Good morning, Denver.

Local businesses around Empower Field are preparing for the Broncos playoff game against the Bills on Saturday by stocking extra merchandise and adding staff—owners expect early crowds as fans begin arriving on Friday.

Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died at age 78, and his Colorado connection was highlighted by his time at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs in the early 1960s.

He returned for an honorary diploma and credited the school with shaping his musical + team spirit.

Colorado school districts are piloting an AI coaching tool at Thornton High and other schools that helps teachers review video lessons privately to reflect on their skills and set new goals.

The tool supplements human coaching to ease teacher workloads and boost classroom performance.

Lawmakers met during a legislative preview event to discuss keeping K-12 funding steady amid an $800 million shortfall.

Gov. Polis’s proposed budget includes a 5.2% increase with $276 million for education (aimed at maintaining total spending around $10.3 billion) as fiscal challenges persist.