🌱 Bag Fee Fines + Southwest Meltdown: $825M + Stolen Artwork Recovered

Hello, neighbors! I'm here with your Tuesday edition of the Boulder Daily. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• New report questions whether or not the oil and gas industry is the economic engine it claims to be.
• Artwork that was stolen in Boulder last week, has been recovered in Lakewood.
• Southwest Airlines estimate that the holiday meltdown will cost it more than $825 million.

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Tuesday's weather: Partly sunny; winds subsiding. High: 56 Low: 31.

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Here are the top stories in Boulder today:

1. Southwest Airlines' holiday meltdown with cost the carrier $825,000,000. Southwest was forced to cancel more than 16,700 flights between Dec. 21 and Dec. 31 and will end up costing the discount carrier customer confidence and a huge mound of cash. (CPR)
2. Thieves that stole $400k worth of artwork in Boulder busted in Lakewood. Artwork that was stolen in Boulder last week was found in Lakewood, and the suspect, Brandon Camacho-Levine, 31, is facing multiple charges, and was caught with the stolen artwork, along with methamphetamine and guns. Lakewood police coordinated with the Boulder police to capture Camacho-Levine. (CBS4)
3. Economic impact of Colorado's oil and gas industry challenged. A recent report questions the long-held belief that oil and gas in Colorado is the golden calf many in the industry believe it is. The report issued by the Colorado Fiscal Institute claims the financial impact is much smaller overall. (CO Newsline)
4. Don't want to pay a bag fee? Here's what happens if a store doesn't charge the 10 cent bag fee. With new Colorado legislation that went into effect on Jan. 1 that requires retailers to charge a bag fee, the fine is stiff if they fail to charge it. Stores could face a fine of up to $500 for a second violation and up to a $1,000 for a third violation. (FOX31)
5. Check out the list of personalized license plates that Colorado DMV rejected last year. Every year the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles receives hundreds of requests for personalized plates, and this year, more than 140 were rejected. Find out which ones here: (KRDO)

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Today in Boulder:

• Lived Experience Exhibition: Boulder Public Library. (9 a.m.)
• Spark Grills: Online Auction. (9 a.m.)
• Conquer your fear of public speaking: Virtual class. (4-5:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Blasting resumes at Gross Lake dam. The project's contractor announced that construction on the Gross Dam will resume full work operations this week. (Denver Water)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around! — Brad K. Evans

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boulder Daily? Contact me at boulderdaily@yahoo.com