Happy Friday, Bucket Listers! Today, there are several protests against ICE and Palantir taking place throughout the metro area. If you are going to protest, please be safe. This week, we bring you five stories that discuss a dangerous drug in plain sight, traffic safety in 2026, cellphone bans in schools, Marshall Fire survivors reuniting and the impact of warm weather. Please visit our website to check out all of our team’s local reporting.
Kratom’s Quiet Toll: Families Warn as Potent 7-OH Spreads
A “natural” supplement advertised for pain relief has sparked concern in the local community. 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, is derived from kratom and has earned the nickname “gas station heroin” for its strong opioid effect and ease of availability. As kratom usage grows in Denver, public health officials are working on regulations to limit its distribution. Our Cole Bachman reports on the impact of kratom poisoning and the government’s efforts to combat the drug.
With Traffic Deaths On the Rise, Denver Rethinks Road Safety
Denver ended 2025 with one of its sharpest drops in violent crime, but it also had 95 traffic fatalities, making it one of the city’s deadliest years on the roads in recent memory. These statistics are causing the Denver Police Department to shift its focus to traffic safety, with increased staffing, photo radar enforcement and faster police response time. Sophia Collins, one of our new team members from CU Boulder, discusses Denver’s traffic safety plans for 2026.
Colorado Schools Test Cellphone Bans
Classrooms across Colorado are prohibiting students from using cellphones in order to improve student engagement and mental health. For instance, the Boulder Valley School District’s cellphone ban prohibits students from using their phones during the school day. These types of cellphone bans have had such a positive impact that they are being implemented throughout the state. Learn more from Fabian Dierks, another new team member from MSU Denver, as he speaks with faculty and students about the benefits of cellphone-free classrooms.
Four Years Later, Marshall Fire Survivors Find Healing Together
Sean and Casey Bambei, the owners of Bambei Brewery, closed their brewery on Jan. 24 to allow survivors of the Marshall Fire to reconnect. Bambei Brewery, which was one of the restaurants affected by the Marshall Fire and suffered some damage, now feels a responsibility to the community to restore the space to its “normal” state. Daniel Montoya attended the event to speak with survivors about the consequences they are still facing four years later and what events like these mean to them.
Warm Winter Has Real Consequences for Colorado
Colorado’s unusual spring-like winters are reshaping farming practices, confusing plant and insect cycles and limiting winter recreation in Boulder County. Linus Loughry, a new team member from CU Boulder, interviewed farmers, climate scientists and ski shop employees to learn how Colorado is dealing with these new trends. It’s unknown if this weather pattern will last the rest of the winter, but residents say they “pray” for more snow.
Stuff We Noticed
Park Hill Park Nears Design Phase. After receiving approximately 6,000 comments, the city’s largest park project in over a century, Park Hill Park, is nearing the design phase. Denver Parks and Recreation recently held a meeting in Northeast Park Hill, during which a final framework for the 155-acre space was presented. Although the park has been open to the public since Oct. 28, additions, including public gardens, athletic fields and sports courts, are years away.
National Western Stock Show Breaks Attendance Records. The 120th National Western Stock Show, a famous 16-day event held each January in Denver, set a new attendance record of 750,039 this year. The National Stock Show is held annually to showcase American agriculture to the community, with the previous attendance record of 726,972 set in 2006. The 2027 stock show is already being planned from Jan. 9 to 24.
Great American eer Fest Moving Outdoors in 2026. The Great American Beer Fest will be held outside at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion for the first time in its 43-year history. The event was previously held at the Colorado Convention Center, but organizers say the outdoor setting will provide a new atmosphere with live music, open-air tasting zones and beer and food pairings from chefs across the country. The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11. Tickets going on sale in June at $60.
If you want to learn more about Colorado’s cellphone ban after reading this week’s story, high school teacher Autumn Hartley sat down with Bucket List to answer 5 questions about the policy from her perspective. Also, just a quick heads-up: the next episode of our radio show is airing on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m., so mark your calendars and tune into KGNU to hear us talk about transportation, immigration, Cleo Parker Robinson’s expansion and more. Thank you for reading and enjoy your weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Cronin
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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