Month in Review Archives - Yellow Scene Magazine

Month in Review | May 2026

editor — Sun, 31 May 2026 08:18:58 +0000

104th North Photo by George Hudetz

[ Boulder County News ]

Twelve people were indicted for allegedly using card-skimming devices at convenience stores across the county. By using these devices, the group was able to take close to $300,000 from unsuspecting shoppers.
Visitors to Glenmere Park will not be greeted by an old familiar friend. The popular statue of a boy holding a fish he caught has been taken. The Prize Catch was sawed off of its pedestal and taken to parts unknown.
A Boulder man, needing a ride home after being released from jail, improvised by stealing a fire truck. Richmond Takashi Johnson eventually lost control of the vehicle and was then given a ride right back to the jailhouse.
The City Council in Lafayette delayed their decision on whether or not to close the Lafayette Cemetery to casket burials. A suggestion made by the state archeologist.
On May 13, the Erie Town Council declared the community to be in a Stage 2 drought. Council said they took this proactive step as a precursor to what they predict will be a hot and dry summer season.

[ State News]

An unexpected May snowstorm that brought more than two feet of snow to parts of the state brought a (small) boost to the snowpack. Scientists state that it’s a help but not enough to overcome the issues caused by the dry winter.
Two bills concerning data centers that were working their way through the state legislature are dead. For now. This put data center regulation under the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled in favor of families seeking gender-affirming care when it ordered Children’s Hospital Colorado to restart treatment programs.
Governor Jared Polis cut short the prison sentence that was being served by Tina Peters. The former Mesa County Clerk, a Trump supporter, was convicted of tampering with election equipment in her attempt to prove malfeasance in the 2020 election.
Two minor earthquakes were registered earlier this month. The respective 3.1 and 3.0 quakes hit in a three-day span. They were the sixth and seventh registered quakes in the state in the past 30 days.

[ National News]

In the midst of a burgeoning economic crisis at home and a tentative ceasefire in the war in Iran, President Trump travelled to China to discuss trade, tariffs, and other key issues. The summit concluded with no substantive agreements.
The United States Supreme Court blocked the ruling from a lower court that would have seriously restricted access to abortion medications sent via the U.S. Mail.
People around the world braced for the worst as it was discovered that a group of passengers aboard a cruise ship contracted hantavirus. The passengers, who are all back in their home ports, are being strictly monitored.
A United States judge ruled that the government must bring back a Colombian woman who was deported to Congo. The woman had no ties to the country, which was initially refusing to take her.

[ International News ]

Residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are on high alert as multiple cases of Ebola have appeared across the region. To date, there are 8 confirmed and 246 suspected cases being monitored.
As the Iran War continues with no end in sight, it has been reported that the United Arab Emirates has quietly carried out several strikes against Iran.
Despite the presence of a U.S. backed ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to attack civilians in Gaza.
Protests rocked Bolivia as supporters of former president Evo Morales took to the streets to protest the country’s current economic situation.
The Gold Coast of Australia faced its worst flooding in eleven years when more than a month’s worth of rain fell in just 24-hours.

[ Small Talk ]

“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.”

President Donald Trump, when asked if he is taking the current economic situation into consideration when looking at a peace deal with Iran.

“Nobody won.”

Colorado State Representative Rick Taggart, a Republican representing Grand Junction, said as he described the $46.87B budget signed by Governor Jared Polis.

“We all need childcare to be able to do the thing we love.”

Tony-nominee Carrie Coon shared how she was able to succeed in the show “Bug.”

“Our home and native land…”

The fans in Buffalo picked up the second stanza of the Canadian national anthem when technical difficulties plagued the featured singer. The fans then sang the anthem all the way through.

“It’s almost literally a note home from the teacher.”

Phil Koopman of Carnegie Mellon used the analogy to discuss a proposed California plan that would allow police to issue notices instead of tickets when an autonomous vehicle breaks the law.

In the Numbers

$4.50
– The national average for a gallon of gas. That price has risen 50% since the start of the Iran war.

Two-Thirds

The number of physicians in America who use a chatbot, Open Evidence, to develop patient treatment plans.

$1.776B

The amount of money the United States Justice Department is reportedly putting into a fund that can be used to pay out people who believe they were harmed by the “weaponization” of the government.

2.5M

The estimated number of materials in the Epstein Files which have still not been released in spite of a legal obligation to do so.

3.9%

The current unemployment rate in Colorado. The national number for this same period is 4.3%.

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Month in Review | April 2026

editor — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:22:16 +0000

104th North Photo: Coal Creek (Courtesy of Friends of Coal Creek)

[ Boulder County News ]

The state and BNSF reached a $333M deal to take the next step forward in bringing passenger rail service to Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, Longmont and Loveland.
The Sundance Film Festival is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area and Boulder wants to be prepared. The City Council unanimously approved a resolution that would allow residents to sublease their homes expressly to those out of town visitors attending the festival.
A Superior woman was struck by lightning while out for a late evening walk. First responders revived her and she is now in critical condition.
Officials in Erie have been accused of participating in discussions to lease, or sell outright, the town’s mineral rights. These deliberations have been held in Executive Sessions which have excluded public interactions and input.
Ranked choice voting may still appear on the ballot in Lafayette this November. After seeing the debate for that type of election change play out in neighboring communities, city council members said they are willing to discuss options to put in front of their residents.
A disaster was averted in Eldorado Canyon State Park when rescuers intervened to save a group of three climbers who had lost their way. Drone reconnaissance and traditional rescue team skills were combined to help return the stranded team to safety.
Sara Loflin was removed from her role as PTSA Treasurer at Meadowlark School in Erie. At issue was the unauthorized removal of $70,000 from the PTSA fundraising account. Although the funds have been returned, the incident is currently under police investigation.

[ State ]

If you were a graduate of the Academy Driving School in Colorado Springs you might have just lost your license. The Colorado DMV said that nearly 500 drivers would have to retake their driver’s test because of fraud charges at the school.
According to a recent poll, the majority of voters in Colorado approve putting limits on cell phone and social media use among minors.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment released their revised final 2025 jobs report. It showed a loss of just over 11,000 jobs through the end of 2025.
XCEL has proposed a new rate structure that would require data centers, and other users of high amounts of electricity in Colorado, to pay higher rates.
In order to more precisely understand what the dry winter weather will mean for the state, SNOTEL measured mountain snowpacks and compared the results to historical data. They found the snowpack to be at 24% of where it should be at this time.

[ National News ]

Three people were killed and 14 were injured in a mass shooting at an Austin, Texas bar. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Pam Bondi was fired as U.S. Attorney General. Deputy Attorney general Todd Blanch was installed in the role on a temporary basis.
Four astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft travelled further from Earth than any human before them. They would circle the moon and successfully return to Earth.
The complete Epstein Files still have not been released, breaking federal law.

[ International News ]

Hungarian Prime Minister lost his reelection campaign and was ousted from a role he held for sixteen years.
Scientists in England announce that they have successfully tested a lab?grown oesophagus. They believe this will help people regain normal swallowing functions.
Iran and the United States met for ceasefire talks. After 21 straight hours, Vice President Vance announced that no agreement was reached.
The Wireless festival in London was cancelled because the headliner would not be present. The British Home Office banned musician Kanye West from entering the country due to his past remarks.

[ Small Talk ]

“No fear”

Pope Leo (?!) said he had “no fear of the Trump administration” after the president came after him on social media.

“We’re fighting wars. We can’t take care of day care.”

President Donald Trump during an Easter luncheon speech where he also said it wasn’t possible to take care of Medicaid and Medicare.

“Unprecedented”

How the KOAA 5 weather team described Colorado’s March weather.

“Tonight, truth prevailed over lies.”

Newly elected Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said after the results of the election came in.

“Copy Moon joy”

The happy response from Mission Control to Artemis II’s astronaut Reid Wiseman’s description of what the crew was seeing.

[ In the Numbers ]

$3.82

Current average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Boulder. That’s up $.78 for a year ago.

$50,000,000,000

Estimated to-date cost of the attack on Iran.

The number of appellate court judges who ruled for Yellow Scene in our winning court case against the City of Boulder!

The Denver University men’s hockey team won its’ 11th National Title beating the University of Wisconsin 2-1.

8,000,000+

It is estimated that over eight million people attended No Kings protests in March. There were over 3,000 events held in all fifty states.

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The post Month in Review | April 2026 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | March 2026

editor — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:34:21 +0000

[ Boulder County ]

The Colorado Department of Public Health alerted residents of Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, and Westminster of a reported case of measles in the area. Since the initial alert the number of known cases had grown to seven.
Highlighting the ongoing concerns of safe streets, a 75-year-old cyclist from Lafayette was struck by a dump truck and killed on Highway 119.
Despite vocal opposition from residents, the City of Boulder decided to renew their contract with Flock Safety to continue using Flock cameras in the city.
Thousands of residents of Boulder and Jefferson counties found themselves without power as Xcel instituted a public safety power shutoff starting on March 14. The decision was driven by a heightened risk of fire along the front range.
North Metro Fire Rescue District crews had an unusual call in March. They reported to a Broomfield area field that had become a temporary landing strip when a small plane made an emergency landing there. No one was injured.

[ State ]

Due to the unusually high temperatures across the state this winter, several snow-reliant businesses, such as Ruby Hill in Denver, were forced to close early for the year.
The Bureau of Land Management acquired the 4,000-acre Escalante Ranch located inside the Uncompahgre Plateau. The purchase was made using a $6.9 million allocation from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Colorado lawmakers are working on a set of bills they call “guardrails” to protect LGBTQ+ students. The bills would require private schools participating in tax-credit programs to abide by nondiscrimination laws.
Following a 79% vote of no-confidence by the Colorado Republican Party’s Central Committee, Colorado GOP Chairwoman Brita Horn announced she will step aside from her role in April.

[ National News ]

The United States and Israel attacked Iran, killing the country’s Supreme Leader in the process. President Trump described the action as a war even though only Congress has the constitutionally-appointed right to declare an act of war.
Meta found that the consumption of “short-form videos” can degrade the cognitive and psychological health of the person watching.
In a rare rebuke, the Supreme Court, by a 6 to 3 vote, shot down President Trump’s broad tariffs which he levied with the mistaken belief that he had the power to do so under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. After lashing out at the decision, Trump said he would replace the now-invalid tariffs with a 10% levy through the Trade Act of 1974. The next day he upped that to a 15% unilateral tariff.
A federal judge ruled that Kari Lake’s actions at the Voice of America were unlawful. That includes the layoffs of over 1,000 journalists and staff members. Lake has vowed to appeal the ruling.

[ International News ]

Chinese scientists developed a water-based battery using the same nontoxic liquid solution used to make tofu.
France announced that they would be increasing the number and availability of their nuclear arsenal as part of a program French President Emmanuel Macron deemed “forward deterrence.”
A study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters found that the Earth had warmed 0.2 Celsius between 1970 and 2015. That number increased 75% to 0.35 Celsius between 2015 and 2025.
Global oil prices have reached their highest level since 2022 and their upward trajectory shows no sign of slowing down.

[ Small Talk ]

“I don’t have any concern about it.”

President Donald Trump when asked about the rising price of U.S. gas following the first week of the war in Iran.

“Every time I see the images of the White House as it currently sits, my stomach is – it turns.”

Jamilah Way telling the National Capital Planning Commission what they think about the destruction of the White House in order to build Trump’s ballroom.

“Without Mercy.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on how the United States and Israel will “crush” Iran’s government.

“This is the most anticompetitive merger that violates the fundamental principles of the Sherman Antitrust Act.”

An anonymous Hollywood executive on the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Brothers.

“It will be a tremendous setback that will be very difficult for us to overcome.”

Adrian Wall, managing director of the Digital Sovereignty Alliance, said when speaking about the prospect of congress not passing, and President Trump not signing, The Clarity Act by July. This is a crypto-friendly bill designed to help promote crypto-adoption.

[ Statistics ]

$ 16,500,000,000

The amount the U.S. Government has spent on the war in Iran after just 12 days.

1.3 Million

The number of Americans who could receive fully funded healthcare for one year for the same amount spent on the first 12 days of the Iran war.

12

The number of pedestrian fatalities in Colorado (through March 15).

32,000

Colorado residents who lost power due to the high winds that sped across the state in mid-March.

-21%

In March 2026, President Trump’s approval rating on foreign policy matters continued to drop from -13% the previous month.

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The post Month in Review | March 2026 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | February 2026

editor — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:35:57 +0000

[ Boulder County ]

•Presbyterian Manor is planning a major expansion next to its venerable 11-story tower on Arapahoe Avenue, directly across the street from the Boulder Public Library’s main branch. However, the over 50-year-old area is up for historic preservation protection, sparking a city-wide debate.

•The City of Boulder has joined a national program to explore the potential of artificial intelligence to improve how local governments deliver services and interact with community members. Boulder is one of ten cities in the nation taking part.

•The University of Colorado and Medtronic, a global leader in health care technology located in Colorado, have entered into a strategic research agreement to accelerate the development of transformative health technologies. The goal is to create better lab testing that can be done bedside.

[ State ]

•The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave Colorado approval to move forward with its wildlife action plan. The plan, developed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, is based on science-backed guidelines to protect plants and animals native to the area.

•Several Colorado school districts have brought forward a federal lawsuit that challenges the state’s anti-discrimination law, violating students’ rights by allowing transgender youth to play on school sports teams that match their gender identity.

[ National News ]

•ICE agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, an Intensive Care nurse, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The agents claimed they murdered him in self-defense. Cell phone footage contradicts this claim.

•A partial government shutdown began on February 14 when Democrats refused to support legislation that would continue to fund the Department of Homeland Security. They have said they will not support any funding measures until oversights and reforms for immigration officers are made.

•Gladys West, the mathematician honored in the historical film Hidden Figures and whose work helped pave the way for GPS, passed away at 95.

[ International News ]

•Russian airstrikes have left over 6,000 homes in Ukraine without power amid freezing temperatures.

•At least 61 people are dead, and 110 are injured, after severe rain and snowfall in Afghanistan, with 458 homes completely destroyed.

•The Chinese military’s top general, Zhang Youxia, is being investigated for suspected serious violations of discipline and law, the Defense Ministry said Saturday during a military purge.

[ Small Talk ]

“We are disgusted by ICE’s actions in Eagle County. Leaving a racist death card behind after targeting Latino workers is deliberate intimidation rooted in a long history of racial violence. This is an abuse of power.”

–Alex Sanchez of Voces Unidas, an immigrant advocacy organization based in Colorado

“I am a vice president who practices what he preaches.”

–JD Vance on announcing the reason he and his wife, Usha, decided to have a fourth child. Vance had previously encouraged Americans to have more babies.

“I’m anti-them.”

–Donald Trump on his decision not to watch the Super Bowl Halftime show featuring Bad Bunny and Green Day, both of whom are publicly against the Trump administration.

“When I was leaving the ground, you’re like, ‘oh, it’s kind of intense, there are so many people watching, but then honestly, they’re all wishing me well. I mean, basically, it just makes the whole experience feel almost more festive, all these nice people are out supporting me and having a good time.”

-American climber Alex Honnold after climbing a 1,600+ foot tower in Taiwan without a rope.

“When we drive into Denver, I get a little bit of a tingle because we’re coming into the stock show. It’s highly competitive. It attracts the best cattle from everywhere. It’s the difference between the Super Bowl and a regular-season game.”

–Bill Wilkerson, a competitor at the National Western Stock Show, which celebrated its 120th year.

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The post Month In Review | February 2026 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | December 2025

Lexi Miller — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:12:31 +0000

[ Boulder County ]

Newly formed Boulder County Employees Union, representing 1,400 employees, accuses the county of delaying negotiations during layoffs and a budget deficit.
Russell Vought, the director of Office Management and Budget under the Trump Administration, has called to close the National Center of Atmospheric Research, located in Boulder, claiming it was a leader in climate alarmism.
Erie hometown hero, Jacob Slavin, will be representing the United States in Italy as he joins the roster for the national Olympic hockey team.
For commuters taking the Diagonal Highway from Longmont to Boulder, be aware that speeding fines doubled on January 12.

[ State ]

Colorado Springs Utilities is stating that they are unable to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030, as requested by the state, without shutting down the Nixon 1 coal generated unit near Falcon, which they refuse to do.
More than 20 female faculty members at the University of Colorado Denver filed a class action lawsuit in Denver district court Friday, alleging systemic wage discrimination based on gender.
46-year-old Kristen Marie Kovatch of Fort Collins was the victim of a mountain lion attack. This is the first death caused by the animal in Colorado since 1999.

[ National ]

The Trump administration sent shockwaves through the U.S. mental health and drug addiction system late Tuesday, sending hundreds of termination letters, effective immediately, for federal grants supporting health services. Many of the group impacted are non-profits working at the street level.
The House Oversight Committee will seek to hold former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after she did not appear for a scheduled deposition as part of the Republican-led panel’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, Chairman James Comer announced Wednesday.
The Environmental Protection Agency says it will stop calculating how much money is saved in health care costs avoided and deaths prevented from air pollution rules that curb two deadly pollutants.

[ International ]

The United States has started evacuating hundreds of troops from its largest air base in the Middle East ahead of potential military action by President Donald Trump against Iran, according to a U.S. official and a person familiar with the matter.
Last year was the third-warmest in modern history, according to Copernicus, the European Union’s climate change monitoring service. In 2025, the average global temperature was approximately 2.65 Fahrenheit higher than from 1850 to 1900, the period scientists use as a reference point, since it precedes the industrial era in which massive amounts of carbon pollution have been pumped into the atmosphere.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are hosting the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland today amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to take over the vast, semi-autonomous Danish territory. Buying Greenland could cost the U.S. as much as $700 billion

[ Quotes ]

“I tend to think of death as the last and best reward for a life well lived.”

–Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful dead who passed away at the age of 78 this month.

“Every summer everybody got sick. One summer it was my turn, not just to get sick but to get disabled from it.”

–Carol Boigon: a Colorado resident, Polio survivor, and a new member of the pro-vaccine team that is working amidst the revised federal guidelines.

“[This was an] extraordinary, aggressive action that is deeply concerning and raises profound questions and concern around the constitutional protections for our work.”

–Matt Murray, Executive Editor of the Washington Post after federal agents executed a search warrant at reporter Hanna Natanson’s home in search of classified information.

“I agree with President Trump, I agree with Marco Rubio. I think Vice President Vance would be a great nominee.”

-Governor of Virgnia, Glenn Youngkin adding to the bid to push J.D Vance towards the Republican nomination for the 2028 election.

“Spain did not recognize the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognize an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence.”

– Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

[ By the Numbers ]

1000+

The number of protests across the country asking for accountability or the abolishment of ICE after the murder of protester Renee Good.

7%

The decrease in land inhabited by prairie dogs in 2025 due to the lethal removal program put in place by Boulder County.

$2.7 Billion

The estimated amount of lost economic productivity and revenue in Colorado due to disruptions in childcare for in families with infants and toddlers. A crucial number as affordable childcare becomes at risk.

1500+

The number of attack ads the Trump administration has put out against transgender participation in sport, despite the occurrence being extremely rare.

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The post Month In Review | December 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | November 2025

Lexi Miller — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:37:14 +0000

[ Boulder County ]

Longmont City Council voted to move forward with Ordinance 9C. This would authorize the city to charge aircraft operators for using the airport’s runways, with the intent of creating a more self-sustaining enterprise fund.
Boulder City Council unanimously voted last week to move forward with a temporary ban on graywater reuse systems, setting the ordinance to last two years, stating there are not enough policies in place to make use safe. This is despite the Colorado Bill that passed in 2024, allowing graywater for reuse starting in January of 2026
For the third consecutive year, Niwot High School brought home the state 5A championship in both boys and girls cross country.
In an attempt to support small entrepreneurs, Erie starts a 100+ business directory for small, home-run businesses.

[ State ]

Colorado Ethics Commission advances complaints brought by Colorado Common Cause against Colorado Democrats who attended dark money-funded retreat. The retreat was held in Vail on the weekend of October 4 and was attended by sixteen local lawmakers.
On Tuesday, November 17th, hundreds of parents, advocates, and mental/behavioral health professionals gathered at the state capitol to demonstrate against the Medicaid cuts to behavioral health therapy. This comes in the wake of a projected $1.2 billion shortfall in Colorado funding. These cuts will largely impact children with Autism.
With a projected $100,000, Coloradans losing their health insurance in the next few months, Weld County has deployed a public health unit, which drives to lower-income areas to provide health care, testing, and vaccines.

[ National ]

Construction began on the East Wing of the White House to build a new ballroom. This project is funded by three major lobbyist groups: Miller Strategies, Ballard Partners and Michael Best Strategies.
Former Director of the FBI, James Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017, brought complaints against his release from his position against the Department of Justice, stating that it had been a vindictive and selective dismissal.
After some back and forth, Trump expected to sign bill to release the Justice Department’s Epstein files. This comes after the House voted 427-1 for this release of information.

[ International ]

Israeli military airstrikes in Lebanon create more tension between the countries. Israel stated that their initial strike was to destroy a weapon storage facility; however, the airstrikes hit a Palestinian refugee camp, killing dozens of people.
Japan has warned its citizens in China to step up safety precautions and avoid crowded places, amid a deepening dispute between Asia’s two largest economies over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi‘s comments on Taiwan’s potential to be attacked by China.

Quotes

“The detainment of Mohammad Dadfar — an Afghan ally who risked his life alongside American troops to fight the Taliban — is a disgrace, and yet another example of this administration’s draconian immigration policies.”

-Rep. Joe Neguse, who is petitioning to have Dadfar released from ICE detainment in Aurora

“When we talk about my politics, I call myself a democratic socialist in many ways inspired by the words of Dr. King from decades ago, who said, ‘Call it democracy or call it democratic socialism. There has to be a better distribution of wealth for all of God’s children in this country,”

–Zohran Mamdani, the new Mayor Elect of New York City, who ran on a progressive platform.

“He was into the barely legal type, like, he liked 15-year-old girls. I’m not trying to make an excuse for this, I’m just giving you facts — that he wasn’t into, like, 8-year-olds. But he liked the very young teen types that could pass for even younger than they were, but would look legal to a passer-by.”

-Talk show host Megyn Kelly, explaining away pedophilia on behalf of the late Jeffrey Epstein.

“I don’t believe the White House is involved in that planning, or at least hasn’t-, hasn’t gotten to it yet. I know the president is aware of the former vice president’s passing.”

–Karoline Leavitt regarding Trump’s indifference towards former Vice President Cheney’s passing. Cheney was a critic of Trump and his policies.

“Nobody’s coming to a healing center to do an imperceptible dose of mushrooms. People are coming for big experiences, to have the doors of their mind kicked open.”

–Theresa Crossland, co-owner of Boulder’s first psilocybin healing center

By the Numbers

$22K

The amount of money given by the Louisville City Council to local nonprofits to provide emergency food assistance.

1,600+

The number of species and their habitats that are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Trump’s administration plans to roll back this act, putting the animals at greater risk of extinction.

97%

The percentage of immigrants detained in Chicago with no criminal record, according to the Department of Justice.

1.7 million

The number of counterfeit pills in Colorado’s largest Fentanyl seizure.

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The post Month In Review | November 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | October 2025

Lexi Miller — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:44:21 +0000

Boulder County

-Louisville lays out plans for a redesigned Main Street. This project would be in three phases, each costing $9 million, $7 million, and $13-18 million progressively between 2026 and 2032.

-With the county threatening to sell the Iris Ballfields in North Boulder, the neighborhood HOAs and Little League teams have banded together to submit a proposal to keep the fields, while adding senior housing and a cafe in an unused section of the park.

-The Erie town council is considering a $40 million expansion for its police department. This plan would be bundled with the expansion of the Erie town center. From a recent survey, only 40% of respondents agreed with this proposal.

–Xcel agreed to a $640 million settlement with the Marshall Fire lawsuits.

State

-Earlier this year, the Lee Fire roared through the western half of the state, 178 inmates were evacuated. In the wake of this, the State Wildland Inmate Fire Team has brought to light the impact that heat exposure, smoke inhalation, and inconsistent weather patterns related to climate change have on the incarcerated population.

-After Jose de Jesus Aguilera-Bautista, of Alamosa, appeared in court for a DUI hearing, ICE agents smashed the windows of his car and detained him. His 1-month-old baby and partner, Maya England, were in the car. England was able to capture the detainment on video, bringing into question the level of force agents are using.

-The Department of Energy has cancelled more than $608 million in clean energy projects in Colorado.

National News

-On October 1, the US Government shut down after a disagreement around planned funding for the 2026 fiscal year. This resulted in the unpaid layoff of nearly 40% of federal employees.

–A federal judge has blocked National Guard troops from being deployed to Oregon after an order that some from California move up the coast to take over Portland.

-The FDA approved a new generic version of mifepristone. A pregnancy termination pill, which, thanks to legislation put in place in 2021, can be mail-ordered.

-Permitted by the Supreme Court, Trump and his administration have stripped away protective orders for over 300,000 Venezuelan immigrants

International News

-Hamas, Israel, and the United States are set to begin cease-fire talks on October 6th.

-Displacement has increased to 48% in Dafur’s capital city, el Fasher, as parliamentary troops, the Rapid Support Forces, intensify attacks.

-French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned only a few weeks after taking office, after facing criticism for his cabinet choices. This continues the polarizing politics taking place in the country.

Quotes

“My plan is to be a Nugget forever.”

-Nikola Jokic; after signing a $212 million four-year contract.

“And if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”

-Slated Super Bowl halftime musician, Bad Bunny, after delivering half of his SNL monologue in Spanish.

“And someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”

Pope Leo VIX, weighing in on US politics

“The future of this country depends on me, on you, on all of us,”

-Unnamed protestor in Madagascar, where the citizens have been rising up against the government.

“I was raised on Reading Rainbow; LeVar Burton is my hero. I am a reader, I am a librarian because LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow so powerfully made us believe we belong in books, we belong everywhere.”

-Librarian Mychal Threets, the new host of the reboot to the Reading Rainbow.

By the Numbers

19+

The number of GOP candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring for the Colorado gubernatorial race in 2026.

1,544

Number of reported confirmed Measles cases in the United States as of September 30, 2025.

54

The number of students confirmed as deceased after a school collapse in Indonesia.

25

The number of small hot air balloons that shut down a Lithuanian airport on October 4th. The balloons seemed to be smuggling items, such a cigarettes.

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The post Month in Review | October 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | September 2025

Lexi Miller — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 22:58:25 +0000

[ Boulder County ]

Boulder Valley School District is redrawing the school attendance boundaries in an attempt to channel more students into schools where the enrollment is declining.
Louisville Police Officers will receive an 8% raise starting this pay period.
Forbes Magazine has recognized Saint Vrain Valley School District as one of the best K-12 employers in the state of Colorado.
Denver-based Tribe Recovery Homes has closed their Boulder-based location, citing a lack of federal funding as the reason.

[ State]

Unarmed 17-year-old, Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, was shot and killed by Aurora police.
Two high school students were left injured and one, the shooter, was deceased after a shooting at Evergreen. This marked the 47th school shooting in 2025.
Three cannabis distribution companies, Nuka Enterprises LLC, Sima Sciences LLC, and Nuka Properties LLC, are being removed from Colorado after their popular sleep aid was tied to possible liver damage.
The Lee Fire, burning in Rio Blanco County, is currently the fifth most extensive fire in Colorado’s recorded history. At 137,485 acres burned, it is 300 acres behind the 2002 Hayman Fire

[ National ]

California has banned any law enforcement officer, including those who are a part of ICE, from wearing masks that might hide their identity
Political internet personality, Charlie Kirk, was killed while speaking in Salt Lake City, leading to divisive rhetoric throughout the nation.
Florida moves to strike the vaccine mandate for school children; per Governor Ron DeSantis, vaccines will no longer be a requirement in the coming school year.
RFK has made claims that Tylenol use during pregnancy could be to blame for autism. Additionally, he is attempting to fast-track a drug called Leucoverin, which could potentially treat diverse brain functions, though medical professionals have warned about use before testing is complete.

[ International ]

Germany intercepted Russian jets that were flying over the Baltic. Several nations are calling on NATO to shoot down Russian jets in the future.
An attack, admitted to be a United States drone strike, sank a boat off the coast of Venezuela. Initially, the reason was cited as drug smuggling prevention, but Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro is accusing the Pentagon of doctoring the drone footage.
Breaking from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada agree to recognize a Palestinian state in hopes of encouraging peace and an end to the killing.

Quotes

“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”

– Jimmy Kimmel speaking on Donald Trump after the death of Charlie Kirk. It was this statement that led to the suspension of Kimmel’s show.

“Sound and accurate journalism defends our democracy. It’s one of the most effective weapons we have to restrain the power-hungry. I always said that All the President’s Men was a violent movie. No shots were fired, but words were used as weapons.”

– Robert Redford, who passed away this month at 89 years of age.

“The Parliament of Nepal right now is Discord.”

– Sid Ghimiri is a 23-year-old content creator from Kathmandu. Political uprisings in Nepal and Kenya are both attributed to the passion in the Gen-Z demographic.

“They have asked to remain anonymous,” said Beller. “And that frankly is for their own safety, with all the vitriol that the case has brought and all the doxing.”

– Attorney David Beller speaking on those who raised funds to pay 10% of the $3 million bail set for Berry Morphew. Morphew is awaiting trial for the alleged murder of his son, who was reported missing in Chaffee County in 2020.

“My experience in politics has been that the way that you earn trust with voters is based mostly on what they think you’re going to do for their lives, not on categories.”

– Pete Buttigieg regarding the statement in Kamala Harris’ recently released book, where she stated Buttigieg would have been her ideal running mate, but she did not think that the nation would vote for a black woman and a gay man.

By the Numbers

VII

The number behind the newest University of Colorado’s mascot, Ralphie’s, name. The one-year-old bison made her debut on the field for the game on September 20th.

240

As of Monday, September 22, the number of flights grounded in Europe after a cyberattack.

40,000

The number of leaf-peeping vehicles crossing Guenilla pass this last weekend.

11

The number of school shootings that have occurred so far in 2025. This count is strictly of gun violence that has occurred on school property during school hours, where someone has been injured or killed.

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The post Month In Review | September 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | August 2025

Lexi Miller — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:02:33 +0000

[ Boulder County ]

Boulder County Commissioners vote to approve a ten-year extension on an open space tax. This has upset many farmers and ranchers, who are dissatisfied with this decision because there is no language to protect them from the tax extension. This could lead to driving agriculture out of Boulder County..
Erie Town Council has approved the Erie Town Center Urban Renewal Plan, which will facilitate funding the development of the 20-acre Town-owned property at the northwest corner of Erie Parkway and E. County Line Rd. in Erie Town Center.
Daniel Bench, 88, was killed while riding his bike on August 4th. His death is the first cyclist death in 2025. According to data provided by the city, the number of severe crashes involving bicycles has remained unchanged since the 2014 Vision Zero bill, which aimed to decrease incidents by 2030.
The City of Boulder has hired a new Transportation and Mobility Director, Blyth Bailey. Bailey is a trained architect who has previously led the first Department of Transportation in Chattanooga, TN, as well as worked to develop parks. His integration comes during the City of Boulder’s hiring freeze

[ State]

The City of Denver has cut of Loveland’s access to the FLOCK automatic license-plate reading software after it was revealed that Loveland was sharing the data with Border Patrol.
The bunnies are growing horns. Rabbits around northern Colorado are developing black horn-like growths around their heads and faces. This is a form of cottontail rabbit papillomavirus. This is not a dangerous disease, nor is it spread to humans or domestic pets.
With the continued drought and overuse of water, federal officials announced that in 2026, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico will all receive less water from Colorado. This will be an 18% decrease for Arizona, 7% for Nevada, and 5% for Mexico. There will not be a decrease for California.
The Lee Fire, burning in Rio Blanco County, is currently the fifth most extensive fire in Colorado’s recorded history. At 137,485 acres burned, it is 300 acres behind the 2002 Hayman Fire

[ National ]

Under an executive order, the National Guard has been deployed in Washington D.C. to increase policing and “decrease crime.” Initially, it was stated that the National Guard would not be armed; however, Army Senior Master Sgt. Craig Clapper said that “Guard members may be armed consistent with their mission and training.”
Donald Trump flew to Alaska to meet with Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, to push for a ceasefire in the genocide in Ukraine. However, upon the meeting’s end, Trump had changed his mind, stating a ceasefire was no longer critical.
Stephen Colbert announced that after ten years, Paramount has decided to cancel his show, The Late Show. While Paramount reports this was purely a financial decision, it came days after Colbert criticized the $16 million settlement between CBS and the White House over a possibly edited interview with Kamala Harris on 60 Minutes.
The state department has halted all visas for people coming from Gaza. In the statement, it was explained that there needed to be “a full and thorough review of the process and procedures” used for granting medical humanitarian visas.

[ International ]

Hamas has informed mediators that it has approved the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal and is ready to resume negotiations to discuss ending the conflict with Israel and Gaza, which has now killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, with looming threats of famine and starvation.
Following the US-South Korea military exercises, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that North Korea will be building up its nuclear armament, seeing the exercises as “an obvious expression of their will to provoke war.
Nearly 2,000 service members have been deployed to fight the wildfire burning in Spain and Portugal. The fire has covered 579 square miles and continues to burn while southern Europe experiences a severe heatwave.

Quotes

“So stick to the streets if we want to commute efficiently. Got it.”

– Louisville resident Joe Walsh, after the announcement that speed limits on bike paths would be limited to 15 mph. This is after many bike paths were paved for easier bike commuting.

“Vladimir Putin said something — one of the most interesting things — he said, ‘your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting,’ He said, ‘it’s impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections.”

– Donald Trump explaining his inspiration for trying to rid our country of mail-in voting, a tool that helps the lower and working class ensure their ability to vote.

“I am not going anywhere.”

– University of Colorado Board of Regents member, Wanda James, after her peers attempted to censure her after an investigation into her opposition to the CU-backed marijuana education campaign

“The robots are still really dumb.”

– Dr Allan Fern, robotics professor, regarding the first-ever robot humanoid games held in China.

By the Numbers

274

The number of lives lost in Buner, Pakistan, after torrential rains and flooding, with no evacuation notice from the government.

1:8 Million

The ratio of neurosurgeons to citizens in Sierra Leon. Earlier this year, Dr. Alieu Kamara became the first and only practicing neurosurgeon in his country.

500,000

The approximate number of travelers who have been stranded during the Air Canada cabin-worker strikes.

39,448

A record-setting number of students are attending CU Boulder for the 2025 Fall semester.

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Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | August 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | June-July 2025

Associate Editor — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:25:10 +0000

[ Boulder County ]

Pride flags are returned to Erie after Mayor Andrew Moore removed them during Pride Month, stating that they were no longer in accordance with town policy, which said only the United States or Colorado flag could be flown.
Formal charges were brought against the 28-year-old man who attacked at least ten people in Boulder over two days starting on June 27th. The man is charged with one count of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, seven counts of attempted second-degree assault, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, harassment, three counts of menacing, criminal mischief, and third-degree assault
Boulder County ends its 360 Foster Care program, which is its in-house initiative to help families, moving to a fee-for-service model to create more financial stability.
The town of Nederland is set to buy the ski resort, Eldora. The resort is currently owned by the POWDR corporation; however, if the purchase goes through, the town of Nederland could see millions of dollars in revenue in the coming years.
Boulder County prepares to launch its Climate Equity Fund grants, which will provide $2.5 million to community-led sustainability programs that are losing federal funding.

[ State]

Wildfire season has arrived, with several fires taking off on the Western Slope of the state, including on the South Rim of the Black Canyon National Park.
Nebraska announces a suit against Colorado, stating that the 1923 South Platte Agreement is not being upheld and that too much water is being diverted from the state of Nebraska.
Two women in Mesa County were sentenced after their 2024 crime of stealing ballots during the national election. Vicki Stuart, the mail carrier who took the ballots, was charged with five years in prison, while her accomplice, Sally Maxton, walked away with just 100 hours of community service.
Rare fossils were found under the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which could not be more conveniently located for researchers.

[ National ]

After fellow western state republicans spoke up, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee (R-Utah) withdrew his provision to sell public lands on the GOP megabill.
Elmo, of Sesame Street Fame, had his public X (formerly Twitter) account hacked. The hacker proceeded to let out a slew of racist and anti-Semitic tweets before being stopped. This is added to a slew of similar chatbot hacks on the site in the past few months..
America celebrated its 250th birthday. The America250 Commission is celebrating by creating a time capsule representing all 50 states, featuring 250 statues of historical figures, and funding field trips to historic monuments.
A coalition of 20 states’ Attorney Generals gather to sue the Trump administration over FEMA’s illegally terminated pre-disaster mitigation.

[ International ]

Contrary to statements made by Trump, the United States’ bombing attack on Iran did not destroy “all of their nuclear capabilities” and, in fact, only impacted one out of three known sites.
The United Nations Development Program makes a plea to allow more fuel into Gaza. According to the commission, without the fuel, more than 2.1 million people will lose their lifelines.
Over the weekend of July 12, the Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Force raided and burned several villages, leading to the death of at least 300 citizens. This brings the death toll of the Sudanese civil war to somewhere between 40,000-150,000 since 2023.
The United Kingdom lowers the voting age from 18 to 16 in an attempt to strengthen democracy and gather more engaged voters.

Quotes

“This staff was the most impressive and thoughtful group of journalists I’ve ever worked with. We really had something special in this paper, and Shay’s leadership as editor was a huge part of that. It’s a big loss for all of us who wanted to continue doing good work together, but it’s an even bigger loss for the community we served week in and week out.”

– Jezy Gray regarding the firing of Shay Castle and the subsequent implosion and closure of The Boulder Weekly

“Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats’ work, don’t even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don’t want their support anymore!”

– Donald Trump, belittling his supporters who want to see the “Epstein List,” which Trump is definitely not on.

“Shoot and Ask Questions Later.”

– US Aid worker and whistleblower, while speaking with the BBC, who states he was told to open fire on Palestinians while deployed with the United States in Gaza

By the Numbers

4000

The number of military troops that were deployed to Los Angeles by Trump, against the wishes of Newsom, in order to deal with vague “lawlessness.”

134

The number of lives lost due to the Texas Hill Country Flooding.

60,000

The number of acres burned in the Grand Canyon National Park during the current wildfire.

100

The number of losses procured by the Colorado Rockies, so far this season, is setting them on track to meet the record of the most losses in a single season

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | June-July 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | May-June 2025

editor — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:00:26 +0000

[ Local ]

After months of controversy, the Draco Well Pad proposal from Civitas Resources, Inc., a 26-well project in Weld County, is approved by the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) in a 4-1 vote.
Amid reduced funding, TGTHR, a Boulder-based non-profit focused on youth homelessness, is forced to shut down its emergency shelter known as The Source, which was the only youth homeless shelter in the city.
During a pro-Israel protest in Boulder, an man uses a makeshift flamethrower to attack the protesters, injuring 12 people in the process. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is being charged with a federal hate crime.
Hundreds protest Trump’s layoffs and anti-science policies on International Workers Day in front of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder.

[ National ]

Elon Musk exits the Trump administration and, after criticizing Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” has a very public falling out that leads to the two men bickering on social media.
After demonstrations in Los Angeles protesting ICE raids in the city, Donald Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard troops to the city to control the unrest. The move leads to California Governor Gavin Newsom suing the Trump administration.
President Trump issues a travel ban barring travelers from Afghanistan, Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country.
The Trump administration finalizes plans to remove funding from 988 crisis suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth.

[ International ]

Following the death of Pope Francis, the papal conclave elects Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
An aid boat bound for Gaza containing activists including Greta Thunberg is seized by Israeli authorities for trying to bring much-needed supplies like baby formula, food and medical supplies into Gaza.
Tens of thousands of protesters in Spain demonstrate and call for early elections in the nation’s capital of Madrid in response to perceived corruption within the government of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Austrian pop artist JJ wins the popular Eurovision Song Contest for 2025 with the song “Wasted Love.”

Quotes

“[Donald Trump] is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.”

– Elon Musk on X after his falling out with Trump

“Our community has worked tireless and bravely this legislative session. And now, with HB25-1312, Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals, and HB25-1309, Protecting Access to Gender Affirming Healthcare, heading to the Senate for final votes, Colorado stands firm: as a safe place for transgender people and their families, a beacon of hope for transgender Americans across the country, and a blueprint for progress that other states can follow”

– One Colorado’s comment on the Kelly Loving Act

“I also turn to the powerful of the world repeating the always timely appeal: never again a war!”

– Pope Leo XIV

“Fear is the way that they win, for one. And so keep telling the stories and keep expressing yourself and keep fighting to be who you are.”

–Actor Pedro Pascal addressing the Cannes Film Festival

By the Numbers

200

The number of prisoners that Russia and Ukraine could potentially release on each side in an ongoing prisoner swap

18

The number of years that Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza, preventing the delivery of essential items

$25.5 million

The amount of funding the University of Colorado has lost due to Trump’s budget cuts.

55,000

The approximate number of Palestinians killed in the War in Gaza in an attempt by Israel to secure the release of 55 hostages

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | May-June 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | April 2025

production — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:30:23 +0000

[ Local ]

After months of controversy, the Draco Well Pad proposal from Civitas Resources, Inc., a 26-well project in Weld County, is approved by the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) in a 4-1 vote.
The Boulder County branch of the NAACP announces its plans to dissolve due to retaliation from the city manager, government entities, and police leaders. However, the national NAACP says they don’t have the authority to dissolve the branch.
Well-respected local immigrant rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra, who is an immigrant herself, is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transferred to the GEO immigration detention center in Aurora in a move that has been called a political attack against a leader on immigration reform.
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hold a rally at Denver Civic Center Park as part of their Fight Oligarchy tour.

[ National ]

After Donald Trump’s imposed tariffs on imported goods caused massive market losses, the president reverses course and drops down to a 10% tariff on all countries except China, which will now have a 125% tariff. The White House claims that the reversal was always planned, implying that Trump caused economic chaos for no reason.
After Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil was detained and threatened with deportation following his involvement in pro-Palestine protests, a judge orders the government to justify the planned deportation.
A federal judge rules that the Trump administration’s attempts to bar The Associated Press from presidential events constitutes a violation of First Amendment rights to freedom of the press.
Tens of thousands of people across the country participate in “Hands Off” rallies across the country on April 5 to protest the actions of the Trump administration.

[ International ]

Israel resumes bombing Gaza in an attempt to force Hamas to release more hostages before the negotiations begin on the second phase of the ceasefire, even though that is not what Israel and Hamas agreed to in the ceasefire brokered by the Biden Administration in January.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court removes President Yoon Suk-yeol for declaring martial law late last year.
Donald Trump becomes “very angry” with Vladimir Putin for claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doesn’t have the legitimacy to sign a peace deal and threatens tariffs against Russia.
Heavy rains in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital of Kinshasa causes massive flooding and at least 30 deaths as the Ndjili River overflows.

Quotes

“Jeanette [Vizguerra] has spent decades fighting for her community. We will not allow her to disappear without a fight. Our faith compels us to love boldly. Our values demand that we take risks. And our democracy requires our participation. We are not alone. We are not powerless. But we must act.”

– Rev. Sean Neil-Barron, Acting Senior Minister at Foothills Unitarian and Foothills Immigration Team

“Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s attempt to impose martial law in December 2024 posed a grave threat to human rights and the rule of law. If martial law had been maintained, South Koreans would have faced the risk of arrest and detention without trial as well as severe restrictions on their freedom of expression and assembly, among other human rights violations. The Constitutional Court’s ruling was a decisive step to uphold human rights protections and democratic values.”

– Lina Yoon, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch

“The aim has been clear: to remove the leadership of NAACP Boulder and reshape our Branch into a powerless symbolic entity that serves the city’s interests rather than the community’s—one that provides mere performative gestures, a prop for inclusion, rather than real empowerment.”

– Statement from the NAACP Boulder Branch in their press release about their intention to dissolve the branch

“Under the First Amendment, if the Government opens its doors to some journalists—be it to the Oval Office, the East Room, or elsewhere—it cannot then shut those doors to other journalists because of their viewpoints. The Constitution requires no less.”

– U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, a Trump appointee, in his decision to reinstate the Associated Press’ access to presidential events

By the Numbers

$506.4 billion

The total of all U.S. imports from China in 2021, the country Trump slapped with a 125% tariff

28

The number of years Jeanette Vizguerra has been building a life for herself in the United States

1,400

Number of “Hands Off” protest rallies that were held across all 50 U.S. states on April 5

0

Number of members of South Korea’s Constitutional Court who voted against removing their president from office in a country that knows how to deal with abuses of power

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | April 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | March 2025

editor — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:00:02 +0000

[ Local ]

Boulder City Council unanimously votes to end occupancy limits that restricted how many unrelated people could occupy a house together after Gov. Jared Polis signed a law making such occupancy limits illegal. Traditionally, occupancy limits have been used to discriminate against same-sex couples and non-traditional families.
Thousands gather at the state capitol in Denver on March 8 in honor of International Women’s Day to protest for better rights for women, equal pay, reproductive justice, and other issues pertaining to women.
A new proposal in the Colorado general assembly would add a separate category of “gender” to death certificates as separate from biological sex to ensure that transgender individuals’ identities are respected after death.
Boulder City Council member Taishya Adams faces a code of conduct complaint after she blocked residents on Instagram over a disagreement about the War in Gaza, raising interesting questions about First Amendment rights and how they intersect with social media practices

[ National ]

During Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress, as Trump was bragging about his election win and demonstrating a supposed mandate, Democratic Congressman from Texas Al Green stands up in the chamber to remind Trump that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid. Green is removed from the chamber and censured by Congress in the following days.
Anora, a low-budget comedy film about a sex worker, manages to sweep most of its categories at the Oscars, including a shocking win for Best Picture.
Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, with tariffs on automakers and goods covered by the USMCA free trade treaty getting a temporary reprieve until April, raising continued concerns about a trade war and an upcoming recession.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to slash government jobs and agencies without legal authorization to do so amidst conflicting court orders.

[ International ]

In an embarrassing display, Donald Trump erupts in a meeting in the Oval Office with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing the foreign leader of being insufficiently grateful for the United States’ assistance. Trump then cancels the planned press conference with Zelenskyy and claims that Ukrainian president is “not ready for peace” as many fear that Trump is aligning himself with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Pope Francis, who is 88-years-old, is hospitalized following multiple bouts of respiratory infection resulting from double pneumonia.
Israel blocks aid and cuts off electricity to Gaza amidst a stalemate over how to move forward with the agreed-upon ceasefire deal with Hamas. Israel seeks to extend the first of the deal’s three phases while Hamas seeks to move onto the second phase as outlined in the original agreement.
Former banker Mark Carney wins the race to become the new head of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party and will take over for current Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau when he steps down.

Quotes

“We call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people. About two months ago, I became a father, and my hope to my daughter that she will not have to live the same life I’m living now.”
– Palestinian journalist, activist, and filmmaker Basel Adra accepting the Academy Award for Best Documentary for the joint Palestinian-Israeli film “No Other Land”

“America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape or form. We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves.”

– Canadian Prime Minister-Elect Mark Carney

“I really appreciate the direction that this takes us towards looking at protecting our community strictly around life safety issues, and in that way, providing more safety for our community members by not being overly prescriptive about how people live their lives.”

– Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Folkerts regarding the decision to end occupancy limits in Boulder

“Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first second of the war, and we have always said that the only reason why the war continues is because of Russia. Ukraine is not only ready to take the necessary steps for peace, but we are also proposing what those steps are. And I ask you to support us in this – support Ukraine and those European leaders who are helping to pave the way for peace”

– Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in response to Trump’s claim that Ukraine is “not ready for peace”

By the Numbers

1928

The year Boulder’s first occupancy limits were made into law

62,530

Estimated number of government jobs cut so far in 2025 (it’s unclear how many, if any, were cut legally)

25%

The tariff that Ontario’s Premiere Doug Ford announced for electricity exported to U.S. states in response to Trump’s tariffs on Canada

70,000

The number of Ukrainian soldiers killed so far in the war with Russia. I believe the Ukraine is more than ready for peace.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | March 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | February 2025

Associate Editor — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 03:40:33 +0000

[ Local ]

Denver sees a surge in office-to-apartment conversions as the city turns more and more vacant office spaces into housing. Denver now ranks 15th in the nation in terms of number of office-to-apartment conversions.
Employees at King Soopers stores in seven Colorado counties go on strike, accusing the stores of union busting activities and a proposal to take away retiree health benefit funds in exchange for increased wages. King Soopers, in term, sues the union for working with out-of-state organizations.
Louisville City Council votes unanimously to hire Diana Langley as the new city manager. Langley is currently city manager of Yuba City, California, a city over three times the size of Louisville.
A Tesla dealership in Loveland has been vandalized with graffiti and broken glass multiple times in the past few weeks in a series of incidents believed to be a response to Elon Musk’s actions as head of the Department of Government Efficiency

[ National ]

Donald J. Trump is sworn in for his second term as President of the United States and immediately starts signing a series of executive orders targeting immigrant rights, transgender rights, and government spending, triggering a series of court challenges against his orders. Many of his EOs are currently blocked by courts.
Billionaire Elon Musk is appointed head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency and cuts government spending in many major departments, many of which he has no legal authority to issue directives to, leading to questions about whether the rule of law even applies under the Trump administration.
All 50 states hold massive protests against Trump’s policies on immigration, transgender rights, and more.
The Philadelphia Eagles stop the Kansas City Chiefs from pulling off a historic three consecutive Super Bowl wins, as Philadelphia pulls off the shocking upset with a 40-22 win over Kansas City.

[ International ]

The Israel/Hamas ceasefire remains precarious as Hamas delays the release of captives saying that Israel is not respecting the ceasefire.
Trump proposes bizarre plan to clear Palestinians out of Gaza and have the United States take over their land. Rights groups have referred to his plan as “ethnic cleansing.”.
With a new outbreak of Ebola confirmed in Uganda, the country tests out a new trial vaccine, the first for the Sudan strain of the virus.
Thousands of protesters in Bangladesh demolish and set fire to the former home of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in response to her speech on social media calling for her supporters to resist the interim government.

Quotes

“Kroger negotiators have illegally insisted on robbing retiree health care benefits to fund wage increases for workers today. Sadly, this Company’s targeting of fixed-income retirees and other vulnerable populations only compounds its history of targeting consumers with predatory pricing.”
– UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova on the reasons for the King Soopers strike

“Louisville is known for its rich history, charm, and strong civic engagement, and I look forward to working alongside the City Council and staff to continue Louisville’s tradition of being a great place to live.”

– Diana Langley accepting her new role as Louisville city manager

“”I’ve been on the bench for four decades, I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is. There are other times in world history where we look back and people of goodwill can say, ‘Where were the judges? Where were the lawyers?’”

– U.S. District Judge John Coughenour in striking down Trump’s executive order trying to revoke birthright citizenship

“Marsha P. Johnson would have already started throwing bricks!”

– A sign held by a protester at the February 5th protest at the State House

By the Numbers

77

The number of King Soopers locations across seven different Colorado counties that are involved in the strike

#50501

The hashtag representing the February 5th protests, indicating 50 protests in 50 state capitols on one day

53

The number of days it took for Adolph Hitler to dismantle Germany’s democracy after taking office

March 14, 2025

The day Donald Trump hits 53 days in office

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | February 2025 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | December-January 2024

Associate Editor — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:52:30 +0000

[ Local ]

Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas resigns over a month ahead of the end of her term limit citing years of conflict with other commissioners which she described as “harassment.”
Longmont City Council member Marcia Martin steps down from her position to attend to a family member struggling with mental health issues. Martin had been fulfilling her duties remotely for months until other council members filed a motion barring her from attending meetings remotely.
Boulder City Council considers making meetings virtual after meetings are continually interrupted by protesters demanding the council pass a resolution calling for an Israeli ceasefire against Gaza. The council voted 7-2 in February against such a resolution.
The city of Boulder appeals the decision in the lawsuit brought against them by Yellow Scene Magazine (YS). A judge ruled previously that the county could not charge for the release of body-worn camera (BWC) footage from the police shooting of 51-year-old Jeannette Alatorre under the Law Enforcement Integrity and Transparency Act.

[ National ]

President Biden signs a full and unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, for gun charges and tax offenses, resulting in backlash and criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
New York Court of Appeals rejects President-Elect Trump’s request to delay sentencing in his hush-money case. Trump appeals ruling to Supreme Court.
More than 1,100 homes and other buildings destroyed and at least five people dead as wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, making some of the most devastating fires to hit the region in some time.
The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 25 basis points in an effort to strengthen a struggling labor market, but say they expect to make fewer rate cuts in the near future.

[ International ]

Israel reaches ceasefires with both Hezbollah and Hamas and agrees to terms for a prisoner exchange, creating a tentative and delicate peace in the region.
The Assad regime in Syria collapses following an assault from opposition forces. Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia as a new Syrian government transitions into power.
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Tibet, killing 126 people and injuring 188 more.
Trump bizarrely decides he wants control of Greenland and the Panama Canal for the sake of U.S. national security, making the false claim that the Panama Canal is currently being controlled by China.
South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law in the country after accusing the Democratic Party of anti-state activities. After backing down from martial law and apologizing, Yeol is impeached and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok is made acting president.

Quotes

“I believe we have responsibilities because we do have the authority to submit a ceasefire and we do have the authority to determine what the investment criteria is for our city. And I was hopeful that our current city council would follow in the steps of previous councils that have acted on behalf of international issues.”
– Boulder City Council member Taishya Adams speaking in favor of a ceasefire resolution

“People that were doing some bad things weren’t prosecuted, and people that didn’t even walk into the building are in jail right now. So, we’ll be looking at the whole thing. But I’ll be making major pardons, yes.”

– President-Elect Trump on his plans to pardon those involved in the January 6 insurrection

“[In the new Syrian government] there should be participation from the entire religious spectrum within a government that includes, for example, our Druze brothers, our Alawite brothers and our Christian brothers, and includes all the geographical and demographic nature of Syria.”

– Hadi Al-Bahra, president of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, calling for a more inclusive Syrian government following the fall of Assad

“The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country… no matter whether it’s a very small one or a very powerful one.”

– German Chancellor Olaf Schol regarding Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland

By the Numbers

Over 100,000

The number of people evacuated due to the wildfires in the Los Angeles area

52

The number of years the Assad family ruled over Syria before the fall of Damascus on December 8, 2024

$2857.50

The amount that Boulder Police Department requested that YS pay for the “search, retrieval, and redaction” of footage of the Jeannette Alatorre shooting

Over 1,500

The number of people charged with crimes for their actions during the January 6 insurrection who could potentially be pardoned by Trump.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | December-January 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | November 2024

editor — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 03:52:12 +0000

[ Local ]

Colorado Department of State website accidentally lists passwords to voting machines, forcing election workers to scramble to ensure the safety of votes.
Winter storm leads to a record number of people being turned away at Boulder’s largest homeless shelter, All Roads, amid county funding cuts.
Ballot Question 2C, which will tie Boulder City Council’s pay to the median income in the area, and 2D, which allows council members to meet privately under certain conditions, pass in Boulder. 2E, which would have given the city council more control over boards and commissions, is defeated.
Erie elects mayor Andrew Moore and passes a 5% excise tax on cannabis, but the town council would have to repeal a ban on dispensaries before any could be opened in Erie.
The Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission unanimously votes to indefinitely pause the controversial Draco Oil and Gas Development Plan which would have allowed for horizontal drilling and fracturing of 26 wellbores, some of which would have extended underneath residential areas and schools.

[ National ]

Donald J. Trump wins election in spite of extreme policies, making him the second person to ever be elected to two non-consecutive terms as President of the United States. He also becomes the first convicted felon and twice impeached former president to win election
Trump nominates several strange and unqualified candidates for key positions including Matt Gaetz for attorney general, RFK Jr. as secretary of health and human services, Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of Medicaid and Medicare, and Elon Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. Gaetz withdraws from the nominating process due to an ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee.
Democrats urge Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to step down so that Biden can name a younger successor before Trump takes office, but Sotomayor has no plans to retire.
The US carries out air strikes in Yemen attacking The Houthis, a group allied with Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel.

[ International ]

Israel steps up its attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, launching an air strike against the village of Almat, which is well outside of Hezbollah strongholds.
Violence erupts during a soccer match in the Netherlands between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. and Dutch AFC Ajax team related to the Israeli government’s actions in the War in Gaza
At least 26 people killed and over 60 wounded after separatists bomb a crowded railway station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
At least 30 people have died in post-election violence in Mozambique amidst accusations that the election was rigged to keep the ruling Frelimo party in power.
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Cuba as the country is recovering from Hurricane Rafael.

Quotes

“That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to make our country better than it ever has been. They said that many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason. And that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness. And now we are going to fulfill that mission together. We’re gonna fulfill that mission. The task before us will not be easy, but I will bring every ounce of energy, spirit, and fight that I have in my soul, to the job that you’ve entrusted to me.”
– Donald J. Trump in his terrifying victory speech

“Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable. A defeat does not mean we are defeated”
– Joe Biden addressing the nation following Harris’ loss to Trump

“Prosperity and abundance agenda. We have focused on saving people money through three income tax rate reductions (two at the ballot box and one through the leg: 4.63%>4.5%>4.4%>4.25%), cutting property taxes, free preschool and kindergarten for every child, eliminating sales tax on necessities like diapers and feminine hygiene products, and we are in the process of delivering on pro-housing supply solutions, investing in transit and transit-enhanced living opportunities… all while protecting and expanding personal freedom and respect for everyone.”
– Colorado Governor Jared Polis on the secret to keeping Colorado blue while much of the nation went red

“We’re really apprehensive about what we’re going to do this winter”
– Andy Schultheiss, chief development and communications officer at All Roads, discussing the organization’s fears about the high demand for homeless shelter services amid funding cuts

By the Numbers

10,901,567

The difference between votes that Democrats received in 2020 and 2024. While the Democrats’ number of votes decreased significantly between elections, Donald Trump received roughly the same number of votes in both elections

727

The estimated number of unhoused people in Boulder County according to the latest Point in Time count from the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative

3,002

The estimated number of people killed in Lebanon by Israel over the past 13 months

2

Thankfully, the number of terms a President is allowed to serve, even non-consecutively, according to the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution

The post Month In Review | November 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | October 2024

Associate Editor — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 23:44:33 +0000

[ Local ]

In the case of Masterpiece Bakery refusing to make a cake to celebrate a gender transition, the Colorado Supreme Court votes 4-3 to dismiss the case on procedural grounds.
In a narrow 5-4 vote, the Boulder City Council approves increasing Boulder’s city minimum wage to $15.57 for 2025.
After teacher Rebecca Roetto of Fairview High School in Boulder is accused of drawing penises on student papers and yearbooks, teachers, parents, and former students show up to a Boulder Valley school board meeting to defend Roetto
Congressman Jason Crow, Sen. John Hickenlooper, Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, and Aurora city manager Jason Bachelor meet as part of The Future of Buckley Task Force to oppose a United States Air Force proposal to transfer National Guard troops to Space Force Command without approval from the governor

[ National ]

Hurricane Milton touches down in Florida and does extensive damage just weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the same area of the country
With the election coming up on November 5, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump are neck-and-neck in most polls
Crackpot Congresswoman Majorie Taylore Greene makes absurd claim that Democrats are controlling the weather to gain an unfair advantage in the election
Ahead of the upcoming election, a state judge in Georgia rules against a Republican member of a local election board who claimed she had discretionary power to refuse to certify election results if she suspects fraud or errors

[ International ]

The War in Gaza enters its second year, although conflicts between Israel and Palestine date back to the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948
The Biden administration continues to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and threatens to stop providing military aid to Israel despite having provided Israel with billions of dollars worth of US bombs to drop on Palestinian citizens and now providing Israel with expensive THAAD missile defense systems
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells the United Nations peacekeeping force known as the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) to evacuate southern Lebanon as Israel engages in a conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah there, but the U.N. refuses to give in to Israeli demands
Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilains continue, killing about 50 people in a single strike on an educational institute in Poltava

Quotes

“Kamala has imported an army of illegal alien gang members and migrant criminals from the dungeons of the third world … and she has had them resettled beautifully into your community to pray upon innocent American citizens. And no place is it more evident than right here, because in Aurora, multiple apartment complexes have been taken over by the savage Venezuela prison gang known as Tren de Aragua”
– Donald J. Trump spreading his racist lies at a rally in Aurora, CO

“Humans cannot create or control hurricanes. Anyone who thinks they can, needs to have their head examined.”
– Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez reacting to his colleague Marjorie Taylor Greene’s claims about Democrats controlling the weather on Twitter

“Moments like this, there are no red or blue states, there’s one United States of America, where neighbors are helping neighbors, volunteers and first responders are risking everything, including their own lives, to help their fellow Americans. State, local and federal officials are standing side by side”
– President Biden on the response to hurricane damage

By the Numbers

1,139 /42,979

The number of Israelis vs the number of Palestinians killed in the War in Gaza since October 7, 2023

$860 Million

The amount that the Biden-Harris has provided for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton survivors through FEMA, including $507 million for affected individuals and communities and $351.5 million for debris removal and other activities to save lives and protect property

$1-1.8 Billion

The estimated cost of each THAAD advanced missile defense system battery that the US is sending Israel

November 5th

Is the date of the election. Remember there are many different ways to submit your ballot, so don’t forget to vote!

The post Month In Review | October 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | September 2024

editor — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 22:00:46 +0000

[ Local ]

During a ribbon cutting ceremony, Boulder City Council member Tara Winer was attacked by man shouting racist comments againt the Asian business. Man was arrested on the spot and Weiner suffered minor injuries
Doherty High School in CO Springs bans cell phone use by students in growing trends across Colorado and the nation
CO Rep. Steven Woodrow, D. successfully uses claim of “legislative privilege” to dodge paying a fine on speeding ticket in an attempt to point out a lawful loophole
Rep. Yadira Caraveo bravely admits she has sought treatment for mental health issues, helping destigmatize treatment and showing even leaders among us can struggle

[ Election]

Trump claims he can interfere with Presidential Elections, stating that he had the right to attempt to overturn 2020 results
Colorado to keep brain-worm infested RFK Jr. on Presidental ballot after his bid to be on ballot, then to retract from ballot, fails
Trump hush money payments trial is delayed until after the election in November for some inexplicable reason

[ National ]

Wildfires erupt in California, your editor can’t go outside without seeing plumes of smoke
New Mexico police chief Harold Medina is fully exonerated by his department after he turned off his body camera, ran red light, and crashed into car in intersection seriously injuring other driver
U.S. job growth numbers come up weaker than expected with adjustments to last month and low numbers this month as well
Too many shootings to keep track of in sad state of affairs in world’s richest nation
Hunter Biden pleads guilty to charges, but hey, at least he was never given political power by his father… looking at you Jared and Ivanka

[ International ]

Scandal erupts in stand-up comedy world as an unknown number were paid by Russia to disparage Democrats, liberal ideals. See: Russel Brand
Israeli strike on displaced civilians in Gaza kills at least 19, likely helping create a whole new generation of conflict going forward
Rebecca Cheptegei, 2024 Ugandan marathon runner, dies after former male partner douses her in gasoline and immolates her
Ukraine counterattacks and invades part of Russia, shocking Putin and changing the scope of the battlefield
Planned attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna was thwarted by authorities, the concert was canceled but thankfully no attack occurred

Debate quotes from Kamala/Trump

“He beat us by a whicker. It was a terrible thing,”
– Trump finally admits he lost the 2020 election, although it is doubtful he even realizes what he is saying.

“If I designed the tax system, I would be tens of billions of dollars poorer than I avm. The tax system could be more progressive without significantly damaging the incentive to do fantastic things”
– Bill Gates, Billionaire.

“Concerned for his safety, he sent his a pin drop to his co-workers already descending,”
– Chaffee County Search & Rescue on CO man left behind by his company on high altitude hike.

“I want the war to stop. I want to save lives,”
– Trump, when asked if he wants Ukraine to win the war with Russia, evading a clear stance.

“If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now,”
– Harris sharply refutes, claiming Trump’s leadership would have emboldened Russia.

“She has a plan to confiscate everybody’s gun,”
– Trump, accusing Harris of supporting widespread gun confiscation.

By the Numbers

88%

Increase in billionaire’s wealth since 2020

2/3

Elon Musk now controls the vast majority of satellites in space, most of them being starlink communication satellites

1.3 Billion

Amount recovered by Treasury Department from unpaid taxes on the wealthiest Americans in 2024

$25 Million

Harris campaign has raised so much money they are donating $25 million to down-ballot candidates

3.8%

Percent of Americans that believe we need a Civil War to straighten out the country. They are an insignificant minority that should not be given voice or power

The post Month In Review | September 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | August 2024

Austin Clinkenbeard — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 02:52:05 +0000

[ Local ]

Stone Canyon Fire burns over 1,500 acres, destroys six homes, and claims one life
Yellow Scene wins lawsuit against the City of Boulder over attempt to charge thousands of dollars for the release of unedited police bodycam shooting footage
MAGA Conspiracy theorist Tina Peters was found guilty of multiple felonies from trying to hack into Colorado voting records to prove Biden lost the election
Boulder local Brooke Raboutou takes home the silver medal in climbing, the first ever for the U.S. women’s climbing team
Zebra mussels, an invasive species, are spotted in the Colorado River close to Grand Junction

[ National ]

Joe Biden bows out of the presidential race, frustrating Trump
Kamala Harris chooses Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, a much more normal pick than Trump’s choice of JD Vance
President of Columbia University steps down over controversy of handling of Israel-Hamas student protests by removing pro-Palestinian protectors
Justice Clarence Thomas is accused of more undisclosed trips and gifts, this time a luxury yacht vacation to Russia, raising concerns of being even more deeply compromised that believed

[ International ]

Israel kills Hamas military commander and 90 other people, also strikes at Hezbollah commander in Lebanon. U.S. warns of significant Iranian retaliation to come
Over one thousand people were arrested in the UK for violent rioting and looting by mobs of people inflamed by racist rhetoric, including Elon Musk, who said UK civil war is “inevitable”
Plane crashes in Brazil, killing all 60 people onboard as onlookers watched it slowly fall from the sky
Ukraine counterattacks and invades part of Russia, shocking Putin and changing the scope of the battlefield
Planned attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna was thwarted by authorities, the concert was canceled but thankfully no attack occurred

Quotes

“Christians, get out and vote. Just this time. You won’t have to do it anymore. Four more years. You know what? It’ll be fixed. It’ll be fine. You won’t have to vote anymore my beautiful Christians… In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not gonna have to vote,”
– Trump openly talking about ending U.S. democracy

“These are weird people on the other side. They want to take books away. They want to be in your exam room,”
– Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz

“Getting the majority back in the House is next to impossible, but there is a difference between Dems having just the majority rather than the supermajority they enjoy now,”
– Republican HD50 candidate Ryan Gonzales on upcoming Colorado state elections

“Is she Indian or is she Black? She was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn when she became a Black person,”
– 44th President not understanding how someone can be biracial

By the Numbers

40/44/42

Gold, silver, and bronze medals won by the United States in the 2024 Paris Olympics

$1.7 Trillion

Estimated value of land stolen from tribes in Colorado alone

0

Number of proposed anti-transgender ballot initiatives that made it to the Colorado ballot

$100 Billion

Amount of taxes paid by illegal immigrants according to Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

10

Days that Twitter (X) has been shut off by the government so far in Venezuela following disputed presidential elections

The post Month in Review | August 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | June-July 2024

editor — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 01:40:26 +0000

[ Local ]

Local primaries result in defeat for majority of candidates promoted by CO GOP, some with very lopsided results. Dan Williams faces blame, possible removal for poor showing.
Louisville City Manager abruptly resigns, prompting special session meetings, although the exact reasons are not publicly known at the moment
Faith Winter (SD-24) violated public policy by appearing at a public meeting while intoxicated. She announced she is seeking treatment
Camping ban is upheld by Supreme Court, possibly negating ACLU lawsuit against Boulder’s ability to ticket people for sleeping outside
Front Range and Mountain Towns face a lack of firefighters and volunteers as temperatures and climate change reach new heights

[ National ]

Attendee at Trump rally is killed in a gunman’s failed assassination attempt on the former president in a massive apparent lapse in security from law enforcement
With only a few months to go, mainstream media & Dems, call for Biden to step aside over poor debate performance, verbal gaffes
Yet most news outlets have been silent overcredible accusations of Trump’s assault on underage girl, association with Epstein, and plans to end democracy as we know it
Supreme Court issues a series of disastrous rulings overturning precedent — criminalizing the homeless, shielding the President from legal prosecution, and drastically reducing federal role in regulation and safety
Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Texas, power wiped out for millions as climate change makes early storms more likely

[ International ]

French & UK elections yield surprising results when far-right parties — initially expected to gain seats — are rebuked in favor of center and left collations
Fossilized bone found by archaeologists points towards existence of Down syndrome in Neanderthals, and that the community cared for them
Iranian president dies in a fiery mountain helicopter crash during foggy conditions on a mountain range near Armenia
A Bolivian general attempts coup, is stopped by President who ordered army to stand down. Military complied and order was restored
Once known as “America’s Mayor,” Rudy Giuliani faces latest embarrassment, being disbarred in his home state for trying to overturn a free and fair 2020 election

Quotes

“And by the way he was convicted in a civil court for sexual assault and convicted in a state court for 34 felonies. Donald Trump should drop out of the race”
– Rep Ted Lieu (D-CA)

“Some will now say that I am calling America a Christian nation. And so I am.”
– President of the Heritage Foundation on potential civil war they will instigate

“Wind made up less than 1 percentage point in 2001. Solar wasn’t a player at all. By 2023, renewables made up more than a third of Colorado’s energy sources”
– Colorado Sun report on renewable energy

By the Numbers

$70 Million

Amount lobbyists in Colorado were paid last year. It’s not legalized bribery, we swear…

250 / 4

Ratio of Palestinians killed to hostages rescued

23 out of 23

Microplastics found in every single human male’s testicle sample who participated in survey

38

Politicians killed in Mexico this year so far, mostly from cartel violence

The post Month in Review | June-July 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | March 2014

Associate Editor — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 22:45:35 +0000

Clearly the most important news of the month is that Dunkin Donuts returned to Boulder after a twelve year absence. Their 28th Street location, which also features a drive-through, has the city’s runners and cyclists sharing a collective eye-roll (while secretly rejoicing). And six months after the college town put into effect a 10-cent fee on disposable bags, the use of paper and plastic at grocery stores has dropped by 68 percent. A Broomfield judge ruled to keep a fracking ban after the November referendum results were challenged by local pro-fracking groups. So, it turns out that the way people voted four months ago was, in fact, the way people wanted to vote. Boulder County re-opened a stretch of Lefthand Canyon between US 36 and Lee Hill Road that has been closed to bicycles since the September floods. Repairs on East County Line Road, however, haven’t gone as smoothly; the building of a replacement bridge has been delayed by a group of nesting bald eagles. (And man thinks he’s in control.) Preparing for summer evenings, the City of Erie is opening up their annual “Movies in the Park” lineup to residents’ suggestions. But that isn’t all to look forward to as the months warm up—Superior, Louisville, and Longmont are all re-vamping their city websites. The three cities are paying exorbitant amounts to get their virtual offices looking pretty just in time for swimsuit season.

[ Small Talk ]

“I think our dream for this is to have people experience this and re-create as much of the operations history of this place as we can up here. There’s something about it that is so unique, it kind of gets in your blood.”
– J. Erik Hartronft, a Louisville architect who’s helping to work on the restoration of Louisville’s Grain Elevator

“It was very clear that the neighborhood residents would like the pool rebuilt.”
– Jeff Friesner, City of Longmont Recreation Director, commenting on the rebuilding of the swimming pool at Kanemoto Park.

“We’ve built up all this incredible diversity over 125 years, we’d like to see the city really kind of address infill better—perhaps requirements for new construction that would make it compatible with the existing Old Town properties.”
– Rachel Schwendler, Lafayette Historic Preservation Board Chairwoman

“Within the St. Vrain Basin, from the Continental Divide all the way to the confluence with the South Platte, the state operates 13 steam gauges.”
–Russel Stroud, lead hydrographer with the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The state is hurrying to put the gauge system back together before irrigation season.

Sources: Boulder Daily Camera, 9News.com, Longmont Times Call

By the Numbers

1993

last year a start-up The craft brewery (Left Hand Brewing Co.) opened in Longmont … until now, with 300 Suns Brewing.

95,000

Grant money given to the City of Lafayette by Kaiser Permanente Colorado, to enhance bike routes.

Millions of dollars in monetary aid received from FEMA by Longmont, Lyons, and Jamestown since September.

500,000

Scholarship dollars offered by the Front Range Community College Foundation this year.

Originally published in the March 2014 Issue

The post Month in Review | March 2014 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | May 2024

Austin Clinkenbeard — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 22:56:23 +0000

[ Local ]

CO Springs settles $2 milloin lawsuit from three officers beating Black man during a traffic stop
Boulder plans to install “bi-directional” car chargers that will be able to both charge vehicles and power buildings
Ranchers bemoan the loss of half a dozen cattle, call for halts, after wildlife experts reintroduce native Grey wolves to Colorado in a move that will help restore natural balance and strengthen the ecosystem
Colorado prisoners injured while performing hard labor at below minimum wage for corporations have little recourse to sue, cannot protest, and can be sent to solitary confinement as punishment for not working
The Northern Lights make an extremely rare appearance over Colorado skies putting on a natural light show for anyone with clear skies

[ National ]

Trump makes several statements over the month, indicating he will revoke any LGBTQ+ protections he can, tells donors he supports Israel “crushing” Palestinians, and will deport students for protesting
Supreme Court rules that a gerrymandered South Carolina district can stay rigged, which in effect excludes thousands of Black voters
Biden and Trump agree to a debate in June, likely to change absolutely no one’s opinion of either candidate
Judge Cannon indefinitely postpones trial on the former President’s mishandling of classified information, in a sign that our courts are totally healthy and functioning as they should to protect democracy and hold power accountable…

[ International ]

U.S. State Department states it is logical to conclude that Israel has committed war crimes and violated international law, yet weapons are still being sent to the belligerent party
Iranian president dies in a fiery mountain helicopter crash during foggy conditions on a mountain range near Armenia
Horrifyingly, but not surprisingly, Human Rights Watch states that Israeli attacks on aid being sent to Palestinians are “not unusual”
Assassination attempt against Slovakia’s far-right Prime Minister leaves him gravely wounded but luckily still alive, attacker was arrested immediately

Quotes

“These efforts target and single out an already vulnerable group of kids and, if successful, will place an additional administrative burden on our already-overworked teachers, coaches, and school administrators” – Bruce Parker of Out Boulder on anti_LGBTQ+ ballot initiative

“…under new anti-terrorism legislation just passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, that kind of hard-hitting investigative journalism could cost The Intercept our nonprofit status” – The Intercept about losing funding over their criticism of the Israeli war in Gaza

“I used to believe I was born biologically… upon reflecting on my experiences I was convinced God had sent me” – Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy

“All Colorado parents should be aiming to remove their children from public education” – email directive from director of special initiatives for the Colorado GOP

By the Numbers

$2 Million / 17 Children

City of Uvalde settles with the families of 17 children killed in the mass shooting that continued because of incompetent law enforcement

34 of 34

Guilty counts for the first ever felony conviction of a former president

2025

Project 2025 openly calls for an authoritarian take-over of the federal government following the next Republican presidential victory, remaking the presidency using executions and the military to quell opposition

50th / 1.1%

Colorado saw the second smallest increase in teachers’ salaries nationwide, at just over 1%, ranking 50 out of 51 (including Washington D.C.)

-18%

Property crime rates in Boulder dropped by almost 1/5 since 2020, but report notes violent crime rates have risen slightly over the same period

The post Month in Review | May 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | March 2024

editor — Mon, 06 May 2024 23:49:11 +0000

[ Local ]

Colorado Senate Republicans block a measure that would have allowed child sexual abuse victims to sue their abusers past the current statute of limitations
Elizabeth School District decides to replace Scholastic Book Fair with a conservative book group, citing concerns about LGBTQ+ stories, Critical Race Theory, and “dark magic”
GreenLatinos celebrate their 15-year anniversary advocating for safer communities, cleaner transit, and racial equity
Paramedic who injected the lethal dose of Ketamine that killed Elijah McClain avoids jail time and is sentenced to 14 months of work release and probation instead
Colorado ranchers are upset after newly released wild wolves killed a handful of calves, the Ranchers will be compensated for their losses. Wolves are key in maintaining balance in the ecosystem

[ National ]

Protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations against the Israeli war in Gaza rock multiple campuses across the nation, sparked by Columbia University students, with authorities responding variously from mass arrests to apathy
News organization NPR is in the news themselves following a scathing op-ed by a former editor, and a NYT piece on the supposed left-wing bias and internal division of the newsroom
Trump is ruled in contempt of court, threatened with jail time, by the judge during his current Supreme Court trial after Trump refused to stop posting comments about the ongoing trial on social media
Arizona lawmakers vote to repeal Civil-War era abortion ban, with some Republicans breaking party lines to vote with Democrats to advance the measure after state court previously upheld the ban
O.J. Simpson passes away, ending his life-long search for Nicole Brown’s killer

[ International ]

Israel and Iran exchanged missile, drone attacks prompting a brief scare that the war would widen, however tensions seemed to have calmed after both strikes supposedly caused minimal damage
Haiti forms a transitional government looking to rebuild major institutions after a massive collapse in power and take-over by numerous warring violent groups
Trials for international money laundering by the mega-wealthy stemming from the Panama Papers investigation began earlier this month, nearly a decade after the secret off-shore accounts were first revealed
Wanna-be strongman Erdogan is voted out in Türkiye (Turkey) following latest election results in a positive sign for the nation straddling Europe and the Middle East

Quotes

“I take firearm safety very seriously. This is a humbling experience and I will reaffirm my commitment to responsible handling procedures” – CO State Rep. Don Wilson (R) on leaving his loaded handgun in a Capitol building restroom

“I’ll give you the truth why I’m not Speaker, It’s because one person, a member of Congress, wanted me to stop an ethics complaint because he slept with a 17-year-old” – Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the reason he was ousted earlier this year

“People have to stop having such thin skins… What’s more is we also believe that being offended is a sufficient reason for attacking something — but actually, everything offends somebody, always” Salman Rushdie during his appearance on the Daily Show, talking about the person who attacked him

By the Numbers

2 Feet

More accurate measure of sea-level chops an average of 2 feet off of Colorado’s 14k+ foot peaks

81, 89

Colorado Ammendment 81 — an abortion ban — fails to gather enough signatures, while 89 enshrining abortion access, is successful at getting on the ballot for this November

55,000

Residents near Boulder who had their power cut by Excel Energy without proper notice for a pre-planned outage in early April

$96 Billion

Amount in latest military aid approved by the US to send to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

116°

Temperatures soar to unbearable heights in the Philippines. Southeast Asia is expected to see already life-threatening temperatures rise in the coming decades

The post Month in Review | March 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | February 2024

Austin Clinkenbeard — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 18:10:19 +0000

[ Local ]

We say goodbye to Boulder Beat, one of the best local publications around, and wish their founder the best of luck going forward. Local media needs support now more than ever
Mike Lynch steps down as Colorado GOP minority leader after surviving a no-confidence vote, but still being urged by colleagues that his time is up
Erie sued over their town charter by Miguel Zuniga who claims his constitutional rights are being violated by the elected official’s terms ending dates
The NAACP Boulder chapter calls for a review of the interim Chief of Police over his involvement in Elijah McClain’s death and subsequent mishandling of the case. Can the Police Oversight Panel finally live up to its name?
Boulder homeless programs are set to run out of Covid-era funding as homelessness rises across the state and nation

[ National ]

John Stewart returns to The Daily Show to help cover the 2024 Election cycle on Monday nights as a much-needed voice for democracy and common sense
Nikki Haley loses to “None of these candidates” in a performative, rather than substantive, poll result in Nevada
Wayne LaPierre, long-time head of the NRA, resigns after years of allegations of tax fraud and misuse of donated funds
Democrats win special House election to replace the ousted George Santos in New York
Trump, Biden win all major primaries setting up a rematch for the oldest-ever duo of candidates, with many voters concerned about the ages of both
Former coaches for the Patriots, Bill Belichick, and the Crimson Tide, Nick Saban, leave their long-time Championship winning teams. Both are considered the best ever at the NFL and College levels respectively.

[ International ]

US retaliatory strikes in the Middle East against the Houthis, and other Iranian proxies prompt concerns of a widening war
Concerns that Elon Musk’s Starlink system is being used by Russia again bring to the forefront the inherent danger of one man having so much power over things like national security communications
737 Max grounded after a window fell off mid-flight, luckily no one died. Investigations revealed missing bolts among other problems with the fleet
U.N. rules on South Africa’s genocide accusations against Israel, ordering Israel to prevent genocide but not to stop the invasion in a toothless proclamation.

By the Numbers

$83.3 million

Amount Trump ordered to pay E. Jean Carrol for comments he made denying her accusations against him

216,000

Jobs added in December, stronger than many predicted

4th

Broomfield County ranked in the top 5 healthiest places to live in the US

500+

Journalists let go from various organizations in January including the Los Angeles Times, Politico, and Sports Illustrated

81, 77

Ages of Biden, Trump, our two realistic choices for president

Small Talk

“I said, ‘Everybody’s gonna pay.’ They said, ‘Well, if we don’t pay, are you still going to protect us?’ I said, ‘Absolutely not.’ They couldn’t believe the answer. ‘No, I would not protect you,’ Trump recalled … In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills”

– Trump tells NATO members he would encourage a Russian attack over payment issues

“Let me tell you something about acting. I was doing the Showtime movie, Hot Ice with Anne Archer — never once touched my per diem. I’d go to craft service, got some raw veggies, bacon, cup of soup, baby, I had a stew goin’!”

– The late Carl Weathers as a comedic version of himself on TV show Arrested Development

“The state has admitted a relationship existed. So what remains to be proven is the existence and extent of any financial benefit, again if there even was one. Because I think it’s possible that the facts alleged by the defendant could result in disqualification. I think an evidentiary hearing must occur to establish the record on those core allegations”

– Judge in Trump case after discovering inappropriate relationship between DA, Prosecutor

The post Month in Review | February 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | December 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 22:20:37 +0000

[LOCAL]

Person breaks into and fires a gun inside the Colorado Supreme Court, causing extensive damage but thankfully no injuries
Loveland to pay out $400,000 for DUI arrest in which driver was not actually under the influence of a substanceColorado conservatives have gone off the deep end, calling for law enforcement to enforce “obscenity laws” to remove books in Colorado Springs school districts
Officer Nathan Woodyard, who was acquitted in the death of Elijah McClain, has been reinstated back on the Aurora police department
In another right-wing assault on democracy, an La Plata County elections official and the Boulder County GOP have refused to certify the November election results
Colorado House Speaker McCluskie has Representatives Epps and Marshall, all Democrats, removed from Judicial Committee over their actions supporting protests against the Israeli war in Gaza

[NATIONAL]

UC Berkeley scientists make breakthrough in understanding the language of whales by identifying vowels and other linguistic ways to encode information, ie. communicate
Colorado invokes the 14th Amendment to block Trump appearing on the ballot for his attempted coup, Michigan allows him to remain on ballot
Anti-gay Mom’s for Liberty founder is found to have filmed lesbian sex tapes when she was younger, we’re not kink shaming, just pointing out her hypocrisy
Biden pardons marijuana offenses that have occurred on Federal lands, adding to his pardons for non-violent drug offenses from last year
Harvard President Claudine Gay, resigned after credible allegations of plagiarism emerge from her academic past

[INTERNATIONAL]

Earthquake strikes Japan killing dozens right after New Years
In a step forward for the Catholic church, the Pope allows priests to bless same-sex marriages
Thailand, already known as being an LGBTQ+ friendly nation, moves towards legalizing same-sex marriages. They are the first to do so in Southeast Asia
NASA data shows that Russia has stolen nearly 8 million tons of wheat from occupied territories in Ukraine, disrupting global supply
US, allies strike Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks on cargo ships as part of wider Israel – Gaza war

By the Numbers

5 – Gray wolves released into the wild on the Front Range in an effort to rehabilitate the natural lands through a balanced ecosystem

900+ – Threats of abuse, including 64 death threats, aimed at Colorado Secretary of State Jenna Griswold after Trump is barred from running for President in the State

300 – Miles away Boebert’s new district is from her current home. She is switching to seek a safer seat to expound her ideas from

10 –Years ago Colorado legalized recreational cannabis use, the first state in the nation to do so

$90,000 – Amount embezzled by Eugene Weekly employee, forcing the 40 year old weekly magazine to shut down

Small Talk

“I didn’t want to believe it at first, but God may allow our nation to enter into a time of judgment for our collective sins… America needs to recognize that we have much to repent for if we want to avoid the judgment we so clearly deserve…”

– House Speaker Mike Johnson threatens the US may be smote by God

“When it comes to the orangutan, 4-month old Siska, Berani, you are the father!”

– Maury Povich announces DNA results of paternity test on young Denver Zoo orangutan

“Any civilian deaths are regrettable, [but] it is inevitable that mistakes will be made.”

– Israeli government spokesperson on Christmas Eve airstrike that hit refugee camp, killing nearly 90 people

“Once we realized some of the statistics in these mountain regions, in the Rockies in particular with people calling it the Suicide Belt, it was like, if we do this right, this is something that can help people”

– Filmmaker Brett Rapkin on his film, The Paradise Paradox” that highlights the high suicide rates in Rocky Mountain states

“Donald Trump, while holding the office of president, used his business entities to pocket millions of dollars from foreign states and royalty and never once went to Congress to seek its consent.”

– Rep. Jamie Raskin on the Oversight Committee’s report that Trump violated emoluments clause by accepting foreign money from China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other nations

The post Month in Review | December 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | November 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:41:06 +0000

[LOCAL]

Aaron Brockett wins a narrow mayoral race in Boulder’s first ever ranked-choice voting system
Thornton City Council results eliminates mayor Kulmann’s majority power bloc, dropping from 6-3 to now a minority of 4-5
King Sooper shooter pleads not guilty, claiming insanity l Change in Boulder city energy code will eliminate gas power in most new buildings to lessen impact on environment
Colorado Judge allows Trump to appear on statewide ballot for 2024 Presidential race, rejecting efforts to bar the insurrectionist from running again
Erie and Superior both approve Home Rule Charters, allowing more autonomy for the city governments

[NATIONAL]

Henry Kissinger finally dies, here’s to hoping hell exists
Mike Johnson, MAGA Republican from Louisiana, is finally voted in as the next Speaker of the House after a tumultuous vacancy
New York City mayor Eric Adams had his phone seized by the FBI in a campaign finance violation investigation
Joe Manchin will not run for reelection, a move that will have implications next year when a Republican is highly likely to take his Senate seat
Voters in Ohio pass a ballot measure in ensuring access to abortion in big win for reproductive rights access in the midwest
Trump takes the stand in New York civil trial while losing his temper during and ranting on social media after, surprising noone but rightly prompting a gag order from the judge
Hollywood Writers and United Auto Workers strikes — admittedly very different groups — both came to end with very favorable outcomes to auto workers unions and concessions to the writers unions in two wins for labor

[INTERNATIONAL]

Israel surrounds Gaza City in an attempt to remove Hamas from power in Palestine, sparking another humanitarian crisis in the process
Pod of Orcas sink yet another boat near the Strait of Gibraltar in an apparent coordinated attack on the vessel
Sudan’s Darfur region erupts into ethnic violence, continuing this century’s first genocide and widening violence in the country
Argentina elects far-right libertarian as president, his platform includes abolishing the national currency, shutting down the national bank, and slashing public services. Small Talk

“We’re going to make sure every Colorado voter knows about how Boebert, Buck, and Lamborn turned their backs on Colorado by supporting a MAGA extremist for speaker.” – Colorado Democratic Party statement on new House Speaker

“Once you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands. You will never again be able to open a newspaper and read about that treacherous, prevaricating, murderous scumbag sitting down for a nice chat with Charlie Rose or attending some black-tie affair for a new glossy magazine without choking.” – The late Anthony Bourdain on Henry Kissinger

“Coloradans are looking to us to reduce property taxes and provide relief to families, and as we always have, we will work to deliver solutions that protect and enhance the Colorado we love.” – Gov. Polis on defeat of Prop HH

“Saving approximately 100 people in Colorado this year outweighs the aggregate harm of minimal expenditures of time and sacrifice business opportunities.” – Judge John Kane on his ruling to uphold Colorado’s three day waiting period for gun purchases “No refugees in Jordan.

No refugees in Egypt.” – Jordan’s King Abdullah said at newconference regarding Palestinians fleeingthe war in Gaza

By the Numbers

$5.14 Million – 2024 budget for the city of Boulder
190 – Bodies found improperly stored at Return To Nature funeral home in Colorado Springs
1 guilty, 2 acquitted – Results of the three police officers trials for the Elijah McClain murder
$1.7 million – Amount raised by 2023 Weld County Fair’s Junior Livestock Sale, breaking previous fundraising records
$15 – Average cost of a burger in Colorado according to Colorado Sun article

The post Month in Review | November 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | October 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 22:11:29 +0000

[LOCAL]

Local political satirist Dariush Namazi was arrested at a Thornton city council meeting prompting major questions about free speech and lack of public communication by certain Thornton council members.
Council member Maxine Most is recalled in special election over the refusal to relax building codes in the wake of the Marshall Fire rebuilding.
Truck attempted to run over multiple people at Boulder’s Central Park, damaging the park in the process. The driver was arrested.
Mt. Evans has been renamed Mt. Blue Sky. Evans was the governor during the Sand Creek Massacre of numerous Cheyenne and Arapaho people and deserves the dishonor.
King Sooper’s shooter has been determined competent enough to stand trial after two years of discussion.
Erie Cheer coach is no longer with the school after parents attended in-person open-forum meetings and demanded answers from Superintendent Dr. Haddad.
Boulder will have the city’s first ranked choice mayoral vote after approving the change in 2022.

[NATIONAL]

The Government shutdown was averted for now, but expect Republicans to again bring it up as a stalling tactic in the future.
The Republican Speaker race is a mess after voting to remove Speaker McCarthy, indicative of the Republican Party’s lack of leadership overall.
Robert F. Kennedy announces run in 2024 Presidential Election, although likely not going to see the same success as others in his family have had.

[INTERNATIONAL]

Humanitarian crisis grows in the Gaza Strip as Israel prepares to retaliate against Hamas for their surprise attack by launching their own invasion.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Professors Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for helping develop the mRNA COVID vaccine that saved so many lives.
Solar eclipse dazzles millions across North America during the middle of the day on Saturday the 14th.

Small Talk

“The full archival report shows the grim truth that at least 31 students from eight tribal nations died while attending the Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School from 1892 to 1909. The ages of those that passed range from five to 22 years old.” – KUNC on History Colorado report on Colorado boarding schools

“Our officers are Narcan-ing someone almost every day. Jail is low-staffed which has inmates waiting for treatment.” – Boulder Deputy Police Chief Stephen Redfearn

“The ordinance does not give the panel any authority or appeal powers in matters of officer discipline. POP recommendations will remain advisory in nature.” – Boulder Beat on new ordinance for the Police Oversight Panel

“Just as before and during the war, I said that they must free themselves from our lands, or we will expel them by force. And so it happened. The same will be the fate of the Zangezur corridor.” – Azerbaijani president on his nation’s invasion of Armenia

By the Numbers

$3.4 Million – Raised by Boebert challenger Adam Frisch
32% – Boulder area people work remotely, the highest percentage in the nation according to Axios
81 – Pedestrian deaths in Colorado this year so far, with each of the last ten years seeing an increase in fatalities
75+ – Local Election candidates interviewed by YS for our Election Guide
861 – Affordable apartments built in recent years in Boulder according to city data

The post Month in Review | October 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | September 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:15:40 +0000

[LOCAL]

Lauren Boebert was kicked out of a theater during ”Beetlejuice” performance, her embarrassing antics caught on video.
Boulder will not increase the city’s minimum wage in 2024 after a 5-4 vote, affirming 2025 as the year wages will increase.
Colorado GOP proposes banning gender-affirming care in another performative act that has no chance of passing.
Local 17-year-old USA cyclist Magnus White was struck and killed by an SUV on Colorado Highway 119. The DA is looking into potential charges for the driver.
CU Buffs are off to a hot start under coach Sanders, upsetting TCU and defeating longtime rival Nebraska to start the season.

[NATIONAL]

Five police officers that beat Tyre Nichols to death have been indicted on federal charges.
Mitt Romney is not running for reelection for his Senate seat, opening a chance for a more extreme conservative to fill the seat.
However, Nancy Pelosi will be running again despite her decreasing relevance to national politics.
Hunter Biden indicted on gun charges and not a single Democrat is up in arms protesting the justice system, because why would they be?
United Auto Workers strike in efforts for more job security as the auto industry shifts towards more electric vehicles, echoing the Hollywood writer’s strike over AI generated scripts.

[INTERNATIONAL]

Earthquake ravages Morocco, with hundreds of deaths and major structural damage in multiple cities including Meerakeesh
Massive rains in Libya flood and overflow dams, destroying a coastal city with tens of thousands feared dead
Elon Musk disabled his Starlink satellites to thwart communication during an Ukrainian naval offensive in the Black Sea further raising ethical questions of how much power one individual should wield.

Small Talk

“Providing convenient travel choices to our community is one of our priorities and it is through collaborative funding partnerships like this that we’ll be able to continue to expand options throughout our community. This award provides the funds to make this new and improved service to Gunbarrel possible.” – Natalie Stiffler, City of Boulder Transportation and Mobility Director

“There have been no substantial allegations that the government violated the 4th, 5th, or 6th Amendments in prosecuting January 6 defendants. It is irresponsible to allege, without evidence, as your letter does, that Americans are being systematically denied their most basic Constitutional rights based on their political beliefs.” – Republican Representative Ken Buck, CO

“The Center of the American West is currently fading, and while it may yet be resuscitated, there will be lasting loss and damage to CU Boulder and the fields of Western history, applied history, and countless others.” – Letter from academics across the West regarding CU Boulder’s sudden firing of Patty Limerick

“It is a step toward housing accessibility in our city, without building anything, without tearing anything down.” – Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett on raising housing occupancy limits

By the Numbers

$826 million – Proposed to expand Colorado broadband access across the state
$52 million – Denver mayor Mike Johnson lays out new initiatives to address the homeless crisis
171 – Unhoused individuals counted by Boulder city staff for “July Point in Time Count Results,” of which 25% said they were experiencing homelessness for the first time
12.4% – Poverty rate in the US, up from 7.8%, the largest single year increase on record

The post Month in Review | September 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | August 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 20:53:12 +0000

Photo by the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm

[LOCAL]

Online marijuana sales began on August 7th. Someone should really start a pizza + weed delivery combo.
Fort Lupton police officer found guilty for leaving a woman in his patrol cruiser that was struck by a train. The officer parked his car on the train tracks after taking her into custody. She survived but was severely injured.
Newly implemented law in Colorado to raise age to buy a firearm to 21 has been blocked by Federal Judge.
Nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of bikes have been stolen in Boulder this year according to the Stolen Bikes dashboard
Mike Johnson is inaugurated as Denver’s Mayor after beating Kelly Brough earlier this summer.

[NATIONAL]

Florida tries to ban AP Psychology in their growing fight against being educated.
Two attorneys associated with Colorado, John Eastman and Jenna Ellis, are indicted alongside Trump, this time simply for attempting to overthrow our government and end democracy as we know it.
The State of Georgia also indicts Trump over his tampering with election results. Pardons in Georgia particularly hard to come by.
Entire Colorado River Basin faces massive drought mainly due to decrease in snowmelt from shifting climate patterns.
Mitch McConnell apparently freezes on live TV in a scary incident, prompting questions of his health and fitness for office.
Twitter rebrands to “X” begging the question: why?

[INTERNATIONAL]

Sinead O’Connor passes away at 56. Thank you for speaking up against Papal abuse when no one else would.
U.S. soldier who was about to be disciplined sprinted across the North Korean border, defecting to the brutal regime.
Over 1,000 Russians and Belarussians are stripped of their permanent resident status in Lithuania after being deemed “threats to national security”.
Heading to Europe next year? Make sure to apply for a Visa, something previously unrequired.
Group of West African nations say they will intervene in Niger’s ongoing coup if it is not soon resolved diplomatically.

Small Talk

“Tragically, young people are getting their hands on guns all too easily and putting them to terrible use against others — and with serious consequences for their own lives.” – DA Michael Doughtery on recent youth gun violence

“The fire was just traveling too fast, and too hot and next thing you know Lahaina town is gone, literally gone.” – Mark Stefle, Maui Fire survivor

“While I appreciate the need for transparency, it is important to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation regarding the law enforcement officers’ use of force.” – Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons on Sheriff’s records request denial regarding the shooting of Charlie Foster

“Now, more than nine months have passed, no evidence has been revealed and it has become even clearer that the impact of the dean’s actions has been irreparable and far-reaching.” – Letter signed by more than 300 academics protesting firing of CU Boulder professor Patty Limerick from the Center of the American West

By the Numbers

22% – Increase in abortions performed by Colorado clinics following harsh restrictions like those in Texas
$1 Billion – Barbie Movie revenue, highest ever for a female director
13% – Number of Colorado families who will receive free full time preschool, not the promised 50%
110° / 31 Days – Phoenix experiences an entire month of daily temperatures over 100°
60% – Increase in water bills after a sudden water rate hike for Lafayette residents
17 – People shot and killed by Colorado law enforcement in 2023 so far

The post Month in Review | August 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | June/July 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:00:52 +0000

[LOCAL]

Mike Johnston wins the Denver mayoral race, although neither candidate was likely to bring about real change.
Boulder Beat to close down at the end of this year, sadly ending one of the best voices for real, local Boulder journalism.
Boulder Police Oversight Panel member Lisa Sweeney-Miran is removed by City Council, prompting the panel to pause their work.
In yet another controversy, Aurora Police execute an armed teenage boy fleeing from officers after stealing vape cartridges.
Governor Polis signs “Magic Mushroom” Bill into law, regulating newly approved psychedelic drug therapy.
Dacono City Councilmembers Jackie Thomas and Jim Turini are recalled over their abrupt actions surrounding the removal of the City Manager.
Louisville City Councilmember Maxine Most faces a recall election regarding her alleged lack of compassion following the Marshall Fire.
With recent laws against transgender care, Colorado is offering itself as a safe haven for youths in need of gender affirming care.

[NATIONAL]

Trump indicted a second time, this time 37 counts including for hiding confidential documents. His lawyers immediately quit.
Wildfire smoke from Canada obscures views of NYC and creates mass health hazards across North America. Canada still burns.
Private fishing trips, vacations, and other potentially corrupting events have come to light surrounding multiple conservative Supreme Court Justices bringing into question the ethics of judicial decision.
Hollywood writers go on strike, stalling many major productions and delaying releases.
Texas woman who traveled to Colorado for an abortion was shot and killed by her boyfriend when she returned home.
George Santos turned himself in and pleaded not guilty to charges of financial crimes.

[INTERNATIONAL]

Explosion rocks the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine with evidence pointing towards Russia as the culprit. This will disrupt water and power supply for tens of thousands of people.
France erupts in protests when a minority teen boy was killed by the police. Don’t worry, you won’t need to cancel your summer trip to Paris.
Charles III is crowned King of England, which we honestly still cannot believe is a thing in this day and age.

Small Talk:

“Today is the day that Black Americans really get to celebrate our freedom … And in that, it’s important to get the whole community involved and engaged in that so that we can uplift Black voices together as a community.” – Terryjosiah Sharpe, coordinator of Colorado Springs first widespread Juneteenth celebration

“It’s good. It’s good. The job is done. We can go home now.” – Nikola Jokic on his incredible performance winning the NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets

“Her pleas for help were shrugged off, she said, and she was repeatedly sent home from the hospital. Doctors and nurses told her she was suffering from normal contractions, she said, even as her abdominal pain worsened and she began to vomit bile. Angelica said she wasn’t taken seriously until a searing pain rocketed throughout her body and her baby’s heart rate plummeted.” – Angelica Lyons on giving birth as a Black woman via AP News

“I can’t imagine how terrible this must be for the child’s family, and also our first responder community… Today has been heavy for the City of Boulder, and we are all thinking of the family who just lost their child.” – Boulder Police Chief Maris Harold on the accidental drowning of a 9-year old in Boulder Creek

“I was incredibly surprised given the fact that I’ve been happily married to a woman for the last 15 years.” – Said Stewart, the man named in the Supreme Court ruling that just set back gay rights

By the Numbers:

$107,500 – Amount a family of four need to earn to live comfortably in the BOCO region
63.01 Degrees – Hottest overall average temperature ever recorded for the globe this past July 4th
2018 – Year when Titanic submersible company OceanGate was warned their underwater vehicle was not safe
28.8 – Amount of points Ron DeSantis lags behind Trump in latest poll according to fivethirtyeight.com
$56,000 – Base pay for teachers in St. Vrain Valley School District after recent raise by the district

The post Month in Review | June/July 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | May 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 26 May 2023 14:00:02 +0000

[NATIONAL]

NPR quits Twitter after the Musk-led company slapped on a false label of “State Media” to the account.
National Guardsman is arrested over a massive leak of Pentagon secrets, one of the largest security breaches in decades.
DeSantis continues his clash with Disney in his latest culture wars brawl, with the company filing a lawsuit against the governor claiming he used his political power to hurt Disney.
Buzzfeed shuts down its news division and cuts staff by 15% showing it’s more important than ever to support real journalism.
Tucker Carlson loses his show on Fox News, a blow to disinformation and white supremacy dog whistles everywhere.
Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony charges in the campaign finance case regarding payments to Stormy Daniels.
Supreme Court Justice Thomas Clarence has been secretly accepting luxurious vacations and other donations over the years without properly reporting them raising questions over the Court’s biases.

[LOCAL]

Boulder City Council removes Lisa Sweeney-Miran from the Police Oversight Panel sparking debate over the panel’s effectiveness and independence.
Governor Polis signs several gun control bills into law including raising the minimum age to buy a weapon to 21 and imposing a waiting period.
Dacono sets a June 27th date for the recall election of council members stemming from their surprise removal of long time city manager A.J. Euckert.
False report of a pipe bomb in Erie at the King Sooper’s market sparks fear and highlights the growing threat of false gun and bomb reports.
Erie Home Rule Commission completed its draft of a Home Rule Charter after four months of meeting and deliberation on the issue.

Small Talk:

“There’s so much excitement and optimism. How can you not feel good in the midst of everything else? … Our city is hungry for a new kind of leadership in these times and we’re already hard at work.” – Yemi Mobolade, on his candidacy for Mayor of Colorado Springs. He will be the city’s first Black mayor.

“I said we are in a battle for the soul of America, and we still are. The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom. More rights or fewer.” – Joe Biden announcing his bid for reelection in 2024

“Our phones should be blowing off the hook, which they are, but they should be blowing off the hook even more.” – Charles Graves, Assistant Veterans Service Officer with the El Paso County Veterans Services on new compensation program for toxic exposure

“These defendants put many lives at risk during what should have been a normal lunch hour on campus.” – CO District Attorney John Kellner on sentencing two teens in 2021 Hinkley High School shooting

“Juul lit a nationwide public health crisis by putting addictive products in the hands of minors and convincing them that it’s harmless.” – Letitia James, New York Attorney General, on $462 million settlement that includes Colorado and other states

By the Numbers:

50% – 1 out of every 2 transgender individuals experience sexual violence according to statistics by MESA

72% – Reduction in plastic bag use after Louisville passes bag tax program

4+ per week – Average number of Americans killed in mass shootings this year, a record pace so far

$38.5 Billion – Proposed total state budget sent to Governor Polis

6 Weeks – New Florida bill would ban abortion following six weeks of pregnancy in the most recent attack on reproductive rights

$6 Billion – NFL Team Washington Commanders sell for a record amount. Why does building these stadiums need public funding again?

The post Month in Review | May 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | April 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 23:00:25 +0000

[NATIONAL]

Ex-president Donald Trump is indicted for payments to porn star Stormy Daniels in an attempt to squash news of his affair, which occurred just 4 months after Trump’s wife Melania gave birth. He previously announced the day of his arrest, which, like most of his statements, turned out to be false. He pleaded not guilty to all 34 charges.
Nashville school shooting leaves 6 dead, including 3 nine-year olds in the latest string of gun related tragedies plaguing the nation, making this over 130 mass shootings in 2023 so far.
Lori Lighfoot (D) comes in third place, losing her Chicago mayoral reelection bid which historically has seen the incumbent remain in power for decades.

[INTERNATIONAL]

Mass protests spread in Paris following the proposed raising of the retirement age. While France is looking at raising it from 62 to 64, we could learn a thing or two about solidarity in the face of stripped benefits.
UBS takes over one of its largest competitors, Credit Suisse, in a buyout following news of the bank’s fragility.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovic is detained by Russia who accuses him of spying.
Fire in a detention center for migrants that have been sent back from the U.S. to Mexico kills at least 38 people trapped in the facility.
Archaeologists have found evidence of horseback riding that pushes the domestication date of these animals back to about 5,000 years ago.

[LOCAL]

North Boulder was placed under a shelter in place order for several hours after a standoff with armed suspect near 17th and Yarmouth.
Prop 125 took effect this month allowing sellers of beer to also stock wine on their shelves. Expect more and more faux wine snobs to come out of the woodwork.
Jenna Ellis, one of Trump’s numerous former lawyers, has been rightly censured in Colorado over fabricated statements regarding the 2020 elections.
Lauren Boebert announces her underage son will soon be a father, having impregnated an even younger girl. Boebert will be a grandmother at age 36.
CU Boulder signed a football player to their program that is under investigation by the El Paso County sherriffs dept for rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of a minor. A petition to expel him is currently circulating but the administration has made no decision by the date this was published.
Denver East high school experiences a shooting with two injuries and the death of the shooter. Students staged a protest at the State capitol in a plea for lawmakers to do something.

Small Talk

“I have looked into the terrified eyes of many children after they’ve been shot and tried to comfort them… I tell them they’re in a safe place now, but in my heart, I don’t know if they are.” – Dr. Halden Scott on treating child survivors of mass shootings.

“Aurora Civil Service Commission quietly approved a package of changes to entry-level hiring rules for police and firefighters, giving the commission… the ability to hire candidates whose backgrounds include caveats that would have previously gotten their applications thrown out.” – according to the Colorado Sentinel‘s In The Blue project.

“To all the trans youth who may be affected by this legislation: we stand by you, and we will not stop fighting. You are cherished. You are loved. You belong,” – Kentucky ACLU on the State passing a bill that, among other restrictions, bans all gender-affirming medical care for those under 18.

“The police department is destroyed. City Hall is destroyed. The county courthouse is damaged. The fire department is devastated. There’s no grocery store that’s operable in the community.” – US Rep. Bennie Thompson on the tornado that devastated Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

“What you’re telling me is, you don’t mind infringing free speech to protest children [from drag show readings] but when it comes to children that have died, you don’t give a flying f*ck to stop that because ‘that shall not be infringed.’ That is hypocrisy at its highest order.” – Jon Stewart to Oklahoma State Senator Nathan Dahm during their conversation on drag shows and gun rights.

By the Numbers

11 – Candidates still in the Denver mayoral race as voting comes to a close, with Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough now facing each other in a top-two runoff.

19% – American children deaths are from gun violence, now the leading cause of death for those under 18.

48% – Superior residents are renters according to 2020 census data reviewed by Mayor Mark Lacis.

311,000 – Jobs added last month in an already strong labor market

47% – Of all building and permit fees for the Town of Superior have been issued as rebates to residents wishing to rebuild.

The post Month in Review | April 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | March 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:00:20 +0000

[WORLD]

Earthquake strikes Turkey killing over 20,000 people. President Erdogan has been heavily criticized for his response to the disaster and has arrested over 100 contractors despite himself being caught on camera bragging about relaxing building codes.
February 24th marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!
President Biden makes a surprise visit to war-torn Kyiv in a demonstration of support to the Ukrainian resistance.

[NATIONAL]

The U.S. military shot down multiple objects attempting to enter North American airspace in wake of a high-profile Chinese balloon making its way across the continent. It probably wasn’t aliens.
Train that likely should have been labeled as Highly Hazardous derails in East Palestine, Ohio leaking toxic chemicals into the environment killing wildlife and farm animals – with deep concerns for human health as well.
SNAP benefits to help provide food for those in need during the COVID pandemic have ended on February 28th, many food banks are anticipating increased demand.
Harvey Weinstein is sentenced to 16 years in prison for his sex crimes.
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls for a “national divorce” to separate the Red and Blue states, essentially calling for the dissolution of the United States.

[LOCAL]

Multiple local schools across the state, including Boulder High, were evacuated after an elaborate fake gun threat.
Members of Dacono City Council oust long term City Manager A.J. Euckert in a surprise vote during the February 13th meeting.
Black farmers in Aurora County have been stalked and harassed by their neighbors in what is believed to be a racially motivated community effort to drive them off their land.
Pueblo County Sheriff’s sued for the wrongful death of Richard Ward, who was killed while he was with family picking up his little brother from middle school.
Boulder County law enforcement used money from opioid settlements to purchase controversial surveillance equipment.
CBS News report reveals a New York-based hedge fund has been buying Colorado River water rights over the last five years, sparking debate over who should have access to limited river resources.
Adam Frisch announces he will run to unseat Lauren Boebert, Colorado’s national embarrassment, in 2024.

Small Talk

“The time is now for Democrats to take the lead when it comes to fulfilling our promise to create safer communities and pass real solutions that will cut down on gun violence in our communities today.” – Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) affirmed while introducing four new gun safety bills

“The physics of the air in our buildings and the climate in which we live affect things that can make us sick and how long they persist. Now we have conservative indications of how long coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 can stick around in the air and be an infectious disease threat.” – Professor of Engineering Mark Hernandez said about CU Boulder’s research on airborne diseases

“The commissioners’ decision to approve these new positions is a first step in building the capacity required to advance our wildfire mitigation efforts.” – Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy on adding twelve new wildfire mitigation staff positions

“[We need] more flexible zoning to allow more housing, streamlined regulations that cut through red tape, expedited approval processes for projects like modular housing, sustainable development, and more building in transit-oriented communities.” – Governor Polis on Colorado’s efforts to create more walkable cities

By the Numbers:

13 – Number of Bills introduced that have been signed into national law by Colorado’s Joe Neguse, the most out of all U.S. House members.

566,000 – Coloradans who have life-threatening food allergies according to research supporting a new state law that would cap the price of life-saving epi-pens.

10% – Percentage of staff to be let go by NPR. The national radio broadcast announces it will have to slash budgets and fire about 100 people due to a drop in revenue.

$55,000 – Grant money awarded to the City of Erie by the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) to help fund equitable business ownership, one of only six cities to be awarded this grant.

6.4% – Last month’s consumer price inflation shows signs of slowing, but is still well above the Fed’s target of 2%.

The post Month in Review | March 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | February 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 17:00:47 +0000

Horses at 287 and Jasper, Erie, CO. Photo credit: Carrie Dowdy

[WORLD]

Meta’s advertising practices of collecting personal data has been ruled illegal in the European Union, incurring a fine of over $400 million.
Greta Thunberg was carried away by German police at a climate protest while attempting to protect against the expansion of coal mining into a traditional German village.
The Chinese Communist Party lifted its heavy travel restrictions pertaining to the Covid pandemic just in time for Lunar New Years, the largest travel holiday for the nation.

[NATIONAL]

Five Memphis police officers were fired and charged with murder and a sixth placed on leave in the brazen murder of 29-year old Tyre Nichol. Beaten like a “human pinata” is how the Nichol’s family lawyers described the fatal attack. The unit the officers were part of has been disbanded as well.
Calls continue for freshman Republican George Santos to resign amid incredible accusations of multitudes of lies. It seems he has lied about nearly every stage of his life, including his schooling, his family, his career, and even his name.
Classified documents found by President Biden’s legal team at the President’s properties warrant the appointment of a Special Counsel to review.
Not the only former President under scrutiny for mishandling paperwork, classified documents have also been found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s possession raising questions on how material like this is handled when officials leave office.
The debate over the United States’ debt ceiling once again reawakens amid fear of partisan bickering and a divided government. Look for this to be used as a political tool in the coming weeks.
According to the White House, the coronavirus public health emergency will end in May, signaling a shift in policy and perception pertaining to Covid.
Ronna McDonald wins the RNC chair race for her fourth term. She is the longest serving RNC chair in centuries.
Actor Alec Baldwin is charged with involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico relating to a firearms death on set of the movie “Rust” which he was also producing.

[LOCAL]

CU Boulder student Patrick Scott Durham is expelled for having ties to neo-Nazi group Patriot Front, as investigated by the CU Independent and the Colorado Springs Anti Fascist group.
Two new members are finally confirmed to the The Boulder Police Oversight Panel, Lisa Sweeney-Miran and Sam Zhang. The pair both advocate for more effective oversight and changes in the way we think of policing and were opposed by pro-police organizations.
An Aurora police officer is charged with third degree assault after Aurora sheriffs were called in response to the off-duty officer allegedly punching a disabled woman.
Although six of the seven states that the Colorado River flows through have agreed to a water usage restriction proposal, California, the largest consumer, has failed to sign on. They are now forging ahead with their own proposal for the Federal government.
Investigators do not find enough evidence to implicate former Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Justin Nathan Coats, but state that he created a “dysfunctional and toxic” work environment during his time including an attempt to bribe an employee so she would not reveal dozens of sexual misconduct allegations in the department.
The Carlson 1-24 oil and gas site in Broomfield has been abandoned, environmentally tested, and re-seeded with native Colorado grass in order to incorporate the site into the Markel Open Space, reversing the typical trend of destroying nature to dig a well.
Lorena Garcia, previous U.S. Senate Candidate, is chosen in the first round of voting to fill the vacancy in the Colorado House of Representatives after the resignation of representative Adrienne Benavidez.
City of Thornton joins a growing lawsuit against companies that produced “forever chemicals” called PFAS which have since entered the town’s drinking water.

Small Talk

“This peaceful continuation of power must never be taken for granted. Our mandate from the people of Colorado is to lead the Colorado way. It’s not about the brand of our politics, it’s about solutions.” – Governor Polis at his January 10th, 20223 inauguration.

“Colorado is not and has never been a sanctuary state and the governor is not focused on buzzwords” – spokesperson for Governor Polis states in regards to Colorado accepting more migrants in December.

“This young man lost his life in a particularly disgusting manner that points to the desperate need for change and reform to ensure this violence stops occurring during low-threat procedures, like in this case, a traffic stop.” – Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, attorneys for Tyre Nichol’s family

“Humans have a basic cognitive need to categorize and simplify the world around them. And some lawyers use a prospective juror’s race or gender as a proxy for their ability to serve on a jury, in reliance on stereotypes.” – Ann M. Roan, Boulder-based criminal defense attorney regarding Senate Bill 128’s attempt to rectify racial bias in the justice system.

By the Numbers

536 – Daily deaths still occur on average from Covid across the United States according to CDC data.

15 – Rounds of voting it took to elect Speaker McCarthy to the position, the first Speaker to take multiple rounds of voting to confirm in 100 years.

98,435 – Tons of debris from the Marshall Fire accepted by the Front Range Landfill to help with recovery efforts.

4 – Deaths by avalanches over the first three weeks of January in Colorado’s mountains.

17 – Candidates in the Denver Mayoral race. With only 300 signatures needed to get on the ballot the field is much larger this year.

The post Month in Review | February 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | January 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 17:00:02 +0000

January 6th Select Committee refers former President Donald Trump to the Justice Dept. for felony charges. The Committee’s charges include insurrection, obstruction of the proceeding, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Four Trump allies, Kevin McCarthy, Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, and Andy Biggs, all Republicans, were also referred to the House Ethics Committee for a failure to comply.
Brittney Griner is released from a Russian labor camp. The WNBA star was released in an exchange between the United States and Russia. Convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout was swapped for Griner, who was accused and convicted of possessing marijuana. Welcome home Brittney!
UN Member Nations Oust Iran from Women’s Rights Panel. This obvious move was the latest effort by the international community to condemn the Iranian government’s crackdown on widespread protest and unrest. The women’s movement to remove the requirement to wear a hijab had been met with violence.
President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act. The newly signed bill recognizes a national right to a same-sex marriage, and mitigates the potential impact of a conservative Superme Court overturning the currently established law. Governor Polis was a strong advocate for this bill during his time in Congress.
Kyrsten Sinema switches party affiliation from Democrat to Independent. Just as her relevance as a swing vote was fading, Sinema once again captures a news cycle by announcing she is leaving the Democratic party. Sinema consistently voted against progressive policies as a Democrat, leading many to doubt that her party affiliation will change the landscape of Congress.
FTX’s co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried is arrested in the Bahamas and extradited to the U.S. in connection to the collapse of the crypto-exchange company he founded. He was released on a $250 million bond and is now on house arrest.
Argentina defeats France to win the World Cup. Lionell Messi helps lead his team to victory in what many are calling the best final match ever, despite the numerous off-field scandals involving FIFA and the host nation, Qatar.
25 People arrested in Germany for an attempted plot to overthrow the democratic government. Raids were conducted across the country in a coordinated infiltration of an extremist group plotting a coup against the democratically elected government.
December 30th marks the one year anniversary of the Marshall Fire that swept through Superior, Louisville and parts of Boulder County forever changing the landscape of these treasured towns.
2 Killed in Shooting at Jehovah’s Witness Church in Thornton. The Christmas Day shooting happened when no services were occuring. Authorities say a man shot his wife before taking his own life. There was no threat of wider violence to the public.
University of Colorado Football program hires Deion Sanders as Head Coach. The former NFL superstar coached Jackson State for their recent winning seasons but prompted controversy by leaving for CU Boulder. Jackson State is a historically black college and critics say Sanders left early after promising the college he would remain at the helm.
The District Attorney filed hundreds of hate crime and murder charges against the Club Q shooter. Attorney for the 4th District Michael Allen filed the charges as a clear message to the community as well as the shooter that the DA will take a strong stand. Bias-motivated charges have also been filed under a new Colorado Law that allows additional prosecution for crimes committed against specific groups of people.

Small Talk

“The testing stems from a recent spike in reports of individuals smoking in public restrooms over the past four weeks. On two occasions, city employees were evaluated and cleared of ongoing health concerns after experiencing symptoms consistent with a potential exposure to meth residue or fumes.”

– Boulder City Staff regarding the closure of Arapaho Ave. Library due to presence of methamphetamine in the air conditioning system.

“A key contributor during the winningest four-year period in franchise history, Ronnie was part of two Super Bowl teams and led the Broncos in rushing during our Super Bowl 50 championship season.”

– Denver Broncos statement on the passing of Ronnie Hillman, age 31.

“We will celebrate Christmas. Maybe candlelit. Not because it’s more romantic, no, but because there will be no electricity. Millions won’t have neither heating nor running water. All of these will be the result of Russian missile and drone attacks on our energy infrastructure.”

– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his December 21st address to Congress.

“I am ready for my next chapter outside of this golden dome as I plan to continue to work for the people of Colorado… With my fellow Latino legislators, we have grown our caucus to 14 members, the largest in Colorado history. I am proud of our work to engage Latinos across our state and ensure the needs and concerns of our Latino communities are addressed. This outreach and advocacy will continue under their watchful eyes, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact.”

– Colorado State Representative Adrienne Benavidez said in her resignation letter.

“It’s happening all over the place, and it’s very alarming for publishers and the larger book world.”

– Elizabeth A. Harris, New York Times writer on banned books.

“It’s a great tragedy that for 1,500 fish there was no chance of survival. The focus in the afternoon was clearly on saving the fish in the remaining tanks.”

– Almut Neumann, Berlin City Official on the AquaDom Aquarium collapse.

By The Numbers

$187,000 – Denver Federal Appeals Court upholds a sanction against lawyers claiming the 2022 election was rigged against Donald Trump in favor of President Joe Biden.
½ Point – The Fed raised interest rates again in an attempt to reduce inflation and nail that “soft landing”. This is now the highest interest rate in 15 years.
2,880 – Calls taken via MESA’s (Moving to End Sexual Assault) 24-hour hotline (303-443-7300).
$10.7 billion – CVS and Walgreens are set to pay a settlement from a lawsuit led by Colorado that included other states. This payout is the latest attempt at financial restitution for the damage caused by the distribution of harmful opioids.

$918,926.73 – Amount issued in rebates for Superior residents relating to the Marshall Fire.
$593.5 Million – Boulder County announces its budget for the coming year.
$3.33 – Price per gallon of gas falls to its lowest price in a year in a much needed positive sign for your wallet.
-24° – Intense late December cold front affects most of the nation and brings dangerously low temperatures to BOCO and North Metro.

The post Month in Review | January 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | November 2022

Thomas Rutherford — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:45:52 +0000

Photo: Judi Morell

On November 15, Former President Trump announced his plan to run for President again in 2024 amid continued investigations into his criminal activities including the events of January 6th, 2020 and the discovery of stolen classified documents at his Mar-a-lago resort.
A blast killed two people in Poland on November 16. According to NATO and the Polish government, the blast likely resulted from a stray Ukrainian defense missile responding to an incoming Russian barrage.
On November 16, NASA successfully launched its first rocket in its Artemis project. The unmanned flight will go around the moon and is a test meant to be the first step in returning astronauts to the moon after decades of missions aimed at low-Earth orbit.
On November 16, the US Senate advanced legislation to protect same-sex marriage. In a 62-37 vote, 12 Republicans voted with all Democrats to move forward with the bill. It is expected to pass where it will then move to the House for approval.
On November 16, it was announced that Republicans had flipped the House back in their favor. Although a so-called “red wave” was predicted by Republicans, the majority is extremely slim and took nearly a week of vote-counting for it to be clear that the party had won the majority.
In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Michigan, California and Vermont voters all approved sweeping amendments to their states’ constitutions guaranteeing the right to abortion and other reproductive health services. This comes after it was announced that Kentucky voters rejected an anti-abortion amendment meant to insulate a state abortion ban.
On November 4, Elon Musk assumed his position as CEO of social media company Twitter after his acquisition of the company. He immediately laid off half the company’s staff and implemented certain content bans as to what users could post, contradictory to his promises that his acquisition would create greater opportunities for free speech.
Aaron Carter, who became a beloved teen-sensation in the early 2000’s, was found dead at age 34 at his home on November 5th.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis won another term over his opponent Heidi Ganahl.
After a neck-and-neck race, it was announced that Lauren Boebert, the controversial representative of Colorado’s 3rd district, had beaten her opponent, Adam Frisch, by 0.2% of votes. The race result will undergo a mandatory recount.
Colorado voters voted to legalize psilocybin and psychedelic therapy, becoming the second state to do so after Oregon did in 2020. Similarly to Oregon, Colorado voters also approved Proposition 122 which will decriminalize the growing, use, and possession of psychedelic mushrooms.
Nathaniel Stark, a 27 year old Boulder man, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for second-degree sexual assault. Stark had previously pleaded guilty to the abuse of his former girlfriend’s pet cats and dog and is serving a 3 year sentence for animal abuse concurrently with the 12 year second-degree sexual assault sentence. The courts have labeled Stark as a “violent sexual offender,” a designation given to sexual offenders deemed likely to reoffend.
On November 18, Colorado Open Lands granted permanent protection to the Tucker Open Space outside of Nederland. The 323-acre space was privately owned until it was purchased in 2020 by Boulder County.

Small Talk

“We are willing to look at it operationally. There are things we can do. I think as you suggested — off hours (on) Saturdays — we may be able to come to some agreements on that at an operational level. I think it’s something that through the negotiation, I think we were pretty consistent that the school district was not willing to accept that.”

– Boulder Valley Senior Planner Glen Segrue in regards to the negotiations surrounding the controversial proposal for Boulder Valley School District to annex 48 acres at 6500 Arapahoe Rd. in Boulder for its Education Center property and a modular home factory for students to build homes for Habitat for Humanity.

“It’s quite a bit busier. Everyone working together to keep the clients safe and warm helps us not burn ourselves out, which is kind of our goal this winter.”

– Larry Jacobs, a professor of political history, elections and voting behavior at the University of Minnesota, in regards to election deniers reportedly increasing efforts to sabotage upcoming elections.

“We are excited to announce our ice rink is back for passengers and community members to enjoy.”

– Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington in regard to the return of its ice rink to its outdoor plaza which has been shut down since 2020 due to COVID.

“I’ve been processing flowers and sweeping floors since I was little. I’ve been around the business for a really long time, but the transition from being around the business to being intimately involved with the business is pretty big.”

– Nate Golter, new owner of Longmont Florist, a 53-year town staple. Golter inherited the business from his grandfather, Gary.

By The Numbers

Matt Smiley, a Colorado angler, caught the largest brook trout in the state’s history. The fish weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and was 26.25 inches long.
Biodesix Incorporated, a Boulder-based life-sciences company that specializes in developing tools to detect lung disease, has launched a new public offering of 30.5 million shares in order to meet the terms of a new $50 million line of credit from a healthcare investment firm. The company expects to raise $35.1 million with its public offering.

Over 100 members of the Coal Creek Community Chorus debuted their original song, “A Spark,” honoring the victims of the Marshall Fires at their fall concert that took place on Monday, November 13th.
Approximately 55,600 Coloradans voted this year on election day. This is an increase over the 23,000 voters in 2020, and the 48,500 voters in 2018.
Colorado COVID cases are slightly on the rise with 1,004 new cases being reported as of November 17 and a weekly average of 1,180.

The post Month in Review | November 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | October 2022

Thomas Rutherford — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:00:04 +0000

Nury Martinez

On Oct. 18th, President Joe Biden made a pledge to Congress promising that, if Democrats can hold on to their majority, the first bills he will sign into law in 2023 will protect abortion rights.
On October 6th, President Biden pardoned all people federally convicted on marijuana charges. He also announced an investigation into the drug’s federal classification.
On October 13th, it was reported that the January 6th panel plans to subpoena former President Trump in regards to his actions during the Capitol riot.
Angela Lansbury, star of the beloved mystery show Murder, She Wrote, passed away on October 11th at the age of 96.
Nury Martinez, the Los Angeles city council president, was called on by President Biden to resign after audio of her making racist remarks was leaked.
Uvalde, Texas suspended its entire police force on October 7th amid protest of its response to the May 24th mass shooting.
The approved $1 million from Denver’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has begun to be distributed. The ARPA will distribute the money in 3 stages to around 4,000 individuals experiencing food insecurity as a result of inflation and the COVID pandemic.
FEMA has awarded $3.4 million dollars to the state of Colorado to support Marshall Fire Recovery efforts.
CU Boulder has expanded its parental leave policy with benefits to employees kicking in immediately.
A Longmont man named Sammy Valdez that has been suspected in connection with a Lafayette fentanyl overdose has begun his trial.
On Thursday October 6th, Yellow Scene was the first publication to report on the disappearance of Chloe Campbell. Previously listed by police as a runaway, Boulder Police Department was flooded by calls the following day which ultimately caused them to escalate the case on Saturday, October 8th, and formally investigate it. This resulted in Campbell being found and returned to her family on October 10th.
On October 18th, an amber alert was put out for A’myah Gordon, a 10-month old from Aurora. She was last seen in the 14900 block of East Alameda Parkway in Aurora.
Denver’s So Many Roads, a Grateful Dead-themed bar, has been ordered to close for the month of November in response to reports of employees dealing cocaine and other substances.

Small Talk

“Yeah, we’re back. That was checking off boxes. That was me two years ago, which is obviously I’m still me, but that was the mentality I was in. I’m back. Everybody knows I’m going to go get this bucket, and everybody has the belief that I’m going to go get this bucket.”

– Jamal Murray on his return to the Nuggets after receiving knee surgery.

“It’s moved from spur of the moment, ad hoc, to an organized, well-funded, premeditated effort to make charges of election fraud.”

– Larry Jacobs, a professor of political history, elections and voting behavior at the University of Minnesota, in regards to election deniers reportedly increasing efforts to sabotage upcoming elections.

“We know that the last few years have been challenging. Some of the toughest years in our history. But we’ve never kept our eye off of keeping Colorado moving forward.”

– Governor Jared Polis during his contentious debate with opponent Heidi Ganahl.

“About eight or nine years ago, KeHE said that we want to be more closely connected to the natural foods community and the epicenter of the natural foods industry.”

– Organic food company KeHE Distributions, LLC executive director of brands Ben Friedland in regards to doubling down on making Boulder its home with the opening of a new innovation center on 14th and Canyon.

“It can give exposure to the beauty and unique characteristics of Boulder to a broad audience. We want to continue to attract attention from the movie business.”

– President and CEO of Boulder Chamber of Commerce John Tayer in regards to a film titled “Elevation” starring Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin filming scenes in Boulder

By The Numbers

The United States reached a record $31 trillion national debt.
Longmont City Council Race candidates Mitzi Nicoletti, Sean McCoy, and Gary Hodges, all competing for the same seat, have collectively raised $13,000 in campaign donations.
President Biden has announced that he will release 15 million barrels from the oil reserve.

A new law will take effect next year that allows companies to receive tax credits if their employees reduce their transportation to and from work, with companies being eligible for 50% returns.
As of June, 15 cities and other local U.S. jurisdictions have decriminalized possession of psilocybin or deprioritized the policing, prosecution, or arrest of users.
COVID rates are down in Colorado. As of October 17th, there have been 155 new cases with a weekly average of 62.

The post Month in Review | October 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | September 2022

Thomas Rutherford — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:00:46 +0000

The FBI reported finding empty folders meant for classified documents in their raid of Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago resort.
Queen Elizabeth died on September 8th at the age of 96. She will be succeeded by her eldest son, Charles III.
On September 28th, Hurricane Ian touched down in Fort Myers, Florida. A category 5 hurricane, it is one of the most powerful storms to hit the US in decades, with wind speeds being recorded at over 150 mph.
On September 16th, the EPA announced it has granted $121 million in federal funding to Colorado for watersheds and clean drinking water as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The U.S. Senate delayed their vote on a bill protecting same-sex marriage until after the midterm elections.
The body of Hillaree Nelson, a Coloradan extreme skier famed for reaching the summit of Mount Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world, was discovered in Kathmandu, Nepal. Reports say she was skiing Mount Manaslu and fell off the mountain.
A prescribed burn was scheduled on September 27th to teach fire investigation students. Conducted by West Metro Fire, the students will learn about fire prevention and management through the prescribed burn which lasted three days.
A Boulder woman, Laura McCall and her two sons disappeared abruptly on September 14th. The children were found the next morning alone in their mother’s car. McCall was soon found nearby and arrested on two charges of misdemeanor child abuse. The children were subsequently reunited with their father.
A 20 year old Greeley woman named Yareni Rios-Gonzalez was critically injured after being placed in the back of a police car that was parked on train tracks which was then hit by a train. She is expected to recover and no charges have been filed at this point.
Disgraced pop star R. Kelly was charged with child sexual abuse and the production of child abuse imagery on September 14th. Kelly was already serving a 30-year sentence on charges of racketeering and child abuse and the new charges are expected to add to that sentence.
Amtrak halted all long distance trains in response to potential stoppages related to two prominent rail freight unions working out contract negotiations.
Famed rapper Coolio, known for his 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” died at age 59 on September 28th.

Small Talk

“Home prices in Colorado increased by 40% in less than two years, so I think what we are seeing now is a little bit of correction. Rising interest rates are tightening the market and I think we are switching from a seller’s market to a buyer’s one.”

– Nick VinZant, a senior research analyst at QuoteWizard, an insurance website, in regard to a decline in Colorado’s home prices.

“That’s the past, and this is the now. I just know what we’re about to go out there and try to do. I know it’s going to be a great game in a rivalry between these two teams, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

– Broncos Coach Nathaniel Hackett in regard to the team’s game against the Raiders.

“We are trying to engage more volunteers all of the time. We want folks that want to do citizen science work. It is really important because it is just a snapshot, and it’s good to look at whether the water is improving or declining.”

– Barb Sheedlo, president of the St. Vrain Anglers Chapter, part of the national nonprofit Trout Unlimited regarding the “Citizen Scientist” program that allows volunteers to assist with the collection of aquatic macroinvertebrate to see whether diverse species are living in the waterways, which gives researchers insight into the health of the river system in the Longmont area.

“This was a pretty cool event, and we wanted to make sure everybody knew about it.”

– Mountain View Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Jeff Webb at an event honoring Addison Meyer, an Erie 11 year old that was commended for reporting a fire at a neighbor’s house before it got out of hand.

“If you have received a settlement or denial letter from your insurance company, it’s important to share this information with FEMA. This information is crucial to updating your FEMA case.”

– A release reminding those attempting to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA after the Marshall Fires to make sure their applications are up to date.

By The Numbers

A poll shows that amongst Colorado voters, Planned Parenthood has the highest favorability rating among organizations and agencies with 71%. Labor unions and Denver teachers both were favored by 61% of voters.
The poll found that 27% of those voters deemed “addressing the housing crisis” as the most important issue by which they will judge mayoral candidates next year.
Denver’s beloved Mutiny Information Cafe faced shut down after being seized by the city over back taxes. Supporters saved the independent bookstore and coffee shop by raising $50,000.

On September 27th, it was reported that COVID numbers are rising yet again, with 919 cases being reported. The 7-day average is 681.
Banned Book Week celebrated its 40th anniversary this month, a movement that condemns censorship and encourages the reading of banned books.

The post Month in Review | September 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | August 2022

Thomas Rutherford — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 22:15:58 +0000

Courtesy of Shutterstock

The FBI executed a search warrant on former president Trump’s Florida resort, Mar-A-Lago. The FBI has been revealed to be investigating Trump for the crimes of: “removal or destruction of government records; destroying or concealing records with the intent to impede, obstruct or influence federal government activity; and violations of the Espionage act regarding unauthorized retention of national defense information.” Agents seized 11 “classified” documents with one marked “top secret,” the highest level of classification.
Trump supporters were outraged by the raid. Ricky Shiffer, a well-known and outspoken Trump advocate, attempted to storm an FBI office in Cincinnati, OH armed with an AR-15 in retaliation. He was subsequently killed by police.
President Joe Biden announced his Student Loan Forgiveness Plan. Borrowers that took federal loans that make under $125,000 a year and received Pell Grants will be eligible for up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness. Pell Grants are given to students from low- and middle- income families. Borrowers that make less than $125,000 a year and did not receive a Pell Grant will be eligible for up to $10,000.
President Biden signed executive order 14076: Protecting Access to Reproductive Health Care. This is an attempt to curb some of the damage done by the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It allows emergency room doctors to perform an abortion if the patient’s life is at risk and the procedure is necessary. It is also an attempt to combat restrictive reproductive State legislatures that have complicated matters of insurance and under which circumstances doctors are allowed to perform certain procedures.
Colorado State Senator Kevin Priola announced that he will be switching parties and becoming a Democrat. This is a blow to Republicans trying to take control of the Colorado State Senate. The Colorado GOP is now seeking a recall.
A 29-year-old climber visiting from Minnesota fell 35-feet in Eldorado Canyon and survived after being caught by ropes and his climbing partner. He still had a hard ground landing and sustained injuries but is expected to recover.
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and other pro-gun activists filed lawsuits against Louisville and Boulder in protest of recent gun control measures. According to the group’s spokespeople, these are the first of many.
The Uvalde School Police Chief, Pete Arredondo, has been fired due to his handling of the May 24th mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that resulted in the deaths of 19 children aged 8, 9, and 10, and 2 teachers. Arredondo released a statement referring to his termination as “illegal” and as an “unconstitutional public lynching.” Under Arredondo’s command, hundreds of police officers waited for an hour outside of the school before going in to stop the shooter. His termination has been called for by the families of the victims since the tragedy occurred.
The amount of people that have been fully vaccinated against COVID continues to grow in Colorado. 72.5% of the population have received the full vaccination and 82.2% have received at least one dose.

Small Talk

“There will be another spike this fall. That’s going to happen.”

– Bob McDonald, executive director of Denver Department of Public Health and Environment speaking on the potential rise of COVID cases.

“Some of these bears learn that trash equals food. They see a trash can, they’re going to investigate. The more we can keep them from learning that trash equals food, or humans equal food, the less likely we’re going to have to get involved.”

– Joey Livingston, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Public Information Officer in regard to increasing bear euthanizations resulting from human-bear interactions

“There’s a pretty robust La Niña setting up right now, and when we look back at the last significant La Niña event, that was a very healthy snow year — not only for Colorado, but the entire western United States.”

– Sam Collentine, chief operating officer for the ski-oriented OpenSnow weather forecasting and monitoring service referring to snow predictions for the upcoming winter season

“The county is definitely excited that people can focus on the rebuild and not worry about their lot and getting it cleaned up. Everyone on the debris removal side is definitely breathing a lot easier now.”

– Andrew Barth, a spokesman for Boulder County’s public works department regarding the completion of the Marshall Fire cleanup effort.

“Our teachers and our employees desperately need this.”

– Douglas County Board of Education Director Elizabeth Hanson during a meeting where measures were voted on to pay educators higher wages to help schools retain employees and build new schools

By The Numbers

Anthony Fauci announced that he will step down from his position as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in December after 40 years.
President Biden signed the largest clean energy spending bill in US history that allocates more than $300 billion for climate and energy reform.
The Washington Post reports 1,056 people have been shot and killed by police this year.

1,136: The amount of new COVID cases continue to drop.
Wait times for abortions in Colorado hit two weeks.
108 Coloradans have been killed by gun violence in 2022, a modern record.

The post Month in Review | August 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | July 2022

Tristan Stoller D'Antonio — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 20:00:49 +0000

Photo credit: Maico Pereira via Unsplash

On July 19, the U.S. House vigorously approved a bill—Respect for Marriage Act, RMA (H.R. 8404)—which repeals Section 2 of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and provides same-sex couples with certainty that federal protection and benefits would flow from a valid marriage celebrated in a state where such marriages are legal, despite if a couple travels or relocates to different state. With many other crucial precedents reposing on the clause of due process people have begun to worry that more civil liberties will be attacked by the partisan Supreme Court.
As baby formula has dropped to the lowest level of inventory recorded so far this year—with nearly 30% of formula products still out of stock as of July 3, 2022-the Biden administration along with close coordination with formula companies have begun importing products from surrounding companies to bridge the gap; until U.S. production can keep shelves stocked.
The newly authorized 4th COVID-19 vaccine was cleared for use in the U.S. On July 19, 2022: Novavax. Inc, an American biotechnology company has shipped 3.2 million vaccination doses to federal distribution centers. People could start receiving the vaccines as early as July 25.
During August 1-31—the highest ozone season in Colorado—the entire month will offer Zero Fare charge on all regional transportation district (RTD) systems to help combat ground level ozone emissions. The fare-free month on RTD transportation was made possible by the Colorado Senate bill 22-180; signed by Gov. Jared Polis on May 26, 2022, and RTDs partnership with Colorado Energy office allowing 68 million to go to transit systems, Bustang service, and to improve main streets.
As of July 25, DCP operating company LP is set to pay a $3.25 million fine after federal and Colorado state air pollution officials discovered the companies lack of attention to detect and repair leaks resulting in increased health-harming ozone emissions in Weld County. The EPA has Weld County part of the northern Front Range non-attainment area for its continued ozone violations. State officials and the EPA said in a statement that they’re focusing on tightening the oil and gas operations in the northern Front Range regions.
The City of Boulder is currently seeking out a $6.5 million annual climate tax—The Climate Action Plan Tax—which will help protect and sustain against pollution and rising heat waves. If approved by votes this fall, the tax would shift the majority of the cost to business and industries, and away from city residents.
Cobalt Abortion Fund has seen their caseload triple since the Supreme Court, in an unprecedented decision, chose to strike down Roe Vs. Wade. Newly released fund data reveals that Cobalt Colorado paid for 710 procedures between January 1 and July 25, with 88 in June alone. And of the 168 clients the organization helped between June 24 and July 21 with practical support such as travel expenses, child care and hotel rooms, 64 percent were from Texas, 31 percent came from other states, and 5 percent were from Colorado.
U.S. companies that prescribe abortion pills after telehealth consultation have seen an increase in demand in restrictive states since last months Supreme Court overturn of Roe V. Wade. States where it is illegal to have an abortion—women can still receive pills through non-profits and companies based overseas or in nonrestricted states. The Biden administration has sought to protect access to pills used to conduct more than half of abortions in the U.S.
Since Russia’s first attack on Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, not a single compromise has been made; until now—Friday, July 22, Ukrainian and Russian officials sat at separate tables while they signed the U.N.-backed grain export deal in Istanbul, Turkey. The agreement will clear the way in Odesa and other ports for shipments of wheat out of The Black Sea within weeks, freeing up storage space in Ukraine for fresh harvests.
Tina Peters was arrested for a second time and released on bond from Pitkin County after contacting Mesa County Elections Director Brandi Bantz under her grand jury indictment for allegedly facilitating a security breach in the Mesa County election office.

Small Talk

“As much as the world is tired of infectious disease crises, they are part of a new normal that is going to demand a lot of resources.” – Tom Ingiesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at The Bloomberg School of Public Health, on the Monkeypox outbreak

“We cannot solve our unacceptable air pollution problem without significantly increasing clean travel options. While these investments won’t be enough to ensure clean air for Colorado this summer, they are a great start.” – Danny Katz, executive director of CoPIRG, said in a recent news release praising all of SB-180’s components

“The increase in demand has been disproportionate.” – Sandra Cardona, founder of Red Necesito Abortar, an abortion non-profit in Monterey

“EPA continues to deliver cleaner air through the rigorous enforcement of the Clean Air Act. This settlement will reduce emissions of over 288 tons of volatile organic compounds and 1,300 tons of methane from production areas near northern Colorado communities, a majority of which are disproportionately impacted by pollution.” – EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker in statement about Weld County’s ozone leakage

“The lifting of these blockades will go some way in easing the extreme hunger that over 18 million people in East Africa are facing with 3 million already facing catastrophic hunger conditions.” – Shashwat Saraf, the International Rescue Committee’s East Africa emergency director

By The Numbers

Fire was top-of-mind for many respondents to a recent poll about the climate tax, according to staff. An overwhelming 78% of those surveyed would support a $5 million tax, the poll found, and 71% would vote for an $8 million tax.
In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the state’s individual income tax revenue was roughly $9.5 billion, accounting for more than 60% of total general fund revenue.
Among some 2,800 people who used telehealth for an abortion, about 96% reported the pils were effective and 1% reported experiencing adverse events, according to a 2022 study in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas.

The war with Russia has blocked shipments, leading to a backlog of 20 million tons of grain in Ukraine.
Tina Peters, who spoke virtually at the event Sunday, asked couples to donate $2,500 each to raise $250,000 for a recount.

The post Month in Review | July 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | June 2022

Tristan Stoller D'Antonio — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 17:29:25 +0000

The state legislature passed a law, SB21-256, permitting towns, cities and counties in Colorado to create their own gun regulations. On Tuesday, June 7: Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, and Boulder put in place a new ordinance making it so all assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire trigger activators, are prohibited; and all four cities have raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21.
The House on June 9 approved a “red flag” law which would allow families, police, and others to petition the state court to temporarily remove all firearms from a person who is deemed a high-risk threat to themselves or others. So far Colorado and 18 other states including the District of Columbia have enacted this law.
Avalanche V. Lightning, 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final kicked off this month and ended in a Colorado victory. High tension and heart-pounding anxiety filled fans going into game six with a 3-2 win/loss record. The final score was 2-1 and the Avalanche took home the Stanley Cup for the third time since coming to Colorado in 1995.
Yellowstone National Park suffered terrible damage when the 692 mile long Yellowstone River jumped 6ft. and flooded its banks—closing the park down on June 13. Although vast damage was done to the historic park, on June 22 a now reopened Yellowstone allowed an eager several miles long line of 5,000 cars to enter early that morning.
With inflation rising at record levels, manufacturers and consumers face rising costs across the nation, companies have been cutting costs by quietly shrinking packages, ”shrinkflation”—meaning less product, same price. This practice isn’t new by any means but it has been mushrooming worldwide as people try and find ways to cope with the increased cost of ingredients for packaging.
Last year, when president Biden declared Juneteenth a national holiday, it brought to life a cohesive gathering of people on Freedom Day eager to learn the holiday’s history. Festivals such as Five Points in Denver to the celebration of the holiday in the streets of downtown Erie with their first black mayor.
Covid-19 hospitalization reports in Colorado have reached the same level that they were during early March, 2022, which saw an increase from 270 cases on June 7 to 323 cases on June 14, 2022. On June 18, the U.S. rolled out Covid-19 vaccinations for children as young as six months in some locations after being given the green light by companies like Pfizer and Moderna. Although Colorado and the U.S. has seen a dramatic increase in infections—deaths from Covid were recorded at a rate close to the lowest of the pandemic. Over the weekend on June 18, the U.S. rolled out Covid-19 vaccinations for children as young as six months in some locations, including a Walgreens in South Carolina and another in N.Y., companies like Pfizer and Moderna have given the green light for the long awaited vaccines for children.
In the early morning hours on Friday, June 24, the Supreme Court reshaped U.S. politics as they have eliminated women’s Constitutional right to abortion; which will lead to bans on the procedure in about half of states nation wide. In 6-3 ruling, the Court ends a 50-year ruling of women abortion rights making this Supreme Court one of the most partisan in history. Many police departments across the country are preparing for the confused and angered reaction from people to Roe V. Wade overturn of which there has been no violence from protestors to date. President Biden called the court’s action the “realization of extreme ideology.”
Over the weekend on June 18, the U.S. rolled out Covid-19 vaccinations for children as young as six months in some locations, including a Walgreens in South Carolina and another in N.Y., companies like Pfizer and Moderna have given the green light for the long awaited vaccines for children.
Colorado Republican, Lauren Boebert, faces allegations that she inflated the mileage she logged on the campaign trail in 2020 and then used more than $20,000 of donor reimbursements to pay off her restaurant in Rifle, CO, and years of tax liens. Financial campaign inquiries are drawn out and conclusions are yet to yield until Colorado’s primary on June 28. (has anything come of the prostitution allegations?)
On June 20, President Biden proposed a gas tax holiday plea in an attempt to ease high fuel prices, as the dilemma around record-high inflation ensues, leaving the White House in a state of panic as they try to find a way to cope. The suspension of gas tax, which is currently 18.4 cents per gallon, would need action required by Congress.
Father’s Day evening, June 19, left terror in the streets as another all too familiar dreadful shooting occurred in East Harlem, N.Y., killing a Houston Baptist University basketball standout, Darius Lee—21-years-old—while eight others were wounded as people rushed from the area; the streets littered with red Solo cups as sirens echoed in the distance.

Small Talk

“Our action now is the result of a generation that has grown up with lockdown drills and school shootings saying #enough is enough. In Colorado, we have seen threats and gun violence in places of worship, the theater, the grocery store, and school after school.” – Ashley Stolzmann, Louisville Mayor

“Anytime you lose you don’t feel great about it. We dipped our toes in the water in the beginning and dug ourselves a hole but there were stretches I liked what we were doing too. There’s some positive signs but the right team won the game.” – Lightning Coach Jon Cooper

“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start.” – Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote for the majority in the 6-to-3 decision of the Roe V. Wade overturn

“This is unfortunately, yet again, another example of the senseless gun violence that seems to be plaguing our country right now and we all pray it will cease.” – HBU Athletics Director Steve Moniaci said in a statement

“If we only look when a lot of people are killed, we kind of miss the bigger picture.” – Ron Avi Astor (professor of social welfare at the University of California)

By The Numbers

The post Month in Review | June 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | May 2022

Adrian Connolly — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 23:00:38 +0000

On May 19, Rita Gutierrez-Garcia’s remains were found in Weld County, Colo. after a four-year-long investigation into her disappearance. The mother of three was last seen alive on March 18, 2018. Juan Figueroa, Jr., was charged with her murder and kidnap in June 2021 even though a body had not been recovered at that point.
A temporary halt has been put in place on Boulder’s controversial ban on car camping. The ban was stopped after residents and advocates for the unhoused spoke out against the ban at a town hearing that was held on May 19.
The Supreme Court of the United States is set to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, allowing states to decide the legality of abortion. On May 3rd, a draft of the court’s decision was leaked to the public, sparking outrage and protests across the country.
Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump were debunked by the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office on May 19. Peters released a report in March claiming that “potentially unauthorized and illegal manipulation of tabulated vote data” had occurred. District Attorney Daniel P. Rubinstein completely refuted Peters’ claims stating that there was “extensive evidence” that Peters’ claims were unequivocally false.
Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo will be closing its in-person psychiatric care facility. The closure is due to “decreased utilization by payers for inpatient psychiatric services…” The exact date of the facility’s closure is yet to be determined.
After 47 years of operation, the Cripple Creek Care Center will be closing its doors this June. The closure comes as a result of nearly 40% of the nursing home’s staff leaving the facility in the past two years.
On May 4, Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine attempted to introduce a resolution that would establish Weld County as the Colorado’s first “human life sanctuary,” an anti-abortion designation designed to limit local access to the procedure. The resolution has been tabled for the time being.
Colorado Democratic State Representatives have reached out to federal officials to increase funding for the Front Range rail project that has been in the works for years. The representatives’ letter read, “The population among the Front Range is expected to grow by 35%, increasing the pressure on Colorado’s transportation system. This project will help ease the burden on our roads, improve safety of commuters, and create jobs across the state.”
Republican Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert will resign from his roles as both a state Senator and the leader of the chamber’s minority party. Holbert served as a state Senator for eight years and as the leader of the Colorado Senate Republicans for six.
Colorado District Judge Marcia Krieger has blocked drilling by Bill Koch’s Gunnison Energy. Krieger’s decision has prevented Gunnison Energy from creating 35 fracked gas wells across 30,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land between Gunnison and the Grand Mesa.
The United States has officially passed a $40 billion spending package to aid Ukraine in its defense against Russia. This financial aid will be used for economic support, the seizure of assets from Russian oligarchs, weapons, and to supplement the extreme food shortage in Ukraine.
The Superior Historical Museum is to rebuild after being completely destroyed by the Marshall Fire. The museum will be moving to Grasso bungalow in Grasso Park. Museum curators are asking Superior residents for the donation of artifacts to help replace those lost during the fire as they prepare to reopen the museum.
Former Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey has been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. McCaffery considers the induction “an honor.”
An 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children, two teachers, and injured 17 others at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Thursday, May 26. The massacre marked the deadliest US school shooting in nearly a decade. This is the 30th school shooting at a K-12 school in 2022. Officers took 30 minutes to an hour to enter the school stop the 18-year-old murderer.

Small Talk

“I am grateful to the Senate Republican Caucus for electing me to serve as Leader for six of the eight years that I can serve in the Colorado Senate…” — State Senator Chris Holbert on his resignation from the Colorado Senate

“By the agencies’ own admission, the plan should never have been approved in the first place… In this court’s view, allowing the agency the opportunity to fix the error is more important than forcing the public to abide by a decision that the agency concedes was improper.” — Colorado District Judge Marcia Krieger on her decision to block Gunnison Energy’s oil drilling

“I will never jeopardize the care that we give our residents. With the staffing numbers having decreased to the level that they have, that absolutely was a possibility had this decision not been made.” — Cripple Creek Care Center night nurse and administrator Lawrence Cowan on the decision to close

“Ukraine clearly believes that it can win, and so does everyone here. Ukraine needs our help to win today. And they will still need our help when the war is over.” — Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the United States’ continued support of Ukraine

“This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here.” — Chief Justice John Roberts on the leaking of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

“This proposed ordinance is an insult to the Boulder community who is still recovering from the Marshall Fire and will rebuild after future fires.” — Boulder SAFE representative Ryan Harwood on Boulder’s proposed car camping ban

“I told one of the officers myself, if they didn’t want to go in there, let me borrow his gun and a vest and I’ll go in there myself to handle it…” — A father whose child attended the Uvalde elementary school

By the Numbers

The post Month in Review | May 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | April 2022

Adrian Connolly — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 14:00:19 +0000

Art courtesy of redtailridgelouisville.com

• 33-year-old male arrested for sexual exploitation of a child. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office arrested the 33-year-old man known as Andreas Halusa on the charges of possession of child sexual abuse material in the 600 block of Pearl St. in the City of Boulder.

• A Denver Grand Jury has indicted 10 gang members for 114 felony counts against 47 people. Nine individuals have been arrested while one member of this gang remains at large.

• The U.S. has sent a combined total of 2.4 billion dollars to Ukraine. This number includes the cost of the military equipment that has been sent to bolster the Ukrainian army and the financial aid that has been approved by the U.S. Congress.

• It has been estimated that Colorado will be spending its 308 million dollars in COVID relief through 2026. Denver has collected 22 percent of all of the stimulus money given to the state of Colorado and will use these funds to invest in the recovery of the city.

• More than three months after the Marshall Fire, government-funded debris removal has begun in Boulder County. According to Jeffery Maxwell, Boulder County’s director of public works, the removal will take about four months to complete.

• Boulder Officials are considering authorizing a new student housing development to replace a former Best Western hotel. It would cost approximately 28 million dollars to turn the hotel at 770 28th St. into housing for college students.

• The United States Justice Department plans to appeal the lifting of mask mandates on planes and trains if the CDC deems it necessary. This appeal would go against the decision of a Florida district court that deemed mask mandates “unlawful.”

• Boulder County has launched the “Rebuilding Better” website for Marshall Fire-impacted residents. This website has been designed to help those impacted by the Marshall Fire rebuild their homes in affordable and environmentally friendly ways.

• Louisville citizens have voted against the Redtail Ridge 3 million sq. ft. commercial development. Brue Baukol Capital Partners have said they will continue to pursue redevelopment of the 389-acre site under a 2010 City Council-approved plan.

• Justin Brooks has been elected as the first black mayor of Erie. Christiaan van Woudenberg, Emily Baer, and Andrew Sawusch have been elected to the Board of Trustees, creating the most diverse city government in the history of Erie, Colorado.

• Dana Derichsweiler, owner of the Walnut Cafe, has retired. After over three decades, Derichsweiler has sold the Walnut Cafe to employees Ariel Cooke and Ashley Parzych. Cooke and Parzych plan to honor Derichsweiler’s legacy by continuing to make the Walnut Cafe a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA community.

• Boulder County citizens are continuing to debate the creation of a library district. Those in favor of the district consider its creation a necessary measure to ensure the survival of Boulder’s public libraries. Opponents of the library district are concerned about the increased property taxes that will be used to fund the development of the district.

• Protestors have received a 14 million dollar settlement from the Denver Police Department. A federal jury found that the Denver Police used excessive force against protestors during the Black Lives Matter protests in May 2020.

Small Talk

“We will continue to provide them (Ukraine) more ammunition, as we will provide them more military assistance.”

– Press Secretary Jen Psaki on the United States’ involvement in the Russian war against Ukraine.

“It’s hard to see everything hauled away, but at the same time, this will move us forward to accepting what happened.”

– Brenda Leighton on the Marshall Fire debris removal

“We believe these individuals are responsible for 14 separate incidents totaling 47 victims in the Denver metropolitan area – most of them drive-by shootings of rivals.”

– Denver District Attorney Beth McCann on the arrest of the 9 gang members

“The Department continues to believe that the order requiring masking in the transportation corridor is a valid exercise of the authority Congress has given CDC to protect the public health. That is an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve.”

– The United States Justice Department’s statement on its decision to appeal the decision of the Florida Circuit Court to end mask mandates on public transportation

By the Numbers

The post Month in Review | April 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | March 2022

Adrian Connolly — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 22:05:59 +0000

Boulder County Fairgrounds will close its free coronavirus testing and vaccination sites this March as demand for both has continued to decrease. • The Boulder County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of a 48-year-old Caucasian male who was involved in an incident within Eldorado Canyon State Park, in unincorporated Boulder County, on March 3rd. The cause of his death is to be determined. • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently confirmed that expenditures for foundation removal at homes destroyed by the Marshall Fire are eligible for financial reimbursement through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program. In addition to foundations, FEMA has included reimbursement eligibility for the removal of structural footings, basements, and burned vehicles remaining on private property. • President Joe Biden has selected D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee to succeed retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, making history by picking a Black woman for the Supreme Court. • The Boulder County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of a 97-year-old Caucasian female who was identified as Mary Staub of Louisville, Colorado. Staub was found in the 1800 block of Plaza Drive. Her cause of death is yet to be determined. • Leroy Garcia has stepped down from his position as leader of the Colorado Senate. Garcia will become special assistant to the assistant secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs within the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon. Steve Fenberg has been elected as his replacement. • President Joe Biden will be sending an additional $800 million in military assistance, making a total of $2 billion in such aid sent to Kyiv since he took office. The administration has not only provided Ukraine with financial aid but also with weapons. These include 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 100 grenade launchers, 20 million rounds of small arms ammunition and mortar rounds, and an unspecified number of drones. • The five-member Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) voted unanimously to adopt the new rules on financial assurance, also known as bonding. These rules will take effect in April and are considered “the strongest in the nation.” • The Colorado GOP has launched an investigation into environmental groups that they believe are connected to Russian oligarchs. Chairwoman Kristi Burton Brown is calling on Colorado-affiliated environmental groups to divest and donate any Russian contributions that they have received. • Political Action Committees (PAC) are preparing to dump millions of dollars into political campaigns of candidates on both sides of the aisle. PACs such as PDC Energy, Noble Energy, and Seneca Oil and Gas are all individually donating to candidates who they hope will support their agendas. • Colorado oil producers have received approval for nearly 3,000 drilling permits so far this year. Even with all of these approved permits, oil producers have told shareholders that they have no plans to increase oil production and will instead use excess funds to pay off investors.

Small Talk

“If you did not plan for growth, you are not going to be able to achieve growth today. Capital discipline today for oil companies is basically no (production) growth.”

– Occidental Petroleum CEO downplaying the potential growth of oil production

“It’s also time to look into these radical environmental groups who have spent years working to stifle energy independence and demand that they donate and divest any donations they have received from Russia or any Russian-affiliated companies and groups.”

– Colorado GOP Chairwoman Kristi Burton Brown on the importance of investigating environmental groups

“We’re incredibly sad to see you go but we also understand this is a longtime dream of yours. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be an assistant to an assistant in Virginia? But in all seriousness, President Garcia, we are so proud of you.”

– Steve Fenberg wishing Leroy Garcia good luck on his new position in the U.S. federal government

“We’re going to give Ukraine the arms to fight and defend themselves through all the difficult days ahead.”

– President Joe Biden on Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine

“This is the news from FEMA that we were hoping to hear. I cannot thank our partners at FEMA enough for the guidance and financial support they’ve provided. Their contributions to this recovery effort have gone well beyond financial assistance and I’m very happy they’ve been here working alongside all of us since the beginning.”

– Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy on FEMA’s support after the Marshall Fire

By The Numbers

98.71 new COVID cases per 100,000 people
636 civilians have been killed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
3 people have died in Colorado due to avalanches this season.
2947 gas and oil drilling permits have been approved in the state of Colorado.
54 complaints have been raised against insurance companies due to “adjuster-handling issues, claim delays and unsatisfactory settlement offers.”

The post Month in Review | March 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | February 2022

Adrian Connolly — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:01:52 +0000

R.C. Mercure. Photo: Matt Nager Photography, 2013

Life may finally be moving forward as Boulder drops mask mandates for public indoor spaces and schools. President Biden has stated ending mandates across the country though, may be “premature.” • A benefit concert is to be held on February 28th starting at 7pm to help those who were impacted by the Marshall Fire. The virtual show will charge $10 for access and is presented by AEG. Feature artists include Nathaniel Rateliff, Dave Matthews, Lyle Lovett, and Steve Miller. Other musicians performing are Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic), Trey Anastasio (Phish) and Big Head Todd. • Task Force Boulder continues its resettlement program for Afghan refugees. To volunteer time or financial resources visit the Task Force Boulder Facebook Page. If you can offer free housing, contact TFBoulder@gmail.com. • Metairie, La., based DRC Emergency Services, LLC has been chosen for the removal of debris caused by the Marshall Fire. Removal may begin March 1st. • Former Denver Broncos player Justin Lewis Bannan has been sentenced 16 years in prison for attempted murder in 2019. The victim’s name is being withheld to protect their identity. • Three were injured in a rollover crash of a stolen vehicle on Pecos Street. All three of the individuals involved in the accident were taken to the hospital and remain in serious condition. • As tensions continue to rise on the Russia-Ukraine border, Russia has shifted its tone about the situation. Officials have said talks between Russia, the U.S., and NATO are “far from exhausted.” • CU Boulder has approved the 2021 Campus Master Plan. The plan includes decongestion of Main Campus, development of research facilities for east campus, and diversification of uses for public spaces. • Boulder’s R.C. “Merc” Mercure has died at 90 years old. Mercure was a pioneer in aerospace technology who founded the Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. • Senator Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) has been chosen as the new president for the CO Senate. Fenberg graduated from the University of Boulder and was first elected to the Senate in 2016. • A CO man’s stolen Spinosaurus claw fossil has been recovered and returned to its owner. The claw was stolen during Tucson, Arizona’s annual Gem and Mineral show on January 30th. • Matthew Daniel Marton, the primary suspect in the University Hill shooting, has also been linked to an attempted carjacking on Flagstaff Mountain. • Steven Manning, 53, has been identified as the man found dead in a tent on Aspen Ridge Drive. • A 77-year-old woman collided into a tree at at the Eldora Mountain ski resort. Members of the Eldora Ski Patrol, Nederland FD, LifeLine Air Ambulance and American Medical Response all attempted to assist, yet she was pronounced dead at the scene. • Mental Health Partners, a private nonprofit serving BOCO, has closed its weekend walk-in crisis centers and reduced weekday hours due to staffing shortages. The changes went into effect February 6. • Hundreds of Douglas County students walked out of school on February 7th to protest the firing of Superintendent Corey Wise. The 4-3 decision was made by Douglas County School Board.

Small Talk

“Despite those positive trends, not all the news is good. The number of COVID-19 deaths in Boulder County continues to increase and, although hospitalizations are decreasing, new COVID-19 cases continue to add strain to the county’s already over-taxed health care providers.”
– BCPH Executive Director Camille Rodriguez

“We’re planning for and building the campus of the future, and this comprehensive plan will help ensure good stewardship of campus resources as we enhance teaching and research through our facilities for decades to come.”
– CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano on the further development of CU Boulder

“We obviously have some big challenges ahead. Hundreds of bills still to pass, a historic and monumental budget to get across the finish line, an unprecedented opportunity to transform the state of Colorado on so many issues. And, of course, we have an election to win in November. There’s too much at stake for us to slow down or retreat or get distracted.”
– CO Senate President-Elect Steven Fenberg on the state government’s plans for the future of CO

“We never know when the crisis is going to happen. We never know when the ability of a teenager who’s just gone through this is going to end. We don’t know when it’s going to become too much… We’re not out of the woods on shock and trauma. We’re just entering it.”
– Jenifer Banyan, Director of Jewish Family Services regarding the reduction of hours at Mental Health Partners

“It’s more about finding someone who better aligns. It’s just what we want with this district is different.”
– Douglas County School Board Member Kelly Winegar on her reasoning for voting to fire Corey Wise

“You all have the votes to do what you want to do, have the integrity and the honesty to come together and make those decisions publicly.”
– Douglas County School Board Member Susan Meeks on the school board’s firing of Corey Wise

By the Numbers

MARSHALL FIRE

991

structures destroyed by the Marshall Fire

3

people are still missing

$819 million – $1.6 billion

is the estimated range for the amount of housing damage

COVID

13%

positivity rate

35%

down COVID-related hospitalization

The post Month in Review | February 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | Dec. 2021 – Jan. 2022

Laurenz Busch — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 01:30:15 +0000

Photo: Patrick Kramer

2021 ended with the start of the horrific Marshall Fire that destroyed 1084 homes and damaged 149. • Biden unveiled his new COVID-19 plan to protect more Americans in early December – Boosters, At-Home Testing, and Treatment Pills are some steps to take on Omicron; the first case in Colorado was found around the same time. An increase in children 0-9 and those 10-19 was seen in late December and the flu is making a comeback nationally. • The city of Denver extended their mask mandate through February 3. Fauci suggested that mandating vaccines for domestic travel would encourage inoculations, and according to Governor Polis and State Epidemiologist Dr. Herlihy, boosted Coloradans are 9.7 times less likely to get COVID-19 and 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized. • A 60-year-old died in a crash at Eldora Ski Resort. • One person died in an avalanche near Cameron Pass on the 24th. • A rare wolf kill of a cow calf occurred in Colorado. It’s suspected to be the first in over 70 years. The farmer will be reimbursed. • Colorado continues to provide support as Afghan refugees resettle, planning to support up to 2,000. • In other news, Melania Trump has entered the crypto and blockchain realms and launched her very own Non-Fungible Token (NFT), Melania’s Vision, of which shares were available for purchase for 1 Solana (about $171). • Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, a truck driver, was sentenced to 110 years due to a crash that killed four on I-70 in early December. Governor Polis reduced his sentence to 10 years later in the month. • Denver parking meters received a price increase doubling them to $2 an hour. • The Patterson Inn Hotel in Denver will soon open a lounge for smoking marijuana. • Rain Hanuman faces charges in connection to a fire on CU Boulder’s East Campus. • Lyndon James McLeod, the suspected shooter that killed five people in Denver was also killed in a gunfight with police • The alleged shooter of the mass shooting at King Soopers in Boulder was determined mentally incompetent to stand trial. • Boulder County adopted a $549.8 million budget and proposed ending a moratorium on lethal control of prairie dog populations that extends from March 1 – May 31, which is the breeding season. • CU Boulder switched to a remote start for the spring semester due to the Marshall Fire and COVID-19. The campus also faced a power outage which impacted final exams. • The 140 year-old Old Main Cottonwood tree will be removed due to safety reasons.

Small Talk

“As we learn more about Omicron’s ability to spread and the severity of disease it causes, the highly transmissible and potentially more deadly Delta variant continues to be the dominant form of COVID-19 in Colorado,” “We are seeing the clear impact of getting a booster dose. If boosted, you are 9.7 times less likely to become a COVID case and 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized than if you have no protection at all. We must continue leveraging the effective tools we have at our disposal and move forward with getting eligible people in Colorado their booster doses.”
– Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

“Our administration has built up robust testing capacity and we’re grateful to all of the team members at our state lab and local partners for discovering variants of concern quickly. As we approach the holiday season and New Year, it’s still the Delta variant that is taking Coloradans from us before their time so we urge Coloradans to get vaccinated,” “Get vaccinated and boosted at one of the many community vaccination sites across our state because no one wants to bring COVID-19 with them into 2022.”
– Colorado Governor Jared Polis

“From a staff perspective: one of the things that we feel would… the removal of the moratorium would do would be that in the end it would result in fewer deaths of prairie dogs and provide better overall control.”
– Jeff Moline, Resource Planning Manager, Boulder County Parks & Open Space

“The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. It’s being supported by experts from the forest service who are experienced and highly talented in investigating major fires in other states.”
– Joe Pelle, Boulder County Sheriff

COVID (by the numbers) – as of Jan. 04, 2022

1909

new/total cases

<10

deaths

585.23

case rate per 100k

102

new hospital admissions

11.35

% positivity

48.9

% of population equal to or greater than 5 years of age fully vaccinated

The post Month in Review | Dec. 2021 – Jan. 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | November 2021

De La Vaca — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:42:41 +0000

bouldercounty.org

Boulder County mask exemption rate data is being collected. At least five St. Vrain Valley schools reported mask exemption rates higher than 3% to Boulder County Public Health, including a Longmont charter school with an exemption rate of 23%, Camera reports. All Boulder Valley School District schools exemption rates below 3%, making SVVSD a bit of an outlier. • Add to that over 100 Boulder County employees who have been granted mask exemptions. A reported total 118 employees have applied for either a medical or religious exemption from the vaccine and all but four were approved. Workers faced termination if not fully vaccinated or if they have not requested religious or medical exemption by Dec. 1, according to the Boulder County Board of Commissioners mandate. Most have been medically based exemptions, according to a Boulder County administrator. • Last in COVID news, Boulder County has opened booster shots to anyone over 18 years old and the Pfizer vaccine was approved for children over 5 years old. We’re so close to normal, except 5 inmates at Boulder County jail tested positive as of Nov. 17th, with more tests on the way. • Watch those matches. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for some parts of Boulder County above 6,000 feet, a warning only issued when there are critical fire weather conditions. Parts of Estes Park are currently ablaze, in spite of cooler temperatures. “A combination of strong winds… low relative humidity… and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior,” the National Weather Service alert read. • Is it ski season already? Despite reports of limited snowfall, Eldora Mountain Ski Resort planned to open on Friday, Nov. 19th. We talk about Eldora in our Notables this month. • Colorado water quality regulators have issued a cease and desist order to the owner of two hard-rock mines located just outside of Nederland, alleging the mines have discharged potentially hazardous pollutants well in excess of permitted levels into nearby watersheds, reports Colorado Online. The mines in question, Cross and Caribou Mines in western Boulder County, have been issued advisories or notices of violations previously. If there’s one thing we can’t mess up on the planet anymore, it’s water. • Ok I lied, here’s one last bit of COVID news. A new public health order – as of Nov. 19th – requires vaccines for all public, indoor unseated events of 500 people or more in some Colorado counties, including Boulder County. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced the order earlier that week. • Lastly, this month in criminal intrigue and whodunnit murder madness, the Longmont Police Department arrested a man and woman in a multi-million-dollar real estate fraud scheme earlier this month after a local real estate broker was found dead, leases and keys to his properties stolen, and falsified documents submitted to Boulder County Recorder’s office. Total attempted fraud was over $2M. We’re glad these scammers are off the street.

Small Talk

“We had a form for people to fill out that asked people about their beliefs. They were reviewed by the county attorney and (human relations) to make sure we were compliant with the law. Our most common (reason) is something like an orthopedic surgery. Most commonly it’s temporary. It could be someone who was told they cannot drive and driving is required for their job or someone who is pregnant and needed an accommodation.”
– Jana Peterson, Boulder County Administrator

“While Boulder is leading the way in protecting our community against this deadly virus with high vaccination rates, implementing a vaccine requirement for our workforce, and a mask mandate for indoor public spaces, we know that the Delta variant is a formidable foe since it’s many times more contagious than previous strains of COVID and not all our children have had a chance to get the life-saving vaccine.”
– Claire Levy, Boulder County Commissioner

“As we move toward winter in Colorado, Homeless Solutions for Boulder County (HSBC) recognizes that critical weather nights, when temperatures fall below 10°F and/or the City of Boulder experiences 6” or more of snow, are especially impactful to those who are unhoused. While recent changes to the system’s eligibility criteria for shelter stays mean that people have greater access to sheltering, local partners have been working to communicate resources to people in need of shelter during the colder months, and particularly when weather conditions are at critical levels.”
– Boulder County Press Release on Homelessness and Winter

By The Numbers

COVID (by the numbers) – as of Nov. 18, 2021

176 / 33,621

new/total cases

1 / 297

new/total deaths

258.7

new cases per 100K people in the past 7 days

3-4x

limits of lead, copper, zinc, silver, and cadmium levels exceeded in the Caribou and Cross mine discharge

2

competing Nutcrackers (Colorado Ballet and Boulder Ballet) and competing Miracles (on Main and on Pearl) for your holiday pop-up needs

The post Month in Review | November 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | October 2021

De La Vaca — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:36:59 +0000

Church vandalism. Image by Matt Gaskins via 9News.

• King Soopers and BOCO officials confirmed a coronavirus outbreak at the King Soopers in Louisville (1375 E. South Boulder Road). The store remains open. Shawn Hollister, Boulder County Public Health spokesperson, said the county is working to prevent spread. King Soopers spokesperson Jessica Trowbridge confirmed that workers tested positive for COVID-19 but didn’t say how many cases were confirmed or how many employees have needed to quarantine. • Wildlife warning: Bobcat sightings and engagements are increasing and, contrary to a viral video, you should not try to fight them. Sam Peterson, Colorado Parks and Wildlife district manager for Boulder South, said bobcats are elusive by nature. Bobcats typically hang out along riparian corridors, especially in Boulder, where there is plenty of food and thick foliage. Mysti Tastro, of Greenwood, wants to remind people that seeing bobcats is a special experience and that the animals have rarely attacked humans. • Boulder County Parks and Open Space is accepting applications for the 2022 volunteer naturalist training class through Nov. 7. Time to get involved, outdoorsy people. Volunteers will help Boulder County Parks and Open Space by leading hikes, presenting slide programs, and providing hands-on experience to the public. There are a few requirements (age and such). For information and an application, contact Natural History Program Specialist Carlos Lerma at 303-678-6214 or at clerma@bouldercounty.org or visit BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org/volunteer. • Boulder Sheriffs are investigating after Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church was vandalized. The damage included slashed tires and graffiti on the church’s maintenance truck, smashed windows, thrown eggs, and graffiti on the church’s signs and building. Much of the graffiti conveyed a pro-choice stance, but included anarchy symbols and more. A pro-life display of crosses, indicating abortions that occur daily, had many ripped out. • Boulder County Board of Health stood by their decision to continue masking in schools, despite limited protestation by some residents and parents, as coronavirus cases rise among residents, specifically among children. Indira Gujral, communicable disease and emergency management division manager for Boulder County Public Health in Boulder, cited research from Arizona. Out of the 191 COVID-19 outbreaks between July 15 and Aug. 31, 60% were in schools without an early mask mandate. She added that the COVID-19 case numbers in Colorado are elevated for kids 6 to 11 years old. • A local USPS postal worker was murdered in Longmont, in a case of woman on man domestic violence. The accused, Devan Schreiner, will be held without bail. Schreiner is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of postal carrier Jason Schaefer. Schreiner and Schaefer had worked together but she had been fired and began working in Longmont as a carrier. They had been in a relationship and court records indicate a long battle over parenting rights. The community mourns.

Small Talk

“Local public health agencies must ensure outbreaks meet the outbreak definition before they are reported publicly. Sometimes there may be a delay in getting data from the facility to the local public health agency or from the local public health agency to CDPHE.”
– Brian Spencer, spokesperson with Colorado State Joint Information Center

“Their habitat range is, overall, decreasing, whether that be due to wildfires or urban sprawl. There’s lots of things that are impacting that, but I think mostly, the reduction of their habitat range is what’s bringing them closer in.”
– Mysti Tatro, community relations coordinator for Greenwood

“I think it’s more of the violation that people here in the parish feel violated that somebody would do this.”
– Mark Evevard, youth director

“I do think it certainly reinforces my vote from August before school started in terms of why this was an important public health order. You can look at CDPHE’s data, (Colorado) School of Public Health’s modeling, who are the experts, and their numbers have been pretty spot on.”
– Gregg Thomas, Board of Public Health President

By The Numbers

COVID (by the numbers) – as of Oct. 18, 2021

174 / 30,227

new and total cases

2 / 1,076

new and total hospitalizations

2 / 275

new and total deaths

3.5x

chance of a COVID outbreak at schools without a mask mandate compared to those with

The post Month In Review | October 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | September 2021

De La Vaca — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 01:25:21 +0000

Recent fire in Boulder near NIST campus, via Boulder Fire Rescue.

• Boulder County COVID transmission remains high. BOCO implemented an indoor mask mandate three weeks ago but local COVID-19 transmission still remains high. Boulder County Public Health said it would stop requiring masks indoors if it saw 21 consecutive days of low or moderate transmission. According to the CDC, transmission has been high the entire month, meaning we have a long way to go as individuals to end the pandemic locally. • Boulder County businesses can apply for a program that will offer customers and staff a chance to go mask-less in indoor public spaces, despite the recently reinstated mask mandate. This is based on 95 percent vaccination rates. It will be up to businesses to verify a person’s vaccination status. Sounds responsible. • Body found in Boulder during search for missing Denver man. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office said an abandoned vehicle was found in Pierson Park off Forest Road 119 in unincorporated Boulder County, and that the vehicle belonged to a Denver man who had been reported missing by concerned family members around Labor Day, according to the Daily Camera. No signs of foul play were found. • Firefighters extinguished a small wildland fire in Boulder County near the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) campus. The fire burned about 2.5 acres, and the cause was unknown, according to the sheriff’s office. • A 19 yo CU Boulder student was rescued from a mine shaft. Responding agencies were called to Switzerland Trail after the man reportedly fell 25 feet, but was uninjured. Please be safe around old mines. • About 70 people protested outside of Boulder County Board of Health during its virtual meeting in defiance of mask mandates and the vaccine, with signs displaying such gems as “medical freedom” and “it’s a hoax.” The vocal minority continues to skirt facts and jeopardize community safety, as well as prolong the pandemic and mask mandates they despise. • Rents are past due and landlords are ready to evict. Many programs exist to support renters in staying homed, but access and info aren’t getting to people as quickly as it should be. An estimated 4,284 (8.9 percent) of Boulder County rental households were behind in paying rents as of early August, according to a new county-by-county analysis by Surgo Ventures. • Colorado prepped to welcome refugees from Afghanistan, following a 20-year illegal occupation and war. We simultaneously beat and whipped Haitian refugees and illegally deported them from our southern border, following generations of poverty-inducing US policy.

Small Talk

“I think we all wish we could take them off and be done. Unfortunately, as long as there are people out there who don’t want to be kind to their neighbors and think of themselves first, I think we’re going to be stuck here.”
– Jenni Hlawatsch, Louisville business owner, on the ongoing pandemic protocols

“We are very appreciative that Boulder County Public Health is providing this flexibility for our businesses to both advance vaccination in our community, encourage that, and at the same time provide (businesses) the flexibility to operate without masks and invite customers in who are in compliance with the vaccination regulations.”
– John Tayer, president and chief executive officer of the Boulder Chamber

“Rather than trying to poison everybody in the whole country with this quote-un-quote vaccine, which we don’t even really know what it is, it would be much better if we supported people in getting their (own) health in order so their immune systems were strong, and so their natural immunity could kick in and deal with the virus, which is the way we deal with all viruses”
– Amber Nelson, Longmont resident

“ERA programs are up and running for the large part, but they are slow to get money into the hands of renters”
– Aaron Dibner-Dunlap, Surgo Ventures senior research scientist

By The Numbers

62.7

COVID cases per day the week of September 12-18. Transmission remained too high to relax our mask mandate.

83/78

percent of Boulder County residents with at least one vaccine dose and fully vaccinated.

6.3M

The number of US households that could face eviction as the federal eviction moratorium ends.

$22.5M

amount of delinquent rent currently due in Boulder County, equaling out to just over $5000 per household in debt. How did we get here?

The post Month In Review | September 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month In Review | August 2021

De La Vaca — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 23:12:25 +0000

Gov. Polis rescinded an 1864 Executive Order which legalized murder of Natives. Photo by the Colorado Sun.

• On August 21, 2021, Governor Jared Polis rescinded an executive order signed in 1864 by Governor John Evans, which codified the legality of extrajudicial murder of Native Americans. That is 157 years of legalized murder of Natives in Colorado.

• A well regarded and long-serving CU Boulder Professor of color was fired and is contesting the validity/legality of the dismissal. It’s a complicated story and we will be reporting on it more in full in the coming weeks.

• A Denver entrepreneur has proposed a test universal basic income project for the area’s homeless, citing studies on similar projects in Stockton, CA, and Chelsea, MA. DP reports, The Denver Basic Income Project, if fully funded as envisioned by clothing company owner Mark Donovan, would give money to three groups of people only experiencing homelessness with no rules on how it can be spent. No city money would be used and Mayor Hancock is in favor of it.

• Boulder County is exploring a new software system called People Speak, based in Boulder, in hopes of increasing community engagement while still maintaining all-virtual meetings.

• Get on the bike committee to build a better Boulder. Boulder County is seeking residents who meet specific criteria to be part of a 10-person committee that will guide planning for the new CO 119 commuter bikeway. The path is one element of a roughly $253.3 million project to upgrade the highway. The application deadline is Sept. 7. Click here for more information.

• One sexual assault case in Boulder County was dismissed by the DA’s office, citing credibility issues with the accuser. That is, that issues in her personal life not entwined with the case were enough to cast doubt on her accusations. Note that up to 98 percent of accusations of sexual assault are true but only 3 percent of accused sexual assaulters will ever see the inside of a jail, according to stats provided on the Blue Bench website. A second sexual assault case, against a CU Boulder student, with what appeared to be overwhelming evidence of guilt, ended in a mistrial.

• With the number of Delta variant cases surging throughout Boulder County and the nation, public health officials on Friday updated their guidance to recommend everyone 2 years and older wear masks indoors regardless of coronavirus vaccination status. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment first detected the Delta variant in Colorado in April. On July 18, CDPHE variant tracking indicated that the Delta variant is responsible for more than 95% of new COVID-19 cases in Colorado.

Small Talk

“We are gathered here on a very somber, but also in some ways, celebratory day, that we are addressing a wrong of the past… This is an ongoing process, to make amends with the sins of the past.”
– Governor Polis, rescinding Second Territorial Gov. Evans’ Indian killing order

“I think the interest is increasing the ways that the public can participate outside of the live proceedings. If someone wasn’t able to attend a hearing… because they had… conflicts, People Speak would allow them to listen to the presentation and provide their comments with all of the same kind of information that they would get at the live meeting without having to attend.”
– Kim Sanchez, deputy director for Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting

“Cases of COVID-19 are surging in Boulder County due to the Delta variant. We are continuing to follow a variety of metrics, including the CDC’s guidance, data and recommendations that will help us protect the health of all people, keep our businesses open, and preserve our hospital and health care resources.”
– Camille Rodriguez, Boulder County Public Health executive director

“Know this. We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.”
– President Biden, in response to the death of 13 service members in a bomb explosion at Kabul Airport during evacuations

By The Numbers

181/25,977

total new and total Overall COVID-19 cases in BOCO.

6%/76%

percent of vaccine-eligible residents who have received one dose of the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna vaccines v. both doses.

0

total new hospitalizations and deaths over the last week at the time of publication.

6.1%

Colorado’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady in July while the national unemployment rate fell to 5.4%.. BOCO is 4.9%.

The post Month In Review | August 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.