A slice of Italy in Denver

Good morning, Denver. This is The Denver Scoop, where we slice through the day's headlines with more zest than a freshly baked Neapolitan pizza. We’re talking to you Rosso Pomodoro.

In today’s scoop:

• McNichols revamp

• New Rosso Pomodoro

• Denver bag fees

Let’s jump into it.

— Angelica Gomez

QUICK HEADLINES

🏛 Denver's rich history finds a home in McNichols building

Denver's historic McNichols Civic Center Building is set to become a cultural hotspot, featuring a new museum dedicated to the city's rich history and culture. Mayor Mike Johnston's ambitious plan promises an immersive experience for locals and tourists, making Civic Center Park a must-visit destination.

🛍 Bagging big bucks

After 3 years, Denver's bag fee initiative has bagged $5.76 million since 2021, prompting a survey to decide where the cash should flow next, from water bottle refill stations to community cleanups, as the city aims to curb disposable bag use creatively and sustainably.

LOCAL BUSINESSES

🍕 Authentic Neapolitan pizza lands in Denver

Italy's Rosso Pomodoro is launching in the US, starting with Denver, announcing the launch of franchise opportunities giving entrepreneurs a chance to bring authentic, handcrafted pizzas baked in 900-degree wood-fired ovens to their communities.

QUICK QUESTION

SPORTS

⚾️ Rockies roadtrip ends in disappointment

Yesterday, the Twins unleashed an offensive barrage, hammering the Rockies 17-9. The Rockies scored early and late, but the Twins turned the rest of the game into a hit parade, bookending their 17-9 victory with a five-run first inning and a seven-run eighth inning, sending Colorado home from their road trip with plenty to ponder—and a sore pitching staff.

🛼 Denver roller derby squads head to regional championship

Denver's Mile High Club and Bruising Altitude roller derby teams are rolling into the Women's Flat Track Derby Association Regional Championship in Mesa, Arizona this weekend, aiming for a chance to compete in the Global Championships in November. After a pandemic hiatus, the tournament returns with fierce competition, and Denver's teams, led by standout players like Smashalotapus and Glittoris, are ready to skate hard and claim victory.

CIVIL

🧠 $10M to behavioral health boost

Denver is investing $10M from the American Rescue Plan Act to boost mental health and substance use services, targeting the city's pressing needs identified in a recent assessment. From music mentoring for troubled youth to trauma counseling for underserved communities, Denver's aiming for healthier minds and brighter futures.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Pride Month

We pounded the streets of Denver to find Pride events so you don’t have to. We’ll share them here all month. Know a Pride event not listed? Submit one here.

🫶🏻 Juneteenth celebrations start this weekend

Juneteenth is next week, but celebrations begin this weekend, featuring a variety of events that honor African American heritage and history.

Upcoming Events:

• Juneteenth Jump-Off Jam: June 14 at Spangalang Brewery with DJ DEE Smooth and DJ Kimani.

• Juneteenth Music Festival: June 15-16 at 2701 Welton St., featuring Bow Wow, local vendors, and a parade.

• Juneteenth Music Festival After-Parties: June 15-16 at Mirus Gallery & Art Bar and Mile High Spirits.

• Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Juneteenth Lineup: June 14-15 with various panels and performances.

• Day-of Events:

  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science: SCFD free day with family activities.

  • Sie FilmCenter: Screening of “The Right to Read” documentary.

  • Creepatorium: “Wildest Dreams: A Juneteenth Burlesque Event.”

  • Sexploratorium: “Acts of Resistance: An Adult Showcase (Black Exclusive).”

Things To Do Today

🤸🏽‍♀️ Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga at the Gardens
No studio can match the experience of practicing in nature, surrounded by the stunning landscapes at Denver Botanic Gardens. Vinyasa yoga weaves flowing movement with challenging postures and cultivates a sense of peace and calm by the end of each class. Today at 7:30AM for $12.

🎨 Art at the Gardens tour
One of the top five botanic gardens in the nation, enjoy Denver Botanic Gardens’ current exhibitions of the Freyer – Newman Center with a docent as your guide. Today at 10AM for $16.

🌮🍒 Civic Center Eats
Food trucks on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am-2pm, throughout three seasons this summer in Civic Center Park. Enjoy the best summer lunch in Denver for a good cause.

🏳️‍🌈 Black Pride Happy Hour
Celebrate the month of Pride at MCA Denver! Enjoy an extended happy hour with specialty cocktails & mocktails, music by DJ Big Styles, and get your black and white portrait with photographer MaryV! Today at 5PM for $20.

🤸🏽‍♀️ Flexi-Verse: Yoga at Convergence Station
Bend your body… and your mind! Bring your mat, valid photo ID, water bottle, and open mind to this unparalleled event. There will be delights and surprises to enhance your experience! This edition of Flexi-Verse will be led by instructor Haley Bowden and will feature music from Casual Commander (Kevin Donohue of Sunsquabi). Today at 6PM for $35.

🌮 Chef Pop-Up
Enjoy a pop-up dinner experience with Chef Mary Cappelletti featuring a 5 course vegetarian meal incorporating fermented ingredients in each plate. At the Green Collective Eatery Wash Park today at 6:30PM for $75.

🎤🍻 Comedy Night at First Draft
Looking for a place to kick back, sip a drink and laugh until you can't breathe?! Enjoy an evening of laughter as local comedians take the stage, serving up their best jokes and stories! Free at 7PM.

🎤 Ron Funches at Comedy Works
Ron Funches is a powerhouse in entertainment, showcasing his talent as a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer with remarkable versatility. From lending his voice to fan-favorite characters in Trolls, Bob's Burgers, and Adventure Time, to delivering memorable performances on screen in The Goldbergs, Black•ish, New Girl, Transparent, Powerless, and Undateable. Today at 7:30PM for $28.

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

Thursday

Friday

WEATHER WATCH

THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY

Thanks for hanging out with The Denver Scoop. We’re so happy you’re here with us. If you enjoyed this one, send it to someone who likes pineapple on their pizza.