☔ Could it be a drought-free summer?

🌊 Colorado is (Currently) Drought-Free!

It’s the middle of summer and normally this time of year Colorado is on wildfire watch, but this year, the U.S. Drought Monitor reports that Colorado is completely drought-free for the first time since July 2019. It’s thanks to all this nonstop rain we’ve been experiencing, which by the way, has metro Denver beating Seattle in year-to-date precipitation! [CO Sun]

🌿 Local Marijuana Sales are Crashing

According to data from the city, annual marijuana sales in Denver dropped 22% from 2021 to 2022, the largest dip since legalization. The decrease in revenue also means a decrease in marjiuana tax collection, 5% of which goes into the city’s general fund. Industry experts say the downturn can be credited to a drop in tourism, dispensary competition, and an increase in minimum wage and marijuana regulations. [9News]

• 🔎 Take a closer look: This isn’t a new trend though — legal weed sales have been falling. That’s why last July we had local cannabis business expert Ricardo Baca on the City Cast Denver podcast to talk about what’s happening to an industry that once seemed so limitless. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

💰 New I-70 Toll Fees Begin Tomorrow

Beginning tomorrow, drivers who use the express lane on the new stretch of Interstate 70 that runs from Brighton Boulevard to Chambers Road will accrue toll fees. Up until now — amid ongoing construction and a trial period — use of the lane was free. Rates will depend on the time of day, traffic, and whether or not a driver has an ExpressToll transponder. Some residents of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea — the neighborhoods the highway runs directly through — are eligible for toll credits and free transit passes. [Denverite]

🍣 Yoga, Sake, and Sushi | Monday | 6-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a 60-minute vinyasa yoga class, then cap it off with sake and sushi every Monday. [RiNo; Pay-what-you-can]

💚 CHOW Mental Health Meeting | Monday | 6-7 p.m.

CHOW welcomes chefs, servers, bartenders, and all others in the hospitality industry to participate in a safe, supportive conversation around mental health. [Virtual / La Alma-Lincoln Park; Free]

🎤 Free Comedy | Monday | 8 p.m.

Shake off the Monday blues with a free stand-up comedy show at Irish Rover. Plus, enjoy $1 burger sliders until 10 p.m. and drink specials all night. [Baker; Free]

Why Aren’t Denver Teens Working Anymore?

School’s out and summer’s in, so where are all the lifeguards, camp counselors, and other young seasonal employees? The Colorado Sun recently reported that fewer teenagers are taking up summer jobs these days. So today on the City Cast Denver podcast, host Bree Davies sits down with our own official teen correspondent Shana Saint-Phard to get her take on the big question: Why aren’t teens working anymore?