Hello, Bucket Listers! Thank you to our sponsor, Morgridge Accounting Solutions, for making this week’s newsletter possible. As we head into the weekend, our team of multimedia journalists has been busy covering the stories shaping Denver. At the Denver Zoo, four lion cubs finally made their public debut. Meanwhile, Colorado reels from the federal shutdown. On South Broadway, property owners are debating a new tax district. At the state level, Republicans vying for governor clashed over whether the path back to power lies in pragmatic compromise or ideological purity. Dive in and catch up on what’s happening.
New Lions Cubs Debut at Denver Zoo
On Thursday, hundreds of eager visitors crowded the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance gates to see the four new African lion cubs. Prior to this, the cubs had spent weeks tucked away from sight, bonding with their mother, Araali, and gaining strength in preparation for the spotlight. At their unveiling, the lion cubs bounded playfully into view and the crowd erupted in delighted refrains of “They’re so cute!” Our Diego Simental visited the zoo to witness the cub’s debut and spoke with the caregivers about their plans to further protect these endangered animals.
How the Government Shutdown Affects Colorado
Colorado’s reliance on military bases and public lands makes the current federal government shutdown especially painful. This time, the Office of Management and Budget has even told agencies to weigh mass firings, threatening the stability of over 54,000 federal workers and their families. Reporter Mauricio Mendez breaks down the ripple effects on health care, jobs and economic security, as well as how the state is scrambling to provide temporary relief.
South Broadway Property Owners Weigh New Tax District
Property owners along South Broadway will vote this November on creating a General Improvement District that would raise more than $1.1 million in additional property taxes for security, cleanup and marketing. Supporters say the GID is needed to curb vandalism, drug use and safety concerns, while critics worry about rising costs and the role of private security in addressing homelessness. Journalist Cassis Tingley explores what’s at stake for Broadway’s small businesses and residents.
2026 Republican Gubernatorial Primary Candidates Forum
Nine Republican hopefuls for governor packed the Denver Press Club on Oct. 2. Establishment figures like State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer stressed fiscal discipline and working across the aisle, while populists such as Greg Lopez and Mark Baisley leaned into MAGA-style purity. Mauricio Mendez unpacks how this divide—conviction versus compromise—will shape whether Republicans can reclaim the governor’s office for the first time since 2002.
Stuff We Noticed
Mayor Promises to Complete Vibrant Denver Bond Projects ASAP. Mayor Mike Johnston pledged on Tuesday to complete the $950 million Vibrant Denver Bond Projects, which are on the November 4 ballot, in six years, rather than the standard ten years. This plan includes 58 projects, and Johnston promises they’ll be done transparently while also staying within budget. However, some critics argue that “the mayor made this hard” by putting funding for law enforcement initiatives in the same package as arts, culture and road safety improvements.
DCPA Off-Center Stops Producing Original Immersive Work. Since 2010, DCPA Off-Center has served as a venue for unconventional shows and has evolved into a national model for immersive theatre. However, this week, DCPA leadership announced a drastic change: it would no longer invest in original immersive theater, and Charlie Miller, Off-Center co-founder, would leave the organization in March 2026 after 17 years working for the nonprofit. The DCPA cited budget constraints, economic uncertainty and unpredictable ticket sales as reasons for the change and will instead “present established immersive projects.”
Colorado Brothers Set to Compete in International Chess Competition. Griffin and Sullivan McConnell have been selected to represent Team USA in the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities. The brothers make up two-fifths of the national team and will compete against players from 35 teams around the world in Astana, Kazakhstan. Griffin told Denver Westword that he’s confident because he knows “that my brother’s always supporting me and I’m always supporting my brother, I think it’s magical.”
That’s all the news for this week, Bucket Listers! We’re grateful to have you with us each Friday as we highlight stories that matter in our area, produced by our multimedia journalists. Don’t forget to check out our website for more reports and this week’s 5 Questions with Los Mocochetes as we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month. If you like our stories this week, please consider a contribution to keep our work going. Until next Friday, enjoy the crisp fall weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Croni
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
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