👮‍♂️ Cops fired over disturbing group texts

👮‍♂️ Cops Fired Over ‘Disparaging’ Texts

Denver Police fired three officers after the agency uncovered screenshots of a group chat where they were joking about visiting newcomer shelters for “target practice.” The other officers in the chat will undergo extra diversity, equity, and inclusivity trainings. [9News]

🛢️ Green Light for Aurora Drilling Project

Regulators approved Denver-based Civitas Resources’ plans for 156 new oil and gas wells just east of Aurora on Wednesday. The regulatory commission’s 3-1 vote came after they imposed several conditions to address concerns from neighbors and environmentalists, but the Save the Aurora Reservoir group was still “devastated” by the vote. [Newsline]

🫣 Did A Notorious Venezuelan Gang Just Arrive in Denver?

First, law enforcement linked a violent jewelry store robbery to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela. Then, landlords at a condemned Aurora apartment building claimed the same gang was to blame. Now, Mayor Mike Johnston says he is “watching this very closely” but rumors are swirling around the Venezuelan gang’s actual presence in Colorado. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏈 The Broncos are Back!

With quarterback Russell Wilson’s departure in the offseason, Broncos fans’ hopes rest on the shoulders of Bo Nix, the highly touted first round draft pick out of the University of Oregon. Nix is expected to get some playing time in the Broncos’ first preseason game this Sunday. [Mile High Sports]

How to play:

• First, sign up at bikestreets.com/scavenger
• Then, every Friday check back here in the Hey Denver newsletter for a new clue to a different Denver destination.
• Solve the riddle, bike to the place, send in a selfie proving you did it to [email protected], and you’ll be entered into that week’s raffle for a chance to be featured right here in Hey Denver! 👇
• 🎁 Then, keep playing for your chance to win one of our four grand prizes at the end of the series:
  • A free customized Bike Streets group tour to your favorites spots in Denver
  • A prize package from Evo
  • A jersey and free entry into the Denver Century Ride
  • A spot in one of Bikes Together’s bike mechanic classes.

Last Week’s Winner

The answer to last week’s clue: Sweet Action in Wash Park!

🏅 Congrats to Kathryn W., who solved the riddle and was the winner of last week’s raffle! We asked Kathryn to share some of the things they love most about biking in Denver.

What did you enjoy about the secret destination and/or the ride over?

“It had been a while since I had been over that way, so it was a good reminder of how many cool little pockets like that Denver has. And I got to enjoy a treat in Wash Park after finding the destination!”

What’s your favorite thing about biking in Denver?

“My favorite thing about biking in Denver — aside from the miles and miles of greenways I can take anywhere I want to go — is how much access it gives you to new parts of the city. The number of little parks and small businesses I've discovered while bike commuting to different places has made me feel both like I know the city and that I will never stop finding new things!”

🍦 In the mood for a sweet treat? Take the official Bike Streets cyclist-friendly route to Sweet Action in Wash Park 👇 The Bike Streets mobile app offers quiet, scenic, routes on residential streets to get you around Denver. Join the Bike Streets Club now.

Week 5 Clue

🔎 Know where to go? You know what to do! Snap a photo of you (and your bike) at the secret location, then email it to [email protected] no later than midnight on Monday, August 12. We’ll randomly select a winner from our pool of correct guessers to be spotlighted in next Friday’s newsletter.