🎙️ Which streamer is campaigning for Denver candidates?

🌵 Drought Worsens, More High Temps On the Horizon

Ninety-three percent of Colorado is facing a drought, and now Gov. Jared Polis has announced a drought emergency. After the warmest winter Colorado has ever seen and record low levels of snowpack, Denver’s hot weather over the weekend was just a taste of what residents can expect more of this summer.

• What does a “drought emergency” entail? The governor’s declaration engages Phase 3 of the state’s drought response, which is “reserved for the most severe periods of continued dry weather,” according to Colorado Public Radio. It’s been 5 years since Colorado last declared a Phase 3 drought, which opens more sources of financial support, increases the state’s wildfire response preparation, and makes it possible for Colorado to receive federal emergency funding. [Denver7; CPR]
• Dry conditions across the West: Utah also declared a drought emergency in recent weeks, and experts continue to monitor the dwindling Colorado River Basin. A panel of experts at Colorado Law School recently warned that the water source faces a “system crash,” with potential to affect hydropower, dam infrastructure, and agriculture across seven states. [Salt Lake Tribune]
• What about all the rain? A recent bout of rainstorms prompted by the El Niño weather pattern in Colorado has offered hope for drought relief, but scientists say it’s not enough. In fact, El Niño has only relieved Colorado of drought three times in the 120 years that such conditions have been recorded. [Colorado Politics]
• Water restrictions continue: Denverites are still being encouraged to limit their water consumption by 20% throughout the summer, but as of May, residents had only cut their consumption by 5%. Officials say people should expect to see brown grass in parks as they minimize watering. Athletic fields may close if the drought continues. [Colorado Sun; Denverite]

🗣️ Weiser and Bennet Debate Before Ballots Hit Mailboxes

Colorado’s leading gubernatorial candidates, Attorney General Phil Weiser and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, faced off in another primary debate last night. Bennet’s campaign recently accused Weiser of being influenced by donations from the oil and gas industry in 2022; Weiser called the claims “desperate” and “baseless.” [Westword]

• When will your ballot arrive? Sometime in the next week or so. They go out today. Election day is June 30.

🍜 MAKFam to Expand to Second Location

Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen, the team behind award-winning Chinese restaurant MAKFam, is opening a second restaurant in RiNo. The new space will have additional seating, including an outdoor patio, plus a dining room with table service and a full bar. Unlike the current location, the second MAKFam will also allow reservations, though the menu and food concept will stay the same. [Westword]

🎤 Political Influencer to Join Left-Wing Rally at Tracks Nightclub

Hasan Piker, a socialist political influencer with more than 3 million followers on Twitch and more than a few controversies to his name, is coming to Denver on June 14 for a rally at Tracks. The event will feature Congressional candidate Melat Kiros and State Sen. Julie Gonzales, who is challenging John Hickenlooper for his seat in the U.S. Senate. [Westword]

📈 Why Are Overdose Deaths Rising in Colorado?

Opioid overdose deaths dipped nationwide in 2025, but in Colorado, the numbers were up. Officials say changes in the form of fentanyl and an increase in drug seizures by authorities can both create uncertainty that contributes to overdoses. On the City Cast Denver podcast, we talk to Harm Reduction Action Center Executive Director Lisa Raville about why Colorado is different. [Denver Post; City Cast Denver 🎧]