⛔ Why did Denver close 2 popular parks?

⚖️ Will the FTC Block the King Soopers/Safeway Merger?

The Federal Trade Commission is attempting to stop the proposed $24.6 billion merger of grocery store supergiants Kroger and Albertsons, citing concerns over raised prices and lost jobs. The case is going before a federal judge in Portland, Oregon, today, with a trial led by our state’s attorney general Phil Weiser scheduled to start here in Colorado next month. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

• The intrigue deepens: Why was Albertsons’ CEO deleting texts with the company's Denver division president? [BoiseDev]

👀 GOP Leader Voted Out (Maybe)

The Colorado Republican Party’s central committee voted on Saturday to remove chairman Dave Williams from his position. While nearly everyone who attended the meeting was in agreement, it was only a fraction of the 400-plus members that make up the committee, leading to some confusion over the legitimacy of the vote. Williams dismissed the meeting as “illegal,” refusing to recognize the results. [CPR]

🚫 City Cites Drugs, Violence for Temporary Closure of 2 Parks

Metal fencing erected around Sonny Lawson and La Alma/Lincoln parks last week will remain in place for at least 30 days. City officials said the temporary closure of Civic Center Park in 2021 and 2022 helped reduce crime, drug use, and vandalism in the area, and they are hoping for similar results. [Denverite]