🚔 Denver chef faces felony charges

We’re back with more recommendations from City Cast Denver Neighbors about their fave local people, spots, and organizations in the Mile High, so they can become your favorites too 💕

📣 Joey B. shouts out Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant for “feeding the neighborhood's soul for almost two decades!”

📣 Kathryn C. shouts out FTF Goods at Backyard on Blake for outdoor gear, home goods, and gifts. “And if you’re lucky, Luna the pup mascot will be there to greet you!”

📣 David W. says Crema has been a “constant spot of joy” the past 10 years, offering caffeine, community, and cookies.

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast 🎤

🔥 Multiple CO Wildfires Remain Uncontained and Growing

Throughout Tuesday, four major wildfires burning in Colorado continued to rapidly expand. You can check the most updated status of each on this interactive fire map. These were the numbers as of 10 p.m. last night:

• Deer Creek (on the Utah border): 12,906 acres (partially in Utah), 7% contained
• Turner Gulch (near Gateway): 12,488 acres, 0% contained
• South Rim (near Montrose): 4,160 acres, 0% contained
• Sowbelly (near Delta): 2,274 acres, 0% contained

🚔 Acclaimed Denver Chef Faces Federal Felony Charges

Jared Leonard, former owner of the Michelin-recognized AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q restaurant, has been indicted on felony fraud charges after allegedly falsifying information to obtain $1.6 million in pandemic-era relief funds — and then using that money to buy a $1.2 million house in Evergreen.

• More: AJ’s shuttered earlier this year when the entire staff accused Leonard of wage theft and walked out. [9News]

🏟️ What’s Actually Going On With the Broncos’ Rumored New Stadium?

Why are the Broncos buying up land on the westside of town? And what does Denver Water have to do with it? Two reporters share what they’ve uncovered about the potential future of a new Mile High football stadium through an investigation into several recent high-profile local land sales — including the historic Burnham Yard. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🚧 City Cracks Down on Abandoned Buildings

A new ordinance unanimously approved by City Council this week would redefine what counts as a “derelict and abandoned” structure, and implement much steeper fines for property owners who don’t comply with remedial orders. The measure is pending a signature from the mayor. [Denverite]

• Does Denver have an abandoned building problem? One reporter breaks down why there are so many derelict buildings and what City Council was thinking when they created this new measure. [City Cast Denver 🎧]