Good morning, Denver.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.