AM
Denver
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Denver. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Community members gathered outside Aurora Municipal Center Wednesday to demand justice for Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, who was fatally shot by police on August 30 during a traffic stop, and his pastor said the vigil marks the beginning of broader calls for accountability within the department. Denver7
- ➤ Denver dog owner Francis Wilson faced criminal summons after trying to stop Denver Animal Control from euthanizing his dog Fred following a dog fight that broke his wife's arm—Wilson insists Fred is not dangerous. Denver7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Denver Public Schools opened the Native Student Center at West High School on October 2nd to provide a space for Native students and community members. The converted classroom now supports the district's Native American Culture and Education program led by Dr. Jennifer Wolf. Colorado Public Radio
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, a team of paleontologists and student interns is piecing together a remarkably complete set of Triceratops fossils discovered during fieldwork near Marmath in North Dakota. The museum said the fossil will be 100% complete after about a year of work and that visitors can watch the process at the Discovering Teen Rex exhibit. Denver7
- ➤ Volunteers from the Barbed Wire Warriors removed an old fence along a busy Colorado highway to keep animals safe—one study says every 2.5 miles of wire kills a deer, elk or pronghorn each year. Rancher Philip Anderson near Walden tested a new virtual fence to help cows and wildlife pass more freely—his work is part of a growing effort to reduce hazardous barriers. Colorado Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Aurora parents now face a $250 fine if they let their kids ride dirt bikes on city streets — a rule approved on Sept. 8 in response to rising accidents — as the law also bans anyone under 18 from riding off-highway vehicles without a license. Sentinel Colorado
- ➤ With less than one month before Election Day on Nov. 4, campaign contributions are heating up for both supporters and critics of Denver's flavored nicotine ban. Michael Bloomberg donated $1.5 million last month to support the ban while local vape shop owners worry the policy may force business closures and layoffs—Denver voters will decide in November. Denver7
- ➤ The Denver Clerk and Recorder released a map showing that eight ballot drop boxes and 12 polling centers will close in 2026 because of city budget cuts—moves that may reduce voter access during high-turnout elections. The mayor’s office has challenged this plan, and residents can share their concerns at a public hearing on Oct. 27. Denver7
- ➤ Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the government shutdown continues, federal funding for the Essential Air Service will lapse Sunday, which may force small airports in Colorado and communities nationwide to cut flights. The funding gap could lead airlines to reduce service and result in job losses—residents in Cortez, Pueblo, and Alamosa might face longer travel times. Denver7
- ➤ Staffing shortages during the government shutdown caused flight delays at airports including Burbank, Newark and Denver as the FAA slowed takeoffs to keep flights safe — union leaders warned more delays could happen if the shutdown continues. Colorado Public Radio
- ➤ State officials said Aurora is among cities that did not update zoning to meet housing rules by Oct 6 and now risks losing millions in state grants. Governor Polis said taxpayer money should build more housing—while some home rule cities are suing over the new mandates. Sentinel Colorado
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Colorado coach Deion Sanders returned to practice Wednesday after undergoing an aspiration thrombectomy on his left popliteal and tibial arteries, and he is expected to be on the sideline Saturday when the Buffaloes host Iowa State. Colorado Public Radio
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
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