Hi. Today's news roundup includes the change that threatens to close a coffee shop that nurtures immigrants, the city's plan for DIY art spaces, a business dispute in RiNo and more.
The heat:
It's going to be 96 degrees today and tomorrow before it cools significantly at the end of the week. Be kind to your pets and stay hydrated. There's also a chance of storms for the rest of the week, starting tomorrow.
Arapahoe Square setback:
Rocky Mountain Public Media is not eligible for $1.5 million in tax credits that it hoped would boost its new media center at 21st and Arapahoe. They're trying to raise $30 million toward the $39 million project, which will include a theater and serve as headquarters for RMPBS and KUVO. Erin Douglas reports. (DP)
Crisis for immigrant coffee shop:
Newly arrived refugees and immigrants have for years found an introduction to American working life at Emily's Coffee in downtown Denver. The Department of Education has declined to renew its grant, leaving the program in need of $50,000 by the end of June. Joseph Rios, our esteemed intern, reports. (Denverite)
Garbanzo reboot:
Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is being renamed to Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh. They are "materially" and "emotionally" not the same company anymore, as the CEO tells Ed Sealover. The Centennial company has plans to open new stores in St. Louis and Denver. (DBJ)
Meanwhile, Southern Hospitality on 17th Street and Carve Barbecue on Colorado Boulevard have closed, as Kailyn Lamb reports. (BusinessDen)
Sphero splits:
The Boulder company that makes the lovable little BB-8 ball robot is splitting into two companies. Misty Robotics, the new spinoff, will build utilitarian robots for the home and office. Tamara Chuang reports. (DP)
Unauthorized spaces:
The city says it has an idea for making the DIY spaces safer. An unknown number of people, including many artists, are living in buildings that have not been inspected and permitted by the city. Under a new proposal, they could come out of the shadows, get an inspection and work to resolve safety problems without necessarily being forced out. Think of it as an amnesty program. Megan reports. (Denverite)
RiNo business uproar:
Eight business owners are trying to shut down Joe's Liquors, claiming that it's a public nuisance because it sells alcohol to intoxicated customers, many of whom are homeless. Some in the community see an effort by new businesses to drive out a business that was there long before anyone invented the name "River North." Ashley's on the beat. (Denverite)
Aurora racetrack:
Aurora voters are set to decide this fall whether they want to see an entertainment district with a speedway in northeastern Aurora. The proposal would authorize the city to try to entice raceway developers with financial incentives, as Quincy Snowdon reports. (Sentinel)
Stapleton Soopers:
The long awaited grocery store at MLK Boulevard and Havana Street opens this Wednesday. (Front Porch)
Schools:
Denver's school board has ordered staff to limit suspensions and expulsions for students in third grade and younger.
McGlone Academy's leadership will take over management of Amesse Elementary this fall in far northeastern Denver. (Chalkbeat via Denverite)
