Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1928, the Moffat Tunnel—a 6.2-mile-long railroad tunnel cutting through the heart of the Rocky Mountains—welcomed its first train. Envisioned by pioneer David Moffat in 1902, the tunnel provided a more direct route from Denver to Salt Lake City by overcoming the longstanding obstacle of the Continental Divide.

Denver International Airport isn't just famous for its 32-foot "Blucifer" and indoor flocks of birds—it also contributes billions to the state's economy. Read more in our Business section. That got us thinking: how do you pass the time at the airport? Cast your vote in our poll or hit reply to share your thoughts.

If you're planning your travel, be sure to include today's sponsor, Babbel, in your travel plans.

Denver Developer Killed in Suspected Hit Job

Boris Mannsfeld, a former Denver-based real estate developer, was found shot to death in his yard at a luxury Belize community Friday night in what authorities say could be a hit job.

One of Mannsfeld's former associates, Frik de Meyere, is in custody, but has not been charged with any crimes.

According to Belize media, Mannsfeld sent an email last month about a "massive fraud case" involving a $3.9-million lawsuit against a former associate and millions in stolen assets.

Two of Mannsfeld's associates were killed in 2023 and 2024—one of whom reportedly planned to provide evidence incriminating de Meyere. Police say they are not ruling out a connection between the deaths.

Boulder DA to Run for Attorney General

Michael Dougherty, the Boulder County District Attorney (DA), announced on Tuesday that he will run in 2026 to be Colorado's next attorney general.

Dougherty has served as Boulder County's DA since 2018. As DA, he led the prosecution in the 2021 King Soopers shooting case and directed the investigation into the Marshall Fire.

In his campaign video, Dougherty, a Democrat, promoted a "justice system removed from politics," and framed his candidacy around pushing back on the Trump administration's policies.

Other rumored candidates include former House Speaker Crisanta Duran and Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason, with no Republicans in the race yet.

500 Avalanches Hit Colorado in 10 Days

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), over 500 avalanches have been recorded in Colorado in the past 10 days, resulting in 14 people being caught and two fatalities.

On Feb. 14, CAIC warned that February is typically the state's deadliest month for avalanches due to improving snow conditions coinciding with heightened avalanche danger.

Since that warning, 517 avalanches have been recorded. Of those, 69 were considered "very large," and two were fatal—killing a snowboarder near Silverton on Thursday and an outdoorsman near Berthoud Pass on Saturday.

CAIC urges backcountry travelers to check avalanche forecasts on its website before heading out and to carry essential safety gear, including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe—while also knowing how to use them.

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➤ Denver: The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced it will pull its regional offices out of sanctuary cities such as Denver, relocating them to ones more compliant with federal immigration law. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: Flags in Colorado were flown at half-staff yesterday in honor of Republican Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, who passed away on Feb. 13. (More)

➤ Centennial: One of the bulldog puppies stolen from Perfect Pets on Friday has been returned to the pet store by a good Samaritan who purchased the dog from a street vendor. (See Photos)

➤ Greeley: Police are searching for leads in the decades-old cold case of Denise Davenport, a University of Northern Colorado student who was found dead in 1985. (See Details)

➤ Castle Rock: A crane working on the Interstate 25 Crystal Valley Interchange Project "experienced an equipment malfunction" and partially tipped over on Sunday, causing a closure overnight. (See Photos)

➤ Grand Junction: West Springs Hospital, Western Colorado's only psychiatric hospital, has announced that it will shut its doors on Mar. 10. (More)

➤ Nikola Jokić set a career-high with 19 assists in the Denver Nuggets' 125-116 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday. (More)

➤ Colorado Rockies' 2023 first-round pick Chase Dollander struck out three San Francisco Giants over two innings in his spring training debut on Monday. (Watch Video)

➤ The Denver Broncos are giving away a Bo Nix-autographed hat to celebrate his birthday yesterday. (Enter Giveaway)

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➤ Denver International Airport reigns as Colorado's "largest economic engine," contributing $47.2 billion to the state economy in 2023, according to the 2025 Colorado Economic Impact Study. (See Details)

➤ Xcel Energy is struggling to get natural gas to mountain communities in Summit and Grand counties, largely due to population growth and state energy benchmarks, according to a new company analysis. (See Details)

➤ Sprouts Farmers Market, the Arizona-based health grocer, will open its 33rd Colorado location in Aurora this April. (More)

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➤ A former mining town and historic ski area near Leadville is now the site of the "Climax Revival," a backcountry venue for winter and summer adventures blending the region's industrial past with modern recreational tourism. (More)

➤ Boulder's baseball community is rallying to save Iris Fields, home to the North Boulder Little League for nearly 70 years, after Boulder County announced plans to sell the fields. (More)

➤ Two Colorado ski resorts are on the list of USA Today's 10 best destinations for solo skiing. (Read the List)

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