Hi Bucket Listers! Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Press Club yesterday to support Bucket List Community News and other independent news outlets on Local News Day. It’s encouraging to see the community rally behind community news’ efforts to keep you engaged, informed and connected. There is a lot of work to be done, so please support our efforts throughout the year. Bucket List is fundraising throughout the month of April, and your contributions of up to $5,000 will be matched. Please give generously so that our team can continue this work. Now onto the news.
Nonprofit Grocery Store Opening this Summer in Montbello
Montbello, a northeast Denver neighborhood, has struggled with a lack of affordable, nutritious grocery stores. This summer, the Montbello Organizing Committee hopes to change that by launching its first FreshLo Market, a nonprofit grocery store. The new market will allow 1,000 housing units to be within walking distance while also providing fresh food at 15% to 30% less than traditional grocery stores. Linus Loughry, a Bucket List reporter, captures the excitement that this has generated in the community, as well as the nonprofit’s future expansion plans.
Staff and Students Pushback Against CU’s Open AI Contract
The University of Colorado is reshaping how the campus is using artificial intelligence through its new partnership with OpenAI, which will be implemented on all four campuses. The new contract has only increased faculty, staff and student concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. Ella Berry, a CU student, shares more about the upcoming implementation and why many academics and students believe it should be delayed.
Vibrant Denver Bond in Action
A former Park Hill Golf Course that has sat empty is becoming one of Denver’s most significant public park projects since voters approved the Vibrant Denver Bond in November 2025 through Ballot Measure 2A. The redevelopment of the park is just one part of the $950 million bond that will fund more than 58 projects across Denver; this six-year package plans to strengthen the city’s communities. Read more about the movements to come and see where projects are beginning in your neighborhoods as Perry Guidry brings us the whole picture.
Robotics Contest Happening Now at the University of Denver
The FIRST Robotics Denver Regional is currently held at the University of Denver’s Daniel L. Ritchie Center. From Thursday, April 9, to Saturday, April 11, 55 high school teams will compete to qualify for the world championship in Houston. Some of the local students who have been designing industrial-style robots for the contest speak with reporter Daniella Prime-Morales about how the robotics competition promotes “gracious professionalism” and what to expect at the event.
Stuff We Noticed
Denver Water Implemented Drought Pricing. Denver approved drought pricing on Wednesday after declaring a Stage 1 drought, which will include imposing mandatory water restrictions on customers for the first time in over 20 years. These restrictions are the result of one of Colorado’s worst snowpacks, on which Denver relies for 90% of its water supply, as well as record-breaking temperatures this winter. These new drought prices will hopefully help Denver Water meet its goal of reducing total water demand by 20%.
RTD CEO Stepping Down. Debra Johnson, Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) chief executive and general manager, announced her resignation in a letter to employees on Wednesday. Johnson informed the employees in the letter that she will be involved in finding her replacement to ensure a smooth transition. RTD provides transportation to more than three million people across the Front Range of Denver. Johnson’s final day is May 8, 2027.
Future Front Range Passenger Rail Train Named CoCo. Beginning in 2029, an express intercity train will connect communities along the Front Range, from Fort Collins to Pueblo, and Coloradans were given the opportunity to vote on the name. With nearly 26,000 votes cast, the Front Range Passenger Rail District and Governor Polis announced that the train would be named Colorado Connector, or “CoCo.” The name emphasizes the train’s mission to connect communities, increase mobility and make travel less stressful, while also reflecting Colorado’s transportation future.
That’s all for this week, Bucket Listers. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our Spring Fling fundraiser. We are aiming to raise $10,000 by the end of April. The funds will be used to pay our team of early-career journalists and to ensure that we can continue to bring you neighborly stories that connect metro Denver. Please contribute today to show your support for free local news and help us continue to serve the Denver metro area. We are extremely grateful that you are a partner in our work. Have a fantastic weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Cronin
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
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