Thursday, October 15, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2009, a Fort Collins family claimed their 6-year-old son had floated away in a homemade, flying saucer-like weather balloon, triggering a massive emergency response and national media frenzy. Here’s a video of MSNBC covering the so-called Balloon Boy Hoax, one of Colorado’s strangest, most famous news stories.

Some of Colorado's ski resorts got their first snow of the season this week. Find out more in our Top Stories.

Your 2027 Social Security raise is official. But a raise is never just a raise. The COLA ripples into what you pay, what you owe, and what you actually keep, and most retirees don’t see the full picture until the January check arrives. Deadlines are in play too, including a window that opens this very week. So how much of your raise is actually yours? On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counts down the five things that decide what your 2027 check really looks like. Tune in here!

Later today, watch for a message from our partner, Insurify, about an easy way to compare rates from more than 120 insurers and potentially save.

Today’s sponsor, Dr. Steven Gundry MD, is revealing a surprising everyday ingredient that may help visibly reduce stubborn age spots and restore a more youthful-looking complexion.

Aspen Acres Fire Sparked by Power Line

A wind-toppled aspen tree falling onto energized power lines on June 29 sparked the Aspen Acres Fire, Colorado's seventh-largest wildfire on record, state investigators concluded.

The impact forced the lines down to about 3 feet above the ground near Highway 165. Investigators found arcing, melting, and charring on the lines and burn marks on the tree.

Melted aluminum found beneath the contact point likely contributed to the ignition. Investigators also ruled out a second suspected origin near Silvercliffe Drive.

The fire has burned more than 102,000 acres, destroyed more than 850 structures, and is about 82% contained. Residents have sued San Isabel Electric, alleging it failed to clear trees near its lines.

CSU Community Concerned After Shooting

A Colorado State University (CSU) police officer in Fort Collins shot an armed man near Newton Plaza on Monday evening after responding to a report of someone acting erratically.

Students say they relied on one another and social media to piece together what happened, as campus alerts mentioned only police activity in the area.

Some parents who signed up for alerts said they received nothing. CSU said its messages reached more than 48,000 contacts but acknowledged that some texts never arrived.

The man was hospitalized, and no one else was hurt. Fort Collins Police Services is leading the investigation, and CSU said it was not an active-shooter incident.

Ski Resorts See First Snow

Loveland Ski Area, Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, and Aspen Snowmass all reported their first snowfall of the 2026-27 season this week.

Vail got nearly 3 inches and Beaver Creek about an inch, and both plan to begin snowmaking this week. Beaver Creek is aiming to open Nov. 25.

A winter storm was set to drop 6 to 12 inches on parts of western Colorado through this morning. A hard freeze is possible across northeast Colorado early tomorrow.

A lift ticket listing for Oct. 24 sparked Keystone opening rumors, but the resort said it has no official date and will open as early as conditions allow.

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Flying together with our sponsor

Visibly reduce dark spots with 1 ingredient? Doctor reveals how

One of America's leading heart surgeons believes he just solved the aging dark spots mystery…

And it's all thanks to his wife, Penny.

You see, for years, Penny had been struggling with stubborn dark spots around her face and neck.

And after failed attempts despite trying expensive creams and treatments…

Dr. Steven Gundry discovered what's really causing those spots to appear…

And more importantly, how to help visibly reduce them.

The breakthrough?

One common ingredient found in everyday foods >>

➤ Statewide: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security flagged Colorado as one of 15 states to monitor for election integrity vulnerabilities before the June primary, records show. (More)

➤ I-25: In about 10 months since North America's largest wildlife overpass opened between Larkspur and Monument, drivers have hit only two animals there, a 91% drop. (More)

➤ Denver: RTD's proposed 2027 budget cuts its projected deficit by 39% to $148 million, including $20 million in service cuts and a 5% staffing reduction. (More)

➤ Larimer County: Parents protested as a Poudre School District committee formally presented its plan to close nine schools and merge two others. The board is expected to vote Oct. 27. (More)

➤ Fruita: The city's proposed 2027 budget includes nearly $31 million in spending, led by a $2 million first phase of the Fremont Street project. Council budget reviews begin Oct. 20. (More)

➤ Bow Mar: A South Metro Fire Rescue dive team confirmed that a vehicle found partially submerged in Bowles Lake on Wednesday was unoccupied. No injuries were reported. (More)

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➤ Deion Sanders downplayed reports that a Colorado play script was left at the team hotel bar before the Texas Tech game, calling it a mistake and saying the game is over. (More)

➤ The Broncos host the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks at Empower Field at 6:15 p.m. today, with both teams entering the game at 3-2. (More)

➤ Denver released a draft plan for more than 800 acres around Burnham Yard, the Broncos' preferred stadium site. Council must approve it before the team can seek rezoning. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stay fresh wherever life takes you with the BumBum Portable Bidet. Compact and travel-friendly, it delivers a gentle water cleanse without relying on rough toilet paper or irritating wipes. Its rechargeable design and simple operation make cleaner bathroom breaks easy at home, work, while traveling, or anywhere you need them. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Buc-ee's has submitted a site development plan for its proposed store near I-25 in northern El Paso County. County staff will review it administratively, with no commissioner vote. (More)

➤ Denver City Council voted 11-1 to approve a three-year deal letting Key Lime Air keep operating at Denver International Airport, reversing an earlier rejection over the airline's ICE flights. (More)

➤ The statewide median home price fell 1.6% to $540,000 in September, and a national report found housing affordability in the state improved slightly last year. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Get a Cleaner, Fresher Smile with Sonic Glow Water Pick! Brushing alone can miss food particles and buildup between your teeth. The Sonic Glow Water Pick uses targeted water pressure to help flush away debris, clean hard-to-reach areas, and support healthier gums. Upgrade your oral care routine today!

Flying together with our sponsor

Try this age spot trick (it will shock you)

If you think age spots are caused by aging or even sun damage, think again.

In his latest exposé, former chief of surgery Dr. Steven Gundry is launching a crusade against the skincare industry to reveal the biggest lie it has ever told women.

His research points to an everyday kitchen item that can help "eat" these blemishes.

This free presentation is a must-watch.

Click here to watch now before it's taken down >>

➤ The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden hosts its Harvest Haunt Express on Oct. 17 and 18, with coal-fired steam train rides, a hay bale maze, and trick-or-treating for costumed kids. (More)

➤ Candy corn is Colorado's favorite Halloween candy, according to Instacart's sales data, though an Innerbody Research study picked Nerds. Nationally, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups lead. (More)

➤ The Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival, North America's oldest women’s film festival, opens its 39th year Friday at Colorado College with 42 films chosen from more than 400 submissions. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Dry Eyes? Here are 5 reasons drops aren’t working Are you wasting your money on eye drops? Here are 5 reasons drops won’t work for dry eyes and why you should be doing THIS instead. PS - If you really care about your eye health… ⇒ Read this short article before you spend another penny on eye drops… (You are probably being misled).

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ Five things are quietly reshaping your 2027 Social Security check, and most retirees only catch one. (Listen Now)

➤ Global health researchers have linked roughly one in eight new cancer cases worldwide to a dozen common infections, some preventable. (Hear Details)

➤ Federal regulators have accused nine of the nation’s largest banks of closing accounts over customers’ political and religious beliefs. (Listen Now)