📚 How a buzzy new bookstore is dividing Denverites

New Book Store Dredges Up Old Dramas

Kwame Spearman is back in the book business. The former CEO of Tattered Cover debuted Denver Book Society, the new indie bookshop he co-owns in City Park West, last month. But only a few weeks post-launch, the store is already facing harsh online criticism tied to Spearman’s past.

• The Tattered Cover’s downfall: Denver Book Society appears to be Spearman’s attempt at redemption following the Tattered Cover’s highly public financial demise during his time in charge. The deeply beloved local bookstore chain was eventually sold to Barnes & Noble. [Denver7]
• A political past: Spearman ventured away from the book-selling biz for a stint during his 2023 mayoral campaign. Now, Spearman’s critics are resurfacing comments he made during his candidacy, specifically ones that seem to position him as anti-immigrant and pro-ICE. (You can listen back to our mayoral campaign interview with Spearman from 2023 🎧) [Stephanie May Kelley / TikTok]

• For his part: Spearman took to Instagram to share a statement to address the accusations. “I want to be very clear: I do not and have never supported ICE,” the short post reads. “Any claim otherwise is a serious mischaracterization of my views.” [Denver Book Society / Instagram]
• A name kerfuffle: On top of everything else, Denver Book Society has faced some pushback from a 4-year-old local book swap group called The Denver Book Swap Society. Fearing confusion, they asked the bookstore to change their name. The store's owners declined. [Denver7]

🎧 Want to hear more? Dig into the drama with us today on the podcast.

🇺🇸 Denver Named DNC Finalist

City officials confirmed Monday that Denver is one of five final contenders vying to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, an event that would likely draw tens of thousands of people to the Mile High City. Also in the running: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Is Denver ready for the DNC? At the start of the year, when a Denver DNC bid was just speculation, we looked back at the last time the Mile High hosted the event and considered whether Denver today has what it takes to do it again. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏨 Rundown Colfax Motel Gets a Boutique Makeover

After years of sitting vacant and dilapidated at the corner of Colfax Avenue and Milwaukee Street, The All Inn Motel will rise again — now with a new moniker, The All Inn Hotel, and a floor-to-ceiling remodel. The boutique lodging is set to open officially on March 14. [Bluebird District / Instagram]

• Share your RockBar memories: 20 years ago, the All Inn Motel was home to the hipster hangout RockBar, known for wild DJ nights and even wilder parties. Did you survive RockBar? We want to hear your stories! Reply to this email, or leave us a voicemail or text message at 720-500-5418 💌

🚩 Advocates Allege Abuse, Medical Neglect at Aurora ICE Center

A coalition of advocacy groups this week published a report alleging unlivable conditions — including inadequate medical attention, forced labor, and abuse by guards — inside Aurora’s ICE detention center. The facility’s operator “strongly disagrees” with the allegations, which it says are politically motivated. [Denverite]

⚖️ DHS Refuses Denver’s New Law Enforcement Mask Ban

Denver City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance that will require all law enforcement officers — including federal immigration agents — to keep their faces visible and clearly identify themselves from at least 25 feet away when operating within city limits. Noncompliance could result in arrest.

• But: The Department of Homeland Security says its agents “will not abide by unconstitutional bans.” [Denver7]

🦠 Officials Warn of Measles Exposure in Broomfield

Health officials confirmed a second case of measles — the state’s third case total this year — at Broomfield High School. The school has instructed all students who are unvaccinated against the virus to stay home, but other potential exposure sites — including a Chipotle and a Chick-fil-a — have been identified in the area. [CPR]