🏺 Colorado returns ‘Earth Monster’ to Mexico

🏺 The ‘Earth Monster’ Returns to Mexico

Colorado and Mexico officials hosted a repatriation ceremony at DIA recently before shipping a massive, ancient Mexican sculpture called the “Earth Monster” back to its place of origin in Chalcatzingo, Morelos. The artifact mysteriously vanished from its archaeological site half a century ago and made several reappearances across the U.S. before ultimately winding up in a private art collection in Colorado. [Westword]

• 🔎 The bigger picture: This isn’t the first time Denverites have repatriated looted relics. In fact, just last winter, the Denver Art Museum found itself entangled in an international looted relics trafficking operation. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

⚖️ Local Amazon Employees Take Tech Giant to Court

Three local Amazon delivery drivers filed a class action lawsuit against their employer for allegedly violating Colorado labor laws. Plaintiffs say they aren’t even allowed time for bathroom breaks and are forced to relieve themselves in water bottles and doggie bags in order to meet shift quotas and avoid being reprimanded. [CPR]

• 🎧 Sound familiar? This isn’t the first local case we’ve seen like this. In May of 2021, Linda Rodriguez spoke out about the hostile and unsafe working conditions she experienced while employed at Amazon’s fulfillment center in Thornton. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏫 School for Black Students Will Not Move Forward

5280 Freedom School, a charter school committed to the experience of Black students, will not be debuting this fall as planned after it failed to enroll enough students as required by the DPS board. The school is considering reapplying to the district next year or possibly opening as a private institution. [Chalkbeat]

🐾 Yappy Hour | Thursday | 4-7 p.m.

You and your furry friends are invited to this puppy-friendly happy hour at Terminal Bar where there will be dog-themed drink specials and giveaways, all to support local pup rescues and nonprofits. [Union Station; Free to stop by]

📸 Photo Hour | Thursday | 5-6 p.m.

Amateur and professional photographers are invited to enjoy a private golden hour in the tropical rainforest exhibit at Butterfly Pavilion. [Westminster; Members $8, GA $10 ]

🗳️ Bilingual Mayoral Forum | Thursday | 6-7:30 p.m.

Coloradans for the Common Good will be at Bruce Randolph Middle School to host a mayoral forum in both English and Spanish. [Clayton; Free, RSVP requested]

🎭 Strange Natures | Thursday | 7-8:15 p.m.

Immerse yourself in this “unapologetically queer show” from Control Group Productions, exploring beauty, decay, and queer identity. [Aurora; $20]

Can Lakewood Cash In on the Casa Bonita Hype?

Today on the City Cast Denver podcast: As we wait for an official reopening date for our favorite eatertainment venue, we checked in with Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul to talk about how much the Pink Palace actually matters for the city’s local economy and culture.