Johnston Cuts Denver Budget ‘to the Bone’

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Monday revealed his $1.66 billion budget for 2026. If projections hold, it will close a $200 million deficit and become Denver’s first balanced budget since 2022.

According to Johnston, the city closed the gap by making $118 million in personnel cuts, trimming $77 million in services, contracts, and supplies, and adding $5.7 million in new revenue.

Though city departments were “cut to the bone,” Johnston said the budget protects core services. Some officials criticized the plan, saying it will “decimate election operations.”

City Council still has to approve the budget, which could be amended. Hearings will take place Sept. 22-26 ahead of its final adoption in November.

CSU to Host Charlie Kirk Vigil

Turning Point USA will hold a vigil for conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk at Colorado State University on Thursday, Sept. 18, the day Kirk was scheduled to visit campus.

Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University, the first stop on Turning Point’s American Comeback Tour. CSU would have been Kirk’s second stop on the tour.

The vigil will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Canvas Stadium. Additionally, the student organization CSU Political Review is hosting an event on the National Ground Game tour, scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Lory Student Center.

In response to security concerns, CSU coordinated with both groups, which agreed to the more secure locations. Both events will operate under CSU’s game-day security requirements, the university said.

Colorado River ‘Infested’ with Zebra Mussels

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has found adult zebra mussels, an invasive aquatic species, in the Colorado River and a nearby lake in Grand Junction, the agency said Monday.

Officials found the first adult zebra mussels in Colorado in 2022. The mussels pose a threat to both native wildlife and water systems, which they can clog and erode.

While CPW had detected larval zebra mussels in past samples, this is the first time adults—a sign of a more established population—have been found in Colorado’s portion of the Colorado River.

A segment of the river is now considered “infested,” CPW said. The agency is working to contain infestations in multiple lakes, but logistical challenges prevent it from treating the river.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Evergreen: The FBI says it opened an assessment in July into a social media account now linked to Desmond Holly, the shooter at Evergreen High School, but was unable to identify the account’s owner. (See Details)

➤ Arapahoe County: A convicted sex offender who fled sentencing in 2017 was captured in Mexico after eight years on the run, the sheriff’s office said Monday. (See Details)

➤ Loveland: Police arrested a man accused of setting fire to a local family’s memorial for Charlie Kirk and vandalizing their car over the weekend. (See Details)

➤ I-25: Larimer County deputies arrested a driver who fled a traffic stop near Loveland, led police on a wrong-way chase down Interstate 25, and struck multiple vehicles, injuring one person. (More)

➤ Grand Junction: Officials are warning residents about a new scam involving fraudulent pop-up computer messages and individuals posing as bank employees. (See Details)

➤ Thornton: Police arrested an Iowa man on suspicion of fatally stabbing Rosa Arguello, 29, in 2003, potentially closing the 22-year-old cold case. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Jared Polis announced that Switzerland and Colorado have officially become state partners under the National Guard State Partnership Program. (See Details)

Enjoy reading The Colorado Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ The Rockies nominated pitcher Kyle Freeland for the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to the player who “best represents the game” with their character on and off the field. (More)

➤ Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto has fifteen pressures through two weeks—more than the Colts and Bears, and tied with the Panthers. (More)

➤ Denver’s new National Women’s Soccer League team, Summit FC, has topped 15,000 season ticket deposits ahead of its 2026 debut, surpassing stadium capacity before finalizing its roster. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Neuropathy? Tingling Feet? This New Home Device Is a Game-Changer for Seniors. Millions of Americans are discovering the breakthrough that’s helping them walk, sleep, and live without foot pain… and it has nothing to do with pills, injections, or expensive treatments. This doctor-designed home device is changing lives in just minutes a day. Originally developed to improve circulation and reduce nerve discomfort, it’s now going viral for its ability to relieve tingling, burning, and stabbing foot pain—fast. (LEARN MORE)

➤ In-N-Out Burger is in the planning stages of a new location in Timnath. It will be the chain’s second restaurant in northern Colorado after opening in Loveland in 2023. (See Details)

➤ Tiny home manufacturer Mytikas Manufacturing is projected to create 170 jobs in rural Fremont County via the state’s Rural Jump-Start program. (See Details)

➤ Jaibot, a semi-autonomous drilling robot, is helping to build a new research facility at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden amid a shortage of construction workers. (See Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Unlock the value in your home with a Quicken Home Equity Line of Credit. Access cash for renovations, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses with flexible terms and competitive rates. Tap into your equity today and put your home’s value to work for your financial goals. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Scientists have discovered that men with prostate concerns often share one surprising experience.

In a study of 1,688 men, every participant reported a distinct sensation in the lower abdomen while urinating—an early sign that the prostate may already be enlarged.

This signal could mean a higher risk for ongoing urinary problems and long-term complications if left unchecked.

Learn the full story here: Do you notice this when you pee? It could be a warning sign for your prostate.

➤ Robert Redford, Hollywood icon and Sundance Film Festival founder, died at age 89 on Tuesday. In the 1950s, he briefly attended the University of Colorado Boulder while working at The Sink restaurant. (Read More)

➤ Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, could be seen across Colorado Sunday night, lighting up the sky with brilliant purple, pink, yellow, and green hues. (See Photos)

➤ Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort have reported their first snowfall of the 2025-2026 winter season. Keystone aims to open in October, while Breckenridge plans to open Nov. 7. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Lose weight confidently—without leaving home. DirectMeds delivers affordable, prescription-grade semaglutide or tirzepatide (generic Ozempic/Mounjaro) in just three easy steps: take a quick online quiz, get approved by licensed U.S. doctors, and receive your meds at your door—no insurance, no hidden fees. Start seeing results fast.

Have you ever seen the northern lights in person?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you feel about fried pickles?

1. Never tried one: 24%
2. Love them: 21%
3. Pretty good: 19%
4. They’re okay: 18%
5. Not a fan: 18%

What famous University of Colorado Boulder alumnus attended the school for a single year in 1968-1969?

Show me the answer