Friday, June 20, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1997, the Summit of the Eight—a gathering of leaders from the G7 nations plus Russia—opened at Denver’s Central Library.

The summer solstice will occur tonight, marking the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer. If you want to make the most of the daylight, check out this list of the best sunrise and sunset spots around Colorado.

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Don’t feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Boulder Hate Crime Case Proceeds

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors can proceed with a hate crime charge against Mohamed Soliman, the man accused of firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder on June 1.

In a Denver hearing, Soliman’s defense attorney argued the attack was motivated by perceived political views, which would not qualify as a hate crime under federal law.

Prosecutors alleged the attack was a hate crime because Soliman targeted the group based on national origin—a perceived connection to Israel—and not politics.

Based on the evidence, the judge found there was probable cause for the case to move forward. Soliman is scheduled to appear in state court next month.

Economists: Recession Risk Rising

The chance of a mild recession in Colorado has risen to 50%, up from 40% in March, state economists estimate. The risk of severe recession is 25%.

According to analysts, Colorado lags behind the nation on several indicators, showing higher unemployment rates and slower wage growth. Consumer confidence is sinking, while consumer debt sits at a 20-year high.

Officials say broader economic and geopolitical uncertainty—especially potential federal budget changes—is driving the downward trend, which could lead to a $700 million shortfall in the state’s general fund this year, and possibly up to $2.6 billion over the next two fiscal years.

Polis Pardons Mushroom Convictions

Gov. Polis issued an executive order Wednesday pardoning four people who were 21 or older when they were convicted of possessing psilocybin or psilocin.

Colorado legalized natural medicine, including psychedelic mushrooms, in 2022. A bill signed this year gave Polis the authority to pardon past offenses related to these substances.

The order echoes Polis’ earlier move to pardon more than 4,000 cannabis possession convictions from before marijuana was legalized.

Polis suggested that further pardons could occur as regulators consider new laws for substances like ibogaine, DMT, and mescaline.

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➤ Golden: Prosecutors say no charges will be filed in a 2022 hit-and-run because they were unable to determine which of three intoxicated occupants was driving the car. (See Details)

➤ Montrose: A municipal judge was fired weeks after she ruled against the city in favor of a local church. City officials deny she was dismissed in retaliation. (See Details)

➤ Summit County: Loveland Pass reopened Wednesday after a geohazard team removed 92 tons of mud deposited by a landslide on U.S. Highway 6. (More)

➤ Statewide: Hyundai and KIA vehicles topped the list of most stolen car brands in Colorado in 2024, according to data from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. (See List)

➤ Teller County: A rare high-altitude tornado touched down in Pike National Forest on Tuesday, downing trees and power lines in the area. (See Details)

➤ Johnstown: Someone purchased a Mega Millions ticket with a $1 million base prize, doubled to $2 million by a new automatic multiplier, from a local 7-11 on Tuesday. (More)

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➤ Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders was cited for driving 101 MPH in a 60 MPH zone in Ohio this week, drawing scrutiny as he competes for the Cleveland Browns’ starting job. (More)

➤ The Colorado Rockies won their fourth straight game Wednesday, a season-best, with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. (More)

➤ The Denver Broncos have announced their 2025 training camp schedule, with rookies reporting on July 16 and veterans on July 22, including a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers set for Aug. 7. (More)

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➤ Tourism in Denver remained at record-breaking highs in 2024, totaling 37.1 million domestic visitors and $10.3 billion in tourism spending. Popular attractions included Cherry Creek Mall, 16th Street Mall, Red Rocks, and arts districts. (See Report)

➤ Thirteen projects across Colorado were awarded $780,000 as part of a state program aimed at building and diversifying rural economies. Projects range from Main Street revitalization to infrastructure improvements and economic studies. (See Project List)

➤ The Regional Transportation District (RTD) shared plans to regain riders’ trust by improving security, reducing incidents, and increasing community engagement. (See Details)

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➤ Twin moose calves were photographed and caught on film in Rocky Mountain National Park. (See Photos)

➤ Francis Ford Coppola will host a screening and Q&A session for his 2024 film Megalopolis at Denver’s Paramount Theatre on July 27. (See Details)

➤ The Savannah Bananas, a viral exhibition baseball team known for playing Banana Ball, which features singing, dancing, and trick plays, will play games at Coors Field on Aug. 9 and 10 for ESPN’s 50 States in 50 Days tour. (See Details)

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