Trump Admin Renames NREL

The U.S. Department of Energy announced Monday that the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies, effective immediately.

The lab was founded in response to the 1973 oil crisis and has since spearheaded a wide array of energy developments. Its work today ranges from optimizing wind turbines and solar panels to looking for new sources of rare earth minerals.

According to a press release, the new name reflects the Trump administration’s “broader applied energy mission” to deliver affordable, secure energy and “honors the natural splendor of the lab’s surroundings.”

Democrats, such as Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, vowed to ensure the facility would continue its work on low-carbon energy sources despite the name change.

Former Dean Sues Over Book Ban

LeEllen Condry, former dean of students at Elizabeth Middle School, has filed a lawsuit against the Elizabeth School District (ESD) alleging she was fired for opposing a book ban.

The American Civil Liberties Union sued last year over the rural district’s August 2024 decision to remove 19 titles with “sensitive topics” from its libraries. A federal judge ordered ESD to put the books back on shelves while that lawsuit is pending.

Condry, who spoke out against the books’ removal at the time, claims her termination less than two months later violated free speech rights and discriminated against her based on race and sex.

In a statement, ESD said it fired Condry for failing to secure the proper licensure and for budgetary reasons and will continue to defend itself in court.

Second, Bigger Storm Hits Colorado

The heaviest snowstorm of the season so far arrived late last night and will wrap up this evening, blanketing Denver, the Front Range, and much of the state in snow.

Denver, which measured only 0.2 inches in its first snowfall Saturday, could get 2 to 4 inches today. Totals will be lighter to the north and east, while those in the high country may top 7 inches. See a map here.

Slick, snow-covered, and icy roads will likely impact morning and evening commutes. Several Winter Weather Advisories across the state are in place until tonight.

Temperatures will stay below freezing today and may not rise above 32 degrees until Thursday, with early morning wind chills near or below zero degrees in many areas. Highs rebound to the upper 40s by Friday.

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➤ Aurora: University of Colorado Anschutz has agreed to pay more than $10 million to settle a lawsuit brought by students and staff who alleged the school denied religious exemptions to a COVID-19 vaccination mandate. (See Details)

➤ Arapahoe County: The Interstate 25 crash that killed Sen. Faith Winter was one of two separate crashes in close proximity, the sheriff’s office said Monday, adding that a “detailed and complex” investigation into the crashes will likely take weeks. (See Details)

➤ Denver: The YMCA has sold its historic downtown building to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, which plans to convert the 120-year-old facility into affordable housing. It will close Dec. 30. (See Details)

➤ Douglas County: Sheriff Darren Weekly announced Tuesday that new DNA evidence links Vincent Groves, a Denver serial killer who died in prison in 1996, to the 1987 cold case murder of Rhonda Marie Fisher. (More)

➤ Pueblo West: An 18-year-old man is facing almost two dozen attempted murder charges for allegedly participating in at least four drive-by shootings last week. A 16-year-old, his suspected accomplice, is also in custody. (More)

➤ Statewide: Deadly crashes involving drivers over 70 years old have doubled over the last four years, according to the Colorado State Patrol. (More)

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➤ Colorado’s athletic department is projecting a $27 million budget deficit, largely due to new player payment requirements and the near doubling of football coach Deion Sanders’ salary. (More)

➤ CSU running back Justin Marshall announced his intention to transfer this offseason after a promising but injury-plagued stint in Fort Collins. (More)

➤ Golden’s professional ultimate frisbee team unveiled its new team name this week: the Colorado Apex. Formerly known as the Colorado Summit, the team passed that name to Denver’s new women’s soccer club earlier this year. (More)

➤ Nuggets guard Jamal Murray exited Monday’s game against Dallas early with an ankle sprain. “It’s a huge absence, obviously, offensively,” said head coach Dave Adelman. “I don’t know how he’s doing right now.” (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Christkindlmarket, a traditional German-style holiday market, will open for its inaugural season in Old Colorado City Dec. 11, featuring 10 handcrafted vendor huts, authentic German fare, photos with St. Nikolaus, and more. (See Details)

➤ The recent winning streaks of the Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche have given a significant boost to the local economy, driving up sales and tourism revenue, according to business owners and experts. (More)

➤ Two Denver restaurants—a Michelin-recommended Mexican restaurant and a Michelin-starred traditional omakase sushi restaurant—are among the best new restaurants in America, according to Esquire magazine’s new list. (See List)

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➤ A massive elk herd crowded into backyards in Loveland after being spotted along a highway and shutting down a local golf course. (See Video)

➤ Colorado baseball caps have become widely popular in China. GQ attributes the trend to the influence of the state tourism office, a fast-fashion retailer, and a K-pop star. (Read Story)

➤ Golden will double the length of the 2026 Goldens in Golden event—a gathering of thousands of golden retrievers—and add a dog-friendly shuttle service, aiming to ease traffic and crowds after the last event overwhelmed the city. (See Details)

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