My first snow day was in 2019. In technical weather terms it was more than just snow, but “my first bomb cyclone day” sounds a little dramatic. Even though that’s what it was, a bomb cyclone that blew through Colorado five years ago almost to the day.
I was sent home early from work that day because my employer expected many of the roads to close (they were right), and spent the rest of that afternoon hiking the low-lying hills surrounding Golden, soaking in the quiet of a town that decided to shut down early.
Of course, yesterday’s storm wasn’t all snowy, silent delights — with hundreds of people stuck on I-70 for upward of 12 hours, thousands more who lost power, and parents whose kids’ schools were closed for the day. But there were also lots of businesses with handwritten signs taped to their doors: “closing at 1 due to weather” and things like that. When I came across those signs, I wondered how those employees were spending those extra hours, hoping they were out building a snowman or sledding at the golf course. You know, things you get to do with an adult snow day.
Enjoy this wintery mix.
Reporter
THE NEWS
EDUCATION
Many wondered if remote learning would kill snow days. To Colorado students’ relief, they were wrong.
With the rise of Zoom classrooms during the pandemic, some wondered if snow days would be a thing of the past, but Thursday’s storm, which shut down schools across the Front Range, proved otherwise. As one superintendent put it: “If the pandemic taught us anything, it taught us that not every instructional person can do online teaching and kids do not learn all virtually.” Erica Breunlin looks at the inherent value of snow days, and the unreasonable burden placed on teachers and students should they disappear.
HIGH COST OF COLORADO
Has skiing in Colorado grown more expensive or more affordable? It depends.
$80
The cheapest season pass in Colorado
$2,650
The most expensive season pass in Colorado
Resort skiing has never been a cheap sport, and in many ways, it’s now more expensive than ever. Equipment has become more specialized, which comes with a premium, the cost of food and lodging in mountain towns is enormous and lift tickets at some Colorado resorts can approach a month’s rent. But for those who plan ahead, skiing has actually never been more affordable. Parker Yamasaki explores why the cost of a lift ticket is both the lowest and the highest it’s ever been.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA sets tougher caps on toxic ethylene oxide at plants like Lakewood’s Terumo BCT
90%
Required cuts to emissions from previous air regulations at Terumo
Ethylene oxide, or EtO, is commonly used as a sterilizer of things like medical equipment and dried food containers. But it can also cause cancer, respiratory and eye irritation, and nervous system damage. A map released showing cancer risks around a Lakewood medical facility heightened metro Denver’s concerns about the gas, and a new EPA rule is tightening restrictions on the facility’s emissions, though they claim to emit well-under the permissible amounts. Michael Booth has the story.
ELECTION 2024
Ken Buck rejects Lauren Boebert’s claim that he is resigning to hamper her run for his congressional seat
U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s sudden resignation from Congress spawned accusations that the move was meant to hamper Lauren Boebert’s chances at his 4th Congressional District seat, which Buck has vehemently denied. Boebert recently used Buck’s announcement to raise funds, telling her supporters to not “let the uniparty rig this race.” Buck said his decision was based on frustration with Congress’ inaction and a way to save taxpayers’ money by aligning the special election with the Colorado primary. Jesse Paul digs into Buck’s reasoning, Boebert’s prospects and what it all means for the June election.
WINTER WEATHER
MORE NEWS
Section by Parker Yamasaki | Reporter
THE COLORADO REPORT
Section by Kevin Jeffers | Product Team
THE OPINION PAGE
COMMUNITY
CARTOONS
Drew Litton observes that it’s hard to be upbeat when Denver’s once-proud football franchise struggles to rebuild amid financial restrictions and a dearth of talent.
Jim Morrissey chronicles U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s sudden departure from Congress, a move that scrambles the race for a replacement.
In “What’d I Miss?” Myra knows when International Men’s Day is celebrated. But she wonders if it’s only on the calendar to counter International Women’s Day.
The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Sun’s opinion policy and submit columns, suggest writers or provide feedback at opinion@coloradosun.com.
Podcast Playlist
CONVERSATION
Each weekday The Daily Sun-Up podcast brings you a bit of Colorado history, headlines and a thoughtful conversation. We keep it tight so you can quickly listen, or stack up a few and tune in at your leisure. You can download the Sun-Up for free in your favorite podcasting app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or RSS to plug into your app. This week our topics ranged from the migrant crisis to Ken Buck’s departure.
🗣️ Remember, you can ask Siri, Alexa or Google to “play the Daily Sun-Up podcast” and we’ll play right on your smart speaker. As always we appreciate your feedback and comments at podcast@coloradosun.com.
Section by David Krause | Editor
St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday —hitting a parade or heading straight to the pub?
— Parker & the whole staff of The Sun
Corrections & Clarifications
Notice something wrong? The Colorado Sun has an ethical responsibility to fix all factual errors. Request a correction by emailing corrections@coloradosun.com.
