Thursday, July 3, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1906, Jack Earle, an actor and sideshow performer known as “the world’s tallest man,” was born in Denver.

Keep an eye on the sky—pop-up storms could crash the party this holiday weekend, but there’s still plenty of sizzle in the forecast. Get the full Fourth of July weekend forecast in Top Stories. Planning to catch a fireworks show? Vote in our Poll below or reply to this email to let us know.

Today, the language learning software Babbel is sponsoring us and offering a special Fourth of July sale to our readers.

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Last Charges Dropped in Christian Glass Case

A Clear Creek County judge has dismissed the case against Randy Williams, the final law enforcement officer charged in the 2022 death of Christian Glass.

Williams was charged with failing to intervene and third-degree assault. He was one of eight officers charged, including Andrew Buen, who fired the shot that killed Glass.

Buen was sentenced to three years in prison. Another officer received two years of probation and a $1,000 fine, while the charges against five others were dropped.

Williams’ charges were dropped Tuesday. As part of a plea deal, he completed 48 hours of community service and submitted an apology letter to Glass’ family.

Denver Changes Layoff Rules Amid Shortfall

Denver officials approved changes to the city’s layoff procedures Tuesday, sparking controversy and threats of legal action as the city braces for a $250 million budget shortfall over the next two years.

In a 4-1 vote, the city moved to replace its seniority-based system for determining layoffs with a merit-based approach, reducing protections for longtime employees.

Opponents of the new system say it betrays longtime employees, opening the door to subjective layoff criteria and costly litigation. Advocates, including Mayor Mike Johnston, say it will allow the city to retain its best staff during economic strain.

Layoffs must be enacted by the end of 2025 to help close the budget gap. The first round is expected to begin in August.

Storms Could Dampen the Fourth

The weather across Colorado will be hit and miss this holiday weekend, with highs in the 80s and 90s, a mix of sun and clouds, and daily chances for afternoon storms.

Brief, spotty storms are expected along the Interstate 25 corridor today as monsoon moisture moves into the state. The Western Slope could see heavier rainfall and a risk of localized flooding.

The Fourth of July may be a bit damp in the Denver area, with quick, scattered afternoon storms. But skies should clear in time for fireworks.

More passing showers are expected Saturday and Sunday. While the weather isn’t likely to ruin any Independence Day plans, forecasters recommend keeping an eye on the sky.

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➤ Black Hawk: Three off-duty Lakewood police officers revived an unconscious guest who had stopped breathing at Monarch Casino Resort Spa using CPR and a defibrillator. (See Details)

➤ Denver Animal Shelter is expanding its weekend adoption hours starting July 5 in response to a record increase in the number of animals entering the shelter. (See Details)

➤ Rifle: City officials have cancelled a fireworks display scheduled for tonight due to heightened fire danger in the region. (More)

➤ Snowmass: A passenger van on Snowmass Creek Road exploded Monday afternoon, sparking a wildfire that burned five acres. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Colorado Department of Transportation is partnering with Colorado State Patrol and 51 local law enforcement agencies for “The Heat Is On,” a DUI enforcement period from July 2 to 7. (More)

➤ Denver: The Underground Music Showcase, Colorado’s largest and longest-running independent music festival, announced it will end in its current form after its 25th festival this summer. (More)

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➤ Over 16,000 youth softball players have descended on Colorado for the largest fastpitch tournament in the country. Coaches from over 600 colleges will be in attendance to scout top recruits. (More)

➤ The Denver Nuggets continue to reload their roster with savvy free-agent signings, landing Tim Hardaway Jr. and bringing back Bruce Brown on team-friendly contracts. (More)

➤ The Colorado Rockies announced a jersey patch sponsorship with York Space Systems, a Denver-based aerospace and defense firm. The 5.5-year deal runs through the 2030 MLB season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ A Greeley-based cannabis company and its owner have been permanently barred from Colorado’s cannabis industry for illegally marketing marijuana products as federally legal hemp. (See Details)

➤ Castle Rock is weighing whether to restrict the height of new downtown buildings to four stories. Property owners warn it could hurt business and drive down property values. (More)

➤ United Airlines opened a new, renovated Station Operation Center at Denver International Airport ahead of an expected holiday-weekend travel surge of more than 60,000 daily passengers. (More)

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➤ Circus Foundry, a contemporary circus company, will perform a light-up show with juggling, aerial work, acrobatic trampolining, and more for tonight’s Indy Eve celebration in Denver’s Civic Center Park. (See Details)

➤ A bear in Jefferson County broke into a resident’s car, then destroyed the interior when it got stuck inside. A sheriff’s deputy let it out by opening the door with a rope. (See Video)

➤ Wildlife officials caught, collared, and tagged 200 Canada geese across four Denver parks as part of a study aimed at managing goose populations. (See Video)

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