Word on the streets of Denver: It’s the morning after a wild weather ride, and I’m Morgan Riley, here to walk you through the headlines shaping our city. Today, we’re digging into how Denver’s dealing with a major late-season snowstorm, a renewed look at child welfare oversight, and the story of a local chef keeping spirits up despite the chill.
Let’s start with what’s on everyone’s mind. Yesterday, Denver was hit with a powerful blast of snow, turning those sunny 77-degree moments from Thursday afternoon into a powdery scene by sunset. The Rockies were pummeled with one to two feet of snow, closing sections of I-70 west of Denver and making travel tough ahead of the holiday weekend. Local officials urged drivers to stay alert, as icy conditions caused several accidents and delays. April might be the snowiest month in Denver history, and this year’s late storm is a reminder of just how quickly our Colorado weather can turn. Experts say we could see snowfall stick around through early Saturday before clearing up, so keep those shovels handy and your travel plans flexible.
Meanwhile, local government is grappling with important issues beyond the storm. In a new audit, Denver’s child welfare program has shown signs of progress, but some oversight risks remain. City council meetings this week highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the system and ensure that vulnerable children and families don’t fall through the cracks. It's a classic case of taking two steps forward but recognizing there's still a long way to go. This balance of hope and challenge feels very Denver—always striving for better, no matter how steep the hill.
On a lighter note, when the snow blankets our city, Denver’s food scene shows its resilience. This week, I caught up with Chef Maribel Torres at her Highlands café, Café Dulce. Even as snowdrifts lined the streets, her team served up warm empanadas and hot cocoa for neighbors, transforming the cold into community comfort. Chef Maribel shared that her favorite part of a spring snow is the way it brings regulars and newcomers together. “We see new faces huddled inside, sharing stories over breakfast. It’s what makes our neighborhood feel like home,” she told me. In tough moments, the people of Denver find warmth in each other.
Looking ahead, expect chilly weather to continue through Saturday, with highs barely reaching the low 40s before a gradual warmup into next week. As for events, despite the snow, the Denver Earth Day Festival at City Park Sunday afternoon is still set to welcome families—just bundle up! Local theaters are moving forward with the annual Spring Playwrights’ Series, and the downtown library is hosting a “History of Denver in 100 Objects” exhibit all weekend.
Stepping back, these stories remind us that whether facing snowdrifts or social challenges, Denver’s spirit endures. As a city, we blend resilience with optimism—always finding ways to support one another, whatever the forecast.
This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Subscribe so you never miss a Denver news update. And if you want more details, send me an email at [email protected] or check out our website at Quiet Please dot AI. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep looking out for each other, Denver.