😵‍💫 Why Denver’s air is so smoky

💬 Local Politicians React to Biden Announcement

After weeks of tense conversation, President Joe Biden officially announced on Sunday that he was bowing out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. While most Dems were supportive, Colorado Congressional District 3 candidate Adam Frisch told CPR, "I think it only helps whoever the candidate is going to be to go through a competitive process," alluding to an open primary. [Colorado Public Radio]

✔️ Mayor Johnston on One Year in Office

With one year down and three to go, how is Mayor Johnston feeling about his approach to homelessness, the ongoing issue of affordable housing, and the newcomer situation? He answered these questions himself. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🔥 Wildfires Carrying Smoke into Denver

You may have noticed smoky skies and a particular smell in the air the past few days. That’s a result of wildfire smoke from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington pushing hazy winds over the Denver area. The smoke is expected to linger this week, so consider limiting your time outdoors. [9News]

🏗️ City Council to Consider Kroenke’s Downtown Expansion

The Community Planning Board last week approved billionaire Stan Kroenke's proposal to rezone roughly 70 acres of land to expand downtown Denver. The project would include converting about 55 acres of the Ball Arena parking lots into around 6,000 housing units along with hotels, office space, and venues. City Council will review the project before being passed onto the South Platte River Committee on Aug. 14. [Denverite]

• Dive deeper: The City Cast Denver podcast sat down with two experts last year to dig into Kroenke’s vision for Ball Arena and the City’s sports teams. [City Cast Denver 🎧]
  

🤑 CO Has Fourth Highest Home Insurance Costs

Inflation, higher costs for building materials and labor, and extreme weather caused by climate change are all factors in home insurance premiums spiking 30% to 130% in the past few years. Denver homeowners on average paid 51% more than other counties across the U.S. [Axios]

Mayor Johnston on One Year in Office, a Housing Tax, and Why He Gets a B+

A year after his official inauguration, how is Mayor Mike Johnston handling the task of leading the City of Denver? City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sat down with the mayor in front of a live audience for a look back at his first year.