DIA CEO Phil Washington Retires

Phil Washington is stepping down as CEO of Denver International Airport (DIA), ending a five-year tenure at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

Washington announced Thursday that his retirement will take effect Aug. 1, capping a career in public service that spans decades, from transit leadership in Denver and Los Angeles to the helm of DIA.

During his tenure, DIA handled record passenger volumes and navigated the post-pandemic rebound. Washington arrived in 2021 after serving as CEO of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and previously led the Regional Transportation District in Denver.

The airport board will begin a search for his successor. In 2025, DIA ranked as the fourth-busiest airport in the U.S. and 10th-busiest worldwide.

Fort Carson Soldier Killed in Iraq

A Fort Carson soldier died during a training-related incident at Erbil Airbase in northern Iraq on May 31, the Army confirmed this week.

The Army identified the soldier as Sgt. Devin A. Seibel, 26, of Robinson, Texas. He was assigned to the Air Ambulance Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Carson and was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve at the time of his death.

A British soldier, Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman, 29, also died in the same training exercise. Both nations are investigating the incident.

Fort Carson, located in Colorado Springs, is home to the 4th Infantry Division and one of the Army’s largest installations. Seibel is the first Fort Carson soldier to die in a training incident abroad this year.

Ranch Employee Kills King Mountain Wolf

A ranch hand on an Eagle County property shot and killed a wolf from the King Mountain Pack in March, the ranch owner confirmed.

Susan Nottingham, who owns the Nottingham Ranch, said her employee fatally shot the female leader of the pack after wolves approached cows and calves. Nottingham defended the action as a necessary response to repeated livestock harassment.

The King Mountain Pack was part of Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction program, which began in 2023. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating the shooting to determine whether any laws were violated.

Colorado’s reintroduction effort has been politically charged and controversial since voters approved it in 2020.

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➤ Fruita: A yard fire sparked by fireworks was quickly contained Wednesday evening before spreading further. No injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Jared Polis vetoed three bills Wednesday—including one limiting credit card swipe fees and another expanding cancer coverage for firefighters—setting a personal record with 12 vetoes this legislative session. (More)

➤ Grand Junction: Two men are accused of kidnapping, forgery, and theft in connection to a Tuesday incident in which they allegedly forced a third man to cash checks for large sums of money at several banks. (More)

➤ Western Slope: Iran, immigration, healthcare, and agriculture are among the top issues in the race between GOP congressional candidates Jeff Hurd and Ron Hanks. (More)

➤ Jeffco Public Schools issued a statement Wednesday saying the U.S. Department of Education’s threat to pull federal funding over the district’s policies—which allow male students to use female facilities—is based on an “erroneous claim.”  (More)

➤ Northglenn: North Metro Fire Rescue District mourned Capt. Chad Tellinger, remembered by colleagues as a dedicated leader and beloved family man who gave two decades to the department before his recent passing. (More)

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➤ The Broncos are supplying smart helmets to every high school football team in Colorado, covering more than 15,000 players in what the franchise calls its largest-ever charitable investment. (More)

➤ Colorado’s sports betting industry will face new regulations, including limits on deposits, prohibitions on credit‑card funding, and bans on targeting consumers under 21, under a bill signed by Gov. Jared Polis. (More)

➤ The Rockies lost 11-4 to the Angels Wednesday night. Wade Meckler and Nick Madrigal each had four of Los Angeles’ 16 hits. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NHL | MLB | Soccer | NCAASB | WNBA | Tennis

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➤ Xcel Energy is seeking a $225 million rate increase from Colorado regulators—potentially the largest in state history—that would raise average residential bills by $6.13 per month. Consumer advocates oppose the proposed settlement. (More)

➤ Colorado became the first state in the nation to create a business entity specifically for artists and creatives after Gov. Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 133, establishing the “Artist Company” LLC structure. (More)

➤ Red Rocks Amphitheatre is extending its 2026 concert season through November, adding new shows including Santana, Sofi Tucker, and Bryson Tiller. (More)

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BOXABL’s Growth Story Is Drawing Investor Attention

This company has raised more than $235M from investors as it works toward its goal of transforming the housing industry with factory-built homes.

The company’s foldable housing system is designed to reduce shipping costs and speed up installation. Its flagship Casita unfolds on-site in less than one hour.

The company has announced a proposed merger with FG Merger II Corp. (NASDAQ: FGMC), which could result in BOXABL trading publicly on Nasdaq under the ticker $BXBL.

Shareholder meetings related to the proposed transaction are expected on June 9, 2026.

FGMC on Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/FGMC/ 

Find important information related to the proposed merger here.

➤ Denver’s Chalk Art Festival kicks off tonight with the “Party Before the Pavement,” followed by two days of artists transforming the pavement into murals. (More)

➤ Aurora Fest begins June 13, featuring Momo Dumplings and dozens of vendors showcasing international cuisine. (More)

➤ Fruita’s summer concert series started Thursday at Civic Center Park, bringing free outdoor music to the Grand Valley. (More)

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What’s your favorite summer activity in Colorado?

1. Hiking a 14er
2. Fishing
3. Mountain biking
4. River rafting
5. Camping
6. Other
7. None

Yesterday’s Results:

How good are you at pinball?

1. Never played: 46%
2. I’m a bit rusty: 21%
3. Not bad: 12%
4. Pretty good: 12%
5. I’m a pro: 9%

What Colorado town is the namesake of three different fossils?

Show me the answer