Matt Sebastian
@mattsebastian.com
Managing Editor, @denverpost.com | Host of "Dark Wave" on SiriusXM's 1st Wave, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Eastern every Sunday night | "There's a bit of magic in everything, and then some loss to even things out" — Lou Reed
"What happened to our Good Humor-slinging heroes of summer? Did Big Ice crush the old-school ice cream truck beneath its tropical-flavored, rainbow wheels? Has the neighborhood ice cream man gone the way of beepers, Blockbuster and human decency?"
Cold case: Who killed the ice cream man?
Have Choco Tacos and Bomb Pops been replaced by shaved ice?
www.denverpost.com
September 17, 2026 at 2:38 AM
"What happened to our Good Humor-slinging heroes of summer? Did Big Ice crush the old-school ice cream truck beneath its tropical-flavored, rainbow wheels? Has the neighborhood ice cream man gone the way of beepers, Blockbuster and human decency?"
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Was unaware of this bit of Los Angeles journalism / Cold War history www.latimes.com/california/s...
September 16, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Was unaware of this bit of Los Angeles journalism / Cold War history www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Gov. Polis went on a podcast this week and took a big ol’ swing at the graduated income tax ballot measure, which would increase taxes on Colorado’s wealthiest residents/ corps. Polis, a centimillionaire who is ardently anti-income tax, echoed conservative talking points: youtu.be/5yt-ey7BEo8?...
A Conversation with Colorado Governor Jared Polis
YouTube video by Crux Politica
youtu.be
September 16, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Gov. Polis went on a podcast this week and took a big ol’ swing at the graduated income tax ballot measure, which would increase taxes on Colorado’s wealthiest residents/ corps. Polis, a centimillionaire who is ardently anti-income tax, echoed conservative talking points: youtu.be/5yt-ey7BEo8?...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
A shaky anonymous source; a jab about a “hillbilly ambulance chaser” lawyer; a flub that allowed a skeptical editor’s email to become public; an internal text exchange raising doubts about the story:
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
How the New York Times lost a defamation trial.
An anonymous source, a “hillbilly ambulance chaser” text message, and the newsroom’s first defamation defeat in this country in more than fifty years.
www.cjr.org
September 16, 2026 at 10:51 AM
A shaky anonymous source; a jab about a “hillbilly ambulance chaser” lawyer; a flub that allowed a skeptical editor’s email to become public; an internal text exchange raising doubts about the story:
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
I looked into how the NYT lost its first US libel case in >50 years.
www.cjr.org/news/how-the...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
As the KKK infiltrated Colorado, a hideaway in the mountains provided Black joy, refuge and access to nature.
A descendant of the revolutionary mountain resort built for and by African Americans is trying to revive the historic place.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
A descendant of the revolutionary mountain resort built for and by African Americans is trying to revive the historic place.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
Lincoln Hills was a haven for Black Coloradans. A descendant hopes to help revive the ‘Martha’s Vineyard of the West.’
Advocates and families who frequented the Colorado mountain resort say teaching people about Lincoln Hills’ history while protecting its future is paramount — and new efforts to do that are underway.
www.denverpost.com
September 15, 2026 at 8:15 PM
As the KKK infiltrated Colorado, a hideaway in the mountains provided Black joy, refuge and access to nature.
A descendant of the revolutionary mountain resort built for and by African Americans is trying to revive the historic place.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
A descendant of the revolutionary mountain resort built for and by African Americans is trying to revive the historic place.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
I called up famous concert taper Aadam Jacobs to talk about his newest project: issuing his recordings on vinyl. On Friday, he’ll put an album by Eleventh Dream Day and one by Naked Raygun.
Aadam Jacobs finally releases some of his ten thousand show tapes on vinyl - Chicago Reader
Laughing Bee drops live records by Eleventh Dream Day and Naked Raygun, emo band Nymb reissue their whole catalog, and Tone Deaf celebrates seven years.
chicagoreader.com
September 15, 2026 at 6:31 PM
I called up famous concert taper Aadam Jacobs to talk about his newest project: issuing his recordings on vinyl. On Friday, he’ll put an album by Eleventh Dream Day and one by Naked Raygun.
This one's an all-timer
40 years ago today, Love and Rockets released their second studio album “Express” featuring singles "Kundalini Express" "Yin and Yang (The Flowerpot Man)" and "All in My Mind"
September 15, 2026 at 10:58 PM
This one's an all-timer
“It’s a real shame that it has come to this, because the livestreaming of criminal court proceedings is an important way for people to get more eyes on the judicial system in Colorado,” @jeffreyaroberts.bsky.social says
A blow for public transparency in Colorado courts as the chief justice escalates a power struggle with the state legislature, issuing a 90-day pause on livestreaming over concerns that proceedings were being rebroadcast on monetized social media platforms
Colorado Supreme Court tells judges they can stop livestreaming their hearings despite state law requiring it
Chief Justice Monica Márquez wrote that she believes the state constitution gives the Colorado Supreme Court the authority to set aside the 2023 law that requires livestreaming.
www.denverpost.com
September 15, 2026 at 10:52 PM
“It’s a real shame that it has come to this, because the livestreaming of criminal court proceedings is an important way for people to get more eyes on the judicial system in Colorado,” @jeffreyaroberts.bsky.social says
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
For years, Democratic and Republican lawmakers had opportunities to pass strong federal shield laws.
They didn't. And, now, we have a government that is exploiting their inaction to target reporters whose only apparent crime is committing acts of journalism.
They didn't. And, now, we have a government that is exploiting their inaction to target reporters whose only apparent crime is committing acts of journalism.
DOJ seeking reporter’s LinkedIn records in secretive First Amendment court fight
The fight comes at a sensitive moment for national media, which has seen reporters targeted by subpoenas and search warrants in leak probes.
www.politico.com
September 15, 2026 at 9:48 PM
For years, Democratic and Republican lawmakers had opportunities to pass strong federal shield laws.
They didn't. And, now, we have a government that is exploiting their inaction to target reporters whose only apparent crime is committing acts of journalism.
They didn't. And, now, we have a government that is exploiting their inaction to target reporters whose only apparent crime is committing acts of journalism.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed 10 bear attacks (defined by the agency as incidents where a bear injures or kills a human) in Colorado so far this year, the most on record for the state: www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/b...
2 injured as bear attacks reach record high in Colorado amid drought
A woman was bit while camping in the Rio Grande National Forest near South Fork, and a teenager was scratched by a bear that snuck into her Durango home through the window, officials said.
www.denverpost.com
September 15, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed 10 bear attacks (defined by the agency as incidents where a bear injures or kills a human) in Colorado so far this year, the most on record for the state: www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/b...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Colorado's political leaders and environmentalists condemned the EPA move to eliminate pollution standards for power plants.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/e...
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/e...
Colorado leaders oppose EPA plan to roll back pollution limits on power plants
The Environmental Protection Agency’s rule change won’t be immediate because federal laws require administrative procedures, including a public comment period.
www.denverpost.com
September 15, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Colorado's political leaders and environmentalists condemned the EPA move to eliminate pollution standards for power plants.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/e...
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/e...
A blow for public transparency in Colorado courts as the chief justice escalates a power struggle with the state legislature, issuing a 90-day pause on livestreaming over concerns that proceedings were being rebroadcast on monetized social media platforms
Colorado Supreme Court tells judges they can stop livestreaming their hearings despite state law requiring it
Chief Justice Monica Márquez wrote that she believes the state constitution gives the Colorado Supreme Court the authority to set aside the 2023 law that requires livestreaming.
www.denverpost.com
September 15, 2026 at 7:17 PM
A blow for public transparency in Colorado courts as the chief justice escalates a power struggle with the state legislature, issuing a 90-day pause on livestreaming over concerns that proceedings were being rebroadcast on monetized social media platforms
The CDC estimates 87.7% of kindergarteners in Colorado received both measles shots, according to data from the 2025-2026 school year. The largest share of kids who weren't vaccinated in Colorado were "noncompliant," meaning their parents didn't submit proof of immunization or exemption forms
Colorado has 6th-lowest rate of kindergarteners vaccinated against measles
The largest share of kids who weren’t vaccinated in Colorado were “noncompliant,” meaning their parents hadn’t submitted proof of immunization or an exemption form.
www.denverpost.com
September 15, 2026 at 3:27 PM
The CDC estimates 87.7% of kindergarteners in Colorado received both measles shots, according to data from the 2025-2026 school year. The largest share of kids who weren't vaccinated in Colorado were "noncompliant," meaning their parents didn't submit proof of immunization or exemption forms
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Gillian from New Order has just released a statement about her health and that of Stephen Morris.
Sending her lots of love.
Sending her lots of love.
September 15, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Gillian from New Order has just released a statement about her health and that of Stephen Morris.
Sending her lots of love.
Sending her lots of love.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
New: A lodge tucked into Colorado’s Front Range mountains was once a woodland Harlem Renaissance, attracting jazz musician Duke Ellington, poet Langston Hughes & writer Zora Neale Hurston.
A descendant is trying to revive the sanctuary.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
A descendant is trying to revive the sanctuary.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
Lincoln Hills was a haven for Black Coloradans. A descendant hopes to help revive the ‘Martha’s Vineyard of the West.’
Advocates and families who frequented the Colorado mountain resort say teaching people about Lincoln Hills’ history while protecting its future is paramount — and new efforts to do that are underway.
www.denverpost.com
September 15, 2026 at 3:01 PM
New: A lodge tucked into Colorado’s Front Range mountains was once a woodland Harlem Renaissance, attracting jazz musician Duke Ellington, poet Langston Hughes & writer Zora Neale Hurston.
A descendant is trying to revive the sanctuary.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
A descendant is trying to revive the sanctuary.
www.denverpost.com/2026/09/15/l... via @denverpost.com
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Are the government’s conversations with AI accessible under public records laws and FOIA? | by CFOIC president Steve Zansberg
Are the government’s conversations with AI accessible under public records laws and FOIA? - Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition
The results generated by an AI chatbot are determined by the interaction of human prompts, the large language dataset, and the algorithmic programming for processing; accordingly, the public is entitl...
coloradofoic.org
September 14, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Are the government’s conversations with AI accessible under public records laws and FOIA? | by CFOIC president Steve Zansberg
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
“This should be unthinkable for the son of the president. End of story.”
A Russian oligarch close to Putin bankrolled Don Jr.’s wedding.
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
A Russian oligarch close to Putin bankrolled Don Jr.’s wedding.
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
Donald Trump Jr.’s Wedding Bankrolled by Putin-Linked Russian Oligarch
The oligarch, Umar Kremlev, spent hundreds of thousands on expenses like renting out a private island. He appears to have met Trump Jr. only recently, but he attended the intimate wedding with a large...
www.propublica.org
September 14, 2026 at 11:09 AM
“This should be unthinkable for the son of the president. End of story.”
A Russian oligarch close to Putin bankrolled Don Jr.’s wedding.
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
A Russian oligarch close to Putin bankrolled Don Jr.’s wedding.
www.propublica.org/article/dona...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
“If the move survives expected legal challenges, it could also prevent future administrations from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.” — www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/c...
E.P.A. Will Erase Limits on Climate Pollution From Power Plants
Generation of electricity is the second largest source of carbon dioxide and other planet-warming gases in the United States.
www.nytimes.com
September 14, 2026 at 2:27 AM
“If the move survives expected legal challenges, it could also prevent future administrations from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.” — www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/c...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
With the help of former Gov. Bill Owens and Colorado’s wealthiest megadonor, Advance Colorado has kept the conservative moment alive and close to power in a blue state. They’re set for an enormous ballot slowdown in November, with opposition finally organizing: www.denverpost.com/2026/09/13/a...
As Colorado Republicans slip from elected power, a dark-money conservative group has racked up ballot wins
“Conservatives have long said that our ideas win, even if our candidates don’t win,” Republican consultant Tyler Sandberg said. “They put that to the actual test by putting them on the ballot.”
www.denverpost.com
September 13, 2026 at 4:04 PM
With the help of former Gov. Bill Owens and Colorado’s wealthiest megadonor, Advance Colorado has kept the conservative moment alive and close to power in a blue state. They’re set for an enormous ballot slowdown in November, with opposition finally organizing: www.denverpost.com/2026/09/13/a...
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
“So, I built that amplifier for Tom. He promptly called it a Sound System. That’s where the name derives from: he called it a soundsystem.”
Hedley Jones — The Renaissance Man Who Pioneered Jamaican Soundsystem Culture:
Hedley Jones — The Renaissance Man Who Pioneered Jamaican Soundsystem Culture:
Hedley Jones: The Renaissance Man Who Pioneered Jamaican Soundsystem Culture
The life and career of Jamaica's first soundsystem amplifier builder
daily.redbullmusicacademy.com
September 13, 2026 at 12:30 AM
“So, I built that amplifier for Tom. He promptly called it a Sound System. That’s where the name derives from: he called it a soundsystem.”
Hedley Jones — The Renaissance Man Who Pioneered Jamaican Soundsystem Culture:
Hedley Jones — The Renaissance Man Who Pioneered Jamaican Soundsystem Culture:
Mesa Verde National Park to return 4,304 sacred Native American objects and remains of 85 Indigenous people, @samtabachnik.bsky.social reports. Other Colorado institutions are returning artifacts, too: “There’s no reason for Native American ancestral remains to be in museums, cabinets or campuses"
Mesa Verde National Park to return thousands of Native American artifacts and Indigenous remains to tribes
Park officials told The Denver Post last week that they have been conducting a thorough inventory of human remains and culturally significant objects in Mesa Verde’s collection over the past two years...
www.denverpost.com
September 12, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Mesa Verde National Park to return 4,304 sacred Native American objects and remains of 85 Indigenous people, @samtabachnik.bsky.social reports. Other Colorado institutions are returning artifacts, too: “There’s no reason for Native American ancestral remains to be in museums, cabinets or campuses"
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
This NY Times story is largely a summary of Trump’s anti-free-speech moves. But there’s an interesting nugget: Trump’s access ban against the Associated Press had a motive beyond the “Gulf of America” dispute. Trump wanted AP to give him rights to that photo of him after the Butler, PA, shooting.
How Trump Is Wielding Power to Stifle Speech (Gift Article)
President Trump has harnessed agencies across the government to curtail press freedoms, a sweeping campaign that free speech advocates say will have lasting effects.
www.nytimes.com
September 12, 2026 at 12:25 PM
This NY Times story is largely a summary of Trump’s anti-free-speech moves. But there’s an interesting nugget: Trump’s access ban against the Associated Press had a motive beyond the “Gulf of America” dispute. Trump wanted AP to give him rights to that photo of him after the Butler, PA, shooting.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Americans can’t seem to find common ground on much these days but we can all agree that Trompe le Monde goes hard as hell.
September 12, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Americans can’t seem to find common ground on much these days but we can all agree that Trompe le Monde goes hard as hell.
Reposted by Matt Sebastian
Happy 111th birthday to the Bluebird Theater. It opened OTD 1915 as the Thompson Theater. My fave venue in town, I've seen a lotta great shows in that room.
September 11, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Happy 111th birthday to the Bluebird Theater. It opened OTD 1915 as the Thompson Theater. My fave venue in town, I've seen a lotta great shows in that room.
Denver school board members Monica Hunter and DJ Torres today requested an independent investigation into allegations levied by the board’s president — including the accusation that Hunter made an antisemitic comment about a colleague, according to an email obtained by @jessicaseaman.bsky.social
Denver school board members call for independent investigation into allegations of antisemitism, failure to fulfill duties
In their email, the pair asked their colleagues on the board to halt any action they plan to take in response to the accusations until a third-party investigation is complete.
www.denverpost.com
September 11, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Denver school board members Monica Hunter and DJ Torres today requested an independent investigation into allegations levied by the board’s president — including the accusation that Hunter made an antisemitic comment about a colleague, according to an email obtained by @jessicaseaman.bsky.social