Lawmakers Deadlock on Election Audit 

State lawmakers will not pursue an audit of the secretary of state’s office following an election system password leak earlier this year.

The Legislative Audit Committee deadlocked 4-4 on a proposed review of the state Elections Division, with Democrats opposing and Republicans supporting the measure, effectively blocking the proposal.

The password breach became public in late October when it was discovered that passwords for voting system equipment had been posted on a hidden spreadsheet on the secretary of state’s website.

Although no equipment was compromised, the leak occurred just a week before the general election, leading to criticism and calls for Secretary of State Jena Griswold to resign.

2025 Economy: Stable Amid Slow Job Growth 

Colorado’s economic forecast for 2025 predicts stability despite challenges.

In 2024, the state experienced 1.6% job growth, adding 46,800 jobs. However, job growth is projected to slow to 1.2% in 2025, with an estimated 36,700 new positions.

Three sectors—information, construction, and manufacturing—saw job losses in 2024, but only manufacturing is expected to decline in 2025.

Agriculture continues to face volatile prices but may see improved net income in 2025. Construction is expected to add 6,000 jobs following a slowdown in 2024, while manufacturing faces persistent challenges.

Colorado Director Scores Big in Golden Globes 

Colorado-born filmmaker Chris Sanders has made history with his latest animated feature, The Wild Robot, which has earned four Golden Globe nominations.

The film is now among the most-nominated animated movies in Golden Globes history, with nods for Best Animated Feature Film, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, Best Original Song, and Best Original Score.

The only other animated films to receive as many Golden Globe nominations are Beauty and the Beast (1991), which also earned four, and Aladdin (1992), which garnered six.

Based on Peter Brown’s 2016 novel, The Wild Robot features an all-star voice cast, including Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal, and has grossed $322 million globally.

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➤ Denver: Seventeen people have been indicted on organized crime charges in a cartel-linked auto theft ring, accused of stealing 190 vehicles and smuggling them to Mexico. (Video Report)

➤ Statewide: Parks and Wildlife is enhancing its wolf reintroduction efforts with improved conflict mitigation tools and other measures ahead of the planned January release of 15 gray wolves. (See Details)

➤ Denver Metro Area: Multiple law enforcement agencies are addressing burglary spikes targeting Asian business owners and luxury homes. (More)

➤ Rampart Range: A search team rescued a 10-year-old boy who got lost while riding an ATV over the weekend. A drone delivered supplies until responders arrived. (See Photos)

➤ Douglas County: Commissioner Lora Thomas has resigned early, citing harassment and infighting with fellow commissioners. Successor Kevin Van Winkle awaits appointment. (More)

➤ Denver: A federal court has ruled a Colorado attorney’s $303,366 car-racing expenses were hobby-related, denying them as business deductions. (More)

➤ Colorado Buffaloes two-way phenom Travis Hunter was named one of four Heisman Trophy finalists on Monday. Hunter is currently the favorite to win the award. (More)

➤ The Colorado Avalanche have acquired goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and forward Givani Smith from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, rookie forward Nikolai Kovalenko, a 2025 fifth-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick. (More)

➤ March Madness returns to Denver in 2025 with Ball Arena hosting first- and second-round games March 20-22. Tickets went on sale Tuesday. (See Details)

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

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➤ Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass sales fell 2%, but revenue rose 4% after a price hike, with 2.3 million passholders expected to generate $975 million in revenue this winter. (More)

➤ Tuff Shed CEO Tom Saurey acquired Denver’s Centerpoint I and II for $23 million, securing ownership of the company’s headquarters after 30 years as a tenant. (More)

➤ Denver has named 36 businesses as “legacy businesses,” honoring their cultural and community contributions. Designatees include Bonnie Brae Ice Cream and Root Down. (See List)

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➤ Pilots delivered 12,000 pounds of food and toys to 20 VFW posts statewide during the annual Charity Airlift last weekend, benefiting veterans and their families. (More)

➤ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari in Colorado Springs and Denver’s Mile High Tree were among the top 10 finishers in USA Today’s best holiday light displays list. (See Details)

➤ Colorado’s favorite holiday song is “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!” the second most popular nationwide after “Jingle Bells,” which led in 15 states. (See List)

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

1. White 
2. Multi-colored 
3. No preference
4. No tree

Yesterday’s Results:

Should we get rid of the penny? 

1. Yes: 47%
2. No: 53%

What distinction does the Royal Gorge Bridge hold?

Show me the answer