Award-winning Monument wildlife artist expands into Black Western art

PLUS | 4 recent murders: Colorado's troubled family court system ignores children in peril, Coronado Motel in Pueblo recognized for role in African American travel and more. Springs PM Update Good evening. Today is Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. Catch up on everything going on in Colorado in 5 minutes. [Award-winning Monument wildlife artist expands into Black Western art]( From his second-floor studio, painter Ezra Tucker gazes out onto the wilderness surrounding his Monument home. Tucker is a longtime, award-winning artist whose work is sought after by collectors, hangs in museums and is part of some of the country’s largest exhibits, including Norman Rockwell Museum’s “Imprinted: Illustrating Race” last year, and “2023 Masters of the American West,” up at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles. [Read More]( [Aspiring Olympian Janida Garcia nonchalantly captures wrestling state title for Discovery Canyon]( Janida Garcia wasn’t hiding her emotions with a subdued, nonchalant celebration following a pin to win a state title. She pointed skyward, tapped her chest, exhaled and that was about it, marking a strong contrast with the many athletes who rush off the mat and leap into their coaches' arms. [Read More]( [Behind Friendly Lines: How to prepare for your Memorial Day]( Billy Earl Thornburg was laid to rest at Pikes Peak National Cemetery on Aug. 22. Billy’s daughter, T.J., grieved the loss of this monumental figure in her life. But the experience could have been much more challenging — and more expensive. [Read More]( [4 recent murders: Colorado's troubled family court system ignores children in peril]( For nearly seven months Andrea Berry had been trying to get police to take seriously her fears that her ex-husband was sexually abusing their 3-year-old daughter, Sophia, and using her in child pornography, but she was running out of options. [Read More]( [EDITORIAL: Olympic City doubles as Silicon Mountain]( Colorado Springs scored big again for the regional and state economies and the country’s security. “Well folks, it is yet another great day in Olympic City, USA,” said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers at a Friday news conference. “I’ve been saying that a lot over the last several years, and I’m very excited to do it again today.” [Read More]( [Meta testing new subscription service for verified accounts]( Meta is testing a new subscription service that would let Facebook and Instagram users pay for a verified account. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta Verified on his social media accounts Sunday. Testing will begin in New Zealand and Australia this week and will roll out to other countries soon, he said. [Read More]( [Coronado Motel in Pueblo recognized for role in African American travel]( The Coronado Motel, formerly known as the Coronado Lodge, was a place listed in the Green Book as a place that welcomed African American travelers. The motel, located in Pueblo, sat on the pages of African American travel guides for a decade, and remained one of only three Colorado motels to be listed through 1967. [Read More]( Get access to all our content! Support local journalism and [subscribe here]([.]( Already subscribed? [Log in.]( Manage your email preferences or unsubscribe [here.]( 30 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80903