Colorado Reacts to Jimmy Carter’s Death 

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Carter’s legacy includes his contributions to affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. In 2013, Carter worked in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood, where he personally helped build and renovate homes.

Carter visited Colorado several times throughout his life. He and his wife, Rosalynn, often enjoyed skiing in Crested Butte. In 1978, Carter commemorated “Sun Day” at the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, now part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Leaders across Colorado mourned Carter’s passing and celebrated his life. Sen. John Hickenlooper described Carter as “a good man, in the purest sense.” 

See photos of Jimmy Carter in Colorado over the years.

New Road Laws Aim to Boost Safety in 2025 

Several new road safety laws taking effect on Wednesday aim to improve driver and passenger safety across Colorado.

Starting Jan. 1, drivers who weave in and out of express lanes outside designated areas will face fines ranging from $75 to $250.

The updated car seat law will require children to use a car seat or booster seat until they are at least nine years old and weigh at least 40 pounds. Rear-facing car seats will be mandatory for children under two.

A new hands-free law will also prohibit handheld phone use while driving, with violations resulting in fines and points on drivers’ licenses. 

Biggest Denver Culture Stories of 2024 

Denver’s cultural landscape underwent notable shifts in 2024.

The Esquire Theatre closed its doors after nearly a century of operation. Meanwhile, the inaugural Outside Festival brought fresh energy to the city’s arts and entertainment scene.

The sale of the Tattered Cover bookstore to Barnes & Noble sparked widespread debate, raising questions about the future of the city’s literary legacy and independent bookstores.

Additionally, the Denver-based season of Married at First Sight made headlines for its historically low success rate, drawing parallels to the city’s famously challenging dating scene.

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➤ Custer County: A major rock slide closed Highways 96 and 165 on Sunday. Cleanup and inspections may take multiple days, and drivers are advised to use alternate routes. (See Video)

➤ Statewide: First Day Hikes at participating state parks on Jan. 1 will offer guided outdoor adventures. Activities include exploring forest trails, wildlife expeditions, and more. (See Details)

➤ Denver’s Safe Parking Initiative, which aids the city’s vehicle-dwelling homeless, will close today after losing funding, impacting nearly 800 people. (More)

➤ Steamboat Ski Resort issued a warning to skiers after a guest triggered an avalanche in the closed Christmas Tree Bowl on Saturday, diverting ski patrol resources and posing safety risks. (See Details)

➤ Park County: A man and woman wanted in connection with an alleged homicide were apprehended in Mississippi on Monday after a multi-state search. (See Photos)

➤ Loveland Pass on U.S. 6 and portions of Berthoud Pass were closed in both directions on Monday due to snow and safety concerns. (More)

➤ The NFL announced on Sunday that the Denver Broncos’ pivotal Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs will be played on Sunday, Jan. 5. Denver would clinch a postseason berth with a win. (More)

➤ The Colorado Avalanche have signed goalie Mackenzie Blackwood to a five-year extension worth $26.25 million. (More)

➤ Two of the Colorado Buffaloes’ top position coaches have reportedly left the team to coach for Mississippi State. (More)

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

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➤ The University of Colorado football team generated $146.5 million in regional economic impact this season due to the “Coach Prime effect,” which boosted local businesses and tourism. (More)

➤ Denver is set to spend $36 million in federal funds on four infrastructure projects, including bridges, safety improvements, and environmental cleanup in Elyria-Swansea and Globeville. (More)

➤ Royal Gorge Broadcasting will shutter “Star Country 104.5” KSTY and KRLN-AM in Cañon City on Dec. 31. (More)

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Be Inspired by Bold Believers

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➤ Margaret Hoeppner, 83, is retiring after 63 years as a Colorado Symphony cellist. She and her late husband, Fred, who was a cellist and a conductor, shared a combined 116 years in the symphony. Her final performance is tonight. (See Details)

➤ Trúng Và Trúng, a dish served at Sap Sua, a Vietnamese restaurant in Denver, was recognized as one of The New York Times’ top dishes of 2024. (More)

➤ Evergreen Lake is hosting its annual Lake Plunge on New Year’s Day, drawing hundreds to leap into icy waters. Funds support special needs programs and recreation district initiatives. (See Video)

➤ Did you miss our tip jar yesterday? Your donations sustain our work, and we wouldn’t exist without you. Would you consider making a year-end gift to help us make 2025 even better? Thank you for being part of our journey!

Will you make a New Year’s resolution at midnight? 

1. Yes
2. Nope
3. Just a kiss, please!

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you plan on attending this year’s National Western Stock Show?   

1. Yes: 37%
2. No: 63%

What was the largest Powerball jackpot won in Colorado?

Show me the answer