Ombudsman calls for transparency in Colorado youth corrections
Colorado’s child protection ombudsman has called for more oversight and transparency in youth correctional facilities after discovering a form of full-body restraint is still used on juveniles.
A report by ombudsman Stephanie Villafuerte highlighted the restraint procedures as an example that the juvenile detention system is “opaque, inconsistent and inaccessible” with its policies.
According to the report, the state Division of Youth Services introduced the new restraint method months after vowing to ban a form that involved putting juveniles in handcuffs, ankle straps and helmets.
In response to the report, the state Department of Human Services, which oversees the division, has agreed to make several changes aimed at making the policy process more transparent.
Denver Democrat Diana DeGette trails challenger Melat Kiros at assembly as both qualify for primary
Ernest Luning
ernest.luning@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 2 hours ago
U.S. Rep Diana DeGette, a Denver Democrat, qualified for Colorado’s June primary by the skin of her teeth Friday at the party’s district assembly, where the 15-term incumbent received fewer than half as many delegate votes as her challenger, 28-year-old...
Kwame Spearman warrants plenty of criticism, not cancellation | SONDERMANN
By Eric Sondermann
by-eric-sondermann@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 2 days ago
All of us are flawed humans, some more so than others. This is the tale of Kwame Spearman who burst onto Denver’s business and political scene a handful of years back. His ride has taken a downhill trajectory. Within the...
Colorado Politics Calendar Mar. 30-Apr. 5
Rachael Wright, Special to Colorado Politics
rachael.wright@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 1 day ago
CoPo’s weekly political calendar will help you find political and public-policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances,...
Federal judge upholds constitutionality of Colorado campaign contribution limits
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 14 hours ago
A federal judge upheld Colorado’s individual campaign contribution limits as constitutional on Thursday, finding that three Republican plaintiffs failed to prove the campaign finance framework violates their First Amendment rights. U.S. District Court Senior Judge John L. Kane recognized that...
Appeals court rejects theory that existing tax revenue undermines need for new fees
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 19 hours ago
Colorado’s second-highest court rejected a plaintiff’s claim on Thursday that the tax revenue generated by an existing activity should prevent local governments from imposing new fees aimed at regulating the activity. The question stemmed from Colorado’s unique constraints on taxation...
Colorado ski resorts announce early closures amid historic snowpack lows, high temperatures
Kyla Pearce
kyla.pearce@gazette.com
Updated 20 hours ago
As Colorado’s historically low snowpack year comes to a close and spring conditions take over the mountains, the state’s major ski resorts are announcing closing dates — some of which are weeks before historic closing dates. Most of Colorado’s ski...
Marco Rubio’s star power rises at CPAC 2026
Mabinty Quarshie and Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner
mabinty.quarshie.and.samantha-jo.roth.washington.examiner@gazetteedit.wpenginepowered.com
Updated 22 hours ago
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s popularity is growing and could possibly boost him to one of the top two spots in the 2028 GOP presidential race, if attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference are to be believed. ...
Boulder police investigate sexual assault, ‘drugging’ at bar near CU
Matt Kyle
matt.kyle@denvergazette.com
Updated 23 hours ago
The Boulder Police Department is investigating reports of sexual assault and “suspected drugging” involving underage girls at a bar. There may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, the department said in a news release. The bar, Scrooge...
Appeals court finds no illegal sentence when defendants forfeit time-served credit
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 1 day ago
Colorado’s second-highest court ruled on Thursday that criminal defendants may agree to relinquish the credits they earned while incarcerated pending trial, despite a state law guaranteeing that such time “shall be deducted” from a person’s sentence. Kerry Ellis Endsley pleaded...
Appeals court reinstates Garfield County arson charge
Michael Karlik
michael.karlik@coloradopolitics.com
Updated 2 days ago
Colorado’s second-highest court reinstated a Garfield County defendant’s arson charge on Thursday, concluding a trial judge improperly credited a witness’s claim that she alone was responsible for starting the fire. A sheriff’s deputy responded to a brush fire near Parachute...
PREV
PREVIOUS
Colorado Water Congress conference delves into Colorado River issues
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS ? Supply and demand on the Colorado River and challenges facing those who depend on its water were a key topic Thursday on the final day of the Colorado Water Congress’ summer conference. Earlier this year, the seven states and Mexico that are tied to the 1,450-mile-long river signed a sweeping agreement intended […]
Polis calls for independent probe into police shooting of De'Von Bailey; Springs Mayor Suthers responds
Gov. Jared Polis recommended Thursday that an independent review be conducted into the Colorado Springs police shooting of 19-year-old De’Von Bailey, saying it would “maintain public trust and confidence” in a controversial case. Such review is important, given the racial tensions across the nation and questions raised by the city residents, Polis said in a […]