🏛️ ACLU scores win against Trump's immigration crackdown

🗳️ Yadira Caraveo Running in CD8

The former Congresswoman announced she would try to win her seat back from Rep. Gabe Evans in 2026, though she will have to beat other promising Democratic candidates — like state Rep. Manny Rutinel, who has raised about $1 million so far. In recent interviews, Caraveo spoke about her struggles with depression during her first term, for which she sought treatment. [Colorado Sun]

🏛️ Sand Creek Massacre Memorial Planned for Capitol

The monument will be placed on the steps of the Capitol at the former location of the Civil War soldier statue that was toppled during the 2020 protests over the death of George Floyd. It comes a decade after a promise to the descendants of survivors of the 1865 massacre that their families would be honored at the statehouse. [Westword]

🧬 Man Released From Murder Conviction Over Shoddy DNA Testing

A Boulder man walked free this week after spending 12 years in prison for a murder he says he didn’t commit. His case is just one of hundreds potentially impacted by the alleged mishandling of evidence by a former forensic scientist with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. A reporter following the case explains. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

• Rape kit backlog: The DNA testing scandal has also contributed to the backlog of rape kits at CBI waiting to be tested, so other agencies are stepping in. The Denver Crime Lab is taking back about 100 kits stemming from local cases to speed up results. [KDVR]

⚖️ Judge Stops Deportation of Venezuelans from Colorado

A U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of the American Civil Liberties Union in their lawsuit to prevent the deportation of two immigrants who are accused of being members of the gang Tren de Aragua. The ruling puts a two-week hold on the Trump administration’s ability to remove the men and others using the Alien Enemies Act, an 1798 law that allows noncitizens to be deported without proceedings if they are a threat to national security. [Denver Post 🔒]

🥂 Readers share more drink deals

After we shared some spots to try for bottomless mimosas, Kimberly sent in another suggestion:

• “Abrusci's Fire and Vine in Lakewood has great options for their mimosas during brunch on Saturday and Sunday. They've got the classics of orange, pineapple, or cranberry juice. You also have the option of peach or strawberry puree. The best part is that any of those options are $3.”

Also, Rachel W. let us know that Joy Hill is great not just for the pizza, but also the happy hour:

• “Wanted to thank Paul for the Joy Hill recommendation! I have probably driven past this restaurant 50 times and had no idea what delicious pizza (and fabulous patio) resided inside! It’s a new favorite and the $10 happy hour margherita (daily!) is such a deal.”

💩 The Dog Poop Hotline is ringing off the hook

Theories about why Denverites aren’t picking up their dog poop range widely, with Stan P. sharing this one:

• “COVID broke the brains of Americans and the fabric of society. Driving, biking, just being considerate, tipping, and picking up poop, it all goes back to COVID and how Americans now feel entitled to everything.”

If you need another reason to clean up after your dog, think of Kinzie B. and her puppy Milo:

• “We have a new puppy and he has a gross habit of eating other dog’s poop. It’s disgusting and with all the ‘treats’ left along sidewalks and paths, it makes walking him a nightmare … I wish we knew more about WHY people don’t pick it up!”

The episode left Ron N. with several questions:

• “You established that thousands of pounds of dog shit are placed in plastic bags and put in the landfill: How does shit decompose if it's wrapped in plastic? Has the shit had any effect on the aquifer? Is there any chance that the shit emits methane, causing the bags to expand and resulting in thousands of subterranean explosions? Should I worry?”