University of Colorado regent Wanda James has built an unconventional career, spanning business, military service and the cannabis industry.

Why it matters: She's now eyeing Congress, challenging the U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Denver) in a competitive Democratic primary for Colorado's 1st Congressional District.

• James insists she's no spoiler.

Driving the news: The 61-year-old qualified for the primary ballot last week after submitting sufficient voter signatures, joining DeGette and newcomer Melat Kiros, who earned the ballot's top spot through the assembly process.

State of play: James tells us she's drawing more support in Denver from Black and Latino constituencies, a base she said helps separate herself.

• She's earned endorsements from former U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and former state House Speaker Terrance Carroll.
• Her deep ties and community involvement, including creating local jobs, also differentiate her from the other candidates, she said.
• Her extensive business background includes co-founding the nation's first Black-owned cannabis company, Simply Pure.

Between the lines: Medicare for All, supporting voting rights and affordability would be her top priorities in Washington, she tells us.

The intrigue: Kwon Atlas, a local Democratic strategist, tells us James benefits from name recognition, including among voters who've seen her name on a ballot for regent, which matches the congressional district map.

• James' extensive career could make her more appealing to voters than someone like Kiros, who lacks a similar track record, Atlas adds.
• In fact, Kiros is more likely to play spoiler, Atlas adds.

Reality check

This is surveillance pricing: A plane ticket that costs more because you searched online for an obituary and need to travel. Or a parent who gets offered a lower salary because her social media mentions a sick child who needs health insurance.

Why it matters: Both scenarios show how companies can set individualized pricing and wages — often using artificial intelligence or algorithms — based on personal characteristics, online behaviors and biometrics.

Driving the news: Colorado lawmakers want to prohibit surveillance pricing, in particular, those systems that discriminate against consumers and workers. A Senate committee advanced the measure after a hearing yesterday.

• In situations where algorithms can set prices, companies would need to publish their procedures to ensure the accuracy of data and give consumers the ability to correct it, per the bill.

Caveats: The restrictions would include numerous carveouts, such as voluntary membership and loyalty programs. They also would not apply to federal, state or local government workers.

The other side: The business community testified that the legislation is too far-reaching and would disrupt normal business practices, including those that benefit consumers.

Full story

After 27 years in prison, Stephen Martinez will soon be free.

Zoom in: Martinez, 58, was expected to be released from prison immediately after Denver District Court Judge Andrew Luxen tossed his murder conviction and dismissed his charges yesterday.

• In 2000, a jury convicted Martinez of first-degree murder in connection with the 1998 death of 4-month-old Heather Lynn Mares.

Why it matters: The ruling marks a major win for the Korey Wise Innocence Project at the University of Colorado Law School, which presented the Denver District Attorney's Office with new evidence.

State of play: The new evidence the organization presented showed the child died from pre-existing respiratory illness, per a statement. At the time, her death was ruled a homicide caused by what was described as "shaken baby syndrome."

• The evidence prompted the Denver DA's office to conduct its own probe, leading it to vacate Martinez's conviction.

Between the lines: Denver District Attorney John Walsh said the medical examiner who performed Mares' autopsy in 1998 had recently acknowledged reasonable doubt about the original conclusion.

• The doubt cast by the medical examiner, along with evidence presented from the Innocence Project, meant the office was unable to meet its ethical and legal burden of proof, prompting the dismissal.

Caveat

🍎 Colorado would spend $10.2 billion on K-12 education next fiscal year, an estimated $12,314 per student, which represents an increase of $438 per student compared to the prior year. (Chalkbeat)

💦 Denver Water plans to drain the Antero Reservoir in South Park and send the water downstream to Cheesman Reservoir to save 5,000-acre-feet of water from evaporation. (Denver Post 🔑)

🥪 Chicago-based sandwich maker Pot Belly is adding 20 stores in Colorado, mostly in the Denver suburbs. (Denver Post 🔑)

🍷 Barcelona Wine Bar is opening a second location in Colorado, setting up shop at the Denver Tech Center at On The Square early next year, Esteban reports.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has outlived the Soviet Union, Y2K and the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Denver-area fans can celebrate its legacy Friday with a documentary showing at the Alamo Drafthouse in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood that pays tribute to the cult classic and its fandom.

What to know: Linus O'Brien, the son of "Rocky Horror" creator, released the film he directed, "Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror," last September to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the original film's release.

• The documentary features interviews with stars Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, executive producer Lou Adler and fans like actor Jack Black.

What they're saying: "I think Rocky will outlive us all," Linus O'Brien tells Axios.

What we're watching (with antici—pation): The documentary's set to be released June 9 on video-on-demand platforms.