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Colorado governor candidates Marx, Weiser clash over domestic violence

More than the issues, the candidates' approach to answering questions drew the most attention.

Election

In their first — and likely only — campaign forum, Colorado&#x27;s top gubernatorial candidates mostly played nice, until the final minutes.Why it matters: Democratic candidate Phil Weiser and Republican candidate Victor Marx used the Thursday event, hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce in Denver, to outline their agendas for addressing affordability and boosting business growth.

Evans, Rutinel clash in high-stakes congressional debate

Both parties are keen on capturing the 8th Congressional District seat.

News

Republican Gabe Evans and Democrat Manny Rutinel traded sharp attacks Wednesday in a heated debate in Colorado&#x27;s closely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="watched 8th Congressional District seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/trump-latino-voters-competitive-district" data-vars-content-id="60f86175-388e-480f-87f1-1c4a79947781" data-vars-headline="Evans, Rutinel clash in high-stakes congressional debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/trump-latino-voters-competitive-district" target="_self">watched 8th Congressional District seat</a>. Why it matters: In their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="only scheduled debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/29/colorado-candidates-refuse-debate-2026-election" data-vars-content-id="60f86175-388e-480f-87f1-1c4a79947781" data-vars-headline="Evans, Rutinel clash in high-stakes congressional debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/29/colorado-candidates-refuse-debate-2026-election" target="_self">only scheduled debate</a>, the candidates spent more time sparring than spelling out how they&#x27;d address voters&#x27; concerns — even as the race could determine the balance of power in Congress.

Denver's homelessness playbook goes national

Denver has become a national model for tackling homelessness. Some say Democrats should take notes.

Politics

Denver&#x27;s homelessness strategy is gaining <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" data-vars-content-id="0d3bfbc8-89be-4d52-a5a9-f7e575ccd01d" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s homelessness playbook goes national" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" target="_self">national attention</a> as a possible playbook for Democrats.Why it matters: Homelessness and public disorder have posed persistent political challenges for the party in recent years. Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s approach offers a path forward for addressing both — and a timely boost to his own political profile as he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runs for reelection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/09/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-reelection-campaign" data-vars-content-id="0d3bfbc8-89be-4d52-a5a9-f7e575ccd01d" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s homelessness playbook goes national" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/09/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-reelection-campaign" target="_self">runs for reelection</a>.

Colorado breweries and cideries win 41 medals at 2026 Great American Beer Festival

The medals give beer lovers a judge-vetted list of standout pours.

Food and Drink

Colorado brewers and cidermakers left the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great American Beer Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/10/07/gabf-2026-whats-new-denver-beer-festival" data-vars-content-id="fa1f0b47-1557-468d-939b-eb090045ba37" data-vars-headline="Colorado breweries and cideries win 41 medals at 2026 Great American Beer Festival" 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/gabf-2026-whats-new-denver-beer-festival" target="_self">Great American Beer Festival</a> with a buzz — 41 awards in the premier American beer competition.Why it matters: The medals give beer lovers a judge-vetted list of standout pours — and recognize a state whose craft brewing industry generated more than $2.5 billion in economic impact in 2025.

Colorado cold front brings mountain snow and Front Range rain

The storm could bring the season's first significant snow.

Colorado is getting a taste of winter, with mountain snow, chilly Front Range rain and a possible freeze.Why it matters: The storm could make mountain passes treacherous and bring the season&#x27;s first frost or freeze to lower elevations.

Colorado winter outlook: Powerful El Niño boosts snow hopes

Colorado's best hope for breaking its historic snow drought is gaining strength in the Pacific.

Colorado&#x27;s best hope for breaking its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" data-vars-content-id="bf5b043f-e340-4fd1-a9fb-89b9e5f6775c" data-vars-headline="Colorado winter outlook: Powerful El Niño boosts snow hopes" 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">historic drought</a> is gaining strength in the Pacific.Why it matters: We&#x27;re thirsty. Nearly 86% of the state is in drought, and this winter&#x27;s snowpack could help determine water supplies, wildfire risk — and the fortunes of the state&#x27;s ski economy.

Cooler weather arrives in Denver

The shift starting Thursday could bring some much-needed rain.

Relief from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scorching conditions should" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/27/colorados-summer-weather-outlook-is-wetter-and-hotter" data-vars-content-id="d38c1590-e886-4cf5-81af-134b1591a9e6" data-vars-headline="Cooler weather arrives in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/27/colorados-summer-weather-outlook-is-wetter-and-hotter" target="_self">scorching conditions should</a> arrive in Denver soon.Why it matters: The shift this week could bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some much-needed rain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/08/denver-water-drought-pricing-water-restrictions" data-vars-content-id="d38c1590-e886-4cf5-81af-134b1591a9e6" data-vars-headline="Cooler weather arrives in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/08/denver-water-drought-pricing-water-restrictions" target="_self">some much-needed rain</a> and reprieve after July&#x27;s record-breaking heat crept into August.

Denver wants your say on its climate future

Resident input can guide how Denver spends climate dollars through 2031.

Partners

Denver&#x27;s next climate plan will guide how the city cuts pollution, strengthens neighborhoods and spends public climate dollars through 2031 — and the people who live, work and spend time here can help set those priorities now.The story: The city&#x27;s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency is updating the Denver Climate Plan, its five-year roadmap for clean energy, climate resilience and equitable investment — and is surveying residents to get their feedback before they do.

Public lands face increasing threats in Trump era, advocates warn

Public lands are at a crossroads and the headwinds are real, conservation advocates say.

The future of public lands is increasingly uncertain in the Trump era, conservation advocates warned Friday at an outdoor industry summit held in Denver.Why it matters: About 36% of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/20/colorado-public-lands-for-sale-congress-bill" data-vars-content-id="510df4ba-eea8-4c3f-a363-43dfb82ddf54" data-vars-headline="Public lands face increasing threats in Trump era, advocates warn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/20/colorado-public-lands-for-sale-congress-bill" target="_self">Colorado</a> is public land, totaling roughly 24 million acres and fueling the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$18 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/16/colorado-s-outdoor-recreation-economy-is-worth-18-1b" data-vars-content-id="510df4ba-eea8-4c3f-a363-43dfb82ddf54" data-vars-headline="Public lands face increasing threats in Trump era, advocates warn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/16/colorado-s-outdoor-recreation-economy-is-worth-18-1b" target="_self">$18 billion</a> outdoor recreation industry.

Colorado's summer weather outlook is wetter and hotter

More precipitation is welcome news after a record warm and dry winter.

Colorado can expect a hotter and wetter summer, the latest National Weather Service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forecast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=1" data-vars-content-id="81bb8aab-2b98-428a-9adb-209b85f1fb8c" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s summer weather outlook is wetter and hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=1" target="_blank">forecast</a> shows.Why it matters: More precipitation is welcome news after a record warm and dry winter; however, hotter temperatures may create favorable <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conditions for wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" data-vars-content-id="81bb8aab-2b98-428a-9adb-209b85f1fb8c" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s summer weather outlook is wetter and hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" target="_self">conditions for wildfires</a>.

Colorado opens mountain passes early after low snowpack

Most years, the passes won't open until the end of May, if not June.

This year&#x27;s low snowpack is not all bad news: Colorado&#x27;s mountain passes are opening earlier than ever.Why it matters: Not only does it make trips faster, but opening the passes &quot;signifies the winter to summer weather transition,&quot; Colorado Department of Transportation executive director Shoshana Lew said in a statement.

9 great perennials to plant in Colorado

Between drought conditions and late frosts, it's not easy being a green thumb in Colorado.

Things to Do

If you — like many — struggle to keep your garden alive in Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow-in-May-but-not-in-January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/04/colorado-winter-storm-may" data-vars-content-id="3e5da12c-e039-44ba-a299-ce7715287a41" data-vars-headline="9 great perennials to plant 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/2026/05/04/colorado-winter-storm-may" target="_self">snow-in-May-but-not-in-January</a> climate, we have a little advice from the experts on what to plant.Why it matters: Between drought conditions and late frosts, it&#x27;s not easy being a green thumb in Colorado.

Colorado braces for major winter storm in May

Hope you didn't plant that garden or put away your snow shovel yet.

Hope you didn&#x27;t plant that garden or put away your snow shovel yet.Why it matters: A major winter storm will hit much of Colorado on Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing rain, snow and freezing temperatures, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the National Weather Service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/media/bou/DssPacket.pdf" data-vars-content-id="6638b7bc-3ecd-4ccb-a3df-3b199732bef3" data-vars-headline="Colorado braces for major winter storm in May" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/media/bou/DssPacket.pdf" target="_blank">per the National Weather Service</a>.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis promises $800 cut in homeowners' insurance

Home insurance rates in Colorado have increased 100% from 2018 to 2024, the state's insurance department reports.

Gov. Jared Polis is promising to lower homeowners&#x27; insurance by an average $800 by the end of 2027.Why it matters: The Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced a plan" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hxFv8nHszadLNBO05DcCLxOnDBMoH2D0/view" data-vars-content-id="91fe1c03-fbac-4a35-aa6b-9f581cf5720c" data-vars-headline="Colorado Gov. Jared Polis promises $800 cut in homeowners&#x27; insurance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hxFv8nHszadLNBO05DcCLxOnDBMoH2D0/view" target="_blank">announced a plan</a> Thursday to address one of the main drivers of Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising cost of living" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/07/19/home-insurance-costs-are-higher-in-colorado" data-vars-content-id="91fe1c03-fbac-4a35-aa6b-9f581cf5720c" data-vars-headline="Colorado Gov. Jared Polis promises $800 cut in homeowners&#x27; insurance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/07/19/home-insurance-costs-are-higher-in-colorado" target="_self">rising cost of living</a>.

Climate 🌿

Colorado cold front brings mountain snow and Front Range rain

Boulder climate case gets boost in Supreme Court

Colorado winter outlook: Powerful El Niño boosts snow hopes

Cooler weather arrives in Denver

Denver wants your say on its climate future