Serving the Longmont & Firestone Corridor

The Evening Dispatch

Longmont · Firestone · Colorado Front Range

Thursday, June 18, 2026  |  Edition No. 003

Front Page

Supreme Court Rules Government Cannot Restrict Gun Rights for Marijuana Users

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision Thursday barring the federal government from prosecuting casual marijuana users for firearm possession under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(3). The case, *United States v. Hemani*, involved a Texas man who was charged for possessing firearms while using marijuana.

The Court found that the government's application of the statute against Hemani violated the Second Amendment. The decision narrows the scope of a decades-old federal law that bars certain drug users from owning guns, though it does not invalidate the statute entirely.

Plain Language

Federal law previously made it a crime for anyone who uses illegal drugs to own a gun. The Supreme Court ruled that this cannot be applied to casual marijuana users without violating the constitutional right to bear arms.

Trump Signs U.S.-Iran Agreement to End War, Reopen Strait of Hormuz

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

President Donald Trump signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, formally ending the war that began February 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The agreement was mediated by Pakistan and signed during the G7 Summit in France.

Under the terms, the U.S. will lift sanctions on Iran, unfreeze regime-linked assets, and end the naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran will allow commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without charge for 60 days while negotiations continue toward a long-term peace deal. The White House confirmed Trump digitally signed the agreement Wednesday evening.

Plain Language

The U.S. and Iran have agreed to stop fighting and allow oil shipments to pass through a critical waterway. The deal includes a 60-day trial period while both sides negotiate permanent terms.

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Under New Chairman Warsh

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.50%-3.75%, marking the fourth consecutive meeting without change. The decision marks the first under new Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh.

Economic projections indicate nine of 18 voting members anticipate rate hikes before year-end, with six projecting two 25-basis-point increases. The Fed will continue its policy of "ample reserves" in the banking system, maintaining its $6.7 trillion balance sheet.

Plain Language

The central bank that sets U.S. interest rates kept borrowing costs unchanged. Half of policymakers expect rates to rise later this year, which would affect mortgages, car loans, and credit cards.

Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago with Bipartisan Attendance

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

The Obama Presidential Center held its official grand opening ceremony Thursday in Chicago. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed former Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

The campus opens to the public Friday, coinciding with the Juneteenth federal holiday. The center includes a museum, library, and public programming spaces.

Local

United Power to Replace Utility Poles Along Firestone Roadways Starting June 22

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

United Power will begin replacing aging utility poles along County Road 17 between County Road 26 and Firestone Boulevard, and along Firestone Boulevard from east of Frontier Street to east of the County Road 17 intersection. Work begins Monday, June 22, and is expected to continue through mid-August.

Motorists should expect lane restrictions and potential traffic delays in the work zones during construction hours.

Frederick's "4th at Firestone" Music Festival Announces Lineup

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

The annual 4th at Firestone celebration will feature a music festival beginning at 4:00 p.m. on July 4 at Firestone Park. The event includes performances from local bands spanning classic rock, country, and dance genres. United Power Inc. serves as the Main Stage Sponsor.

Full lineup details are available at firestoneco.gov/4thatFirestone.

Frederick in Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival Returns June 26-28

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

Frederick in Flight celebrates its 15th anniversary June 26-28 at Centennial Park. Morning balloon launches are scheduled for approximately 6:00 a.m. daily, weather permitting.

The Balloon Bash on Saturday, June 28, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., features live music from The Jack Hadley Band (5:00-6:30 p.m.) and Hazel Miller & The Collective (7:00-9:00 p.m.), plus food trucks, a beer and cider garden, vendor market, skydivers, and evening balloon glow displays. Oxy is the Premium Sponsor; SM Energy sponsors the main stage.

Dacono Seeks Community Input on City Center Community Park

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

The City of Dacono is soliciting public feedback on planned amenities for the City Center Community Park. Residents can complete an online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/55RG2LP to indicate preferred features and amenities. The survey will inform future planning decisions.

Project details are available at daconoco.gov/1262/City-Center-Community-Park.

Dacono Summer Splash Scheduled for July 7

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

Dacono will host its annual Summer Splash event on July 7, 2026, offering free frozen treats, kid-friendly giveaways, and water activities. The event runs from afternoon into evening. Residents are advised to bring swimsuits and sunscreen.

The Dacono splash pad at City Center Community Park is currently open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

Frederick Fireworks Restrictions: "If It Goes Up or Blows Up, It's Illegal"

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

Frederick officials remind residents that fireworks which launch into the air or explode are prohibited within town limits. Permitted items include sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, and snakes/glow worms.

Prohibited items include bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers, and M-80s. Violations should be reported through official channels at frederickco.gov/955/Fireworks.

Frederick Transportation Sales Tax Proposal Under Review

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

Frederick officials are evaluating a proposed 1% transportation sales tax that would generate approximately $4 million annually for transportation infrastructure. The sales tax would add approximately $1 per $100 spent on taxable purchases within town limits.

Because the tax applies to all purchases in Frederick, visitors and non-residents would contribute to the revenue. Details on the Roads & Routes initiative are available at ayrs.io/6hGfaD.

Plain Language

A proposed 1-cent tax on every dollar spent in Frederick would fund road repairs and transportation projects. Non-residents shopping in Frederick would also pay into the fund.

Chainsaws & Chuckwagons Featured Artist Competition Accepting Submissions

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

The Town of Frederick Arts Committee is accepting submissions for the Third Annual Chainsaws & Chuckwagons Featured Artist Competition. This year's theme commemorates Colorado's 150th anniversary and America's 250th anniversary.

Artists should submit original work inspired by chainsaw carving, Colorado landscapes, and patriotic elements. The winner receives $350 and featured placement on the official 14th Annual Chainsaws & Chuckwagons event poster. Submissions are due by midnight on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Rules and submission portal available at ayrs.io/IszEjk.

Longmont Pride Ice Cream Social Scheduled for Sunday

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

A free Pride Ice Cream Social will take place Sunday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Heart of Longmont, 350 11th Avenue. The event celebrates LGBTQIA+ community members and coincides with Father's Day. Organizers note the event welcomes those who may find Father's Day difficult, including those grieving or estranged from family. All are welcome.

Firestone Family Market at The Learning Experience

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

The Firestone Family Market will take place Saturday, June 27, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at The Learning Experience in Firestone. The event features local vendors, baked goods, jewelry, and family-friendly shopping. Admission is free.

Free RPG Day at The Goblin in Longmont

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

The Goblin in Longmont will host Free RPG Day on Saturday, June 27. The event offers tabletop role-playing game demonstrations and materials at no cost.

Martha's Market in Frederick

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

Martha's Market will take place Saturday, June 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Christ Park in Frederick.

Erie Community Flea Market at Morgan Hill

HIGH LOCAL IMPACT

A community flea market and garage sale will take place Saturday, June 20, at the Morgan Hill parking lot. The event offers shopping opportunities and community gathering.

Colorado

Colorado Gubernatorial Primary Election Approaches June 30

STATE IMPACT

Colorado's primary election will take place June 30, 2026, to determine nominees for the gubernatorial race. Democratic candidates are U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser. Recent polling shows Weiser leading 41% to 34%.

Republican candidates include State Representative Scott Bottoms, State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, Victor Marx, and write-in candidate Kelvin "K-Man" Wimberly. Governor Jared Polis is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Mail ballots have been distributed to registered party members. The general election will take place November 3, 2026.

Three Northern Colorado Motorcyclists Killed in Crash

STATE IMPACT

Three men riding motorcycles were killed in a crash around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday in Northern Colorado. Details on the location and circumstances were not immediately available. The incident remains under investigation.

Colorado Man Killed in Mount Sneffels Climbing Fall

STATE IMPACT

A Colorado man died in a climbing fall on Mount Sneffels, according to family statements reported by the Denver Post. The fourteener is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado.

Rod Stewart Postpones Red Rocks Concerts

STATE IMPACT

Rod Stewart has postponed scheduled concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for Monday and Tuesday. Rescheduled dates were not announced.

Thriftcon Denver Scheduled for July 11-12

STATE IMPACT

Thriftcon Denver 2026 will take place Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the National Western Center. Tickets available at tickets.thriftcon.co.

National Parks Free Entry Days Announced for 2026

STATE IMPACT

The National Park Service has announced free entry days for 2026:

Some parks require timed entry reservations. Rocky Mountain National Park is among the participating locations.

National

Ukrainian Drones Strike Moscow in Large-Scale Attack

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

Ukraine launched a significant wave of drone attacks on Moscow early Thursday, marking one of the largest strikes on the Russian capital since the 2022 invasion began. The attacks targeted multiple locations and caused disruptions in the city.

All Detainees Transferred from "Alligator Alcatraz" Facility

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

The Department of Homeland Security announced that all detainees at the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," have been transferred to other facilities. The move was attributed to concerns related to the hurricane season.

Trump Approval Reaches Record Low in NPR/PBS/Marist Poll

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

A new poll conducted by NPR, PBS NewsHour, and Marist finds President Trump's approval rating at a record low heading into the summer before the 2026 midterm elections. The poll indicates declining public confidence in the president's handling of the economy.

U.S. Open Golf Championship Underway at Shinnecock Hills

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

The 2026 U.S. Open began Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York. Keith Mitchell carded an even-par 70 in the first round, considered a strong performance given windy conditions. The tournament continues through the weekend.

UK Implements Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

NATIONAL/MINIMAL LOCAL IMPACT

The United Kingdom has announced implementation of a social media ban for children under 16 years of age. The policy requires technology companies to restrict platform access for younger users.

Community Calendar

TODAY — Thursday, June 18, 2026

No major public meetings scheduled.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, June 20

  • Martha's Market, Christ Park (Frederick), 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Erie Community Flea Market, Morgan Hill parking lot (Erie), morning hours

Sunday, June 21

  • Pride Ice Cream Social, Heart of Longmont, 350 11th Avenue, 11:00 a.m. (Free admission)

Monday, June 22

  • United Power utility pole replacement begins on CR 17 and Firestone Boulevard (Firestone), continues through mid-August

Thursday, June 25

  • Chainsaws & Chuckwagons Featured Artist Competition submission deadline (Frederick), midnight

Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28

  • Frederick in Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival, Centennial Park (Frederick)
  • Morning launches: ~6:00 a.m. daily
  • Balloon Bash: Saturday, June 28, 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 27

  • Firestone Family Market, The Learning Experience (Firestone), 8:00 a.m. – noon (Free admission)
  • Free RPG Day, The Goblin (Longmont)

Tuesday, July 7

  • Dacono Summer Splash 2026, afternoon/evening (Free)

Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5

  • National Parks Free Entry Days (Independence Day Weekend)

Saturday, July 11 – Sunday, July 12

  • Thriftcon Denver, National Western Center, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, July 4

  • 4th at Firestone Music Festival, Firestone Park, 4:00 p.m.

ROAD CLOSURES & UTILITY WORK

Firestone:

  • CR 17 between CR 26 and south of Firestone Blvd: Utility pole replacement June 22 – mid-August
  • Firestone Blvd from east of Frontier St to east of CR 17 intersection: Utility pole replacement June 22 – mid-August

WEATHER

Expect typical Front Range early summer conditions. No severe weather alerts currently in effect for Boulder, Weld, or Adams counties.