Westbrook to Nuggets?

WEATHER WATCH

RAPID REPORTS

📱 Picking someone up at DIA just got easier! A new onramp to inbound Peña Boulevard opens today. Now you can wait in the Final Approach cell phone lot at 7680 Wenatchee St., complete with a food court, gas station, and flight info screens, then quickly head to the terminal.

🏀 Denver is set to nab former MVP and triple-double king Russell Westbrook after a Clippers-Jazz trade, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Clippers trade Westbrook and cash to the Jazz for Kris Dunn and a pick swap. Utah plans to buy out Westbrook, clearing the way for him to join the Nuggets as a free agent.

⛅️ Noticed the Rockies looking hazy? Those Air Quality Alerts are due to higher ozone levels this summer. The previous worst year for ozone in the Front Range was 2021 due to wildfires, but this year is just as bad for unclear reasons. NOAA scientist Steven Brown is investigating pollution in Colorado and Utah as part of a national study. The team is exploring sources like oil and gas production, forest emissions, and even out-of-state pollution.

🏘 Denver's housing inventorysurged 36.8% in Q1 2024, the highest among U.S. cities. June saw 10,214 active listings, a 68.27% increase from last year, according to DMAR. Most listings aren't new builds, and many have price reductions.

🏟 Billionaire Stan Kroenke’s massive downtown Denver expansion hit a major milestone as the Community Planning Board approved rezoning 70 acres around Ball Arena. What’s the plan? Transform 55 acres of parking lots into 6,000 housing units (1,080 income-restricted), plus new hotels, offices, and entertainment venues. Kroenke has broad community support but must finalize a community benefits agreement, ensuring affordable housing, job training, and more. Next up: City Council reviews the project, with a public hearing slated for Sept. 16.

🏞 What will the South Platte River look like in 10, 50, or 100 years? A new City Council committee is tackling this, with a $550 million investment from Denver and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.The South Platte River Committee, formed on July 17, will manage all plans for the river's future, making it a central part of city life again.

1️⃣ It’s been on year since Mike Johnston became Mayor. Here’s a rundown of what he’s done so far:

• Homelessness: Johnston declared a state of emergency on day one and has housed over 1,600 people, aiming for 2,000 by year’s end. Still, the number of those experiencing homelessness is high, and the city is struggling with eviction rates and funding.

• Affordable Housing: Promised 25,000 income-restricted units in 8 years, but now targets 44,000 in a decade. So far, 449 units are open, and 2,038 are under construction.

• Permitting: Johnston’s succeeded in speeding up residential permitting by 33% and is on track for commercial projects.

• Public Safety: Crime rates are down, but he’s yet to hire 200 new first responders and faces criticism on police staffing.

• Transportation & RTD: Ridership is up, but on-time bus performance is down. Free rides for youth are in a pilot phase.

• Budget & Goals: Johnston’s administration is under scrutiny for budget management and unfulfilled promises. Upcoming challenges include housing affordability, federal funding cuts, and new labor relations.

• Final Note: Denver's ranking has improved but still lags behind. Will Johnston make Denver America’s best city? Stay tuned for his State of the City address on Monday!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Today

🛝Joy Park Free Night: Get ready for a blast of outdoor fun 🎉 Explore 60,000 square feet of Joy Park and Adventure Forest, thanks to Denver Parks and Recreation. 4:30 to 8 PM at 2121 Children's Museum Dr. Free.

⚾️ Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants: Catch the Colorado Rockies in action against the San Francisco Giants! 6:40 PM at 2001 Blake St. Tickets $19+.

🇮🇳Taste of India: Celebrate 40 years of friendship between Denver and Chennai with a vibrant three-day bash of Indian culture with live music, dance lessons, a celebrity chef dinner, and more. 12 PM at 1515 Arapahoe St. Free.

🖋 The Seventh Annual Denver Tattoo Arts Festival: It’s time to get inked! Meet top artists, including Doom Kitten and Holli Marie, and enjoy tattoo competitions, burlesque sideshows, and more. Friday at 2 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM. 700 14th St. Tickets $23+.

Saturday

⚾️ Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants: Catch the Colorado Rockies in action against the San Francisco Giants! 6:10 PM at 2001 Blake St. Tickets $19+.

🍒City Park Farmers Market: With over 100 local vendors, enjoy fresh ingredients, tasty prepared foods, and beverages. Dive into donation-based yoga, join the run club, and groove to live local music. Free entry, pet-friendly, and perfect for picnics with family and friends! 8 AM at 2551 E Colfax Ave.

⚽️ Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake: Roar for the Rapids! Colorado Rapids take on Real Salt Lake. 7:30 PM at 6000 Victory Way. Tickets $25+.

🍿Movies at McGregor: The Force Awakens: Grab a blanket and settle in on the lawn or snag a table in the plaza—both are first-come, first-served. 12 PM at 1901 Wazee St. Free.

🎧 Silent Disco On The Patio: Dance under the stars on Improper City’s spacious patio with three music channels and a complimentary drink token for beer or a draft cocktail. Family-friendly fun for all ages! 8 PM at 3201 Walnut St. Tickets $7+.

🛍 Tennyson Street Fair: Stroll along Tennyson Street and explore over 100 local artisans, businesses, and vendors at this family-friendly, farmers-market-style festival. 10 AM at 4385 W 42nd Ave. Free.

🎮 VRML CON 2024: Dive into the future of gaming at VRML CON 2024 at McNichols Civic Center for epic VR showdowns, live tournaments, and meet-and-greets with top gamers and creators. Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 AM. 144 W. Colfax Ave. Tickets $65+.

Sunday

⚾️ Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants: Catch the Colorado Rockies in action against the San Francisco Giants! 1:10 PM at 2001 Blake St. Tickets $19+.

🧦Hangin' N Slangin' Thrift Markets: Score some thrifty finds at Hangin N Slangin Markets in the Bird Lot, RiNo. 12 PM at 2532 Larimer Street. Free.

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

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Saturday

Sunday

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