Bente Birkeland
Bente Birkeland has been reporting on state legislative issues for KUNC and Rocky Mountain Community Radio since 2006. Originally, from Minnesota, Bente likes to hike and ski in her spare time. She keeps track of state politics throughout the year but is especially busy during the annual legislative session from January through early May.
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Tina Peters, convicted on several counts and sentenced to nearly nine years in prison, was released early after Gov. Jared Polis commuted her sentence. -
The Democrats have barred Polis from speaking at Democratic party events. -
For the 120-day session, legislators are paid $40,000 and a per diem. Most hold normal jobs when they’re not at the State Capitol. -
A Colorado appeals court upheld Tina Peters’ election interference conviction but ordered a new sentencing hearing, citing concerns that her original sentence may have been influenced by her public statements. -
In recent days, Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Diana DeGette have been heckled at public appearances. Other lawmakers are worried they’re next. -
Ethics complaints. Gov. Jared Polis’ final year. New leaders. A lawmaker who died in November. The legislature has a lot to navigate in 2026 beyond its policy agenda. -
President Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a major shift that could reshape Colorado’s cannabis industry, research access, and federal tax policy — without fully legalizing the drug. -
Gov. Jared Polis signs an executive order to address a spreading mountain pine beetle outbreak threatening ponderosa pine forests along Colorado’s Front Range. -
A new Colorado poll finds independent voters distrust both parties, want more moderation, and are most concerned about housing costs, taxes, and polarization. -
A federal magistrate has dismissed former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters’ request to be released on bond while she appeals her 2024 conviction. Peters, serving a nine-year sentence related to illegal access to county voting machines, argued federal issues warranted intervention. The judge ruled that state appeals must be completed first, noting that any potential First Amendment errors could be addressed in state court.
