Hey, Bucket Listers! Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will hold an unpermitted rally in Civic Center Park this afternoon, with an estimated 20,000 attendees. According to officials, no permit is required because the event is classified as an “assembly,” which is protected by the First Amendment. Their message: fighting back against billionaire influence and authoritarianism. Doors open at 4 p.m., and speakers start at 5 p.m.
Immigration rights advocate Jeanette Vizguerra, who famously sought refuge in a Denver church in 2017 and was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people, was apprehended during her lunch break at Target and was reportedly told, “We finally got you.” Advocates fear this signals a new wave of immigration enforcement going after peaceful community leaders and voices of dissent. Protests on the Auraria campus calling for her release occurred this past Wednesday, even as a federal judge scheduled her hearing for March 28.
Meanwhile, we’ve also got important updates on local service industry wage debates, barrier-breaking performers and a new spotlight on Colorado’s photography legacy. Let’s dive in!
Tipped Minimum Wage Debate Leaves Cities in Control
The controversial HB-1208, which aimed to lower Denver’s tipped minimum wage from $15.79 to $11.79, has been amended. After intense backlash from service workers and small business owners, the bill was changed to leave that decision up to individual cities. Our Cassis Tingley spoke with local workers who shared concerns about how changes to wage structures could impact their livelihoods. While the threat of broad cuts has passed for the time being, tipping culture in Denver and how it is changing post-COVID remains a major community conversation.
New Podcast: Regan Linton’s Fight for Disability Representation
In this month’s “Bucket List Community News Podcast,” Ryland Scholes sits down with Regan Linton, a nationally acclaimed disabled actress and former artistic director of Denver’s Phamaly Theatre Company. Linton shared how she has turned her wheelchair into a storytelling tool, using theater and film to challenge stereotypes and advocate for disabled artists. We talked about her recent work with Buntport Theatre’s “The Menagerist” and her episode on HBO Max’s “Reframed,” both of which tackle harmful narratives. Our conversation with Linton serves as a reminder that Denver is at the forefront of disability-affirming arts.
Jenna Bainbridge Makes Broadway History in “Wicked”
Earlier this month, another major disability milestone occurred on Broadway. Denver’s own Jenna Bainbridge took the stage in “Wicked” as Nessarose on March 4—the first time a wheelchair user has authentically played the role on Broadway. This comes on the heels of her debut in “Suffs,” where she became the first wheelchair user to originate a role in a Broadway musical. Bainbridge’s casting is both a celebration of individual talent and a powerful sign of broader change for disabled performers everywhere.
Month of Photography Shines a Light on Colorado’s Visual Legacy
As part of this year’s Month of Photography, Vicki Myhren Gallery’s “Outside Influence” exhibit showcases Colorado’s photography scene from 1945-1995, curated by Rupert Jenkins. The show highlights Colorado’s rich but often overlooked photography scene from 1945 to 1995, with portraits and images that defy the mountain photo cliché. Our Lina Woelk spoke with Jenkins and featured artists about the evolution of photography in the state and the importance of preserving physical prints in our increasingly digital world. The exhibit, running through April 27, is a beautiful reminder of our state’s photographic pioneers.
Stuff We Noticed
Teachers Rally Against Education Cuts On Capitol Steps. Yesterday, more than 2,000 teachers, students and advocates gathered to demand an end to education cuts in Colorado. The Colorado Education Association organized a statewide “No More Cuts” rally, which resulted in school closures across districts as educators expressed frustration with chronic underfunding. Despite Colorado’s wealth, the state trails the national average by up to $4,500 per student, and Gov. Polis’ proposed funding changes could cost schools an additional $150 million. Teachers say they are tired of fighting the same battles year after year, but they will not give up until their students receive what they deserve.
March Madness Comes to Denver. This week, March Madness is taking over Ball Arena with eight teams hitting the court right here in Denver. If you are not one of the lucky ticket holders (tickets are currently priced around $430 on Ticketmaster), you can still watch the action on TBS and TNT. The first and second-round games kick off Thursday, with teams like Wisconsin, BYU, Texas A&M and Michigan battling it out in front of packed crowds. Even if you’re not courtside, there’s something electric about knowing the road to the Final Four runs right through our city.
Denver’s New NWSL Stadium Announced. Our city’s future National Women’s Soccer League team will play in a brand-new 14,500-seat stadium at Santa Fe Yards, near Broadway Station. The stadium opens in 2028, and in the meantime, the team will debut in 2026 at a temporary venue. This investment marks the largest ever in women’s professional sports — and we couldn’t be more excited.
That’s it for this week, Bucket Listers! Whether you’re cheering on March Madness or finding time to appreciate our city’s thriving arts scene, there’s no shortage of stories connecting us. We’ll keep bringing you the latest—the wins, the struggles and the voices that make Denver more than just a place on the map. If you haven’t yet, please take our annual reader survey. Your feedback shapes what we do, and you could win a $50 Visa gift card! Until next time, keep rooting for each other and stay curious!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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