Mixed feelings as Aurora prepares for Trump visit
Former President Donald Trump is set to visit Aurora today for a rally at the Gaylord Rockies Resort, which is expected to draw thousands, according to the Colorado Republican Party.
According to Denverite, Aurora City Council Member Alison Coombs says Trump’s visit likely won’t impact local communities, as he’s only visiting the resort, far from residential areas. Mayor Mike Coffman, however, hopes Trump takes up his offer for a tour to debunk what Coffman calls “exaggerated” claims of gang activity. City officials do not expect major street closures, but parking restrictions will apply at the venue.
Albertsons CEO threatens jobs if merger does not go through
Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran warned in court that if the merger with Kroger fails, the company may face layoffs and exit certain markets to stay competitive.
Testifying during the second week of a trial over Colorado’s lawsuit to block the $24.6 billion merger, Sankaran argued that the merger would help Albertsons and Kroger better compete with giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. The Colorado Attorney General’s Office, however, contends that the merger would reduce competition, harming consumers, employees, and suppliers.
Kroger, which owns King Soopers and City Market, and Albertsons, owner of Safeway, control more than 50% of Colorado’s grocery market. State attorneys argue the merger violates antitrust laws.
10 people trapped 10,000 feet underground at Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
One person is confirmed dead after an elevator malfunctioned yesterday afternoon at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek. The exact cause of the victim’s death has not yet been released to the public.
The Sheriff’s Office received a report shortly after noon yesterday that an elevator transporting visitors at the mine had stopped midway. Eleven individuals were rescued shortly after the issue started, two of whom are children. The 12 others who were later rescued had been trapped for over six hours at the bottom of the tourist mine before workers were able to fix the broken elevator.
The former gold mine, now a tourist destination, takes guests on a vertical descent 1,000 feet below ground via elevator, though the elevator shaft itself goes much deeper.
Officials are unsure what failed within the elevator system, but an investigation is underway, according to the latest report by The Denver Gazette.
Polygamist group tied to FLDS tries to claim ownership of 1,400 acres of National Forest Land in Colorado
A group with ties to a controversial polygamist leader has sparked outrage by fencing off 1,400 acres in the San Juan National Forest near Mancos, claiming ownership through old treaties. The U.S. Forest Service, which considers the fence illegal, has demanded its removal.
According to The Colorado Sun, the group is led by Patrick Leroy Pipkin, who was previously involved in a high-profile land dispute with the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamist sect.
Though Pipkin claims no current ties to the FLDS, his group’s actions echo previous land battles involving polygamist groups in the region. Now calling themselves the Free Land Holder Committee, they cite treaties like the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to justify their claim to the forest land.
The Forest Service has rejected these arguments, and the dispute is headed to federal court. While public access remains open for recreation and grazing, the group has paused further fencing while awaiting a legal ruling.
Home prices continue to rise in Boulder despite more listings on market
Home prices in Boulder and Northern Colorado rose in September, even with a rise in listings.
Boulder’s median price climbed nearly 1% to just under $1.38 million, though it is still below the 2024 peak of almost $1.6 million in July. Fort Collins saw a 4.5% price drop to $589,900, with a 27.3% increase in listings. Greeley-Evans experienced a 2.7% decline to $410,000, while Longmont and Loveland had smaller dips. Estes Park stood out with a 3.2% increase to $800,000, reaching the highest median price recorded there in 2024, despite more homes hitting the market.
Boulder officials warn people to watch out for extra hungry bears
Boulder officials are urging residents to take extra precautions due to an increase in bear activity as the animals prepare for hibernation. Bears are more likely to roam in urban areas in early fall, seeking food during hyperphagia, a period of excessive eating. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reported higher bear encounters around the city, often due to unsecured trash and livestock acting as attractants.
The city reminds residents, including University of Colorado Boulder students, to follow safety measures such as using bear-resistant trash bins, securing livestock, and removing potential attractants like pet food, bird feeders, and outdoor grills. Properly locking trash bins and ensuring food waste is not left outside can help minimize bear interactions.
