Lakewood PD questioned over suspicious death investigation

🔎 Are Police Botching Local Trans Death Investigation?

While investigating the suspicious death of local hairdresser Jax Gratton, Lakewood police deadnamed the trans woman. Although the police chief publicly apologized at Monday’s city council meeting, he didn’t stick around to hear comments or questions from Gratton’s loved ones who are questioning just how seriously officials are taking this case. [Denverite]

🚧 Let the Sidewalk Construction Begin

Construction for Denver’s voter-approved sidewalk repair program could begin in full force before the end of the year if City Council approves contracts — totaling $75 million — with two local construction firms. [Axios Denver]

• How we got here: Long before voters approved the sidewalk repair program, pedestrian advocates had been calling on Denver to address the mobility issue. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🔋 Will Trump Make CO’s Clean Energy Boom Go Bust?

Less than a year ago, Colorado was leading the nation in electric vehicle sales. But as state rebates wind down and the Trump administration cuts back on clean energy incentives at the federal level, will our love affair with EVs come to an end? Two climate reporters dig into EVs' uncertain future, plus share details on other big environmental stories of the summer. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

❌ Coke is Ditching DIA

Coca-Cola is abandoning a $270.7 million agreement with Denver International Airport to build a 570,000-square-feet bottling facility on DIA property. Construction was slated to begin this year, but “unforeseen delays” have prompted the soda manufacturer to look elsewhere for its new plant location. [Denver Post 🔒]

In the last decade, Denver’s dining scene has had a ✨ glow-up ✨ and we’ve got the accolades to prove it. Hungry for a taste? Food festivals are one of the best ways to explore it, with dozens of the area’s hottest chefs and restaurateurs dishing up delicious samples all in one spot. Here are five upcoming local foodie events to get on your calendar ASAP. Happy feasting!

The Big Eat

Date: July 24

Ticket price: $95

Details: More than 70 of Denver’s most popular and award-winning restaurants are slated to participate in this celebration at the Denver Performing Art Complex to benefit nonprofit member organization EatDenver.

SURF, The Denver Seafood Championship

Date: July 31

Ticket price: $150+

Details: Brought to you by the festival masterminds behind Top Taco, Chicken Fight!, and RARE Steak Championship, McGregor Square will host Denver’s first SURF seafood competition featuring 20 of the Mile High’s top seafood-centric restaurants.

Sabor

Date: Aug. 1

Ticket price: $200+

Details: This “gastronomic extravaganza” is a fundraising event held annually at the Denver Botanic Gardens to celebrate the local Hispanic restaurant community, complete with live music, entertainment, and 35 participating restaurants.

Chicken Fight!

Date: Aug. 21

Ticket price: $89+

Details: Wings, tenders, sandwiches — however you prefer your chicken, you’re in for a finger-lickin’ good time at this chicken competition at Elitch Gardens spotlighting more than 40 local restaurants.

Denver Brunchfest

Date: Aug. 23

Ticket price: $101.27+

Details: Don’t miss this annual foodie favorite dishing up waffles, breakfast sammies, and Bloody Marys on the Tivoli Quad for a bottomless brunch like no other.