Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will debate how far states can go regulating mental health treatment when it takes up a case about conversion therapy — the discredited practice aimed at changing youths' sexual orientations or gender identities.

Why it matters: The outcome will determine whether therapists' conversations with patients are regarded as medical treatment or as a form of speech protected by the First Amendment.

• It will also likely decide the fate of laws in almost half of the states that restrict the practice, which major medical associations and LGBTQ+ advocates condemn as harmful and unscientific.

State of play: The case revolves around a 2019 Colorado law that banned conversion therapy aimed at kids.

• Supporters of the law say it was a response to a mental health crisis among Colorado teens and evidence that the practice has led to increased depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and attempts.
• A study from the Trevor Project found that young people who reported going through conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide.

Where it stands: The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative group, is representing Christian therapist Kaley Chiles, who contends the law is a de facto gag order that violates her First Amendment rights. The Trump administration is backing the challenge.

• Chiles' lawyers say the ban favors the expression of some views over others, by forbidding therapists from encouraging youths with gender dysphoria to realign their identity with their birth sex, but allowing support for a person transitioning from his or her birth sex.
• Colorado says the law is part of its broader regulation of licensed mental health professionals. It argues there's no therapeutic need or ability to change variations in gender identity, which are now recognized as "part of the normal spectrum of human diversity."

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Denver International Airport experienced flight delays yesterday amid staffing shortages linked to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Why it matters: The disruptions — modest so far — hint at what could come if the shutdown drags on and more critical workers stop showing up.

The big picture: Air traffic controllers across the country have called in sick at slightly higher rates since the shutdown began, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters yesterday.

• He said some facilities have seen staffing drop by as much as 50% at times, but he didn't specify where.
• Duffy stressed that the absences remain isolated and that the agency is ready to slow traffic if needed.

Zoom in: At DIA, arriving flights were delayed an average of 39 minutes yesterday due to staffing issues, according to air traffic controller alerts. The maximum delay was 95 minutes.

• Airport security wait times, however, were not affected, according to DIA's online dashboard.
• DIA officials wouldn't say how severe the staffing issues are and directed Axios Denver's inquiries to federal officials, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

What they're saying: Despite staffing issues, Duffy said airspace safety isn't at risk.

What we're watching: So far, air travel disruptions have been limited. But if the shutdown continues, the TSA warns delays could worsen as fatigue and financial strain mount.

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Four in 10 Colorado homeowners paid condo or homeowners association fees last year, new Census Bureau data shows.

Why it matters: The dues add to the already high cost of homeownership in Colorado.

By the numbers: The average median monthly HOA fee in Colorado reached $99 per month.

The big picture: Nationally, Colorado is on the lower end when it comes to HOA fees, but it varies across the state.

• Roughly 5.6 million homeowners paid less than $50 a month, while around 3 million paid over $500 a month.

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🍸 A Vegas-style nightclub opened on 16th Street on the Denver Pavilions' third floor. The owners of local Mexican chain 3 Margaritas are behind the spot, called XSO Night Club. (DBJ 🔑)

🚩 Homeland Security's claims that assaults against ICE agents nationwide have surged more than 1,000% aren't backed by data, per a review of federal court records. (CPR)

👶 About 20% of Colorado babies received prenatal care late in 2024 due in large part to a provider shortage, state data shows. (Denver Post 🔑)

🗳️ Denver school board candidate Mariana del Hierro, running for District 2, faces allegations of mistreating immigrant women on her staff. She denies those claims. (Chalkbeat)

📍 Denver airport CEO Phil Washington was cleared of an ethics complaint regarding flights that cost as much as $19,000. (Denver Post 🔑)

🏗️ Plans for a mixed-use building near the start of the South Pearl Street historic shopping district have been submitted. The development is being pitched as Pearl Street's "welcoming entry point." (DBJ 🔑)

Just because temperatures are cooler doesn't mean gardening season is over.

Dig in: Cooler temperatures and shorter days are good for frost-tolerant fall vegetables, such as kale, spinach, arugula, broccoli, beets and carrots, the master gardeners at City Floral Garden Center tell us.

• Other plants, such as mums and pansies, will keep color blooming in the garden, while now is the right time to plant bulbs for spring.

What to expect: Given Colorado's climate, it's necessary to plan for frost, the gardeners say. Row covers for sensitive plants and annual pots will keep the garden alive longer.

• Don't clear out your garden beds immediately. Wait for them to get visibly stressed by the weather. And don't prune spring-blooming trees or shrubs to keep spring buds alive.

Pro tip: Take advantage of Denver's LeafDrop program to compost your fall leaves and pumpkins.