Community Corner

🌱 How Aspen’s last-minute cash just reshaped public radio’s future here

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hello Aspen! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Aspen’s last-minute cash just reshaped public radio’s future here
  • What J-1 labor practices at Aspen’s Hotel Jerome are under fire?
  • Why Prince Harry suddenly saddled up in Aspen this week

Also on today's calendar: Aspen for the Holidays: A Wheeler Original and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Aspenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Aspenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 36 and low of 23 degrees.
  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 48, low: 34.
  • Saturday: A.M. snow, then a snow shower, with a high of 46 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City and county provide support to Aspen Public Radio (aspendailynews.com) — Aspen City Council and Pitkin County have stepped in with a combined $95,000 to help Aspen Public Radio plug a major funding gap after federal support was cut. Their contributions pushed APR past its $500,000 resiliency fund goal, helping secure local news and cultural programming while a lawsuit over the federal cuts plays out.
   

2. Hotel Jerome sued over alleged J-1 violations (aspendailynews.com) — Hotel Jerome in Aspen faces a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging it underpaid J-1 visa workers, overcharged for required housing, and failed to provide paid rest breaks. The case, filed in Pitkin County District Court, could affect dozens of seasonal workers and follows other wage and labor suits involving major Aspen hospitality employers.
   

3. Meghan Markle Reacts to Prince Harry's Surprise World Snow Polo Championship Appearance in Aspen (people.com) — Prince Harry made a surprise appearance in Aspen playing for the Aspen Valley team at the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship, drawing fresh attention to the local event. Meghan Markle stayed in California with their children but shared a playful Instagram Story photo from his match. The article also notes Harry’s past charity polo appearances in Aspen and beyond.
   

4. From prodigy to veteran: Gerard eyes another Olympic podium in 2026 (aspentimes.com) — Aspen’s Buttermilk Ski Area figures prominently in Red Gerard’s journey, from X Games Aspen gold to World Cup slopestyle finals, as he now targets another Olympic podium in 2026. The Summit County rider reflects on maturing from teenage prodigy to seasoned competitor, simplifying his contest runs, and leaning on family and girlfriend Hailey Langland while training across Colorado and abroad.
   

5. Alessandra Ambrosio Celebrates Boyfriend Buck Palmer's Birthday in Aspen! (justjared.com) — Aspen was the backdrop this week as model Alessandra Ambrosio and boyfriend Buck Palmer celebrated his 44th birthday with friends at a local dinner outing. The couple, who went public last year, chose a wintery night in Aspen for the low-key celebration, adding another celebrity sighting to town’s holiday-season buzz.
   

📸 Around Aspen

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am looking for a general handyman to back up a long time worker in an East Aspen rental house.
    I need someone who can be over on short notice, good with odd jobs that come up inside and out, cleaning, and sorting out storage items etc. One… (Nextdoor Aspen Core)
  • Marriott International posted a job opening for Room Service Attendant in Aspen. Apply here.
  • Westman Atelier posted a job opening for Freelance Makeup Artist - Aspen, CO in Aspen. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Aspen here.

Ok Aspen! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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