🪧 King Soopers strike starts Thursday

🪧 King Soopers Strike Set to Start Thursday

More than 10,000 employees at 77 King Soopers stores across metro Denver and the Front Range are planning to kick off a two-week strike Thursday morning after union reps and the grocery chain failed to agree on new contract terms this month. [CO Sun]

• Flashback: King Soopers union employees held a 10-day strike in 2022. We hit the picket lines to hear from the workers themselves. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏙️ New Mall, New Name?

Following rumors first reported by City Cast Denver last summer, the Downtown Denver Partnership continues to hint at the potential renaming of 16th Street Mall — likely dropping the word “mall” — as part of the shopping strip’s big renovation and rebrand scheduled to debut this summer. [Axios Denver]

• Fun fact: Before Denver switched to a numbered grid system for its streets, 16th Street was called G Street. [KDVR]

🥊 Mayor Mike vs. Mayor Mike

Amid the Trump administration’s rollout of a new, tougher approach on immigration, tensions between Denver and Aurora are reaching a fever pitch. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman told The Denver Post his relationship with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is “not good,” and that he doesn’t trust him. Coffman and Johnston have been arguing in the press recently over issues revolving around the recent influx of newcomers to the metro area. [Denver Post 🔒]

Valentine’s Day is next Friday and we’re looking for the most “Denver” way to celebrate. So we asked you all for your best Denver date night ideas, and you didn’t disappoint 💝 😍 Here were some of our favorite suggestions!

💆 Relax and Unwind

Rebecca S. suggests keeping dinner low-key by trying out a new recipe together at home, before unwinding from the week with a Recovery Restore class at Yoga Box in the Highlands. Then, stroll over to Spuntino to end the evening with a post-yoga treat of olive oil ice cream. “Stretching together is just as intimate as sharing a glass of wine together,” Rebecca says.

🍷 Dinner and a Show Downtown

Kristina C.’s ideal Denver date would start with a scooter ride along the South Platte River as you make your way to Union Station for an early evening cocktail at Terminal Bar before cruising over to Denver Center for the Performing Arts for the latest Broadway show. Relive the best moments over a steak dinner at The Capital Grille on Larimer Square. And if you’re feeling up for a night cap, pop next door to the Emerald Eye for a late-night cocktail.

⛸️ Get Outside and Active

Jen K. recommends making the most of the season by skiing or ice skating at the Ruby Hill Rail Yard. (The park is open all day long, and equipment rental is free on Fridays from 4-9 p.m.) Then, make your way over toward Civic Center to slow things down with a live show at Curious Theatre. Top the night off with a cocktail or mocktail somewhere of your choosing!

💘 Bonus Recs:

• Veronica R. suggests Angelo’s Taverna for dinner, followed by Don’s Club Tavern down the block for a night cap.
• Colleen A. is adamant that Wildflower in the Highlands is “the most romantic restaurant in Denver!” (She’d know — she had her wedding there!)
• According to this recent Yelp ranking, Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club is Denver’s most romantic restaurant (and I can’t say I disagree).