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Denver may make limits on low-level police traffic stops permanent

The move would make it harder for future police chiefs to reverse the reform.

News

Denver City Council members are considering writing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="limits on low-level traffic stops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/05/14/denver-police-limit-low-level-traffic-stops-violations" data-vars-content-id="4a76cbe4-fc66-47c8-b060-2671e9623c58" data-vars-headline="Denver may make limits on low-level police traffic stops permanent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/05/14/denver-police-limit-low-level-traffic-stops-violations" target="_self">limits on low-level traffic stops</a> into city law, making the policy harder for future police chiefs to undo.Why it matters: Codifying the restrictions, which have been in place since May 2024, would then require City Council approval — rather than a chief&#x27;s pen stroke — to make major changes.

Weiser taps Lesley Dahlkemper for lieutenant governor

Dahlkemper, 59, adds diversity and decades of local government experience to the Democratic ticket.

Election

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phil Weiser" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-governor-democratic-primary-phil-weiser" data-vars-content-id="af8cb102-152f-4d5a-a7b5-175216767693" data-vars-headline="Weiser taps Lesley Dahlkemper for lieutenant governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-governor-democratic-primary-phil-weiser" target="_self">Phil Weiser</a>, the Democratic candidate for governor, selected Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper as his lieutenant governor on Wednesday.Why it matters: Dahlkemper, 59, adds diversity and more than a decade of local government experience to the Democratic ticket.

Colorado's 70mm IMAX "The Odyssey" screenings hit snags

Opening weekend brought projector failures, refunds and a wave of frustrated moviegoers.

70mm IMAX screenings of &quot;The Odyssey&quot; haven&#x27;t gone smoothly at Colorado&#x27;s only two theaters equipped to show the film as director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan intended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" data-vars-content-id="6de3a6f5-ebcd-4d48-a634-5e049b734959" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s 70mm IMAX &quot;The Odyssey&quot; screenings hit snags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" target="_self">Christopher Nolan intended</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fans paid premium prices" data-vars-click-url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/the-odyssey-fans-frenzy-imax-70mm-tickets-1236809522/" data-vars-content-id="6de3a6f5-ebcd-4d48-a634-5e049b734959" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s 70mm IMAX &quot;The Odyssey&quot; screenings hit snags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/the-odyssey-fans-frenzy-imax-70mm-tickets-1236809522/" target="_blank">Fans paid premium prices</a>, booked seats in advance and stood in long lines to experience the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer blockbuster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/amc-stock-the-odyssey" data-vars-content-id="6de3a6f5-ebcd-4d48-a634-5e049b734959" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s 70mm IMAX &quot;The Odyssey&quot; screenings hit snags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/amc-stock-the-odyssey" target="_self">summer blockbuster</a> in one of the world&#x27;s rarest formats.

Colorado's wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers' concerns

A new wolf pack signals the state's controversial reintroduction program is taking hold.

State wildlife officials confirmed a new gray wolf pack in Eagle County and a boom in pups this year, marking a major milestone for Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial wolf reintroduction program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/13/colorado-wolf-pups-reintroduction" data-vars-content-id="3c5823d7-545b-42ac-a126-ee260b1f1561" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers&#x27; concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/13/colorado-wolf-pups-reintroduction" target="_self">controversial wolf reintroduction program</a>.Why it matters: The voter-approved effort, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched in December 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/18/colorado-reintroduce-gray-wolves-deadline" data-vars-content-id="3c5823d7-545b-42ac-a126-ee260b1f1561" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers&#x27; concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/18/colorado-reintroduce-gray-wolves-deadline" target="_self">launched in December 2023</a>, is entering a new phase as breeding packs become established — exactly what wildlife officials hoped for and ranchers have long feared.

City response to homelessness calls draws council ire

The city receives thousands of calls every year to help manage low-level law violations, including for unauthorized camping.

City Council members are demanding more accountability for the city&#x27;s response to homelessness complaints.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s street engagement teams are often the public&#x27;s first point of contact about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="encampments and other homelessness-related issues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/20/denver-homelessness-pit-count-2026" data-vars-content-id="6289c992-f82d-4aab-bbfe-ba89e0a670a0" data-vars-headline="City response to homelessness calls draws council ire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/20/denver-homelessness-pit-count-2026" target="_self">encampments and other homelessness-related issues</a>.

Denver police defend plan to replace some discipline with coaching

The proposal would apply to low-level offenses.

Denver police chief Ron Thomas on Wednesday defended a proposal to let some officers who commit low-level misconduct avoid the traditional disciplinary process and instead complete a coaching and training program. Why it matters: While police pitch the plan as a way to improve efficiency and morale, Denver&#x27;s independent monitor, Lisabeth Pérez Castle, criticized the proposal, saying it isn&#x27;t discipline at all.

Denver settles for $2.9M with George Floyd protesters

The payouts add to Denver's growing protest-related costs.

Denver will pay $2.9 million in a settlement to 13 people who allege police used excessive force during the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2020 George Floyd protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/10/denver-pays-latest-george-floyd-settlements" data-vars-content-id="65b7a1df-cdc2-4b4a-836a-a2ee4f7be069" data-vars-headline="Denver settles for $2.9M with George Floyd protesters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/10/denver-pays-latest-george-floyd-settlements" target="_self">2020 George Floyd protests</a>. Why it matters: Denver is on the hook for costs tied to its police department&#x27;s botched protest response after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city acknowledged" data-vars-click-url="https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-appears-to-admit-liability-in-court-filing-as-trial-over-police-actions-during-george-floyd-protests-starts-monday/" data-vars-content-id="65b7a1df-cdc2-4b4a-836a-a2ee4f7be069" data-vars-headline="Denver settles for $2.9M with George Floyd protesters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-appears-to-admit-liability-in-court-filing-as-trial-over-police-actions-during-george-floyd-protests-starts-monday/" target="_blank">the city acknowledged</a> liability in a court filing last month.

Watchdog challenges disciplinary changes to sheriff's office

Denver's executive public safety director says the proposals are intended to improve efficiency.

Denver&#x27;s executive public safety director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Al Gardner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/16/al-gardner-public-safety-director-three-year-plan" data-vars-content-id="f1f735bf-8a6c-47e6-bbe3-e2b729b3dd1b" data-vars-headline="Watchdog challenges disciplinary changes to sheriff&#x27;s office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/16/al-gardner-public-safety-director-three-year-plan" target="_self">Al Gardner</a> is changing how some sheriff&#x27;s deputy misconduct cases are reviewed, a move he says will improve efficiency. Yes, but: The Office of the Independent Monitor disagrees. The civilian watchdog agency argues the changes will reduce transparency and accountability.

Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low

Street homelessness in Denver fell 64% since 2023, city leaders say.

Denver&#x27;s homelessness fell to its lowest level in nine years, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest point-in-time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" target="_self">latest point-in-time</a> (PIT) count, which found street homelessness has dropped 64% since Mayor Mike Johnston took office in 2023. Why it matters: The sharp decline marks a major milestone for Johnston&#x27;s signature homelessness initiative, All In Mile High (AIMH), which has garnered both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national acclaim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" target="_self">national acclaim</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" target="_self">local scrutiny</a> since launching three years ago.

Colorado Boulevard BRT's plan draws massive public interest

The state is providing three potential options.

Transit

A wall-sized map of Colorado Boulevard turned into a public venting session on Wednesday evening.Zoom in: Residents dotted the map with comments on colorful sticky notes — including multiple &quot;NO!!&quot; — during an open house hosted by the state transportation department about its proposed bus rapid transit line (BRT).

Denver marred by violent start to year

The rate could upend a historic reduction posted in 2025.

Data now confirms what the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" public has suspected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" data-vars-content-id="8d1a437b-53a8-453e-84f4-59e435d72e4e" data-vars-headline="Denver marred by violent start to year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" target="_blank"> public has suspected</a>: Homicides are up in Denver.Why it matters: The city recorded 18 homicides as of Sunday — four more than this time last year, police data shows, a rise that could upend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year&#x27;s historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/22/denver-homicide-decline-lowest-nationwide-2025" data-vars-content-id="8d1a437b-53a8-453e-84f4-59e435d72e4e" data-vars-headline="Denver marred by violent start to year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/22/denver-homicide-decline-lowest-nationwide-2025" target="_self">last year&#x27;s historic decline</a> in killings.

Denver police clarifies Taser policy after proposed changes surface

The department says a proposal was mistakenly published.

Denver police say a recent Taser policy rewrite was published &quot;in error&quot; after the city&#x27;s Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) publicly warned the updated policy expanded officers&#x27; right to use their stun guns.Why it matters: The watchdog says the rewrite could increase unnecessary Taser use, while the department&#x27;s mistake raises questions about how the policy was mistakenly published prior to proper review.

Denver rejects DOJ demand on assault weapons ban

City leaders say the decades-old law is legal and saves lives.

The city of Denver won&#x27;t comply with a demand from the U.S. Department of Justice to repeal its longstanding ban on assault-style weapons, Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s office said Monday. Why it matters: Johnston is framing the demand as federal overreach — setting up a broader fight over local control of gun laws. It also escalates a brewing clash with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/12/colorado-trump-administration-fights-escalate" data-vars-content-id="96090f1a-722c-469a-a562-e2f85afe458c" data-vars-headline="Denver rejects DOJ demand on assault weapons ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/12/colorado-trump-administration-fights-escalate" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s administration</a>.

Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings

At least three people were fatally shot in the city's east side last month.

City leaders are calling for swift action to keep people <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safe this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/11/denver-youth-violence-school-mental-health-services" data-vars-content-id="5c49aaf3-52c2-4ad4-92e8-d7fe74e9e229" data-vars-headline="Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/11/denver-youth-violence-school-mental-health-services" target="_self">safe this summer</a> after a spate of homicides — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including three fatal shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" data-vars-content-id="5c49aaf3-52c2-4ad4-92e8-d7fe74e9e229" data-vars-headline="Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" target="_blank">including three fatal shootings</a> — rattled Denver&#x27;s east side neighborhoods last month.Why it matters: The springtime spike is alarming, though it&#x27;s too early to tell whether it signals what&#x27;s ahead for the summer, when violent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime historically rises in Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/05/24/denver-violent-summer-teens-children" data-vars-content-id="5c49aaf3-52c2-4ad4-92e8-d7fe74e9e229" data-vars-headline="Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/05/24/denver-violent-summer-teens-children" target="_self">crime historically rises in Denver</a>.

Public Safety

Colorado school turns to drones for active-shooter defense

City response to homelessness calls draws council ire

The metro area's e-bike injuries are surging

Aurora's mayor sleeps Fridays at shelter

Denver police defend plan to replace some discipline with coaching