Some of Colorado's top colleges — including the state's flagship institution — have grown less economically diverse over the past decade, a New York Times Magazine analysis suggests.

Why it matters: The new data offers a glimpse into universities' commitment to economic diversity as many schools reevaluate admissions after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against race-based affirmative action, which supporters say promoted a more diverse student body.

How it works: The Times ranked more than 250 of the country's most selective universities, including four in Colorado, by the proportion of their students who come from economically disadvantaged households.

• The rankings are measured by the percentage of freshmen with federal Pell Grants, which are made available to low-income families.

By the numbers: All four area schools included in the analysis fall below the national average of 21% when it comes to having an economically diverse student body.

• The University of Colorado Boulder, the state's flagship, recorded 14% of freshmen with Pell Grants in the 2020-21 school year, down 7 percentage points from 2011 and tied for 230 out of 286 schools.
• The University of Denver's share was 16%, down 1 percentage point and Colorado School of Mines share was 13%, down by 6.

Of note: Colorado College — a private liberal arts school in Colorado Springs — was the only local school included in the analysis that made gains.

• 19% of freshmen enrolled at CC had Pell Grants in the 2020-21 school year, an increase of 7 percentage points from 2011.

Flashback: In 2021, Colorado became the first state to ban legacy admissions at public universities.

• The goal was to foster more opportunities for students from marginalized backgrounds and create more inclusive campuses.

Yes, but: Two years later, the impact remains murky, our partners at Chalkbeat report.

Full story

Denver wants to buy more trash bins to complete its pay-as-you-throw program.

Driving the news: The city is proposing an up to $6.5 million contract with manufacturer Toter to purchase bins for trash, recycling and compost.

• Department of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson Nancy Kuhn did not specify how many additional carts will be purchased, though she tells us it's enough to complete the rollout of the city's new trash program.

Why it matters: Denver's new trash program started this year but has not been fully implemented in part because the city needed to get more compost bins.

• The new system has generated $20 million in revenue so far this year, Kuhn tells us.

By the numbers: Roughly 10,600 compost carts were sent to people in 10 neighborhoods this summer, Kuhn tells us.

Of note: People who haven't received their compost cart are getting a $3 monthly credit until their new bin arrives, Kuhn tells us.

What's next: A Denver City Council committee tomorrow will likely forward the proposed contract for a final vote.

Next neighborhoods

Winter is coming.

What's happening: Several Colorado peaks, including Longs and Pikes, are sporting frosted tips after picking up the first snow of the season yesterday morning.

• More flakes are expected to fall as another storm system moves into the mountains later this week.

Of note: The early dustings came later than usual, 9News reports. The state typically sees its first snow in the second half of August. Last year, the first snowfall was reported on Aug. 17.

Flashback: Last year, Colorado's traditional mid-October start to the ski season was delayed by warm weather, but the season ultimately ended with record snowpack levels.

What's next: Local meteorologists are predicting slightly above-average snowfall this season amid strong El Niño conditions developing in the Pacific Ocean, though they caution against relying on longer-range forecasts.

What they're saying

💸 The city is paying out even more in settlements related to the George Floyd protests in 2020. The Denver City Council yesterday approved a $1 million settlement to four people who said they were targeted by Denver police.

🔥 The cause of a dramatic underground fire that broke out early yesterday in downtown Colorado Springs is under investigation. The incident knocked out power to 1,100 residents. (Gazette)

🤫 Denver's school board is limiting its monthly public comment periods to two hours as a "temporary solution" for lengthy meetings. (Chalkbeat)

💉 The FDA approved updated versions of COVID-19 vaccines yesterday, a key step in getting the new shots to Coloradans as early as this week. (Axios)

🧳 More migrants are arriving in Denver from countries like Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua instead of almost entirely from Venezuela, as was previously the case. (9News)

🤖 The former principal of Denver's Conservatory Green High School is raising capital for his teacher-focused artificial intelligence company that aims to equip teachers with AI assistants. (BusinessDen)

💼 Check out who's hiring now.

1. Director Plant Operations (DPO) - FT | Golden Rehab at Pam Health.
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3. Head of Customer Base and Owned Channels Marketing at DISH Network.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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👋 Esteban here, excited to share a spot my friends and I discovered this summer.

State of play: I wasn't sure what to expect when I was invited to go to a karaoke bar last month. I couldn't remember the last time I went to one in Denver.

• Then we arrived at Rumours Karaoke Cafe in the city's Uptown district, and to my surprise, it was a really fun atmosphere with a unique setup.
• There's a single stage — so performing here means singing in front of anyone who stops by, not just your buddies.

Zoom in: The cafe offers drinks and food, and is located on 17th Avenue.

• Live band karaoke is offered on Wednesdays.

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