Iris Serrano
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
Happy fall, Bucket Listers! Although it doesn’t feel like it quite yet, it’s officially autumn. It’s time to get those sweaters on and the fall decor out. It also means election season is right around the corner. Learn more about who will be on your ballot by using our 2026 Ballot Builder Tool. Just click the link and enter your zip code.
This week, our journalists covered the addition of two southern white rhinos to the Denver Zoo, residents’ concerns over dried up Huston Lake and the frustration over DMV waiting times. We also covered a new strategy of the Republican Party, a special election in Denver, the completely melted St. Mary’s Glacier, plus how medicaid cuts are affecting the family’s business of one of our writers.
Despite Return to Regular Hours, DMV Wait Times Are Still Long
Lines wrap around the DMV as early as 7 a.m., leaving community members frustrated by hours long wait times. Reporter PJ Guidry spoke with people experiencing Denver’s Motor Vehicle staffing problems firsthand.
Colorado Republican Party Bets on Unaffiliated Voters
Republicans are targeting the large number of unaffiliated voters who make up about half of Denver’s electorate. Our Trinity Schermerhorn attended a Denver Republican Party meeting where organizers discussed ballot measures and their strategies ahead of the election.
What to Know About the 10-Way Denver City Council Special Election
A seat is waiting to be filled after Denver City Council member Sarah Parady resigned. Trinity Schermerhorn did a deep dive on the upcoming special election, where 10 candidates are running for the seat.
Denver Public Schools Supports Bucket List Community News
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Denver Public Schools, where passionate educators help students discover their talents, build confidence and find a place where they belong. At Florida Pitt-Waller ECE-8, theater teacher Joshua Pelé has built a thriving theater program from the ground up by putting students at the center. Through performances, mentorship and hands-on opportunities to lead everything from acting to lights and sound, Joshua has created a space where students learn to express themselves, understand others and take ownership of something they’ve built together. As Joshua puts it, “They are the program.” Read his story.
Our Writer Shares How Medicaid Cuts Killed Her Family’s Business
Reporter Trinity Schermerhorn shares how her family’s business is being impacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Learn more about how Anson’s Place, a day program for adults with disabilities, is closing its doors because of Medicaid funding cuts.
Residents Demand Denver Take Action to Protect Huston Lake
“Apocalyptic” is how one resident from Athmar Park described the current state of Huston Lake. Thomas Hinton reported on residents’ efforts to restore the neighborhood’s landmark after it dried up, taking much of its wildlife with it.
Zoo Confirms October Arrival of Two New White Rhinos
The Denver Zoo is welcoming two southern white rhinos in October! Reporter Matthew Spivack interviewed Maura Davis, the curator of large mammals at the Denver Zoo, to learn more about these white rhinos’ new home.
St. Mary’s Glacier Has Completely Melted Away
The iconic St. Mary’s Glacier has melted, leaving hikers disappointed to find a bare rocky basin. Guest writer Blair Ewalt brought us a firsthand experience of hiking up to the glacier to find meltwater and rocks.
Ball Arena is getting a new look. Last week, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment announced that Ball Arena is set for a $135 million renovation to be more connected to downtown Denver. The plans include a new courtyard, private clubhouses, a team shop, escalators and more. The renovation is expected to be done just in time for the 2028-2029 NBA and NHL seasons.
It’s impossible to issue a citation on the Waymo that drove through a farmers market. Last weekend, a Waymo drove through the South Pearl Street Farmers Market in Denver. Luckily, no one was injured, but since the car is self-driving, there’s no Colorado law that allows the police to cite the vehicle for this incident.
CU Boulder is no longer on the list of top 100 national universities. Last year, the university placed No. 97 on the list and dropped to No. 109 on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking. This could be explained by a new methodology for measurement. Still, CU’s engineering and business programs continue to be highly ranked.
That’s it from us this week! Got any fun weekend plans? If not, consider checking out the fall foliage. It’s the perfect time of year to go leaf peeping and we’ve got you covered with the top 5 places to visit this weekend! Check it out.
Thank you so much for reading! We’ll see you next week with more 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!
