AM
Denver
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Good morning, Denver. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ri Armstrong has been honored as a Denver7 Everyday Hero after nearly four decades volunteering with NSCD teaching adaptive three-track skiing at Winter Park Resort — his work gives a leg up to people with disabilities. Denver7
- ➤ Marchers in Denver honored Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy on Jan. 19 at City Park, marching along Colfax Avenue to the State Capitol. Former Mayor Wellington Webb and community leaders marked the 40th anniversary of the event + urged lawmakers to support civil rights action. Colorado Public Radio
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Aurora Sentinel will be honored Thursday at 6 p.m. for its independent reporting after 118 years serving the community, as recognized by the Media and Democracy Project for keeping journalism free and accessible to the public in its annual virtual meeting highlighting press freedom. Sentinel Colorado
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Low snowfall is slowing Colorado’s ski season as local shops see sales down (20-30%) and mountain resorts face reduced ticket revenue today. Businesses along the Front Range plan fewer winter orders and are shifting to summer events to boost earnings. Denver7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Denver lawmakers will consider Senate Bill 26-016 to ban preproduction plastic pellets, called *nurdles*, after environmental advocates say the pellets are polluting waterways and threatening wildlife. The bill would require stricter handling practices to protect local water sources. Denver7
- ➤ Denver Zoo is investigating what led to the deaths of its two Malayan tapirs (JohHi, 16 and Rinny, 18) after the conservation group announced the loss. The Animal Care and Health teams say there is no risk to visitors and more details will be revealed after testing. Denver7
- ➤ Colorado is facing its lowest winter snowpack on record with river basins running at 50-75% of normal due to an ongoing warm winter, raising concerns for spring water supply and fire risk. Experts warn that if the dry spell continues, river flows could fall to historic lows by 2027. Colorado Public Radio
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Colorado health officials report that wastewater testing alerted them to measles cases before they were confirmed, helping track outbreaks during a critical phase. The national surveillance system — proposed to have its federal funding cut from $125 million to $25 million — may face challenges in sustaining its role. Sentinel Colorado
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix broke his right ankle in overtime Saturday during the playoff win over Buffalo and will have surgery Tuesday in Birmingham. Coach Sean Payton said backup Jarrett Stidham will start in the AFC championship game. Sentinel Colorado
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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