Leading Off: All-star Starters, Santana Returns, Matz Bats

After waiting a few extra days, the Colorado Avalanche finally has an opponent for the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs: the Central Division champion Dallas Stars. The Stars locked up the final spot in the second round with a 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7 of their first-round series Sunday night.

People gathered in Civic Center Park in downtown Denver to celebrate the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park in Denver on May 28, 2024. The annual festival and celebration help put the spotlight on the Mile High City’s vibrant Latino population. This year’s festival featured live music and dance performances on three stages.

When it rains, it pours. While the sun did not shine at Citi Field in New York, the Colorado Rapids sure did in a bounce-back road outing against New York City FC. Just a week after dropping a road match against FC Cincinnati, the Rapids pitched a clean sheet to finish their road trip with a 2-0 win against one of the hottest teams in the MLS. The two goal scorers for the Rapids were Rafael Navarro in the 16th minute and Cole Bassett in the 86th minute.

By Melissa Clark, The New York Times The first blush of asparagus season never gets old. Every April, seeing those violet-tipped bunches at the farmers’ market sends my pulse zipping and my mind whirling. Dreaming up new ways of preparing them is almost as thrilling as eating them, though clearly not as satiating. Because asparagus cook so quickly and are delightful at any stage of doneness — crisp-tender, velvety soft and even raw, if very fresh — they take well to a host of techniques. Lately, roasting has been my go-to.

A new Lincoln Project spot takes aim at what’s allegedly inside Donald Trump’s pants. Via Florida Politics: “We know Donald ‘Von ShitzInPants’ Trump will hate that this commercial is going to be seen by all his top donors this weekend as they do Apprentice-style tryouts with potential Vice Presidential picks,” said Rick Wilson, Lincoln Project co-founder.

There's a bill on Ron DeSantis’ desk that, if he signs it, would end the state’s support of renewable and clean energy and keep Florida reliant on fossil fuels. Via the Sun-Sentinel: If signed, the law would reverse 16 years of state policy, finishing the work started by former Gov. Rick Scott and undoing Gov.