Your Daily Guide

⚖️ SCOTUS Rules Against CO Conversion Therapy Law

In a decision announced Tuesday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Colorado Springs therapist Kaley Chiles and against the 2019 Colorado law that bans “any practice or treatment” aiming to change a minor’s “gender expression or … reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” Coloradan and Justice Neil Gorsuch argued for the majority that “the First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country.” [CO Sun]

• Colorado’s case: In a press release about the ruling, attorney general and gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser, who argued the case in front of SCOTUS, called it a “setback for Colorado’s efforts to protect children and families from harmful and discredited mental health practices.”

📚 New Independent Bookstore Coming to Larimer Square

Owner Paige Dungan says she wants Little Blue Pigeon to be “a gathering place on a street that’s needed one for a bit.” The store’s soft opening is today, with Dungan planning a grand opening celebration on April 25 with a scavenger hunt for kids and other family-friendly activities. [Westword]

• What’s going on in the bookstore biz? Yesterday, we shared the news that another local bookstore, Petals & Pages on Santa Fe, is closing; and in February, Denver Book Society opened its new shop on 17th Avenue.

🪧 Colorado Renames César Chávez Day

After allegations came to light last month about the late movement and labor leader César Chávez, Colorado lawmakers proposed renaming his state holiday. Now, Gov. Jared Polis has signed a new name into law — “Farm Workers Day” — but only for two years. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Why the time limit? State Sen. Julie Gonzales ran an amendment on Friday to require lawmakers to reconsider in two years in order to create “space so the Latino community and survivors could decide the best long-term path forward.”

🍽️ 2026 James Beard Award Finalists Announced

Maestro of the sweet potato Johnny Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina and dumpling queen Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton are both finalists for Best Chef of the mountain region. Denver’s also got finalists in the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category: duo McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright of Yacht Club and more recently Rougarou, as well as Barolo Grill owner and sommelier Ryan Fletter. [Westword]

⚖️ Judge Upholds Denver’s ‘Sanctuary’ Laws

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed the Trump administration’s legal effort to reverse Denver and Colorado’s “sanctuary” laws — specifically the rules put in place to limit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Judge Gordon Gallagher wrote, “the Constitution does not grant Congress the authority to ‘dragoon’ state officers into administering federal law.” [Denver Post 🔒]

☕ Cozy South Pearl Cafe Cuts Hours, Events

Weeks after removing WiFi access for patrons, the owners of Stella’s Coffee Haus have got people talking again, with an Instagram post announcing a new closing time of 4 p.m. and the end of evening events. “This was not an easy decision, but it’s one we feel is best for our team and the long-term health of the café,” the post reads.

• Is there a silver lining? “New breakfast items coming soon!!”

📹 City Council Signs Off on New License Plate Reader Contract

Seven of 13 Denver City Council members sided with Mayor Mike Johnston Tuesday night, saying yes to a year-long contract with Axon, the surveillance technology company that will now replace Flock cameras. Last year, Flock raised concerns with both council and the public after reports that its license plate reader data was being accessed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. [Denver Post 🔒]