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Former U.S. women's national team goalkeeper Briana Scurry, a two-time Olympic champion and 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup winner, shared a simple message in Denver yesterday: Chase your dreams.

The big picture: Scurry served as a keynote speaker during the Biennial of the Americas luncheon at the Seawell Ballroom downtown, kicking off the 10-day festival celebrating international culture, arts and creativity.

• Scurry, an LGBTQ Black athlete and advocate for equal pay for the U.S. women's team, said she's excited by this moment in women's sports: "Around the world, the air is different somehow."

Why it matters: The festival's optimism stands in stark contrast to the fraught political backdrop created by a presidential administration actively discouraging DEI initiatives and supercharging anti-immigration policies.

State of play: The Biennial's executive director, FloraJane DiRienzo, told us the festival's purpose is for people "to leave with joy" by showcasing cultures from across the Western Hemisphere.

• It's not just a cultural touchstone for the Mile High City — it's an economic catalyst, activating seven vacant retail spaces near the newly reopened 16th Street Mall.

Context: Events take over Writer's Square daily through Oct. 26 and include art exhibits, live performances, pop-up shops and panel discussions rooted in unity and diversity.

What they're saying: "In a world currently dominated by dark and pessimistic narratives, our role is to bring forward uplifting stories," Biennial chair and local lobbyist Maria Garcia Berry said yesterday.

If you go: The Biennial will host a family-friendly free Party on the Plaza from 2-10pm Saturday with music and pop-up shops.

• Find the full festival schedule online.

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Colorado leaders are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Nebraska's claims that its western neighbor is interfering with Nebraska's water rights on the South Platte River.

Why it matters: Nebraska's push for more water and the construction of a canal threaten the water supply for the Front Range and farmers in northeastern Colorado.

Driving the news: Gov. Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a legal brief yesterday asking the Supreme Court — which handles disputes between states — to disregard Nebraska's claims because Colorado is complying with a 1923 water rights compact and not impeding the canal project.

What they're saying: "The unfounded and unserious lawsuit filed in Nebraska is just that — a meritless escalation," Polis said at a briefing. "We were surprised by the lawsuit. We've, frankly, been surprised by the boondoggle that has been this entire project."

Catch up quick: The water fight between Nebraska and Colorado has simmered for years before talks between the states broke down in July when Nebraska filed its lawsuit.

• The legal filing suggested Colorado is using more water than allocated in the summer, much of it to fuel growth on the Front Range, and obstructing the canal construction, which is permitted under the compact.

Inside the room: Colorado officials contend Nebraska's lawsuit is a pawn to leverage new terms of the 102-year-old South Platte River Compact, given the legal questions in the case are not ripe enough for the high court's consideration.

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Colorado has the lowest adult obesity rate in the country, despite a slight rise over a five-year span, according to a new report.

Why it matters: Obesity is tied to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, COVID-19 complications and more.

The big picture: The state's 25% rate ranked last among states and Washington, D.C., per a new "State of Obesity" report from the nonprofit Trust for America's Health.

• The data shows that between 2019 and 2024, Colorado's rate grew by 5%.

The intrigue: The number of U.S. states with adult obesity rates at or above 35% dropped slightly in 2024 compared to the year prior, yet remains far higher than just a decade ago.

Zoom out: 19 states have adult obesity rates at or above 35% as of 2024 — a drop from 23 states the year before.

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