Ft Carson Welcome Home Ceremony Tonight

Fort Carson is holding a Christmas Eve welcoming ceremony for about 35 soldiers returning from duty in Afghanistan. The soldiers are with the 748th Ordinance Company, which deployed to Afghanistan in March. The ceremony's tonight at 9:30 p.m. at Fort Carson's Special Events Center. During their deployment, the company supported U.S.-led coalition missions, trained Afghan special forces and police, and disposed of 50 improvised explosive devices. It also disposed of 5 tons of captured explosives.

Juvenile Justice Bill Expected in Next Session of Legislature

Juveniles arrested in Colorado would be guaranteed attorneys at detention hearings under a bill being drafted by lawmakers and child advocates. It's an effort to address issues raised by child advocates who say nearly half of juveniles in state courts don't have legal representation during criminal proceedings, and that could have long-term consequences. The bill's expected to be introduced during the legislative session that begins next month. It would require courts to make sure juveniles have an attorney during detention hearings - the first hearing after being taken into custody. Juveniles would be appointed an attorney if they can't afford one.

More Time to Sign Up for Health Coverage

Coloradans who need health care coverage starting on New Year's Day now have even more time to sign up. The CEO of the state's health care exchange, says staffers will help anyone who signs up by Friday get coverage. Yesterday was the original deadline but Connect For Health Colorado at first extended it to today after the White House gave people in states without health care exchanges more time to sign up.
Colorado's call center is closed tomorrow, but open again Thursday and Friday. You can continue to sign up online 24 hours a day. Over 5,000 signed up for coverage Monday, the most in a single day; and 43,000 have signed up since October.