🥹 Planning a breakup? Here’s where to split in Denver.

🔬 UCAR Sues to Halt NCAR Lab Selloff

In response to what they say is retribution for Colorado not falling in line with the president, the consortium of universities and scientists that run the National Center for Atmospheric Research lab in Boulder are now suing the Trump administration and the National Science Foundation to stop the alleged selloff of NCAR and restore existing contracts. [Colorado Sun]

• Who’s involved? UCAR is a group of 129 universities and colleges with contracts to run the Boulder lab. The NSF is a federal agency that funds NCAR and oversees federal contracts for the lab.
• The allegations: UCAR filed in U.S. District Court on Monday, accusing the Trump administration of “arbitrary and capricious” efforts to reassign NCAR research duties and cancel contracts, which they say are politically motivated and retaliatory.
• What is the possible retaliation? UCAR claims that the selloff is retaliation for Colorado’s election policies and other measures that President Trump disagrees with, such as Colorado’s refusal to pardon former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted of election interference.
• Impact on climate research: UCAR leaders say political intimidation threatens climate and weather research, warning that the lawsuit exposes how scientists may feel discouraged from sharing honest research findings. The public, they add, may also lose faith in climate data.

👀 ICE’s Secret Denver Facilities, Revealed

What exactly is ICE up to in Denver? And how have ICE operations changed since Trump returned to the presidency? Contributor Joshua Emerson joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to discuss some recent reporting from Colorado Times Recorder on ICE “hold rooms” across the state and a recent CU Boulder analysis of 10 years of ICE data on Denver.

• 🥲 Plus, Joshua shares his list of the best places to be broken up with in Denver. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🗳️ CO Voters to Decide Transgender Athlete Ban

This November, Colorado voters will decide on a proposed law to ban transgender students from playing on sports teams aligned with their gender identity. The measure, backed by Protect Kids Colorado, has drawn opposition from LGBTQ+ groups who say it bullies children, takes opportunities away from transgender youth, and could impact K-12 and college athletics across the state. [Denver Post]

• Related: In nearby Jefferson County, the school district rejected a claim from the Trump administration that its transgender-inclusive sports policies violate federal law. Federal officials are threatening to pull funding, and school officials say the administration’s arguments are flawed. [Axios]

🚦 Flock Camera Access Restricted Amid Privacy Debate

Mayor Mike Johnston has already announced that he is allowing Flock Safety’s contract with Denver to lapse at the end of the month over privacy concerns and federal data sharing. But Flock’s license plate cameras will remain available to private customers, such as businesses and homeowners. Denver police will now need permission to access footage from privately owned devices. Meanwhile, a City Council committee is meeting today to consider replacing Flock with a $150,000 contract with Axon. [Denverite]

🏘️ Unhoused Nonprofit’s Services at Risk

Christ’s Body Ministries, known as Denver’s “Church of the Homeless,” is facing a $100,000 shortfall and possible closure. Despite community fundraising, the nonprofit’s future remains uncertain as donations wane, but demand continues to rise. The nonprofit provides more than 80,000 meals per year, showers, and clothing to Denver’s unhoused residents. [Westword]