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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Denver.

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A guide to fun things to do in Denver this weekend.

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Texas Senate sets date for AG Ken Paxton's impeachment trial

Politics & Policy

Wildfires in eastern and western Canada force thousands to evacuate

Science

Children among 9 injured in shooting near Hollywood beach in Florida

Biden warns Uganda may face sanctions if anti-gay law not repealed

World

Graham responds to Russian warrant for his arrest: "See you in The Hague!"

Sneak peek: A first look inside the reopening Casa Bonita

It won't be easy to score a tablet at the legendary restaurant and entertainment venue.

Food and Drink

How AI could help STAR program calls

The city plans on using a program developed by CORTI, a Denmark-based company specializing in AI for health care, to help determine which Denver 911 calls are STAR-eligible, agency director Andrew Dameron tells us.

Health

Denver wants to use artificial intelligence to help dispatchers know when to send its Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) team.Details: The city plans on using a program developed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Corti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210909005416/en/Corti.ai-Raises-27-Million-in-Series-A-Funding-to-Transform-Patient-Consultations-With-Artificial-Intelligence" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210909005416/en/Corti.ai-Raises-27-Million-in-Series-A-Funding-to-Transform-Patient-Consultations-With-Artificial-Intelligence" target="_blank">Corti</a>, a Denmark-based company specializing in AI for health care, to help determine which Denver 911 calls are STAR-eligible, agency director Andrew Dameron tells us.

The best wine bars in Denver, according to Axios Denver readers

If you're searching for a spot to sit back and sip on something special, look no further than these local wine bar suggestions.

AirTags track car thieves — but you don't have to

There's rising concern the tags lead some car-theft victims to take matters into their own hands.

Police nationwide urge drivers to use <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apple AirTags" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/04/30/apple-airtags-blind-low-vision" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/04/30/apple-airtags-blind-low-vision" target="_self">Apple AirTags</a> to help authorities track stolen vehicles. But there&#x27;s increasing concern that the tags are leading some car-theft victims to take matters into their own hands.Why it matters: As several cities embrace the use of AirTags and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bluetooth trackers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-bluetooth-tracker/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-bluetooth-tracker/" target="_blank">Bluetooth trackers</a> to combat soaring car thefts, security experts fear the devices can foster a &quot;Wild West&quot; vigilantism that poses risks to citizens — and potential legal issues for cities.

Gaucho Parrilla serves flame-kissed Argentinian food in Arvada

Open flame is the name of the game at this Freedom Street Social food stall.

Open flame is the name of the game at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaucho Parrilla" data-vars-click-url="https://freedomstreetsocial.com/vendors/gaucho-parrilla/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://freedomstreetsocial.com/vendors/gaucho-parrilla/" target="_blank">Gaucho Parrilla</a>, an Argentinian-inspired food stall that opened earlier this year at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Freedom Street Social" data-vars-click-url="https://freedomstreetsocial.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://freedomstreetsocial.com/" target="_blank">Freedom Street Social</a> in Arvada.Details: The eatery is run by chef Oscar Padilla, who previously led Denver restaurants Toro and Tamayo and made a splash in February when he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won an episode" data-vars-click-url="https://arvadapress.com/stories/local-arvada-chef-of-gaucho-parilla-wins-food-networks-chopped,421738" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arvadapress.com/stories/local-arvada-chef-of-gaucho-parilla-wins-food-networks-chopped,421738" target="_blank">won an episode</a> of the Food Network&#x27;s hit show &quot;Chopped.&quot;

Destination Palisade: Don't miss Colorado wine and peaches

The Palisade Farmers Market is where it all comes together each Sunday.

Things to Do

The best time to visit the Western Slope is harvest season. What&#x27;s happening: From Palisade to Paonia each September, the valleys are full of plump peaches, clusters of wine grapes and other ripe fruit for the picking.

 A glass of merlot at Colterris Vineyard. Photo: John Frank/Axios

How to appeal your home valuation in Denver

You have until June 8 to contest the latest property valuation with your county assessor's offices.

Real Estate

Some people bring handwritten notes, a few show up in person, but most just do it online.Details: Whatever the method, you have until June 8 to appeal the latest property valuation with your county assessor&#x27;s offices.

Illustration of a hand placing a quarter into a house chimney

How to support Black interior designers in Denver

Conversations about diversity in the interior design field picked up during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Now, it's time to take action, industry experts tell Axios.

Conversations about diversity in the interior design field picked up during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Now, it&#x27;s time to take action, industry experts tell Axios.

Denver vinyl chief lands on Billboard's 40 Under 40

The city's music scene is getting better and better — and much of that is thanks to local industry leaders like Cameron Schaefer.

Business

Denver&#x27;s music scene is getting better and better — and much of that is thanks to local industry leaders like Cameron Schaefer.Driving the news: The former U.S. Air Force captain was recently featured on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Billboard&#x27;s 40 Under 40 List" data-vars-click-url="https://www.billboard.com/h/billboard-40-under-40-list-2023-executives/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.billboard.com/h/billboard-40-under-40-list-2023-executives/" target="_blank">Billboard&#x27;s 40 Under 40 List</a> for moving the music industry forward and boosting its growth.

United expands at DIA amid bid to be Denver's hometown airline

United is the largest private employer in Denver with nearly 10,000 employees.

United Airlines is announcing flights to new destinations and more amenities at the Denver airport ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the summer travel season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/07/united-airlines-delta-jobs-hiring-summer-travel" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/07/united-airlines-delta-jobs-hiring-summer-travel" target="_self">the summer travel season</a>.Why it matters: United is the largest private employer in Denver with nearly 10,000 employees, and the expansion is part of a larger bid to become the city&#x27;s hometown airline.

DU Pioneers make final push for national lacrosse championship

The Pioneers today play the No. 1-ranked Northwestern Wildcats at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

Sports

The University of Denver <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s lacrosse team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/04/university-denver-women-lacrosse-team-eyes-national-title" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/04/university-denver-women-lacrosse-team-eyes-national-title" target="_self">women&#x27;s lacrosse team</a> is enjoying a memorable season, but its most important chapter is yet to be completed.Driving the news: The Pioneers on Friday play the top-ranked Northwestern Wildcats at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

Nuggets eye their first Western Conference title

The Nuggets will have to go through The King to get the Western Conference crown.

The Denver Nuggets will have to go through The King to get the Western Conference crown.State of play: The Western Conference Finals (WCF) begin Tuesday, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the No. 1-seeded Nuggets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/02/21/denver-nuggets-really-good-nba-title-chase" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/02/21/denver-nuggets-really-good-nba-title-chase" target="_self">the No. 1-seeded Nuggets</a> taking on the 7th-seeded Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena.

Liz Cheney says Republicans "wanted me to lie" about Trump

The U.S. "cannot remain a free nation if we abandon the truth," Cheney said.

Former Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Liz Cheney" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/18/liz-cheney-book-plans" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/18/liz-cheney-book-plans" target="_self">Liz Cheney</a> (R-Wyo.) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/commencement/resources/2023/liz-cheney.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/commencement/resources/2023/liz-cheney.html" target="_blank">told</a> Colorado College graduates in a commencement speech Sunday the U.S. &quot;cannot remain a free nation if we abandon the truth,&quot; as she took aim at fellow Republicans and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">former President Trump</a>.What she&#x27;s saying: &quot;My fellow Republicans wanted me to lie. They wanted me to say the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2020 election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/election" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/election" target="_self">2020 election</a> was stolen, the attack of Jan. 6th wasn&#x27;t a big deal, and Donald Trump wasn&#x27;t dangerous,&quot; said the former vice chair of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Jan. 6 panel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/23/january-6-committee-final-report" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/23/january-6-committee-final-report" target="_self">the Jan. 6 panel</a> that investigated the Capitol riot, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hasn&#x27;t ruled out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/liz-cheney-2024-wyoming-gop-primary" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/liz-cheney-2024-wyoming-gop-primary" target="_self">hasn&#x27;t ruled out</a> running for president in the 2024.

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) gives a concession speech to supporters during a primary night event on August 16, 2022 in Jackson, Wyoming

The biggest, baddest, most WTF burgers in Denver

There&#x27;s a reason it&#x27;s almost too easy to score a mouthwatering burger just about anywhere in Denver.Details: The Mile High City actually lays claim to creating the cheeseburger — and even sports a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrine on Speer Boulevard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.westword.com/restaurants/cheeseburger-invented-in-denver-and-diners-dish-up-their-favorites-11802188" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.westword.com/restaurants/cheeseburger-invented-in-denver-and-diners-dish-up-their-favorites-11802188" target="_blank">shrine on Speer Boulevard</a> to prove it.

Illustration of a cheeseburger with the Axios "A" as a grillmark on the burger patty. 

What you need to know about solar panels in Denver

Solar panel adoption is increasingly growing in the U.S, as companies and homeowners embrace the cost savings and environmental benefits.

Solar panel adoption is<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" increasingly growing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=55719" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=55719" target="_blank"> increasingly growing</a> in the U.S., as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2023/04/10/solar-module-prices-us-higher-rest-world-cea" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2023/04/10/solar-module-prices-us-higher-rest-world-cea" target="_self">companies</a> and homeowners embrace the cost savings and environmental benefits.Why it matters: Solar panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can improve air quality. They also lower your energy bill by an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="average of $1,500 a year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/how-much-solar-panels-save/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/how-much-solar-panels-save/" target="_blank">average of $1,500 a year</a>.

Illustration of a worker installing a solar panel in the shape of a question mark on a roof. 

Eco-friendly Boulder home with panoramic views asks $3.65M

See inside  a glass-walled, ultra modern Boulder abode that made its way onto Zillow Gone Wild earlier this week.

A glass-walled, ultra-modern Boulder abode made its way onto popular home account <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow Gone Wild" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/zillowgonewild/status/1660763468297805826?s=46&amp;t=HpS49u-5ilzGgNG9CX_aPQ" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/zillowgonewild/status/1660763468297805826?s=46&amp;t=HpS49u-5ilzGgNG9CX_aPQ" target="_blank">Zillow Gone Wild</a> earlier this week.The three-bedroom, four-bathroom, 5,111-square-foot home is asking $3,650,000.

Colorado gas prices lower ahead of summer travel season

Denver motorists are paying less for gas ahead of this weekend's summer travel kickoff.

Denver motorists are paying less for gas ahead of this weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer travel kickoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/23/colorado-summer-travel-surge-aaa-survey" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/23/colorado-summer-travel-surge-aaa-survey" target="_self">summer travel kickoff</a>.By the numbers: The average price per gallon of regular gasoline is $3.27 as of May 1, a 21% decrease from the $4.14 gas a year ago.<ul><li>Denver prices are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="below the U.S. average" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/25/gas-prices-memorial-day?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioswhatsnext&amp;stream=science" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/25/gas-prices-memorial-day?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioswhatsnext&amp;stream=science" target="_self">below the U.S. average</a> of $3.53 per gallon, and down from a month ago, GasBuddy figures show.</li><li>The state&#x27;s average price is $3.33.</li></ul>The big picture: Gas prices set <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record all-time highs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/gas-prices-hit-new-all-time-high" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/gas-prices-hit-new-all-time-high" target="_self">record all-time highs</a> last year amid a broader inflation crisis, and driven in part by Russia&#x27;s invasion of Ukraine, which destabilized global energy markets.<ul><li>Nationally, gas prices are rising slightly compared to previous months — but they&#x27;re still well below last year&#x27;s levels as we head into Memorial Day weekend and the travel-heavy summer season.</li><li>Prices are still well above pre- and mid-pandemic levels.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Despite mild weather and a less volatile economic forecast, drivers are not hitting the road and raising gasoline demand to traditional seasonal levels,&quot; said AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross in a statement.Yes, but: AAA and others are predicting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a surge in summer travel " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/23/colorado-summer-travel-surge-aaa-survey" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/23/colorado-summer-travel-surge-aaa-survey" target="_self">a surge in summer travel </a>in Colorado and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="near-record travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/15/memorial-day-travel-2023" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/15/memorial-day-travel-2023" target="_self">near-record travel</a> nationwide, which could spike demand — and thus lead to higher prices.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s possible this is merely the lull before Memorial Day, but it could be a trend that lingers into summer,&quot; Gross said.</li></ul>

Police in Golden, Colorado experiment with 4-day workweek

Golden is giving law enforcement employees 40 hours of pay for 32 hours of work.

Goodbye, TGIF. More like Thank Goodness It&#x27;s Thursday — at least, that will soon be the case for police officers in Golden.Driving the news: The small city about 20 miles west of Denver is launching a six-month pilot program in July to give 72 full-time law enforcement employees 40 hours of pay for 32 hours of work. If successful, the experiment could expand to all 250 or so city workers.

Illustration of a stone clock face with a slice cut out of it like pie

Johnston hits Brough's record in final mayor's race TV debate

The debate aired before the June 6 runoff election and showed a sharp contrast between the candidates.

Politics

Mike Johnston took direct aim at rival <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kelly Brough&#x27;s record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/18/denver-mayor-candidates-kelly-brough-mike-johnston-past-records" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/18/denver-mayor-candidates-kelly-brough-mike-johnston-past-records" target="_self">Kelly Brough&#x27;s record</a> Tuesday in the final televised debate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Denver&#x27;s mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" target="_self">in Denver&#x27;s mayor&#x27;s race</a>, highlighting why progressives should support him.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-hour debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdKlXYVzuA" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdKlXYVzuA" target="_blank">one-hour debate</a> that aired on Denver7 came two weeks before the June 6 runoff election and showed a sharp contrast between the candidates.

Illustration of the Denver City and County Building with lines radiating from it.

Nuggets sweep the Lakers to earn first ever NBA Finals berth

Denver completed the sweep of the Lakers on Monday night and are four wins away from a championship.

The Denver Nuggets are four wins away from an NBA Championship for the first time in team history.Details: Denver defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-111 on Monday night, completing the four game sweep of one of the league&#x27;s most historic franchises.<ul><li>Nuggets center Nikola Jokic recorded his eighth triple double of these playoffs, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="setting a new record" data-vars-click-url="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10076973-nikola-jokic-breaks-wilt-chamberlain-record-with-8th-triple-double-of-2023-playoffs" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10076973-nikola-jokic-breaks-wilt-chamberlain-record-with-8th-triple-double-of-2023-playoffs" target="_blank">setting a new record</a> for the most in a single postseason. He broke a tie with Wilt Chamberlain. </li></ul>

A man in a white basketball uniform shoots a shot

Denver's downtown office conversion study underway

It will look at up to 30 downtown office buildings to see whether they can be converted.

News

Denver has started looking at downtown offices to determine whether they&#x27;re suitable for residential living.Details: A feasibility study launched last month will look at up to 30 downtown office buildings to see whether they can be converted into housing, city planning department spokesperson Laura Swartz tells us.

Denver Animal Shelter overcrowded with "alarming spike" in surrendered pets

Here are a few adorable animals in need of good homes.

The Denver Animal Shelter is reporting an &quot;alarming spike&quot; in surrendered dogs.What&#x27;s happening: People are struggling with rising inflation costs and a lack of affordable housing that accepts pets, city officials say.

Denver weekend guide: Art fest, Boulder Creek, BBQ and more

Support local artists at the 24th annual Denver Arts Festival.

Here are a few ways to spend Memorial Day weekend in Denver, including supporting local artists, chowing down on barbecue or jamming to over 30 bands.

Local filmmaker Taylor McFadden shoots "Lovers" in Denver

It focuses on a woman returning home after a close friend takes their own life — mirroring real-life events for McFadden.

The comment from the movie producer was music to Taylor McFadden&#x27;s ear: &quot;Only you can direct this.&quot;Context: McFadden, a filmmaker who grew up in Highlands Ranch, had written a movie with a personal connection.

Want to see the Nuggets make their Finals debut? It's gonna cost ya

The average price for tickets to a Finals game at Ball Arena is $4,133, according to Forbes.

You might need actual gold nuggets to see Denver make its NBA Finals debut in person next week.Details: The average price for tickets to a Finals game at Ball Arena is $4,133, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to Forbes," data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/05/15/nba-finals-tickets-set-record-up-to-5200-on-secondary-market/?sh=786f1dd23384" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/05/15/nba-finals-tickets-set-record-up-to-5200-on-secondary-market/?sh=786f1dd23384" target="_blank">according to Forbes,</a> which says this year&#x27;s tickets are set to be the most expensive in history.

Colorado's summer travel expected to surge, AAA survey shows

More than eight in 10 residents plan to take a road trip, a new survey finds.

Expect a busy summer of travel.State of play: A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA Colorado survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.colorado.aaa.com/news/survey-colorado-summer-travel-surges" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.colorado.aaa.com/news/survey-colorado-summer-travel-surges" target="_blank">AAA Colorado survey</a> finds about 60% of residents plan to take a summer vacation but less than a quarter have finalized those plans.

Colorado's wine industry looks to adapt to unpredictable seasons

Colorado winemakers rebounded last season after a tough two-year stretch from 2020-2021.

Colorado&#x27;s wine country is far from California&#x27;s famed Napa Valley. For one, it&#x27;s much harder to grow grapes here.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;It&#x27;s not easy. We don&#x27;t have enough water … and the weather is just unpredictable,&quot; says Doug Caskey, the executive director of the state&#x27;s Wine Industry Development Board.

How to taste wine: Tips from a Vail sommelier

To get smart about wine, you need to develop your palate.

To get smart about wine, you need to develop your palate.What to know: We turned to Vail Valley sommelier Kristin Hunter for advice. She makes wine under the label <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shovel Blanc" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shovelblanc.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shovelblanc.com/" target="_blank">Shovel Blanc</a> and offers expertise and experiences through her company, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lemon Rock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lemonrockwines.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lemonrockwines.com/" target="_blank">Lemon Rock</a>.

A flight of wines at Carboy Winery in Denver. Photo: Joe Amon/Denver Post via Getty Images

What's at stake in the Denver City Council runoff elections

Three outstanding Denver council races pit mainstream Democrats against progressive candidates.

Three Denver council races in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the June 6 runoff election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" target="_self">the June 6 runoff election</a> pit mainstream Democrats against progressive candidates looking to shift power in the city for the next four years.State of play: The 13-member Denver City Council will feature five new faces in July, and the final three seats remain undecided after no candidate won a majority <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the April election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/04/06/denver-final-election-tally-mayor-city-council" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/04/06/denver-final-election-tally-mayor-city-council" target="_self">in the April election</a>.

Illustration of a check mark being drawn in front of the Denver City and County Building facade in the colors of the city flag. 

Shontel Lewis vs. Brad Revare for Denver City Council: A 1-minute voter guide

A former RTD board member and a nonprofit leader are the two District 8 council finalists.

Election

A former RTD board member and a nonprofit leader are the two District 8 council finalists on the ballot for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the June 6 runoff election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" target="_self">the June 6 runoff election</a>.Meet the candidates: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shontel Lewis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shontelforcouncil.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shontelforcouncil.com/" target="_blank">Shontel Lewis</a>, who once served on the Regional Transportation District board and works at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, is campaigning with other left-leaning Democratic candidates to shift the council more progressive.

Illustration of a ballot being dropped into the Denver skyline.

Candi CdeBaca vs. Darrell Watson for Denver City Council: A 1-minute voter guide

Incumbent Candi CdeBaca is running into fierce opposition from challenger Darrell Watson.

Incumbent Candi CdeBaca is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running into fierce opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/25/candi-cdebaca-denver-city-council-2023-election" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/25/candi-cdebaca-denver-city-council-2023-election" target="_self">running into fierce opposition</a> from challenger Darrell Watson in her re-election bid for Denver City Council.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CdeBaca" data-vars-click-url="https://www.candicdebaca.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.candicdebaca.com/" target="_blank">CdeBaca</a> — the first Democratic Socialist to hold a Denver council seat — defeated incumbent Albus Brooks in the 2019 election but her ninth district has shifted with redistricting to include new voters in Park Hill.

Chris Hinds vs. Shannon Hoffman for City Council: A 1-minute voter guide

Incumbent Chris Hinds is looking to the runoff election to win a second term on the Denver council.

Incumbent Chris Hinds is looking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the June 6 runoff election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/14/denver-runoff-election-voters-guide-mayor-city-council" target="_self">the June 6 runoff election</a> to win a second term on the Denver council.State of play: Hinds led balloting in a four-way race by taking 36% of the vote and now faces Shannon Hoffman, who finished second with 27%. The district includes downtown Denver, as well as Capitol Hill and City Park West.

Mayor-elect Yemi Mobolade ushers in a new era in Colorado Springs

The momentous shakeup represents a definitive political shift in Colorado's second-largest city.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yemi Mobolade&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/16/colorado-springs-mayoral-runoff-election-wayne-williams-yemi-mobolade" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/05/16/colorado-springs-mayoral-runoff-election-wayne-williams-yemi-mobolade" target="_self">Yemi Mobolade&#x27;s</a> momentous victory last week as Colorado Spring&#x27;s first elected Black mayor — and its first non-Republican leader in at least 45 years — signifies even more than what&#x27;s on the surface.Driving the news: The political newcomer and Nigerian immigrant overwhelmingly defeated Republican heavyweight Wayne Williams by about 15 percentage points, or more than 18,000 votes, unofficial results <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="show" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosprings.gov/may-16-2023-mayoral-run-election-results" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosprings.gov/may-16-2023-mayoral-run-election-results" target="_blank">show</a>.

Spotlight: Meet Colorado Springs Mayor-elect Yemi Mobolade

We recently chatted with Mobolade to get to know him better, from his morning routine to what brings him peace.

We recently chatted with Colorado Springs Mayor-elect Yemi Mobolade to get to know him better. Here&#x27;s what he told us: ☕ Morning routine: A workout first, followed by meditation and scripture reading. Then, he makes his wife Abbey a pour-over coffee and gets the kids ready for school.

Photo illustration of Yemi Mobolade in the center of a Polaroid photo under a blue spotlight.

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