⛽ Why are gas prices going up?

⛽ Brace Your Wallet for Gas Price Surge

Denver drivers will pay the price for the state’s poor air quality. In response to Colorado’s repeated violations of federal ozone standards, the EPA is requiring all nine Front Range counties to sell a cleaner “reformulated” fuel blend during peak ozone season, June 1 through September 15. The switch could cost drivers up to 60 cents more per gallon. [Axios Denver]

🫶 Community Rallies Around Victims of Verbal Attack

City officials have no way of identifying the anonymous “Zoom bomber” who yelled racial slurs at two Black elementary students during a city council meeting. But the local community has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money to buy the yurt the students were requesting from city leaders. [Westword]

🔎 Council Launches Civil Service Commission Investigation

Did the mayor instruct officials to lower the standards for hiring Denver police officers? According to the woman in charge of hiring first responders, yes. But after voicing that allegation she was fired, and questions about DPD’s recruitment policies remain. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Last week’s answer: This art installation can be found along the Cherry Creek bike trail between Larimer and Lawrence streets.

🎩 A tip of the hat to our correct guessers:

• Lauren H. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• But Megan K., Holly H., Lo S., Debbie V., Jessica F., Russel H., Andy J., and Noah C. weren’t far behind!
• Extra special shoutout to reader Morgan D. for sending in this week’s photo! 👏

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do YOU know where this trippy wall mural is located? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

• 💡Hint: It’s somewhere in the RiNo / Five Points area. When you’re done admiring the art, you can pop inside for a burger and a milkshake 🍔

✨ Thanks to reader Steph D. for submitting this week’s pic!

📸 Want to submit a photo? Send me a snapshot of somewhere in Denver, and I’ll consider it for an upcoming photo trivia segment!

Police Hiring Scandal, Speed Trap Bonanza, and a Stuffed Raccoon

Mayor Mike Johnston promised to fill dozens of open positions on the Denver police force. But this week, after the head of the Civil Service Commission made allegations that officials were lowering the standards for law enforcement applicants, she was fired. DPD is still short many officers and questions remain around its hiring practices. The City Cast Denver crew digs into that drama and more news of the week.