Good News Roundup For Denver's Metro Area

DENVER, CO — Good news happens in Colorado every day, but it can often be overshadowed by the latest pandemic, crime, natural disaster and political news.

So Patch decided to dedicate a weekly roundup of news that will hopefully uplift readers' spirits a bit and offer some hope.

So here are some recent good news stories from across Denver's metro area:

6 Colorado Schools Selected As U.S. Blue Ribbon Schools

In all, 325 U.S. schools received the honor for overall performance from the U.S. Department of Education, including six in Colorado.

Man Finds Love – And A Kidney Donor – In Denver: GoFundMe

Reid Alexander needed a kidney transplant due to an inherited condition. He found a match in his husband, Rafael Dìaz.

Food Hall Coming To Arvada In March; 9 Eateries Will Be Featured

Freedom Street Social will be owned by Nick Costanzo, a former Marco's Pizza Franchisee who wants to improve the suburbs' food scene.

New African Penguin Exhibit Opening At Denver Zoo This Week

The penguins' new home will include a 10,000-gallon pool and multiple burrows and nest boxes. Guests can visit it starting Thursday.

Crowdsourced Brewery MobCraft Will Expand To Denver This Winter

The brewery will team up with Pueblo's Dee Tacko and open in Curtis Park. The public can invest in it for a minimum of $250.

At-Home Rapid COVID Tests Now Available To All Coloradans: Polis

Anyone can order eight free COVID-19 tests online that will be sent to them within a week, Gov. Jared Polis announced at a press conference.

Denver's 'Housing To Health' Program Chosen For Federal Grant

The U.S. Treasury Department has offered the city $6.3M for its program, which helps people who are homeless and have been incarcerated.

Help Officer Snook's Family Through Donations, Product Purchases

Police have set up a Venmo account for Snook, and a company is selling apparel with 100 percent of profits going to his family.

Denver Is 3rd Best College Town For Recent Grads, Study Finds

Denver's population, average income and number of businesses have gone up in the last decade, making it a good place for post-grads to live.

Pumpkin Field Visits: History Of Jack-O’-Lanterns

After finding the best pumpkin in a field or patch this fall, learn about the history of jack-o'-lanterns before carving.

Denver Homeowners Could Save Up To $330K By Downsizing: Study

Owners of 4-bedroom Denver homes could save $159K by moving to a 2-bedroom in the city and $330K by moving to one in Aurora, a study found.