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Colorado paid $767M in Trump tariffs before SCOTUS ruling

The question now is whether businesses — or everyday Americans — will get refunds.

News

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court declared a large swath of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="cf8904ab-5df9-477a-a8b6-4b0686605804" data-vars-headline="Colorado paid $767M in Trump tariffs before SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal</a>, the question is whether businesses — or everyday Americans — will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get refunds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" data-vars-content-id="cf8904ab-5df9-477a-a8b6-4b0686605804" data-vars-headline="Colorado paid $767M in Trump tariffs before SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" target="_self">get refunds</a>.

Community leaders rally, demand unity amid increased ICE activity

Immigrant advocates, community leaders, artists and a state lawmaker urged unity against what they characterize as aggressive immigration enforcement.

Parents are afraid to take their children to school. People are skipping important cultural celebrations. Others are hesitant to go to work.State of play: Those are some of the ripple effects described Friday by community leaders, who say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/27/colorado-immigration-ice-state-lawmakers" data-vars-content-id="f559426e-8e44-47e6-8327-9fe1dce57448" data-vars-headline="Community leaders rally, demand unity amid increased ICE activity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/27/colorado-immigration-ice-state-lawmakers" target="_self">Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#x27;s</a> increased activity is affecting daily routines in parts of Denver&#x27;s Indigenous, Asian American, Black and Latino communities.

Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows

From President Trump's first term to his second, Westerners have become more intensely concerned about the rollback of environmental protections.

From President Trump&#x27;s first term to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his second" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/02/19/colorado-voters-oppose-trump-cuts-federal-public-lands-poll" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/02/19/colorado-voters-oppose-trump-cuts-federal-public-lands-poll" target="_self">his second</a>, Westerners have become more intensely concerned about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the rollback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/18/epa-endangerment-finding-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/18/epa-endangerment-finding-lawsuit" target="_self">the rollback</a> of environmental protections, a new poll shows.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026-poll-data/cc-national-press-release.pdf" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026-poll-data/cc-national-press-release.pdf" target="_blank">numbers</a> from the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Conservation in the West poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" target="_blank">Conservation in the West poll</a> released Wednesday suggest conservation isn&#x27;t a niche issue — it&#x27;s political bedrock in eight Southwest and Rocky Mountain states.

Colorado group seeks new congressional maps to counter Trump-backed redistricting push

Coloradans for a Level Playing Field filed four potential ballot initiatives.

Election

A new Colorado ballot initiative set for introduction Wednesday would ask voters to temporarily suspend the state&#x27;s independent congressional redistricting system and approve new maps for the 2028 and 2030 elections, arguing the move is necessary to counter a GOP-led <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mid-decade redistricting drive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="7ba3aa77-f2dc-444a-bdc0-63fe74eb7ba5" data-vars-headline="Colorado group seeks new congressional maps to counter Trump-backed redistricting push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">mid-decade redistricting drive</a>.Why it matters: Colorado voters created an independent commission in 2018 as part of an effort to curb partisan gerrymandering. Now, Democratic-aligned organizers want to manipulate the drawing of congressional districts.

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>

DIA debuts colorful, decorated paletero exhibition

Seven artists lent their talent for the exhibition, which runs through March 30.

Things to Do

Denver International Airport&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public art" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/01/23/mile-highlights-dia-debuts-new-artwork" data-vars-content-id="87dca311-e34a-428f-af14-884b20045cc3" data-vars-headline="DIA debuts colorful, decorated paletero exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/01/23/mile-highlights-dia-debuts-new-artwork" target="_self">public art</a> pays homage to the humble paletero — street vendors who sell cold Mexican treats, often in the city&#x27;s Latino neighborhoods.The big picture: Seven colorful carts are on display for the &quot;Westwood Paletero Stories&quot; exhibition at the Ansbacher Hall, just before the A-Bridge. They&#x27;re inspired by personal stories from local paleteros, per a statement from DIA.

First new fossils unearthed at Dinosaur National Monument since 1924

The prehistoric bones likely belong to a large, long-necked dinosaur.

For the first time in over a century, Dinosaur National Monument staff have excavated fossils inside the park split between Colorado and Utah.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a reminder that one of the West&#x27;s most studied prehistoric sites still holds surprises beneath its surface.

A new Denver statue reimagines a Western icon

The bronze sculpture features an Indigenous cowgirl tethered to a massive bull.

A recent addition to Denver&#x27;s public art scene spotlights a figure rarely highlighted in the popular iconography of the American West: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an Indigenous cowgirl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8V9cb6aecw" data-vars-content-id="a90c83a8-d092-42f7-a037-2cc78838e9ab" data-vars-headline="A new Denver statue reimagines a Western icon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8V9cb6aecw" target="_blank">an Indigenous cowgirl</a>.State of play: Sculptor Cliff Garten&#x27;s &quot;Taking Stock&quot; features an American Indian cowgirl connected to a massive bull, challenging the &quot;mythology of the West,&quot; most often depicted by Hollywood, Garten said in a statement.

Red Rocks set for renovations following historic year

2025 marked a record-setting year for the historic outdoor amphitheatre.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre will get new upgrades this year following one of its most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="successful seasons on record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/10/red-rocks-shows-attendance-capacity" data-vars-content-id="cd8a2f87-8691-4b8c-befa-152c21176531" data-vars-headline="Red Rocks set for renovations following historic year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/10/red-rocks-shows-attendance-capacity" target="_self">successful seasons on record</a>.The big picture: A merchandise stand and an east terrace used for security checks and scanning is on tap for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver-owned venue in Morrison" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/06/22/red-rocks-hail-storm-denver-colorado-safety-changes" data-vars-content-id="cd8a2f87-8691-4b8c-befa-152c21176531" data-vars-headline="Red Rocks set for renovations following historic year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/06/22/red-rocks-hail-storm-denver-colorado-safety-changes" target="_self">Denver-owned venue in Morrison</a>, city staff said Tuesday.

Things to do in Denver this weekend, Dec. 19-21

You get two chances to see Santa in Denver, plus other festive events this weekend. 🧑‍🎄 Grab Breakfast with Santa at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ritz-Carlton in downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-at-the-ritz-carlton-denver-tickets-1677224265929?aff=oddtdtcreator" data-vars-content-id="503c70a4-5609-4550-a47b-de88ce25489d" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Denver this weekend, Dec. 19-21" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-at-the-ritz-carlton-denver-tickets-1677224265929?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Ritz-Carlton in downtown</a> Denver on Saturday morning, with freshly baked pastries and a made-to-order omelet station. Tickets: $57

Spotlight: MCA director wants to bring uplifting art to Denver

Anthony Kiendl started his new job in December.

MCA Denver&#x27;s new director Anthony Kiendl started his job this month after nearly three decades overseeing museums mostly in Canada.Zoom in: His new job is his first &quot;proper&quot; gig in the U.S., Kiendl tells us, adding that Denver feels like a blend of previous places he&#x27;s worked, including Vancouver and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Banff" data-vars-click-url="https://banff.ca/" data-vars-content-id="a8b84b25-a0e6-43e8-a60e-5bf832bd8a00" data-vars-headline="Spotlight: MCA director wants to bring uplifting art to Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://banff.ca/" target="_blank">Banff</a>, a town in Alberta near the Rocky Mountains.

The "friendliest" Denver neighborhoods

The friendliest neighborhoods had the most positive posts and fulfilled neighbor requests.

Need help shoveling your sidewalk? How about a hot tip for a good plumber? Well, you&#x27;ll find it in Green Valley Ranch.The intrigue: The master-planned community in the city&#x27;s northeast corner just nabbed the title of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver&#x27;s friendliest neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://nextdoor.com/rankings/friendliest-places-to-live/denver--co/" data-vars-content-id="aeddd4d0-751b-4874-949d-6d5f6964d0ee" data-vars-headline="The &quot;friendliest&quot; Denver neighborhoods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nextdoor.com/rankings/friendliest-places-to-live/denver--co/" target="_blank">Denver&#x27;s friendliest neighborhood</a> based on its chatter, recs and goodwill on social networking app Nextdoor.<ul><li>Rounding out the top 5: Wash Park West, Montbello, Congress Park and Central Park.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;These rankings are rooted in real neighbor interactions, giving people a window into where communities are truly thriving,&quot; said Nextdoor&#x27;s Kelsey Grady.How it works: The friendliest neighborhoods had the most positive posts with fulfilled neighbor requests, business recommendations, free items and neighborhood pride, Nextdoor reported.The bottom line: Like Santa, Nextdoor is watching. So you better be good for goodness&#x27; sake.

Inside Denver's new retro La Vista Motel on Colfax

The 23-room motel is reopening with a retro-cool 1960s reboot.

Business

For decades, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Vista Motel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lavistadenver.com/" data-vars-content-id="9d202040-796a-486a-afb9-ccad88df42d2" data-vars-headline="Inside Denver&#x27;s new retro La Vista Motel on Colfax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lavistadenver.com/" target="_blank">La Vista Motel</a> embodied the plight of Denver&#x27;s Colfax Avenue — a blighted, neon-signed relic that was home to prostitution and drug dealing.The intrigue: Now, after a nearly four-year overhaul, the 23-room motel is reopening with a retro-cool reboot.

Denver Arts Week marked with free museums, expanded art walks

The 19th annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Arts Week gets underway Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://visitdenver.com/denver-arts-week/?gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23072788539&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD3VQSfhSocZe_7FTQH5YbHtOeJ7B&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUn_Dj0LEfNh2RJXcKO4BJC2j_rov7uc8wgJ3iOSZRVl5o4Q7mb6LshoCidMQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="743aa3bd-98ec-4c53-98cb-5137385f850b" data-vars-headline="Denver Arts Week marked with free museums, expanded art walks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visitdenver.com/denver-arts-week/?gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23072788539&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD3VQSfhSocZe_7FTQH5YbHtOeJ7B&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUn_Dj0LEfNh2RJXcKO4BJC2j_rov7uc8wgJ3iOSZRVl5o4Q7mb6LshoCidMQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Denver Arts Week gets underway Friday</a>, beginning a 10-day celebration of the Mile High City&#x27;s local art and cultural institutions.Dig in: The event includes first Friday art walks showcasing local galleries in five creative districts and special events at Denver&#x27;s premier museums.

Culture

The parenting advice Axios Denver readers swear by

Sundance takes its final bow in Utah, leaving festivalgoers divided

DIA debuts colorful, decorated paletero exhibition

Things to do in Denver this weekend

First new fossils unearthed at Dinosaur National Monument since 1924