Bill Would Limit Murder Convictions

A new bill would narrow the circumstances under which a suspect can be charged with first-degree murder with extreme indifference, defined as causing death by acting with disregard for human life.

Under HB 26-1281, the charge, which carries a mandatory life sentence, would apply only to cases involving multiple victims, a child under 12, an on-duty emergency responder, or when one person is killed and at least two others are injured with a deadly weapon.

Sponsors of the bill say it will prevent overcharging. Opponents, including the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council, argue it would significantly reduce sentences in serious single-victim cases.

An often-cited example in the debate is the 2025 case of Joseph Koenig, who received a life sentence for throwing rocks at cars, killing one driver. Under the bill, he could have been charged with second-degree murder, which carries a 24- to 48-year sentence.

The bill’s first hearing is April 8.

Boulder Remembers Shooting Victims

Families, loved ones, and community members gathered in Boulder on Sunday for the fifth annual remembrance memorial of the Table Mesa King Soopers mass shooting.

Ten people were killed in the March 22, 2021, shooting, including shoppers, employees, and an on-duty police officer. The shooter was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison in 2024.

At the Museum of Boulder, Mayor Aaron Brockett read the names of the victims aloud and reflected on the outpouring of support, solidarity, and positivity in the aftermath of the tragedy. Prayers and messages left in the wake of the shooting now line a museum display.

City leaders say they’re still committed to creating a permanent memorial and plan to tour potential sites with the families this spring.

Heat Dome Returns

A brief cooldown Sunday pushed highs down to the mid-60s, with temperatures rebounding into the 70s Monday, but another surge of unseasonable March heat is expected today and tomorrow.

Temperatures are likely to break daily records, several of which were broken last week, and could even set new all-time March records as highs in some areas near 90 degrees.

Dry, windy conditions will accompany the heat, bringing more critical fire weather to the plains.

Another cold front is expected by Friday, with a slight chance for showers and seasonal highs around 60 degrees.

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➤ Statewide: Opioid overdose deaths in Colorado have fallen 9% since the national peak in 2023, lagging behind a nationwide drop of nearly 50% in the same timespan. (See Map)

➤ Fremont County: Mandatory evacuations were still in effect Monday for the 24 Fire, which remained 0% contained after growing to an estimated 7,385 acres. (See Details)

➤ Western Slope: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management plans to round up 1,111 wild horses this summer and fall, placing many in long-term holding as officials cite overpopulation, drought, and wildfire concerns. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: A federal lawsuit alleges the state is unconstitutionally holding youth in detention centers beyond their authorized release dates due to a lack of placement options. (See Details)

➤ Montrose: A local police officer jumped into action to save an elderly woman trapped in a burning home last Wednesday, carrying her to safety after forcing his way inside. (See Video)

➤ I-70: Smoke from a fire at the Waste Management recycling yard on E. 48th Ave. in Denver spilled over the interstate Monday morning, limiting driver visibility. (More)

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➤ The University of Denver beat Minnesota Duluth 4-3 in double overtime to win a conference-record fourth NCHC Frozen Faceoff championship. The game-winning goal was scored by freshman forward Kristian Epperson. (See Goal)

➤ Colorado Rockies pitcher RJ Petit will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. (More)

➤ Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims admitted he was “surprised” when the team traded for Jaylen Waddle, who plays his position, last week: “It’s just interesting to see how I’ll fit in in the offense.” (More)

➤ The Colorado Mammoth clinched its first National Lacrosse League playoff berth since 2023 with a win over Calgary on Saturday, improving to 10-5 and pushing for home-field advantage. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ A bipartisan bill would let voters decide whether self-driving semi-trucks must have a licensed human operator on board, bypassing a likely veto from Gov. Jared Polis, who rejected similar legislation last year. (See Details)

➤ Raising Cane’s, a popular chicken finger chain, opened a new location in Loveland on Monday, just west of Interstate 25 on U.S. Highway 34. (More)

➤ Denver International Airport’s general counsel filed a lawsuit against the city and three of Mayor Mike Johnston’s appointees, alleging retaliatory, unethical, and possibly illegal actions tied in part to a recent land swap. City officials deny the allegations. (More)

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Is This the Next $110B Coffee Giant?

Dunkin’ was acquired for $11B. JDE Peet’s IPO’d at $17B. Starbucks today is valued at a $110B market cap. They all achieved this without owning the whole coffee supply chain. Imagine how much more market they could capture if they did.

Green Coffee Company controls its entire coffee-making process from seed to sale. As Colombia’s #1 producer, they’ve seen revenue grow from $1M to $37M since 2021.

Now, they have exclusive U.S. rights to the legendary Juan Valdez® brand, and they’re reigniting it in the U.S. coffee market. We’re now in the final days to become a pre-IPO investor in Green Coffee Company.*

➤ The top 10 sloppers in Pueblo County will be decided by public vote through April 17. Sloppers are open-faced cheeseburgers smothered in Pueblo green chile, a southern Colorado staple. (See Details)

➤ A Frisco man’s pet donkey has become one of Colorado’s biggest social media stars, amassing nearly 250,000 Instagram followers through videos of his frequent downtown walks and community interactions. (See Donkey)

➤ Fruita is seeking artists to repaint the Co-op Tower, a prominent local landmark whose roughly 10-year-old artwork has begun to fade. (More)

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➤ Tired of relying on ibuprofen for inflammation? New research highlights a natural compound found in everyday foods that works along similar pathways—without being just a temporary fix. Some doctors are even rethinking their recommendations. Discover this alternative approach to supporting your body and managing inflammation more effectively. (LEARN MORE)

Would you keep a donkey as a pet?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I already have one

Yesterday’s Results:

Did you ski this season?

1. No, I don’t ski: 42%
2. No, not this year: 21%
3. Yes, a bit: 15%
4. Yes, lots: 11%
5. No, but I still plan to: 11%

What is the current world record for most Pueblo sloppers eaten in eight minutes?

Show me the answer