Good morning, Denver.

Executives at leading AI firms warn that rapid advances could spur uncontrolled growth while Denver’s Dr. Samuel Jay (from MSU Denver) compares the risk to the nuclear era and urges experts to slow development to safeguard critical systems.

Northern Colorado hay farmers are feeling squeezed by a severe drought that lowered production and by rising diesel costs that nearly double transportation expenses — forcing some to buy hay out of Kansas.

Gov. Polis' task force on the pine beetle outbreak released 20 draft recommendations Tuesday — including forestry training and logging incentives — to help manage Front Range forests.

Its members urged continued federal aerial surveys for accessible data, with further discussions set for November 2.

Denver health confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year and warned residents to defend against active mosquitoes until the first frost — older adults and those with weakened immune systems should use repellents, drain standing water and repair home screens.

AdventHealth opened its 88,000 sqft ER and medical campus at 3405 N.

Main St. in Aurora Highlands earlier this week; the facility (geothermal-powered) includes a freestanding emergency room and imaging services and will start seeing patients next week.