Thursday, February 13, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1982, authorities apprehended serial killer Tom Luther in the town of Breckenridge. Released in 1993, he would go on to commit a string of violent crimes before being captured a second time and sentenced to 48 years in prison for second-degree murder.

A mid-February storm is making an impact across the state, causing school delays and disrupting flights. Learn more in our Top Stories. If you need a pick-me-up amid all the gloomy weather, be sure to check out the baby sloth featured in today’s Et Cetera.

Today’s sponsor is Masterworks, offering an investment opportunity for high-net-worth investors.

Trump Taps Denver Energy Advocate for BLM

President Trump has nominated Kathleen Sgamma, Colorado oil and gas advocate, to run the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Sgamma, who currently heads the Denver-based Western Energy Alliance, has been a vocal critic of Biden-era energy policies, calling for rollbacks of several of the administration’s industry regulations.

Sgamma was also a key author of Project 2025, where she advocated a return to Trump’s “energy dominance agenda” and moving BLM headquarters back to Colorado.

If confirmed, Sgamma will oversee the nation’s energy development, as well as 245 million acres of public land. Her nomination was applauded by Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, who called it a “major win for Coloradans.”

King Soopers Files Restraining Order

King Soopers has filed a temporary restraining order against United Food and Commercial Workers Local Union No. 7 (UFCW Local 7), which went on strike last Thursday.

In the complaint, King Soopers claims picketers outside the stores are harassing shoppers and that the order is needed “to protect workers and customers.”

While the restraining order wouldn’t keep picketers from the stores, it would prohibit actions such as shouting at patrons or blocking entryways.

The filing comes just days after the grocery giant sued UFCW Local 7 for using illegal negotiating tactics. According to UFCW Local 7, the litigation is an attempt to silence striking workers.

Storm Brings Snow, Closures, Frigid Temps

The winter storm that rolled into Colorado on Tuesday brought snow and freezing temperatures, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting widespread school and airline delays.

More than 100 schools closed or started late on Wednesday due to the weather with additional school delays scheduled this morning. At Denver International Airport hundreds of flights were delayed.

Frigid temperatures remain this morning with wind chills expected to be as low as -25 degrees in some areas.

By this afternoon temperatures will rise slightly, but still remain below average. The mountains are expecting heavy snow through the weekend, with some areas potentially getting up to 2 feet.

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➤ Statewide: Lawmakers have advanced a bill that would prevent surprise billing by public ambulances, a regulation already in place for private companies. (More)

➤ Boulder: The Colorado Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in the City of Boulder and Boulder County’s multimillion-dollar lawsuit against two energy companies, ExxonMobil and Suncor, for damages related to climate disasters. (More)

➤ Denver: The Denver Zoo will be closed for nine days the remainder of February and the first week of March while it undergoes construction to replace its 50-year-old water main. (More)

➤ Wheat Ridge: Police rescued 11 puppies from a motel in an “animal hoarding bust,” transferring the dogs to a local shelter while the owner awaits charges. (More)

➤ Vail: The mayor of Vail is asking Gov. Jared Polis to help curb the town’s frequent commercial vehicle crashes, which he says are caused by a “blatant disregard” for little-enforced regulations. (More)

➤ Douglas County: Student hockey players are pushing for a new ice rink in Castle Rock, something they hope will make the sport more accessible to local athletes. (More)

➤ Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has been named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week. (More)

➤ Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has confirmed that he will remain with the team for the 2025 season. (More)

➤ The Colorado Buffaloes have lost Damione Lewis, one of their top defensive coaches for next season, who is leaving the program to take a similar role at Miami. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Spirit Airlines has rejected a takeover bid from Denver-based Frontier Group, opting to focus on its current reorganization plan. (More)

➤ Craft breweries in Colorado are voicing discontent with a 25% tariff on aluminum, which some say will drive up costs and pose an “increased challenge” to the industry. (More)

➤ Longmont Dairy, a third-generation family-owned dairy farm known for supporting local schools through its Milk Caps for Moola program, is celebrating 60 years in business. (More)

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➤ A velociraptor acting as a beloved 3D archery target was stolen from a community archery range in Summit County. The target is estimated to be worth $1,500. Locals urge its return, no questions asked. (More)

➤ The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has announced its new baby sloth will be named “Olive” after putting the name to a vote on social media. (See Video)

➤ The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs has earned a spot on The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Romantic Hotels list due to its breathtaking proposals, mountaintop views, and owl-delivered rings. (Read the List)

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