AM
Denver
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Denver. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Denver7's top 2025 stories featured heartbreaking missing person cases and the deaths of two elk hunters in Conejos County (drawing over 715,000 views) while also showing strong local interest in a long-term downtown revitalization plan. Denver7
- ➤ Denver7 invited Coloradans to share their hopes for 2026 by emailing Shannon Ogden ([email protected]) as the station gathered community ideas before New Year's Eve. Some responses were later featured on Denver7 News at 10. Denver7
- ➤ Riverdale Animal Shelter celebrated its fifth anniversary in October after staff were praised by the Adams County Board, and it opened a new barn for small livestock to ease overcrowding and improve care as rescue numbers grew. Colorado Public Radio
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local 303 invites Denver residents to vote for up-to-five favorite Colorado musicians until Jan. 23 at 10 p.m. The Top 15 will be unveiled live at Skylark Lounge on Monday, Jan. 26, and the Countdown airs Jan. 30 at 9 p.m. Colorado Public Radio
- ➤ Aurora is gearing up for a busy New Year with cultural events starting Jan. 2, including a First Friday gallery open and creative workshops along E. Colfax Ave. Venues across the area will host art openings, music shows, film screenings, and more. Sentinel Colorado
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Colorado nurses warn that a federal student loan proposal will cut graduate funding for nursing—if approved, loans will be limited to $100k—worsening a severe workforce shortage by shrinking advanced training opportunities. The Department of Education will draft rules for public comment by early next year. Colorado Public Radio
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local police in Eire and Wheat Ridge reported increased coyote sightings near playgrounds and neighborhoods — urging residents to keep pets leashed and stay alert as the mating season in January and February is expected to boost activity. Denver7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order Wednesday to keep the Craig Station coal plant in Craig open through March 30 to secure a reliable winter supply—though Governor Jared Polis warned it may cost tens of millions for local ratepayers. Denver7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UCHealth cardiologist Dr. William Cornwell offers small steps for New Year's resolutions, recommending 30 minutes of brisk walking each day and a target of 7,000 steps rather than 10,000. His advice eases gym fears and helps residents choose manageable ways to boost their health. Denver7
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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