Sunday, July 5, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1951, Hall of Fame pitcher Rich “Goose” Gossage was born in Colorado Springs. One of baseball’s first dominant closers, he intimidated hitters with a 100-mph fastball and his trademark mustache.

As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday, we’ll be sending out shortened editions through Monday, July 6, so The Colorado Flyover staff can celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will be back on Tuesday.

America just turned 250, and we invited the entire world to the party. For years, the world has been told that this country is angry, divided, and not what it used to be. Then over a million international visitors poured into our cities this summer for the World Cup, and they are seeing something completely different. Late-night Waffle House runs, brisket the size of a small child, and strangers going out of their way to help. A lot of them showed up braced for the worst and instead fell head over heels. Tune in to today’s Flyover Podcast as Amy shares what the world is discovering about America. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

The whole world came to America for the World Cup this summer, and over a million visitors are discovering why this country is truly one of a kind. (Watch Now)

El Paso County Stalls Buc-ee’s

El Paso County declined to classify a proposed second Colorado Buc-ee’s as a convenience store, the designation the Texas chain needs to build on its land off I-25.

The parcel near County Line Road sits in a C-1 commercial zone, which allows a convenience store but not a gas station or truck stop. In a July 1 letter, staff said the use was too unusual to fit any single definition in the code.

Buc-ee’s markets its sites as travel centers but asked the county to treat this one as a neighborhood store, a gap Tri-Lakes-area opponents have pointed to.

The land has been fought over for more than a year, after Buc-ee’s dropped a bid to annex it into Palmer Lake amid recalls and resignations. The state’s first Buc-ee’s, in Johnstown, has been a major draw since opening in 2024, and the company has 30 days to appeal.

Denver Eyes 2031 Rugby World Cup

Denver hosted the U.S. men’s rugby team’s Nations Cup opener against Portugal at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday night.

The Independence Day test was the latest international match the city has drawn as it bids to host 2031 Rugby World Cup games. The United States will stage that tournament for the first time.

It marked the Eagles’ first test of 2026 and the first time they have played Portugal on U.S. soil. Portugal arrived as the reigning Rugby Europe champions on a seven-match winning streak. See match results.

World Rugby officials have toured Empower Field at Mile High as a potential 2031 venue. Denver has pointed to recent events, including the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, to bolster its case.

Flying together with our sponsor

Get Your Pet Covered Before the Next Vet Visit

A single trip to the vet can cost hundreds—or even thousands—when you least expect it. Lemonade pet insurance helps you get ahead of those surprise bills, with plans starting at around $10/month to help cover accidents, illnesses, tests, and more. You can also add coverage for routine care like vaccines, spaying, and microchipping, and even save more by bundling or insuring multiple pets. Click below to get your pet covered for as little as $10 a month—before you need it most.

Get covered today

➤ Pueblo and Custer Counties: The Aspen Acres fire grew past 85,000 acres over the July 4 holiday and remains 0% contained, now the 8th-largest wildfire in state history. More than 180 structures have burned, and 11,000 people have evacuated. (More)

➤ Littleton: A man drowned in Chatfield Reservoir Thursday evening after jumping in without a life jacket to help three children whose inner tube overturned. The children, wearing life jackets, were rescued by boaters. Crews recovered the man’s body Friday after a 19-hour search. (More)

➤ Colorado Springs: The Air Force Academy removed athletic director Nathan Pine, in the role since 2019, reportedly at the urging of outgoing superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. Athletic corporation CEO Nancy Hixson will serve as interim while Pine stays under contract through 2028. (More)

➤ Montrose: The city won a $3.3 million EPA grant to clean up the Bullock Steam Electric Plant, a coal-fired station idle since 1983 that left coal ash and asbestos along the Uncompahgre River. Montrose plans to redevelop it into a recreation hub with a climbing gym. (More)

➤ Denver: Ed Sheeran brought his LOOP Tour to Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday night, joined by openers Myles Smith and Aaron Rowe. It marked the singer’s return to Denver, where he set the stadium’s single-night attendance record with 85,233 fans in 2023. (More)

Enjoy reading The Colorado Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ If you’re sitting on untapped home equity, Money.com says you may be able to turn it into cash for renovations, debt consolidation, or major expenses without touching your savings. Their latest guide compares top home equity loan and HELOC lenders, breaks down current rates, and explains how homeowners can access funds with predictable monthly payments. LEARN MORE

Flying together with our sponsor

Don’t wait for a $10,000 veterinary bill

Vet costs are rising fast—a single emergency visit can now cost up to $10,000, turning an unexpected illness or injury into a major financial hit. Pet insurance helps cover a portion of eligible vet bills for accidents and illnesses, so you can focus on your pet’s care instead of the cost. Lemonade Pet Insurance makes it easy and affordable, with customizable coverage, fast digital claims, and plans starting at just $10/month. Protect your pet before the next vet bill hits—get a quote from Lemonade Pet Insurance today.

FIND AFFORDABLE CARE