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Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer

The state's warm, dry winter helped create conditions for the venomous reptiles to emerge earlier than usual..

News

Rattlesnake bites are climbing in Colorado and across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parts of the West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/18/rattlesnake-bites-double-utah-hiking" data-vars-content-id="4fcc404b-e4e9-418b-a59e-a309638e4eec" data-vars-headline="Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/18/rattlesnake-bites-double-utah-hiking" target="_self">parts of the West</a> this summer due in part to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-warm, dry winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/23/the-west-s-record-breaking-warm-winter-mapped" data-vars-content-id="4fcc404b-e4e9-418b-a59e-a309638e4eec" data-vars-headline="Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/23/the-west-s-record-breaking-warm-winter-mapped" target="_self">record-warm, dry winter</a> that experts say prompted the venomous reptiles to emerge earlier than usual.Why it matters: State wildlife officials say hikers, trail runners and dog owners should be extra vigilant as snake activity ramps up across the state.

Gut-wrecking stomach bug cases confirmed "throughout" Colorado

The state has recored 90 cases this year.

Health

Colorado public health officials have recorded 90 local cases of a parasite so far this year, though where specifically remains unclear.The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food

Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race

The Colorado Springs resident's past is a red flag that Democrats will spotlight in the general election.

Election

Political newcomer Victor Marx, who said he once killed a man at age 7, narrowly emerged as the winner of the Republican primary for governor, a week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after the election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="c19e9572-7d23-4169-ad4e-5fcbabcf4e25" data-vars-headline="Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race" 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-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" target="_self">after the election</a>.Why it matters: The Colorado Springs resident&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial past" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/local-politics/victor-marx-on-his-claims-about-his-life/73-f8d30137-0dce-4b59-a9ee-a266cb23fc13" data-vars-content-id="c19e9572-7d23-4169-ad4e-5fcbabcf4e25" data-vars-headline="Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/local-politics/victor-marx-on-his-claims-about-his-life/73-f8d30137-0dce-4b59-a9ee-a266cb23fc13" target="_blank">controversial past</a> gives Democrats a line of attack in November&#x27;s general election, making the uphill climb even steeper for Republicans, who haven&#x27;t won the governor&#x27;s office in 14 years.

Adult summer camp craze takes off in Colorado

Adult camps promise something increasingly hard to find: real-world connection.

Summer camp isn&#x27;t just for kids anymore.The big picture: Adventure and connection seekers in Colorado are increasingly signing up for grownup versions, complete with zip lines, campfires and speed-friending.

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

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

Business

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>.

Denver rolls out $100M jobs strategy

The city is rolling out a new jobs agenda as it courts major employers.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Mike Johnston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/08/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-agenda" data-vars-content-id="320179d4-3096-4502-9830-cf81845a1acb" data-vars-headline="Denver rolls out $100M jobs strategy" 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/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-agenda" target="_self">Mayor Mike Johnston</a> announced a $100 million push to create 10,000 jobs over the next three years while stepping up recruit efforts to woo major employers.Why it matters: Denver is trying to sharpen its economic edge as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="job growth cools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.costar.com/article/1104454205/denver-job-market-slows-though-education-and-health-services-sector-remains-a-bright-spot" data-vars-content-id="320179d4-3096-4502-9830-cf81845a1acb" data-vars-headline="Denver rolls out $100M jobs strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.costar.com/article/1104454205/denver-job-market-slows-though-education-and-health-services-sector-remains-a-bright-spot" target="_blank">job growth cools</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado loses companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/10/colorado-economic-development-company-headquarters" data-vars-content-id="320179d4-3096-4502-9830-cf81845a1acb" data-vars-headline="Denver rolls out $100M jobs strategy" 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">Colorado loses companies</a> to rival states and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s drop from" 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="320179d4-3096-4502-9830-cf81845a1acb" data-vars-headline="Denver rolls out $100M jobs strategy" 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">state&#x27;s drop from</a> from 11th to 25th in CNBC&#x27;s annual best states for business ranking.

Inside Aspen's newest luxury hotel, the White Elephant

Aspen has no shortage of luxury. And the mountain town&#x27;s newest hotel, the White Elephant, certainly fits the category.<ul><li>Yes, but: The vibe is different.</li></ul>

Why Denver City Council aides want to form a union

The Legislative Workers of Denver seek protections they say would improve retention and pay.

The roughly 40 Denver City Council aides seeking to form a union are setting up an early test <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="of the city&#x27;s voter-approved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/06/04/municipal-employees-collective-bargaining-proposal" data-vars-content-id="ef341a26-33c9-407e-afa6-0737df5d25de" data-vars-headline="Why Denver City Council aides want to form a union" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/06/04/municipal-employees-collective-bargaining-proposal" target="_self">of the city&#x27;s voter-approved</a> collective bargaining law.Why it matters: Organizers say unionizing could help turn a high-turnover, low-paying job into a more sustainable career as Denver faces <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/30/scoop-denver-releases-new-layoff-details-legal-pressure" data-vars-content-id="ef341a26-33c9-407e-afa6-0737df5d25de" data-vars-headline="Why Denver City Council aides want to form a union" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/30/scoop-denver-releases-new-layoff-details-legal-pressure" target="_self">economic uncertainty</a>.

Colorado river outfitters adapt for rafting season

Colorado's rafting industry is heading into one of its most challenging summers in years.

Colorado&#x27;s rafting industry is heading into one of its most challenging summers in years, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-low snowpack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" data-vars-content-id="ddceefee-3dfc-42bc-be4e-0a64578acdf2" data-vars-headline="Colorado river outfitters adapt for rafting season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" target="_self">record-low snowpack</a>, early runoff and shrinking river flows threatening one of the state&#x27;s signature summer adventures.Why it matters: Rafting is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major economic engine" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradostreamaccess.org/why-colorados-economy-needs-stream-access/" data-vars-content-id="ddceefee-3dfc-42bc-be4e-0a64578acdf2" data-vars-headline="Colorado river outfitters adapt for rafting season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradostreamaccess.org/why-colorados-economy-needs-stream-access/" target="_blank">major economic engine</a> for mountain communities, especially along the Arkansas River, the nation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most heavily rafted river" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasrivertours.com/rafting-trips/" data-vars-content-id="ddceefee-3dfc-42bc-be4e-0a64578acdf2" data-vars-headline="Colorado river outfitters adapt for rafting season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasrivertours.com/rafting-trips/" target="_blank">most heavily rafted river</a>.<ul><li>Low water levels can shorten seasons, reduce bookings and ripple through local economies that depend on summer tourism.</li></ul>

How an AI-powered robot helps recycle your waste

Powered by artificial intelligence, the machine can identify the composition of the material and sort recyclable items.

The robotic arms move at a furious pace inside the Republic Services waste and recycling warehouse.<ul><li>Out, down, suction, up, back, drop — 60 to 70 times per minute.</li></ul>

Denver Pride headliner presses Patagonia to drop lawsuit

The drag performer is urging supporters to pressure Patagonia to end the case.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Pride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/new-denverpride-june-2026" data-vars-content-id="feb3e027-6bc8-4163-a8d7-04725b4ac4ef" data-vars-headline="Denver Pride headliner presses Patagonia to drop lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/new-denverpride-june-2026" target="_self">Denver Pride</a> headliner and drag performer Pattie Gonia is urging outdoor apparel giant Patagonia to drop its trademark lawsuit against her over her drag name — and calling on fans to pressure the company to do the same.Why it matters: Pattie Gonia — who asks to be identified <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="by her first name, Wyn" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/pattie-gonia-new-york-climate-week-drag-show-568f444ea11736ac3b8f11d0ef1e5e71" data-vars-content-id="feb3e027-6bc8-4163-a8d7-04725b4ac4ef" data-vars-headline="Denver Pride headliner presses Patagonia to drop lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/pattie-gonia-new-york-climate-week-drag-show-568f444ea11736ac3b8f11d0ef1e5e71" target="_blank">by her first name, Wyn</a> — said the lawsuit lands as LGBTQ+ people face a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wave of legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2026" data-vars-content-id="feb3e027-6bc8-4163-a8d7-04725b4ac4ef" data-vars-headline="Denver Pride headliner presses Patagonia to drop lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2026" target="_blank">wave of legislation</a> aimed at limiting their rights.

Denver sees record tourist spending

Visitors delivered a major economic boost last year.

A record 37.6 million domestic visitors traveled to the Mile High City last year, giving the city a modest tourism bump — and a major spending surge.Why it matters: Those visitors pumped a record $10.5 billion into the local economy, per a Thursday release from Visit Denver, the city&#x27;s tourism sales and marketing agency.

REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store

The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month.

A union representing REI employees is urging customers to boycott the outdoor retailer&#x27;s anniversary sale this week, including at its Denver flagship store.Why it matters: The sale — running now through May 25 — is one of REI&#x27;s biggest of the year and draws large crowds.State of play: The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month, with the union calling management&#x27;s latest offer &quot;unacceptable.&quot;<ul><li>The union is imploring shoppers to skip the sale in solidarity after &quot;four years of bad faith contract negotiations and REI&#x27;s scorched-earth union-busting campaign.&quot;</li></ul>Eleven REI stores nationwide have unionized since 2022.<ul><li>Those stores are located in Chicago; Boston; New York; Berkeley and Santa Cruz, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Durham and Greensboro, North Carolina; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Castleton, Indiana; and Bellingham, Washington.</li><li>A 12th store recently filed to unionize in San Diego.</li></ul>Yes, but: Demonstrations backing the boycott are happening at non-union stores, such as those in Colorado, UFCW 3000 spokesperson Rich Smith tells Axios.<ul><li>A lone organizer stood outside the flagship store on Platte Street on Tuesday handing out leaflets to customers, most of whom hadn&#x27;t known about the boycott and ignored it.</li></ul>Between the lines: The union says REI&#x27;s latest proposal would restrict organizing activity at other stores and limit workers&#x27; public criticism of the company.<ul><li>The outdoor co-op, founded in Seattle and with more than 190 U.S. stores, is losing its soul, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="union workers say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/today-landmark-boycott-of-rei-begins-in-stores-and-online/" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/today-landmark-boycott-of-rei-begins-in-stores-and-online/" target="_blank">union workers say</a>.</li><li>The unionized stores want better pay, scheduling and working conditions.</li></ul>The other side: REI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/document/some-straightforward-facts-about-rei-co-op-s-union-negotiations" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/document/some-straightforward-facts-about-rei-co-op-s-union-negotiations" target="_blank">says</a> the union has taken bargaining discussions out of context.<ul><li>In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="written statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-statement-on-bargaining-status-and-union-s-planned-boycott" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-statement-on-bargaining-status-and-union-s-planned-boycott" target="_blank">written statement</a> this month, the company called the boycott push &quot;a disappointing move&quot; that hurts the co-op &quot;instead of advancing negotiations.&quot;</li><li>REI also said it is &quot;ready to continue bargaining.&quot;</li></ul>

Denver passes one-year data center moratorium

The moratorium is expected to go into effect May 21.

Data centers are a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no-go in Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" data-vars-content-id="0902d403-6936-43cf-9176-0bacd7715f66" data-vars-headline="Denver passes one-year data center moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" target="_self">no-go in Denver</a> — for now.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s one-year moratorium reflects <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting public pushback against data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/18/data-center-report-electricity-costs" data-vars-content-id="0902d403-6936-43cf-9176-0bacd7715f66" data-vars-headline="Denver passes one-year data center moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/18/data-center-report-electricity-costs" target="_self">mounting public pushback against data centers</a>, whose massive water and energy needs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are drawing tremendous scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="0902d403-6936-43cf-9176-0bacd7715f66" data-vars-headline="Denver passes one-year data center moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" target="_self">are drawing tremendous scrutiny</a>.

Business 🏦

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

Denver rolls out $100M jobs strategy

Colorado Gov. Polis bullish on data centers despite backlash

Inside Aspen's newest luxury hotel, the White Elephant

Why Denver City Council aides want to form a union