Good morning, Denver.

Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is hosting a contest to select a new sidewalk stamp design to be used throughout the city.

The contest requires designs to clearly reference Denver and offers a $1,000 prize until July 31 + finalists will be revealed in the fall.

Bennett has nearly doubled in population in recent years, yet residents say its small-town charm stays strong as new homes and businesses open and local plans update community services.

Leaders note that plans for a cultural center and spots like Launch Pad Brewery help neighbors connect & foster pride.

Marfa will kick off the Underground Music Showcase with an acoustic set on Friday, July 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Ratio Beerworks patio + the event will include a brief interview and a chance to win a weekend pass.

Denver's Buckhorn Exchange, the city's oldest restaurant since 1893 and holder of Colorado's first liquor license from 1857, serves its top-selling Rocky Mountain oysters as Colorado marks its 150th anniversary.

The venue on Osage Street preserves its rich history & classic vibe amid neighborhood changes.

The Colorado Black Arts Festival, marking 40 years of celebrating Black art, music & community, begins today at Denver City Park and runs through July 12.

The three-day event includes local & headlining performances & the return of the Boogaloo Celebration Parade.

CU Boulder researchers are studying AI generative ghosts that let people chat with digital versions of loved ones via Zoom interviews this month.

Sixteen participants preferred short, realistic replies that offered comfort and kept family stories alive.

The Department of the Air Force restored funding for 26 civilian faculty positions + approved an exemption to its hiring freeze at the Air Force Academy to support STEM training and fill vacancies.

The move helps the academy prepare cadets to lead in evolving career fields.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a $100 million plan on Thursday morning to boost the economy by adding 10,000 jobs over the next three years in downtown Denver by partnering with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Economic Development to support startups and existing businesses.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office received nearly $9.7M federal grant to expand its Wildland Fire Management Program to reduce wildfire risk.

The five-year funding will support staff, equipment and home defense projects in Jeffco—one of the state's highest wildfire risk areas.

Aurora's mayor, Mike Coffman, said on Facebook he may shut off water for outdoor irrigation at some schools after noticing green lawns at Rangeview High and others, though Aurora Public Schools said its approved irrigation plan meets drought restrictions and has incurred no fines (he will meet district officials today).

Aurora Police launched a high-visibility traffic safety campaign at the I-225 and South Parker Road interchange that reduced crashes from 14 to 2 between Apr.

5 and June 26 by issuing 126 citations for speeding and traffic control violations.

CDC and CDPHE report that cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora from raw produce, has been found in Colorado.

Officials noted 90 cases from January to June, up from 73 last year — cases are linked to international travel and there is no evidence of an outbreak.

Lindsey Heaps received her No.10 Summit FC jersey at the Summit's Common Spirit Performance Center in Centennial on Wednesday & practiced with the team as she prepares to debut on July 18 at Centennial Stadium against Portland, where she will face native teammate Sophia Wilson.