Hello, Bucket Listers! I hope you were able to go outside this week because snow could be headed our way soon. This week, our coverage ranges from serious community debates to spooky Halloween fun. We’re sharing your reactions to the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths, looking at what Waymo’s self-driving cars could mean for Denver’s streets and steppinginside haunted houses to meet the scare actors who make them come alive. You’ll also find our guide to the upcoming election and a heartwarming story of local students helping older adults troubleshoot tech. Here’s what our team has been working on this week:
Readers React to Rise in Pedestrian Deaths
Last week, we published Cassis Tingley’s article, “Denver Pedestrian Deaths Up 50%, Advocates Say City Must Do More.” The piece sparked conversation online and drew more than 60 comments on Nextdoor. Readers weighed in with ideas, frustrations and questions about how Denver should tackle this growing safety crisis. Check out the range of perspectives and add your own voice to the conversation.
Self-Driving Cars Come to Denver
Waymo rolled its autonomous test vehicles into Denver last month, instantly stirring buzz. The sleek white EVs promise futuristic transportation options, but not everyone is sold on their safety. Reporter Lily Delgado explores what Waymo’s expansion means for Denver, the risks and the opportunities that come with handing over the wheel to technology.
Haunted House Scare Actors
Haunted houses are back, and they’re drawing crowds ready to scream. But the real stars are the scare actors, AKA the performers in makeup who turn every corner into a jump scare. Sadie Gonzales takes you behind the scenes at Denver’s 13th Floor and The Ritual Haunted House in Englewood to hear from the people whose job is to make sure you leave shaking.
Your Guide to the Denver 2025 Election
Denver voters will weigh in on eight ballot measures on Nov. 4. From the Vibrant Denver bond to flavored tobacco bans, the ballot is packed with decisions that could shape the city’s future. Through our partnership with the Colorado News Collaborative, we’ve republished Chase Woodruff’s comprehensive guide from Colorado Newsline so you can head to the polls informed.
GenTech Uses Tech to Connect Teens and Seniors
Last Saturday, Holly Creek Retirement Home buzzed with Cherry Creek High School students troubleshooting Wi-Fi glitches, printer errors and even stubborn landlines. These volunteers are part of Generation Tech, a student-run club focused on bridging the generational divide with technology. Diego Simental was there to see how solving small tech problems is building lasting connections between teens and seniors.
Stuff We Noticed
Government Shutdown Could Lead to SNAP “Crisis.” If the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1, Colorado will lose $120.5 million in food assistance. That would leave over 600,000 Colorado residents without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “We are facing a crisis unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” warned Erin Pulling, CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies.
Denver Mayor Keeps Flock Camera Contract. Mayor Mike Johnston sidestepped City Council this week to extend Denver’s no-cost contract with Flock Safety, which operates more than 100 license plate–reading cameras across the city. The move came the same day as a scheduled town hall titled “Turn Flock Cameras Off,” leaving many residents questioning the decision over continued surveillance by the city.
Former Denver Nuggets Player Arrested. Professional basketball player, Chauncey Ray Billups, who was born in Denver and was a standout at George Washington High School and CU Boulder before beginning his NBA career, was arrested in Oregon on Thursday, Oct. 23. Currently coaching the Portland Trail Blazers, Billups, who was known as “The King of Park Hill”, was charged with conspiring in a large-scale scheme to rig underground poker games backed by Mafia families. According to FBI director Kash Patel, “the fraud is mind-boggling.”
That’s it for this week’s free neighborhood news, Bucket Listers. As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, we’re reminded of the power of community storytelling to keep us connected. Starting Nov. 1, Bucket List Community News will take part in the statewide #newsCOneeds fundraiser alongside more than 60 local outlets. If you value our reporting, please consider making a contribution. Every dollar helps us bring you stories that matter, week after week. Stay warm, enjoy the spooky season and we’ll see you back here next Friday!
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Cronin
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
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