Albertsons Ends $24.6B Kroger Merger 

Albertsons announced Wednesday that it was terminating its $24.6 billion merger agreement with Kroger.

Judges had issued injunctions halting the merger, prompting Albertsons’ CEO to terminate the agreement.

The grocery chain, which operates 105 stores in Colorado, also filed a lawsuit against Kroger for breach of the merger agreement. Albertsons is seeking a $600 million termination fee along with billions in damages.

Kroger, which owns 150 King Soopers and City Market stores across the state, called Albertsons’ claims baseless, alleging multiple breaches by Albertsons during the merger process.

Officials Investigate 180 Missing Cows 

Authorities in Montrose County are investigating the disappearance of 180 cattle reported missing by ranchers on Colorado’s Western Slope.

The multicolored cattle, mostly calves, were last seen grazing on national forest land on the Uncompahgre Plateau before being discovered missing during winter counts.

The investigation, still in its early stages, aims to determine if cattle thieves are involved. The Uncompahgre Plateau’s rugged 2,300-square-mile terrain complicates the search.

Officials Urge Wildlife-Safe Holiday Decorating 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is reminding residents to keep antlered animals in mind when decorating for the holidays.

Deer, especially bucks, often become entangled in holiday lights and decorations. Bucks are particularly vulnerable in December when their antlers are fully grown. 

To prevent entanglements, CPW advises residents to secure lights tightly to homes, place them at least eight feet off the ground, and avoid draping lights over shrubs or between trees. See photos here.

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➤ Denver: The City District Attorney has joined 37 other officials in urging President Biden to commute all federal death row sentences before the end of his term, citing concerns about systemic inequities. (See Details)

➤ Boulder: Police said excessive drinking, not fentanyl-laced drugs, caused a group of University of Colorado students to become ill at an unregulated fraternity party last weekend. (More)

➤ Jefferson County: Prosecutors added seven new charges against ex-funeral director Miles Harford, including theft and corpse abuse, after a body was discovered in a hearse. (Video Report)

➤ Berthoud Pass: A skier was injured after triggering an avalanche at Colorado Mines Peak. He was swept 400 feet and partially buried before digging himself out and hiking toward rescuers. (See Photos)

➤ Douglas County: The school board unanimously approved an AP African American Studies course, after previously delaying a decision due to community pushback over the course’s content. (More)

➤ Greeley: Police report a rise in distemper-infected raccoons, urging caution as the disease poses risks to pets. (More)

➤ Western Slope: Alpine Bank warns of rising AI-driven scams impersonating USPS and retailers via texts, urging residents to stay vigilant this holiday season. (See Details)

➤ The Denver Broncos could boost their playoff odds to over 90% with a win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Broncos are currently favored by four points. (See Preview)

➤ Mikko Rantanen’s third hat trick of the season led the Colorado Avalanche to a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. (Watch Video)

➤ Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter made headlines with a photo shoot promoting Marvel’s new film Kraven the Hunter as part of a NIL deal. (Watch Video)

➤ Want to stay up-to-date on everything related to name, image, and likeness in sports? NIL Wire is just the place for you. Sign up here with one click!

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW 

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➤ The Denver City Council has outlined plans to utilize $570 million of tax-funded investment for revitalizing downtown through new developments, parks, childcare facilities, arts events, and more. (See Details)

➤ Mountain Shadows Restaurant in Old Colorado City, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, is permanently closing after 30 years due to financial struggles. (More)

➤ Five Iron Golf is looking to expand into Denver, offering high-tech simulators, dining, and events, with a focus on attracting more women and children to golf. (More)

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➤ Denver workers discovered a hollowed-out tree pipeline from 1886 during a Sloan Lake construction project. Some of the pipe was removed to make way for a new storm sewer, while other sections were left intact. (See Photos)

➤ Six Colorado restaurants have earned spots on Yelp’s Top 100 Chinese Restaurants for 2024, including Hong Kong Station in Centennial and Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings in Denver. (See List)

➤ Clark Griswold, aka Chevy Chase, attended the 35th anniversary of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with a screening and Q&A at Denver’s Bellco Theatre Wednesday night, sharing behind-the-scenes stories. (More)

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What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

1. Home Alone
2. Christmas Vacation
3. Elf
4. White Christmas
5. It’s a Wonderful Life
6. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you prefer white lights or multi-color lights on your Christmas tree?

1. White: 26.3%
2. Multi-colored: 30.8%
3. No preference: 21.4%
4. No tree: 21.5%

In which Colorado town were Clark (Chevy Chase) and Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) filmed shopping at Wal-Mart in Christmas Vacation?

Show me the answer