🌱 1st Passport With 'X' Gender Designation + DIA Reno Update

Morning, Denver! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Denver today — I've got some important travel updates, info about a new playground, and news about a ... fake Meow Wolf-Casa Bonita collaboration?!

First, today's weather:

You can expect a mostly sunny sky, with a high around 59 and a low around 40.

Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. Phase 1 of the Denver International Airport's Great Hall Project is complete, and two airlines are set to move into the new space in November. The phase, which is reportedly millions under budget, included the installation of new bag-drop kiosks and a new check-in. (KVDR)
2. The very first U.S. passport with an "X" gender designation — a milestone in the recognition of the rights of people who don't identify as male or female — has been issued, the State Department confirmed. The name of the passport holder wasn't released, but the Associated Press said it may be a Coloradan who has been involved in a legal battle with the department since 2015. The federal government expects to be able to offer the option to people early next year. (AP/Patch)
3. Officials used community input to design Denver's new City Park Playground, which now features a dragon and castle climbing structure, a slide, towers and a rope bridge, a wavy walk, spinners, and an accessible swing and spinner merry-go-round. (Denver Patch)
4. A local prank?! Someone put up a professional-looking banner in the Highlands that announced a "Meow Wolf-Casa Bonita" pop-up. While it was clearly fake, a lot of Denverites would kind of want to see what on earth that would look like. (Denverite)
5. Heading into the mountains for a hike this weekend? Colorado rescue crews have an important message for those who are lost in the wilderness: "Please answer the phone." A lost hiker ignored rescuers' calls because it was an unknown number. (Patch)

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Today in metro Denver:

• Denver School of the Arts Band Showcase (7 p.m.)
• Brent Gill performs at Comedy Works (7:30 p.m.)
• Sam Morril performs at Comedy Works South (8 p.m.)

Denver Patch Notebook

• Denver Center for the Performing Arts: "We're counting down the days to A Christmas Carol ,and our spaces are starting to come alive with signs of holiday cheer! Step behind the scenes of Denver's favorite holiday tradition ..." (Facebook)
• Denver Broncos Community Development: "Denver Broncos 50/50 Raffle Tickets are now available for purchase for those 18+ and in Colorado! Winners do not need to attend #WASvsDEN to play or win." (Facebook)
• Downtown Denver Partnership: "Downtown streets and transportation options are changing before our eyes. Don't miss the chance to share your voice and impact transportation and mobility decisions in Downtown Denver. Take the Travel Survey when you have a moment." (Facebook)
• Denver Preschool Program: "What have you heard about Initiated Ordinance 304? With Election Day just under a week away, we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read our resolution opposing 304." (Facebook)
• Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure: "If you live in SW Denver, come visit the Trunk or Treat at the Far East Center and stop by the DOTI table! We will be giving away prizes, treats and bike safety lights!" (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you tomorrow morning for another update. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Amber Fisher

About me: I'm a Patch editor covering news in Denver's metro area and Boulder. I've spent the past nine years working for various news outlets across North America, including Chicago Patch, Global News and WBEZ. I've covered high-profile court cases, civil rights abuses, mass shootings, natural disasters and major crimes — but also countless happy news stories about kindness, innovation and resilience. When I'm not writing articles, I can be found hiking, snowboarding, debating politics with my husband and attempting to be a sci-fi and astronomy geek.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Denver Daily? You can reach me at amber.fisher@patch.com.