Hello, Bucket Listers! As April turns into May, there are a plethora of activities springing up across the metro area. Boulder’s iconic Saturday farmers market is now open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 13th between Arapahoe and Canyon. Mile High Asian Food Week kicks off this Sunday and runs through May 3. And today, William Shakespeare gets a Mile High salute during the 41st annual DPS Shakespeare Festival, featuring an Elizabethan parade and performances from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Skyline Park and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Speaking of DPS, let’s turn to the news, as it’s our top story this week.
“Self-Deport” Notices Rattle DPS Families
After families in Denver Public Schools received alarming “self-deport” notices via the new CBP Home app, DPS acted quickly—hosting a legal webinar Tuesday to provide answers and reassurance. As one parent said, “I was scared when I got a message saying I had seven days to leave.” Our Daniel Montoya attended the webinar and reports on how immigration lawyer Hanas Meyer and DPS board members Xochitl Gaytán and Marlene De La Rosa attempted to clarify who is affected and what the next steps families should take. While some attendees left with more anxiety than relief, DPS promised to remain a conduit for support and information.
Colorado’s Bees in Trouble. Local Conservationists Won’t Wait for D.C.
Federal conservation programs may be cut, but Colorado’s pollinator advocates are keeping the buzz alive. Cassis Tingley reports on the state’s new Invertebrates and Rare Plants Commission, which has reclassified bees as wildlife to increase their protection. As federal grants dry up, state-level advocacy for at-risk species fills the void and assists researchers. Conservationists also emphasize the importance of “community involvement,” which ensures that citizens understand how their efforts benefit the environment as a whole.
Carol McKinley Signs Off After Prolific Reporting Career
For more than four decades, Carol McKinley has been one of the region’s most trusted reporters, covering major stories like Columbine and the JonBenét Ramsey case. Now, she’s retiring and sat down with our Ryland Scholes on this month’s podcast to reflect on her legendary career. McKinley addressed misconceptions about the Ramsey investigation, shared favorite CU football moments and explained why she believes community journalism, such as Bucket List, is the industry’s future.
5 Questions Is A Hit!
We are gratified that so many of you are enjoying our 5 Questions series. We kicked off with former 9News executive Tim Ryan and even got a shout-out from Kyle Clark. This week we’re featuring the world travels of digital nomads Matt Rattiner and Shannon Gudal, and come Sunday, subscribers like you will be the first to see our 5 Questions with Brenda Stuart, who is a living organ donor. Thank you to UCHealth for sponsoring our latest edition of 5 Questions!
Stuff We Noticed
Uber Threatens To Leave Colorado. A bill that would require rideshare companies to conduct semi-annual background checks, record all rides and quickly investigate safety complaints is making its way through the Colorado legislature. Uber calls the requirements “unworkable” and says it may shut down statewide operations if the law passes as written. Lawmakers say the bill is a necessary response to a pattern of serious safety issues. Governor Polis is urging “all parties to find a solution that works for everyone,” but with the legislative session wrapping up on May 7, the clock for compromise is ticking.
Reward Offered For Unsolved American Elm Homicides. Two years after employees Ignacio “Nacho” Gutierrez and Emerall Vaughn-Dahler were found shot to death at Denver’s American Elm restaurant, police are still searching for answers. There’s now a $32,600 reward for tips that lead to an arrest. Friends and family continue to grieve—and call for justice. Anyone with information should contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867; tipsters can remain anonymous.
Juneteenth Cut to One Day as Sponsors Pull Back. Denver’s annual Juneteenth Music Festival is scaling back from two days to one after major corporate sponsors reduced or withdrew support, citing national rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. The nonprofit behind the event, JMF Corporation, has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to close an $80,000 gap. The festival, which has been a cultural mainstay in Five Points since 1966, will still take place on June 15 with live music, Black-owned business showcases, and community events—but organizers warn that continued cuts could threaten its future.
April showers bring May fundraising, and Bucket List Community News will be asking you to support our work throughout the month of May. We are funded by you, our Denver neighbors and businesses, as well as a $3500 matching grant from our friends Kathy Neustadt and John and Mark Warren of William Blair. Your partnership enables us to continue our work. Please be generous during our Spring Fundraising Fling, and thank you in advance for your support of community journalism. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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