Friday, March 14, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1876, Colorado’s constitutional convention finished drafting the Colorado Constitution. The document, which took 87 days to complete, went into effect on Aug. 1, 1876, when Colorado became the 38th state.

St. Patrick’s Day is on Monday, but celebrations start as early as tomorrow morning, with the 63rd annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicking off at 9:30 a.m. How will you be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? Vote in our poll or hit reply to let us know.

We’re sponsored today by the nonprofit World Concern, offering an opportunity to help children in need in Somalia.

Assisted Living Explosion Displaces Residents

Nearly 90 residents were displaced on Wednesday after an explosion at Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus, an assisted living facility in southeast Denver.

According to the Denver Fire Department (DFD), a power line was accidentally struck during construction at the facility, resulting in the explosion and subsequent transformer fire.

The explosion was reportedly strong enough to blow out windows and doors on campus. 10 people were evaluated for injuries and eight were hospitalized.

Everyone in the building was evacuated, displacing 87 total residents. The American Red Cross is helping residents locate short-term housing while DFD investigates the incident.

Columbine Survivor Death Ruled Homicide

Anne Marie Hochhalter, a survivor of the Columbine High School mass shooting who died in her home last month, has been ruled a victim of homicide.

Hochhalter suffered two gunshot wounds in the 1999 massacre, where 21 were injured by gunfire and 13 were killed. The injury resulted in her paraplegia and use of a wheelchair for the past 25 years.

An autopsy report released Wednesday says Hochhalter died from sepsis likely caused by her paraplegia, concluding her “manner of death is best classified as homicide.”

Hochhalter is remembered as a lifelong advocate for victims of mass violence. She was 43 at the time of her death.

Brief Storm Brings Snow, High Winds

In keeping with Colorado’s tradition of mid-March snowstorms, wet and windy weather moved into the state last night, spelling a brief hiatus for the recent “fool’s spring.”

The storm will be most impactful in the mountains, where Winter Weather Advisories cover several areas. Mountain snow is expected to average 4-12 inches, with winds up to 50 mph.

On the plains, High Wind Watches are in effect, with gusts up to 65 mph. Snow in these areas will be minimal, quickly melting due to the recent warm weather.

The storm will exit Colorado tonight, clearing the way for a milder St. Patrick’s Day weekend, though it could still be near-freezing in the Denver area on Saturday.

Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia is facing a devastating combination of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks. East Africa has just endured its worst drought in 40 years, leaving tens of millions without access to clean water, wiping out millions of livestock, and destroying crops. With domestic food production crippled, Somalia has relied heavily on imports—90% of its wheat coming from Russia and Ukraine—until those shipments stopped.

Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and cholera is spreading in some regions. The food crisis, compounded by global humanitarian aid being redirected to Europe and the Middle East, has created a perfect storm, leading to a sharp rise in child malnutrition.

Be Doers

We’re asking The Flyover community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs (a peanut paste fortified with nutrients), water, and hygiene products to those with the most need.

Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $750; just give through this link.

➤ Parker: A 15-year-old who brought an explosive device to Ponderosa High School now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, and will possibly be tried as an adult. (More)

➤ Westminster: Authorities are searching for a burglar who was recorded breaking into an apartment and taking a nap on the couch before fleeing with stolen goods. (More)

➤ I-70: Two drivers now say they were hit by the same faulty road closure gate one-and-a-half years apart. The Colorado Department of Transportation denied liability for both incidents. (More)

➤ Denver: Thieves are targeting snow removal and landscaping companies for high-value equipment, often using drones to scout properties, according to a local service provider. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Department of Government Efficiency is canceling $9.4 million in leases across Colorado, affecting 19 total properties. (See the List)

➤ Boulder County: Police have recovered a purse belonging to Megan Trussell, a University of Colorado student found dead in Boulder Canyon. Investigators say foul play is not suspected. (See Details)

➤ The Denver Broncos have signed two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million contract, adding a key weapon for QB Bo Nix. (More)

➤ The No. 16 seed Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team upset No. 8 West Virginia 67-60 in the Big 12 Championship, fueled by Elijah Malone’s second-half surge. The Buffaloes face Houston next. (More)

➤ The Denver Nuggets were blown out at home by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, 115-95. Nuggets center Nikola Jokić still managed to put together a respectable performance despite the loss, scoring 34 points with eight rebounds. (More)

➤ Sienna Betts, a Grandview High School girls’ basketball player, has been named the Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year and is nominated as one of three finalists for the Gatorade National Player of the Year. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Elevate your golf performance with FlightPath Golf Tees. Designed to enhance distance and accuracy, these tees feature precision engineering that reduces friction, promoting straighter ball flight. Their durable construction ensures longevity, providing consistent performance round after round. (Shop Now)

➤ A historic Castle Rock hotel originally built in 1872 will be restored and turned into a boutique hotel, restaurant, and retail space. Its grand opening is planned for 2027. (See Hotel)

➤ Longmont’s GoodLove Foods, a gluten-free frozen food brand, appeared on the March 7 episode of business reality series Shark Tank, securing a deal with one “shark” for $150,000 and an 18-percent stake in the company. (See Details)

➤ Noodles & Company, a Colorado-based fast casual chain, unveiled the biggest-ever revamp of its menu on Wednesday, featuring six new pastas and improvements to four classic menu items. (See Pasta)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Car insurance costs will hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to reach a record $2,101 annually in 2025, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. In fact, switching car insurance providers could save drivers over $1,300 a year, according to a 2024 survey.

See if you could save with Money’s best car insurance list.

Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia faces a crisis caused by natural disasters, conflict, poverty, and disease. The worst drought in 40 years devastated crops and livestock, while food imports from Russia and Ukraine were halted. Two in five Somali children now suffer from acute malnutrition. Join us in partnering with World Concern to provide emergency nutrition packs and clean water to children. $12 feeds a child for a month.

➤ Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off weekend celebrations at 9:30 a.m. this Saturday. The event features pipe bands, step dancers, floats, and more than 10,000 marchers. (See Details)

➤ Colorado’s tax rates are the seventh-lowest in the country, with median households paying $1,786 less in taxes in Colorado than the national average, according to a new study. (See Study)

➤ Frozen Dead Guy Days, a weekend-long festival in Estes Park celebrating the cryopreservation of Bredo Morstøl, begins today. Festivities include coffin races, a royal ball at The Stanley Hotel, and a polar plunge. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience birdwatching like never before with Happy Birdy’s AI-powered smart feeder. Capture stunning 2.5K HD videos, receive instant notifications, and identify over 10,000 bird species directly from your phone. Features include infrared night vision, solar-powered battery, and a 1.5L food capacity. Durable, weatherproof, and squirrel-proof design ensures year-round enjoyment. (Shop Now)