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Articles by Ava Kian
Former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart dies
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. Before being appointed in 2017 by then Gov. John Hickenlooper, she was a professor at the University of Colorado Law School, where she directed the Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law. In January 2026, Hart stepped down from the bench after a nearly two month leave of absence.
Evergreen parents seek answers over gun access in fatal shooting anniversary
Fritz Krembs, the parent of an Evergreen High School student, stands in a recreation shelter near the school. Aug. 10, 2026. This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org.
Evergreen High School shooting raised questions about gun storage. There are no clear answers a year later.
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. The parents whose children were at Evergreen High School when a 16-year-old opened fire, injuring two and then fatally shooting himself, still have a lot of questions about how and why it happened.
Prison theater performs courtroom drama ‘12 Angry Men’
TreVon Williams (center) and fellow actors perform the play, “12 Angry Men,” in the gym at Limon Correctional Facility on Aug. 8. (McKenzie Lange/CPR News) Show the culmination of a year of rehearsals at Limon Correctional Facility Twelve men sat around a long table surrounded by black stage curtains Aug. 8, arguing about whether a 16-year-old should be sent to the electric chair.
ICE signed a contract to take over Hudson’s empty jail. The people who live and work there have mixed feelings
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. On Monday, as Benjamin Coulson picked up a steak quesadilla from Carniceria Mexicana, he learned about the ICE detention center in the works, just 10 minutes south of there. “I don't think it's a good thing. They're trying to keep what they think is bad people out of the country, but then there's also good people,” he said.
Gov. Polis vetoes first bills of the Colorado session
Gov. Jared Polis has vetoed his first round of bills from the 2026 legislative session, including a measure that would require social media companies to work more closely with law enforcement regarding content that violates a platform’s policies. It was among four vetoes Polis issued on Thursday.
Gov. Polis vetoes first bills of the Colorado session
Gov. Jared Polis has vetoed his first round of bills from the 2026 legislative session, including a measure that would require social media companies to work more closely with law enforcement regarding content that violates a platform’s policies. It was among four vetoes Polis issued on Thursday.
Gov. Polis vetoes first bills of the Colorado session
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. Gov. Jared Polis has vetoed his first round of bills from the 2026 legislative session, including a measure that would require social media companies to work more closely with law enforcement regarding content that violates a platform’s policies. It was among four vetoes Polis issued on Thursday.
A debate over reducing some criminal sentences in Denver has been contentious
Denver City Council members debated proposed changes to the city’s criminal sentencing code on Wednesday, showing a thorny divide about whether the city should lessen the sentences for some local charges. A Colorado Supreme Court ruling from December has reinvigorated the conversation, but the council has yet to reach any agreement.
Purplish: 11 questions lawmakers hope could help prevent domestic violence killings
A bill advancing through Colorado's statehouse would require law enforcement officers to ask a set of 11 questions — 11 very specific questions, meant to measure someone’s risk of dying at the hands of their abuser. Backers say the change is especially urgent now, because even though homicides in Colorado have gone down in recent years, domestic violence killings have gone up.
New Colorado law requires a faster turnaround time for social media companies to comply with warrants
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. Less than a week after a California jury held Meta and Google liable in a social media addiction trial, Colorado is asking those platforms to work faster when it comes to warrants. It's another straw on the back of these platforms as states and grieving parents try to hold them accountable for their outsized impact on children and teens. “Social media has some really great things about it.
Tina Peters found not guilty of assaulting inmate in January scuffle
Video footage shows former county clerk grabbing toward another inmate's neck Tina Peters, former Mesa County clerk, listens during her trial, March 3, 2023, in Grand Junction.
Tina Peters found not guilty of assaulting inmate in January scuffle
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026 3:51 PM Updated Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026 5:15 PM Video footage shows former county clerk grabbing toward another inmate's neck Tina Peters, former Mesa County clerk, listens during her trial, March 3, 2023, in Grand Junction.
Ex-clerk Tina Peters cleared of prison assault but guilty in ‘unauthorized absence’ charge
Former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters looks on during her sentencing for her election interference case at the Mesa County District Court Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Grand Junction, Colo. (Larry Robinson/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel via AP) This story first appeared at CPR News.
Denver could reduce max sentences for low-level charges
Denver lawmakers could change the city’s municipal sentencing laws, aiming to reduce penalties for low-level offenses in local courts. The proposal comes months after a Colorado Supreme Court ruling in December that struck down municipal ordinances that imposed harsher sentences than defendants would face under comparable state laws. Councilmember Sarah Parady, one of the backers of the proposal, said she and other members have been interested in such a change since 2023.
Lifestyle AI Is the Frontier You Didn't Know You Needed. Tethral Is Building It.
Every major AI assistant, ChatGPT, Siri, Gemini, Google Assistant, is extraordinarily good at thinking. Planning, drafting, summarizing. But ask any of them to do something in the physical world, to coordinate your home for the evening or adjust your environment based on your schedule, and they stop at the suggestion. They tell you what should happen. They cannot make it happen. For most consumers, that is an inconvenience.
Iranian Americans in Colorado feel fear and hope amid Iran conflict
Kevin J. Beaty/DenveritePayam Diba, owner of Arash International Market, stands in front of his family’s storefront. March 2, 2026. ·This story was first published at CPR news. Sign up for our free newsletter to receive the latest news Sign up for our free newsletter to receive the latest news DENVER | On Friday night, Katayoun Donnelly called her family after she saw the news of the first military strike on Iran. Her mother, brother, aunts and many cousins all live there.
Social media companies would have to respond more quickly to warrants under proposed legislation
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. Lawmakers and Evergreen community members stood near Evergreen High School on Monday to unveil legislation to prevent acts of violent extremism by tightening the time social media companies are allowed to respond to warrants from law enforcement.
Federal judge blocks a Trump administration order that threatened SNAP in Colorado
This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. A federal judge temporarily blocked an order from the Trump administration that would have forced Colorado to recertify families receiving food assistance or potentially lose those benefits.
Immigrant rights advocates advise people to stay calm and film in ICE encounters
Friday, Jan 16, 2026 10:44 PM Updated Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 7:20 PM Tensions run hot between protesters and agents A woman covers her face from tear gas as federal immigration officers confront protesters outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on Thursday in Minneapolis.
Two Denver police officers were arrested last week in separate incidents
Two Denver police officers have been arrested in the last week. Denver Police Officer Cody Haggard was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Arvada on suspicion of assault related to a domestic violence disturbance. The other officer, Christopher Thomas, was arrested Friday, Dec. 5, in Jefferson County and faces felony eluding and reckless endangerment charges.
An emotional rollercoaster ride for Walz's former students
Minneapolis, MN (MinnPost) Jimmy Baker didn't consider himself to be much of a political person. At least not until his former football coach took to the national stage, running for the second-highest office in the land. That candidate, of course, was Gov. Tim Walz, whose Everyman appeal was enough to get Baker engaged.
Why federal broadband dollars could go to waste in Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN (MinnPost) State's "challenge" process added thousands of new locations that are potentially eligible for funds, but some providers aren't sold on the program. kAm(9:=6 |:??6D@E2 H:== 36 C646:G:?8 Seda >:==:@? 7C@> E96 7656C2= qC@2532?5 tBF:EJ[ p446DD 2?5 s6A=@J>6?E WqtpsX AC@8C2> E@ 96=A 7F?5 3C@2532?5 2446DD AC@;64ED 24C@DD E96 DE2E6[ >2?J :?E6C?6E D6CG:46 AC@G:56CD >:89E ?@E @AE\:?
Why federal broadband dollars could go to waste in Minnesota
State's "challenge" process added thousands of new locations that are potentially eligible for funds, but some providers aren't sold on the program. While Minnesota will be receiving $652 million from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to help fund broadband access projects across the state, many internet service providers might not opt-in over frustrations with the program.
Solar Power Gives MN Resort New Blood, New Life
By Ava Kian The Lodge of Whispering Pines stands among the trees near an entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, at the end of a hilly and winding road, 20 miles north of Ely. It has what most other resorts in northern Minnesota offer: a great view of the outdoors, cute cabins, campsites and the glimpse of a quieter life. But it’s the sun shining brightly on these cold winter days that sets the lodge apart. In fact, it wouldn’t be open without it.
Solar power gives resort ‘new blood, new life’
The Lodge of Whispering Pines stands among the trees near an entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, at the end of a hilly and winding road, 20 miles north of Ely. It has what most other resorts in northern Minnesota offer: a great view of the outdoors, cute cabins, campsites and the glimpse of a quieter life. But it’s the sun shining brightly on these cold winter days that sets the lodge apart. In fact, it wouldn’t be open without it.
Minnesota finalizes new feedlot permit system, prompting some backlash
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EMS industry hopeful it's a legislative priority, despite uncertainty
A group of EMS officials from throughout the state gathered in St. Paul to highlight a need for more funding and a restructuring of systems. Erik Simonson, a lobbyist with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, an organization that lobbied for EMS funding last session, feels hopeful the Legislature will continue to fund the industry beyond a one-time infusion last year to stay afloat – even amid uncertainty with current negotiations.
Minnesota cities ponder how to deal with ash tree infestations
In 2009, an invasive tree pest was discovered on an ash tree in St. Paul. This past fall, 15 years later, the city cut down its last ash tree. While St. Paul and other more populated cities have been aware of the emerald ash borer for some time, many Greater Minnesota cities are more recently learning about the pest and facing the challenges it brings their communities.
Minnesota finalizes new feedlot permit system, prompting some backlash
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finalized the changes to two of its general permits for feedlots this month, which typically apply to those with 1,000 or more animal units. The changes, which go into effect June 2025 and February 2026, have some farmers worried, but others relieved.
Minnesota finalizes new feedlot permit system, prompting criticism
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finalized the changes to two of its general permits for feedlots this month, which typically apply to those with 1,000 or more animal units. The changes, which go into effect June 2025 and February 2026, have some farmers worried, but others relieved.
U of M research finds continued loss of OB clinics
University of Minnesota researchers have found that obstetrics units continue to close in rural counties in Minnesota and across the country. Minnesota has seen its fair share of obstetric (OB) unit closures, such as the Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague, which closed its unit in early 2024, and Essentia Health-Fosston, which also closed in 2024. Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont reported its OB unit will close in March of this year due to staffing shortages.
Why federal broadband dollars could go to waste in Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN (MinnPost) State's "challenge" process added thousands of new locations that are potentially eligible for funds, but some providers aren't sold on the program. While Minnesota will be receiving $652 million from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to help fund broadband access projects across the state, many internet service providers might not opt-in over frustrations with the program.
City groups hope Legislature will fund infrastructure projects
Disappointed in a 2024 legislative session that ended with no bonding bill, Greater Minnesota organizations are encouraging the Legislature to focus on funds for infrastructure projects as this year’s session gets underway. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities, whose requests often overlap, plan to push lawmakers to pass a bonding bill, which would allow the state to borrow funds for local projects, early in the session.
Staff-strapped nursing homes look to new Americans for help
Minnesota is facing a workforce shortage in its aging services, with estimates showing about 17,000 openings statewide for licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, direct care staff and dietary staff, according to a 2024 Long-Term Care Imperative Survey conducted by LeadingAge Minnesota. That’s roughly 20% of the workforce, said Anna Mowry, the director of workforce solutions for LeadingAge Minnesota, a nonprofit that supports more than 1,100 senior care organizations in the state.
muddy cows and local elections
As we close out 2024, I wanted to share some of my work from the past year that will stay with me, and I hope you, into 2025. These were fun, exciting pieces I reported on. But more than anything, they were fulfilling. Working at MinnPost has given me an inside look into what goes into writing stories, connecting with audiences and keeping a newsroom running.
A State Offered Free College Tuition. That Doesn’t Mean College Is Free.
Editor’s note: This story is a collaboration between MinnPost and Open Campus, with support from Ascendium Education Group, and co-published by The Chronicle. Minnesota this year has wiped out tuition bills for thousands of students applying to its public colleges. But big costs remain for some families. That’s because affording college requires paying for more than just tuition.
Minnesota promised free college tuition, but hefty costs remain
Editor’s note: This story is a collaboration between MinnPost and Open Campus, with support from Ascendium Education Group. It was co-published with The Chronicle of Higher Education. Minnesota this year has wiped out tuition bills for thousands of students applying to its public colleges. But big costs remain for some families. That’s because paying for college requires paying for more than just tuition.
Trump, GOP electoral wins boost mining prospects in Minnesota
WASHINGTON — Minnesota’s mining industry is looking forward to president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next month, which will usher in a reversal of policies that will allow Twin Metals to renew efforts to mine copper, nickel and other precious minerals in what opponents call environmentally sensitive land. For years, Twin Metals has strived to locate its mine on federal land in the Superior National Forest.
Why federal broadband dollars could go to waste in Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN (MinnPost) State's "challenge" process added thousands of new locations that are potentially eligible for funds, but some providers aren't sold on the program. kAm(9:=6 |:??6D@E2 H:== 36 C646:G:?8 Seda >:==:@? 7C@> E96 7656C2= qC@2532?5 tBF:EJ[ p446DD 2?5 s6A=@J>6?E WqtpsX AC@8C2> E@ 96=A 7F?5 3C@2532?5 2446DD AC@;64ED 24C@DD E96 DE2E6[ >2?J :?E6C?6E D6CG:46 AC@G:56CD >:89E ?@E @AE\:?
Federal Reserve report identifies challenges for developers and renters alike in Greater Minnesota
Operating costs are creating challenges for apartment owners and developers in Greater Minnesota, where housing needs are especially acute, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Insurance costs, interest rates and staffing shortages were identified as three roadblocks for rental housing owners and operators in the region, according to the report, which was compiled through conversations with property owners and managers.
Fed report identifies housing challenges in Greater Minnesota
Operating costs are creating challenges for apartment owners and developers in Greater Minnesota, where housing needs are especially acute, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Insurance costs, interest rates and staffing shortages were identified as three roadblocks for rental housing owners and operators in the region, according to the report, which was compiled through conversations with property owners and managers.
Delays in federal broadband dollars frustrates industry
While Minnesota will be receiving $652 million from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to help fund broadband access projects across the state, many internet service providers might not opt-in over frustrations with the program. “My members are telling me they’re not going to participate,” said Brent Christensen, president and CEO of Minnesota Telecom Alliance, and former vice president and general manager of Christensen Communications in Madelia.
Why federal broadband dollars could go to waste in Minnesota
While Minnesota will be receiving $652 million from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to help fund broadband access projects across the state, many internet service providers might not opt-in over frustrations with the program. “My members are telling me they’re not going to participate,” said Brent Christensen, president and CEO of Minnesota Telecom Alliance. “The way that BEAD is structured.
Help wanted: County, city groups hope project will lead to more interest in public-sector jobs
For several years, many Minnesota cities and counties have noticed a dwindling number of people pursuing government jobs. Now, three organizations are coming together to find out why that is and how to turn it around. According to Julie Ring, the executive director of the Association of Minnesota Counties, the shortage became very clear about 10 years ago with many openings across different county positions going unfilled.
County, city groups look to generate interest in public employment
For several years, many Minnesota cities and counties have noticed a dwindling number of people pursuing government jobs. Now, three organizations are coming together to find out why that is and how to turn it around. According to Julie Ring, the executive director of the Association of Minnesota Counties, the shortage became very clear about 10 years ago with many openings across different county positions going unfilled.
Former students reflect on Walz’s White House run
Jimmy Baker didn’t consider himself to be much of a political person. At least not until his former football coach took to the national stage, running for the second-highest office in the land. That candidate, of course, was Gov. Tim Walz, whose Everyman appeal was enough to get Baker engaged.
An emotional rollercoaster ride for Walz's former students
Minneapolis, MN (MinnPost) Jimmy Baker didn't consider himself to be much of a political person. At least not until his former football coach took to the national stage, running for the second-highest office in the land. That candidate, of course, was Gov. Tim Walz, whose Everyman appeal was enough to get Baker engaged.
An emotional rollercoaster ride for Walz's former students
Jimmy Baker didn’t consider himself to be much of a political person. At least not until his former football coach took to the national stage, running for the second-highest office in the land. That candidate, of course, was Gov. Tim Walz, whose Everyman appeal was enough to get Baker engaged.
Longer nights mean more deer crashes -- and animal harvests
James Ross has harvested many deer over the years – though not all of them with a gun or a bow. The Alexandria man estimates that for the past two decades, he’s taken more road-killed deer than he could count on two hands. Ross has made good use of a 1987 Minnesota law that allows people to harvest roadkill by contacting the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or local road authorities, who then issue possession tags to people who want them.
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