Should Denver ban grass?

🫏 Inside the Democrats’ Divide on Immigration

It’s time for the Friday News Roundup! Colorado’s four Democratic members of Congress were finally able to tour the ICE detention facility in Aurora this week, and they had a lot to say about the agency’s lack of transparency. But is this the message that’s gonna win back Congress from Trump and the Republicans? Plus, is Denver ready for a nuclear reactor at DIA? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏠 Denver Evictions Reach Crisis Levels

Denver is closing in on another record-breaking year for eviction filings. The first seven months of 2025 clocked 9,335 filings total — that’s more than the city would typically see for an entire year at pre-pandemic rates. [9News]

• Concerning disparities: Data shows that the Green Valley Ranch, West Colfax, and Montbello neighborhoods — communities with some of the city’s highest percentages of Latino and Black residents — are experiencing the most evictions.

🚫 Salvation Army and City Split Up

The nonprofit homeless service provider says it will not seek to renew its agreements to operate three Denver shelters when the contracts expire Dec. 31. The organization says it made the decision to ensure financial security, but it also follows a year of public criticism, negative publicity, and spats with the city. [Denver Post 🔒]

💦 Officials Plan for a More Water-Wise Denver

Denver’s office of Community Planning and Development is drafting a proposal that would largely ban nonfunctional, water-greedy turf for new developments — residential and commercial — across the city. But a vote is still a long way out; staffers will spend the next year gathering data and community input before approaching City Council. [Denverite]

• Get involved: Officials are asking Denverites to fill out this survey about the potential news rules.
• An important reminder: Denver’s summer watering rules are currently in effect.

Last week’s answer: Grab a slushie and some popcorn between rides from this concession stand inside the Lakeside Amusement Park 🍿🎢

📣 A special shoutout for this week’s correct guessers:

• Tiffany O. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• But Melissa M., Mirella C., Madeline C., and Sophie S. weren’t far behind!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do you know where to find this curious wall of oddities? 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!