💰 Is the governor’s bridge a bad idea?

🗳️ Douglas County Voters Reject Home Rule

Despite County Commissioners saying a home rule charter would give the county more control and independence from the state legislature, voters rejected the measure in Tuesday's special election by a notable margin. Opposition to the measure argued that the process was rushed and raised skepticism of the political motivations behind the push. [The Colorado Sun]

🚊 RTD Hesitantly Agree to Explore New Passenger Rail

RTD directors have tentatively approved the creation of a committee to develop a plan for a Front Range passenger rail line from Denver to Fort Collins. Several committee members have indicated that their continued support depends on how much it will cost to use BNSF Railway’s freight line for the future train. [Denver Post 🔒]

🌉 What’s the Deal With Gov. Polis’ Big Bridge Idea?

Gov. Polis wants to build a walkway from the steps of the Capitol to Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park. The massive project is set to coincide with the state’s 150th birthday next year — but is it just a vanity project to secure the governor’s legacy? 9News’ Kyle Clark dug in to find out more about who wants this bridge, who would pay for it, and if Coloradans have any say in the matter. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🧬 Potential Victim of C.B.I.’s Mishandling of Evidence Prepares to Sue

Andrea Shelton claims her father, Alan Phillips, was wrongfully convicted of double murder based on the fabricated evidence and testimony of C.B.I.’s former forensic scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods. Shelton’s lawyers are preparing for a civil lawsuit after Phillips died by suicide following his sentencing. [Mehr Jolly, PLLC]

• Woods currently faces over 100 felony charges related to accusations of mishandling over 1,000 cases in her career. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

It’s always a good month when some of our favorite restaurants come back to life! Check out the latest in Denver’s dining scene:

New to the Scene

El Chingon | 722 Santa Fe Drive (La Alma Lincoln Park)

Opened June 19

El Chingon is now serving in the former location of El Noa Noa, known for one of the best patios in the city and its proximity to First Friday celebrations. Swing by the next time that margarita and taco craving hits!

Chicken N Pickle | 14225 Lincoln Street (Thornton)

Opened June 24

This restaurant and pickleball court combo will have you work up an appetite and help quench it! In addition to fried chicken options, diners can also get wood-fired rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, and smoked wings.

Lucky Bird and Konjo Ethiopian Food | 1800 Wazee Street (Union Station)

Opened June 18

The two newest vendors inside Milk Market are Lucky Bird and Konjo Ethiopian Food, which also both have locations at the Edgewater Public Market. Konjo serves up vegan and gluten-free Ethiopian staples like tibs and sambusas, while Lucky Bird offers saucy chicken tenders, sandwiches, and wraps.

Returning Faves

Lucky Noodles | 1201 E 1st Avenue (Speer)

Open now

This cozy spot for Thai dishes closed up its Colfax location six months ago and recently reopened in the old Senor Burritos space just off South Broadway, where there’s guaranteed to be plenty of hungry movie and concert goers!

Benzina | 4938 E Colfax (South Park Hill)

Open now

After a few months of uncertainty, this Italian joint housed in a gorgeous Googie-style former gas station is open again and hopefully for the longhaul. With a revamped menu — including what they are calling “pocketbook friendly prices” — the spot will focus on pizza, pasta, and appetizers.

Garibaldi Mexican Bistro | 3298 S Broadway (Englewood)

Open now

This Mexican takeaway spot attached to gas station was seized by the City of Englewood last month for back taxes, but has apparently worked out a deal with the city and was able to reopen while dealing with their debt. Head back in to enjoy their nopales rellenos (stuffed cactus leaves), quesadillas, and more.

Noodles Express | 703 S Colorado Boulevard (Belcaro)

Reopened June 14

Known for its tasty Szechuan cuisine, this dine-in or takeout restaurant is hanging on as the Belcaro Shopping Center where it is housed may be developed into housing and retail if current plans go through.

• 🥡 Pull up a chair: The City Cast Denver podcast crew took a multicourse meal tour of the yummy Noodles Express menu with Westword food and drink editor Molly Martin.

Last Chance to Visit

Middleman | 3401 E Colfax (Congress Park)

Closing end of June

After seven years on Colfax, this neighborhood favorite just down the street from the Bluebird Theater will close its doors this weekend. Chef Bo Porytko — whose Misfit Snack Bar served up delicious eats at Middleman — told Westword that the bar’s revenue was down 50% from last year, due in large part to ongoing Bus Rapid Transit construction along the strip that made accessing the watering hole increasingly difficult.

RIP

• Noisette | 3254 Navajo Street (Highland)
• Cervecería Colorado | 1635 Platte Street (Highland)
• Breakfast Inn | 6135 E Evans Avenue (Virginia Village)
• Frank the Pizza King | 4701 S Broadway (Englewood)