Monday, April 14, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1935, Colorado's plains were engulfed by a colossal black cloud of dust—one of the decade's worst dust storms, or "black blizzards," causing blackout conditions across seven states. The day of the storm would later come to be known as Black Sunday.

Would you try your luck riding the rapids in a boat made entirely of cardboard? That's exactly what engineering students did on Saturday during the School of Mines' annual cardboard boat races. Read the story below in Et Cetera.

Speak the language and skip the tourist traps with today's sponsor Babbel language learning software.

Polis Signs Sweeping New Gun Law

Gov. Jared Polis signed a measure into law on Thursday that bans the manufacture and significantly restricts the sale and purchase of many semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines in Colorado.

Critics call it one of the most restrictive gun laws in the country, citing new rules requiring background checks, safety training, sheriff application approval, and entry into a state database.

Republican lawmakers, in a letter urging a veto, argued the bill would "empower criminals at the expense of law-abiding citizens." Supporters, meanwhile, say it will reduce gun violence and improve safety.

The bill goes into effect Aug. 1, 2026. Several opponents have vowed to file lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.

Bennet Launches Gubernatorial Campaign

Michael Bennet, Colorado's senior U.S. senator, launched his 2026 gubernatorial campaign on Friday.

He's the second major Democrat to enter the race, following Attorney General Phil Weiser. Recent polling shows Bennet with stronger name recognition and a 45% favorability rating among likely voters.

With Bennet's bid comes a shadow campaign to fill his Senate seat, which will be left vacant if he's elected. Top contenders include Reps. Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen, and Jason Crow.

On the Republican side, a growing field of candidates is eyeing a return to the governor's office—last held by the GOP in 2002. See the full list of candidates here.

Education Chief Refuses DEI Order

Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova says she won't sign a federal letter requesting states to newly certify that K-12 schools have removed certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.

The letter, sent April 3, gives states 10 days to sign a "reminder of legal obligations" under Title VI's nondiscrimination laws—which the Trump administration says prohibit discriminatory DEI programs—as a condition for continued federal funding.

Cordova says Colorado schools have already certified compliance with Title VI. Though the letter threatens to pull funding from states that don't sign, Cordova argued it would be "unlawful" to do so. Several other states have refused to comply with the order.

Flying together with our sponsor

Spring travel is calling—are you ready to ditch the touristy spots and explore like a local? Whether it's ordering fresh croissants in Paris or finding the best pasta in Rome, Babbel helps you speak the language and experience more.

With bite-sized lessons (just 10 minutes a day!) created by real language experts, you'll be chatting with confidence in just three weeks. Save 55% now and get ready for your best trip yet. Don't just visit—connect.

➤ Douglas County: A fast-moving fire believed to be human-caused burned 128 acres near the Turkey Track Shooting Area on Saturday. Containment was 30% as of Sunday morning. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: A second collared gray wolf from Colorado's reintroduction program has been found dead in Wyoming. (More)

➤ Arapahoe County: During a search of a Denver residence, police recovered roughly three-quarters of the 600 pounds of marijuana that had been stolen from an evidence container on April 1. (More)

➤ Boulder: A district attorney has vacated the conviction of Michael Clark, who was found guilty of a 1994 murder in 2012, after new DNA testing challenged evidence presented by former forensic analyst Missy Woods. (See Details)

➤ Colorado Springs: Republican lawmakers are pushing back against suggestions to relocate the Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. (More)

➤ Loveland: Police say an unloaded gun was found at the High Plains School Campus on April 1, but parents weren't notified by the district until April 3, prompting frustration over the delay. (More)

➤ Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has become just the third NBA player—and first center—to average double digits in points, rebounds, and assists for an entire season. (More)

➤ Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog played his second straight game with the AHL's Colorado Eagles on Saturday after nearly three years away due to a knee injury and multiple surgeries. (More)

➤ The Colorado Rockies have unveiled their new City Connect uniforms, inspired by the state's Rocky Mountain sunrises and sunsets. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Boost your home's WiFi with the Swift Power Hub WiFi Repeater! This easy-to-install device extends coverage, eliminates dead zones, and enhances signal stability for seamless connectivity throughout your space. Take advantage of up to 65% off—offer ends tonight! Experience smoother streaming, browsing, and gaming today.

➤ Astroscale U.S., a Denver aerospace company, is developing technology for the first-ever on-orbit refueling mission of a U.S. Department of Defense satellite, in partnership with the U.S. Space Force. (See Details)

➤ Red Rocks Amphitheatre and ticketing platform AXS responded to backlash from fans after tickets for a Skrillex show sold out almost instantly and resale listings appeared for over $1,000. (See Details)

➤ A former tenant has filed a lawsuit against CBZ Management, a property management company under state investigation, over allegedly unsafe living conditions at a Denver apartment. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Discover exclusive summer discounts tailored for seniors! Enjoy up to 30% off at AMC and Regal Cinemas, 50% savings on Kindle e-books for AARP members, and reduced ticket prices for those 65+ through Ticketmaster. Don't miss out—start saving today!

Flying together with our sponsor

Your Best Trip Yet Starts with Babbel

Picture this: You land in Madrid, step into a cozy tapas bar, and instead of awkwardly pointing at the menu, you order like a pro. No translation apps. No confused stares. Just real conversations and unforgettable experiences.

Babbel's expert-designed lessons teach you how to speak like a local—fast. And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes a day. Save 55% today and start learning now—your best travel stories are just a few lessons away!

➤ Firefly Petunias—glow-in-the-dark flowers created by combining genes from bioluminescent mushrooms and white petunias—were sold at Centennial's Tagawa Gardens over the weekend. (See Details)

➤ Two Arvada high schoolers will present a medical device they invented to NASA after being chosen as finalists in the HUNCH program. (More)

➤ Cardboard boat races, an annual challenge between engineering students at the Colorado School of Mines, were held on Saturday in Golden. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Boost your wellness with BioTRUST Ageless Multi-Collagen®—a premium blend of five collagen types (I, II, III, V, X) from four natural sources. Each scoop delivers 10g of bioactive peptides to support healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, and gut. Experience the difference with this clean, effective collagen supplement.