U.S. Supreme Court to hear Boulder’s case against Suncor & ExxonMobil; The House advances bill to save farmers and ranchers money

Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

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    02-24-2026 Headlines KGNU News

U.S. Supreme Court to hear Boulder’s case against Suncor & ExxonMobil

Since 2018, Boulder County & the City of Boulder have been battling Suncor and ExxonMobil in court. The case centers around allegations that the oil companies’ actions have substantially contributed to an altered climate that harms local communities. The lawsuit aims to ensure that corporations causing harm to Coloradans pay their fair share, instead of shifting the burden to communities. Boulder County officials believe the case should not have left the local court, as the United States Supreme Court has decided to review the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision allowing the lawsuit to proceed. 

Richard Herz, Chief Litigation Attorney of EarthRights International, said, “This case is about remedying harm to local Coloradans. Exxon’s argument that state law cannot provide damages for in-state harms has no basis in the Constitution. The Supreme Court has rejected similar arguments, and should reject this one.”

The Colorado Supreme Court concluded in a ruling last year that “federal law did not preempt Boulder’s claims and that those claims could therefore proceed under state law.” In their recent petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, the oil companies claimed that federal law shields them from state-level accountability for in-state harms. The Supreme Court will now decide on the companies’ bids for immunity.

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The House advances bill to save farmers and ranchers money

SB26-010 would save Colorado farmers and ranchers money on their property taxes by broadening the definition of “ranch” and “farm” in statute. Under this bill, the new definition would allow small and family-owned ranches and farms to benefit from existing property tax exemptions.

The bill was introduced in mid-January, passed the Senate in early February (3rd), and passed the House just yesterday. SB26-010’s 2 sponsors, Speaker Julie McCluskie from Dillon and Representative Karen McCormick from Longmont, commented on the bill.

Speaker McCluskie said, “Family farmers and smaller ranches strengthen rural economies, and this bill supports our local ag producers.”

And Rep. Karen McCormick said, “We’re putting Colorado farmers and ranchers first by lowering property taxes for smaller operations…By reducing property taxes, we’re supporting the hardworking people who keep Coloradans fed.” 

The current Administration’s tariffs have driven up costs for Colorado’s businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers and limited the available international markets for producers to sell their products. An announcement from the Administration last year to quadruple the amount of beef the U.S. imports from Argentina drastically undermined Colorado beef producers during peak season.

We will report more on the progress of this bill as it goes to a vote to become law.

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Locals strive to secure funding for South Boulder Rec Center

The South Boulder Recreation Center (SBRC) is threatened by a tight city budget and costly renovation needs, prompting the community to start a Change.org petition with over 3,000 signatures. Families that frequent the SBRC have banded together to keep amenities accessible and the rec center open. They are pushing the city to ensure that the facility will retain three core amenities: a full-size, double-court gymnasium, exercise equipment and classrooms, and a six-lane lap pool. The city says it cannot commit one way or the other at this point. The City Council and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will discuss disbursement of the 2021 Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety tax approval in April, to possibly provide the needed funding. It could take $30 million to replace the building, which would need to happen within the next five to seven years. The city doesn’t see repairs as feasible, but is willing to replace the building with newer amenities for South Boulder. 

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Sen. Bennet urges Coloradans to follow Mexico travel advisories

Colorado senator Michael Bennet is urging Coloradans to closely follow Mexico travel advisories following the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday. Bennet suggests Coloradans who are in Mexico or planning to travel there sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program allows the department to contact citizens directly in case of an emergency. 

Many airlines have issued travel warnings, suspended service, or canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Cancun. The news comes weeks before school spring breaks, generally mid-to-late March in Colorado, when families across the state may be planning to visit the country. More information about the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can be found at mytravel.state.gov

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Denver City Council furthers ban on federal agents wearing face coverings

The Denver City Council has pushed a bill making it illegal for police officers and federal agents to wear face coverings while operating in the city. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Axios Denver in January that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would not comply if the bill passes. A final vote takes place before the bill is pushed to Mayor Mike Johnston’s desk. Johnston’s office says he backs the proposal. The bill includes exclusions for SWAT, undercover officers and tactical operations. The Trump administration argues that face coverings prevent federal agents from being doxxed and ensure safety. 

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You can hear daily headlines on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show, with coverage of local and regional public affairs and news with headlines and commentary. Click here to listen to full episodes of the Morning Magazine.

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