AM
Denver
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Denver. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ In Denver, WeeCycle—a Colorado nonprofit helping families in need—will distribute 10,000 diapers to over 400 families today at Broomfield Commons Sports Complex from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Last year, it delivered over 7 million diapers and said its efforts aim to address the growing need that affects 1 in 2 families as costs continue to rise. Denver7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Robert Redford, actor, director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, died on Tuesday at 89. His work helped independent films grow and the festival will move to Boulder in 2027 — where he once studied. Denver7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Layoffs and hiring freezes have pushed more Colorado workers to take part-time jobs to cover their bills—Denver resident James Reynolds now works 20 hours at a sandwich shop after years at a tech firm, while national data shows part-time underemployment is on the rise. The trend raises concerns about the labor market as full-time positions become harder to find. Denver7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Middle school students from Summit Academy and Skinner took part in a forensic science session on Monday at the Denver Police Museum—where they dusted for fingerprints, tested fibers, and analyzed blood samples in a mock diamond theft investigation. Organizers said the hands-on program is part of the museum’s STEM and Civics Enrichment Initiative—designed to show how science can lead to different career paths. Denver7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly three years after 70 percent of Denver voters approved Waste No More, the Denver City Council approved detailed recycling and composting requirements that affect apartment buildings, restaurants and commercial sites. The city will begin education-based enforcement in September 2026 — allowing businesses to apply for economic hardship exemptions — to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Denver7
- ➤ On Monday, a video from Estes Park News showed an elk herd on Highway 36 near Lake Estes as bulls bugled and battled during the rut. The event reminds locals that wildlife can be unpredictable and visitors must keep a safe distance—emphasizing the need for caution during the rut. Denver7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Denver’s DOTI explained that the protected left turn from 13th onto Broadway is set to keep pedestrians safe near major attractions (the Art Museum, Public Library and Civic Center Park) and to reduce risks from abrupt lane changes by speeding vehicles. The agency said it will not change the rule even if drivers experience long waits at the red left turn arrow. Denver7
- ➤ Lawmakers passed a Colorado law that requires bilingual safety labels on new gas stoves sold, but the law is stalled after appliance manufacturers filed an emergency injunction—penalties of up to $20,000 may apply once a court rules by the end of the month. Denver7
- ➤ Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López said Tuesday that Mayor Johnston’s proposed 2026 budget cuts will decimate voter services by forcing his office to close multiple polling centers & drop boxes, which could delay ballot processing in the upcoming midterm elections. He warned that these cuts may disenfranchise voters while the mayor’s office defends a uniform 1.5% reduction across all departments. Denver7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Veteran advocates warn that the VA's shift to private care—using Community Care providers instead of in-house staff—may reduce the special services veterans have long relied on. They say the change could lead to higher substance abuse and suicide rates as access to needed care becomes more strained. Sentinel Colorado
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A hike from Homestake Road takes travelers along a rugged Jeep road with steep obstacles and clear warning signs to the historic Holy Cross City before reaching scenic Cleveland Lake in the Holy Cross Wilderness. The 9.5-mile route features 2,500 feet of gain and stretches through wetlands—making the journey one that demands careful planning. Denver7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group plans a new Denver Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard and still needs to get more land and gather input from local residents—steps that must be completed before construction begins. Denver7
- ➤ Coach Sean Payton took blame after the Broncos lost in Indianapolis because special teams made key mistakes like a muffed punt and a bad field goal try — errors that cost them the win. New special teams coach Darren Rizzi now faces criticism as the team works to fix these issues before its game with the Chargers. Denver7
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
~ Jesus
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