AM
Denver
Friday, August 29th, 2025
Good morning, Denver. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ FBI Denver and the Denver Police Department offered a $10,000 reward on Thursday for tips leading to the arrest of 55-year-old Mathew LaDaniel Johnson, who killed two people in a 2023 quadruple shooting at a Denver bar—authorities have placed 28 billboards along the Front Range as they continue their search. Denver7
- ➤ A homicide investigation is underway at the Chaparral Village community off E. 88th Ave and Welby Road—Welby Rd has been closed from E. 86th Ave to E. 88th Ave as deputies work the scene and morning commuters are asked to find alternate routes. Denver7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Colorado education officials reported that 28.4% of students were chronically absent last school year—up from 27.7%—as rates rose in Denver and Jeffco while Aurora districts experienced small declines. State authorities plan to lower absenteeism to 15% by the 2027-28 school year. Sentinel Colorado
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials announced that the emerald ash borer has arrived in Aurora and that forestry crews will soon begin removing ash trees—healthy ones included—because the pest will eventually kill all ash trees; the city will treat about 50 of the 4,700 ash trees on municipal land and urges homeowners to remove their trees early to avoid larger costs. Residents should expect more tree removals as officials work to reduce future hazards. Sentinel Colorado
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District wrote a letter on August 22 to the City of Lakewood, objecting to zoning updates that may strain its pipes and lead to unexpected fees for residents. The letter asks for mediation and a pause on density changes—until plans for water infrastructure upgrades are in place. Denver7
- ➤ Governor Jared Polis announced $250 million in spending cuts and fund redirection on Thursday to balance the state budget and address a $1.2 billion shortfall—he cut about $103 million from eight state agencies while redirecting roughly $149 million in cash pending legislative approval. The executive order targets major reductions in healthcare and higher education funding with changes taking effect Monday and expiring Nov. 30. Denver7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Denver researchers from AOA Dx and CU trialed an AI blood test that detected early-stage ovarian cancer with over a 90% success rate in tests on 1,000 patients. The test is now awaiting FDA approval so providers can use it in the near future—if approved, it may help diagnose the cancer faster. Denver7
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Never take advice from someone who doesn't have to live with the consequences.
~ Unknown
About AM Denver
Welcome to the AM Denver, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Denver, Colorado community. If you like the AM Denver, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Denver.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Denver and across Colorado. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to AM Denver
A free Denver community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://amdenver.com/sitemap