Friday, May 1, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1890, Mary Elitch opened Elitch’s Zoological Gardens, becoming the first woman known to own and operate a zoo. The gardens evolved over the years into one of the state’s premier amusement parks, eventually relocating and becoming the modern-day Elitch Gardens in downtown Denver.

Big news! We’re excited to announce that beginning tomorrow, The Colorado Flyover will be expanding to a seven-day-a-week schedule, adding Saturday and Sunday editions every weekend going forward. Let us know what you think about the new weekend editions by replying to this email.

One year ago, we hit “record” on something new, and it’s grown into something incredible. Today, The Flyover Podcast reaches more than 1.4 million listeners each month, delivering clear, direct, and unbiased coverage of the stories that matter most. What started as a simple idea is now part of daily routines across the country, and we couldn’t have done it without you. As we head into year two, we’re excited to bring you new content, new formats, and new ways to stay informed. We’re just getting started. Tune in to today’s Podcast Extra stories, featuring a new form of “genetic cholesterol” that could become the next big breakthrough in preventing heart attacks. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor is TerraCycle US, a company tackling one of the biggest gaps in modern waste: what to do with the items most recycling systems ignore. From everyday packaging to hard-to-recycle products, they’re building solutions where others haven’t, and turning that challenge into a fast-growing, profitable business.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Flock Bill Shelved in Senate

A bipartisan bill that would have limited government access to data from license plate reader cameras was shelved in the state Senate Wednesday.

SB26-070 sought to regulate access to the data, compiled by companies like Flock Safety and Axon, by requiring warrants for searches older than 72 hours, putting 30-day retention limits on most data, and increasing reporting requirements, among other provisions.

Sponsors said these guardrails are necessary to protect Coloradans’ privacy. Opponents, including law enforcement, said the data is pivotal to solving crimes and the bill’s timelines don’t match investigative realities.

Sen. Judy Amabile, the measure’s co-sponsor, opted to lay the bill over to July 4, effectively killing it for this session. According to Amabile, Gov. Jared Polis signaled he would veto the bill in its current form.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., co-introduced a similar bill at the federal level last week.

Pet Store Sales of Dogs, Cats Banned

Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday signed a bill banning pet stores from selling dogs and cats, effective Jan. 1, 2027, a measure aimed at shutting down Colorado’s puppy mill industry.

Supporters of HB26-1011 say it will reduce demand for high-volume commercial breeders, or puppy mills, linked to inhumane conditions and serious, long-term health issues in pets. Several Colorado cities have similar laws in place.

Critics of the law claim it’s anti-business and could create a black market. Jens Larsen, owner of a Centennial pet shop, says he’s already subject to state oversight and may have to shut down despite using licensed, inspected suppliers.

Seven pet stores in Colorado sell dogs and cats, according to state licensing data. Starting in 2027, Coloradans can still obtain pets from a shelter, rescue, or licensed breeder directly.

World’s Wonder View Tower Reopens

A century-old roadside wonder on the Eastern Plains will welcome visitors again this weekend after more than a decade.

The World’s Wonder View Tower, built in Genoa in 1926, is a six-story concrete structure off Interstate 70. From the top, visitors can see six states—Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico, and South Dakota—a view certified by Ripley’s in 1933.

Since the 1960s, the tower has doubled as a museum packed with oddities, including tens of thousands of arrowheads, a two-headed calf, and a mammoth skeleton. In 2013, the longtime owner died, the tower closed, and the collections were auctioned off.

The reopening caps a 10-year renovation undertaken by a group led by a Denver artist who bought the tower in 2016, working to preserve the site and its history. See event details here.

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➤ Statewide: A House bill would expand security measures for the legislative and judicial departments of state government, as well as the governor, amid a nationwide rise in political violence. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: CDOT is using new wording on construction zone signage as part of a public awareness campaign designed to promote zipper merging. (See Details)

➤ DIA: A Las Vegas-bound United Airlines flight that left the airport Wednesday made an emergency landing in Grand Junction due to an “odor” in the cabin. (More)

➤ Glenwood Springs: A city commission voted to revoke a special use permit for a federal detention and processing facility, used by ICE and other agencies, in response to alleged violations of a 12-hour hold limit for detainees. (More)

➤ Denver Metro: The Regional Transportation District is seeking the public’s help identifying two suspects in a series of copper wire thefts that disrupted service last week. (See Details)

➤ Montrose County: In response to an employee complaint, the school district board voted to place Olathe Elementary’s principal on paid leave, pending an investigation. The board also voted to delay a decision on closing either of two elementary schools amid parent and staff pushback. (See Details)

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➤ The Denver Nuggets lost 110-98 to the Timberwolves last night, ending their NBA playoff run in the first round. Nikola Jokić finished with 28 points in the loss, but Jamal Murray struggled with just 12. (More)

➤ Broncos quarterback Bo Nix underwent a second procedure on his surgically repaired ankle last week, meaning he could have limited participation in the team’s offseason workouts. (More)

➤ Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons announced his retirement Wednesday, exactly 10 years after the Denver Broncos selected him in the third round of the NFL draft. (More)

➤ Nuggets forward Peyton Watson said he wants to re-sign with Denver as he heads into restricted free agency this offseason. The team can match any offer he receives. (More)

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➤ Takeout customers would have to request single-use items—like ketchup packets, utensils, napkins, and more—or be asked if they want them under a proposed waste-reduction bill. (See Details)

➤ The FCC approved a television license exchange that will give E.W. Scripps Co. control of the majority of stations in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction, including KKTV, KKCO, and KJCT. (More)

➤ Birdcall and Little Man Ice Cream are collaborating this May and June to launch a limited-time Salted Maple Chicken & Waffles sandwich with ice cream. (See Sandwich)

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➤ An injured bald eagle returned to the wild Wednesday in Weld County after being shot with a ball bearing, undergoing surgery to remove it from its wing, and completing three months of rehabilitation. (See Video)

➤ A cake decorator from Grand Junction won the King Soopers and City Market statewide cake-decorating challenge, advancing to a national competition slated for August. (See Cakes)

➤ The Sheep to Shawl, a free, family-friendly event hosted by the Littleton Museum, will be held Saturday. Visitors can watch the shearing process, see how woolen items get made, and enjoy hands-on activities for kids. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

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