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Teen Killed by Lightning on Colorado Mountain Remembered as Heroic

Teen Killed by Lightning on Colorado Mountain Remembered as Heroic

A 15-year-old Colorado teenager, Levi Strobel, was fatally struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Blue Sky. According to his family, Levi was trying to protect his younger brother during the incident. The lightning strike occurred on July 26, and despite life-saving efforts by Denver Mountain Parks rangers, Levi could not be revived. His younger brother was also injured and airlifted to a hospital. The family described Levi as a brave and loving brother, deeply loved by his family and friends.
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Payton: Broncos 'staying the course' with LB Jonathon Cooper

Payton: Broncos 'staying the course' with LB Jonathon Cooper

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said the team is "staying the course" with linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who was arrested twice last month on domestic violence-related charges.
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Rural Colorado Faces Decades-Long Wait for Clean Drinking Water Amid Infrastructure Challenges

Rural Colorado Faces Decades-Long Wait for Clean Drinking Water Amid Infrastructure Challenges

Rural communities in Colorado are facing significant challenges in accessing clean drinking water due to delays in the Arkansas Valley Conduit project. Originally authorized by Congress in 1962 as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Act, the conduit is a 130-mile pipeline intended to deliver clean water to 50,000 people across nearly 40 communities. However, the project has been stalled for decades due to funding issues, with local communities required to bear the full cost without federal assistance. In 2009, a cost-sharing plan was introduced, but funding has been slow. The project received a boost with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, but rising costs have further complicated progress. As a result, many residents rely on expensive reverse osmosis systems or bottled water, while some communities discharge contaminants into the Arkansas River under special variances.
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Kansas Attorney General Challenges Conversion Therapy Bans in Three Cities

Kansas Attorney General Challenges Conversion Therapy Bans in Three Cities

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has requested that the cities of Lawrence, Prairie Village, and Roeland Park repeal their bans on conversion therapy for minors. This follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision that deemed such bans a violation of the First Amendment. Conversion therapy, aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, is banned in 27 states and has been discredited by major medical associations. Kobach's letters to the cities demand a response within 60 days, indicating whether they will nullify their bans. The Supreme Court's ruling in Chiles v. Salazar found that a similar ban in Colorado violated free speech rights.
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Search for Missing Lafayette Cyclist Ends as Coroner Takes Over Investigation

Search for Missing Lafayette Cyclist Ends as Coroner Takes Over Investigation

The search for William McGinley, a Lafayette resident last seen riding his bike in Louisville, Colorado, has concluded. The investigation has been handed over to the Boulder County Coroner's Office. McGinley was last seen on Wednesday morning near Eisenhower Drive and West South Boulder Road, heading towards Harper Lake and the Coyote Run trail. The Lafayette Police Department led the search efforts, and the circumstances surrounding McGinley's disappearance and subsequent discovery remain under investigation.
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Colorado Celebrates 150th Anniversary Amidst Challenges and Optimism for the Future

Colorado Celebrates 150th Anniversary Amidst Challenges and Optimism for the Future

As Colorado marks its 150th anniversary, state leaders reflect on its history of resilience and innovation. Governor Jared Polis and other officials highlight the state's commitment to opportunity, community, and stewardship. They acknowledge current challenges such as rising costs, housing shortages, and climate change impacts like wildfires and droughts. Despite these issues, leaders express optimism about Colorado's future, emphasizing its tradition of embracing change and innovation. The anniversary is seen as a moment to celebrate past achievements and set ambitious goals for the future, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and economic growth.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Ohio ranks behind Kentucky, Indiana (but ahead of Michigan) on this list

Ohio ranks behind Kentucky, Indiana (but ahead of Michigan) on this list

US News published its 2026 Overall Best State Rankings this week. Here's how Ohio (and its neighbors) fared.
AP News AP News
Trump-branded commemorative passports will become available across the US

Trump-branded commemorative passports will become available across the US

Americans outside the nation’s capital will soon be able to get limited-edition U.S. passports that feature a picture of President Donald Trump and celebrate America’s 250th birthday
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Colorado Ranked First in Education, Governor Polis Calls for Continued Improvement

Colorado Ranked First in Education, Governor Polis Calls for Continued Improvement

A new poll by U.S. News and World Report has ranked Colorado first in education, a significant improvement from its previous third-place position. Governor Jared Polis acknowledged the achievement but emphasized that there is still work to be done to maintain and further improve the state's educational standards. The ranking reflects Colorado's commitment to educational excellence and innovation, but Polis highlighted areas needing attention, such as equitable access to quality education and addressing disparities across different regions.
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Aurora Dedicates New Memorial to Preserve Korean War Stories

Aurora Dedicates New Memorial to Preserve Korean War Stories

A new memorial dedicated to preserving the stories of the Korean War was unveiled in Aurora, Colorado. The dedication ceremony featured veterans sharing their personal experiences, highlighting the importance of remembering the conflict that took place from 1950 to 1953. The memorial aims to honor the sacrifices made by those who served and to educate future generations about the war's impact. The event was attended by local officials, veterans, and community members, emphasizing the collective effort to keep the memories of the Korean War alive through photographs, family stories, and firsthand accounts.
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Colorado Teen Dies in Lightning Strike While Protecting Younger Brother

Colorado Teen Dies in Lightning Strike While Protecting Younger Brother

Levi Strobel, a 15-year-old from Colorado, tragically died after being struck by lightning while hiking with his younger brother and a group of five people at the summit of Mt. Blue Sky. The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office reported that emergency services, including the Clear Creek Fire Authority and Denver Mountain Parks, responded to the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, Levi could not be revived. His younger brother was airlifted to a Denver-area hospital, and his condition remains undisclosed. The family expressed their heartbreak and described Levi as a beloved son and brother who showed courage and selflessness in his final moments.
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Monsoon Rains Provide Limited Relief Amid Colorado's Historic Drought

Monsoon Rains Provide Limited Relief Amid Colorado's Historic Drought

Colorado is experiencing a historic drought, with much of the state under exceptional drought conditions. Despite the onset of the North American monsoon bringing some rain, officials warn that the fire danger remains high. The drought has persisted for over three months, affecting counties such as Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin. Fire officials caution that while rain may reduce the number of fire starts, the dry conditions could quickly return if the rain stops, maintaining the risk of wildfires.