Your Daily Guide

☁️ Neighboring States’ Wildfires Fill Denver’s Skies with Smoke

A cold front pushed smoke from wildfires in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington into Colorado this week, contributing to heightened ground-level ozone levels in the Denver metro area — and across much of the state. [9News]

• Should I be worried about ozone today? Experts have forecast ozone and fine particulates in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, with expected visibility being “extremely poor.” Healthy individuals should avoid strenuous activity outside, since even short-term exposure to ozone can affect a person’s airways. [Colorado Public Radio; American Lung Association]
• When will air quality improve? Smoky conditions are expected to ease up by the weekend, but temperatures are expected to climb, too. Since high temperatures are associated with worse ozone levels (especially when air is stagnant), air quality may not be great even after wildfire smoke improves. Additionally, a significant portion of Colorado faces fire weather warnings, which could spark new fires and further contribute to the haze. [Colorado Sun; Weather.gov]

🇺🇲 Do Democrats Have a Shot at All 8 of CO’s Congressional Districts?

With President Donald Trump facing declining approval ratings, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added Colorado’s 3rd and 4th congressional districts to its list of “districts in play,” which means the national party intends to offer its local candidates additional support. The DCCC has been working on flipping districts 5 and 8, but the committee now believes Republican U.S. Reps. Jeff Hurd and even Lauren Boebert are vulnerable. [Colorado Sun]

🏈 Broncos Burnham Yard Vision Takes Shape

The Broncos released renderings for the mixed-use neighborhood they are planning around their new stadium at Burnham Yard earlier this week. The master plan includes four main neighborhood districts — the North End, Village Center, Turntable, and South End — which all feature improved pedestrian safety, expanded green space, and other updates based on community feedback. [Broncos]

🎙️ Denver’s Newest Record Store is Owned by a High Schooler

High School Senior Elijah Trujillo, 17, is the proud owner of TruRecords, a new record shop on Federal Boulevard. TruRecords is hosting its first big event at the store on Aug. 9, featuring an appearance of famed New York DJ Mr. Len. “I got started with records when I was 12,” Trujillo told Westword. “My grandma got me into it.” [Westword]