Hi Bucket Listers! What a week it’s been. First, we officially rebranded to Bucket List Community News. You wouldn’t believe how much work goes into changing a single word (goodbye, cafe!). But the change helps clarify what we do best: bringing you neighborly stories and trustworthy voices from across metro Denver.
Second, we launched our Spring Fling fundraiser. With your help, we’re aiming to raise $10,000 in April to support community journalism. Even better, every donation up to $5,000 will be matched by our friends Kathy Neustadt and John and Mark Warren of the investment firm William Blair. If you value this work, please consider contributing.
Finally, we want to invite you to celebrate with us on Local News Day, April 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Denver Press Club. The event is free to attend, but donations are appreciated. Independent news outlets from across Denver will be there, and we’ll hear a proclamation from Governor Jared Polis declaring April 9 Local News Day in Colorado. There will also be food, drinks and plenty of good conversation. Make sure to RSVP so we know how many people to expect!
Residents in Elyria-Swansea Protest New Data Center
A massive data center campus under construction in the Globeville Elyria-Swansea neighborhood is drawing criticism from residents who say the project moved forward with little community input. Reporter Fabian Dierks spoke with neighbors and local advocates about concerns surrounding water use, environmental impact and whether developments like this bring enough economic benefit to the neighborhood. The debate has now reached City Hall, where officials are considering new rules for future data centers.
Gen Z Uses Side Hustles to Make Ends Meet
As Gen Z enters the workforce, many young people are finding traditional jobs don’t provide the stability they expected. Instead, they’re piecing together income through gig work like restaurant shifts, freelance projects and dog walking. Reporter Linus Loughry spoke with young professionals about the new side hustle economy and what it means for their futures.
Zydeco Dance Nights Bring Louisiana Culture to Boulder
Once a month, the Avalon Ballroom in Boulder fills with accordion-driven rhythms and dancers learning how to dance to Zydeco music. Colorado Friends of Cajun and Zydeco have been hosting these gatherings for decades, introducing Front Range residents to the vibrant Louisiana music tradition. Khaleigh Reed explores how this small but passionate community is keeping the culture alive far from the Gulf Coast.
Bucket List April Radio Show Airs on KGNU
No April Fools joke here. Our latest radio show on KGNU, hosted by editor Toni Tresca, led with the on-air announcement of our new name, Bucket List Community News. Listen to the episode on our website to hear about our Local News Day event, the Elyria-Swansea data center debate, arts updates and Denver’s new women’s soccer team.
Stuff We Noticed
Supreme Court Rejects Colorado’s Ban on Conversion Therapy. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors in an 8–1 decision, ruling that the law violated First Amendment free speech protections. The case was brought by Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of a counselor who argued the law restricted conversations with clients. Gov. Jared Polis warned the decision could lead to the return of practices widely criticized by medical and mental health organizations as harmful.
Denver City Council Approves New Automatic License Plate Reader. The Denver City Council voted 7–6 this week to approve a contract with Axon for a new automated license plate reader system. The company plans to install 50 cameras across the city, primarily in high-traffic areas. Data collected by the cameras will be stored for 21 days and accessible only to authorized city safety personnel. The $150,000 agreement replaces Denver’s previous contract with Flock.
Denver Zoo Sues Sea Lion Habitat Designers. The Denver Zoological Foundation has filed a lawsuit over problems with its recently renovated sea lion exhibit. The $19 million project opened last May but has reportedly experienced leaks, cracks and other construction issues. The lawsuit names BRS Architecture and Vertix Builders as defendants and seeks damages (TBD at trial) related to the exhibit’s repairs.
That’s it for this week. We’d love to hear what you think about our new look as Bucket List Community News, and please keep sending your ideas and story tips. We’re neighborhood news, and your input helps shape what we cover. If you like what we’re doing, please consider contributing to our Spring Fling fundraiser to help keep community journalism thriving. And don’t forget to join us at the Denver Press Club on April 9 for Local News Day. Come celebrate local journalism with us. We’ll have food, drinks, conversation and a few freebies to share. Be sure to RSVP so we have enough food. It’s free. See you there!
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Cronin
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
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