Morning headlines from DenverPost.com

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Today's Front Page News

Payroll-tax cut raises worries about Social Security's future funding
By extending the payroll-tax cut, Congress and the Obama administration have quietly made a critical change in how Social Security is funded, one that some worry could undermine the program's foundation if lawmakers keep renewing the tax break.  

• Bailey: Orton's work on scout team big asset
• Lawsuit over Rwandan genocide appealed in federal court in Denver
• Injury to Duchene dampens Avalanche's victory over Coyotes
• Circle of life: Denver mother reunites with doula from her birth
• Lagging Colorado snowpack cools hopes for spring

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Today's Local Politics

Primary candidate taking on Rep. Amy Stephens bows out after maps draw her into race with GOP incumbent
Gar Graham, the retired U.S. Air Force major general who had jumped into one of the most fascinating Republican legislative primaries in 2012, has now jumped out.  

• Lawyer Scott Martinez joins Denver Mayor Hancock's administration
• Tough choices in 2012 will reveal Denver Mayor Michael Hancock's leadership style
• Denver official's push to attract In-N-Out Burger generates plenty of sizzle

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Today's Sports Headlines

Bailey: Orton's work on scout team big asset
Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey offered a different take on his team's defense facing Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton on Sunday.  

• Avs beat Phoenix but worry about Duchene injury, 3-2
• Woody Paige: Elway and Tebow star in a dickens of an Xmas Eve tale
• Paige: Timmy: Do or do not. There is no try.
• Broncos wide reciever Bowe has a gift for grab
• Rams claim title as Eikmeier stars

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Today's Entertainment

Cast of true characters to offer up the last laughs of 2011 in Denver
Of all the holidays, New Year's Eve is perhaps the most joyous and party-ready, a time to spend with friends while you laugh and imbibe in elevated moods and environments.  

• The Denver Post's New Year's Eve events list
• 2011 trends? Ukes, Adele, but still no protest songs
• A dazzling array of Colorado New Year's Eve entertainment: 12 acts in 12 venues
• It's going to be a jumpin', bumpin' New Year's Eve party night
• Denver Post club shows list, 12/30/11

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Today's Style

LL Bean hunting boot gets a kick from retro trend
A nearly century-old hunting boot is catching on with a younger generation that sees the utilitarian footwear as hip. L.L Bean's familiar duck boot with leather uppers and rubber soles — designed for slogging through mud and snow — has become something of a fashion statement owing to its newfound popularity on college campuses, the company says.  

• When websites come and go what will become of your digital treasures?
• Sudden death leads associate to look for clues (12/30/2011)

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Today's Opinion

Editorial: Stuck in reverse on nation's debt
Given the manufactured crisis over the debt ceiling last summer, we wouldn't blame you for recoiling when President Barack Obama this week announced he would seek to increase it again.