🚏 Is an RTD overhaul imminent?

🏨 A Single Remaining Newcomer Shelter

City officials announced plans this week to close all but one of its remaining shelters for newcomers from Central and South America. Services will now be consolidated at one former hotel-turned-shelter in northwest Denver. The decision comes as arrival numbers slow down and city leaders pivot toward a “long-term programmatic” response model. [CO Sun]

• But also: The announcement follows the recent circulation of a video showing city officials warning new arrivals that there are no more resources or opportunities left here for them. [9News]

🚏 Big Changes For Public Transit

Charging rental cars to fund a passenger rail, overhauling RTD’s board structure — these are just a few options on the table as Governor Polis and key democrats look to reshape public transit across the Front Range. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏺 Looted Mexican Artifacts

An auction house and art gallery in Louisville is standing its ground against the Mexican government which is demanding the repatriation of several allegedly stolen artifacts and antiquities. The gallery owner says the pieces came from the estate of a deceased collector, and ultimately, private dealers have no legal obligation to adhere to Mexican legislation. [Denver Post]

• Why it matters: Museums, art galleries, and collectors across the country are facing a mounting pressure to reassess and purge their collections of cultural items that may have been illegally obtained. Listen to “how looters and liars propped up the Denver Art Museum.” [City Cast Denver 🎧]

On Monday, April 8, people across the country will be collectively craning their necks to look up toward the sky for a can’t-miss celestial spectacle: a total solar eclipse. For the lucky folks who will fall under the eclipse’s “path of totality,” they’ll be plunged into darkness for as long as 4 minutes in some places. David Baron, a Boulder-based author, describes the experience to CPR:

Everywhere not within the 115-mile path of totality, including Colorado, won’t get quite as spectacular of a show, but here’s what you can expect:

Will It Be Visible From Denver?

Some of it. While Colorado is not in the path of totality, on Monday we’ll at least still be privy to a 65% partial eclipse that will begin at approximately 11:28 a.m. and hit maximum coverage at about 12:40 p.m. The weather in Denver is forecasted to be drizzly and cloudy — not ideal for eclipse-viewing, unfortunately. Also, don’t hold your breath for total darkness, but it will get slightly dimmer. You can expect the sun to look something like this 👇

If you want to experience the full eclipse, scientists from the National Science Foundation’s National Solar Observatory (based in Boulder) will be livestreaming the event from Texas. And hey, if you miss this one, you only have to wait 21 years when Colorado is scheduled to have its turn in the path of totality.

Do I Need Eye Protection?

YES, ABSOLUTELY. And regular sunglasses won’t cut it. You’ll need special eclipse glasses that comply with international safety standards. You might still have time to purchase some online from verified sellers, or you can check your local hardware store, library, museum, or astronomical organization.

Hey loyal readers and listeners. We love to hear from you! Got a question about something going on in the city? A spicy take on a trending topic? A dynamite food, drink, or show recommendation? We want to know 💌

☕ Johnson’s Corner

In the Johnson’s Corner vs. Buc-ee’s debate, Dawn L. wrote in to say:

• “Johnson’s Corner used to be amazing — the cinnamon rolls were fantastic and the biscuits and gravy made me weak in the knees. The waitstaff never cared that my husband and I were hardly awake or that my kids were stuffing pancakes in their mouths while syrup went everywhere. They always served us with a smile, extra crayons, and fresh coffee whether we showed up at 5 a.m. or 10 a.m. … It just hasn't been the same since it was sold.”

🍕 Denver: A Pizza City?

A recent real estate report named Denver THE pizza city of America. Tiney R. doesn’t disagree:

• “I totally agree Denver is a pizza city! I probably wouldn't fight my cousins in the Northeast about it, but I feel like pizza-by-the-slice especially is a Denver specialty — Hello Benny Blanco's and Atomic Cowboy.”

💩 Dog Poop Problems

Regarding the ever-present problem of too much dog poop in the dog park, this listener has an idea:

• “Karma poops. We've all been there. We've all had a time you couldn't scoop; you didn't have a plastic bag. So when you do have a bag and there's like 10 poops on the ground between your dog and the trash can, just fill that bag up, and the people around you will appreciate it. And you'll feel like you're actually getting something [out of] your plastic bag.”

Is Governor Polis Trying To Take Over RTD?

Governor Polis is keen on getting a passenger rail along the Front Range — but a project that big could have serious implications on RTD. Plus, how the rail is funded and how constituents across the state could be impacted is another story. CPR reporter Andy Kenney and former State Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll join us for a deep dive into Colorado’s next era of transportation.