Good morning, Denver.

Douglas County confirmed that Highlands Ranch Heritage Regional Park — a safe locale during current fire restrictions — will host a $78,000 fireworks show to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Emergency services will be on standby but the event will be canceled if conditions worsen.

On Saturday, July 5, a screening of Love Letter from the Afterlife will be held at Red Rocks with a performance by Sara Bareilles and the Colorado Symphony to honor late poet Andrea Gibson; widow Megan Falley said the tribute reflects Gibson’s legacy (a celebration of art and remembrance).

In June, the Colorado Department of Higher Education announced a revamped Basic Needs Campus designation to set statewide standards for supporting student well-being at 17 colleges including Community College of Aurora.

The designation outlines existing services for food and mental health without extra funding.

Colorado school districts posted cellphone policies by July 1 to meet a new state law, and many enforce bell-to-bell bans while others allow high schoolers phone use during passing periods — recent research indicates that keeping phones farther away can boost GPAs.

Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, defeated incumbent Diana DeGette in the Colorado House primary, and experts say the win hints at rising momentum ahead of the 2028 elections.