Hello there, Bucket List readers! My name is Iris Serrano, and I’m the new Bucket List Community News editorial intern who will be in your inbox every Friday. I recently graduated from CU Boulder with degrees in strategic communication and journalism. I’m excited to bring you this weekly newsletter and keep you up to date on all of the stories the team covered this week.
As we head into the long weekend, many of us are looking forward to spending time with family and friends (I know I am!). Whether you’re traveling or staying at home, we hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Now, onto the news!
What the Buc(-ee’s)?
Have you been to the “Disneyland of gas stations?” The Buc-ee’s that opened in Johnstown has been a huge economic boon, but not everyone in the community wants a mega gas station in their backyard. Buc-ee’s has purchased 53 acres near Palmer Lake, and while no public announcement has been made, it appears that the company intends to begin development in the area. Reporter Ryland Scholes spoke with Palmer Lake residents to learn more about their concerns.
Children’s Hospital restarting gender-affirming care
On Monday, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the Children’s Hospital should resume gender-affirming care. Children’s Hospital had stopped providing treatments due to concerns about federal funding, which had a significant impact on the mental health of many children. We are republishing Sara Wilson’s report from Colorado Newsline as part of our collaboration with CoLab, which details the Children’s Hospital’s next steps.
Indie music stores’ fight for survival in 2026
As online shopping has become the new norm, independent music stores across Colorado are trying to adapt their businesses and have started selling gear online. Although customers say in-store prices are typically higher, many musicians wouldn’t trade that for the personalized customer experience and sense of community found at local shops. Reporter Marcelo Brant spoke to some local bands and businesses to find out more about the industry.
Commerce City hosts 60th Memorial Day Parade on Monday
Commerce City is getting ready to host its annual Memorial Day parade. A couple of years ago, one of our journalists, Abby Grace Wright, watched the parade along with a long-time resident to learn why this event is so meaningful to the community. Our Diego Simental will have more coverage of the parade’s anniversary published on the website later this weekend.
Stuff We Noticed
Colorado Democrats rebuke Gov. Jared Polis over pardon. Following Gov. Jared Polis’ controversial decision to grant election denier Tina Peters clemency, the Colorado Democratic Party’s central committee voted to censure Polis for “conduct inconsistent with the (party’s) commitment to democratic institutions, election integrity and public accountability.” This decision bars him from formal participation in party-sponsored events indefinitely. In response, Polis spokesperson Eric Maruyama said the governor had made his decision “based on the facts of the case and what he believed was the right thing to do.”
Denver’s street homelessness hits a nine-year new low. According to the most recent point-in-time count, street homelessness has decreased by 64% since Mayor Mike Johnston took office in 2023 and launched his homelessness initiative, All In Mile High. The mayor’s administration believes Denver can achieve a 75% reduction by next year.
Stanley Marketplace will soon see new ownership. The popular Aurora destination is home to 50 retail shops and several of Denver’s award-winning restaurants. As the Stanley Marketplace approaches its tenth anniversary, it has a new owner: an undisclosed “local buyer.” Many restaurant and business owners say they are unconcerned about the change, and the doors will remain open throughout the sale process.
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at the Denver Community Film Festival at the historic Elitch Theatre for a showing of Brian Malone’s “Truth Be Told.” We appreciated meeting you in person and having a lively conversation about community news. Thanks to our friends at Denver Inc. and CoLab for helping organize and to our fellow journalists and neighbors who spoke and volunteered. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend, and see you next week!
Warmest Regards,
Iris Serrano
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
KEEP UP WITH US!
Follow our daily news feeds on Facebook and Instagram
Listen to our Podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Got a story idea? Contact us!