Thursday, January 9, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1860, the first school in Jefferson County and the second school in Colorado opened in Golden. It was a rented log cabin with 18 students, financed through tuition and subscription.

Baby, it's cold outside! Temperatures have plunged in Northern Colorado—and in our Around Colorado section, we cover the story of a burglary suspect who fled into an icy pond before finally surrendering.

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Colorado Sues Landlords for Price Fixing

Colorado is among 10 states participating in a federal lawsuit accusing six major landlords of engaging in a price-fixing scheme to inflate rents.

The lawsuit alleges the landlords colluded to decrease competition and set rental prices by sharing competitive information about rents, occupancy levels, and pricing strategies.

Central to the case is RealPage, a software platform accused of using non-public data—such as lease terms and floorplans—to suggest rental prices. A Biden administration report estimated such practices added $136 to monthly rents in Denver.

State Democrats are using the case to revive a bill banning algorithmic rent-setting, citing concerns about affordability and fairness. Opponents of the bill argue algorithms can benefit the market if data is made public.

DIA Audit Flags Great Hall Project Oversight Risks

The Denver Auditor's Office warns that Denver International Airport (DIA) is at risk of overpaying for its $2.1 billion Great Hall Project due to poor oversight and documentation.

A follow up to a 2023 audit has highlighted issues with procurement procedures, recordkeeping, and contractor cost transparency.

The project, which began in 2018 and is expected to finish in 2028, has already faced setbacks, including a $184 million contractor change in 2019.

While DIA insists no taxpayer funds are involved, Auditor Timothy O'Brien stressed the need for accountability. DIA expressed confidence in its oversight, but O'Brien warned that without better documentation, cost control remains uncertain.

Top Stolen Cars in Colorado 2024

The Chevrolet Silverado topped the list of most stolen vehicles in 2024, followed by the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, according to auto theft data from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).

Other frequently targeted models included the Ford F-250, Kia Optima, and Honda Civic. The GMC Sierra appeared on the top 10 list for the first time, replacing a model from the previous year.

Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs reported the highest theft rates, with significant activity also noted in Pueblo, Lakewood, and Westminster.

While auto thefts dropped by 25% compared to 2023, saving approximately $121 million in losses, the CSP emphasized the need for continued vigilance, such as locking vehicles, removing keys, and using steering wheel locks or GPS trackers.

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Digital Currency Could Change Your Retirement. Here's How to Prepare.

If you've saved $100,000 or more for retirement, pay close attention: talk of a "digital dollar" is gaining traction, and with it comes a shift in how your money might be managed. Imagine a future where digital currency could impact your financial freedom—no matter what's in your accounts today. That's why thousands of Americans are looking to physical gold as a reliable asset to hedge against a potential digital dollar.

➤ Lakeside: A former police chief has pleaded guilty to embezzlement and misconduct, receiving probation and $26,000 restitution. His daughter, a former town clerk, faces separate fraud charges. (See Details)

➤ Boulder: A father and son have been arrested for allegedly assaulting officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Both face federal charges. (More)

➤ Southwest Colorado: A backcountry skier died on Tuesday in an avalanche near Red Mountain Pass. This is the first fatality of the 2024-25 season. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: The Colorado Lottery has announced a Mega Millions overhaul starting April 5, featuring improved odds, bigger jackpots, and automatic prize multipliers. Tickets increase to $5. (Watch Report)

➤ Jefferson County: A burglary suspect fled into an icy pond on New Year's Day before surrendering. He is suspected of over a dozen metro-area burglaries targeting Latino families. (Watch Report)

➤ Northern Colorado: Following Tuesday's storm, parts of the region experienced extreme cold, with temperatures plunging to minus 31 degrees in Fraser Flats and minus 28 degrees in Grand Lake. (See Details)

➤ Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was named the NFL's AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 18 after throwing for 321 yards and four touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs. (More)

➤ Nikola Jokic didn't play in the Denver Nuggets' Tuesday night game against the Boston Celtics because of an illness. The Nuggets lost 118-106, falling to 1-3 on the season in games without Jokic in the lineup. (More)

➤ Colorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin missed his 33rd game of the season last night, despite optimism that he could return to the lineup. Drouin has been in and out of the team's lineup since suffering an upper-body injury in the first game of the season. (More)

➤ Yesterday's results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Breeze Airways will launch its first direct flight from Grand Junction to Las Vegas on Thursday. The airline also offers flights to Salt Lake City, Utah; Orange County, California; and Hartford, Connecticut. (More)

➤ Transportation officials will buy a $19.4 million rail easement in Denver, enabling the removal of tracks and three freight crossings near Burnham Yard. (More)

➤ Outdoor retailer REI is ending its Experiences program, affecting 428 jobs, including staff in Colorado. Programs like cycling tours and outdoor education will cease due to unprofitability. (See Details)

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➤ Henry Cejudo, a graduate of Coronado High School and former Colorado Springs resident, is set to headline UFC Fight Night in Seattle on Feb. 22. He will face Song Yadong in a bantamweight bout at Climate Pledge Arena. (See Details)

➤ Glenwood Springs native Brady Corbet earned global acclaim at the Golden Globes, winning three awards for his film The Brutalist, including Best Director and Best Motion Picture, Drama. (More)

➤ Vail's Haute Chocolate, a $25 specialty served at the Four Seasons, features Valrhona chocolate, handcrafted toppings, and tableside presentation. (See Photos)

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