🧨 How to use fireworks safely

🏞️ Sun Valley is Getting a Cleanup Boost

The Denver Housing Authority recently secured a $1,049,300 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to help clean up an old Xcel Energy power plant and transform the 11-acre riverfront park space— paving the way for a cleaner, healthier environment for the community and the potential for new housing. DHA is aiming to build a mixed-income neighborhood that suits Sun Valley residents’ needs. [Denverite]

• Related: While we’re on the subject of defunct energy facilities, what would happen if Suncor’s refinery shut down forever? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🎟️ A Commuting Win for Airport Employees

City Council has approved a measure that will grant cheaper or subsidized transit passes to the nearly 3,000 restaurant, shop, and kiosk employees at DIA. The new agreement could save workers as much as $200 in commuting costs. [The Denver Post]

🧮 DPS Compelled to Release Private Board Meeting Video

A Denver district judge yesterday ordered Denver Public Schools to release within two weeks a recording of a private meeting where the board discussed police presence at schools — the order stems from a lawsuit on behalf of several media organizations claiming that the closed-door meeting violated state law. The recording was initially set to be released on Monday, but DPS filed an appeal to block it. Litigation is ongoing. [Chalkbeat]

👮 One DPS Board Member Dishes on That Secret Recording

The Denver Public School board decided earlier this month that police should be a  “persistent presence” in our schools, but not everyone is happy with that outcome. Board Vice President Aoun’tai Anderson thinks the decision is politically driven. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Hey friends, what’s been on your mind lately? 🤔

🐅 Reader Elizabeth T. noticed there is a second tiger at the Downtown Aquarium:

• “There are actually two tigers (a critically endangered species) and when I went for the Aquarium’s Wine Tasting (which was great) they were happy and playing. It is weird that there is a seafood restaurant in it!”

🍄 Where are all my fellow mycological lovers? Jen K. wants you to know about this organization:

• “I heard you mention a mushroom ID class through Colorado Mycological Society the other day and just want to shout out how great CMS is! If you join as a member, you can learn to ID edible mushrooms, get to know the spots to find them, and geek out with other mushroom lovers. Foraging has become a regular part of my family hikes and even my 4 year old can ID some mushrooms! It’s like a delicious treasure hunt all summer long.”

💨 Have you come across a vehicle putting out excessive smoke during your travels? Reader Jordan C. has a tip:

“Y'all talk about traffic and pollution every now and then, so I thought I'd pass along something I just found. CDPHE has a hotline/e-mail you can use to report vehicles with excessive visible vehicle exhaust. The Smoking Vehicle Hotline helps to identify vehicles with excessive emissions, and gives vehicle owners information that will encourage them to make repairs.”

• Report a smoking vehicle by phone: 303-692-3211
• Report a smoking vehicle by email: [email protected]
• Be sure to include the vehicle's license plate number and, if possible, whether it is gasoline- or diesel-powered.

🍫 Beer & Bon Bon Pairing | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

The Pie Queen is bringing her delicious bon bon treats to Bruz! They make for a perfect pairing with Belgian beers. [Congress Park; $20]

🌱 Yoga at City Park | Wednesday | 6:30 p.m.

Join the all-levels practice during golden hour and be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy after class. [City Park; $5-$30 Sliding Scale]

👋 Mayor Hancock Farewell Concert | Wednesday | 7:15 p.m.

Denver’s outgoing mayor is throwing a going away celebration at the Botanic Gardens, headlined by Patti LaBelle. [Cheesman Park; Free]

🚴 ‘The Engine Inside’ Premiere | Thursday | 5:30 p.m.

The feature-length documentary follows six regular people and their journey embracing bicycles. All proceeds will go to advocacy nonprofit Bike Jeffco. [Golden; $10]

Inside the Secret Meeting that Led to the Return of Cops in Schools

In the wake of a March 23 shooting at East High School, thousands of students walked out of class in protest, and the school board started what became an emotionally charged, highly controversial, three-month debate on the possible return of police to Denver Public Schools. They ultimately decided earlier this month that police should be a  “persistent presence” in our schools, but not everyone is happy with that outcome. Host Bree Davies speaks with Board Vice President Aoun’tai Anderson about why the board reversed their 2020 decision to remove police from schools.