✨ What happens when Taylor Swift comes to town?

👞 Crocs in Court

A former employee of the Broomfield-based clogmaker, who also happens to be the son of Crocs’ former CEO, allegedly stole trade secrets and brought them to the Denver-based Crocs competitor Joybees before becoming their CEO. The two companies are now suing and countersuing each other, with Joybees claiming that Crocs has cost them more than $1.6 million by pressuring retailers not to carry their eerily Crocs-like clogs. [BusinessDen 🔒]

✨ Taylor Swift Enters Her Denver Era

The global pop megastar is playing two sold out shows at Empower Field this weekend, and the city is abuzz. RTD is running special buses and trains for fans. Stadium officials are asking non-ticket holders to refrain from “Taygating” outside in the parking lot. And even Gov. Jared Polis is getting in on the fun. [Westword; 9News]

💈 This Instagram Account is Now a Barber Shop

The Denver Foos Instagram has amassed tens of thousands of local followers by sharing memes and videos showcasing Mile High’s unique urban culture. Now, the brothers behind the account — Ben and Abe Gallegos — have opened their own Denver Foos barber shop in Ruby Hill. “It just goes back to trying to preserve our community,” Ben told Denverite. “I could go into any of the new development areas and open up a barbershop, but this made sense. This is right on Feds.” [Denverite]

• What is a Denver Foo? Ben Gallegos broke it down for us on City Cast Denver last year.

🏙️ Can Mike Johnston Bring Denver’s Mojo Back?

Between downtown’s “hellhole” problem and our housing woes, Westword editor Patty Calhoun thinks Denver has lost its mojo. So with mayor-elect Johnston set to be inaugurated on Monday, she’s back on the show to offer some ideas for how he could help get it back.  [City Cast Denver 🎧]

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

💵 Following our recent podcast episode on tipping, one anonymous listener called in to say:

• “I don't really understand all the ragging on Casa Bonita's change to hourly wage. They obviously tried to do tipping and people weren't tipping. So they're doing the right thing by the employees. Don't really get the outrage.”

💵 Also on the topic of tipping, Alex from Sloan’s Lake adds:

• “I appreciate your interest in tipping, and I think you might find the people that don't want to tip have a similar interest in the same outcome. We want people to have a good wage, a living wage.”

♻️ After hearing our recent conversation on Denver’s new composting program, reader Robin Z. with the Denver Urban Gardens wrote in to say:

• “In partnership with DOTI, DUG is able to leverage its Master Composters program to go into underserved communities — many in Denver’s ‘inverted L’ — to teach residents 1) how to take advantage of the city’s program, and also 2) how to compost on their own using any number of methods. The second helps us compost items that can’t necessarily go in the city bins.”

🍋 Following our recent podcast episode on Denver’s beverage scene, Josh K. wanted to share this tasty tidbit:

• “I've been drinking cold brew coffee with lemonade in it, and I am totally hooked. It started from a recommendation from the Starbucks app. [At first], I thought ‘Gross!’ But I tried it and it was pretty good. Now I'm brewing cold brew at home, mixing in a couple fingers of lemonade, and it is great.”

🌲 Laser Light Show | Wednesday | Noon-4 p.m.

Pay for a day pass to the International Church of Cannabis and get admission to the world-famous BEYOND Laser Light experience, plus access to the retro arcade lounge. [Wash Park West; $10-40]

🎙️ Mixed Taste: James Baldwin & Sneaker Culture | Wednesday | 7 p.m.

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s regular mix-and-match speaker series is back at the Holiday Theater, featuring speakers Roberto Montoya and past City Cast Denver guest Ben Chavez. [Highlands; $5-20]

🪷 Yoga at City Park, Sunset Edition | Wednesday | 6:30 p.m.

Meet on the west side of the park for an hour of yoga, picnicking, and good vibes. [City Park; Suggested donation]

💘 Gay Men Speed Dating | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

Stop swiping and start speed dating at Hamburger Mary’s with local matchmaking service Denver’s Cupid. [City Park West; $20]

Big Ideas for How Mike Johnston Can Bring Denver's Mojo Back

We know mayor-elect Mike Johnston wants to hit the ground running on housing and public safety after he’s inaugurated on Monday, but what else should he do? Westword editor Patty Calhoun is on the podcast today to offer her ideas for Mayor Mike.