Latest news with #Englewood
CBS News
5 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Coloradans sound alarm on sauna builder who abandoned projects, the same person who owes millions after tiny home business failed
A Colorado business owner promising to build backyard buildings like saunas and sheds suddenly stopped delivering. The sudden closure left some customers out thousands of dollars and others scrambling to complete or repair half-finished projects. "We were excited we could get a sauna and be enjoying it in four days," Caitlin, a new mom in Englewood, said. In southern Colorado, Robert, a disabled veteran, and his wife Krista wanted to help others. "I can't do this stuff no more that's why we hired it out," Prothero said. A rental owner, working on upgrades to a property in Broomfield, thought he'd found an expert. "He alluded to the fact that he had many years of experience in construction," Reid said. And in Woodland Park, Justine was looking for more space. "I was looking to purchase two sheds and a little playhouse for my granddaughter," she said. Those four people have never met but have a connection. They all paid up front for projects that were never completed, despite promises from the same man. "When I was initially looking into him to hire him for the project he went by his first and middle name not his first and last name," Reid said. "He was listed as Matthew Robert," Caitlin said. Matthew Robert is also known as Matthew Robert Sowash. The same Matthew Sowash who pleaded guilty to felony theft after he sold shares in an amateur poker tournament without a securities license. The same Matthew Sowash targeted in a murder-for-hire plot -- using rattlesnakes -- by one of the investors who allegedly lost money in that tournament. In 2017, he told CBS Colorado the experience changed his life -- turning him to God and racing. "I often tell people prison is the best thing that ever happened to me, and they think I'm crazy," he said at the time. A few years after that interview, Sowash started Holy Ground tiny homes and by 2022 he was filing for bankruptcy. Court documents in the case show he owed roughly 200 customers nearly $6 million while also spending tens of thousands of dollars in Las Vegas and buying motorcycles and race cars. No fraud was determined in that case, and Sowash was ordered to restructure the business in a way that he could pay back those customers. While not criminally charged, at least one judge found him guilty of civil theft, a decision he claims forced him to liquidate the company in 2024. At that same time, he started a new company Better Sheds & Saunas. Now, less than a year later, those customers are in a similar position. "We had a blanket email to all his customers to say 'Things have really been backed up and my customers might think this has to do with money and no it doesn't,'" Caitlin said. That email was sent on April 18 and he assured his customers in it there were no money problems. But on April 25, another email went out, this time announcing the business would close due to "slumping sales, lack of skilled labor and refund requests by customers." He went on to say he would be filing for bankruptcy, suggesting anyone who paid by credit card dispute the charges. Robert and Krista Prothero used a debit card and are still waiting on a refund. "Most everybody got credited back, most of them did from the credit card disputes. We didn't we are still in dispute with USAA about $5,000," Robert said. They had hoped to open a respite retreat for Coloradans with disabilities and their caregivers. That dream is now delayed. "It really broke my heart and kind of made me not want to do this anymore," Krista said. Each of these former Sowash customers are sharing their experience as a cautionary tale to others. "I hope someone can stop him because this has gone on for way too long," Prothero said. In an email response to CBS Colorado's questions about customer concerns, Matthew Sowash says in part that he believed all of his sauna customers had been refunded, and that they had already returned a little more than $100,000 and added, "We did the right thing in taking care of the people who gave us money when we couldn't continue." Several customers tried to file police reports and were told this is a civil matter. They have now filed complaints with the Colorado Attorney General's office.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Colorado city of Englewood reimagining what parts South Broadway will look like
The City of Englewood recently launched an effort to re-imagine what parts of South Broadway will look like. It's part of the South Broadway Revitalization Project which focuses on just over two miles from Jefferson Avenue to Belleview Avenue. South Broadway runs through the heart of the city that lies just south of Denver, and that stretch of the road already features small local businesses, an arts district and community events. But those who work, live and play in the area want it to be more pedestrian-friendly and welcoming for people and businesses alike. "It's not walkable for a number of reasons," said Ryan Kelly, the owner of Hum Furniture. "It feels like a lot like, almost like a highway. People are zooming past. It seems more geared towards cars getting to their next destination than serving the community around us." Many added it often feels like a commuter stretch, especially in the area about a mile away from downtown Englewood. "It can make walking here a little bit dicey. I've also noticed that this area of Englewood is not an area that people look at as a destination or a place to spend a lot of time," said Whitney Bradford, who opened Western Sky Bar & Taproom nearly four years ago. Surrounding Bradford's business are some vacant buildings, some other small businesses and another bar across the street. "This is a really good example of where there could be some more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure," said Bradford. "I don't know how many times I've seen people dart across Broadway to go from Western Sky to the Englewood Tavern, and it's pretty scary." With the South Broadway Revitalization Project, the city hopes to make improvements by focusing on nine strategy areas, including safety, economic development and redevelopment. The city has also created strategy groups, in which Bradford is part of several. "I would also like to see some food options, a coffee shop, something like that, to where we can really try to become like a cohesive business community and support each other through this corridor," said Bradford. "So, to get it done, we probably need a couple of destinations where communities that are surrounding it can come and enjoy," said Kelly. "If the city could do something like that, I think it would be amazing." The project also includes adding more amenities and public art and hosting more signature events, with the overall goal of bringing more vibrancy to the area that some say is overlooked. "That's something that I'm really excited about, and getting more people to be able to come together on this side of town and meet their neighbors and have a good time," said Bradford. "I'm excited to hopefully see some new businesses being enticed to the area, some more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, more greenery, a facelift and more color. I'm just really looking forward to this, this area kind of getting into their untapped potential." The revitalization project is still in the early stages. The City of Englewood is now asking the community to weigh in and share their thoughts on the future of the corridor through community surveys and public meetings. For more information about the project or to share your thoughts, visit
CBS News
15-07-2025
- CBS News
Boy shot in arm in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood
A boy was shot in the arm on a sidewalk in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood Tuesday afternoon. At 5:46 p.m., the boy, approximately 11 years old, was on the sidewalk in the 7100 block of South Union Avenue when he was struck in the arm by unknown gunfire, police said. The boy was taken to the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital in good condition. No one was in custody late Tuesday. Wentworth Area detectives are investigating.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Artificial Intelligence Leader and United States Central Command Advisor Charlie Burgoyne Joins XTI Aerospace Corporate Advisory Board
XTI Accelerates Defense and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Strategy ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring the expanding breadth of its next-generation aerial systems, XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) ("XTI"), a pioneer in xVTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions, today announced the appointment of Charlie Burgoyne, Founder and CEO of Valkyrie and Andromeda—AI and decision-intelligence companies serving defense and Fortune 500 clients. Mr. Burgoyne, advisor to the United States Central Command ("CENTCOM"), will work with XTI regarding potential national security related applications of its aviation technologies and systems. "Charlie is helping to architect the AI-powered intelligence systems behind real-time decision making—on the battlefield and in the boardroom," said Scott Pomeroy, Chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace. "That's the kind of operational edge we're embedding into XTI's strategy." Mr. Burgoyne brings to XTI 15+ years of cutting-edge experience in artificial intelligence and data science across defense and commercial sectors. From NASA and the United States Department of Energy to Rosetta Stone, F1 Racing and now two thriving AI ventures, he's helped pioneer applied AI in high-stakes environments. His appointment deepens XTI's ability to design and market aircraft systems that are not only vertically agile but algorithmically smart—vital to rapidly evolving unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), regional transportation, and multi-use mission platforms. XTI is building upon its national security-grade brain trust following the recent additions of Hanna Tomory, head of Palantir Canada, Preston Dunlap, former Chief Technology Officer and Chief Architect of the United States. Space Force and Air Force, and Steve Griessel, former CEO of global defense manufacturer Paramount Group. With Mr. Burgoyne's addition, XTI solidifies a rare blend of tactical, technological, and policy fluency as it advances its flagship TriFan 600—a manned, high-performance xVTOL aircraft engineered for speed, range, and vertical efforts simultaneously lay the groundwork for future unmanned and autonomous systems built on XTI xVTOL architecture. "The future of aerospace belongs to intelligent platforms that combine real-world utility with next-gen software and data systems," said Mr. Burgoyne. "The TriFan 600 sets the bar for high-performance, manned VTOL—I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience to the intersection of AI and defense to expand the foundation of XTI technologies to develop a broad defense and autonomy-focused portfolio." XTI's strategic priorities are directly aligned with the national posture articulated in the June 2025 Presidential Executive Order on Domestic Drone Production, which positions U.S.-made VTOL aircraft as key to securing American interests in the establishment and solidification of air dominance. With Mr. Burgoyne onboard, XTI doubles down on its intent to compete at the intersection of autonomy, aerial mobility, and defense readiness. About XTI Aerospace, Inc. XTI Aerospace ( (Nasdaq: XTIA) is the parent company of XTI Aircraft Company, an aviation business based near Denver, Colorado, currently developing the TriFan 600, a fixed-wing business aircraft designed to have the vertical takeoff and landing ("VTOL") capability of a helicopter, maximum cruising speeds in excess of 300 mph and nearly 1000 miles of range, creating an entirely new category – the xVTOL. Additionally, the Inpixon ( business unit of XTI Aerospace is a leader in real-time location systems ("RTLS") technology with customers around the world who use the Company's location intelligence solutions in factories and other industrial facilities to help optimize operations, increase productivity, and enhance safety. For more information about XTI, please visit and follow XTI on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including without limitation, statements about the products under development by XTI, the advantages of XTI's technology, and XTI's customers, plans and strategies are forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including "believe," "continue," "could," "would," "will," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "target," "projects," or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates, forecasts, and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by XTI Aerospace and its management, are inherently uncertain, and many factors may cause the actual results to differ materially from current expectations. XTI undertakes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that might subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the risk factors discussed from time to time in XTI's filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in its most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Contacts General inquiries:Email: contact@ Web: Investor Relations:Dave Gentry, CEORedChip Companies, 1-407-644-4256Email: XTIA@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE XTI Aerospace, Inc.
CBS News
06-07-2025
- CBS News
Audi driver sought in hit-and-run crash that left pedestrian injured in Englewood neighborhood
Chicago police are searching for the driver in a hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian hurt Saturday afternoon in the Englewood neighborhood. Police said the 56-year-old pedestrian was hit around 2:47 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Halsted Street by a gray 2014 Audi Q5 four-door sedan with Illinois Plate EP16347 traveling northbound on Halsted Street. The driver did not stop and fled the scene of the crash. Police said the Audi may have front-end damage and a newly replaced windshield. Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Accidents at 312-745-4521 or submit an anonymous tip at using the reference number JJ322010.
