Good morning, Denver.

Newsmax paid $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit with Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems — a judge ruled the network had aired false information about its equipment — and the agreement was reached Friday.

A Lakewood couple was arrested for allegedly retaining the corpse of their dead friend—whose Social Security payments they kept—and their pet chihuahuas reportedly chewed on the body, according to an affidavit.

Federal agents have charged 30 people with gun and drug crimes in south metro Denver after a yearlong investigation, and eight defendants are linked to the gang Tren de Aragua—officials said the charges focus only on crimes without having to prove gang membership in court.

Aurora police are asking the public for help finding the driver of a 2003 Subaru Forester who left the scene after striking motorcyclist Harvey Davis, 65, at the Dayton Street and E.

12th Ave. intersection on August 9—Davis was taken to a nearby hospital and died three days later.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education released the seventh Return on Investment report showing that 43 percent of undergraduates left college with debt in the 2022—23 school year, down from 61 percent in 2013—14; graduates with bachelor’s degrees averaged $24,700 in loans and had better wages with lower unemployment.

Denver city officials laid off 171 workers and cut 665 open positions from the general fund to save $100 million amid a projected $200 million deficit for next year—affected employees received 30 days of paid administrative leave, several weeks of severance, healthcare coverage, and job placement services.

Lawmakers will hold a special session starting Thursday to fix a budget gap and decide how to change an artificial intelligence law set to begin next February—different proposals range from narrowing the rule's scope to delaying its start date.

Gov. Polis said he will work with legislators to protect consumers while supporting tech growth.

Colorado’s chief medical officer said there will be enough COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines for anyone who wants one this fall and noted that providers have already placed orders.

He explained that a new state law lets the board use guidance from trusted expert groups beyond the CDC panel.