🧘 First psychedelic therapy center to open this month

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Rights Bill Introduced

A bill that would expand protections for transgender people was introduced in the Capitol on Monday (Transgender Day of Visibility). The bill would make intentionally misgendering someone a violation of anti-discrimination laws, as well as shield parents who allow their children to get gender-affirming care from legal consequences. In response to the bill's introduction, Republican Rep. Brandi Bradley posted on X, "Colorado parents are you ready for the extremists to try and finally take your children for good??" [Colorado Sun; X]

🍄 First Psilocybin Healing Center To Open This Month

The Center Origin will be the first psychedelic-assisted therapy facility to open in Denver when it begins offering services in a few weeks. Visitors to the center at 1440 Blake St. can sign up for what they are calling “preparation, administration, and integration sessions,” as well as yoga, breathwork, massage, aromatherapy, and meditation services. [Denver Post 🔒]

💉 Colorado Confirms First Measles Case

Public health officials confirmed the state’s first measles case since 2023 in a Pueblo man who recently traveled to Mexico. People who have received the MMR vaccine are generally considered immune to measles and public health experts are encouraging everyone to make sure their vaccines are up to date. [CPR, CDPHE]

👪 Denver Population On the Rise

From 2020 to 2024, Denver added 82,000 residents to its population, including 56,500 international immigrants who moved to the Mile High. Every county in the metro area except Jefferson County saw a population increase over the last four years. [Denverite]

• Population trends are complicated – a former state demographer explains how affordability, birthrates, and economics impact the metro area. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

We love when we spot something cool/weird/wacky around Denver. Like having every surface covered in murals and art à la the former Mercury Cafe 👇

Longtime fans of the Mercury Cafe will recognize this hand-painted table from the iconic community hub's "Jungle Room,” where nearly every surface had an artistic touch. While the Merc closed its doors last week after more than 50 years of concerts, brunches, and activist gatherings, the Pearl — a bar, cafe, and event space — has officially taken over the building. Lots of changes are afoot, but the new owners promise to keep the spirit of the Mercury Cafe alive. Stay tuned to the City Cast Denver podcast for an update later this week on the evolution of this legendary space 🔮✨

Have you seen something quirky or curious around town recently? We’d love to see it, too.