Three Indicted in Hate Crime Hoax 

Three people were indicted on federal charges for allegedly staging a hate crime hoax involving a burning cross and racial slurs during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral run-off.

The incident involved a cross-burning near a defaced campaign sign for candidate Yemi Mobolade, who went on to win the election.

Prosecutors say the goal was to thwart Mobolade’s opponent by invoking fears of white supremacist activity.

The trio was affiliated with a group that marketed itself as a “minority-owned independent broadcasting and multi-media organization” and spread false information about the incident to news outlets.

Charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and using fire to intimidate, two of the three accused have appeared in court, the third is currently a fugitive. 

UCHealth Settles $23M Overbilling Case

The University of Colorado Health will pay $23 million to settle allegations that it overbilled Medicare and TRICARE for emergency visits.

The allegations stem from a whistleblower complaint by a former UCHealth auditor who reported that automated billing had overcharged patients where high-cost billing codes were assigned to lower-acuity visits.

The nonprofit hospital system didn’t admit fault and stated that they settled the case to avoid prolonged litigation. 

Rockfall Closes Red Mountain Pass 

A rockfall early Wednesday closed U.S. 550’s Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray after a boulder fell around 2:30 a.m., blocking both lanes, according to The Colorado Department of Transportation. 

Crews began drilling and blasting the large rock at daybreak to dismantle it into manageable pieces that heavy equipment operators then removed from the roadway. See the photos here.

While the highway was closed, travelers were advised to take CO Highway 145 through Telluride as an alternate route. 

The highway reopened by 11:30 a.m., restoring access to this stretch of the Million Dollar Highway known for its steep, winding sections and dramatic mountain views.

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➤ Gov. Jared Polis will co-lead Governors Safeguarding Democracy, a coalition focused on “defending state democratic institutions” ahead of Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency. (More)

➤ Fort Collins: Evacuations were lifted after a 15-acre wildfire near Ted’s Place threatened homes. Firefighters contained the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The fire’s cause is under investigation. (More)

➤ Greeley: Police shot and killed a mountain lion after it made its way onto an elementary school campus Tuesday morning. Officials issued a shelter-in-place order and lifted it soon after. (More)

➤ Denver: The city council approved a $1.76 billion 2025 budget focused on housing, homelessness, and public safety, with cuts to RV parking and direct cash assistance for the homeless. (More)

➤ Colorado’s new Hands-Free Law, starting Jan. 1, will ban handheld phone use while driving to reduce crashes. Penalties include fines and license points. (More)

➤ The Colorado Buffaloes came in at No. 17 in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings. As the rankings currently stand, Colorado would barely miss the cutoff to make the playoff. (See Rankings)

➤ Denver Broncos assistant head coach Mike Westhoff, 76, has decided to step aside to deal with a health issue. (More)

➤ The Denver Nuggets will play their first NBA Cup game on Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAF | NCAAM | NCAAW  

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➤ Colorado faces egg shortages due to cage-free requirements, heat-related production drops, and avian flu outbreaks—with egg prices up nearly 40% since last year. (More)

➤ Revel Bikes has expanded to a new Carbondale facility, enhancing production efficiency for its high-end, Colorado-assembled mountain bikes. (See Details)

➤ Frontier pilots picketed outside Denver headquarters, urging progress in contract talks after 99% voted to strike if negotiations fail before holiday travel. (More)

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➤ Jolly Ranchers, Crocs, and even outdoor Christmas lights are among several iconic inventions that have come from Colorado. (See Inventions)

➤ Casa Bonita has unveiled a line of holiday merchandise, including a candle that smells like its legendary chlorine-scented pool. (More)

➤ Morris, a 70-year-old alligator who starred in the Happy Gilmore and Eraser movies, is living out his retirement at Colorado Gators Reptile Park after decades on screen. (More)

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Have you eaten at Casa Bonita since it was renovated and reopened? 

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

How long have you lived in Colorado?

1. 1. My whole life: 19.6%
   2. 16-25 years: 18.2%
   3. I don’t live there…yet: 17.4%
   4. 6-15 years: 15.6%
   5. 1-5 years: 15%
   6. Just got here: 14%

A chicken from Fruita became a national celebrity in the 1940s when he lived for 18 months without what usually essential body part?

Show me the answer