Catie Cheshire

Denver

Staff writer @denverwestword 🗞 @RegisUniversity & @Cronkite_ASU grad 🔱 Concerned citizen, extra innings enthusiast (she/her)

Articles

Colorado Governor Urged to Sign Law Banning Rent Algorithms

5 days ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

Mary Ellen Montaño is a retired social worker who lives in Commerce City, just north of Denver. She expects an increase in rent every year, but Montaño was shocked when it spiked by 12 percent in 2024. “My rent consumes three-quarters of my income, which leaves me very frustrated at the end of the month,” Montaño said at a May 9 press conference.
Denver Bar Owner Gets Three-Week Trial for Alleged Sexual Assault, Drugging

6 days ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

Former Denver bar and music venue owner Jay Bianchi will have a three-week trial in October after pleading not guilty in relation to multiple cases of sexual assault and drugging. Bianchi, who owned several Grateful Dead-themed businesses in Denver before running into controversy, was arrested in April 2024 on charges of three instances of sexual assault.
Lakewood Commission Approves Controversial Belmar Park Apartments

6 days ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

The Lakewood Planning Commission has given preliminary approval to the plan for a major new apartment development next to Lakewood’s Belmar Park, another blow to groups citizens have formed to oppose it. The planning commission held a four-hour public hearing on May 7, with a large portion dedicated to public comment over the proposed six-story, 411-unit building.
Denver City Council Rejects Suncor Contract, Citing Past Air Pollution

1 week ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

in Commerce City, citing Denver City Council has refused to do business with the Suncor Oil Refinerypollution the company leaks into Denver. On Monday, May 5, councilmembers voted on a proposed five-year, $25 million contract for Suncor to provide liquid asphalt products for street maintenance projects. However, councilmembers Shontel Lewis and Amanda Sawyer both called out the bill in order to kill it.
New Report Finds Colorado's Economy Still Thriving, but Tariff Impacts Loom

1 week ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

Colorado’s economy is still strong despite national worries about what President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy could bring. In a new quarterly report from the Leeds Business Research Division at CU Boulder and the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, economic signs for Colorado are largely positive despite the national GDP decreasing in the last three months.
Poll Finds Denver Residents Support Denser Housing Across City

1 week ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

The cost of housing has long been a top concern for Denver residents, and a recent poll shows they’re ready to try some new ideas. The study commissioned by YIMBY Denver, a volunteer-led nonprofit advocating for more housing and better transportation, found that Denver residents are strongly in favor of changing zoning laws to allow denser neighborhoods and taller buildings.
Power Failure: Colorado PUC Not Happy With Xcel's "Giant Fail" at Customer Service in 2024

1 week ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has been investigating Xcel Energy's persistent power outages and lapses in customer care for six months — and the results of that investigation are not good. In an April 29 presentation to the three commissioners, PUC staffers displayed data showing increased duration and frequency of power outages in 2024 compared to previous years.
Colorado Has Sued the Trump Administration Fifteen Times in Three Months

1 week ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

Since Donald Trump took office in January, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has kept the Trump Administration busy with lawsuits related to education, healthcare, workforce cuts and elections. So far, Weiser has filed fifteen lawsuits against the Trump Administration in partnership with other attorneys general across the country. Weiser’s lawsuits focus on maintaining Colorado’s federal funding and protecting the rights of Colorado citizens.
John Elway Involved in Golf Cart Accident Leading to Death of Friend and Agent

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

John Elway’s friend and longtime business partner, Jeff Sperbeck, died today, April 30, from injuries after falling off a golf cart while Elway was driving. Sperbeck and Elway have been friends for decades, with Sperbeck serving as Elway’s agent during the quarterback's Denver Broncos career. The pair stayed close after Elway retired in 1999, and owned a wine company, 7 Cellars, together. A Coroner’s report from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sperbeck’s death today, April 30.
"The Wave" Crowd Cheer Was Inspired by Denver Hockey Fans

2 weeks ago | westword.com | Catie Cheshire

These days when "the wave" starts circling sports stadiums, some fans participate with glee and others groan. The tradition where sequential sections of the stadium stand up and sit down can be viewed as an active crowd, or a distraction for fans who might not be there for the sports at all. Well, Colorado wave haters, it appears that we have ourselves to blame for the phenomenon.