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Denver mayor's popularity slips as city leans further left

The city's socialist shift could complicate Johnston's reelection campaign.

Politics

Denver&#x27;s becoming even bluer just as <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="7afe68d2-f90f-4c21-b37a-552e9a2d3c5b" data-vars-headline="Denver mayor&#x27;s popularity slips as city leans further left" 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> begins his pitch for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a second term" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/22/mike-johnston-universal-child-care-affordability-state-of-the-city" data-vars-content-id="7afe68d2-f90f-4c21-b37a-552e9a2d3c5b" data-vars-headline="Denver mayor&#x27;s popularity slips as city leans further left" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/22/mike-johnston-universal-child-care-affordability-state-of-the-city" target="_self">a second term</a>, and a new poll suggests he&#x27;ll have some convincing to do.Why it matters: Johnston&#x27;s popularity is slipping even as nearly 60% of voters say he&#x27;s making progress on Denver&#x27;s biggest challenges — a disconnect that could complicate his 2027 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reelection bid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2026/08/12/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-second-term/" data-vars-content-id="7afe68d2-f90f-4c21-b37a-552e9a2d3c5b" data-vars-headline="Denver mayor&#x27;s popularity slips as city leans further left" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2026/08/12/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-second-term/" target="_blank">reelection bid</a>.

An ode to Denver's old faithful restaurants 

The affordable and never fussy eating options.

Food and Drink

Denver&#x27;s dining scene is more elevated than ever, peppered with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Award-winning chefs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/16/chef-penelope-wong-wins-james-beard-award" data-vars-content-id="db92984e-a94e-499d-951e-2310a5a7a192" data-vars-headline="An ode to Denver&#x27;s old faithful restaurants " 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">James Beard Award-winning chefs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin-starred restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/11/michelin-guide-colorado-expansion" data-vars-content-id="db92984e-a94e-499d-951e-2310a5a7a192" data-vars-headline="An ode to Denver&#x27;s old faithful restaurants " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/11/michelin-guide-colorado-expansion" target="_self">Michelin-starred restaurants</a>. Yes, but: Good food doesn&#x27;t need accolades, stars, trophies or anything glittery to secure a sterling reputation — it just needs good ingredients.

When Colorado will see fall colors this year

Colorado boasts some of the nation's largest stands of aspen trees, and the golden show is a major tourist draw.

News

Colorado leaf-peepers: Mark your calendars. This year&#x27;s fall foliage is expected to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arrive early" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/conditions/sjnf-fall-colors-report" data-vars-content-id="288bed27-c867-4a6f-b481-13bfdae1e928" data-vars-headline="When Colorado will see fall colors this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/conditions/sjnf-fall-colors-report" target="_blank">arrive early</a>.Why it matters: Colorado boasts some of the nation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uncovercolorado.com/kebler-pass-aspen-grove/" data-vars-content-id="288bed27-c867-4a6f-b481-13bfdae1e928" data-vars-headline="When Colorado will see fall colors this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uncovercolorado.com/kebler-pass-aspen-grove/" target="_blank">largest</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adventurable.com/adventure/kenosha-pass" data-vars-content-id="288bed27-c867-4a6f-b481-13bfdae1e928" data-vars-headline="When Colorado will see fall colors this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adventurable.com/adventure/kenosha-pass" target="_blank">stands</a> of aspen trees and the golden show is a major tourist draw.

Colorado set to collect $615M from Meta settlement

The money comes from Meta's $17 billion deal.

Colorado is set to receive nearly $615 million from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landmark $17 billion Meta settlement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/meta-lawsuit-settlement-states-facebook" data-vars-content-id="47a6b317-0126-40f9-b825-df714f115592" data-vars-headline="Colorado set to collect $615M from Meta settlement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/meta-lawsuit-settlement-states-facebook" target="_self">landmark $17 billion Meta settlement</a> over allegations Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harm children.Why it matters: This is social media&#x27;s version of the landmark 1990s tobacco settlement — effectively reshaping the industry and the way young Americans experience some of their favorite platforms.

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>.

Denver metro prepares for freezing temps and snow

Winter is returning to the Front Range this week with freeze warnings and snow starting Friday.

Winter is returning to the Front Range this week with freeze warnings and snow starting tomorrow.Why it matters: Temperatures are expected to drop 50 degrees in 24 hours, threatening sensitive plants, water pipes and irrigation lines, and the wintry precipitation is bound to impact travel.

Denver Water bills will get more expensive. Blame the drought.

For the first time in more than two decades, Denver Water on Wednesday announced an added surcharge on water bills to encourage conservation

For the first time in more than two decades, Denver Water on Wednesday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverwater.org/tap/denver-board-water-commissioners-approves-temporary-drought-pricing-part-stage-1-drought" data-vars-content-id="b10594b2-b63b-4e57-a36c-2bc59f69d38e" data-vars-headline="Denver Water bills will get more expensive. Blame the drought." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverwater.org/tap/denver-board-water-commissioners-approves-temporary-drought-pricing-part-stage-1-drought" target="_blank">announced</a> an added surcharge on water bills to encourage conservation amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the ongoing drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/25/denver-water-water-restrictions-drought" data-vars-content-id="b10594b2-b63b-4e57-a36c-2bc59f69d38e" data-vars-headline="Denver Water bills will get more expensive. Blame the drought." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/25/denver-water-water-restrictions-drought" target="_self">the ongoing drought</a>.Why it matters: The utility — which serves 1.5 million in the area — is putting the onus on its customers to use less water, but the additional fees inevitably add to the region&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost-of-living" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/11/17/coloardo-cost-of-living-denver-westminster-colorado-springs" data-vars-content-id="b10594b2-b63b-4e57-a36c-2bc59f69d38e" data-vars-headline="Denver Water bills will get more expensive. Blame the drought." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/11/17/coloardo-cost-of-living-denver-westminster-colorado-springs" target="_self">cost-of-living</a> concerns.

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