⚽ Pressure’s on for Denver’s new stadium

🧑‍⚖️ Former Jam Band Scene Fixture Jay Bianchi Found Guilty

A Denver jury has convicted Jay Bianchi — the former owner of several popular Deadhead bars — on five counts of felony sex offenses involving multiple victims. The jury could not reach a verdict on several other charges though, which involved claims of assault and alleged drugging. Bianchi is being held without bond until sentencing, which is scheduled for January 23. [Westword]

• A long time coming: Bianchi was first arrested in April 2024 after two of his victims came forward with their experiences. His three-week trial began last month. We spoke with members of the jam band community a few years ago when the allegations first surfaced.

✏️ School Board Member Censured for ‘Belittling’ Behavior

In a rare move, the Denver school board agreed (5-1) to censure member John Youngquist last Thursday following a recent independent investigation that found he was “belittling, dismissive, and condescending” toward district staff. In statements last month, Youngquist called the investigation’s findings retaliatory and said he planned to take legal action “at the appropriate time.” [Chalkbeat]

• Catch up: The investigation was spurred by DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero earlier this year, who said he believed Youngquist “consistently demonstrated” patterns of hostility and racism.

💭 Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore on Nuclear Power, the Peña Blvd Debate, and Mayor Mike

From the future construction of the Denver American Indian Cultural Embassy to a new study looking into the widening of Peña Boulevard, Denver’s District 11 has a lot going on these days. Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore digs into the details of these big projects and shares her thoughts on the mayor’s layoffs, DIA’s potential for nuclear power, and more. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

⚽ Council Delays Key Votes on New Soccer Stadium

Denver City Council postponed four votes relating to the construction of a brand new professional women’s soccer stadium at I-25 and Broadway. Members said the plan presented by city officials is missing tons of critical details. Before they’re willing to release $50 million in funding, council has requested a more specific breakdown of how it will be spent. [Denverite]

• What’s at stake: When the National Women’s Soccer League agreed to expand to Denver, part of the agreement was that construction on the new stadium would begin at the start of 2026. If council continues to delay, the new team may not be able to uphold its end of the deal.

If you’re hoping to stay out of the kitchen this Thanksgiving, there are plenty of local chefs and restaurants willing to do the work for you. We’ve rounded up 12 local places offering Thanksgiving dinner to-go — from single-serving traditional turkey meals to vegan/vegetarian options and splurge-worthy feasts fit for a king — so you can enjoy your holiday without all the fuss.

For Something Traditional

Poppies

What you get: Roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, old fashioned turkey gravy, whole cranberry sauce, white cheddar mashed potatoes, haricot vert, and pumpkin pie

Serves: 1 person

Price: $36

Order: In advance for pickup on Thanksgiving (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Steuben’s

What you get: Applewood smoked turkey breast, mashed potatoes and chicken gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce, plus optional dessert add-ons

Serves: ~6 people

Price: $135+

Order by: Nov. 24 for pickup Nov. 26

Olive & Finch

What you get: Your choice of herb-roasted boneless turkey or brown sugar glazed ham, plus your choice of two sides, two sauces, one salad, one dessert, and house rolls

Serves: ~6-8 people

Price: $225 (or à la carte)

Order by: Nov. 20 for pickup Nov. 25-26

For Something Non-Traditional

Restaurant Olivia

What you get: Take n’ bake lasagna (small, large, or gluten-free), plus optional dessert and wine add-ons

Serves: ~2-3 or 4-6 people

Price: $32+

Order by: Nov. 22 for pickup Nov. 25-26 (noon-4 p.m.)

Dumplin’

What you get: Peking duck with mushu scallion pancakes and char sui, plus pan-seared shrimp scampi dumplings, spicy mushroom ramen, and matcha tiramisu

Serves: ~2 people

Price: $150 (or à la carte)

Order: For pickup Nov. 26

Post Oak Barbecue

What you get: Your choice of smoked turkey breast, brisket, or ribs, plus garlic mashed potatoes with brisket gravy, green bean casserole, jalapeño bacon mac and cheese, and rolls

Serves: ~6-8 people

Price: $199

Order by: Any time before Nov. 27, or on Thanksgiving day between 10 a.m.-noon

👉 Keep reading: For vegan/vegetarian options, dine-in options, where to find free meals, and our favorite holiday pies!