👀 What did Boebert see in the Epstein files?

We’re back with more recommendations from City Cast Denver Neighbors about their fave local people, spots, and organizations in the Mile High, so they can become your favorites too 💕

📣 Travis H. and Felix H. want to shoutout Sizzling Hibachi. What should you order? The “succulent, crispy yet tender, juicy pork belly and boba!”

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter!

🍽️ How a Designer is Putting Denver’s Food Scene on the Map

From the rapid growth in chef’s counter experiences to Michelin star nods, Denver’s dining scene has leveled up in recent years. But the key to success isn’t just about the menu. Award-winning architect Kevin Nguyen joins the podcast to explain how a restaurant’s design has more to do with a great dining experience than you might think. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

👀 Lauren Boebert Reacts to Unredacted Epstein Files

In a filmed interaction between Rep. Lauren Boebert and a reporter from MeidasTouch, the congresswoman said there are “definitely” co-conspirators. She also said Ghislaine Maxwell — convicted of aiding Jeffrey Epstein in his sex crimes — deserved “more time” in a “harsher prison,” calling the situation “absolutely disgusting.” [X]

🏡 Council Considers a Crackdown on ‘Predatory Investors’

Denver City Council Member Shontel Lewis is proposing stricter regulations on “residential wholesalers” — people who purchase houses with the intent of immediately reselling the property for a profit. (Think of the “We Buy Ugly Houses” billboards.) Lewis called these types of transactions predatory and exploitative, often preying on low-income communities of color and “spurring gentrification.” [Denverite]

• Deep dive: A few years ago, we spoke with ProPublica investigative reporter Anjeanette Damon on her exposé of these “HomeVestors.” [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🧑‍🔬 Former NREL Facility Lays Off 134

Just weeks after President Trump renamed the Golden-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory to simply the National Laboratory of the Rockies, the facility has now announced it is letting go of 134 employees across its research and operations departments. A spokesperson for the research center said the layoffs were to better align with federal priorities and funding levels. The lab also laid off 114 employees last May. [CPR]

Look what we spotted near the corner of Colfax Ave. and Washington Street ♥️ 🤭

The City Cast Denver team splurged on a Colfax Heart this Valentine’s Day. It’s part of the Wear Your Heart program operated by the Colfax Avenue Business Improvement District. Anyone can reserve a heart for $40 and customize it with a special message to be displayed for the month of February. Next season’s hearts will go on sale this fall.

What’s something fun or unusual you’ve spotted around town lately? We want to see it!