🤖 How local police are using AI

We’re back with more recommendations from City Cast Denver Neighbors about their fave local people, spots, and organizations in the Mile High, so they can become your favorites too 💕

📣 Kathy K. enjoys Out of Step Clay, a ceramic studio in Wheat Ridge aiming to nourish a sense of community one pottery lesson at a time.

📣 Danielle S. recommends Santi Healing Collective in Aurora for its nail care, facials, and more. “I always leave feeling cared for and refreshed!”

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast 🎤

🤖 Does AI Belong in Law Enforcement?

Law enforcement agencies across the metro Denver area are adopting AI software to write police reports, even though the technology has been proven to make errors and at least one recent study claims it doesn’t actually save time. [Westword]

• But wait, there’s more: Police departments across the state — including Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Commerce City — have also recently deployed first-responder drones. [Denver Post 🔒]

🚨 ICE Announces New Detention Center in Weld County

Federal immigration officials confirmed plans to open a second Colorado detention center in the town of Hudson, about 30 miles northeast of Denver. While the exact location is not confirmed, there is a shuttered prison in Hudson previously reported as a possible ICE facility with space for 1,250 beds, nearly matching the existing Aurora ICE facility’s capacity of 1,360. [Denver Post 🔒]

🗳️ Council Rejects Ranked Choice Voting

A proposal to switch Denver’s local elections to an instant runoff model will not appear on the Denver ballot this fall. City council decided not to advance the measure in a 7-6 vote this week. They did, however, give preliminary approval to a potential ballot measure that would significantly change how Denverites elect council’s at-large members. [Denver Post 🔒]

• A familiar debate: RCV was a hot topic on last year’s state ballot. The proposal was narrowly defeated then, too.

📱 Why is Governor Polis So Weird Online?

Governor Jared Polis has developed quite a reputation for his online stunts, memes, and overall antics. So what exactly is he doing? And is it working for him? Producer Olivia Jewell Love did the research, and we’re going back through all his greatest hits (and most cringeworthy moments) on today’s City Cast Denver podcast. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🛫 Nuclear Plans at DIA on Pause

Less than a week after city and airport officials announced a $1.25 million plan to study the feasibility of building a small nuclear reactor at DIA, they’re pushing pause to address complaints from Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore — whose district includes the airport — that officials never consulted the community about the project. [Denverite]

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On the Zombie Apocalypse

After reading a study that ranked Coors Field as one of the best baseball stadiums for surviving a zombie apocalypse, the City Cast Denver crew shared our ideas for survival if an army of the walking dead ever overtook the Mile High. Here are a few hot takes from listeners:

Kranky Old Kweer couldn’t believe Casa Bonita didn’t make our cut for zombie hideouts:

“Casa Bonita!!! I feel like there are limited entrances to manage, lots of hidey holes if a few get in. You could probably DIY some decent weapons out of kitchen items, and if all else fails, watching the world end with a frozen margarita and a few tacos ain't a bad way to go about it.”

Danielle R. says that the idea of Denver being a prime location for apocalypse survival might actually carry some weight:

“This episode reminded me of the Van Helsing TV series (not the cheesy 2004 movie) which is a vampire story, but the vampires behave like zombies. … Denver was considered one of the safest places for survivors because of its high elevation, which supposedly made it harder for the vampire virus to spread. In the show’s lore, the vampiric pathogen struggled to survive or transmit effectively in thin, high-altitude air. This meant vampires were less common there, and the city became a fortified refuge for humans.”

And Lauren from Cap Hill suggests Colorado Mills mall for shelter:

“It would have a ton of food options and a very good vantage point for sniping zombies, à la Dawn of the Dead. As well, nearby the Colorado Mills mall is the Bristlecone shooting center and I think that would be a good area to recruit people to be part of your team.”

Plus, a Few Fun Things to Do

We also got some recommendations for cool places to check out:

Olivia P. sings the praises of Milk Tea People, which just secured a Downtown Development Authority loan to expand:

“They are one of my absolute TOP recommendations in Denver. The drinks are soo good (matcha horchata, strawberry matcha, pistachio foam) and it’s very popular. Truly obsessed.”

And Sarah Z. suggests Cirrus Social Club, a new upscale cannabis lounge on Colfax:

“This place is my new favorite neighborhood late-night spot. The inside is gorgeous, 5-star service from the entire staff, and the drinks were delicious. … People can dress up, listen to jazz, and be treated like adults. Zero stoner bro vibes present. It was insanely refreshing. Any level of usage is encouraged … We would absolutely bring our parents here!”