Rejecting news organizations’ appeal, Colorado Supreme Court keeps police officer database confidential
A ruling by the state’s highest court means that the bulk of Colorado’s licensing database of law enforcement officers will remain confidential.
Colorado News Collaborative
An open letter regarding the unwarranted ouster of journalist Sandra Fish from the Colorado Republican state assembly
Journalism serves as the cornerstone of a vibrant and functioning democracy, providing citizens with the information necessary to make informed decisions. The forcible removal of Ms. Fish from the assembly, under the pretext that her reporting was unfavorably viewed by the party’s chairman, stands in stark contrast to the principles of freedom of speech and the press enshrined in our Constitution.
‘NO ACTION TAKEN’: Judge’s terse response to BusinessDen motion to lift contempt order
More than two months after BusinessDen asked a judge to set aside her contempt threat against reporter Justin Wingerter, the judge responded to the motion with three words, “NO ACTION TAKEN,” and no further explanation.
CFOIC’s 2023 year in review: Denver school board, Red Rocks, disappearing messages, CORA changes, livestreamed courts and a theater surveillance video
Several key rulings in 2023 showed why courts matter so much for enforcing and interpreting Colorado’s open government laws.
12 ways to improve Colorado’s open government laws
Lawmakers did not, however, tackle the No. 1 barrier to obtaining public records in Colorado — exorbitant fees. And that problem will only get worse on July 1, 2024, when inflation boosts the maximum-allowable hourly rate to process CORA requests from $33.58 to a whopping $40 or $41.
News organizations object to suppression of sex assault case records that were admitted into evidence in open court hearings
A judge’s decision to restrict access to records in the case of a cardiologist accused of sexually assaulting and drugging victims does not comply with a 2021 Colorado rule meant to shine a light on why courts sometimes keep documents from the public in criminal proceedings, news organizations argue in new filings.
State lawmakers have made policing in Colorado more transparent and accountable. New reporting by COLab shows why additional reforms are needed.
Powerful new reporting by the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab) and news organization partners shines a light on gaps and weaknesses in Colorado’s recent legislative efforts to make law enforcement more transparent and accountable in our state.
Criminal courts livestreaming bill advances in Colorado legislature
A bill requiring Colorado courts to livestream open criminal court proceedings on Webex or another videoconferencing platform won unanimous approval in the House Judiciary Committee.
New ‘watchdog fund’ will help journalists pay for public records used to report on inequities
The philanthropic Colorado Media Project is starting a fund to help Colorado journalists pay for public records that enhance reporting on social, economic, racial and other inequities.
Small business tax credit for local news advertising advances in Colorado House
A committee of state lawmakers endorsed a tax credit for small businesses that spend money to advertise in Colorado news outlets.