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Hi Fort Collins, hope you’re having a great weekend! In today's in-case-you-missed-it edition: Mountain lion safety tips, a new CSU laser lab, and bug day 2026 + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing Most popular stories this weekThe three top stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Staying safe in the wild: Larimer County was named Colorado’s hotspot for mountain lion activity after a January 2026 fatal attack near Glen Haven. Wildlife officials outline tips to deter encounters on Fort Collins trails -- see wildlife safety tips.
New education laws ahead: Starting August 12, Colorado will ease out-of-state teacher licensing and speed compact applications while expanding recognition for multilingual students through a stronger State Seal of Biliteracy, impacting Fort Collins classrooms -- see the teacher changes.
Research hub takes shape: Colorado State University began building a laser lab in Fort Collins this week, funded by $150 million from Marvel Fusion and $12.5 million from DOE’s Office of Fusion Energy Sciences -- explore the laser lab.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. All the crowd favorites: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
This week's top findsLocal spotlights your fellow readers loved last week.
Geek out this week: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is your go-to for hands-on science, local history that actually feels local, and a digital dome theater that makes space feel closer than Horsetooth. Grab a curious friend or a stir-crazy kid and give your brain a little midweek field trip.
Closet refresh, locally: Repeat Boutique has recycled stylish clothes, jewelry, and home finds since 1987, so the rack is always changing. Consign pieces you’re done with or hunt something unexpected... either way, you’ll feel a little greener and a lot more Fort Collins.
Need a better brew? Lima Coffee Roasters - Campus West Coffee Shop roasts its own beans in Fort Collins, so your cappuccino or pour-over lands fresh. It’s next to CSU, with rotating microlots and house blends like 11:11 and Isabel, plus a seasonal menu if you’re feeling exploratory.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Not every financial advisor has to put you first: It surprises a lot of folks, but "financial advisor" isn't a regulated promise. Only fiduciaries are legally bound to act in your best interest, while others can recommend products that earn them a commission. SmartAsset's free tool asks you a few questions and matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area, so you can compare them and decide for yourself. There's no cost to get matched and no obligation to hire anyone. *Find your match →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
Once your car passes 50,000 miles, the odds of a big repair climb fast: That's usually right when your factory coverage starts running out. Engine, transmission, electrical, they fail on their own timeline, and the bills run into the thousands. An extended warranty covers them before they hit. You receive a free year of Elite Benefits, plus 30 days to change your mind. *$300 off right now → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Sneak peek at next weekPlan ahead for the next seven days. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
⛳ 4th Annual Cubs & Clubs Golf Tournament @ Ptarmigan Country Club Golf Course | Monday (8/3) at 12:00 PM – Fairway weather calls for the fourth annual Cubs & Clubs Golf Tournament, a swing-friendly fundraiser backing Timnath Cheer. Dust off the polos, split a cart, and let your greens fees do some good, keeping cheer accessible for every kid in town.
👮 Fort Collins City-Wide Neighborhood Night Out @ Indian Peaks Park | Tuesday (8/4) at 5:00 PM – Neighborhood Night Out is popping up at Indian Peaks Park with music, lawn games, a creative corner, and a hydration station that says we respect the sun. Come meet the folks you wave at on trash day, swap stories, and master two-basket frisbee golf.
🎨 Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™ @ Downtown Fort Collins | Friday (8/7) at 6:00 PM – First Friday means Old Town turns into a free, self-guided art tour, with 30-plus shops and galleries showing everything from polished classics to delightfully quirky pieces. Stroll, sip, and chat with artists, then debate wall space like adults with mortgages and opinions.
🚗 Timberline Car Show @ Timberline Church | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – Classic chrome meets community at a car show backing local foster kids, where the kids are the reason, the cars the excuse. Free to browse, hear tunes, grab a bite, let the littles bounce, and watch kids judge the grownups’ toys in the church lot.
🐞 Bug Day 2026 @ Bath Garden Center & Nursery | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Bug Day at Bath Garden Center is peak Fort Collins wholesome weirdness, a free, family-friendly romp with a bring-your-own-bug brag fest, a ladybug release, masks, face paint, and crafty magnets. Perfect for grandkid duty, garden nerds, and anyone who secretly likes beetles.
🛍 The Collective Market @ Oak Street Plaza | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Fort Collins, your favorite plaza is going full-block market mode, with curated vintage, handmade finds, local art, and the neighbors piling in. Monty, Michael, and DJ Skinny Rabbit spin while you browse, socialize, and pretend this counts as downsizing.
🧚 Needle-Felted Fairy Art Class @ Blue Moose Art Gallery | Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 AM – This needle-felting class has you shaping a tiny fairy, and poking wool on purpose is oddly soothing. Best for confident beginners or intermediates who have taken a class, ages 13 to adult. Extra materials available if you want to keep the magic going at home.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Fort Collins report Weather forecastToday — High: 102°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 102. Southeast wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Later: Partly cloudy. Low around 67, with temperatures rising to around 69 overnight. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 95°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 16%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Northeast wind 2 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. North northeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Most popular house this weekThis luxury brick home sits on the 9th hole of Fort Collins Country Club, with Long Pond and Foothills views pouring through oversized windows. The updated gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops, top-tier appliances, and hardwood floors. The main-floor primary suite opens to a deck, while the lower level offers two bedrooms, a living room, patio, and 3-car garage.
Take a peek inside → |
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