The United States has a long record of intervening in other countries, a pattern that continues to shape foreign policy decisions today. While presidents rarely describe these actions as “taking over” nations, they often justify military or political involvement through national‑security arguments, regional doctrines, or economic interests. Recent events in Venezuela have renewed questions about… Read more: Why U.S. Presidents Intervene Abroad — And What History Shows

Colorado Springs is set to enhance outdoor recreation with over 14 miles of new trails in Blodgett Open Space by late 2026. This development includes hiking, multi-use, and 2.7 miles of dedicated mountain-bike trails. The project aims to improve accessibility, safety, and sustainability while distributing visitor traffic more evenly across the area.

Denver’s ban on flavored nicotine products, effective January 1, 2026, follows strong public support and reflects increasing municipal restrictions across Colorado. While some retailers face severe revenue losses, prompting concerns over closures, the impact could influence lawmakers to consider a statewide ban as cities debate similar policies amidst conflicting views on public health and economic consequences.

Colorado wildlife officials are investigating the state’s first fatal mountain lion attack in more than 25 years after a woman was found dead on the Crosier Mountain Trail near Glen Haven on New Year’s Day. The incident is being treated as a suspected mountain lion attack pending confirmation from the Larimer County Coroner’s Office, according… Read more: Woman Killed in Colorado’s First Fatal Mountain Lion Attack Since 1999

Colorado’s ponderosa pine forests face renewed threats from a surge in mountain pine beetle activity exacerbated by drought and heat. Although these trees can resist beetle attacks, current conditions weaken their defenses. This ecological crisis also impacts wildlife and increases wildfire risks, prompting state-led mitigation efforts to safeguard this vital ecosystem.

With Governor Jared Polis term-limited and entering his final year in office, Colorado’s 2026 gubernatorial race is already accelerating. What began as a quiet pre-season has quickly turned into a high-stakes contest drawing in the state’s most recognizable political figures — and some of its most polarizing outsiders. The Democratic primary is now a two-way… Read more: THE RACE FOR THE GOLD DOME: Colorado’s 2026 Field Takes Shape

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is heading into the new year under sharper financial scrutiny as lawmakers begin their annual review of the Department of Natural Resources budget. The agency, which manages everything from hunting licenses to state parks to the state’s high‑profile wolf reintroduction program, is largely funded through cash sources rather than the state’s… Read more: Colorado Parks & Wildlife Faces Intensifying Scrutiny Over Funding and Wolf Program Costs

Colorado’s state parks are set to host over eight million visitors by mid-2025, continuing a trend of high visitation due to population growth and outdoor recreational appeal. While visitation supports local economies, it stresses natural resources, prompting capacity management discussions and the implementation of reservation systems during peak times.

A Colorado River Research Group report warns that the river system, vital for seven states and millions, is nearing a critical point due to climate change and overuse, which have severely reduced reservoir levels. Urgent, collaborative action is needed to manage water demands and ensure future reliability, particularly impacting Colorado’s water needs.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has approved a 483-acre expansion of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, enhancing visitor access and conservation efforts. This addition bolsters habitat protection and offers opportunities for new trails and educational sites. The expansion aims to balance recreation with ecological resilience in response to increasing urban development and park visitation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has unveiled a draft Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy that reframes the beaver not as a nuisance but as a keystone species essential to the health of the state’s rivers, wetlands, and wildlife. Long misunderstood and nearly eradicated in the nineteenth century, beavers are now recognized as ecosystem engineers whose work… Read more: Colorado’s Beaver Conservation Strategy: Why We Need Beavers and What They Do 

Colorado is on the verge of a transformation that few residents have noticed, and fewer still are talking about. Along the Front Range, from Denver to Colorado Springs, a quiet boom in data center construction is unfolding. These unassuming buildings—windowless, sprawling, and often tucked away in industrial parks—are poised to become one of the most… Read more: Colorado’s Invisible Boom: Data Centers and the Future of the Rockies

Swire Coca‑Cola has unveiled plans for a $475 million bottling and distribution facility at Peak Innovation Park near the Colorado Springs Airport. The 620,000‑square‑foot plant will replace the company’s 90‑year‑old Denver facility and is expected to create 170 new jobs when operations begin in 2028. Economic ImpactCity leaders hailed the project as one of the… Read more: Swire Coca‑Cola to Build $475 Million Bottling Plant in Colorado Springs<br>

Australia’s superannuation system is widely regarded as one of the most effective retirement programs in the world. Built on compulsory employer contributions, it ensures that nearly all workers accumulate savings throughout their careers. Employers are required to contribute twelve percent of an employee’s wages into superannuation accounts, creating a massive national pool of retirement assets… Read more: Gig Workers and Superannuation in the U.S.<br>

Scientists studying samples from asteroid Bennu have found essential organic compounds, including sugars and amino acids, which are crucial for life. Notably, a unique nitrogen-rich polymer termed “space gum” was discovered. These findings, retrieved by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, enhance our understanding of life’s building blocks in the cosmos and their potential role in Earth’s origin.

The Trump administration has announced plans to withhold Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding from Colorado and other states unless they comply with new federal data-sharing requirements. This move has sparked legal challenges and raised concerns about food security for thousands of households.  Federal Action The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a directive… Read more: Trump Administration Threatens Colorado SNAP Benefits<br>

Colorado Springs is preparing for heavy snowfall with plowing operations starting at midnight and travel advisories issued. Governor Polis announced $800 million budget cuts affecting state programs. Senator Faith Winter tragically died in a crash, while awareness programs at Sand Creek highlighted historical accountability. A new reservoir project is delayed due to uranium contamination.

On Tuesday, the Colorado Springs City Council approved a $427.3 million budget for 2026, reflecting an $11 million cut from 2025. Despite significant austerity measures impacting city services, funding for police and fire departments increased. The budget reflects economic challenges, with cuts leading to workforce reductions and community impacts, while prioritizing public safety amid a financial shortfall.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board unanimously approved the acquisition of Shoshone water rights, ensuring permanent instream flow protection for Glenwood Canyon ecosystems. This decision, co-managed with the Colorado River District, aims to support environmental health against municipal diversion. Despite controversies from Front Range utilities, it signifies a major advancement in Colorado water policy.

The Trump administration proposes extending Affordable Care Act subsidies for two years, amid the impending expiration of pandemic-era financial assistance. This plan, which requires premiums and caps eligibility at 700 percent of poverty, reflects evolving political dynamics and could mitigate significant healthcare cost increases for millions, but raises questions about its long-term implications.

Colorado’s 2025 Strategic Highway Safety Plan aims for zero traffic deaths by focusing on reducing fatalities and serious injuries by 22.5% by 2027. Developed collaboratively, it emphasizes the protection of vulnerable road users, acknowledges human fallibility, and promotes shared responsibility. Urgent intervention is needed as fatalities outpace population growth, highlighting the necessity for collective action.

The voter-mandated gray wolf reintroduction program in Colorado is facing its most significant logistical challenges yet as the window for the third annual release rapidly approaches. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, or CPW, is currently struggling to secure a source population for the 10 to 15 wolves needed this winter, compounding the controversial nature of the… Read more: Colorado’s Wolf Program Encounters Fresh Roadblocks in Search for Third Release Source

Colorado today unveiled a sweeping strategy to transform its workforce, aiming squarely at the state’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The newly released Colorado Climate Workforce Analysis & Plan, spearheaded by the Colorado Energy Office, is far more than just a policy document; it’s a blueprint for a massive re-skilling… Read more: Colorado Forges Path to Net-Zero: A Bold Plan to Build a Green Workforce<br>

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) issued a critical announcement today declaring the Colorado River “infested” with invasive zebra mussels. The designation follows the confirmation of adult mussel populations extending from the Eagle River confluence in Glenwood Canyon downstream to the Utah border. This development marks a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to contain the… Read more: Zebra Mussel Infestation Confirmed in Colorado River: Implications for State Water and El Paso County

Rick George, the University of Colorado’s athletic director, will step down after 13 years of significant achievements, including hiring Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders and transitioning the program to the Big 12 Conference. His leadership brought stability and success, culminating in accolades and a new advisory role, while ensuring continued growth for CU’s athletics.

Colorado faces a $848.9 million budget shortfall for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, largely due to reduced tax revenues from federal law changes. Governor Polis’s proposal includes spending cuts in Medicaid and privatizing Pinnacol Assurance to close the gap. Education funding sees some increases, although concerns about proposed changes persist.

In Denver, Colorado, significant legislative discussions are underway to reform behavioral health for youth in the justice system. Proposed bills aim to enhance therapeutic interventions in the Youthful Offender System and improve access to mental health services. Additional proposals focus on Medicaid expansion for crisis transportation and community-based treatment for NGRI individuals, addressing critical health care challenges.

After 43 days of suspended federal operations, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has come to a close. On Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives voted 222–209 to approve a funding bill, following Senate passage earlier this week. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure tonight, allowing federal agencies to reopen Thursday… Read more: Shutdown Ends After 43 Days What It Means for Colorado Families, Workers, and Agencies

Negotiators from seven states failed to submit a unified proposal for Colorado River water-sharing cuts by a federal deadline, leading to uncertainty in its management. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation may implement its own plan, resulting in major implications for agriculture and water supply, as deep divisions persist between Upper and Lower Basin states.

“Skate in the Park” opens this Friday at Acacia Park in Colorado Springs, featuring an outdoor ice rink, themed nights, and live performances. Admission is $10 with discounts available. Special events include “Ugly Sweater Skate” and “Frozen Night.” Director Susan Edmondson highlights the celebration of community spirit and joy.

The Colorado Springs City Council has delayed a vote on banning overnight vehicle camping on public property due to strong opposition from advocates and experts. The proposed measure would criminalize sleeping in vehicles, raising concerns about homelessness and legal issues. The vote is postponed until May 2026 for further community discussion.

As winter approaches, Colorado Springs prepares for snow removal with a comprehensive plan involving up to 50 snowplows and de-icing trucks. Priority routes are cleared first, while residential areas are serviced during severe snowfall. Crews are on standby 24/7, and residents are encouraged to cooperate and prepare emergency kits.

In spring 2024, astronomers confirmed the arrival of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object in our solar system, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov. This icy comet, moving at 130,000 miles per hour, revealed complex organic molecules, suggesting a rich chemical origin. Its fragmented structure hints at a violent cosmic history, offering insights into diverse planetary environments.

President Donald Trump has recently announced a proposal to distribute a “Tariff Dividend” of at least $2,000 to “almost all Americans,” which would be funded by revenues generated from U.S. tariffs on imported goods. This suggestion, shared publicly by the President, has quickly ignited discussions about its economic mechanism and political viability. The Proposal Details… Read more: Trump Proposes “Tariff Dividend” of $2,000 to Americans; Congressional Hurdles Expected

The U.S. Supreme Court has halted November SNAP benefits for most Coloradans, affecting over 560,000 recipients. This follows a brief period when payments were being processed after a federal court ruling. Governor Polis urges the administration to withdraw its appeal, while state funds support local food resources amid uncertainty.

Colorado Springs residents are grappling with significantly higher utility bills and a new pricing structure designed to fundamentally change how they consume electricity. Approved by the City Council, acting as the Utilities Board, in late 2024, the changes are part of a five-year rate case for Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), promising substantial investments in infrastructure… Read more: Colorado Springs Utility Bills Soar: New Rates Bring Hefty Increases and Behavioral Shifts for Residents

After weeks of profound uncertainty caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown, more than 600,000 Coloradans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive their full November benefits. In a breaking development, Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) announced today that the state is moving immediately to… Read more: Relief for 600,000 Coloradans: CDHS to Distribute November SNAP Payments After Federal Reversal<br>

As Coloradans grapple with persistent inflation and the immediate economic strain of the federal government shutdown, state leaders today rolled out ambitious new plans aimed at making life more affordable across the Centennial State. Both Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser unveiled “roadmaps” focusing on reducing everyday expenses, from soaring auto insurance premiums… Read more: Colorado Leaders Unveil “Roadmaps” to Tame High Cost of Living<br>

The Colorado Springs City Council is in the midst of reviewing Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s proposed 2026 budget, a plan that has drawn both scrutiny and support as the city faces a projected $31 million shortfall. The budget, first presented in early October, reflects the city’s attempt to balance fiscal responsibility with the growing demands of… Read more: Colorado Springs City Council Grapples with 2026 Budget Review Amid $31 Million Shortfall

Voters in Colorado Springs will decide on three at-large seats for School District 11, affecting policies on curriculum and budgeting for over 22,000 students. Candidates include Charles Johnson, LeAnn Baca Bartlett, and Michael Carsten, all part of the “Champions for D11” slate, alongside various independent candidates. High stakes surround enrollment declines and budget pressures.

Astronomers have observed a free-floating “rogue planet” undergoing a rapid growth spurt—without the gravitational pull of a parent star. This rare cosmic orphan, drifting alone through interstellar space, appears to be accumulating mass in real time, offering scientists an unprecedented glimpse into how planets might form in isolation. A Planet Without a Home The object,… Read more: Rogue Planet Spotted Growing: A Cosmic  Offers Clues to Planetary Birth

On October 31, two federal judges ordered the USDA to continue SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, responding to lawsuits from 26 states and D.C. They ruled that halting payments violated federal law, causing harm to low-income Americans. The rulings ensure food assistance for over 42 million recipients, with further compliance expected.

The Colorado State Patrol confirmed its involvement in a tense demonstration outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Durango, following the detention of a Colombian father and his two children, ages 11 and 14. The family, who had lived in Colorado for over 18 months and had a pending asylum claim,… Read more: State Patrol Responds to ICE Protest in Durango

Astronomers have identified a vast channel of hot, low-density gas that appears to extend from our solar system toward distant stars in the Centaurus constellation. This newly mapped structure, described by some researchers as an “interstellar tunnel,” suggests that our solar system is part of a larger network of plasma pathways within the Milky Way.… Read more: A Tunnel Through the Stars? Astronomers Trace a Cosmic Channel from Our Solar System  <br>

As Coloradans prepare to vote in the November 4 election, this year’s ballot features two major statewide measures and dozens of local contests that could reshape education, taxation, and community governance. With early voting already underway and turnout surpassing previous off-year elections, the Dispatch offers this nonpartisan guide to help voters navigate the key issues.… Read more: Colorado Voter Guide: What’s on the Ballot This November<br>

Colorado’s ambitious wolf reintroduction program has hit a significant regulatory snag. In late October 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a directive halting the importation of wolves from Canada and Alaska, citing legal limitations under the 10(j) rule of the Endangered Species Act. This rule governs experimental populations of endangered species and restricts… Read more: Colorado’s Wolf Reintroduction Faces New Federal Constraints<br>

Colorado is experiencing significant federal funding cuts, with over $76 million in grants terminated and another $56 million at risk, largely affecting law enforcement and public safety programs. Southern Colorado, particularly Colorado Springs and El Paso County, will suffer the most from reductions in vital services including community policing, violence prevention, and victim support.

As Colorado’s school board elections approach, both Denver and Colorado Springs face a troubling rise in untraceable political spending, or “dark money.” Significant outside funding influences candidates, prompting concerns about transparency and democracy. Critics advocate for reform as these elections could shape educational policies affecting thousands of students for years to come.

As the federal government shutdown continues, Colorado faces a food assistance crisis, threatening over 600,000 residents reliant on SNAP benefits. Governor Jared Polis has requested $10 million in emergency funds to support food banks and community organizations. Local leaders unite to ensure hunger relief, emphasizing shared responsibility during this urgent situation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has canceled the mule deer muzzleloader hunt at Piñon Canyon and Fort Carson due to the federal government shutdown. This disruption affects hunting participation and data collection on mule deer populations. CPW is offering refunds and urges hunters to seek alternative areas while ensuring wildlife health and access balance.

On October 18, 2025, cities across the United States and parts of Europe witnessed a sweeping wave of “No Kings” protests—organized in opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive policies and what demonstrators described as a drift toward authoritarianism. These rallies marked the second major mobilization under the “No Kings” banner, a movement that first emerged… Read more: Echoes of 1776: No Kings, No Crowns

The ongoing federal government shutdown is severely impacting Colorado’s vulnerable populations, threatening November SNAP benefits for over 600,000 residents. Areas like Denver and Colorado Springs face dire food assistance challenges. Local organizations are responding by expanding food distributions as families confront increased demand and potential loss of support.

The federal government shutdown has entered its 16th day, affecting 1.6 million workers and disrupting services across multiple agencies. The deadlock centers on health care subsidies and budget authority, with various funding bills rejected. Economic losses may reach $15 billion daily, while public sentiment shows blame directed at both parties for the crisis.

As autumn progresses, Colorado’s black bears are searching for food before hibernation, leading to increased sightings statewide. Wildlife officials are promoting safety campaigns, urging drivers to be cautious in bear areas. Residents are advised to secure trash and pet food as bears prepare for winter by consuming large calorie amounts.

In a decision that reverberates through school districts and family advocacy groups nationwide, the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a Colorado case challenging parental rights in public education. The case, Lee v. Poudre School District R-1, centered on whether schools can allow students to participate in LGBTQ+ support groups without notifying parents—a question… Read more: Supreme Court Declines Colorado Parental Rights Case, Leaving School Policies Intact

Colorado has enacted a law that allows bison to be classified as either wildlife or livestock based on origin and management, providing protections for migrating herds. This legislation, supported by Indigenous priorities, facilitates conservation efforts and future rewilding initiatives, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife managing implementation alongside tribal partners.

Researchers Luca Morf and Ravit Helled have introduced a new modeling framework for Uranus and Neptune, showing they may be geologically varied instead of merely ice giants. Their study outlines four distinct models for each planet’s interior, revealing complexities in composition and structure that challenge traditional views and highlight the need for more precise observational data.

The federal government remains shuttered as of Monday morning, with no resolution in sight and over 4,000 federal employees laid off nationwide. Unlike previous shutdowns, this one has taken a more aggressive turn: the White House has opted for permanent layoffs—known as Reduction in Force (RIF)—rather than temporary furloughs, signaling a strategic shift in how… Read more: The federal government shutdown has entered its 12th day, with layoffs replacing furloughs and ripple effects reaching deep into Colorado’s public services and workforce.

Pagosa Springs experienced severe flooding due to Tropical Storm Priscilla, with the San Juan River peaking at over 7,200 cubic feet per second. Mandatory evacuations were issued, impacting several streets, while over 90 homes were damaged. La Plata County also faced significant flooding. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, and assessments are ongoing.

In a cosmic encore to our earlier coverage, the Rocky Mountain Dispatch is revisiting interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS—now confirmed to be shedding water vapor at an astonishing rate of 88 pounds (40 kilograms) per second. This revelation, based on ultraviolet observations from NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, has stunned astronomers and deepened the mystery surrounding this… Read more: Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Is Spewing Water—And Scientists Are Stunned

In an age where you can order a car, a cabin, or a composting toilet with one click, the idea of buying a fully livable home on Amazon feels less like science fiction and more like a weekend project. But in El Paso County, where zoning codes and building permits still rule the land, the… Read more: From Cart to Curb: Can You Buy a Tiny Home on Amazon and Drop It in Colorado Springs?

President Donald Trump is actively considering invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 to deploy federal troops in U.S. cities, citing what he describes as rampant crime and obstruction by Democratic governors and mayors. The move comes amid mounting legal resistance from federal judges and local officials, particularly in cities like Portland and Chicago, where National… Read more: Trump Eyes Insurrection Act Amid Legal Blocks; Colorado Pushes

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. Therapist Kaley Chiles claims the law infringes on her First Amendment rights, asserting viewpoint censorship. The case raises crucial issues regarding mental health regulation, free speech, and the protection of youth in counseling contexts.

The federal government shutdown has entered its second week with no resolution in sight, as Senate negotiations remain deadlocked and House leadership signals no immediate plans to reconvene. Despite five failed attempts to pass a short-term funding bill, Senate Republicans continue to push for a continuing resolution that would extend government operations through November 21.… Read more: Shutdown Stalemate Deepens as Senate Talks Stall

Despite the federal government shutdown, Colorado’s national parks stay open, yet face serious challenges such as closed visitor centers and absent rangers. Governor Polis aims to keep parks accessible with limited state funding, but worries persist regarding safety and environmental harm. Visitor experiences vary, with some enjoying solitude while others feel uneasy.

In the frozen reaches beyond Neptune, where sunlight is a distant glimmer and planetary motion slows to a centuries-long crawl, a quiet revelation has stirred the astronomy world. Makemake—one of the solar system’s most remote dwarf planets—has been caught exhaling. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists have detected a faint methane atmosphere hovering… Read more: Makemake Breathes: A Distant Dwarf Planet Reveals a Whisper of Atmosphere<br>

As autumn progresses in Colorado, October showcases two celestial events: a supermoon and meteor showers. The supermoon, on October 6, appears larger and brighter, creating stunning views. The Draconid meteor shower peaks on October 7-8, followed by the Orionids on October 21-22, encouraging stargazers to enjoy the night sky.

The Colorado Buffaloes lost to TCU 35-21 after leading by 14 points, dropping to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in Big 12 play. Key turnovers allowed TCU’s Josh Hoover to orchestrate a comeback. Facing Iowa State next, the Buffaloes must address turnovers and defensive issues to recover their season.

Colorado has set a historic price ceiling of $600 for the autoimmune drug Enbrel, significantly reducing costs from over $53,000 annually. This move by the Prescription Drug Affordability Board aims to enhance medication affordability for patients, but some independent pharmacies express concerns about financial viability. Legal challenges from Amgen may affect future implications.

The federal government has canceled over $500 million in grants to Colorado amidst a government shutdown, affecting clean energy projects, education programs, and public health services. Key initiatives in methane reduction, battery recycling, and support for Minority-Serving Institutions have been halted, with potential long-term impacts on local economies and services.

The announcement of a trillion-dollar military budget by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to benefit Colorado Springs’ defense sector, home to major contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Analysts predict 6,000 new jobs and infrastructure upgrades, despite concerns over overmilitarization and civil liberties from local officials and advocacy groups.

Colorado Springs’ extensive park system, founded by General William Jackson Palmer in the late 1800s, faces challenges due to a $31 million budget shortfall. Parks will see limited cuts, but maintenance and staffing are strained. Community nonprofits are stepping up, while the economic impact of parks remains significant for tourism and public health.

The U.S. government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill for the new fiscal year. The impasse halts operations across multiple federal agencies and furloughs approximately 900,000 employees, with another 700,000 working without pay. Essential services such as air travel, Social Security, and… Read more: Federal Government Shuts Down as Funding Deadline Passes

In a city that prides itself on progress, it’s rare to stumble upon a relic that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a different decade. But that’s exactly what happened when I found myself standing between a weathered air pump and the sign for a King Soopers gas station—staring at a fully intact public… Read more: A Portal to the Past: Forgotten Payphone Resurfaces in Colorado Springs  <br>

A significant summit with nearly 800 U.S. military leaders at Quantico marks a strategic shift towards a $1 trillion defense budget aimed at enhancing military readiness against perceived global threats, especially from China and Russia. This meeting represents a doctrinal change, prioritizing combat over traditional defense, with implications for domestic readiness and operations.

It started with an uncomfortable laugh. At a smoke shop tucked near Circle and Platte—location withheld for discretion—my wife and fellow reporter struck up a conversation with the woman working the counter while I photographed a curious product called Hydroxie. The clerk, candid and quick-witted, shared a story that felt quintessentially Colorado Springs. A customer,… Read more: Hydroxie and the Rise of Over-the-Counter Alkaloids: A Closer Look at Colorado Springs’ Latest Smoke Shop Trend

As the federal government teeters on the edge of a shutdown this Tuesday, a deeper political strategy may be unfolding behind the scenes—one that could redefine the role of federal agencies and reshape the balance of power in Washington. For Coloradans, the implications are far-reaching, touching everything from environmental oversight to public lands management and… Read more: Shutdown as Strategy: How the White House Could Use a Government Freeze to Reshape the Administrative State<br>

As Congress barrels toward a midnight deadline on Tuesday, October 1, Colorado Springs faces sweeping disruptions from a likely federal government shutdown. With no funding bills passed and negotiations stalled over Affordable Care Act subsidies, the region’s federal workforce, military installations, and public services stand on edge. Federal Services at Risk Local federal offices—including the… Read more: Shutdown Showdown: Colorado Springs Braces for Federal Freeze<br>

The U.S. faces a critical moment in space propulsion as Russia unveils a revolutionary plasma rocket. This technology could reshape interplanetary travel and threaten U.S. leadership in space innovation. To maintain dominance, the U.S. must invest in advanced propulsion research, foster public-private partnerships, and address ethical implications in exploration.

In a move that could reshape the future of conservation across the American West, the Trump administration has initiated a rollback of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule — a policy that, until now, recognized conservation as a formal and equal use of federal lands alongside energy development, grazing, and recreation. The… Read more: Editorial: Colorado’s Public Lands at Risk in Federal Rollback