♨️ Is your favorite hot springs at risk?

🫏 Will Local Dems Help Slow Down Trump?

There’s a big budget fight happening in Washington – again. It’s proven to be the latest test for the Democrats, including Colorado’s predominantly Blue delegation. Do you go along to get along, like some of our representatives did on the vote to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas)? Or do you say no, like Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper did to the Republicans’ latest spending proposal? [Denver Post 🔒]

• What’s Next? Trump’s Education Department still has enough funding to investigate DEI programs at 50 universities across the country, including University of Colorado.
• Where do you stand? Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez just scheduled a rally in Civic Center Park for March 21.

🌮 Hotshot Chef Opens New, Bigger Spot in Cherry Creek

All the new business attention is on Cherry Creek these days, and Denver’s buzziest chef is following the money. Today, Johnny Curiel and his business partner slash wife Kasie are opening Alteño, “an ode to his father and the beachside meals they enjoyed growing up,” inside Clayton Hotel & Members Club. [BusinessDen 🔒]

• The Clayton What Club? We were curious about all of Denver’s new private members clubs and took a tour of The Clayton last year. So what goes on in there?

♨️ Are Our Hot Springs at Risk?

Gov. Jared Polis is very excited about harvesting clean geothermal energy from Colorado’s wealth of hot water underground. But hot springs resort owners from all over the state were in town recently to protest. Is there enough hot water to go around? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🗣️ Mixed Reviews for the Mayor’s Next Big Idea

Mayor Mike Johnston held his first of many planned town halls last Wednesday to build support for the big Vibrant Denver bond he wants voters to approve in November. He doesn’t have a dollar amount in mind yet; these town halls are also meant to collect ideas from residents for projects they’d like to see. The downtown neighbors were divided, and one angry neighbor almost had to be escorted out. [Westword]

• Last time on Mayor Mike’s First Term: Voters narrowly rejected Johnston’s proposal to increase sales taxes to fund affordable housing last November by a vote of 50.5%-49.5%.

It’s that time of year again, where you might need a coat at 10 a.m. and be in short sleeves by noon. So where are the best spots to grab a cozy chair — or a cold drink — when the weather’s especially temperamental? Here are our picks!

☕ Stella’s Coffee Haus

This coffee/beer-and-wine spot (they’re open until 10 p.m.) on South Pearl is beloved by college kids and neighbors alike — including me. I (Lizzie) am actually penning this article in Stella’s brick-lined side room. And I gotta say, Stella’s is all about the cozy vibes, offering living-room-style rooms and a patio with heated seating and big red umbrellas.

🍵 Thin Man and St. Mark's Coffee House

It’s the best of both worlds at these side-by-side establishments on 17th Ave. Get your coffee and coziness at St. Mark’s, and a funky, friendly atmosphere and tasty drinks at the Thin Man neighborhood bar. Both local institutions share a patio, an owner, and a welcoming space for all seasons.

🪵 Forest Room 5

This eclectic lounge and tapas bar goes all in on the kitschy, woodsy atmosphere, whether you’re sitting inside on one of the wooden benches across from the bear statue, or on a stump in the back surrounded by crackling fires and a trickling stream. A Highland classic.

🍻 Joyride Brewing

Literally a stone’s throw from Sloan’s Lake, this Edgewater staple boasts spectacular rooftop views, food trucks, and a fabulous, wood-filled downstairs taproom. Try their award-winning Kölsch beer, and consider the elephant – Roger. He was the main attraction at the amusement park that used to be on the shores of that beautiful lake you’re looking at.