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National

The AI attack-ad nightmare is coming true

Defaced Bibles, upscale dinners and a board game with a "Death to America" playing card.

Politics & Policy

AI is producing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reality-bending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/ai-political-ads-deepfakes-2026-elections" data-vars-content-id="c0167c42-03bb-4912-accd-f704ae063278" data-vars-headline="The AI attack-ad nightmare is coming true" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/ai-political-ads-deepfakes-2026-elections" target="_self">reality-bending</a> midterm ads about defaced Bibles, upscale dinners and a board game with a &quot;Death to America&quot; playing card.Why it matters: The warnings about deepfakes are coming true. Election laws haven&#x27;t kept pace with a world where campaigns can put words in opponents&#x27; mouths and create realistic-looking scenes that didn&#x27;t happen.

Bob Woodward reveals "dream source" in memoir, "Secrets," out next month

Woodward gives a searingly honest account of the collapse of his friendship with the late Richard Darman.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bob Woodward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bob-woodward-plans-long-awaited-memoir-secrets-this-fall " data-vars-content-id="cd3ea3e1-f5d9-41dc-b08a-7709e55e2437" data-vars-headline="Bob Woodward reveals &quot;dream source&quot; in memoir, &quot;Secrets,&quot; out next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bob-woodward-plans-long-awaited-memoir-secrets-this-fall " target="_self">Bob Woodward</a> — in an eye-opening excerpt from his forthcoming memoir, &quot;Secrets,&quot; that&#x27;s previewed in the new issue of The New Yorker — reveals that one of his best friends, the late Richard Darman, was also one of his best sources during the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations.<ul><li>&quot;Darman was willing, even eager at times, to talk about the most sensitive intelligence matters, including N.S.A. intercepts and covert C.I.A. operations,&quot; Woodward writes in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his book" data-vars-click-url="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Secrets/Bob-Woodward/9781668008232" data-vars-content-id="cd3ea3e1-f5d9-41dc-b08a-7709e55e2437" data-vars-headline="Bob Woodward reveals &quot;dream source&quot; in memoir, &quot;Secrets,&quot; out next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Secrets/Bob-Woodward/9781668008232" target="_blank">his book</a>, out Nov. 15. &quot;He was always careful not to talk about matters that would harm national security, I believed, but he would go right up to the edge — a reporter&#x27;s dream source.&quot;</li></ul>

The fallout from Trump's Russia energy moves

Trump's decisions are sparking GOP backlash over Russia.

Energy & Climate

President Trump&#x27;s moves to avoid new penalties on Russian <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" data-vars-content-id="17a88ce2-9797-4024-9532-68e4113cfb00" data-vars-headline="The fallout from Trump&#x27;s Russia energy moves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" target="_self">energy</a> sent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shockwaves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/18/trump-russia-diesel-deal-rubio-wright-sanctions" data-vars-content-id="17a88ce2-9797-4024-9532-68e4113cfb00" data-vars-headline="The fallout from Trump&#x27;s Russia energy moves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/18/trump-russia-diesel-deal-rubio-wright-sanctions" target="_self">shockwaves</a> through Washington, sparking diplomatic tensions and political turmoil.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s push to lower energy prices ahead of the midterms could provide Russia an economic lifeline and is exposing divisions within his own party.

How AI giants will reshape global philanthropy

The AI boom is rewriting the rules of charitable giving.

Business

The AI boom is about to rewrite the rules of global philanthropy, shifting its center of gravity to Silicon Valley, where the IPOs of AI giants Anthropic and OpenAI will create the world&#x27;s largest charitable organizations.Why it matters: Rather than massive donations earmarked for renaming hospital wings or university graduate programs, expect the new wave of giving to mirror startup culture: flexible capital, ambitious bets and a search for measurable impact.

Musk pledges 1 SpaceX share for every child in America

At current market prices it'd be a gift worth nearly $11 billion.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elon Musk " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/business/elon-musk" data-vars-content-id="db1bd6ed-41b6-4c54-8a41-4d63916cd66e" data-vars-headline="Musk pledges 1 SpaceX share for every child in America" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/business/elon-musk" target="_self">Elon Musk </a>said Monday he&#x27;d give one of his shares in SpaceX to every &quot;kid&quot; in America next year.Why it matters: It&#x27;d be a roughly $11 billion giveaway at current stock prices, nearly double Michael Dell&#x27;s record-breaking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump accounts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/02/trump-accounts-dell-donation-25-million-kids" data-vars-content-id="db1bd6ed-41b6-4c54-8a41-4d63916cd66e" data-vars-headline="Musk pledges 1 SpaceX share for every child in America" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/02/trump-accounts-dell-donation-25-million-kids" target="_self">Trump accounts</a> gift.

1-minute voter guide: Crank and Killin battle for the 5th Congressional District 

Democrat Jessica Killin is challenging more than Republican Rep. Jeff Crank's record.

Election

Democrat Jessica Killin is challenging more than Republican Rep. Jeff Crank&#x27;s record — she&#x27;s trying to break a half-century Republican lock on Colorado&#x27;s 5th Congressional District.Why it matters: The Colorado Springs-centered race offers Democrats a potential pickup in the fight for House control, with sharp divisions over household costs, the war in Iran and data centers.

Colorado Springs housing snapshot shows rising costs

Home prices and asking rents have trended higher over the past six months.

News

Colorado Springs&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freddiemac.com/research/indices/house-price-index" data-vars-content-id="7251af9f-e840-4475-a365-fb02daf77cd5" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs housing snapshot shows rising costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freddiemac.com/research/indices/house-price-index" target="_blank">home prices</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/data/" data-vars-content-id="7251af9f-e840-4475-a365-fb02daf77cd5" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs housing snapshot shows rising costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/data/" target="_blank">rents</a> rose from a year earlier in August, fresh housing data show.Why it matters: Both have trended higher over the past six months, adding to affordability concerns.

5 recommendations for visiting Taos

New Mexican food is half the reason to drive the 3.5 hours from Colorado Springs to Taos.

Things to Do

One of my favorite getaways is a trip to Taos, New Mexico.Why it matters: I just returned from the Land of Enchantment and wanted to share a few recommendations.

Aspen Acres Fire caused by tree hitting power lines, report finds

The findings land as survivors seek compensation from San Isabel Electric Association, which faces at least five lawsuits.

A wind-toppled aspen tree ignited the Aspen Acres Fire when it struck live power lines this summer, state investigators concluded.Why it matters: The findings land as survivors of the blaze, which destroyed hundreds of southern Colorado homes, seek compensation from San Isabel Electric Association.

Weekend to-dos in Colorado Springs

This weekend, double your fun with two film fests and two ski swaps in the Springs. Here are six fun things to put on your calendar.

5 things to do in Colorado Springs this weekend

Head to a comedy festival, run a 5K and pick out a pumpkin

This weekend offers a bit of fall fun and other family-friendly activities in Colorado Springs.🤣 The fourth annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado Springs Comedy Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.looneescc.com/events/133747" data-vars-content-id="67f5aa31-dcca-40b2-98ff-d7706c576dc4" data-vars-headline="5 things to do in Colorado Springs this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.looneescc.com/events/133747" target="_blank">Colorado Springs Comedy Festival</a> is back with shows Friday through Sunday at Loonees Comedy Corner. Tickets start at $16.

Denver

What's new at GABF this year

This year GABF is ditching the convention hall for a lawn party

Food and Drink

The Great American Beer Festival is back and ditching the convention hall for a lawn party.Why it matters: One of the nation&#x27;s most venerable beer festivals is looking to win back fans with a smaller, cheaper and more personal experience — all elements it hopes will revive interest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the languishing event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" data-vars-content-id="cf1e3b4e-4098-430b-b740-c487c2d2965b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at GABF this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" target="_self">the languishing event</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" data-vars-content-id="cf1e3b4e-4098-430b-b740-c487c2d2965b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at GABF this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" target="_self">declining industry</a>.

College students are AI power users

Every county in the national top 15 for AI adoption is home to a college or university.

Education Brief

America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college towns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/05/colorado-springs-college-grad-rate-tops-national-average" data-vars-content-id="44b33f6e-0d66-4e69-8a82-5378448e1672" data-vars-headline="College students are AI power users" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/05/colorado-springs-college-grad-rate-tops-national-average" target="_self">college towns</a> are hot spots of AI usage, according to a new Microsoft <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/topics/ai-economy-institute/reports/us-ai-adoption-2026-q1/" data-vars-content-id="44b33f6e-0d66-4e69-8a82-5378448e1672" data-vars-headline="College students are AI power users" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/topics/ai-economy-institute/reports/us-ai-adoption-2026-q1/" target="_blank">report</a>.The big picture: Every county in the top 15 for AI adoption is home to a college or university.

Accounting sees enrollment jump as AI worries spread

U.S. undergraduate enrollment has climbed for the third straight year.

While AI stokes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="career anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/05/ai-college-students-change-studies" data-vars-content-id="342566af-73cc-4cb9-81a2-5fec0b2af9e4" data-vars-headline="Accounting sees enrollment jump as AI worries spread" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/05/ai-college-students-change-studies" target="_self">career anxiety</a>, more college grads are looking to accounting as a steady, high-paying bet.The big picture: The stereotypically &quot;dull and tedious&quot; job, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fortune" data-vars-click-url="https://fortune.com/2026/04/05/gen-z-college-graduates-saving-accounting-six-figure-entry-level-jobs-tax-season/" data-vars-content-id="342566af-73cc-4cb9-81a2-5fec0b2af9e4" data-vars-headline="Accounting sees enrollment jump as AI worries spread" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fortune.com/2026/04/05/gen-z-college-graduates-saving-accounting-six-figure-entry-level-jobs-tax-season/" target="_blank">Fortune</a> reports, &quot;has struggled for years to attract young talent.&quot; But that&#x27;s starting to change.

Microsoft's Brad Smith on AI scaring new grads

He says AI graduation boos should be a "wake-up call" for tech leaders.

Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, is calling out tech leaders for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scaring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/01/rattled-generation-reality-gap-social-media-covid-ai" data-vars-content-id="bfa95084-c251-4350-8168-8fba6722a108" data-vars-headline="Microsoft&#x27;s Brad Smith on AI scaring new grads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/01/rattled-generation-reality-gap-social-media-covid-ai" target="_self">scaring</a> college graduates about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/12/college-graduation-speakers-ai" data-vars-content-id="bfa95084-c251-4350-8168-8fba6722a108" data-vars-headline="Microsoft&#x27;s Brad Smith on AI scaring new grads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/12/college-graduation-speakers-ai" target="_self">AI&#x27;s</a> effect on jobs.What he&#x27;s saying: &quot;Now, [graduates] finally get to enter the workforce and here comes AI?&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he told Axios co-founder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/microsofts-brad-smith-on-ai-era-jobs-lets-not-panic" data-vars-content-id="bfa95084-c251-4350-8168-8fba6722a108" data-vars-headline="Microsoft&#x27;s Brad Smith on AI scaring new grads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/microsofts-brad-smith-on-ai-era-jobs-lets-not-panic" target="_self">he told Axios co-founder</a> Mike Allen.

Dorm room move bookings grow nationwide, Taskrabbit says

More families are outsourcing the hassle of moving students into — and out of — their dorms.The big picture: Dorm room move bookings nationwide rose 36% in May from a year earlier, according to Taskrabbit data shared with Axios.

Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and ballot measures

We put together voter guides to get you smarter, faster about your ballot.

Colorado voters face major decisions in the 2026 midterms, from statewide questions to choosing the next governor — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the stakes are high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/07/colorado-2026-ballot-stakes" data-vars-content-id="e5e45b27-4eae-4fed-b52b-f5ed7c09be37" data-vars-headline="Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/07/colorado-2026-ballot-stakes" target="_self">the stakes are high</a>.We&#x27;re here to help.

Mobolade touts Colorado Springs' gains and tests ahead

The mayor's pitch: A growing city doesn't have to mean a harder place to live.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Yemi Mobolade&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/22/spotlight-yemi-mobolade-colorado-springs-mayor" data-vars-content-id="329e30c9-00e7-403c-b0df-7405d547d73c" data-vars-headline="Mobolade touts Colorado Springs&#x27; gains and tests ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/22/spotlight-yemi-mobolade-colorado-springs-mayor" target="_self">Mayor Yemi Mobolade&#x27;s</a> message to Colorado Springs: Growth doesn&#x27;t have to come at the expense of quality of life.Why it matters: As Mobolade seeks reelection, he&#x27;s making the case that Colorado Springs can maintain its low-tax, business-friendly identity while keeping pace with growth.

1-minute voter guide: Gonzalez and Wiley vie for Colorado secretary of state

The race could determine whether Colorado maintains its current election procedures or pursues major changes

Politics

Colorado voters will choose a new secretary of state in November, deciding who will oversee the state&#x27;s elections, voter registration and campaign finance reporting.Why it matters: The race could determine whether Colorado maintains its current election procedures or pursues major changes to how residents register and cast their ballots.

1-minute voter guide: Issue 7A would greenlight CoCo passenger rail

Front Range voters will decide whether to pay more at checkout to bring passenger trains to Colorado.

Front Range voters, from Pueblo to Fort Collins, will decide whether to pay more at checkout to bring passenger trains to the Front Range, whether they ride them or not.Why it matters: Issue 7A would fund the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado Connector, or CoCo," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/20/colorado-connector-train-cost-5-billion" data-vars-content-id="ba40beeb-343f-4220-a444-a91de1ce55fc" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Issue 7A would greenlight CoCo passenger rail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/20/colorado-connector-train-cost-5-billion" target="_self">Colorado Connector, or CoCo,</a> a decision that would reshape the region&#x27;s transportation options while imposing a new 0.333% sales tax within the proposed rail district.

1-minute voter guide: Propositions 134 and 135 on the Colorado ballot

It asks voters whether biological sex should determine who can play on girls' and women's school sports teams.

Education

Colorado voters will decide two measures affecting transgender minors this November — one restricting participation in girls&#x27; and women&#x27;s sports, the other banning certain medical procedures.The big picture: Propositions 134 and 135 would establish statewide rules for transgender athletes and certain surgeries for minors.

1-minute voter guide: Amendment 86 on the Colorado ballot

It would make it tougher to change Colorado's congressional boundaries for political advantage outside the normal 10-year cycle.

Colorado voters get their chance to tighten rules on redrawing congressional maps between census years.Why it matters: The measure would make it tougher to change Colorado&#x27;s congressional boundaries for political advantage outside the normal 10-year cycle.

Colorado flu season starts early

State health officials say now is the time to roll up your sleeve and get vaccinated.

Colorado&#x27;s flu season is off to an early start, raising fears of a repeat of last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-breaking hospitalization surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/08/flu-hospitalizations-colorado" data-vars-content-id="b32cb5ed-b609-4253-89e8-545b5cf2c301" data-vars-headline="Colorado flu season starts early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/08/flu-hospitalizations-colorado" target="_self">record-breaking hospitalization surge</a>.Why it matters: Health officials are urging Coloradans to get vaccinated by the end of October as flu activity climbs.

Colorado cold front brings mountain snow and Front Range rain

The storm could bring the season's first significant snow.

Colorado is getting a taste of winter, with mountain snow, chilly Front Range rain and a possible freeze.Why it matters: The storm could make mountain passes treacherous and bring the season&#x27;s first frost or freeze to lower elevations.

Boulder

Sundance tickets go on sale Thursday

There are a range of packages, but the lineup won't be announced until December, so you'll be buying blind.

Thursday&#x27;s your first shot at tickets for the Sundance Film Festival&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debut year in Boulder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/31/boulder-sundance-2027-festival-dates-venues-programming" data-vars-content-id="9444ad2e-509b-48ee-a5bd-315349e2f00e" data-vars-headline="Sundance tickets go on sale Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/31/boulder-sundance-2027-festival-dates-venues-programming" target="_self">debut year in Boulder</a>.Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Available packages" data-vars-click-url="https://festival.sundance.org/tickets/in-person" data-vars-content-id="9444ad2e-509b-48ee-a5bd-315349e2f00e" data-vars-headline="Sundance tickets go on sale Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://festival.sundance.org/tickets/in-person" target="_blank">Available packages</a> will range from $350 for 10 matinee tickets to $4,500 for unlimited access to the second half of the festival.

Subscribe to Axios Colorado Springs

Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and ballot measures

Mobolade touts Colorado Springs' gains and tests ahead

1-minute voter guide: Gonzalez and Wiley vie for Colorado secretary of state

1-minute voter guide: Issue 7A would greenlight CoCo passenger rail

Colorado Springs reporter picks

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