🕯️ The origins of Día de los Muertos

⚖️ Trump Trial Begins in Denver

A blockbuster trial against Donald Trump began in Denver on Monday. The court will decide whether or not the former president can appear on Colorado ballots in 2024. The lawsuit against him alleges that he should be disqualified under the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding office. [CO Newsline]

❌ Safe Injection Site Proposal Killed Again

On Monday, a state legislative committee passed four bills aimed at reducing and preventing overdose deaths, but stopped short yet again of advancing a proposal to authorize safe-injection sites for drug users. The committee reportedly opted against the proposal after Gov. Polis’ office said last week that the governor would most likely veto the bill. [Denver Post 🔒]

⚰️ Family Sues Shady Funeral Home

A family is suing the Penrose funeral home that authorities recently discovered has been improperly storing bodies for years. Not only were the owners “allowing bodies to rot,” it appears they were fabricating cremation records and distributing fake ashes. [AP via CO Sun]

💸 Council Approves Major Budget Amendments

City Council agreed to add $17 million in amendments to Mayor Johnston’s 2024 budget proposal — a pretty big deal considering last year the council only made one $1.1 million amendment, and the year before it didn’t pass any. The mayor does have the authority to veto council’s amendments, BUT with enough votes, the council could then override the veto. [Denverite]

• What else should you know about the budget? We had Axios reporter Alayna Alvarez on the show to break down what’s in the draft and what’s next in the process. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

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

🏙️ Rayna really enjoyed our episode about saving Denver’s nightlife and wrote in to say:

• “From 16-18, I was blessed to have places like Leela's Cafe and Paris on the Platte … damn if they didn't give me a sense of pride and belonging in my city. Now that I'm 31, I still mourn for places where the main goal isn't buying alcohol. We need these spaces not just for minors, but for rich community building. Thanks for this episode! It helped me remember so many great memories hanging out downtown and gave me some hope for returning that spirit back to Denver.”

🍽️ Dan K. graciously wrote in to add some important context to the Denver dining statistics I shared last week:

• “That restaurant inflation figure sent me reeling! My first thought was, ‘Good lord, is the average Denver diner eating Izakaya for every single meal??' Thankfully, it appears that the $112.95 number is average restaurant spending over a two-week period, rather than in a single meal. Phew!”

📍 Responding to a recent poll that said 42% of Coloradans think we’re part of the Midwest, Angela. says:

• “As a recovering Midwesterner, you guys made my day when Tim said, ‘They got ranch, we got chiles.’ And I'll tell you what, I will take the green chilies every single day! But I agree, we're totally part of the West, not the Midwest.”

🦁 Free Zoo Day Tix Release | Wednesday | Noon

Sign up TODAY to snag tickets for the Denver Zoo’s final free admission day of the season on Wednesday, November 12. [City Park; Free]

🕯️ Día de los Muertos Celebration | Wednesday | 5-8 p.m.

Build your own ofrenda or help decorate a community altar at La Raza Park. [Sunnyside; Free]

🪶 Native American Heritage Month Celebration | Thursday | 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy traditional Indigenous food, art, and dance at Anythink Wright Farms Library. [Thornton; Free]

💀 Sugar Skull Decorating | Thursday | 6-8 p.m.

Decorate a calavera and celebrate Día de los Muertos at Cervecería Colorado. [Highland; $12-$15]

Your Guide to November in Denver

From a road trip to find the perfect latte to after-hours exploring at museums across the Mile High, we’ve rounded up the ultimate guide for a great November!