City leaders are calling for swift action to keep people safe this summer after a spate of homicides — including three fatal shootings — rattled Denver's east side neighborhoods last month.

Why it matters: The springtime spike is alarming, though it's too early to tell whether it signals what's ahead for the summer, when violent crime historically rises in Denver.

Driving the news: The incidents are not connected, and there's no indication of gang activity or retaliatory violence, police Chief Ron Thomas said. Most appear to have stemmed from isolated confrontations, though Thomas called at least one "random."

• Thomas was among the speakers at a panel convened by Colorado Black Round Table founder John Bailey on Saturday to discuss possible solutions.

State of play: Panelists pointed to a common focus — keeping young people engaged and supported before conflicts escalate.

• They called for more investment in summer programs that keep young people busy, from jobs to intervention and recreation.
• Bailey urged local philanthropic groups to increase funding for youth development, especially if public dollars aren't available in a tight budget year.

Context: Some of last month's homicide suspects were ages 18–24, Thomas said, adding that improving conflict resolution among young people could help prevent future violence.

What they're saying: "These are not thugs, and these are not criminals. These are young folks in our community who are having a difficult, difficult time," Bailey said Saturday, adding that mental health concerns are another factor.

The bottom line: Denver recorded one of the steepest homicide drops among major U.S. cities last year, but the sudden uptick in violence is putting new pressure on leaders to prevent a more violent summer.

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State lawmakers plan to scrap their first-in-the-nation artificial intelligence law and replace it with rules designed to appease the tech industry.

Why it matters: The long-awaited, hotly contested bill could define how AI is governed in Colorado and serve as a model for future regulation.

Driving the news: The latest regulatory framework, introduced Friday, would target automated decision-making technology that makes "consequential decisions" related to an individual's compensation, eligibility for and access to education, employment, housing, financial services, insurance and health care.

The law would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Catch up quick: Rodriguez pushed the state's first AI regulations into law in 2024, but that generated business community backlash.

• In the 2025 legislative session and a subsequent special session, the business community and lawmakers failed to agree on changes, instead delaying the law's effective date to this June.
• Gov. Jared Polis convened a working group of tech groups and consumer advocates to find a solution; the latest measure reflects many of those recommendations.

Between the lines: By repealing Colorado's existing law, sponsors said it would render moot a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk's xAI company and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Yes, but: President Trump's executive order restricting states from creating AI regulations appeared to target Colorado, and a new law, if approved, would likely draw more court challenges.

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The Denver Nuggets' first-round playoff loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves last week leaves them drowning in questions about the future.

Why it matters: With their 2023 NBA title getting further in the rear-view, questions about who stays and who departs Denver loom over the franchise.

State of play: Against Minnesota, the Nuggets lacked consistent scoring, turned the ball over and got little help off the bench.

Catch up quick: Point guard Jamal Murray entered the playoffs fresh off his first All-Star appearance, but his usual postseason swagger was absent. He publicly blamed himself for the team's Game 6 loss.

• Superstar Nikola Jokić was below his usual MVP standard at times. Despite scoring 28 points in the final game, the three-time MVP ended with the least efficient playoff series of his career.
• Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon's injuries proved costly. The Nuggets needed the 30-year-old forward to stay healthy to provide a critical defensive presence.

The good news: Jokić says he wants to remain in Denver, and he appears ready to sign a contract extension this summer.

Peyton Watson, who's blossomed into a defensive standout, could leave the team when he becomes a free agent this summer.

What's next

⛰️ Colorado lost more public lands agency jobs last year than any other state — 1,753 positions from agencies including the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, equaling a 26% loss. (Colorado Sun)

⚖️ Prosecutors in Colorado are voicing concerns over the federal government deporting people facing serious criminal charges, raising concerns that some defendants may avoid convictions or punishment. (CPR)

👮 Aurora's police department made progress in reducing aggressive and biased policing over the past four years, but room for improvement remains, a recent consent decree progress report shows. (The Sentinel)

🥡 Local business owners are worried about losing their storefronts after plans were submitted to build a mixed-use building at the Asia Center strip mall in Denver along Federal Boulevard and Mississippi Avenue. (Westword)

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La Raza Park in Denver's Sunnyside neighborhood reopened last Friday after closing for a year for major renovations.

Zoom in: The historic park now features a new playground, basketball court, ADA-compliant pathways, lighting and expanded picnic areas.

• Renovations cost roughly $2 million, funded partly through two separate bond packages, 9News reports.

Flashback: Denver City Council renamed the park in 2020 — changing it from Columbus Park — to acknowledge its deep historic ties to the neighborhood's Chicano and Mexican-American community.

• New signage was unveiled in 2021.