Polis Calls Special Session

Colorado lawmakers will reconvene for a special session on Aug. 21 to address a nearly $1 billion shortfall and a controversial AI-regulation law, Gov. Polis announced Wednesday.

According to Polis, tax changes triggered by the One Big Beautiful Bill will reduce Colorado’s tax revenue by $1.2 billion, leaving a $783 million hole in the state budget. He ordered state agencies to implement a hiring freeze to help close the gap.

Polis also directed lawmakers to revise or delay a first-in-the-nation law, set to take effect Feb. 1, 2026, that requires businesses to disclose how they use AI. Critics say the law will stifle innovation.

This is the third straight year Colorado’s legislature has convened for a special session. Though most last only three days, the General Assembly is free to decide the session’s length.

Fires Impact Air Quality, Wolf Plans

The Lee Fire in Rio Blanco County is now burning across 22,500 acres, up from 13,000 acres the previous day, fire officials said Wednesday.

The nearby Elk Fire now exceeds 8,300 acres. Both fires, reportedly sparked by lightning over the weekend, are 0% contained and likely to keep growing as hot, dry, and windy weather induces extreme fire behavior.

Smoke from the fires is taking a statewide toll, hampering visibility and air quality on the Western Slope and the Front Range. Health officials have issued air quality advisories for several counties.

The fires also caused wildlife officials to postpone the lethal removal of an uncollared wolf linked to multiple livestock killings in Rio Blanco County, as the area is under evacuation.

Near-Record Heat Ahead of Cooldown

Weather experts say Denver’s temperature could hit 100 degrees today, breaking the Aug. 7 record set in 1980 and marking the first triple-digit reading on that date in city history.

The day will be nearly as hot, if not hotter, for the rest of the state, with triple-digit highs and near-record temperatures along the I-25 corridor, much of the plains, and parts of the Western Slope.

The week’s heat wave will taper off late Friday as a cold front moves in from the east, dropping weekend highs to the 80s and bringing a chance for isolated storms.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: More than 200 new Colorado laws went into effect yesterday, covering everything from nuclear energy and firearms to lab-grown meat and the designation of an official state mushroom. (See List)

➤ Mesa County: Commissioners voted to sue Gov. Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser, who filed a complaint against a sheriff’s deputy for helping ICE. They allege the state’s sanctuary law violates constitutional rights and threatens law enforcement operations. (See Details)

➤ Lone Tree: Police arrested a man who allegedly impersonated a police officer while driving on Interstate 25, using police-like lights and sirens to weave through traffic. (See Details)

➤ Arvada: Police are warning residents about an increased number of coyote attacks in the northwestern part of the city. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: A survey of more than 1,000 educators across the state revealed more than half have been physically injured by a student, while nearly 75% have witnessed students attempting violence against educators. (More)

➤ Denver: Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman suspected of stealing cash from multiple banks using “sleight of hand” tactics to distract tellers. (See Details)

➤ Franktown: Humane Colorado is seeking donations after rescuing more than 70 neglected horses and foals from a rural Colorado property. (More)

Enjoy reading The Colorado Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ The Broncos’ first 2025 depth chart lists Marvin Mims Jr. as a starting wide receiver. Rookies RJ Harvey and Jahdae Barron are listed low despite getting first-team reps throughout training camp. (More)

➤ Denver Summit FC named Nick Cushing head coach. The former Manchester City and New York City FC manager will build the NWSL expansion team from scratch ahead of its 2026 debut. (More)

➤ Former Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders was named the Cleveland Browns’ preseason starter for their opener against the Panthers tomorrow night. (More)

➤ With Monday’s 15–1 loss to the Blue Jays, the Colorado Rockies clinched seven straight losing seasons—the longest streak in franchise history. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Say goodbye to knee pain with Wellnee Pain Relief Patches—now available at a 70% discount! These fast-acting, natural patches deliver soothing relief directly to aching joints. Easy to apply and perfect for daily use. Don’t miss the limited-time sale—get lasting comfort and mobility today!

➤ Palantir Technologies, a Denver-based software company co-founded by Peter Thiel, reported its first $1 billion quarterly revenue, fueled by a 53% spike in government sales. (See Details)

➤ Denver International Airport will spend up to $1.25 million to explore the feasibility of installing a small nuclear power plant, potentially making Denver the “Silicon Valley of nuclear energy,” CEO Phil Washington said Wednesday. (See Details)

➤ Keystone property owners are suing the Keystone Neighbourhood Company, a homeowners association controlled by Vail Resorts, alleging it unfairly favors the resort to the detriment of residents. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Fight odors and boost freshness with OdorCrush Laundry Balls—eco-friendly, reusable laundry enhancers that eliminate unwanted smells and soften fabrics naturally. Safe for all machines and cost-effective over time. Make laundry day simple and effective—experience the fresh, clean scent that lasts. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

This method has been vetted by scientists from the University College Cork.

Their studies, made on 674 women dealing with deep wrinkles, dark spots and saggy skin clearly showed how, by simply doing this for 10-seconds in the mirror, they dramatically improved their appearance in less than a few weeks.

This odd method is so effective that scientists have deemed it to be 10 times better than retinol.

Just watch the video below and see how easy it is to look 10, 15 or even 20 years younger:

10X Better Than Retinol (With None Of The Side Effects!)

➤ A dog stolen from its owners in Texas three years ago was reunited with the family after a good Samaritan brought it to a veterinary hospital in Aurora. (Read Story)

➤ A first-of-its-kind program gives Coloradans free, legal access to parcels of public land surrounded by private land, paying landowners for passage at no cost to users. (See Details)

➤ School starts in early to mid-August for most major Colorado districts, with start dates staggered by grade. Some students are already back, while others won’t return until Aug. 21. (See List)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Get custom shirts printed for less with AlliedShirts! Take advantage of the limited-time 55% off sale—perfect for teams, events, businesses, or personal designs. Enjoy high-quality prints, fast turnaround, and easy online ordering. Create the perfect shirt at an unbeatable price. Start customizing your shirts today!

How do you feel about building nuclear power plants in Colorado?

1. Support
2. Oppose
3. Undecided

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you think SNAP benefits should exclude more “junk food”?

1. Yes: 60%
2. No: 21%
3. Not sure: 19%

What was the first and only commercial nuclear power plant in Colorado?

Show me the answer