DPD Reports a Spike in Thefts from Cars

During a 28-day period from mid-April to mid-May, Denver Police reported a 150% increase in theft from motor vehicles. Most of the thefts happened around Northfield Boulevard.

Police said the crimes were largely preventable, as 40% of the vehicles hit were left unlocked. Firearms were stolen from two cars at Staybridge Suites at 8010 E. Northfield Blvd.

Police are reminding residents, business owners, and area hotel guests to lock their cars and not leave anything of value inside. If anyone sees anything suspicious, call the nonemergency line at 720-913-2000 or 911.

Colfax Construction Moves East

The Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has passed the halfway point in construction, with completion still scheduled for 2027.

Arch raising parties have become a common sight along the Denver portion of the roadway as the project moves east. In May, a celebration marked the start of construction in Aurora.

The BRT will take a different form as it crosses city lines. The dedicated center lane for buses in Denver will shift to existing outside travel lanes, running in mixed-flow traffic.

Aurora changes will focus on reliable and frequent bus service, new and enhanced bus stops, shelters at all stations, level boarding at some stations, and amenities like ticket vending machines and real-time travel information.

A signature station at Colfax and Havana will feature art from local artist Jasmine Holmes: glass panels with designs focused on unity through food cultures.

Ward I City Council member Gianina Horton said the designs will “celebrate what makes the area so special beyond the new transit amenities.” She added, “This transportation corridor will bring residents safe, reliable, and fast transit service, which they need to support their families and get where they need to go every day.”

The City of Aurora invested $14.5 million in matching funds for the project to pay for the improvements.

Mayor Mike Coffman told the gathering that the city is partnering with Denver Regional Council of Governments on a study about the feasibility of extending the BRT beyond I-225 to the Picadilly E-470 area.

NE Denver Schools Receive John Irwin Award

Several schools in northeast Denver  received the John Irwin School of Excellence Award this spring.

Recipients from Denver Public Schools included Polaris Elementary School, Park Hill Elementary School, Westerly Creek Elementary, William “Bill” Roberts K–8 School, McAuliffe International School, Denver School of the Arts, and Denver Green School Northfield.

The John Irwin Award was created by the Colorado Department of Education in the mid-1990s in honor of the former state legislator, who advocated for academic performance standards.

The award is given to schools that demonstrate sustained high academic performance. To qualify, schools must earn top ratings based on multi-year testing data in subjects such as math and English literacy arts.

Kartal Jaquette, lead partner at Denver Green School Northfield, said, “Receiving the John Irwin Award means the world to our school community. It reflects the daily dedication of our teachers, the curiosity and hard work of our students, and the support of the families who trust us with their children’s education.”

Statewide, 242 schools received the award this year.

Front Porch Wins Five Awards in Four-State Competition

Front Porch won five awards for journalism excellence in the Society of Professional Journalists’ four-state Top of the Rockies competition.

The winners of the annual contest, organized by the SPJ Colorado Pro Chapter, were announced in April. Front Porch competed in the “small newsrooms” category against news outlets from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico with five or fewer full-time staff members.

Front Page Design—Second Place
Christie Gosch: December 2025 Front Page

Best Business Enterprise Report—Second Place
Linda Kotsaftis: How Tariffs Impact Local Businesses, Owners, and Customers

Multimedia Story—Second Place
Sarah Huber and Christie Gosch: NE Denver Families are Hopping on the Bike Bus

Columns/Op Ed Pieces—Third Place
Christina Foust: Green Simple Living

News Photography/Videography—Third Place
Christie Gosch: Denver Public Schools Tests K-9 Pilot Program

DSST: Montview Culture Night

An end-of-year celebration at DSST: Montview High School was an opportunity for students, families, and community members to come together and honor the diverse cultures at the northeast Denver school. Culture Night featured food, displays, and performances throughout the evening. The students called the event a time to highlight the importance of cultural awareness and unity that makes their education experience special.