The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel editorial: Make the tradition law
There are resounding ethical reasons why President Donald Trump should release his tax returns.
If he does, it won’t be because people are marching in the street demanding it. Trump seems impervious to any suggestion that the American people have an interest in how his assets and liabilities affect his policy positions or compromise him in any way — even though polling confirms that a majority of Americans want him to release his returns.
But if he wants to make tax reform legislation one of his crowning achievements, he’s going to have to face reality.
As Richard Painter — an expert on government ethics and a faculty member at the University of Minnesota — recently told PBS NewsHour: “I can’t imagine that Congress would sign off on a bill proposed by the president if he’s not going to disclose how the bill is going to affect him financially. And the only way to do that is release those tax returns.”
Appeals court clarifies what materials judges may rely on for postconviction decisions
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 7 hours ago
Colorado’s second-highest court clarified on Thursday that trial judges who are deciding whether to grant relief to convicted defendants may rely on the materials attached to, or referenced in, the parties’ arguments. In contrast to direct appeals of criminal convictions,...
Here’s what to know about the Homeland Security shutdown starting this weekend
Deborah Grigsby
deborah.smith@denvergazette.com
Updated 6 hours ago
Another shutdown for parts of the federal government is expected this weekend, following an impasse over funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security amid a push by Democrats for changes in immigration enforcement. Funding for the federal agency is set to...
Colorado legislators, friends and family pay tribute to late Sen. Faith Winter
Marianne Goodland
marianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 8 hours ago
Colorado legislators on Friday, joined by current and former lawmakers, memorialized the late Sen. Faith Winter, noting her contributions to public policy in transportation, family and medical leave, and climate legislation. Winter died in an auto accident on Nov. 26...
No deal: Basin states remain deadlocked as Colorado River negotiations collapse again
Marianne Goodland
marianne.goodland@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 4 hours ago
With a Feb. 14 deadline looming, the seven states in the Colorado River Basin have not reached an agreement on how to manage the river after the 2026 operating guidelines expire later this year, and John Entsminger, Nevada’s chief negotiator,...
Push to regulate high concession prices in Colorado could hurt vendors, critics warn
Bernadette Berdychowski
bernadette.berdychowski@denvergazette.com
Updated 3 hours ago
High food and drink prices have long been a staple of going to a sports game, concert, festival or even the airport. But as inflation has increasingly pinched people’s wallets, pushback against excessive concession prices is growing. The issue has...
Lower courts undermine Trump’s appeals court win on immigration detention
Jack Birle, Washington Examiner
jack.birle.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 12 hours ago
Lower court judges are finding ways to order the release of illegal immigrants apprehended by the Trump administration, despite a critical appeals court ruling that affirmed the administration’s detention policy. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit handed...
Why it could take weeks to feel the brunt of a DHS shutdown
David Sivak, Washington Examiner
david.sivak.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 12 hours ago
The Department of Homeland Security’s broad reach means that everything from disaster relief to airport security could be hampered if funding runs out on Saturday, but it might take weeks before the public feels the impact. The dispute over how...
Colorado justices skeptical of challenge to water enterprises’ eminent domain power
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 13 hours ago
Members of the Colorado Supreme Court appeared receptive on Wednesday to the notion that water-related enterprises have the legal authority to exercise the governmental power of eminent domain over private property. An enterprise is a government-owned business that provides fee-based...
Colorado Democrats seek to legalize prostitution by July
The Denver Gazette
the-denver-gazette@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 7 hours ago
A group of Democrats is seeking to legalize prostitution in Colorado, arguing that current penalties “endanger” consenting adults. The proposal, if enacted, would decriminalize prostitution statewide and preempt local ordinances that ban it. If signed into law, it will take...
Evergreen CommonSpirit gunman identified as previous patient
9News
9news@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 9 hours ago
A gunman who shot into a primary care office in Evergreen Thursday afternoon was previously a patient at the facility, authorities said. Lance Black, 62, fired about 19 shotgun rounds into various pieces of equipment, computers and walls at a...