Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1889, voters approved the incorporation of the new town of Lafayette. The town was founded the previous year by Mary Miller, who named it in honor of her late husband, Lafayette Miller.

We're featuring some real relics in today's issue, from a 200-year-old stolen painting of George Washington to the century-old Hotel Boulderado and Capitol Hill's historic Gordon Jones Home. This got us wondering—what's the oldest building in Denver? Today's Trivia has the answer.

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NRA Sues to Stop Colorado Gun Tax

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has joined several organizations and an El Paso County resident in suing to stop a 6.5% excise tax on ammunition and firearms sold in Colorado.

The tax was approved by voters in November and went into effect April 1. It is estimated to raise $39 million in state taxes annually.

The lawsuit filed Monday challenges the tax's constitutionality, claiming it violates Second Amendment rights by unfairly burdening gun owners and retailers.

In its filing, the NRA asked for a declaratory judgment stating the tax is unconstitutional and a permanent injunction preventing its enforcement.

Trial Begins for Driver in Teen Cyclist's Death

The trial of Yeva Smilianska, a woman charged with reckless vehicular homicide in the 2023 death of a 17-year-old Boulder cyclist, began Monday.

Investigators say Smilianska fell asleep at the wheel when she struck Magnus White, a Team USA cyclist who was training to compete in the World Mountain Bike Championships.

Smilianska, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, claimed her steering wheel malfunctioned. Authorities determined her car was working properly before the crash.

In its opening statement, the defense argued White's death was a result of careless driving, not homicide. Prosecutors say Smilianska's choice to drive while sleep-deprived justifies the greater charge.

Stolen 200-Year-Old Painting Recovered

Englewood police have recovered a 200-year-old painting of George Washington that was reported stolen last year.

The artwork is one of six known reverse-glass copies of a portrait by Gilbert Stuart, created by Chinese artists in the early 1800s. Its estimated value ranges from $60,000 to $150,000.

The painting was stolen from a storage unit in Englewood in January 2024. Last month, a man told police a hotel clerk gave him the artwork after finding it abandoned in a vacated room.

After weeks of negotiations, the painting was surrendered to law enforcement without arrest. The initial theft remains under investigation.

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➤ Pueblo: Health officials confirmed the first Colorado measles case for 2025 in a Pueblo man who recently traveled to Mexico. (See Details)

➤ Loveland: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the filing of federal charges against a Fort Collins man accused of throwing an incendiary device at a Loveland Tesla dealership. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: A new law restricting mobile device use while driving has reportedly led to a 135% increase in distracted driving citations compared to last year since taking effect Jan. 1. (More)

➤ Boulder: A structure fire on Monday night caused significant damage to a building that houses the SALT restaurant on Pearl Street. No injuries were reported. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: Nuclear energy has been added to Colorado's list of recognized clean energy sources, clearing the way for future nuclear projects in the state. (See Details)

➤ DIA: More than 600 flights were delayed at Denver International Airport on Monday after the Federal Aviation Administration briefly issued a ground stop due to high winds. (More)

➤ Clear Creek County: A man pulled over for speeding was arrested when police found nearly eight pounds of drugs in the vehicle. (More)

➤ The Colorado Avalanche lost a two-goal third-period lead over the Calgary Flames on Monday, falling 3-2 in a shootout. (More)

➤ Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Germán Márquez put together a strong performance in his first start since early 2024, tossing six scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, the Rockies' bullpen promptly allowed six runs over the next two innings, leading to a 6-1 loss. (More)

➤ Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner mentioned Aurora as a possible site for a new stadium, though no decision has been made to build one. (More)

➤ Yesterday's results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NIT | NCAABB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ The 116-year-old Hotel Boulderado has been acquired by AJ Capital Partners, which plans to preserve its historic character while renovating it for the Graduate by Hilton collection. (See Details)

➤ Tavern on Blake Street, a popular sports bar near Coors Field formerly known as Blake Street Tavern, has delayed its grand reopening and will remain closed for the Rockies' Friday home opener due to mechanical issues uncovered during renovations. (More)

➤ Missouri-based grocery chain Woods Supermarket has opened a new store in Johnstown, marking its first Colorado location and first expansion outside Missouri. (See Details)

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➤ Monopoly has released a special Colorado Springs edition of the iconic board game, featuring places like Garden of the Gods, the Flying W Ranch, Palmer Park, and more. (See Details)

➤ Agaricus julius, also known as the emperor mushroom, was declared Colorado's state mushroom on Monday. It joins state symbols like the bighorn sheep, the lark bunting, and the Colorado blue spruce. (More)

➤ The Gordon Jones Home, a historic Capitol Hill property first built in 1906 and recently renovated, sold for $2.2 million after nine days on the market. (See Photos)

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