🌱 RTD Train Derails + Cyclist Shot In Denver + Secret PHGC Investor

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Brad K. Evans, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. In today's issue, we'll cover these stories and more:

• Court documents reveal that a billionaire with local connections to Denver's Black community has been secretly investing millions into developing land with a perpetual conservation easement.
• W Line RTD train derails at the Jeffco Government Center in Golden.
• Man shot by motorist while he was riding a bicycle.

Monday's weather: Mostly cloudy and warmer. High: 50 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. Only Minor injuries reported after RTD train derailment near Golden. On Saturday, a W Line light rail train derailed, resulting in two individuals being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when the first car of the light rail train derailed at the Jefferson County Government Center. (KDVR)
2. According to a deposition, Robert Smith has poured millions in the development of Park Hill Golf Course. Smith, a Denver native and the richest Black man in the United States, with an estimated net worth of $8 billion, is the CEO, chairman, and founder of Vista Equity Partners. He has gained public attention for investing in the Five Points neighborhood. However, his participation with the developers of the Park Hill Golf Course had not been previously reported. (Westword)
3. Frontier Airlines pays bonuses to gate agents for imposing additional baggage fees at the gate. Frontier Airlines is facing backlash from customers following revelations that their practice of charging for oversized bags at the gate is actually an incentive for their agents.
   Passengers that try to sneak larger bags as their personal item are required to pay a fee at the gate, as high as $100. (FOX31)
4. Bicyclist shot by motorist in Denver. Police are currently searching for the perpetrator who shot a man while he was riding his bicycle. The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on Thursday near the intersection of East 1st Avenue and Emerson Street. Witnesses say that the cyclist was shouting at the driver while traveling east on East 1st Avenue through the intersection. The witness further reported that the driver then drove into a parking area and, shortly after, they heard a loud noise before seeing the driver speed away from the scene. (9News)

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Today in Denver:

• AARP Tax Help: Lakewood Library. (Noon)
• Game and make: Sheridan Library. (2 p.m.)
• Pallet City live podcast: At Western Sky Bar. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Denver voter guide: Here key election dates and information on the upcoming Denver municipal election. (Gazette)
• The Bookies' staff has several book recommendations for March reading. (CO Sun)
• The 2023 District 6 Academy: Empowering Residents To Take Action is a 5 episode series of presentations designed to give residents tools to take an active role in their own governance. - While the 2022 Academy was piloted to RNO leadersh..." (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update. — Brad K. Evans

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Denver Patch newsletter? Contact me at denverdaily@yahoo.com