Denver’s National Western Stock Show breaks records; DU sets sights on becoming global hub for Holocaust scholarship; CO lawmakers mobilize against NCAR dismantling

Headlines Wednesday, January 28, 2026

 

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    Denver’s National Western Stock Show breaks records; DU sets sights on becoming global hub for Holocaust scholarship; CO lawmakers mobilize against NCAR dismantling KGNU News

Denver’s National Western Stock Show breaks records in historic year

The National Western Stock Show has opened the record books, shattering milestones during its 2026 run in Denver. The event saw its highest attendance ever, with over 750,000 people attending.

Total auction sales reached a staggering $1.8 million, headlined by a record-breaking $320,000 bid for “Boots,” the Grand Champion steer. Six other auction records were toppled as top-ranking animals collectively generated over $822,000.

Proceeds from the auction will fund agricultural scholarships for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

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DU sets sights on becoming global hub for Holocaust scholarship

The University of Denver is establishing its first endowed professorship dedicated to Holocaust and antisemitism studies. The initiative aims to transform the university into a global center for researching racism and systemic abuses of power.

At a state Capitol event featuring Governor Jared Polis, the Daily Camera reports that survivors shared harrowing stories of escape and refuge to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Faculty leaders emphasize that the new position is vital for helping students navigate complex modern conflicts through study rather than social media trends.

The program launches with an initial $500,000 gift, with the university actively seeking additional donors. DU officials hope this commitment will inspire other institutions to prioritize the study of hatred and its contemporary manifestations.

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CO lawmakers mobilize against NCAR dismantling

Representative Joe Neguse is attempting to mobilize a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to submit a formal response to the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). According to the Boulder Reporting Lab, a Jan. 23 letter from the National Science Foundation asked the scientific community to submit comments by Mar. 13 explaining what NCAR does and how it could be “restructured,” including soliciting proposals for new public or private ownership of NCAR’s Mesa Laboratory in Boulder.

In a statement yesterday, Representative Neguse called the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle NCAR retaliatory and reprehensible. He said he is mobilizing a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers to submit a formal response. Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced language this month to protect NCAR in a funding bill, but the amendment was voted down.

Neguse also urged Coloradans to submit their own comments in support of NCAR. You can do that by emailing [email protected].

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Rep. Ron Weinberg drops defamation lawsuit against accusers

State Representative Ron Weinberg has dropped a defamation lawsuit against two women who accused him of sexual harassment. The case was dismissed just days before a scheduled court hearing, ending a legal battle that began last August.

Defendants sought to dismiss the suit under Colorado’s anti-SLAPP law, which protects individuals from being silenced by expensive litigation. Weinberg had sued for libel after the women went public with allegations of misconduct dating back to 2021.

Weinberg stated he withdrew because he felt the legal process was biased, while his accusers noted they refused to sign non-disclosure agreements to end the suit. The lawmaker is not seeking reelection and currently faces a separate probe into his campaign spending.

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