Fusion Energy & Nuclear Policy: DOE approved Xcimer Energy’s “Athena” fusion plant preconceptual design, a step toward continuous, industrial-scale power. Defense & Aerospace: Lockheed Martin won a $154M Pentagon F-35 production contract for 11 jets, with work spread across multiple states and the UK. Energy Reliability Debate: A new “social cost of blackouts” framework is being floated as Colorado and other states weigh clean-energy plans against grid reliability risks. Real Estate & Construction: A Cherry Creek office tower at 255 Fillmore sold for $92.5M as vacancy rates stay tighter than downtown. Local Infrastructure: Colorado Springs closed two eastbound Circle Drive lanes through mid-July for waterline work tied to bridge replacements. Transit & Cost Pressure: Colorado Springs bus ridership rose as inflation squeezes budgets and agencies add service. Water & Recreation: Crews are repairing North Cheyenne Cañon Park trail-area damage ahead of Pikes Peak APEX, with road reopening timelines unclear. Community & Housing: Littleton approved nearly $6M in incentives for the 1st Street Farms development. Consumer & Finance: A study highlights how lower-income Coloradans are getting squeezed by credit cards as everyday costs rise. Legal & Tech: Colorado’s life insurers face a new requirement to prove pricing algorithms aren’t penalizing people by race, even as the testing method is still being worked out.