Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1959, the Adolph Coors Brewing Company introduced the aluminum beer can. The two-piece, recyclable aluminum can made its debut with a 7-ounce Coors Banquet.

As we thaw out from the recent Arctic freeze, enjoy this mesmerizing video of a soap bubble in Berthoud forming stunning frozen patterns in the icy weather. And be sure to visit our Et Cetera section for an adorable black bear birthday celebration!

Today's sponsor is Weight Loss by Hims. Check out its products below.

Leaders Split on Trump's Inaugural Address

Colorado's leaders had mixed reactions to President Donald Trump's inaugural address on Monday.

Trump's speech, which highlighted immigration crackdowns, energy independence, and reversing Democratic policies, was praised by Republicans, including Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, as bold and transformative. Democrats, such as State Rep. Junie Joseph, criticized it as divisive.

Energy policy was a key focus, with Trump promising to boost oil and gas production. His Energy Secretary pick, Denver businessman Chris Wright, has pledged to expand infrastructure and cut costs.

Just hours after taking office on Monday, Trump pardoned about 1,500 people, including more than 20 Coloradans, linked to the Jan. 6 Capitol events.

State Child Care Subsidy Freezes Enrollment

Colorado's child care subsidy program, which helps low-income families afford care and serves over 32,000 children statewide, is freezing enrollment in several counties due to funding shortages.

Rising costs, new federal rules, and insufficient state and federal funding have left counties unable to accept new families.

Officials estimate the program will need $70 million over three years to meet demand, but recent budget increases have fallen short. Counties are urging federal funding changes and creating "freeze lists" to notify families if enrollment reopens.

Currently, families in Colorado spend 13% to 30% of their income on child care—significantly higher than the federal affordability benchmark of 7%.

HOA Faces Debate Over Prairie Dog Colony

The Harvest Junction Village HOA in Longmont is facing community backlash as it considers exterminating a local prairie dog colony.

While some residents see the animals as pests damaging vegetation, others highlight their role as a keystone species supporting local wildlife.

Many residents are advocating for the preservation of the colony. Resident Jaime Fraina has proposed relocation options funded by an almost complete $3,000 fundraiser but reports resistance from the HOA.

Despite a vote allowing relocation until March 1, logistical delays may lead to extermination, leaving many residents upset and urging patience for alternative solutions.

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➤ Statewide: Colorado hospitals are facing financial disparities, with urban, nonprofit, tax-exempt hospitals thriving while rural facilities and Denver Health struggle under rising costs and inflation. (See Details)

➤ Denver International Airport began work Tuesday installing 78 security cameras in the Pikes Peak Lot after a car theft ring indictment linked to 190 stolen vehicles. The work will end by March. (More)

➤ Statewide: Xcel Energy acknowledged sending a confusing message about lowering water heater temperatures by 10 degrees, as their energy-saving tip suggested reducing temperatures. The CDC maintains that water heaters should stay at or above 120°F to prevent Legionella bacteria growth. (More)

➤ Superior: Three juveniles known as the "panda bandits" have turned themselves in for two November smash-and-grab burglaries at a Superior gas station, where one suspect wore a panda costume. (More)

➤ Boulder County has allocated $1 million for specialized fencing necessary for buffalo reintroduction in collaboration with the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. (More)

➤ Denver: Police are investigating a fatal train-pedestrian crash on RTD's A Line on Monday that disrupted airport service. (More)

➤ Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is one of six nominees for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year, which is voted on by NFL fans. (Vote Here)

➤ Colorado Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood made this acrobatic save during the team’s 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Monday. (Watch Video)

➤ Niwot High runner Addy Ritzenhein earned her second consecutive Gatorade cross country Runner of the Year award after a record-setting third state title. (More)

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➤ The King Soopers union has scheduled a strike vote as contract negotiations stalled, citing unfair pay practices. A potential walkout could impact 10,000 employees statewide. (More)

➤ Walgreens plans to close three stores in Denver and Aurora next month as part of a nationwide effort to close 1,200 locations due to rising costs and industry challenges. (More)

➤ Boulder-based Gloo has announced the acquisition of Faith Assistant, an artificial intelligence-based chatbot that helps ministries engage their people through conversational AI. (More)

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➤ Beezler, the oldest Asiatic black bear in the U.S., celebrated her 32nd birthday at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Monday with strawberries, whipped cream, popcorn, and a “bear chow cake.” (Watch Video)

➤ Girl Scouts in Colorado have raised cookie prices by $1 for 2025. The S'mores and Toast-Yay! flavors will be retired after this season. Sales have begun online, and booth sales will start on Feb. 2. (More)

➤ Dude Dad, a Fort Collins-based influencer, is urging content creators to diversify their platforms after a brief ban on TikTok last weekend. (More)

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