🚘 Why Uber is suing Colorado

🇺🇸 Why Phil Weiser Thinks He Should Be CO’s Next Governor

Recently, Attorney General Phil Weiser announced that he was entering the race for governor … in 2026. So we asked the AG himself to explain why he’s kicking off his campaign so early and share insights into his fights against bad landlords, youth vaping, the opioid crisis, and more. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🚘 Uber Is Suing Colorado

Two new state laws intended to improve worker protections and transparency for rideshare drivers are slated to go into effect next month. But Uber is suing Colorado over claims that the legislation will infringe on the company’s constitutional right to freedom of expression.

• Sick of Uber and Lyft? Check out Colorado’s new driver-owned rideshare app, Co-Op Colorado. [Westword]

💉 Mayor Vetoes Needle Exchange Expansion

One day after City Council approved the measure in an 8-5 vote, Mayor Mike Johnston vetoed a proposal that would have lifted the city's cap on needle exchange programs and allowed them to open within 1,000 feet of a school. Johnston called the proposal the "wrong solution at the wrong time." Council would need nine votes to override his decision. [Denverite]

🐾 The New Wolves Are Here

Wildlife officials have released a second round of 10 gray wolves as part of the state’s reintroduction efforts. The program has been divisive to say the least. Out of safety concerns for the wolves and CPW employees, authorities are not revealing the location of the release site.

• Ranchers aren’t happy: A Facebook group called Colorado Wolf Tracker is trying to suss out information on its own by using live flight tracking software and staging stakeouts. [CO Sun]

Hey loyal readers and listeners. We love hearing from you! Got a question about something going on in the city? A spicy take on a trending topic? Commentary on a recent podcast episode or newsletter? We want to hear it 💌 Here’s the latest from the inbox:

🎪 An Indoor Fair with Urban Flair

Do you have your tickets to HEYDAY yet? Local drag superstar Miss Jessica (aka Jessica L’Whor) is going to be there:

• “I'll be on the grand stage at HEYDAY doing my all-ages, family-friendly drag set! It's [going to be] a great opportunity to network and support local. Make sure to come and see me on Saturday March 8. Get your tickets by visiting heydaydenver.com. It’s gonna be tons of fun. Hope to see you there!”

🥾 Outdoor Recreation Classes

We recently shared our favorite local classes and workshops for those of us hoping to hone a new skill in the new year. Danielle R. wanted to help round out our list of outdoor rec options:

• “REI offers both paid and free classes. Also the Colorado Mountain Club is great for both enhancing your skills and socializing with like minded people.”

🍹 Denver’s Best Mocktails

Are you doing Dry January? Andrea P. is looking for Denver’s best mocktails. Here are a few places she’d recommend:

• “I don't mean ‘virgin’ cocktails. I mean delicious drinks that don't have alcohol as an ingredient. A couple [places I’ve gone] that are really good: Safta. They told me the bartenders make their own cardamom simple syrup. It was delicious. And Traveling Mercies. I let the bartender know I wanted a non-alcoholic drink and that I really like gin and tonics, and she made me something wonderful.”
  
  Psst! Also check out our recs for booze-free fun in Denver!

🏔️ What’s Your ‘Toxic Colorado Trait’?

I’ll go first: I talk way too much about cool hikes I’ve done, and I never leave the house without my giant waterbottle 😆

• “I smoke weed in public.” — Anonymous, Platt Park
• “The rage I feel at Texas license plates. I tamp it down, but I still feel it.” — Ryan B.
• “Loungewear ANYWHERE. The mall, the grocery store, even the Brown Palace. If it doesn't stretch, it doesn't make the cut. Sorry, not sorry.” — Lee, Highlands
• “Road rage. Have you been on I-25 lately? It's a wasteland. No one ever learned about blinkers or the speed limit?” — Emily, Highlands Ranch/Littleton