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Who's hot (and who's not) in Colorado's beer scene

A pack of craft brewers is defying the industry's slide and rebounding in a tough market.

Food and Drink

The hottest brewery in Colorado right now is Tivoli, thanks to its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Outlaw Light" data-vars-click-url="https://outlawbeer.com/" data-vars-content-id="c1bbb458-ebe7-48d4-81a6-1d03144af375" data-vars-headline="Who&#x27;s hot (and who&#x27;s not) in Colorado&#x27;s beer scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://outlawbeer.com/" target="_blank">Outlaw Light</a> brand of light lager.Why it matters: The venerable brand&#x27;s growth leads a pack of brewers defying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the craft industry&#x27;s downward slide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" data-vars-content-id="c1bbb458-ebe7-48d4-81a6-1d03144af375" data-vars-headline="Who&#x27;s hot (and who&#x27;s not) in Colorado&#x27;s beer scene" 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">the craft industry&#x27;s downward slide</a> and rebounding in a tough market with increased production to meet demand, an exclusive Axios analysis finds.

Tina Peters' comeback tests Polis' clemency gamble

Peters' post-prison comeback is complicating Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' clemency decision.

Politics

Former Mesa County clerk <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tina Peters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/03/09/colorado-election-clerk-tina-peters-indicted-2020-election" data-vars-content-id="f3e3cdcd-1815-44f9-babf-e228b42148cb" data-vars-headline="Tina Peters&#x27; comeback tests Polis&#x27; clemency gamble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/03/09/colorado-election-clerk-tina-peters-indicted-2020-election" target="_self">Tina Peters</a> is considering a return to election administration three months after Gov. Jared Polis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="freed her from prison" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" data-vars-content-id="f3e3cdcd-1815-44f9-babf-e228b42148cb" data-vars-headline="Tina Peters&#x27; comeback tests Polis&#x27; clemency gamble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" target="_self">freed her from prison</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convicted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/10/03/tina-peters-sentenced-election-tampering-colorado" data-vars-content-id="f3e3cdcd-1815-44f9-babf-e228b42148cb" data-vars-headline="Tina Peters&#x27; comeback tests Polis&#x27; clemency gamble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/10/03/tina-peters-sentenced-election-tampering-colorado" target="_self">convicted</a> election denier&#x27;s comeback threatens to turn a late-term clemency decision into a lasting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="liability for Polis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/18/colorado-jared-polis-faces-impeachment-tina-peters-clemency" data-vars-content-id="f3e3cdcd-1815-44f9-babf-e228b42148cb" data-vars-headline="Tina Peters&#x27; comeback tests Polis&#x27; clemency gamble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/18/colorado-jared-polis-faces-impeachment-tina-peters-clemency" target="_self">liability for Polis</a>, as he looks to cement his eight-year legacy and weighs his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political future" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/22/colorado-gov-polis-on-2028-presidential-bid-00142669" data-vars-content-id="f3e3cdcd-1815-44f9-babf-e228b42148cb" data-vars-headline="Tina Peters&#x27; comeback tests Polis&#x27; clemency gamble" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/22/colorado-gov-polis-on-2028-presidential-bid-00142669" target="_blank">political future</a>.

Denver eyes former tiny village site for cold-weather shelter

The new shelters could operate year-round.

News

Denver&#x27;s Department of Housing Stability wants to build two cold-weather shelters with up to 400 beds total on the former Monroe Village <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tiny home village" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/11/where-denver-considering-micro-communities-homeless-population" data-vars-content-id="5e857792-d597-4583-a61a-33ddd5dea69c" data-vars-headline="Denver eyes former tiny village site for cold-weather shelter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/11/where-denver-considering-micro-communities-homeless-population" target="_self">tiny home village</a> site in Elyria-Swansea.

Melat Kiros sits on a Democratic island in Colorado

The 29-year-old democratic socialist has spent most of the campaign alone on the trail.

Election

Two days after her upset in the Democratic primary for Colorado&#x27;s 1st Congressional District, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Melat Kiros" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="0bb490e3-96aa-4cbb-b3a3-cc8cf07fc2bd" data-vars-headline="Melat Kiros sits on a Democratic island 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/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">Melat Kiros</a> stood with party leaders behind a banner that read: &quot;Together We Win.&quot;<ul><li>Yes, but: Now she appears quite lonely.</li></ul>

Colorado communities split on data center boom

Local communities' different approaches to data center development has created a patchwork of moratoriums, incentives and new restrictions.

Business

Colorado communities are taking dramatically different approaches to the boom in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/16/ai-data-center-water-regulations-cu-boulder" data-vars-content-id="0603ed11-e326-4195-bef4-abf5110ba9a1" data-vars-headline="Colorado communities split on data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/16/ai-data-center-water-regulations-cu-boulder" target="_self">data center development</a>, with a patchwork of moratoriums, incentives and new restrictions.Why it matters: The local experimentation is filling a vacuum left by state lawmakers, who failed last legislative session to agree on how Colorado should regulate the resource-hungry facilities.

Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites

The deal gives business-class flyers out of DIA a chance to sample her acclaimed cuisine.

Celebrated Denver chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penelope Wong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/16/chef-penelope-wong-wins-james-beard-award" data-vars-content-id="ee5eb98e-855e-420e-851a-149632d4ac8a" data-vars-headline="Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/16/chef-penelope-wong-wins-james-beard-award" target="_self">Penelope Wong</a> is taking her talents to the skies through a new partnership with United Airlines.Why it matters: The deal gives business-class flyers out of DIA a chance to sample her acclaimed cuisine, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including her famous dumplings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/24/colorado-restaurants-new-york-times-50-best" data-vars-content-id="ee5eb98e-855e-420e-851a-149632d4ac8a" data-vars-headline="Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/24/colorado-restaurants-new-york-times-50-best" target="_self">including her famous dumplings</a>.

Colorado has a new No. 1 hospital after 14 years

The state's hospital hierarchy just changed.

Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital is Colorado&#x27;s new top-ranked hospital, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Hospitals ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="cfc6193d-c823-4ec5-9189-6a2216a60520" data-vars-headline="Colorado has a new No. 1 hospital after 14 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">Best Hospitals ranking</a>. Why it matters: The ranking ends UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="14-year run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uchealth.org/newsroom/us-news--world-report-ranks-three-uchealth-hospitals-among-colorados-best/" data-vars-content-id="cfc6193d-c823-4ec5-9189-6a2216a60520" data-vars-headline="Colorado has a new No. 1 hospital after 14 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uchealth.org/newsroom/us-news--world-report-ranks-three-uchealth-hospitals-among-colorados-best/" target="_blank">14-year run</a> as the state&#x27;s leading hospital in one of the nation&#x27;s most influential guides for patients comparing care.

Olivia Rodrigo just changed this Colorado business overnight

The Fort Collins-based temporary tattoo business has seen sales skyrocket as a result.

A Fort Collins temporary tattoo maker has landed a collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo.Why it matters: The partnership has put the Colorado business in front of the global pop star&#x27;s millions of fans, translating into an overnight surge in sales for founder Emma Mannino&#x27;s small business.

Colorado tourism tops $29 billion in economic impact

Colorado's tourism industry welcomed 96.8 million visitors in 2025 and set a new record in traveler spending.

Colorado&#x27;s tourism industry welcomed 96.8 million visitors in 2025 and set a new record in traveler spending, contributing $29.2 billion to the state&#x27;s economy.Yes, but: The meager 2% annual growth rate last year is below the 4.2% increase in travel spending nationwide, and the state&#x27;s market share continued to decrease from a high of 2.3% in 2019 to 1.8% in 2025.

Colorado slips in Best States ranking

This is the second high-profile ranking in recent weeks showing Colorado in decline.

Colorado fell to 17th in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News&#x27; latest Best States rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states?src=usn_pr__;!!Al82Z4c!1URYoDZhTcvuFUSY2LulZa1172LFl6WOxDJwkh5-6ueW67q1ptcGmT5ZdK09pqgRqB9gb4uCGldbvgVpnw$" data-vars-content-id="2180eaf6-c7c5-46b5-96c4-1c661902344d" data-vars-headline="Colorado slips in Best States ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states?src=usn_pr__;!!Al82Z4c!1URYoDZhTcvuFUSY2LulZa1172LFl6WOxDJwkh5-6ueW67q1ptcGmT5ZdK09pqgRqB9gb4uCGldbvgVpnw$" target="_blank">U.S. News&#x27; latest Best States rankings</a>, down six spots from 11th a year ago.Why it matters: This is the second high-profile ranking in recent weeks showing Colorado in decline. Earlier this month, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNBC ranked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/10/cnbc-top-states-business-rankings-colorado-falls-2026" data-vars-content-id="2180eaf6-c7c5-46b5-96c4-1c661902344d" data-vars-headline="Colorado slips in Best States ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/10/cnbc-top-states-business-rankings-colorado-falls-2026" target="_self">CNBC ranked</a> the state 25th for doing business, a drop from No. 11 in 2025.

Outdoor retailers offering big sales after dismal winter

The snowpack is mostly melted, but the aftermath of a dismal ski season continues.

The snowpack is mostly melted, but the aftermath of a dismal ski season continues.State of play: Outdoor retailers saw a decline in gear sales with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically little snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.colorado.edu/today/2026/03/11/record-low-snowpack-tests-colorados-recreation-economy" data-vars-content-id="eaa9e97d-770e-4772-9d8a-388567471f41" data-vars-headline="Outdoor retailers offering big sales after dismal winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.colorado.edu/today/2026/03/11/record-low-snowpack-tests-colorados-recreation-economy" target="_blank">historically little snow</a>, and many are overstocked with unsold merchandise from the 2025–26 winter.

Rapids celebrate downtown World Cup surge

Roughly 40,000 total people visited the park starting on June 11 to watch the men's tournament.

Colorado Rapids president Pádraig Smith said the environment created by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/04/world-cup-watch-parties-denver" data-vars-content-id="74f18671-6f15-41e9-ae87-e8633a3366e0" data-vars-headline="Rapids celebrate downtown World Cup surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/04/world-cup-watch-parties-denver" target="_self">the FIFA World Cup</a> showcases everything good about the sport in the U.S.Why it matters: Denver didn&#x27;t host any games. But the official viewing experience, sponsored by the Rapids at Skyline Park, and numerous other watch parties injected a badly needed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="jolt to local businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/17/denver-restaurants-inflation-opinion-carman/" data-vars-content-id="74f18671-6f15-41e9-ae87-e8633a3366e0" data-vars-headline="Rapids celebrate downtown World Cup surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/17/denver-restaurants-inflation-opinion-carman/" target="_blank">jolt to local businesses</a>.

Reunion Bakery rises on South Pearl Street

Fresh bread, Portuguese pastries and brunch now fill the expanded café.

Platt Park is home to a new bakery from one of Denver&#x27;s most acclaimed pastry chefs, bringing its signature Portuguese treats, an expanded menu and the smell of fresh bread that drifts down the block before you reach the front door.State of play: James Beard-nominated baker Ismael de Sousa opened Reunion Bakery&#x27;s new home at 1240 S. Pearl St. in early May after first launching inside The Source market hall in 2018. The bakery draws on his Portuguese family&#x27;s roots in Caracas, Venezuela.

Colorado tumbles to No. 25 in CNBC's business rankings

Colorado's biggest decline came in infrastructure as the state fell to No. 25.

Colorado fell 14 spots to No. 25 in CNBC&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Top States for Business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="bf907d4f-c5d3-4fcf-bb02-7604fc2e5b7e" data-vars-headline="Colorado tumbles to No. 25 in CNBC&#x27;s business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">Top States for Business</a> rankings, released Thursday.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s sharp drop in CNBC&#x27;s closely watched business rankings is likely to intensify debate over whether Democratic-led policies have hurt its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appeal to employers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/10/colorado-economic-development-company-headquarters" data-vars-content-id="bf907d4f-c5d3-4fcf-bb02-7604fc2e5b7e" data-vars-headline="Colorado tumbles to No. 25 in CNBC&#x27;s business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/10/colorado-economic-development-company-headquarters" target="_self">appeal to employers</a>.

A bar chart that shows Colorado visitor spending by commodity in 2025. Accommodations and restaurants tie for the highest spending at $6.5 billion each. Air travel reaches $3.1 billion. Food stores are lowest at $1.2 billion.

Business 🏦

Colorado communities split on data center boom

Award-winning Denver chef crafts United Airlines bites

Colorado has a new No. 1 hospital after 14 years

Olivia Rodrigo just changed this Colorado business overnight

Colorado tourism tops $29 billion in economic impact