Morning headlines from DenverPost.com

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Today's Front Page News

EPA says oil spills in Colorado's North Park hurting creek
EPA responders have found that oil spills in Colorado's wildlife-rich North Park area are hurting a creek — and they have launched an effort to assess damage.  

• Lakewood child-victim cases reopened after probe of detective
• Nuggets move closer to clinching No. 6 seed with win at Oklahoma City Thunder
• Drought prompts water managers to look for ways to help streams and rivers
• Civil-unions bill gets initial nod in Colorado Senate
• Reactions to lack of RTD FasTracks election range from anger to relief

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Today's Local Politics

Civil-unions bill gets initial nod in Colorado Senate
The Democratic-controlled state Senate gave initial approval to a civil union bill for gay couples Wednesday after a lengthy floor debate that included a controversial amendment from Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, who indicated he might be able to support the bill if changes were made.  

• Colorado AG opposes panel to compensate victims of fatal wildfire
• University of Colorado student's Obama photo goes viral
• Illegal-immigrant tuition break fails again in Colorado House
• Griego: Paul Sandoval's true legacy found in his family
• Paul Sandoval, longtime Colorado Democratic activist, dead at age of 67

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Today's Business

Federal Reserve to keep interest rates near zero, watch inflation
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke left open the possibility Wednesday of further Fed action to stimulate the economy.  

• Colorado program to help inventors obtain patents
• Colorado veterans, businesses gain insight on working together
• Courts' exit from Post building will open downtown Denver space to new tenants
• Mimicking Jobs, Apple's Cook goes viral with "toaster/fridge"
• Report: Denver housing market has hit bottom

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Today's Sports Headlines

Rockies beer vendor Captain Earthman reflects on "Cold beer!" at Coors Field and beyond
The colorful gent known as Captain Earthman has been a fixture in Denver's sports and music venues since 1986, when he first started vending at the old Mile High Stadium.  

• Nuggets move closer to clinching No. 6 with win at Oklahoma City
• Highlands Ranch's Tony Audino masterful in shutout win over Chaparral
• Kristen Holt resigns as Colorado State's women's basketball coach
• Devlin: Toughness natural for Rangeview's Rikki Gonzales
• Hansen headed to Idaho St.

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Today's Entertainment

Colorado Rockies beer vendor Captain Earthman, a.k.a. Brent Doeden, reflects on "Cold beer!" at Coors Field and beyond
The colorful gent known as Captain Earthman has been a fixture in Denver's sports and music venues since 1986, when he first started vending at the old Mile High Stadium.  

• "The Drama Years" author Haley Kilpatrick to talk Girl Talk in Denver about surviving middle school
• Country star George Jones makes family feud public
• Actor Sean Penn receives award for work in Haiti
• Katie Couric to launch new Web show for Yahoo, ABC

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Today's Style

Colorado Rockies beer vendor Captain Earthman, a.k.a. Brent Doeden, reflects on "Cold beer!" at Coors Field and beyond
The colorful gent known as Captain Earthman has been a fixture in Denver's sports and music venues since 1986, when he first started vending at the old Mile High Stadium.  

• "The Drama Years" author Haley Kilpatrick to talk Girl Talk in Denver about surviving middle school
• Spa Report: ÜberChic Nail Boutique
• Davidson: Denver designer Stephanie Ohnmacht looks to sew it up at Frock Out designers showcase
• Denver beauty blogger Kristie Burnett vies for Allure magazine award
• Shop: Macy's opens Brazil bazaar in 300 stores

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Today's Opinion

Cepeda: A lifestyle plan, not a food choice
Are you the least bit surprised that simply irrigating the nation's so-called "food deserts" with more fresh fruits and vegetables doesn't result in healthier communities?  

• Davidson: Secret Service needs more women
• Carlson: Cads, criminals and campaign lies
• Rosen: No more furloughs
• Editorial: Does the Colorado legislature really need more office space?
• Editorial: Mixed response to Lower North Fork forest fire