Hi. Today's news roundup is an "extra, extra" edition, with a ton of interesting politics stories, weird weed developments and a realistic rundown of the anti-growth proposal we've heard so much about.
Weather:
A high of 37 today and freezing drizzle. We could get a few inches of snow between tonight and Sunday morning. The mountains may get some significant powder on Saturday. (Denverite)
Business:
Rise Jones beat leukemia and fulfilled her dream of opening a black-owned teahouse in Five Points. Adrian has the story. (Denverite)
Amazon is rolling out fast and free/cheap Whole Foods delivery in some cities, but it's not here yet. They're also slashing prices and selling other random stuff at Whole Foods. (CityLab)
A U.S. tobacco company is buying into Canadian marijuana growers and a U.S. hemp company. (Marijuana Business Daily)
Another entrepreneur wants a social-weed license, this time for a marijuana spa in the Creswell Mansion at 1244 Grant St. Ben Miller reports. (DBJ)
Politicians:
Democrats are calling for the resignation of Sen. Randy Baumgardner after an investigation found "credible evidence" for sexual harassment accusations against him. Republican Sen. Larry Crowder also faces an allegation of sexual misconduct. (DP, KUNC)
Democratic congressional candidate Mark Williams paid himself a salary out of his campaign funds. The rules say he can't start doing that until March 20, so he will return the money for now, Ernest Luning reports. (ColPol)
Republicans in the Colorado legislature voted to withhold funding from the Civil Rights Commission, a state agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws. It's set to lose funding on July 1. However, at least one of the Republicans said he wanted to wait until later in the session due to some pending stuff -- so, it's not a guaranteed shutdown of the commission. John Herrick reports. (Independent)
Aurora's Ethiopian community is praising Rep. Mike Coffman for his work to ensure the Ethiopian government improves its human rights record. (Aurora Sentinel)
We have a budget deal. Sen. Michael Bennet voted against it on fiscal concerns.(Vox, Twitter)
Development:
Daniel Hayes says his proposal to limit construction will end the Front Range's economic dependence on housing, driving away 10 percent of the population. Here's what has to happen before it potentially appears on your ballot this November. (Denverite)
There's a big, empty patch near the new Civic Center Station, and it's going to stay that way for a while. (DP)
Construction cranes are up for a 21-story hotel building at 15th and Stout and a nine-story office at 17th and Curtis. (DenverInfill)
History:
In the 1930s, Colorado's governor instituted martial law and tried to ban poor Latino people from the state. Jeremy Jojola reports from the archives. (9)
Mystery:
People are hearing mystery booms in Wheat Ridge. It tends to happen on weekends. Some people see light. Police don't understand. (7)
Justice:
The Colorado Independent made some progress in a legal effort to unseal records from DA George Brauchler's office in the death-penalty case against Sir Mario Owens. A judge previously ruled that prosecutors wrongfully withheld evidence, but the relevant documents remain sealed -- for now. (Independent)
Your weekend:
This week's list of things to do includes Ratio Beerworks' anniversary festivities, two all-John Williams nights at the symphony, the choice between Black Star and Madlib on Saturday night and more. (Denverite)
Howie Movshovitz has suggestions for the Jewish Film Festival, which is underway through Feb. 19. (KUNC)
