Colorado taxpayers can expect a little extra cash next year after state revenues exceeded the spending cap in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

By the numbers: It's not much — between $20 and $62 for individuals, depending on income level — but it's something.

Driving the news: The state controller reported earlier this month that Colorado collected $296.1 million in excess tax revenue.

• The refund will come when taxpayers submit their 2025 filings in early 2026. It is distributed by income level, with higher earners receiving larger rebates.

Yes, but: Don't expect another financial boost the following tax year.

• For the first time in six years, TABOR refunds are not projected in 2027 because the state anticipates a 1.1% decline in revenue, according to a legislative staff forecast presented to lawmakers yesterday.
• The refunds are projected to resume at higher amounts in the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The big picture: The dichotomy — issuing refunds at the same time the state faces a $307 million deficit in the 2026–27 fiscal year — is frustrating Democratic leaders, particularly those on the legislative budget committee that begins meeting in November to craft the next spending plan.

• The shortfall is largely attributed to President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" and tariffs, which reduced income tax collections, Gov. Jared Polis argued in a statement.

What they're saying: "This forecast is clear: Coloradans are paying the cost for Trump's tariffs and Republicans' Washington politics," Polis said.

Data giant Palantir's new venture is an effort that's light on tech but heavy on ambition.

The big picture: The Denver-based company released new merch online last week as part of a push by leadership to transform it into a lifestyle brand, Wired reports.

Context: The launch took place just a week before a prototype of Palantir's new tracking tool created for ICE is expected.

Why it matters: It's a peculiar strategy for a company that's inked billions in defense contracts with the federal government and drawn scrutiny over its escalated role within the Trump administration.

Between the lines: Palantir's Denver headquarters on 17th Street has been targeted by numerous demonstrations this year, though its stock remains popular among investors.

Context: Eliano Younes, the company's head of strategic engagement, is leading the initiative, with multiple X posts framing Palantir as more than just a data company and sharing photos of its merchandise.

• The move could capitalize on dedicated fans who fill Reddit threads and obsess over its stock price by offering shorts, hats and totes, as Wired notes.
• Palantir did not return a request for comment yesterday.

The intrigue: This isn't the first time a Palantir executive has shared an interest in moving beyond traditional defense and government contracts.

• Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar started raising money this year for a new Dallas-based production company seeking to make films with a "nationalistic bent," Semafor reported in July.

Share this story

The Colorado School of Mines earned the top ranking among Colorado schools in the U.S. News & World report's 2026 Best Colleges list out today.

By the numbers: The renowned engineering school in Golden and the University of Colorado Boulder were the only schools to crack the top 100 in the country.

• Mines dropped four spots from last year's rankings to land at No. 80, while CU Boulder rose by one to 97.

Zoom out: The University of Denver, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Denver rounded out the top five schools in the state based on the rankings, which included 434 U.S. universities and colleges.

👁️ Aurora police are seeking permission from city leaders to use facial recognition software, a controversial practice officers say could help solve more crimes and improve efficiency. (Sentinel)

Two young elk hunters found dead in Conejos County were killed by a nearby lightning strike, officials said. (Denver Post 🔑)

⚖️ Airbnb is suing Colorado and asking a judge to dismiss a $10.5 million tax bill issued by the state for sales and lodging taxes. (BusinessDen 🔑)

🏟️ Ed Sheeran's "LOOP Tour" will make a stop at Empower Field at Mile High on July 4, 2026. Presale ticket sales begin this week. (9News)

⛔ Gov. Jared Polis and the state's two U.S. senators are the latest opponents of Buc-ee's plan to build a mega gas station near the top of Monument Hill in El Paso County. (CPR)

Here's one idea to revive downtown Denver: a 500-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

State of play: Dubbed the "Rocky Mountain Eye," the glass-encased cabins would carry as many as 25 passengers above the city with epic views of downtown and the mountains.

• The proposed location at 16th Street between Commons Park and the Millennial Bridge would cost $250-million.
• It's the brainchild of Ryan Ross and his group New Downtown Denver.

📣 What do you think? Answer our poll and let us know. We'll share the results later this week.

Take the poll