By Quentin Young | editor
“We have to look at the overall intentions and rhetoric and political motivations of this president, which has consistently been to terrify voters and to create the impression that there will be law enforcement policing the process of being a voter.”
– Aly Belknap, Common Cause Colorado executive director
People cast general election ballots at the Adams County Human Services Center on Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Fraieli for Colorado Newsline)
By Sara Wilson
Common Cause Colorado and its partners are preparing to expand a longstanding, nonpartisan election protection program during the midterm election with around 1,000 volunteer poll monitors, up from around 300 in 2024. The effort is part of the Election Protection Coalition, and it comes as President Donald Trump and his administration try to interfere with local election administration and cast doubt on whether election results, especially in vote-by-mail states like Colorado, are trustworthy.
Icons for popular AI virtual assistant apps are seen on a smartphone screen. (Photo illustration by Getty Images)
By David Lightman
The challenges and dire threats surrounding the unchecked growth of artificial intelligence appear unlikely to move Congress or President Donald Trump to act as the U.S. Senate enters its last week before the midterms. The rapid emergence of the technology has sparked a host of policy debates, with some warning of an existential threat to humanity, requiring urgent attention. But the only action Congress could plausibly take before November’s elections is a relatively toothless measure aiming to control the massive consumer electricity costs of AI. “A lot of people are afraid of the dark and change is difficult,” said Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va. “The amazement of AI just dumbfounds us all.”
A subdivision is seen in Arapahoe County near the Aurora Reservoir. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)
COMMENTARY
By Randy Willard
For locals, Aurora Reservoir is a point of pride, home to some of the cleanest tap water in the nation. Now, it’s become emblematic of a broader struggle shaping the future of the American West. When Save The Aurora Reservoir formed in 2022 to push back against a sprawling oil and gas proposal near homes, the group was fighting for its own backyard. But it was also fighting for all Coloradans to have a voice whenever oil and gas announces their plans, plans that will have an effect on air, water and soil.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Cap on state revenue collection would rise under Colorado ballot measure | By Chase Woodruff
States put criminal justice, marijuana policies before voters in 2026 | By Amanda Watford
Commentary: Bring transparency back to Colorado courtrooms | By Quentin Young
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