Friday, August 22, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1932, U.S. astronaut Gerald Carr was born in Denver. He commanded the Skylab 4 mission, which set a U.S. spaceflight record with 84 days in orbit.

From orbit to the Rockies, NASA is gearing up for a 2027 Moon landing, and Gypsum is playing a key role. Astronauts are training with the Colorado Army National Guard in rugged terrain to simulate lunar conditions. Learn more in Top Stories.

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James Dobson Dies at 89

James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family and a former child psychologist, died Thursday at age 89.

Dobson launched his conservative Christian ministry in 1977 and relocated it to Colorado Springs in the 1990s, contributing to the city's growing reputation as a national hub for evangelical organizations.

Over the decades, Dobson advised five U.S. presidents, authored more than 70 books, and built a radio empire heard by millions.

Lawmakers Discuss AI Regulations

Colorado lawmakers are meeting in a special session to close the state's budget shortfall—and to consider last-minute changes to the state's artificial intelligence law before it takes effect on Feb. 1, 2026.

The new law, the Colorado AI Act, would make Colorado the first state to require companies to disclose when AI is used in decisions like hiring, housing, or health care.

However, with four competing bills up for discussion, lawmakers are divided on how strict those rules should be.

Businesses are concerned about compliance costs that could hurt startups, while labor and consumer advocates support a streamlined version that enforces transparency.

Moon Landing Training in Gypsum

NASA is preparing for its first crewed Moon landing in over 50 years, and Colorado is playing a key role.

As part of the Artemis program, NASA has partnered with the Colorado Army National Guard to rehearse the challenges of landing in extreme conditions.

At Gypsum's high-altitude aviation site, astronauts train with Guard pilots in military helicopters, flying over rugged terrain that simulates the low visibility and other landing challenges expected during the mission.

The training course will serve as foundational preparation for crews headed to the Moon's south pole, beginning with Artemis III in 2027.

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WARNING: AI Threats That Could Shatter Your Dreams of Successful Retirement

The media is calling artificial intelligence a "revolution," but for many Americans, its real impact might result in a significant loss, not a gain. In fact, new reports reveal that AI is already driving three major threats to the global economy and your retirement.

Here are the three major AI threats you should be aware of:

Skyrocketing market risk due to overvalued tech stocks.
Tens of thousands of job losses in just the first half of 2025.
Banking security and privacy under siege.

More and more Americans are turning to time-tested strategies to help protect their life savings, and they're starting with a free copy of The Case for Silver ebook.

Don't wait until Artificial Intelligence potentially robs you of your financial future.

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➤ Eagle County: The Derby Fire surged overnight on Wednesday to 2,625 acres with 0% containment, prompting evacuations and federal land closures while more than 100 firefighters work to contain the blaze. (More)

➤ Kiowa County: Authorities are investigating a train derailment near Chivington on Wednesday that sent more than a dozen cars off the tracks. (See Photos)

➤ Statewide: Two major Colorado health insurers, Anthem and Rocky Mountain Health Plans, will discontinue plans in 16 counties in 2026, forcing roughly 96,000 individual policyholders to find new coverage. (See Details)

➤ Boulder: Police now launch drones after 911 calls for any situation that might benefit from aerial support, giving first responders clearer information on crashes, fires, and arrests. (More)

➤ Statewide: Drivers are increasingly running red lights and stop signs, according to the state patrol, and link the trend to distracted driving after two deaths and 48 injuries so far in 2025. (More)

➤ Aurora: A father is suing the Aurora Police Department after officers drew their guns and tased him in response to a kidnapping report from Children's Hospital. He had taken his 3-year-old son from the hospital after disagreeing with medical advice. (More)

➤ Statewide: Colorado trade school enrollment jumped 104.7% from 2019 to 2023 as students seek cheaper, faster career paths. Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver reports that all its graduates finish debt-free. (More)

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➤ The Denver Broncos traded wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. (More)

➤ The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Victor Olofsson to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Olofsson, 30, had 15 goals last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. (More)

➤ Denver Rockets legend Larry R. Jones died on Aug. 16 at 82. A standout before the ABA-NBA merger, Jones was a four-time ABA All-Star and the first player to score 2,000 points in a season. (More)

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➤ Vail Resorts announced target opening dates for Colorado ski areas, with Keystone aiming for mid-October and Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Crested Butte planning November openings. (See Details)

➤ Osteria Marco, the longtime Larimer Square Italian restaurant from award-winning Chef Frank Bonanno, opened its first airport location at Denver International's Concourse B on Wednesday. (More)

➤ Construction is underway on a $25.8 million affordable housing complex for adults 62 and older. Denver's 50-unit University Hills project is slated for completion in September 2026. (See Details)

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AI Threats That Could Shatter Your Dreams

The impact of artificial intelligence isn't just hype anymore; it's happening right before our eyes. While it may be shaping the future, it could also unleash major damage to the U.S. economy, potentially putting millions of retirement savers at risk.

That's why more and more Americans are turning to time-tested strategies to help protect their life savings, and they're starting with a free copy of The Case for Silver ebook.

➤ Palisade Peach Festival's peach-eating contest has a new record-holder after food truck owner Luke Raffaelli ate nine peaches in 90 seconds. He says he hopes to hit a dozen next year. (More)

➤ Settlers of Catan's 2025 U.S. Championship drew 160 players to Denver last weekend, where Burak Ozgur claimed the national title. (More)

➤ Colorado native Steven Ramm, 35, will compete on Season 49 of Survivor, premiering Sept. 24, where the rocket scientist from Littleton will face off against 17 other contestants. (See Video)

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