Philip Morris International ramps up production at its planned $1.2 billion Zyn campus in Aurora today, cementing Colorado's role at the center of the booming nicotine pouch business.

Why it matters: The tobacco giant's first U.S. greenfield manufacturing complex is being pitched as a boon to Aurora's economy, but critics say Colorado is backing a product that could addict young users.

The 148-acre campus gives PMI a major U.S. manufacturing foothold, strengthening its supply chain.

• At about 780,000 square feet, the facility — about halfway between DIA and I-70 — is PMI's second-largest U.S. plant and its largest focused exclusively on Zyn.

Catch up quick: The company announced the site in 2024 as a $600 million project and started making its first products last September.

The site represents a planned $1.2 billion investment through 2028 as PMI adds capacity, equipment and infrastructure.

What they're saying: PMI and Colorado seem "very like-minded in the belief in science and innovation, in better products and — particularly — regulated products," Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S., tells me.

By the numbers: The company has filled more than 170 jobs at its Aurora site and about 500 people will work there. The jobs, on average, pay $90,000 annually.

Kennedy didn't specify how many pouches will be made in Aurora.

Gov. Polis praised PMI for advancing manufacturing jobs in Colorado, and Aurora Mayor Coffman touted increased tax revenue. PMI said the facility will generate about $550 million in annual economic impact.

• The state previously approved up to $4.5 million in job-growth tax credits for the site.

Yes, but: Public health advocates say taxpayers shouldn't help finance the expansion of a tobacco company, arguing the pouches risk hooking a generation of users.

Threat level: Researchers say nicotine pouches contain fewer carcinogens than cigarettes or chewing tobacco but can still cause addiction and health concerns.

Flashback: Kennedy calls the launch a "homecoming." Swedish Match, now a PMI subsidiary, piloted Zyn in 50 Colorado stores in 2014.

What's next: A facility ribbon cutting happens today.

Pass the pouch

Colorado has another courtroom clash with the Trump administration on its hands.

• The U.S. DOJ sued the state last week over laws that allow some undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid.

State of play: The Justice Department argues Colorado's tuition and financial aid laws violate federal law because they offer undocumented students benefits that aren't available to all U.S. citizens.

• The lawsuit asks a federal judge to block the laws, calling them unconstitutional.

Why it matters: Colorado leaders say they'll defend the 13-year-old ASSET Act, setting up another legal battle over state immigration policies.

The attorney general's office said it will "do our talking in our court filings."

• A spokesperson for Gov. Polis' office called the lawsuit "absurd."

Context: ASSET allows certain undocumented students who meet Colorado residency and education requirements to pay in-state tuition and qualify for state financial aid.

• Eligibility was expanded in 2022.

The big picture: The lawsuit is the latest in the Trump administration's nationwide campaign against state tuition benefits for undocumented students.

• Federal courts have already struck down similar policies in Texas and Oklahoma. Kentucky agreed to end its program after being sued.
• A federal judge dismissed a similar lawsuit in Minnesota this year.

What's next: Colorado's case heads to federal court.

More here

🐟 Heat and drought triggered fishing restrictions across nearly 460 river miles in Colorado. (CPR)

🚨 Aurora GEO Group employee Brandon Booth faces first-degree assault and attempted first-degree assault charges after authorities say he fired at two protesters outside the Aurora ICE detention center earlier this month. One protester suffered a gunshot wound to the foot. (Denver7)

• The victim, Emma Landis, says the shooting won't stop her activism. (Aurora Sentinel)

🔥 Colorado's four largest wildfires this summer could cost taxpayers roughly $266 million, early state estimates show. (Colorado Sun)

🗳️ Arapahoe County certified its primary election results even though Republican Canvass Board member Robert Downey refused to sign for the second time in eight months. (Littleton Independent)

🏛️ Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser picked Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper as his running mate. (Axios)

The train "making grown men cry" rolls into Arapahoe County today.

Driving the news: Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 stops at Strasburg's Main Street crossing from 3:45-4:15pm for the final leg of its coast-to-coast America 250 tour.

• Big Boy's tour began in the spring and has included major display events and 50-plus whistle stops and visits.

Why it matters: Have you seen this thing?

• It's the world's largest operating steam locomotive, stretching 133 feet long and 17 feet tall.
• The aptly named Big Boy weighs roughly 1.2 million pounds.

Fun fact: That's about 5,530 Bo Nixes.

• Or 4,225 Nicola Jokićs.

Flashback: Arapahoe County's railroad history runs deep.

• The Kansas Pacific Railroad reached present-day Byers in 1870 before connecting with westbound tracks near present-day Strasburg.
• That gave Denver a direct rail link east.

Plan ahead: Admission's free, though safety perimeters may limit close-up views at today's stop.

What's next: Big Boy heads to a private Denver event tomorrow, rolls into Greeley on Wednesday, and returns home to Cheyenne that night.

Chuga chuga