Locally-based Ogden Newspapers legally acquired the Aspen Times earlier this year as part of its purchase of Swift Communications. (I wrote about it here). Last month, the paper became the story as local politicians and citizens reacted to its handling of a lawsuit. (See here).

Lately, I have not seen much on the controversy from Aspen sources but earlier this month, the Poynter Institute published a thorough summary of the controversy:

The blow-up at The Aspen Times has left some to question whether the 141-year-old paper will pursue reporting vital to the community.https://t.co/dUjF9zhgly

— Poynter (@Poynter) July 2, 2022

(Note -- The Library of Congress describes the Poynter Institute for Media Studies as "a non-profit school for journalism located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The school is the owner of The Tampa Bay Times newspaper.")

On Tuesday, the Washington Free Beacon came to Ogden's defense:

Colorado politicians are threatening a local newspaper.

18 politicians warned the Aspen Times that failure to comply with their demands would cause them to "pull advertisements" and tell local businesses to divest from the paper.

Via @RobertSchmad https://t.co/rK1g4bO4Hd

— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) July 12, 2022

Sourcewatch describes the Free Beacon:

The Washington Free Beacon is the online publication of the self-proclaimed "conservative advocacy group" the Center for American Freedom. According to its website, the publication is "dedicated to uncovering the stories that the professional left hopes will never see the light of day." It is described in The New York Times as "a conservative news outlet financially backed by Paul Singer, a billionaire New York hedge fund manager and major Republican donor."

I think this story is not done.