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Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters

To hear his critics tell it, Gov. Jared Polis is an "accomplice" to President Trump.

Politics

To hear his critics tell it, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Jared Polis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/21/polis-pressure-tina-peters-transfer" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/21/polis-pressure-tina-peters-transfer" target="_self">Gov. Jared Polis</a> is an &quot;accomplice&quot; to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s attacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/21/trump-threat-colorado-tina-peters" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/21/trump-threat-colorado-tina-peters" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s attacks</a> on democracy who gave Colorado &quot;a black eye&quot; and undermined the rule of law by granting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clemency to Tina Peters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" 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">clemency to Tina Peters</a>.Why it matters: The harsh words — all from leaders of his own party — show how a single once-unthinkable act could tarnish Polis&#x27; eight-year legacy and his political future.

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.

Business

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 street homelessness hits 9-year low

Street homelessness in Denver fell 64% since 2023, city leaders say.

News

Denver&#x27;s homelessness fell to its lowest level in nine years, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest point-in-time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" target="_self">latest point-in-time</a> (PIT) count, which found street homelessness has dropped 64% since Mayor Mike Johnston took office in 2023. Why it matters: The sharp decline marks a major milestone for Johnston&#x27;s signature homelessness initiative, All In Mile High (AIMH), which has garnered both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national acclaim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" 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 acclaim</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" target="_self">local scrutiny</a> since launching three years ago.

House GOP seeks Denver immigration records

The House Judiciary Committee sent letters to three city agencies Wednesday.

Denver is in the crosshairs of congressional Republicans targeting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" target="_self">sanctuary cities</a>&quot; that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.Why it matters: A U.S. House committee is demanding immigration policy records from Denver law enforcement, thrusting the city deeper into another national fight over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policies dividing residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/21/denver-capitol-rally-ice-enforcement" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/21/denver-capitol-rally-ice-enforcement" target="_self">policies dividing residents</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing federal scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" target="_self">drawing federal scrutiny</a>.

Denver's Carrie Baird competes as a castaway chef

Denver chef Carrie Baird recently traded brunch service for the wild.

Things to Do

Denver chef Carrie Baird recently traded brunch service for the wild.Why it matters: It&#x27;s just the latest national spotlight for Baird, one of Colorado&#x27;s most recognizable culinary personalities thanks to her previous success on Bravo&#x27;s &quot;Top Chef&quot; and Food Network&#x27;s &quot;Beat Bobby Flay.&quot;

Cult favorites and live performances return for Film on the Rocks

The lineup boasts movie classics and a recent Oscar-winning film.

Four classics and a recent Oscar juggernaut will headline this year&#x27;s Film on the Rocks series, kicking off in June.State of play: The five screenings at Red Rocks Amphitheatre will be accompanied by live performances, event organizer Denver Film said.

Lord of Lactose creams Denver rival in Wash Park milk-chug battle

A milk-chugging challenge drew crowds and a surprise champion.

Culture

The Bovine Baron took on the Lord of Lactose in a Saturday milk-chugging duel at Washington Park.State of play: An April Fool&#x27;s prank turned 24-year-old Liam Poultney (aka the Bovine Baron) into a Mile High milk-swilling sensation — luring challengers and side-eyes, as the joke quickly curdles into something bigger.

A free exhibition in Denver will display founding documents

The traveling exhibition will make eight stops to commemorate the country's 250th birthday.

Colorado&#x27;s getting a special gift <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for its 150th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/06/new-stamp-celebrates-colorado-150-birthday" data-vars-content-id="cdf56611-b314-4ea6-b8c7-5198b4faae8c" data-vars-headline="A free exhibition in Denver will display founding documents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/06/new-stamp-celebrates-colorado-150-birthday" target="_self">for its 150th anniversary</a> — and it&#x27;s tied to the country&#x27;s own 250th celebration this year.Zoom in: The Freedom Plane National Tour will stop at History Colorado Center in Denver starting May 28 and make foundational documents available for public viewing for the first time.

Molly Brown House debuts rare Titanic artifacts

The new artifacts will be on display through December.

Five days before the Titanic sank, American writer Archibald Gracie penned an unknowingly foreboding letter aboard the colossal ocean liner.Zoom in: &quot;It is a fine ship this, but I shall await my journey&#x27;s end before I pass judgment on her,&quot; he wrote in a letter dated April 10, 1912, sending the letter a day later when the ship was docked in Queenstown, Ireland.

Presale launches for Underground Music Showcase

The music festival will make its RiNo debut in July.

Presale tickets are now available for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Underground Music Showcase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/09/ums-underground-music-showcase-denver-2026" data-vars-content-id="508644d1-3435-456e-9d5c-aa9127057b88" data-vars-headline="Presale launches for Underground Music Showcase" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/09/ums-underground-music-showcase-denver-2026" target="_self">Underground Music Showcase</a> as it makes its debut this July in the River North Art District.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a new era for Denver&#x27;s largest and longest-running music festival, as organizers hope to turn its cultural capital <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="into financial viability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/01/denver-ums-underground-music-showcase-shutting-down/" data-vars-content-id="508644d1-3435-456e-9d5c-aa9127057b88" data-vars-headline="Presale launches for Underground Music Showcase" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/01/denver-ums-underground-music-showcase-shutting-down/" target="_blank">into financial viability</a>.

What to see at the Denver Art Museum this spring

Here are five exhibitions worthy of your time.

Local Brief

One of Denver&#x27;s most celebrated fine arts museums this spring will showcase couture fashion, Australian Indigenous works and perhaps the weirdest utensils ever imagined. Zoom in: The Denver Art Museum and The Kirkland currently house over a dozen unique exhibitions, but more will arrive in the coming months.

Restaurant report reignites tipped minimum wage debate

Last year's fight over a bill on tipped wages drew intense political bickering.

The latest tactic to revive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver&#x27;s restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/13/denver-restaurants-have-4th-lowest-survival-rate-in-the-country" data-vars-content-id="82e312d7-b3ff-434d-9a81-99ceeebfaaa3" data-vars-headline="Restaurant report reignites tipped minimum wage debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/13/denver-restaurants-have-4th-lowest-survival-rate-in-the-country" target="_self">Denver&#x27;s restaurant</a> industry revisits a controversial idea: lowering the city&#x27;s minimum tipped wage.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A report released" data-vars-click-url="https://visitdenver.com/restaurantinput/" data-vars-content-id="82e312d7-b3ff-434d-9a81-99ceeebfaaa3" data-vars-headline="Restaurant report reignites tipped minimum wage debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visitdenver.com/restaurantinput/" target="_blank">A report released</a> last month by the city&#x27;s tourism arm reignited a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clash between those" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/05/colorados-tipped-wage-bill-punts-decision-to-locals" data-vars-content-id="82e312d7-b3ff-434d-9a81-99ceeebfaaa3" data-vars-headline="Restaurant report reignites tipped minimum wage debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/05/colorados-tipped-wage-bill-punts-decision-to-locals" target="_self">clash between those</a> seeking to lower labor costs to stay afloat and business owners who say providing a living wage is essential.

Red Bull Soapbox Race returns to Denver

Time to assemble your pit crew — and your car.

Time to assemble your pit crew — and your car.Zoom in: The Red Bull Soapbox Race returns to Denver June 13 at Empower Field at Mile High, marking the third time it will take place in Colorado — and where the event made its U.S. debut in 2002.

The parenting advice Axios Denver readers swear by

We asked Axios Denver readers for their best advice for new parents. As always, they delivered.

👋 Alayna here.My husband and I welcomed our baby boy — Cyrus Robert — on Tuesday (his exact due date!). He clocked in at 20.5 inches and just over 7 pounds. <ul><li>Everyone is healthy, exhausted and very much in love.</li></ul>

Culture

Tom Sullivan's never-ending gun fight

Denver's Carrie Baird competes as a castaway chef

Cult favorites and live performances return for Film on the Rocks

Lord of Lactose creams Denver rival in Wash Park milk-chug battle

A free exhibition in Denver will display founding documents