Happy Friday, Bucket Listers, and happy Passover to our Jewish neighbors. We’re heading into the 80s this weekend, at least for a couple of days, so if you’ve been dreaming of a patio moment, now’s your chance. But before you grab your sunglasses and hit City Park, dig into our stories this week, because they’re ones you won’t find anywhere else.
Travel Nurses Are Plugging Gaps — But at What Cost?
With Colorado short more than 7,000 registered nurses, hospitals are increasingly relying on highly paid travel nurses to fill the gaps. But as Myra Kirk reports, that stopgap comes with problems — from pay disparities to burnout and lack of continuity in care. Permanent staff feel undervalued, and even travel nurses say the system isn’t sustainable. As one nurse put it: “I would just get rid of travel nursing and pay staff better.”
DU Students Grapple with Fear Amid National Visa Revocations
As the federal government ramps up deportations of international students, University of Denver students are navigating fear, censorship and the potential derailment of their academic careers. Our Cassis Tingley reports on how the administration’s visa revocation campaign is already changing student behavior and threatening DU’s international community. Faculty like Professor Rebecca Galemba warn that this chilling effect on free speech and academic research could have long-term consequences for higher education and democracy.
Indie Bookstores Hit Denver With Hot Deals and Novel Offerings
Get your literary passport ready: Indie Bookstore Day is coming to Denver on April 26. Reporter Lina Woelk talked to booksellers across the city who are throwing open their doors with discounts, events, and community vibes you won’t find online. Petals and Pages is offering typewriter poetry and drinks; Hermitage is rolling out rare books; and longtime local favorite The Book Rack is excited to welcome you too. If you love stories, it’s your day.
Mahj Squad Brings Mahjong Mania to the Mile High
Click, clack — Denver’s newest gaming craze isn’t digital, it’s ancient. Mahjong is having a moment, and the Mahj Squad is leading the charge. Ryland Scholes introduces us to the duo behind this woman-owned business taking the traditional game and making it fun, modern and social. With over 50 events a month, momentum is notable. “We’re not the fun police,” co-founder Kelly Warren said. “We still teach the rules, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the community and having fun with others.”
Stuff We Noticed
Malone and Booth Out at Nuggets. Denver is reeling from the shocking late-season firing of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. Despite bringing Denver its first NBA championship in 2023, tensions and underperformance this year led to the decision. Nuggets fans are still processing the loss of Malone — the only coach three-time MVP Nikola Jokić has ever had — while interim coach David Adelman steps up for the playoffs.
Colorado Ramps Up LGBTQ+ Protections. With federal anti-LGBTQ rhetoric on the rise, Colorado is taking action. Governor Polis signed a bill removing the outdated gay marriage ban from the state constitution and more protections are on the way. From banning discriminatory misgendering to requiring coverage for gender-affirming care. As trans rights come under fire nationally, state lawmakers are doubling down on making Colorado a safe place for all.
Tesla Registration Slides Around State. The company’s once-sizzling reputation is cooling off — and fast. Colorado saw nearly a 10% drop in Tesla registrations this year, echoing broader national trends. The electric automaker has been hit with stock slumps, factory recalls and a PR nightmare fueled by political controversy surrounding Elon Musk. As more Coloradans weigh their EV options, Tesla’s grip on the state’s roads may be slipping.
Finally, this Sunday, we kick off our new newsletter series, 5 Questions. We start with Tim Ryan, the recently retired news director of 9News in Denver. He talks about the changes he’s seen over his 40-year career as a reporter and news manager, what we can learn from history, plus what it was like being Kyle Clark’s boss.
Watch for our 5 Questions series every Sunday morning and tell your friends they can be among the first to see these by subscribing to Bucket List. And if you like what we’re doing, please contribute to keep us going. We do this in partnership with you. See you next week!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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