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Vance takes a step toward 2028 in MAGA power play

The vice president's path to 2028 presidential campaign demands a delicate political calculation.

Politics & Policy

Vice President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/jd-vance-iran-war-trump-election" data-vars-content-id="73f290c3-5be9-42c9-aa24-f0f2afde057b" data-vars-headline="Vance takes a step toward 2028 in MAGA power play" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/jd-vance-iran-war-trump-election" target="_self">Vance</a> stepped out of President Trump&#x27;s shadow Wednesday, seizing on the GOP&#x27;s midterm catastrophe to begin the explosive task of claiming MAGA as his own.<ul><li>&quot;The reason we lost is the war,&quot; Vance wrote in an extraordinary 600-word <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="postmortem on X" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/JDVance/status/2118004988433641835" data-vars-content-id="73f290c3-5be9-42c9-aa24-f0f2afde057b" data-vars-headline="Vance takes a step toward 2028 in MAGA power play" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/2118004988433641835" target="_blank">postmortem on X</a>, blaming Trump&#x27;s Iran campaign for Republicans&#x27; historic collapse.</li></ul>Why it matters: Vance&#x27;s presidential ambitions are entangled in the wreckage of a war he privately opposed but publicly defended. His path to 2028 demands a delicate political calculation.

Why Pete Hegseth could fall through "thin ice"

Hegseth is the most vulnerable member of Trump's Cabinet after Tuesday's midterm shellacking.

It&#x27;s a de facto motto in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="f46cd733-69c6-42c1-b4a3-82fd106ddbc0" data-vars-headline="Why Pete Hegseth could fall through &quot;thin ice&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> White House: &quot;Somebody&#x27;s gotta take the fall.&quot; Lately, that person looks like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.Why it matters: From the unpopular war in Iran to his bad bipartisan relations with members of Congress, Hegseth&#x27;s record has made him the most vulnerable member of Trump&#x27;s Cabinet after Tuesday night&#x27;s midterm shellacking.

Democrats poised to break GOP's 16-year grip on statehouses

A majority of Americans could live in Democratic trifectas.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" data-vars-content-id="f4b1539f-9a87-48a1-acef-d6d3f390351c" data-vars-headline="Democrats poised to break GOP&#x27;s 16-year grip on statehouses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" target="_self">Democrats</a> are on track to take control of a majority of legislative chambers, ending 16 years of Republican dominance over America&#x27;s statehouses.<ul><li>If current leads hold, 75% of Americans will live in a state with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/five-biggest-shocks-democrats-midterm-results" data-vars-content-id="f4b1539f-9a87-48a1-acef-d6d3f390351c" data-vars-headline="Democrats poised to break GOP&#x27;s 16-year grip on statehouses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/five-biggest-shocks-democrats-midterm-results" target="_self">Democratic</a> governor, and 53% will live in Democratic trifectas.</li></ul>Why it matters: Statehouses are the front line of American federalism, and Tuesday&#x27;s gains dramatically expand Democrats&#x27; power to increase minimum wages, protect abortion access, and set voting rules ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2028" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/axios-2028" data-vars-content-id="f4b1539f-9a87-48a1-acef-d6d3f390351c" data-vars-headline="Democrats poised to break GOP&#x27;s 16-year grip on statehouses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/signup/axios-2028" target="_self">2028</a> for most Americans.

After midterm defeat, Trump faces mostly bad options in Iran

World

President Trump has conceded that the Iran war cost Republicans dearly in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="a339785b-faa5-4b96-afc9-21b4168fbd2d" data-vars-headline="After midterm defeat, Trump faces mostly bad options in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">midterms</a>. Now he must decide whether to cut his losses and reach a deal — or double down and go back to bombing. Why it matters: All of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="a339785b-faa5-4b96-afc9-21b4168fbd2d" data-vars-headline="After midterm defeat, Trump faces mostly bad options in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> options are problematic:The first is to strike. But going back to war would be highly unpopular — keeping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" data-vars-content-id="a339785b-faa5-4b96-afc9-21b4168fbd2d" data-vars-headline="After midterm defeat, Trump faces mostly bad options in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" target="_self">gas</a> prices high and probably not yielding a better military result. Another is to negotiate. But if <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iranian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="a339785b-faa5-4b96-afc9-21b4168fbd2d" data-vars-headline="After midterm defeat, Trump faces mostly bad options in Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iranian</a> officals refuse to make concessions — or, sensing weakness after the president&#x27;s political loss, up their demands — Trump will have a hard time reaching a deal.

Dems' rout opens door to "big test" and a packed 2028 field

The party's victories gave all of its factions reason to claim they can defeat the GOP in two years.

Democrats of all political stripes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won so big" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="94aa7054-b019-44a4-bd58-dd6dc5b80e91" data-vars-headline="Dems&#x27; rout opens door to &quot;big test&quot; and a packed 2028 field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">won so big</a> on Tuesday that the party didn&#x27;t settle its long-running civil war between moderates and progressives.<ul><li>Instead, the party&#x27;s historic victories gave each faction some reasons to claim that its brand of Democrats can defeat the GOP in 2028.</li></ul>Driving the news: Democratic operatives are sure of one thing, though: Tuesday&#x27;s blowout wins mean that more party leaders will be willing to run for the White House than if the midterms hadn&#x27;t gone so well.

Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and ballot measures

We put together voter guides to get you smarter, faster about your ballot.

Election

Colorado voters face major decisions in the 2026 midterms, from statewide questions to choosing the next governor — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the stakes are high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/07/colorado-2026-ballot-stakes" data-vars-content-id="e5e45b27-4eae-4fed-b52b-f5ed7c09be37" data-vars-headline="Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/07/colorado-2026-ballot-stakes" target="_self">the stakes are high</a>.We&#x27;re here to help.

Report: Broncos owners spend big on Republicans  

NFL owners spent some $18 million during the midterms, mostly backing Republicans

News

Broncos co-owners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greg Penner and Rob Walton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/29/how-taxpayers-could-pay-new-broncos-stadium" data-vars-content-id="c9c0ec13-7599-4dcd-871d-4a2985c07544" data-vars-headline="Report: Broncos owners spend big on Republicans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/29/how-taxpayers-could-pay-new-broncos-stadium" target="_self">Greg Penner and Rob Walton</a> poured more than $9 million into political causes this election cycle, largely backing Republicans.Why it matters: Members of the NFL&#x27;s richest ownership group are flexing their political muscle in the most expensive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterm election in history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/10/28/nx-s1-6020547/whos-funding-the-most-expensive-u-s-election-ever" data-vars-content-id="c9c0ec13-7599-4dcd-871d-4a2985c07544" data-vars-headline="Report: Broncos owners spend big on Republicans " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/10/28/nx-s1-6020547/whos-funding-the-most-expensive-u-s-election-ever" target="_blank">midterm election in history</a>.

5 takeaways from Colorado's blue tsunami election

Colorado's now deep blue — embracing progressive candidates and policies.

A blue tsunami crashed into Colorado in Tuesday&#x27;s midterm election, with Democrats winning every statewide race and gaining ground in ruby-red districts.Why it matters: Colorado&#x27;s blue streak deepened with voters embracing progressive candidates and policies.

How Colorado voted on ballot measures

Voters weighed in on everything from transgender rights and taxes to fentanyl penalties and fishing.

Colorado voters faced one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the longest ballots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.westword.com/news/colorado-voters-put-more-measures-on-the-ballot-this-year-than-in-over-a-century-40933054/" data-vars-content-id="1126e8ab-c381-48f7-ab3d-ed20a13e0fe4" data-vars-headline="How Colorado voted on ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.westword.com/news/colorado-voters-put-more-measures-on-the-ballot-this-year-than-in-over-a-century-40933054/" target="_blank">the longest ballots</a> in state history Tuesday, weighing in on everything from transgender rights and taxes to fentanyl penalties and fishing.Why it matters: Together, the 14 measures put major policy decisions directly in voters&#x27; hands — and delivered conservatives some victories in an otherwise <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overwhelmingly blue election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/takeaways-blue-tsunami-election-colorado-2026-results" data-vars-content-id="1126e8ab-c381-48f7-ab3d-ed20a13e0fe4" data-vars-headline="How Colorado voted on ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/takeaways-blue-tsunami-election-colorado-2026-results" target="_self">overwhelmingly blue election</a>.

The best new bites at Ball Arena this season 

Dozens of new dishes will be available for Avs and Nuggets games.

Sports

Ball Arena unveiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new menu items" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/23/best-new-food-ball-arena" data-vars-content-id="e29aa1a4-a86a-428f-809b-e7079809350c" data-vars-headline="The best new bites at Ball Arena this season " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/23/best-new-food-ball-arena" target="_self">new menu items</a> Wednesday, including dishes from Denver favorites like Bao Brewhouse, Nola Jane and Wild Taco. Best bites: We picked five dishes worth trying at the next Colorado Avalanche or Denver Nuggets home game this season.

8 new additions to Denver's dining scene

Milanese pizza. Thai street food. Cult-followed smashburgers. And more.

Food and Drink

Milanese pizza. Thai street food. Cult-favorite smashburgers.Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s new and what&#x27;s coming soon around Denver:

Boulder

Jeremy Bloom reinvents X Games from Boulder

The former CU star is building a team-based league to attract a new generation of fans.

The X Games are getting a major makeover under former CU football star and Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom, who&#x27;s reinventing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the action-sports brand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/jeremy-bloom-x-games-ceo-colorado" data-vars-content-id="988c1b78-58d9-4fcb-b4dd-98ce21649d86" data-vars-headline="Jeremy Bloom reinvents X Games from Boulder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/jeremy-bloom-x-games-ceo-colorado" target="_self">the action-sports brand</a> from Boulder.Why it matters: Bloom is borrowing from Formula 1 and UFC to build a new kind of sports league — and putting Boulder at the center of it.

10 family-friendly things to do in Colorado this fall

Here's your family-friendly fall bucket list.

Local Brief

Fall can feel like a sprint in Colorado.Why it matters: There&#x27;s only so much time for pumpkins, golden aspens and cider-filled weekends — especially this year, when experts say drought could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shorten the leaf-peeping window" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/25/colorado-fall-colors-peak-2026" data-vars-content-id="7d03fcc5-e50f-49d0-85ea-0d4c63a9f68c" data-vars-headline="10 family-friendly things to do in Colorado this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/25/colorado-fall-colors-peak-2026" target="_self">shorten the leaf-peeping window</a>.

5 Colorado cabins to rent this fall

Sweater weather calls for an escape to the woods.

Fall calls for cozying up in a Colorado cabin.Here are five great getaways with a little something special — like history, hot springs and seriously stunning scenery.

Where doulas are covered by Medicaid

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid.

Wellness Brief

More than half of U.S. states now reimburse for doula care under Medicaid — a dramatic shift from just a few years ago. By the numbers: 28 states and D.C. are actively reimbursing, according to the National Health Law Program. Before 2020, only Oregon and Minnesota did.

Doulas go mainstream

Research links doula support to lower cesarean rates and fewer preterm births.

Doula care is moving into the mainstream as major insurers expand coverage and more patients incorporate it into pregnancy care. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research has linked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00261-9/fulltext" data-vars-content-id="2eed56a6-b721-4e8f-ab61-20309344d349" data-vars-headline="Doulas go mainstream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00261-9/fulltext" target="_blank">Research has linked</a> doula support to lower cesarean rates and fewer preterm births.

Colorado Republicans face reckoning after election rout

Colorado Republicans emerged from Tuesday's election fractured, frazzled and facing a familiar question: Where does the party go from here?

Politics

Colorado Republicans emerged from Tuesday&#x27;s election fractured, frazzled and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facing a familiar question" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/11/17/colorado-republicans-donald-trump-2024" data-vars-content-id="b0e03fe3-72b6-4c46-80ee-e327a4f023f4" data-vars-headline="Colorado Republicans face reckoning after election rout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/11/17/colorado-republicans-donald-trump-2024" target="_self">facing a familiar question</a>: Where does the party go from here?

Skijoring to debut at Denver's National Western Stock Show

The horse-drawn skiing competition takes place Jan. 18.

Skijoring will make a triumphant trot into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver&#x27;s cowboypalooza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/30/2027-national-western-stock-show-tickets" data-vars-content-id="e8b66ea5-4566-4ad7-ad29-240015fba5f5" data-vars-headline="Skijoring to debut at Denver&#x27;s National Western Stock Show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/30/2027-national-western-stock-show-tickets" target="_self">Denver&#x27;s cowboypalooza</a> in January.Zoom in: The National Western Stock Show will host a horse-drawn skiing competition on Jan. 18, bringing the winter sport&#x27;s debut to Denver.

Manny Rutinel flips Colorado's competitive 8th District seat

The former state lawmaker challenged U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans.

Democrat Manny Rutinel defeated incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans to flip Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most competitive congressional seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/08/8th-district-debate-evans-rutinel" data-vars-content-id="78e1b01f-fad0-4686-a49e-f01e096c2a93" data-vars-headline="Manny Rutinel flips Colorado&#x27;s competitive 8th District seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/08/8th-district-debate-evans-rutinel" target="_self">most competitive congressional seat</a>, according to the Associated Press. Why it matters: One of Colorado&#x27;s most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expensive congressional races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpr.org/2026/10/07/colorado-congressional-race-spending/" data-vars-content-id="78e1b01f-fad0-4686-a49e-f01e096c2a93" data-vars-headline="Manny Rutinel flips Colorado&#x27;s competitive 8th District seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpr.org/2026/10/07/colorado-congressional-race-spending/" target="_blank">expensive congressional races</a> delivered a critical pickup for Democrats in their fight for control of the U.S. House.

Melat Kiros sails to victory in 1st District seat

Her victory follows a wave of progressive insurgents who challenged established Democrats.

Democrat Melat Kiros handily won the race to represent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the 1st District seat on Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-primary-results-melat-kiros-beats-diana-degette" data-vars-content-id="19e0c675-f710-41a9-83bf-99ded099a224" data-vars-headline="Melat Kiros sails to victory in 1st District seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-primary-results-melat-kiros-beats-diana-degette" target="_self">the 1st District seat on Tuesday</a>, the Associated Press reports. Why it matters: The victory caps a remarkable rise for Kiros, a political unknown who&#x27;s now set to become Colorado&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black woman elected to Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="19e0c675-f710-41a9-83bf-99ded099a224" data-vars-headline="Melat Kiros sails to victory in 1st District seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">Black woman elected to Congress</a>. <ul><li>She&#x27;ll be only the third person in nearly 50 years to claim the Denver seat.</li></ul>

Polis' final budget plan would gut Medicaid benefits

Roughly 1.2 million vulnerable Coloradans rely on Medicaid.

Gov. Jared Polis wants to slash Medicaid benefits in his final <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gUpBVO3zug3CGbHr9AmZPAbfDb3HWgau/view" data-vars-content-id="91c20e95-d4ea-4536-b78a-84e2d2f7b8a3" data-vars-headline="Polis&#x27; final budget plan would gut Medicaid benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gUpBVO3zug3CGbHr9AmZPAbfDb3HWgau/view" target="_blank">budget proposal</a>, cutting adult dental coverage, scaling back home care and ending health coverage for children without legal status.Why it matters: Roughly 1.2 million Coloradans rely on Medicaid, but the term-limited Democrat says current spending is unsustainable and squeezing money for schools and other priorities.

Police arrest suspect in deadly Halloween shooting near CU

One CU student was killed and another critically injured in a shooting on Halloween night.

Boulder police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with a Halloween night shooting on University Hill that killed a University of Colorado Boulder student and critically injured another.The latest: Omar Perez faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault in connection with the Oct. 31 shooting, according to Boulder County Jail booking records.

How to hack the time change

Time change brings groggy mornings and more deer during evening commutes.

Your phone knows the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clocks fall back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/30/time-change-fall-back-2025" data-vars-content-id="b7663ce5-655b-43eb-81a6-180712ce3d34" data-vars-headline="How to hack the time change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/30/time-change-fall-back-2025" target="_self">clocks fall back</a> an hour at 2am Sunday. Your brain — not so much.Why it matters: Changing the clock can leave your body feeling jet-lagged — without ever leaving Colorado.

Flock cameras are disappearing in Colorado, but police surveillance isn't

Ditching Flock doesn't mean ditching surveillance.

Flock has become the boogeyman of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police surveillance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/28/police-surveillance-cameras-colorado" data-vars-content-id="d8b60625-7294-4a67-8f42-414c1959ae99" data-vars-headline="Flock cameras are disappearing in Colorado, but police surveillance isn&#x27;t" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/28/police-surveillance-cameras-colorado" target="_self">police surveillance</a>, with Colorado communities increasingly ditching its license plate-reading cameras over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="privacy concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="d8b60625-7294-4a67-8f42-414c1959ae99" data-vars-headline="Flock cameras are disappearing in Colorado, but police surveillance isn&#x27;t" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" target="_self">privacy concerns</a>.Why it matters: Some are swapping Flock for competing technology, preserving the capabilities that sparked the backlash in the first place.

Denver ballot measure results

Denver voters had their say on six issues from foie gras to school funding.

Denver voters are poised to approve all <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="six local ballot measures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/16/denver-ballot-measures-explained-2026" data-vars-content-id="6c7cd95d-9d27-4e8c-8d70-edf3d3da22c0" data-vars-headline="Denver ballot measure results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/16/denver-ballot-measures-explained-2026" target="_self">six local ballot measures</a> Tuesday, from a foie gras ban to increased school funding.Here&#x27;s where things stand as of 10pm Tuesday, according to unofficial returns from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Elections Division" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denvergov.org/electionresults#/results/20261103" data-vars-content-id="6c7cd95d-9d27-4e8c-8d70-edf3d3da22c0" data-vars-headline="Denver ballot measure results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denvergov.org/electionresults#/results/20261103" target="_blank">Denver Elections Division</a>.

Democrats dominate Colorado's down-ballot statewide races

Democrats dominate Colorado's down-ballot statewide races.

Democrats swept Colorado&#x27;s attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer races Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: Combined with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats&#x27; victory in the governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/phil-weiser-victor-marx-colorado-governors-race-results-2026" data-vars-content-id="76d41e32-3dac-4403-bbd0-7a5914983392" data-vars-headline="Democrats dominate Colorado&#x27;s down-ballot statewide races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/phil-weiser-victor-marx-colorado-governors-race-results-2026" target="_self">Democrats&#x27; victory in the governor&#x27;s race</a>, the results cement the party&#x27;s control over Colorado&#x27;s statewide executive offices for another four years.

John Hickenlooper triumphs in Colorado's U.S. Senate race

The Democratic Party needed to win the Colorado race to bolster its chances at a majority in the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper easily won a second six-year term Tuesday, defeating Republican rival Mark Baisley, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: The Democratic Party needed to win the Colorado race to bolster its chances at a majority in the U.S. Senate. Hickenlooper&#x27;s victory keeps the party in control of both of Colorado&#x27;s Senate seats.

Phil Weiser wins Colorado's governor's race

The outcome keeps Democrats in control of the state's top seat for another four years.

Phil Weiser cruised to victory in the Colorado governor&#x27;s race, according to the Associated Press. Why it matters: The victory keeps Democrats in control of the state&#x27;s top seat for another four years — and sets up Colorado as a stronger adversary to the Trump administration.

5 things to watch on Election Day in Colorado

Democrats are eyeing big wins, but conservatives could score victories of their own.

Colorado Democrats are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eyeing a rout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/02/democratic-wave-2026-election-colorado" data-vars-content-id="6c3c4fda-a88a-44c3-98f7-e7d6b585a881" data-vars-headline="5 things to watch on Election Day in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/02/democratic-wave-2026-election-colorado" target="_self">eyeing a rout</a> in Tuesday&#x27;s election — but conservatives could still score major victories on the same ballot.Why it matters: The results will carry weight far beyond Election Day — from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state policy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/07/colorado-2026-ballot-stakes" data-vars-content-id="6c3c4fda-a88a-44c3-98f7-e7d6b585a881" data-vars-headline="5 things to watch on Election Day in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/07/colorado-2026-ballot-stakes" target="_self">state policy</a> over the next four years to Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/20/denver-dnc-2028-bid-progressives" data-vars-content-id="6c3c4fda-a88a-44c3-98f7-e7d6b585a881" data-vars-headline="5 things to watch on Election Day in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/20/denver-dnc-2028-bid-progressives" target="_self">bid</a> to host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the 2028 Democratic National Convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/20/denver-dnc-2028-finalist" data-vars-content-id="6c3c4fda-a88a-44c3-98f7-e7d6b585a881" data-vars-headline="5 things to watch on Election Day in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/20/denver-dnc-2028-finalist" target="_self">the 2028 Democratic National Convention</a>.

What a Democratic wave could look like in Colorado

The 2026 election is poised to deliver major wins for Democratic candidates and causes in Colorado.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The 2026 election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/30/colorado-voter-guide-2026-election-ballot-measures-candidates" data-vars-content-id="896f2b38-dc9e-4bfa-92b0-318f0fdb6a14" data-vars-headline="What a Democratic wave could look like in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/30/colorado-voter-guide-2026-election-ballot-measures-candidates" target="_self">The 2026 election</a> is setting the stage for major Democratic victories in Colorado, both for candidates and causes.<ul><li>But the vote count will determine the election&#x27;s — and the state&#x27;s — shade of blue.</li></ul>

Denver Art Museum lands major Picasso exhibition   

Things to Do

The Denver Art Museum next year welcomes a name synonymous with modern art: Pablo Picasso. Why it matters: The exhibition will mark DAM&#x27;s first comprehensive showcase of the Spanish master — one of the most influential artists of the 20th century — and its only U.S. stop.

What's new at GABF this year

This year GABF is ditching the convention hall for a lawn party

The Great American Beer Festival is back and ditching the convention hall for a lawn party.Why it matters: One of the nation&#x27;s most venerable beer festivals is looking to win back fans with a smaller, cheaper and more personal experience — all elements it hopes will revive interest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the languishing event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" data-vars-content-id="cf1e3b4e-4098-430b-b740-c487c2d2965b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at GABF this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/11/decline-craft-beer-festival-gabf-2023" target="_self">the languishing event</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" data-vars-content-id="cf1e3b4e-4098-430b-b740-c487c2d2965b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at GABF this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" target="_self">declining industry</a>.

Arc opens its first thrift bins

Arc's first-ever outlet sells massively discounted clothing and goods,

Business

Arc Thrift Stores opened its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first-ever outlet" data-vars-click-url="https://arcthrift.com/outlet" data-vars-content-id="6f9e1cb3-e2aa-4daa-900c-4ca55ec5ff29" data-vars-headline="Arc opens its first thrift bins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arcthrift.com/outlet" target="_blank">first-ever outlet</a> yesterday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a big deal if you&#x27;re in the thrifting game.

Horror bookstore set to open soon on South Broadway

A "cozy haunted nook" is coming this fall.

A horror-themed bookstore is creeping up on South Broadway. Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broom Book &amp; Candle" data-vars-click-url="https://broombookcandle.com/" data-vars-content-id="4e13bd64-a032-44ac-a917-17cfd54f9908" data-vars-headline="Horror bookstore set to open soon on South Broadway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://broombookcandle.com/" target="_blank">Broom Book &amp; Candle</a> — a 2,400-square-foot shop, cafe and wine bar — plans to begin a phased opening at 482 S. Broadway in early November.

Denver's first PorchFest takes over Baker this weekend

Organizers are gearing up to debut the city's porch party.

The porches of Denver&#x27;s Baker neighborhood will transform into stages on Saturday for the city&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PorchFest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverporchfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="e33f0033-c4da-41b8-94b5-775f92c1f3a6" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s first PorchFest takes over Baker this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverporchfest.com/" target="_blank">PorchFest</a>.Why it matters: PorchFest gives local musicians a big new audience, nudges Denverites beyond their playlists and brings thousands of potential customers past Baker businesses.

2027 National Western Stock Show tickets go on sale

It&#x27;s time to dust off those cowboy boots: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Stock Show&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/08/things-to-do-national-western-stock-show" data-vars-content-id="7843c2f9-61fd-4141-81d4-66e0fca60548" data-vars-headline="2027 National Western Stock Show tickets go on sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/08/things-to-do-national-western-stock-show" target="_self">The Stock Show&#x27;s</a> a-coming. Why it matters: After record-shattering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attendance this year," data-vars-click-url="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/2026-national-western-stock-show-shatters-attendance-record" data-vars-content-id="7843c2f9-61fd-4141-81d4-66e0fca60548" data-vars-headline="2027 National Western Stock Show tickets go on sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/2026-national-western-stock-show-shatters-attendance-record" target="_blank">attendance this year,</a> organizers are encouraging people to snatch up tickets sooner than later.

What to expect from DOJ election monitors in Adams County

DOJ monitors will be outside Adams County polling places. Here's what they'll ask voters.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal election monitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/22/trump-doj-election-monitors-colorado-adams-douglas-counties" data-vars-content-id="3b48e1df-2032-4164-8f80-54060d431244" data-vars-headline="What to expect from DOJ election monitors in Adams County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/22/trump-doj-election-monitors-colorado-adams-douglas-counties" target="_self">Federal election monitors</a> plan to approach voters outside Adams County polling places on Election Day to ask about their voting experiences, a Justice Department spokesperson told Axios.Why it matters: The new details shed light on what voters could encounter from federal monitors as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns mount" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/26/colorado-poll-security-intimidiation-trump-protection" data-vars-content-id="3b48e1df-2032-4164-8f80-54060d431244" data-vars-headline="What to expect from DOJ election monitors in Adams County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/26/colorado-poll-security-intimidiation-trump-protection" target="_self">concerns mount</a> about voter intimidation.

Colorado Springs

Michael Allen confronts Trump in bid for Colorado attorney general

Colorado's attorney general contest is expected to be one of the closest statewide races.

President Trump is a fight Democrat Jena Griswold&#x27;s eager to pick and political baggage Republican Michael Allen is trying to shed.Why it matters: Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attorney general contest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/15/attorney-general-race-jena-griswold-michael-allen-voting-guide" data-vars-content-id="38fb16ba-49b1-49a5-b8a0-a1b9a701c49f" data-vars-headline="Michael Allen confronts Trump in bid for Colorado attorney general" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/15/attorney-general-race-jena-griswold-michael-allen-voting-guide" target="_self">attorney general contest</a> — expected to be one of the closest statewide races — will determine who directs the state&#x27;s legal resistance to the Trump administration and how aggressively.

DOJ election monitors will stay 100 feet from Adams County voting centers

The Justice Department says its monitors will stay outside polling places.

Federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="election monitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/22/trump-doj-election-monitors-colorado-adams-douglas-counties" data-vars-content-id="4f2c7d5d-6c9c-411e-980d-c545712b8fa9" data-vars-headline="DOJ election monitors will stay 100 feet from Adams County voting centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/22/trump-doj-election-monitors-colorado-adams-douglas-counties" target="_self">election monitors</a> plan to stay outside Adams County voting centers on Election Day after the Trump administration&#x27;s Justice Department rejected Colorado&#x27;s conditions for entering.Why it matters: The standoff comes as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns grow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/26/colorado-poll-security-intimidiation-trump-protection" data-vars-content-id="4f2c7d5d-6c9c-411e-980d-c545712b8fa9" data-vars-headline="DOJ election monitors will stay 100 feet from Adams County voting centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/26/colorado-poll-security-intimidiation-trump-protection" target="_self">concerns grow</a> about federal interference in elections — and in a county that&#x27;s part of Colorado&#x27;s fiercely competitive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8th Congressional District race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/21/8th-district-greeley-interviews-rutinel-evans" data-vars-content-id="4f2c7d5d-6c9c-411e-980d-c545712b8fa9" data-vars-headline="DOJ election monitors will stay 100 feet from Adams County voting centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/21/8th-district-greeley-interviews-rutinel-evans" target="_self">8th Congressional District race</a>, where the outcome could help determine control of the U.S. House.

2026 election showcases Colorado's geographic divide  

Colorado's statewide ballot has a geographic fault line.

The statewide ballot has a geographic fault line: All five Democratic candidates live in the Denver area, while most of their Republican rivals call southern Colorado home.Why it matters: Whoever gets elected sets the agenda — and how they prioritize addressing the state&#x27;s challenges varies by geography.

Colorado's early vote lags but shows promise for Dems

More than 1 million voters have returned their 2026 ballots a week ahead of the election.

More than 1 million Colorado voters have cast ballots in the 2026 election. Yes, but: With less than a week to go, turnout lags the prior midterm cycle, an exclusive Axios analysis finds.

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