Happy Friday, Bucket Listers, and a big congratulations to the members of our team graduating from CU Boulder tomorrow. Hats off to Natalie, Rowen, Eliza, Aanya, Ella, Brooklyn, Linus, Diego, Khaleigh, Kathryn and Sophia. It’s been an honor to have them reporting for you and to mentor them as they head into the next chapter of their careers. We’re extending our Spring Fling fundraiser one more day so you can show your support for their work and help us continue building the next generation of community journalists.
Drowning in Medical Bills
Even with insurance, medical debt is crushing Colorado families. In a powerful new report, CU Boulder News Corps students Ashley Budy and Kathryn Cronin follow two families navigating repeated surgeries, billing confusion and mounting costs that outlast recovery itself. Their reporting reveals how a complex system leaves many patients financially devastated. The story also includes perspective from an emergency physician working inside that system, where meaningful reform remains elusive.
Second Life for Schools
After closing seven schools last year, Denver Public Schools is now deciding what to do with the empty buildings. At a recent community meeting, residents and district officials debated whether these spaces should become early childhood centers, arts hubs or broader community resources. Reporter Daniel Montoya was there as neighbors pushed for more transparency and a stronger voice in the process. With proposals actively being reviewed, learn how the future of these buildings could reshape entire neighborhoods.
Elitch Theatre’s Quiet Comeback
What does it feel like to step inside one of Denver’s oldest performance spaces? Fabian Dierks, a Bucket List journalist, got a rare look inside the normally off-limits areas of the Historic Elitch Theatre, where decades of history can still be found in hidden artifacts, aging architecture and long-lost details. Once the country’s first summer stock theater, the venue has spent years in restoration. Now, as it prepares to reopen for the season, there’s renewed effort to bring this cultural landmark back into public life.
Detour Builds CPRD’s Story in Sculpture
Denver artist Thomas “Detour” Evans is turning community memory into public art. For the new Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts, Evans is creating a sculpture made from donated objects tied to the organization’s history. Reporter Linus Loughry explores how Evans’ process blends storytelling, collaboration and design to reflect the vibrancy of Black culture in Denver. The artwork is still in progress, with completion expected later this year.
Stuff We Noticed
Last Call Could Get Later. Denver is considering extending closing time for bars from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., although no alcohol sales would be allowed after 2 a.m. Supporters say it could boost business and modernize nightlife, while critics worry about safety and late-night impacts on neighborhoods. City Council is expected to take up the proposal in June, with public feedback sessions planned ahead of a potential Jan. 1, 2027 rollout.
Veo Scooters Roll In. Starting today, Denver’s scooter landscape is changing. Lime and Bird are being replaced by Veo, which plans to deploy up to 9,000 vehicles citywide, including seated scooters and cargo e-bikes. The new system includes features like sidewalk detection and designated parking zones. Rides will cost $1 to unlock and 25 cents per minute, with discounted options for qualifying users.
Asian Center Faces Redevelopment Fight. A proposal to redevelop the Asian Center on South Federal Boulevard into a mixed-use housing complex is drawing pushback from tenants and community members. The center has served as a hub for Asian-owned businesses for more than 70 years. While the project aligns with broader city plans for the corridor, opponents argue it risks displacing a vital cultural and economic anchor. A petition opposing the redevelopment has already gathered more than 9,000 signatures.
This is the big Cinco de Mayo weekend in Denver, and before the festivities begin at Civic Center Park on Saturday and Sunday, we’re celebrating today’s reopening of La Raza Park in Sunnyside. Look for a new playground and upgraded basketball courts, irrigation, walks and landscaping. On Saturday thousands of motorcycles arrive at the park around 10:30 a.m. as the first stop of the Chicano Pride Ride. It’s a full weekend of festivities, margaritas and chihuahua races. However you celebrate, we hope you have a great one and we’ll see you next week.
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Cronin
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
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