5-BULLET FRIDAY – September 12, 2025

When we sat down to put together this week’s 5-Bullet Friday, the world looked a little different. We had gathered stories, ideas, and inspiration to share with you—lighthearted sparks of encouragement to carry into your weekend. But then the week unfolded.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk, the heartbreaking school shooting in Evergreen, and the remembrance of September 11th all weigh heavily on our hearts. To send you our original draft would have felt tone-deaf, out of step with the grief and heaviness many of us are carrying right now.

So, we scrapped it. We took a deep breath, started again, and asked ourselves: What do our readers need most this week?

We can’t erase the sorrow, the anger, or the confusion. But we can offer a reminder that even in the hardest weeks, you are not alone. That in times of uncertainty, small acts of kindness and courage still matter. That hope, though fragile, is never absent.

This edition of 5-Bullet Friday won’t be the one we first planned and arrives in your inbox a day later—but perhaps it’s the one we all need. May it encourage you, lift you, and remind you to keep holding on to what truly matters.

#1 – QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.” – Doe Zantamata

#2 – A GAME CHANGER FOR DENVER: BRONCOS ANNOUNCE NEW STADIUM AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

The Denver Broncos have officially selected the 58-acre, state-owned former railyard known as Burnham Yard as the location for their new stadium, set to open in time for the 2031 NFL season. The stadium will feature a retractable roof, a natural grass field, and will be surrounded by a mixed-use development including retail, hotels, restaurants, offices, and public gathering spaces — essentially transforming the area into a year-round entertainment district. Importantly, the project is privately funded; public money will be used only for infrastructure like transportation improvements. As for Empower Field at Mile High, its lease (with the Metropolitan Football Stadium District) runs through the end of the 2030 season, with ownership reverting back to the city after that. This timeline gives the team time to plan, build, and transition smoothly into the new facility without a gap in home field.

#3 – A PLACE TO GATHER AND GROW: REBEL BREAD’S NEW CAFE & TEACHING KITCHEN

Denver’s beloved Rebel Bread is rising to the occasion with a brand-new café, teaching kitchen, and expanded bakery space on South Broadway, opening this Friday. More than just a spot to grab a loaf, it’s designed as a community hub—where neighbors can gather, learn the art of baking, and find connection in a world that often feels disconnected. In times of stress and uncertainty, places like this remind us of the healing power of food, warmth, and shared experience. You can check out their new space at 675 S. Broadway and follow Rebel Bread online for class schedules and updates.

#4 – HOW $5 AT A TIME IS CHANGING DENVER: THE WORD OF THANKS STORY

The Word of Thanks campaign, part of “Next with Kyle Clark” on 9News, is a powerful example of how small acts add up. Every week since its launch in 2020, the campaign spotlights a different non-profit in Colorado and invites viewers to donate just $5 or more; Kyle Clark pledges to match the first fifty of those small gifts. Through this model, donors across the state have rallied behind causes ranging from mentoring Denver students to supporting teen mothers, feeding pets, and rebuilding community spaces. Thanks to recurring monthly donation options via the Word of Thanks Fund (administered via the Colorado Gives Foundation), supporters can easily give every week without having to repeatedly re-enter information. So far, Word of Thanks has raised tens of millions of dollars—funds that help keep schools running, provide essential services to families, and support vulnerable members of the Denver community.

#5- 5 GREAT FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKING TRAILS NEAR DENVER

There’s something deeply healing about wandering among aspen trees in Colorado just as their leaves turn golden yellow. In a season marked by anxiety, fear, and unrest, nature offers a refuge. The crisp air fills your lungs more freely, the golden light filtering through trembling leaves feels like a balm, and the quiet of the forest has a way of softening the noise of the world. For a little while, the weight lifts. Surrounded by the beauty of the aspens, it becomes easier to breathe, to steady yourself, and to remember what is still good and grounding.

Here are five excellent trails, all relatively close to Denver, that are well suited for families. They offer manageable terrain, beautiful views, and opportunities to see aspens or “fall color” without requiring too much effort.

Bear Creek Trail at Lair O’ the Bear Park (Evergreen area)
Just 30–50 minutes from Denver, this trail offers a mostly flat path along a sparkling creek. It’s shaded, easy to navigate, and filled with aspen and other trees that turn golden in the fall. Families love it because kids can splash in the water, explore bridges, and wander safely without steep climbs. Check the Jefferson County Open Space website or AllTrails for maps and parking details.
Mule Deer Trail, Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Located 45–60 minutes away, Mule Deer Trail meanders through vibrant aspen groves and mossy pines, creating a magical fall experience. The trail can be done in shorter segments, making it adaptable for families with different energy levels. Golden Gate Canyon State Park charges a vehicle fee, so be sure to check the park’s website for entry requirements and detailed maps.
Lookout Mountain Trails / Nature Center (Golden area)
Only about 30 minutes from Denver, these trails are short, easy, and perfect for little ones or those new to hiking. The paths are gentle with beautiful overlooks of Golden and the Front Range. Aspens and pines line parts of the trail, giving families a taste of autumn without a long drive. Visit the Lookout Mountain Nature Center’s website for trail info, parking, and hours.
Eldorado Canyon State Park: Walker Ranch & Eldorado Cascades
Roughly 40 minutes from Denver, Eldorado Canyon State Park offers both adventure and scenery. Eldorado Cascades is a moderate family hike with creekside paths and cascades, while Walker Ranch combines history with scenic mountain views. Families with older kids will especially enjoy these trails. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife site or AllTrails for maps, current conditions, and any closures.
Clear Creek Trail in Downtown Golden
If you’re looking for something flat and stroller-friendly, the Clear Creek Trail is a gem. Just 30 minutes from Denver, it runs along the creek with paved and well-maintained paths, perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. Cottonwoods and aspens add bursts of fall color here, especially later in the season. For more information, visit Golden’s Parks & Recreation website or local hiking resources.

Colorado in autumn offers more than just stunning views—it offers a chance to pause, to breathe, and to ease the weight of stress and anxiety. Walking beneath golden aspens or beside a rushing creek reminds us that beauty and peace still exist, even in uncertain times. And perhaps the greatest gift of all is sharing those moments with the people you love—laughing together on the trail, watching your kids discover nature’s wonders, or simply sitting quietly side by side. In a world that often feels overwhelming, these experiences ground us, calm us, and bring us back to what matters most.

Take care of yourselves and hold onto those you love just a little bit tighter. Until next week Colorado…