Aurora Daily Local Headlines: Council mic restored, ‘second look’ bill advances, Cherry Creek wins 5A hockey

City Hall: Public comment rules reset after lawsuit

Aurora and local activist MiDian Shofner have agreed to settle a First Amendment lawsuit over limits the city placed on public comment during council meetings. Under the agreement, the city must keep a ‘public invited to be heard’ segment in place for the next three years.

The settlement calls for in-person meetings with at least one hour for public comment, and up to three minutes per speaker. It also sets up continued work on a community-informed code of conduct for meetings, and includes $75,000 in attorney fees tied to the case.

Policy watch: Aurora senator backs ‘second look’ sentencing bill

A bill co-sponsored by Aurora Sen. Mike Weissman would create a process for some incarcerated people to ask a judge to review their sentence after 20 years. The proposal targets two groups: people who were under 21 when they committed the offense and have served at least two decades, and people who are 60 or older who have also served at least 20 years.

The measure advanced out of its first committee on a 4-3 vote and is headed next to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill includes carve-outs for certain offenses, with some exceptions possible only if prosecutors agree.

Local sports: Cherry Creek wins the 5A hockey title

Cherry Creek won the Class 5A state hockey championship Monday night at Magness Arena, beating Poudre School District 5-3. Matthew Lopez scored three times, helping the program capture its first state title since 2015.

While the championship was played in Denver, the roster represents a multi-school district team that includes students from communities across the metro area, including Aurora.

Sources

• https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/activist-wins-first-amendment-lawsuit-aurora-must-maintain-public-comment-sessions/
• https://hoodline.com/2026/03/aurora-city-hall-backs-down-reopens-mic-to-protesters/
• https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/aurora-denver-lawmakers-pitch-bill-for-prison-sentence-review-after-20-years/
• https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb26-115
• https://coloradopreps.com/pine-creek-and-cherry-creek-claim-hockey-state-championships/