Hey Bucket Listers. It’s opening day for the Colorado Rockies and it will be a cold one. The game kicks off at 2:10 p.m. and hopefully we’ll see some hot batting despite the frigid temps. On another note, thank you to everyone who took our annual survey. We crunched the numbers and our publisher, Vicky Collins, is sharing what we learned along with your feedback on the job we’re doing. We really appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.
Big Beaver, Bigger Debate
Since opening last March, Buc-ee’s has become a roadside attraction and economic driver in Johnstown. Our Ryland Scholes spoke with the mayor and local business owners about the supersized gas station’s ripple effect — from $1 million in new tax revenue to boosted foot traffic. But not every town is eager for Buc-ee’s: Palmer Lake residents successfully blocked a second location, showing how community context makes all the difference.
Emergency Contraceptives Locked Away? Our Reporter Thinks It’s Time to Change
Buying Plan B shouldn’t come with sticker shock and side-eyes. Our Khaleigh Reed shares a personal story that illustrates how unnecessarily hard — and humiliating — access to emergency contraception still is. From vending machines in Durango to student lockers at DU, Colorado has made some progress. But Reed argues it’s time for more bold, barrier-free solutions across the metro area: emergency contraception vending machines. Learn more about the concept in her deeply personal op-ed.
Lights, Camera, Action: Game Show Battle Room Brings the Buzz
From spin-the-wheel showdowns to timed games of skill, Game Show Battle Rooms turns trivia night into a full-blown performance. Our Daniel Montoya takes you behind the scenes of the Centennial venue, where local actors in sparkly suits emcee custom competitions that feel like stepping onto a real TV set. It’s a high-energy, immersive experience that’s quickly gaining traction with families, coworkers and friend groups alike.
Sponsor Corner
We are excited to welcome Intermountain Children’s Health/Mount Saint Vincent to our business directory. Mount Saint Vincent offers pediatric behavioral health, community preschool and foster care in Denver. They join Morgridge Accounting Solutions, Esoteric Art and Maverick PR as local businesses we recommend which also support community journalism. Do you know a local business or non-profit that should be included in our business directory? Our prices are very reasonable. Contact Vicky at vicky@teletrendstv.com or Logan at loganfkurtz@gmail.com.
Stuff We Noticed
Visa Revocations at CU and CSU Spark Backlash. At least 10 international students — many from the Middle East — have had their student visas revoked without explanation. Higher ed officials at CU and CSU say the move is chilling free speech and undermining campus diversity. Immigration attorney Brian Green told CPR, “There’s no due process — it just happens.” Lawmakers and Gov. Polis are urging the federal government to reconsider.
Congresswoman Pettersen’s Proxy Win. Lakewood Rep. Brittany Pettersen just scored a bipartisan victory to allow new parents in Congress to vote by proxy for three months postpartum. Pettersen, who recently had her second child, teamed up with Florida Republican Anna Paulina Luna to push the resolution through, despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s opposition. Pettersen’s response? “Don’t f— with moms.”
New Safety Plan and $100K Rebrand for 16th Street Mall. Mayor Johnston just unveiled a new downtown safety plan, complete with a dedicated police unit, bike and horse patrols, and a visible kiosk at 16th and Arapahoe. All of this comes as the city invests over $100,000 to rebrand the mall and attract people back to the area. Are things finally looking up for this long-delayed project? One local business owner appears to think so, as he has even dropped the “crime spike fee” he used to charge, claiming that things are finally improving downtown.
Rape Kit Backlog Sparks Fundraiser by Survivors. Two sexual assault survivors have started a GoFundMe to help clear Colorado’s rape kit backlog, which currently stands at 1,424 untested kits. The average wait time is 558 days, which advocates say is far too long. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has pledged to start clearing the backlog by July with newly allocated state funds, but Kelsey Harbert and Angelique Perrin say that’s not fast enough. “These are not just kits. These are human beings,” Perrin said. Their GoFundMe seeking to raise $3 million for CBI has raised roughly $3,900 so far since it launched in March.
Finally, happy birthday, Freddie Mercury! Denver’s favorite gay flamingo turned 55 this week. That’s ancient in flamingo years — but this sassy, pink icon is still strutting around the Denver Zoo like he owns the place. Long may he reign. Thank you for reading and being part of our Bucket List community. We’ll be back next week with more original stories, timely updates and small moments that make life in our area a little more connected. Have a fantastic weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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