Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1894, Denver's Union Depot railroad station was extensively damaged by a fire. Efforts to rebuild the station began immediately, and the building that emerged from the ashes provided the architectural basis of today's Union Station.

March Madness begins this week, and some businesses near Denver's Ball Arena are gearing up for the excitement. Get the full story in our Business section. Will you be filling out a March Madness bracket? Vote in today's poll to let us know.

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FEMA May Pull $32M From Denver

In a letter to city leadership, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) threatened to withhold $32 million in grant money over accusations that city officials misused it when aiding migrants.

The funds were allocated to the Sheltering and Services Program (SSP), which financially supports non-federal entities responsible for providing shelter and related assistance to migrants.

The letter, dated March 11, says FEMA has "significant concerns" that the program's beneficiaries may be guilty of encouraging migrants to enter or reside in the country illegally.

While federal officials review SSP, FEMA is asking Denver to provide the names and contact information of migrants assisted by the program and descriptions of services rendered. The letter requests a response within 30 days.

Colorado Springs to Address Arson Problem

Colorado Springs mayor Yemi Mobolade says the city will focus on enforcement and cleanup efforts to tackle the growing issue of fires caused by the homeless population.

Last Thursday, a homeless man was charged with fourth-degree arson in connection with a 20-acre wildfire near Garden of the Gods. Investigators determined the fire began at an illegal campsite.

According to Mobolade, this case is one of several in Colorado Springs, where arson is now the leading cause of fires. In 2024, he says, the city responded to 419 fires involving the homeless population, while this year's running total is 183.

The mayor stressed that while the city is committed to supporting the homeless, it's "equally important" that everyone is held "accountable to the rule of law" to keep the community safe.

Upper Snowpack Near Peak Levels

Thanks to recent snowstorms, the Upper Colorado snowpack has reached nearly 100% of its average for this time of year, putting it on track to potentially surpass peak levels which typically occur in mid-April.

The surge in snowfall deposited up to eight inches of fresh powder in the high country this past weekend, creating ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions in time for the end of the 2025 season.

Outside of the slopes, the snowpack will play a critical role in preventing wildfires, as the storage and gradual release of moisture mitigate rapid drying and fire risk.

Though much of Northern Colorado is still in drought, the mountains are expecting 10-20 more inches of snowfall, which should bolster the snowpack statewide.

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➤ Larimer County: A wildfire that sparked in Berthoud on Monday prompted mandatory and voluntary evacuations for the area north of Dry Creek Reservoir. (See Details)

➤ Teller County: Sheriff Jason Mikesell announced he will run for governor in 2026. Mikesell is the 10th Republican to enter the race. (More)

➤ Colorado Springs: Multiple law enforcement agencies last week arrested Omar Valdez-Lerma, a suspected cartel member who had illegally reentered the country after being deported twice. (More)

➤ Statewide: Rural hospital leaders are working together to seek more funding and legislative support amid a longstanding financial crisis. (More)

➤ Colorado Springs: A man who stole over $43,000 from mailboxes using forged keys fashioned out of kitchen knives was sentenced to five years in federal prison last Wednesday. (More)

➤ Greeley: A woman who killed a man and set his house on fire was sentenced to life in prison following a two-week jury trial. (More)

➤ Statewide: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will host rallies in Denver and Greeley this Friday. (More)

➤ The UNC Bears earned their first-ever NIT bid after falling to Montana in the Big Sky Championship, missing an NCAA Tournament spot but securing postseason play. (More)

➤ The NBA admitted to making an officiating error during Saturday night's Denver Nuggets game vs. the Washington Wizards, though officials say it did not impact the final result. (See Details)

➤ The Colorado Avalanche blew a 3-1 lead late in the third period of Sunday night's game against the Dallas Stars but recovered when Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar drilled the game-winning goal 34 seconds into overtime to give the Avs a 4-3 victory. (More)

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➤ The Cheesecake Factory announced that it will open a new location at Colorado Mills in Lakewood on May 13. It will be the fourth Cheesecake Factory in Colorado. (More)

➤ The Mountain Village Town Council has voted to condemn land owned by Chuck Horning, owner of the Telluride ski area, over his refusal to permit the town's 25-year-old summer concert series. (More)

➤ Denver businesses near Ball Arena are preparing for March Madness crowds, boosting staff and supplies as fans flood downtown for NCAA tournament games starting Thursday. (More)

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➤ A woman traveled to Sterling to meet her long-lost, 79-year-old biological father on the season premiere of the reality series Relative Race. (More)

➤ The Center for the Arts Evergreen is hosting "Brick by Brick," a pop-up exhibit organized by a high school senior to showcase art made entirely out of Legos. (See Photos)

➤ Several Colorado ski areas have announced their upcoming closure dates for the 2025 season. (See the List)

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➤ This week marks The Flyover's 2nd anniversary. Over the last 2 years, we've grown from an idea—and 47 readers—to 2.1 million total readers and one of the fastest-growing news publications in the country. If you like The Flyover and find value in our work, would you become a partner by making a donation to keep The Flyover flying? We know everyone isn't able to, but your financial contribution is important to keep The Flyover free. You can donate by clicking here. It's a huge help!