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Anschutz leads Colorado billionaires in Forbes 400 list

The mogul's net worth is estimated at nearly $20 billion.

News

The rich stayed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rich in Colorado" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/16/colorado-billionaires-forbes-ranking-wealthiest" data-vars-content-id="b90c9a60-1b87-4e7a-a175-66e9f5a782e6" data-vars-headline="Anschutz leads Colorado billionaires in Forbes 400 list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/16/colorado-billionaires-forbes-ranking-wealthiest" target="_self">rich in Colorado</a> this year. Zoom in: Four Colorado billionaires cracked the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Forbes 400" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/" data-vars-content-id="b90c9a60-1b87-4e7a-a175-66e9f5a782e6" data-vars-headline="Anschutz leads Colorado billionaires in Forbes 400 list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/forbes-400/" target="_blank">Forbes 400</a>, led by Philip Anschutz and his eye-popping $19.3 billion fortune.

Scoop: Broncos owners offered to buy historic Aztlan Theatre

Broncos owners' property acquisition ambitions around Burnham Yard reached the landmark building on Santa Fe Drive.

Real Estate

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Broncos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/11/broncos-2026-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="a529c9f2-ab07-4b3e-8a29-b56376990440" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Broncos owners offered to buy historic Aztlan Theatre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/11/broncos-2026-season-preview" target="_self">Denver Broncos</a>&#x27; owners tried to buy the historic Aztlan Theatre in La Alma-Lincoln Park this year — with an offer its longtime owner says &quot;lowballed&quot; him.Why it matters: The previously unreported move shows the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group&#x27;s real estate ambitions extend beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Burnham Yard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/04/broncos-release-new-burnham-yard-renderings" data-vars-content-id="a529c9f2-ab07-4b3e-8a29-b56376990440" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Broncos owners offered to buy historic Aztlan Theatre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/04/broncos-release-new-burnham-yard-renderings" target="_self">Burnham Yard</a> as it assembles land for a sprawling new stadium district.

Foreign actors breach Colorado water systems

Colorado water systems have come under cyberattack, state officials confirm.

Foreign actors last month breached two small Colorado water utilities and manipulated equipment used to control drinking water systems.Why it matters: The attacks come amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heightened concern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/06/us-drinking-water-cyberattacks-climate-change-risks" data-vars-content-id="b1b7ff9f-f95b-4fff-ba7a-ed71485c40bc" data-vars-headline="Foreign actors breach Colorado water systems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/06/us-drinking-water-cyberattacks-climate-change-risks" target="_self">heightened concern</a> about foreign actors infiltrating U.S. water systems — including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent attacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/water-cyberattacks-us-iran" data-vars-content-id="b1b7ff9f-f95b-4fff-ba7a-ed71485c40bc" data-vars-headline="Foreign actors breach Colorado water systems" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/water-cyberattacks-us-iran" target="_self">recent attacks</a> linked to actors suspected of ties to Iran.

4 new (and 1 new-ish) places to try in Denver

Debuts include an Italian-Japanese fusion concept and a natural wine bar.

Food and Drink

James Beard Award and &quot;Top Chef&quot; finalist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carrie Baird" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/12/denvers-carrie-baird-competes-as-a-castaway-chef" data-vars-content-id="7be833bd-4288-4b27-85fa-6039e98eb91c" data-vars-headline="4 new (and 1 new-ish) places to try in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/12/denvers-carrie-baird-competes-as-a-castaway-chef" target="_self">Carrie Baird</a> is making a LoHi comeback. Dig in: Baird returned this month overseeing Italian restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bar Dough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bardoughdenver.com/" data-vars-content-id="7be833bd-4288-4b27-85fa-6039e98eb91c" data-vars-headline="4 new (and 1 new-ish) places to try in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bardoughdenver.com/" target="_blank">Bar Dough</a> full-time, with plans to infuse more Colorado ingredients into the menu, including produce from the eatery&#x27;s on-site garden.

Denver will rely on 911 for gunfire reports as ShotSpotter ends

The city's contract with the gunshot detection technology firm ends in December.

Denver is preparing to go without gunshot detection technology after its contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ShotSpotter expires in December" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/21/denver-police-new-shotspotter-contract" data-vars-content-id="ced16574-47a3-48f5-a0ea-1d14b47b6952" data-vars-headline="Denver will rely on 911 for gunfire reports as ShotSpotter ends" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/21/denver-police-new-shotspotter-contract" target="_self">ShotSpotter expires in December</a>. Why it matters: The shift could change how police respond to shooting calls, placing a heavier responsibility on people to report gunfire while reigniting a longstanding debate over the controversial tool.

Denver police explore ShotSpotter alternatives

The agency says it will review its current system as it opens its bidding process.

The Denver Police Department&#x27;s relationship <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with ShotSpotter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2021/12/21/denver-spend-millions-shotspotter-technology" data-vars-content-id="0d657cf0-4192-4ba3-aa96-df0c6629e0b8" data-vars-headline="Denver police explore ShotSpotter alternatives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2021/12/21/denver-spend-millions-shotspotter-technology" target="_self">with ShotSpotter</a> could soon come to an end after 10 years, as the agency says it&#x27;s exploring replacements for gunshot detection.

Denver's homicide surge among highest in the U.S.

The data comes from the Major Cities Chiefs Association's midyear survey.

Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homicide spike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/08/denver-homicides-increasing-crime" data-vars-content-id="8b509d86-c5d4-4bc4-8cd2-7af0f86422f3" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s homicide surge among highest in the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/08/denver-homicides-increasing-crime" target="_self">homicide spike</a> during the first half of the year is among the highest in the country for major cities, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios.Why it matters: Deadly crime in Denver is bucking a national trend among the largest cities in the country, which are mostly recording dips in homicides.

Deadly summer prompts new anti-violence police plan

Thirty-five people have been killed this year, a 40% spike compared to 2025.

Denver police are rolling out a more aggressive anti-violence strategy following<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" a spike in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/08/denver-homicides-increasing-crime" data-vars-content-id="4e541f05-8fb3-4f07-a24d-ccbeb398bc9d" data-vars-headline="Deadly summer prompts new anti-violence police plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/08/denver-homicides-increasing-crime" target="_self"> a spike in homicides</a> this summer.Why it matters: The bloodshed is prompting the department to rethink how it deploys officers and formulates prevention resources.

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).

Axios Arapahoe County

Englewood drops Flock license plate cameras

Arapahoe County

Lawsuit challenges Aurora police reforms

A bar chart that shows the cities with the largest homicide increases from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2026. Honolulu has the highest increase at 85.7%, followed by San Diego at 81.3% and Orlando at 66.7%. The smallest increase shown is Denver at 30%.

Public Safety

Englewood drops Flock license plate cameras

Denver will rely on 911 for gunfire reports as ShotSpotter ends

Lawsuit challenges Aurora police reforms

Denver police explore ShotSpotter alternatives

Denver's homicide surge among highest in the U.S.