Judge Rejects Counties’ Immigration Lawsuit 

A district court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by six counties that aimed to compel the state to allow sheriffs’ deputies to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The lawsuit challenged two state laws: a 2023 measure that limits agreements between local governments and federal immigration authorities for detaining undocumented immigrants and a 2019 law that prohibits arrests or detentions based solely on federal immigration detainer requests.

The counties claimed these laws caused tangible harm by restricting their ability to contract with federal agencies.

The judge ruled the state legislature can regulate such cooperation, and concluded that no injury occurred. The ruling reinforces state control over immigration-related policies.

Xcel Energy to Spend $5B on Grid Upgrades 

Xcel Energy plans to invest $5 billion in the state’s electrical grid to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and renewable energy.

These upgrades are expected to raise average residential bills by $8.71 per month.

The proposal outlines 443 projects, including 35 new substations, upgrades to existing infrastructure, and over 300 additional distribution feeders, all to be completed by 2029. 

“It is a demand on the grid we haven’t seen since the advent of air conditioning,” said Robert Kenney, CEO of Xcel Energy’s Colorado subsidiary. 

Holiday Truck Faces Uncertain Future

A beloved holiday tradition in Summit County may be dimming unless a willing apprentice steps forward to help maintain the elaborate Christmas light display. 

For nearly a decade, light engineer Jim Ullrich has turned his vehicle into a dazzling holiday spectacle, featuring multicolored lights synchronized to Christmas music broadcast on a custom radio frequency. 

The display, which can be found on Vail Circle near Keystone, has drawn community response, with neighbors now leaving gifts and thank-you notes in the Ullrichs’ mailbox. See photos here. 

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➤ Fort Collins: Colorado State and Utah State universities have filed a lawsuit accusing the Mountain West of unfairly penalizing schools leaving for the Pac-12, withholding millions of dollars in funds. (See Details)

➤ Aurora: The number of people detained by police in Aurora continues to rise following an alleged overnight home invasion and kidnapping at an apartment building. (See Details)

➤ Denver: The city is a finalist for a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team. Cincinnati and Cleveland are also in contention, though news may not arrive until 2025. (More)

➤ El Paso County: A mother is suing McDonald’s and Taylor Farms after she and her daughter allegedly contracted E.coli from a Colorado Springs burger in October. (More)

➤ Fort Collins: Police are seeking help in identifying a suspect who stole a baby Jesus figurine from a nativity scene in Old Town Square. (See Photo)

➤ Golden: A church has been targeted again, as a man allegedly attempted to break into its mailbox, possibly linked to prior thefts involving $10,000 in stolen checks. (See Photos)

➤ The Denver Broncos’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals has been moved to Saturday, Dec. 28. The outcome of this matchup will significantly impact Denver’s playoff hopes. (More)

➤ The Denver Nuggets are reportedly in serious discussions to acquire Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. (More)

➤ Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has been named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week following another stretch of dominant performances. (More)

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

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➤ Colorado-based Frontier Airlines announced significant flight cuts for spring 2025, impacting over 40 domestic routes, including flights between Denver and Columbus, Ohio. (See Details)

➤ Bass Pro Shops plans to open its sixth Colorado location in Loveland by late 2025. The new 130,000-square-foot Outdoor World, located at the “Brands at the Ranch,” is expected to create 150 jobs. (More)

➤ Castle Rock-based Riot Platforms announced a $500 million private offering of convertible notes, with proceeds earmarked for Bitcoin acquisitions. (More)

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➤ A Denver couple is combating package theft by leaving trash-filled decoy packages on their porch. The tactic has slowed the theft rate while providing an unexpected cleanup service. (Video Report)

➤ Eight years after rescuing a rare cutthroat trout species from a wildfire, biologists have confirmed natural reproduction in Newlin Creek. (More)

➤ Santa brought holiday cheer to Denver Health, delivering toys and spreading Christmas joy to children in the pediatric ICU and urgent care with gifts donated by local businesses. (See Photos)

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Would you attend a National Women’s Soccer League game if Denver gets a new expansion team? 

1. Yes
2. No

Friday’s Results:

Do you buy yourself Christmas gifts?

1. Yes: 49%
2. No: 51%

What was the biggest fish ever caught in Colorado?

Show me the answer