.

It’s a part of a new initiative to address staffing shortages.

With calls up and staffing down, Jeffco sheriff’s office tries new tactics to recruit deputies Read More »

Six Highlands Ranch schools to consolidate by 2026 under unanimous DCSD board vote

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — The Douglas County School District Board of Education unanimously voted on Tuesday to consolidate six Highlands Ranch elementary schools.

Under the plan, Saddle Ranch Elementary will consolidate into Eldorado Elementary, Heritage Elementary will consolidate into Summit View Elementary, and Acres Green Elementary will consolidate into Fox Creek Elementary.

Six Highlands Ranch schools to consolidate by 2026 under unanimous DCSD board vote Read More »

Cole: Denver’s dangerous dance with low cash bail and ICE detainer policies puts public safety at risk

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Denver prides itself on progressive values and compassion for its diverse communities. But recent events have exposed a troubling reality: the city’s criminal justice policies—specifically low cash bail for serious felony offenses and short notification windows for ICE detainers—are creating a revolving door for dangerous criminals, putting our neighborhoods at risk. 

The case of Bayron Turcios-Murillo, a confirmed Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member, is a stark example of how these policies fail to protect the public while allowing violent offenders to slip through the cracks.

Cole: Denver’s dangerous dance with low cash bail and ICE detainer policies puts public safety at risk Read More »