👮 Why Denver still hasn’t paid George Floyd protesters

🔋 What a Trump Administration Might Mean for Denver EV Lovers

One of President Trump’s many executive orders this week was an end to electric vehicle subsidies — something Coloradans love. (Last year, Colorado edged out California for the largest market share of electric vehicles in the nation.) So will this move impact our passion for gas-free cars? One climate reporter weighs in. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🧑‍⚖️ Denver Appeals Payouts to George Floyd Protesters

The city wants to reverse or reduce the $14 million dollars it has been ordered to pay to protesters who were injured by police in 2020, alleging mistakes by the court that levied the fines. Mayor Mike Johnston supports the appeal, though it could take up to a year to be resolved. [Axios Denver]

👩‍🔬 State’s Former Top Forensic Scientist Charged with Misconduct

Former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods is facing 102 felony charges for allegedly tampering with DNA evidence in dozens of cases between 2008 and 2023, potentially impacting the outcome of more than 1,000 convictions. Woods has told investigators there was no “good reason” for her errors, other than trying to rush results. [CO Sun]

🤑 Denver Rents Drop Significantly

The average cost of rent for an apartment in the metro area dropped to $1,840 per month in the fourth quarter of last year — the largest quarterly drop recorded for the region — according to the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. Part of the reason for lower rents is a 7% surge in vacancies, the largest level in years. [Denver Gazette 🔒]

• So why does rent still feel SO high? We asked the state’s chief advocate for local landlords what’s going on. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Last week’s answer: You can spot this local mural on the back side of the Mile High United Way building — a human services nonprofit — at 711 Park Ave. West in Five Points. It faces the playground of MHUW’s brand new Tamara M. Sparks Early Learning Center and was designed by local artist Pat Milbery. Kids from the center, MHUW staff, and community volunteers helped paint the mural last fall 🎨🌈

Major kudos for our correct guessers this week:

• Jackie M. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• But Sammy R. and Roweena N. weren’t far behind!
• And special thanks to Hey Denver reader Jenn B. (with MHUW) for submitting this photo ✨

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ This one’s for my fellow foodies out there. Do YOU know where I ordered this gourmet bruschetta board and Italian beef dip panini? 🤤 Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

📸 Want to submit a photo? Send me a snapshot of somewhere in Denver, and I’ll consider it for an upcoming photo trivia segment!