⚖️ No more secrets for CO lawmakers

🚏 RTD Service Changes You Should Know About

Even though the start of September marked the end of RTD’s free fare summer program, bus and light rail rides will continue to be free for youth under the age of 19 now through next August as part of a pilot program to encourage young people to take public transit. Additionally, there are some route changes that went into effect over the weekend that will impact service on routes 16, 65, 121, 120E/120W, and GS. School trip services are also back for the season. [Denverite]

⚖️ No More Secret Lawmaker Meetings

Democratic and Republican House leaders have agreed to settle a lawsuit filed against them by state Reps. Elisabeth Epps and Bob Marshall (both Democrats) earlier this summer. The suit sought to ban secret meetings and the use of auto-deleting messaging apps among House lawmakers in order to improve transparency and foster better trust from the community. The settlement is pending court approval. [CPR]

🗣️ ‘Micro-community’ Critics Speak Out

A few weeks ago, Mayor Mike Johston released a list of potential sites around the city on which he hopes to build temporary “micro-communities” that will shelter people experiencing homelessness. Since then he’s received blowback not only from neighbors of potential sites who are worried about drug use, increased crime, and depressed property values, but also homeless advocates who argue this plan is wasting money on a short-term solution, when funds would be better spent on long-term housing. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Voice your opinion: There are still six public town hall meetings — which can be attended in person or virtually — scheduled for this month where Denverites can offer their feedback on the situation.

📽️ Youth Documentary Academy Screening | Thursday | 6:30 p.m.

The Sie FilmCenter is proud to host the Colorado-based Youth Documentary Academy for a special screening of their four award-winning shorts spotlighting young voices on challenging topics including mental health, diversity, and immigration. [Congress Park; Free; Registration required]

🍽️ Shake + Brake Showdown | Thursday | 7-10 p.m.

Part of the 2023 Denver Food + Wine Festival, you can indulge in all-you-can-drink beverages from local bartenders and signature bites from Denver’s most popular food trucks, then vote for your favorite at this friendly food and booze competition. [Auraria; $70]

🎤 Comedy Night Special | Thursday | 7-11 p.m.

Help Monkey Barrel celebrate 10 years of local brews with a comedy night special featuring local comics, signature cocktails, giveaways, and good vibes. [Sunnyside; Free to attend]

The Buzzy New Vietnamese Spot, CBD Coffee is Back, and Our Bakery Recs

Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, the team digs into the latest local food and booze news! After Denver’s newest Vietnamese restaurant Sap Sua landed on Bon Appétit’s list of “most anticipated restaurants in the country,” local foodies awaited the opening with bated breath, but can it thrive in the (possibly) “cursed” Lowenstein Theater building? Plus, an update on common consumption, a new CBD cafe, and Denver’s piping hot pastry scene.