🔎 What lawmakers saw inside Aurora ICE facility

🔎 What Lawmakers Saw Inside Aurora ICE Facility

Colorado’s four Democrat members of Congress toured the ICE detention center in Aurora on Monday to inspect conditions and meet with detainees. The lawmakers were required to give the center seven days’ notice before their visit, during which Rep. Diana DeGette said that detainees told her they were instructed “to spiff up and make things look good.” [Denver Post 🔒]

• Why it matters: Rep. Jason Crow — who was turned away from the center last month — and Rep. Joe Neguse are suing ICE for its seven-day notice policy, saying it's a violation of their oversight authority.

🚒 Colorado Wildfires Growing Fast

South of the town of Meeker, the Lee fire has now scorched more than 113,000 acres, making it the fifth largest wildfire in state history. As of Monday afternoon, the fire was only 7% contained. [CO Sun]

• Check the status: You can follow regular updates on the size and containment of the Lee fire — as well as other Colorado wildfires — here.

👨‍🍳 Will Restaurants Be Satisfied With New ‘Liaisons’?

Visit Denver just hired two industry veterans to “support and advance” the local restaurant industry. But with the minimum wage set to increase again in January and restaurateurs already complaining about rising labor costs, will these new liaisons be able to help enough? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins the City Cast Denver podcast to get into the politics. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🌊 Water World Announces a Revamp

Water World amusement park remains open through Labor Day, but the Calypso Cove section of the park (home to popular attractions like Pirates Plunge and Wally World) will close Monday, Aug. 24 for good. The park plans to completely reimagine that area with new rides and upgraded amenities before the start of next season. [9News]

• One last ride: Water World will host a farewell celebration in Calypso Cove on Aug. 24, complete with free treats, swag, and giveaways.
• How does Water World work? We went behind the scenes and got all the juicy inside stories on the podcast.