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If you've ever been curious about indoor rock climbing, now's your chance to try it for free.

Zoom in: Movement Gyms six Colorado locations are free Saturday to mark Global Climbing Day.

The country's largest community of indoor rock climbing gyms is partnering with The North Face to offer no-cost access to climbing, yoga and fitness facilities at its gyms across the country.

How it works: Climbing classes include bouldering and roped climbing, while gear rental like shoes and harnesses are provided for free

If you go: The gym encourages people to show up early — check the Movement website for each gym's availability — as services are available while supplies last.

Movement Gyms offering free access Saturday

The free climbing event marks Global Climbing Day.

Illustration of a woman bouldering on a colorful gradient background.

If you&#x27;ve ever been curious about indoor rock climbing, now&#x27;s your chance to try it for free.Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Movement Gyms six" data-vars-click-url="https://movementgyms.com/baker/yoga/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Pmax+Colorado&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21356394180&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoU9BBtv6roSWXaPWt9Y1tc5B_y0m&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA-__MBhAKEiwASBmsBNsxU07X1uhk75GvISfq-Rsqi3mE9pooSmGR54fpD6mLR33TSOOwmhoCwSkQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="2d2f359e-dfa6-467f-b1a2-2c38a8ebbac5" data-vars-headline="Movement Gyms offering free access Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://movementgyms.com/baker/yoga/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Pmax+Colorado&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21356394180&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoU9BBtv6roSWXaPWt9Y1tc5B_y0m&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA-__MBhAKEiwASBmsBNsxU07X1uhk75GvISfq-Rsqi3mE9pooSmGR54fpD6mLR33TSOOwmhoCwSkQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Movement Gyms six</a> Colorado locations are free Saturday to mark Global Climbing Day.

Things to Do

Flanked by top local officials, Mayor Mike Johnston announced Thursday that Denver will bar federal agents from city property, a step he said will help protect residents from federal overreach.

Why it matters: It's among the most combative ways the Democratic mayor has flexed his executive authority to confront the Trump administration, and by staging a press conference at the steps of city hall, he made clear he wanted to maximize visibility.

What he's saying: Johnston repeatedly pledged the move would not make Denver a target for the federal government: "Our goal is not to provoke, but to protect," the mayor told the press. He denied a suggestion that the order was performative.

"This is legally illiterate," a spokesperson from Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Axios Denver, adding the Supremacy Clause calls on the federal government to enforce federal immigration law. 

State of play: Johnston signed an executive order Thursday banning agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from accessing city-owned or city-controlled buildings.

The move calls on Denver police to arrest federal agents using excessive force.

Reality check: The mayor told Axios Denver there are no recent examples of ICE operating in city-owned or city-controlled properties.

Plus, the city works with federal immigration authorities only under very narrow circumstances, and Denver police don't assist in enforcement.

Between the lines: The order is a direct response to the public's fear over immigration enforcement, Johnston said, which has ramped up since the start of President Trump's second term.

Johnston referenced the two fatal January shootings in Minnesota carried out by federal immigration authorities.

The intrigue: City Attorney Miko Brown called Johnston's order "measured and constitutional," adding that Denver can respect federal authority while balancing its own rules.

She added that federal agents found in violation could face civil penalties or criminal charges.

What's next: On Monday, Denver City Council will vote on a proposal targeting federal immigration agents that would ban law enforcement from wearing face masks.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. 

Johnston bans federal immigration authorities from city property

His order bans ICE from city property and calls for arrests over excessive force.

Group of people, including a speaker at a podium, gathered on steps of a large white government building under bright sun with blue sky and lens flare.

Mayor Mike Johnston (center) during a press conference Thursday outside the City and County Building. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios

Flanked by top local officials, Mayor Mike Johnston announced Thursday that Denver will bar federal agents from city property, a step he said will help protect residents from federal overreach.Why it matters: It&#x27;s among the most combative ways the Democratic mayor has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flexed his executive authority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/20/denver-mayor-johnston-defends-layoffs-trash" data-vars-content-id="3fed46e0-8c37-4617-9217-447dd2ab3468" data-vars-headline="Johnston bans federal immigration authorities from city property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/20/denver-mayor-johnston-defends-layoffs-trash" target="_self">flexed his executive authority</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confront the Trump administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/25/mike-johnston-trump-allies-immigration-deportation" data-vars-content-id="3fed46e0-8c37-4617-9217-447dd2ab3468" data-vars-headline="Johnston bans federal immigration authorities from city property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/25/mike-johnston-trump-allies-immigration-deportation" target="_self">confront the Trump administration</a>, and by staging a press conference at the steps of city hall, he made clear he wanted to maximize visibility.

News

Immigration

Politics

February may be nearing its end, but there's still plenty of time to commemorate Black History Month in Denver.

Why it matters: The annual celebration recognizing African American history, contributions and culture is especially vital at a time when attempts to hide some of that history — including slavery — are rising.

State of play: The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library in Denver's Five Points neighborhood will host a conversation Saturday focusing on Cathay Williams, often regarded as the only woman to serve as a buffalo soldier.

The name behind the all-Black regime is said to have originated from Native Americans, who likened the soldiers' dark hair and texture to bison.

Context: Williams enlisted in November 1866, serving as a man before living in Colorado as a woman after her military time ended, per the Denver Public Library.

Between the lines: The Denver event, co-sponsored by The Center on Colfax, will explore new research suggesting Williams identified as transgender by examining historical records and current nonbinary gender identity expressions.

Flashback: Following the end of the American Civil War, buffalo soldiers were dispatched across the American frontier, including to sites in modern-day Colorado like Fort Garland, Fort Lyons and Fort Lewis.

Yes, but: The soldiers established forts and protected mail and stagecoach routes while engaging in skirmishes with Native Americans — something that complicates their often-venerated legacy, per the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

If you go: Saturday's historiographic talk on Williams runs from 2-3:30pm.

Reexamining a buffalo soldier's story in Denver

Cathay Williams is considered the only woman to serve as a buffalo soldier.

Sepia-toned group photo of soldiers in winter uniforms and fur coats, some holding staffs and rifles, posing outdoors on snowy ground in an old historic setting.

Buffalo soldiers of the 25th Infantry in Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1890. Photo: Buyenlarge/Getty Images

February may be nearing its end, but there&#x27;s still plenty of time to commemorate Black History Month in Denver.Why it matters: The annual celebration recognizing African American history, contributions and culture is especially vital at a time <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="when attempts to hide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/funding-cuts-erasing-black-history-blackout-report" data-vars-content-id="a6c34e28-678a-462a-816a-dda757db9e5f" data-vars-headline="Reexamining a buffalo soldier&#x27;s story in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/funding-cuts-erasing-black-history-blackout-report" target="_self">when attempts to hide</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some of that history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/philadelphia-slavery-exhibit-250th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="a6c34e28-678a-462a-816a-dda757db9e5f" data-vars-headline="Reexamining a buffalo soldier&#x27;s story in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/philadelphia-slavery-exhibit-250th-anniversary" target="_self">some of that history</a> — including slavery — are rising.

History

Caring for Denver will stop reimbursing alcohol purchases following a city auditor report criticizing the mental health nonprofit's spending and grant oversight.

Why it matters: The nonprofit's spending for mental health and substance use treatment programs has been under a microscope for years because it generates millions from city sales taxes.

By the numbers: The nonprofit awarded more than $185 million to 270 organizations as of 2024, per the auditor's report.

Zoom in: The audit found the nonprofit issued money to grantees who submitted falsified, misleading and incomplete applications.

At least 10 grants went to recipients that didn't align with the city law governing eligible programs.

The report also questioned certain administrative expenses, including alcohol purchases.

What they're saying: Caring for Denver executive director Lorez Meinhold told Denver City Council members Wednesday that the nonprofit spends roughly $1,000 a year on alcohol — a small share of its $2.5 million administrative budget.

The big picture: City laws dictate that food and beverage costs can be reimbursed only when necessary, not for routine meals and drinks, per the auditor's reports.

What we're watching: While council members Wednesday lauded Caring for Denver's work, many shared concerns over why more of the auditor's recommendations weren't accepted by the nonprofit, including adopting financial and legal background checks on applicants.

Meinhold said the organization will work to improve the processes that came under fire in the auditor's report, though it won't adopt the recommendations made by the city auditor's office.

Caring for Denver changes alcohol policy following audit

A city auditor report recently criticized its spending and grant oversight.

Illustration of a brain with abstract shapes and money elements.

Caring for Denver will stop reimbursing alcohol purchases following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city auditor report" data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Auditors-Office/Audit-Services/Audit-Reports/Caring-for-Denver-Foundation" data-vars-content-id="caca6437-efb7-47a2-81b8-ee6100bd1738" data-vars-headline="Caring for Denver changes alcohol policy following audit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Auditors-Office/Audit-Services/Audit-Reports/Caring-for-Denver-Foundation" target="_blank">city auditor report</a> criticizing the mental health nonprofit&#x27;s spending and grant oversight.Why it matters: The nonprofit&#x27;s spending for mental health and substance use treatment programs has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under a microscope for years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/caring-for-denver-questionable-taxpayer-spending-transparency" data-vars-content-id="caca6437-efb7-47a2-81b8-ee6100bd1738" data-vars-headline="Caring for Denver changes alcohol policy following audit" 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/caring-for-denver-questionable-taxpayer-spending-transparency" target="_self">under a microscope for years</a> because it generates millions from city sales taxes.

Health

The Colorado Avalanche resume NHL play Wednesday, welcoming eight players back from the Winter Olympics, including champion Brock Nelson.

State of play: Six Avs return as medalists, highlighted by Nelson's gold for the U.S., and silver for Canadians Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Devon Toews.

Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta earned a bronze for Finland.

Stunning stat: All eight Colorado players who participated in Milan Cortina 2026 scored a goal, 104.3 The Fan reported.

Now it's time for the NHL's top team to come together to end the season with a successful run to the Stanley Cup.

Context: MacKinnon is the team's undisputed leader, and alongside captain Gabriel Landeskog and defensive standout Makar, they will seek to maintain Colorado's dominant season.

The Avs own the best record in the NHL, and will set their sights on the franchise's fourth Presidents' Trophy, handed annually to the team with the best record.

By the numbers: Colorado owns the best odds to win the Stanley Cup, ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes, per FanDuel.

What's next: The Avs face the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday in Salt Lake City. 

Avs return to ice as NHL's top dogs

Six Avs return as medalists from the Winter Olympics.

Ice hockey players from the Colorado Avalanche in white and maroon jerseys celebrating on ice as Toronto Maple Leafs players in blue jerseys watch during a game with fans in background.

Colorado Avalanche players celebrate after scoring against the Toronto Maple Leafs last month in Toronto. Photo: Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images

The Colorado Avalanche resume NHL play Wednesday, welcoming eight players back from the Winter Olympics, including<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" champion Brock Nelson." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/23/nelson-wins-hockey-gold-with-team-usa" data-vars-content-id="e8d6cbf8-9788-4bcb-b505-b9d596ea2ae7" data-vars-headline="Avs return to ice as NHL&#x27;s top dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/23/nelson-wins-hockey-gold-with-team-usa" target="_self"> champion Brock Nelson.</a>State of play: Six Avs return as medalists, highlighted by Nelson&#x27;s gold for the U.S., and silver for Canadians Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Devon Toews.

Esteban L. Hernandez

Featured stories

Johnston bans federal immigration authorities from city property

Movement Gyms offering free access Saturday

Reexamining a buffalo soldier's story in Denver

Caring for Denver changes alcohol policy following audit

Avs return to ice as NHL's top dogs