Welcome to Colorado, where driving on Highway 40 doubles as an audition for a winter disaster movie, and our mountains are busy hoarding three feet of snow just to make sure we never forget our shoveling skills. Meanwhile, voters gave ranked choice voting a frosty reception, because who needs more election chaos when navigating icy roads is drama enough? And in classic Colorado style, we’ve even managed to turn tourists into child care patrons—who knew vacationing here could also involve subsidizing daycare! Oh, and don’t even think about chugging that groundwater; the Supreme Court says we’re all on a “slow sip” plan. Hydration with a side of patience, anyone?
- Highway 40’s Not-So-Scenic Route: A Crash Course in Chaos
As if driving in Colorado wasn’t already an extreme sport, Mother Nature decided to up the ante with a deadly crash on Highway 40. The slippery roads turned a routine drive into a scene straight out of an action movie, minus the cool stunts and heroic rescue. Instead, we got a tragic three-car pile-up, reminding us all that Colorado’s winter wonderland can sometimes be more ‘wonder-what-happened’ than anything else. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Daniel Sundar-Baker, one of the unlucky stars of this unfortunate show. Read more - Proposition 131: Ranked Choice Voting Gets a Cold Shoulder
In a move that surprised absolutely no one paying attention, Colorado voters gave Proposition 131—the ranked choice voting proposal—a big, fat thumbs down. Apparently, the idea of ranking candidates was just too avant-garde for the state’s taste. Proponents argued it would make elections more exciting, but let’s be real, who wants elections to be exciting? We prefer our politics served with a side of predictability, thank you very much. Read more - Colorado’s Winter Wonderland: Snowstorm Strikes with Vengeance
Just when you thought it was safe to put away that snow shovel, a monstrous snowstorm barrels into Colorado, dumping enough white stuff to keep us all in hibernation mode. Denver got a mere two inches, but the mountains are buried under three feet of snow, making them the perfect playground for ski enthusiasts and yet another reason for flatlanders to stay indoors. Who needs exercise when you can just shovel your driveway three times a day? Read more - Lodging Taxes for Child Care: Kids, Tourism, and Unexpected Guest Charges
In a move that’s sure to delight local parents and confuse the heck out of tourists, several Colorado communities have voted to redirect lodging taxes towards child care. Yes, that’s right—your next vacation in La Plata, Grand Counties, or Montrose might just help fund a new daycare. It’s like Airbnb, but with a side of altruism. Let’s raise a glass to the clever folks who turned tourism dollars into toddler care, because who doesn’t love mixing business with pleasure? Read more - Colorado Supreme Court’s “Slow Sip” Ruling: A Lesson in Patience
The Colorado Supreme Court has decided that when it comes to our precious groundwater, slow and steady wins the race. By upholding the “slow sip” approach to water management, the court has essentially told Parker and Castle Rock, “Don’t drink it all at once!” This ruling ensures that our aquifers will last longer, which is great news for everyone except those looking to fill their swimming pools in a hurry. In a world of instant gratification, sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that patience is a virtue. Read more
From winter wonderlands turned wild to tax dollars funding the tiniest Coloradans, our state never fails to keep things…interesting. But what do you think? Are you braving the snowstorm, or are you more intrigued by the Supreme Court’s water wisdom? Maybe you’ve got thoughts on ranked choice voting’s chilly rejection or the creative use of lodging taxes. Whatever’s on your mind, drop your comments below—because if there’s one thing we Coloradans love, it’s a lively debate (preferably by a roaring fire).
