Denver in 5 minutes: What you need to know today, Aug. 9

Andrew Kenney

Aug. 09, 2016, 12:45 p.m.

Hey, howdy, hey. Here’s the big news and some little tidbits out of Denver and its solar system today:

The ballot:

We have a pretty good idea today of what you’ll be voting on come November, besides America’s greatness-or-not. Colorado voters are likely to make decisions about health care, the minimum wage, fracking, slavery and more.

For your fun:

Tonight you can get drunk and learn about history. Who wouldn’t like that?

Sports:

I’m sorry to say that the Rockies bandwagon may be slowing down. They just lost a game, they are dangerously close to missing the playoffs and now they have to make a difficult choice.

Also, Tim Tebow wants to play baseball, to pretty much everyone’s amusement.

Marijuana:

Guess who’s most likely to smoke weed? Young Westerners who don’t go to church. Also, there may be a lot more cannabis users these days.

Development:

Denver has been arguing forever about how lawsuits affect condo development. The Wall Street Journal deigned to write about it, and our own Megan Arellano has the context check.

Oh, and also:

What’s cooler than having your own ZIP code? Maybe one or two things, but still, read it.

A raft full of divers from the Denver Fire Department scans Duck Lake at City Park on Aug. 3, 2021. Authorities say they were searching for a person who witnesses said rode a bike into the water and did not resurface.

Authorities have recovered a body at City Park lake after getting call of cyclist who went in and did not resurface

Denver Fire Department said a call came in around 4:15 p.m.

A rendering of the future, revamped National Western Center. (Source: Mayor’s Office of the National Western Center)

Denver City Council members decide to divvy up question on bond money for National Western Center projects

It's part of the $450 million bond package proposed by Mayor Michael Hancock's administration.

Meow Wolf Denver just announced its opening date, name, theme, and ticket sales

This September, Convergence Station will transport Denverites into new dimensions.

Near-surface smoke projections for the U.S. between 11 a.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

Denver’s air quality got even worse since the last time we wrote this headline

Fine particles from wildfires are the main culprit.

Cathy Prieto poses for a photo outside her home on Lipan Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Monday, August 2, 2021. (Esteban L. Hernandez/Denverite)

Denver recognizes the Chicano history of La Alma Lincoln Park as it becomes the city’s second-ever historic cultural district

The designation recognizes its connection to the Chicano Movement and the specific style of the homes there.

Images from a cell phone video posted by Twitter user bellers03.

The woman who hit a protester with her car in Denver last year has been sentenced

She was charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor, after a jury found her not guilty of assault.

COVID-19 vaccines at a city-run clinic inside the Barnum Recreation Center. March 10, 2021.

Denver’s requiring vaccinations for teachers, city employees and others

Fueled by the delta variant, coronavirus cases have more than tripled citywide over the last few weeks.

Xcel Energy crews are working overtime to replace tons of gas lines in Elyria Swansea. July 31, 2021.

Xcel Energy says 700 homes in Elyria Swansea should have gas again by Monday

People have been eating meals at taco trucks sent by the energy provider because they can't cook.

Kevin Breidenbach and Luke Wierman post signs to tents as the Denver Democratic Socialists of America protest rent and evictions as the economy continues to struggle under the pandemic. July 1, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

The national eviction moratorium ends Saturday, but housing providers on East Colfax are protecting residents until the end of the year

A massive community collaboration will protect some 1,300 renters until December.

Colfax Avenue's old Aristocrat Motor Hotel is now the Volunteers of America Family Motel. July 29, 2021.

A West Colfax shelter for unhoused families wants to demolish a historically significant building to expand its reach

The planning department found that the property is eligible for preservation, in part because of its link to car culture and a classic motel sign.

A couple of humans and dogs crest the hill at Ruby Hill Park. June 23, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Things to do in Denver this weekend, July 30-Aug. 1

Festivals, a sober dance party and the last weekend for Beer Quest.

The Curious Theatre Company on Acoma Street near 11th Avenue, Feb. 2, 2017.

Curious Theatre will reopen this fall!

The gutsy Denver theatre company has announced its 2021-2022 lineup.

Cue Perez, owner of Babooshka hair salon on East Colfax Avenue, works on Diane D'Angelo's hair on a Saturday morning. July 24, 2021.

Cheap cuts, color and therapy can be found at Babooshka on East Colfax

Among the eclectic tchotchkes and Hindu statues, Diane D'Angelo said she found her forever salon, giving us the fourth business in the series.

Community actiivst Poncho Espino speaks during a meeting of the National Western Center Citizens Advisory Committee in a NWC conference room in Elyria Swansea. July 22, 2021.

Officials hope the promise of neighborhood equity projects will help fund its new stock show arena

Activists in Elyria Swansea are still upset about a proposed $450 million bond package, arguing money isn't going where residents need it. Members of City Council are leery, too.