Thursday, February 20, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1895, Congress reestablished the Denver Mint as a branch of the U.S. Mint, authorizing its coinage of gold and silver. Though first established in 1862, the mint had since been turned into an office for melting and assaying bullion.

Tax season is well underway, but Colorado is a bit behind, as we cover in today’s Top Stories. In better news, the Denver Zoo is welcoming a new wallaby joey—read the story down under in Et Cetera.

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

Colorado Tax Returns Delayed

Despite suggestions it would be ready by “early February,” Colorado’s online tax filing system is still down, delaying tax returns for many.

According to the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), the delay is caused by changes to the tax code, such as new credits, which are still being implemented.

The DOR now says processing will start this week. Still, the wait has left many frustrated, from individuals counting on refunds to public accountants who rely on tax season for income.

Federally, the Internal Revenue Service began accepting returns January 27. Despite Colorado’s setbacks, the deadline for most state filings is still April 15.

Trump Firm Targets CU in Free Speech Lawsuit

A law firm known for representing President Trump has filed a lawsuit against the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) on behalf of student Zoe Johnson, who says the school violated her right to free speech.

Johnson had been reported to faculty for comments she’d made about race and the LGBTQ community. When she refused a meeting to discuss the complaints, the school threatened disciplinary action.

In the lawsuit, The Dhillon Law Group argues that CU’s nondiscrimination policy was used to silence Johnson for opinions differing from “campus orthodoxy.”

The firm is notorious for acting as Trump’s counsel, including in the 2024 case to keep him on the Colorado ballot. It’s now one of several firms to file against colleges with policies similar to CU’s.

Denver Man on Crash-Landed Delta Flight

Peter Koukov, a Denver resident, was among the 80 passengers of a Delta Airlines flight that crash-landed in Toronto on Monday, flipping upside down as it came to a stop.

Koukov, who had traveled to Canada to film skiing content, recalls the lack of warning signs before the crash, after which he dropped to the ceiling while other, still-seated passengers were “hanging upside down.”

Minutes after his exit, Kuokov says, there was an “explosion” on the plane. While still processing the experience, he expressed gratitude that everyone onboard, himself included, made it out alive.

Despite the ordeal, Koukov says he won’t be avoiding planes in the future, adding that both his job and love of travel require him to fly often.

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.

➤ Statewide: Senate Bill 25-003, a measure to limit the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms, officially passed the Senate on Tuesday despite two sponsors flipping to vote “no.” (See Details)

➤ Denver: The record for coldest-ever Feb. 19 in the city was broken yesterday when Denver International Airport dropped to -7 degrees. (More)

➤ Boulder: The Boulder County coroner has identified the body recovered from Boulder Canyon last week as 18-year-old Megan Trussell, a missing University of Colorado student. (More)

➤ Castle Rock: Construction on the Crystal Valley Interchange begins next week, bringing nighttime closures as crews build a new I-25 exit expected to boost local business and enable future developments. (See Details)

➤ Denver International Airport: DIA has unveiled the final phase of its Great Hall renovation, a $1.3-billion remodeling of the Jeppesen Terminal intended to showcase “the spirit of Colorado” and better serve passengers. (See Details)

➤ Pueblo: Investigators have determined faulty welding was the probable cause of a 2023 train derailment in which a rail bridge collapsed onto the interstate, resulting in one death. (More)

➤ The Colorado Buffaloes are adding former Denver Bronco Domata Peko to the team’s staff as defensive line coach. (More)

➤ The Colorado Rockies have agreed to terms on a contract with veteran left-handed reliever Scott Alexander. (More)

➤ Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon voiced his opinion on the NBA’s MVP race, saying his teammate Nikola Jokić deserves the award over Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience relief from foot pain with the TheraFoot Pro EMS Foot Massager. This innovative device uses Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology to enhance blood circulation, alleviate discomfort, and rejuvenate tired muscles. Enjoy customizable massage modes and intensities for a personalized relaxation experience.

➤ A chic new ski hotel, Hotel Alpenrock, has opened in Breckenridge, boasting a prime location, curated design, and the town’s only speakeasy. (More)

➤ Lawmakers are considering repealing a 29-cent fee applied to all deliveries in Colorado, which is expected to cost Coloradans about $200 million between July 2024 and June 2025. (More)

➤ Denver passed a law Tuesday banning the construction of gas stations near protected residential areas, train stops, and existing gas stations as part of an effort to address the housing crisis. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ 11 Things Smart Americans Are Wasting Money On. You’re smart about saving money, like shopping clearance racks, limiting eating out, and choosing affordable streaming services. However, there are still some cost-cutting tips you might not know yet. Once you discover these, you could quickly find extra cash in your pocket. (Click to Read More)

Flying together with our sponsor

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

➤ Denver’s first pro women’s soccer team is inviting the public to vote on a team name. Options include “Colorado 14ers” and “Denver Gold.” (More)

➤ A new joey was born to red-necked wallabies, Adelaide and Cricket, at the Denver Zoo, the first to be welcomed into the recently opened Down Under habitat. (More)

➤ Copper Mountain will host the alpine racing events in this year’s World Cup. The events will take place from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30 and will feature both women’s and men’s events. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Unlock the American Dream with The Oxford Club’s insights on Investing in 2025. Discover how strategic investments could create unprecedented wealth opportunities. Join us to capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to build financial freedom and secure your future. Don’t miss out—start your journey to success today!