🥵 Why 100-degree days are coming

🥵 Heat Dome to Descend on Denver

Denver could see record high temperatures over the weekend and into early next week, thanks to a heat dome descending upon the western U.S. Over the next week, the Mile High forecast includes multiple 100-degree days, marking more historic heat and raising health concerns for sensitive groups. [Accuweather; 9News]

• Record-breaking heat: Denver has been breaking heat records since early this year, like when March temps reached their highest in 130 years. [KDVR]
• Storms aren’t always good news after fires: While Colorado desperately needs rain amid these high temperatures and fires, heavy rains at the wrong time can raise risks of flash flooding in areas that have been burned by wildfires (like they did earlier this week). Storms can also bring strong winds that exacerbate current fires and make fire behavior more erratic. Lightning strikes on drought-stricken land can also start new blazes. [Westword; Fox21]
• How will you stay cool? Spending time in the air conditioning might be the best way to ride out the heat wave. Frozen treats help, too. On Monday, Uchiko (Cherry Creek) and Uchi (RiNo) will launch a limited Ice Cream and Pearls menu item that combines ice cream, funnel cake, white chocolate pearls and Kaluga caviar 🍧 (honestly, why not). What’s the best way you stay cool? Let us know — props for accessible and affordable ideas!

💻 Laptops, Hotspots No Longer On Loan at the Library

A popular Denver Public Library program that allowed residents to borrow Chromebooks and internet hot spots is shutting down, citing “ongoing budget uncertainties.” The program, which expanded internet access to local residents for free, has been in place for a decade and had an annual cost of $184,000 in 2025. The cut is just one of the city’s many efforts to recoup its budget shortfall in the coming fiscal year. [Denverite]

🌮 Taco Bell Cantina Now Open at DIA

Denver’s first Taco Bell Cantina opened in Concourse A at DIA late last month, becoming the first of its kind in an airport. Taco Bell Cantina is different from the brand’s drive-thru concept because it serves alcohol. Specifically, you’ll be able to buy beer and frozen cocktail drinks alongside all the classics you know and love. [Westword]

☕ New Concept to Take Over Vacant Cheesman Café

The Carriage House, a European-style café with plans for a vast patio, is set to open later this month in the Cheesman Park-adjacent space formerly occupied by Secret Garden Bar & Café. Denver native and entrepreneur John Goscha doesn’t have restaurant experience, but he’s tapped Jake Riederer of Work & Class and Super Mega Bien to build the menu, plus advisor Jake Soffes, who founded Hudson Hill, Lady Jane, and the now-shuttered Two Moons Music Hall, for guidance. [Business Den 🔒; Westword]

City Cast Denver Neighbors have an extra perk that allows them to share their favorite local places with our audience. Here are some we’ve been loving lately:

• “Everyone should try Petunia Bakeshop in Sunnyside! Brand new local breakfast and lunch place just a short walk to the G line!” — Keith S
• “Minds Matter Colorado is a college prep program that enables high-achieving high school students from low income families. Come volunteer today and change a young person's life!” — Anata W
• “La Taqueria Chilanga - awesome tacos and Mexican food in the old Denny’s. My wife eats there at least once a week. Open late night.” — Ryan A

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor to share your own faves in this newsletter (and on the podcast)!