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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Denver.

Axios Denver

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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters John Frank, Alayna Alvarez and Esteban L. Hernandez.

Axios Denver Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Denver this weekend.

Axios Denver Weekender

Weekender

Axios Denver Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Denver Members

Membership

Denver's most streamed songs on Spotify in 2023

We trended with the U.S. as a whole, picking the same top artist and song.

Culture

Migrants arriving in Denver are struggling to find work

The application fee for federal work permits is $545 — too high for many migrants in Denver to afford.

News

11 of the best holiday pop-up bars around Denver

'Tis the season for festive cocktails full of cheer.

Food and Drink

Here's how you can give back around Denver this holiday season

We rounded up some of the best opportunities to volunteer in the metro.

Things to Do

Carrie Olson picked as next Denver school board president

Olson is a former Denver teacher who was first elected to the board in 2017.

The Denver school board elected Carrie Olson as its president in a secret ballot Friday, as it looks to repair <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its dysfunctional reputation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/01/denver-school-board-controversy-mistrust-and-fear" data-vars-content-id="9a1c30ef-ebd8-4621-80eb-a35c055a8048" data-vars-headline="Carrie Olson picked as next Denver school board president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/01/denver-school-board-controversy-mistrust-and-fear" target="_self">its dysfunctional reputation</a>.Driving the news: Olson is a former Denver teacher who was first elected to the board in 2017. She previously served as the board&#x27;s president from 2019 to 2021, our education partners at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chalkbeat report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2023/12/01/carrie-olson-elected-president-denver-school-board-swearing-in/" data-vars-content-id="9a1c30ef-ebd8-4621-80eb-a35c055a8048" data-vars-headline="Carrie Olson picked as next Denver school board president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2023/12/01/carrie-olson-elected-president-denver-school-board-swearing-in/" target="_blank">Chalkbeat report</a>.

Denver school board president Carrie Olson, center, during a meeting in August. Photo: Andy Cross/Denver Post via Getty Images

Mayor Mike Johnston sounds off on Denver's "dysfunctional" school board

Denver's mayor tells us that "we need a functioning board to have a successful city."

The mayor blasted the current Denver school board for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing infighting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/01/denver-school-board-controversy-mistrust-and-fear" data-vars-content-id="a71613cb-d4cb-48c7-a1c9-267946f70b78" data-vars-headline="Mayor Mike Johnston sounds off on Denver&#x27;s &quot;dysfunctional&quot; school board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/01/denver-school-board-controversy-mistrust-and-fear" target="_self">ongoing infighting</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turmoil" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/24/denver-school-board-meeting-recording-east-high-shooting" data-vars-content-id="a71613cb-d4cb-48c7-a1c9-267946f70b78" data-vars-headline="Mayor Mike Johnston sounds off on Denver&#x27;s &quot;dysfunctional&quot; school board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/24/denver-school-board-meeting-recording-east-high-shooting" target="_self">turmoil</a>, saying last week that &quot;we need a functioning board to have a successful city.&quot;Why it matters: Johnston — a Denver Public Schools parent and former principal — wants to see new faces on the board and he took the unusual step of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="making endorsements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/17/mayor-school-board-endorsements" data-vars-content-id="a71613cb-d4cb-48c7-a1c9-267946f70b78" data-vars-headline="Mayor Mike Johnston sounds off on Denver&#x27;s &quot;dysfunctional&quot; school board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/17/mayor-school-board-endorsements" target="_self">making endorsements</a> for three challengers ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/29/school-board-election-voter-guide-2023" data-vars-content-id="a71613cb-d4cb-48c7-a1c9-267946f70b78" data-vars-headline="Mayor Mike Johnston sounds off on Denver&#x27;s &quot;dysfunctional&quot; school board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/29/school-board-election-voter-guide-2023" target="_self">Tuesday&#x27;s election</a>.

Mayor Mike Johston at an Axios Denver event Nov. 2. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios

Colorado College unveils first-of-its-kind DEI program for transfer students

The school is the first in the nation to initiate such a program, according to the campus administration.

Education

Colorado College is setting a national precedent to protect college students facing discrimination at universities in other states.Driving the news: Administrators at the private liberal arts school in Colorado Springs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/newsevents/newsroom/2023/colorado-college-to-offer-a-safe-haven-for-students-who-transfer-from-anti-dei-states.html" data-vars-content-id="1f1ca017-686f-4ee6-83db-12866d3a3d8d" data-vars-headline="Colorado College unveils first-of-its-kind DEI program for transfer students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/newsevents/newsroom/2023/colorado-college-to-offer-a-safe-haven-for-students-who-transfer-from-anti-dei-states.html" target="_blank">recently announced</a> the creation of HAVEN — a program designed to give refuge to students who could be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="targeted in states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/15/desantis-dei-bill-florida-colleges" data-vars-content-id="1f1ca017-686f-4ee6-83db-12866d3a3d8d" data-vars-headline="Colorado College unveils first-of-its-kind DEI program for transfer students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/15/desantis-dei-bill-florida-colleges" target="_self">targeted in states</a> where anti-diversity, equity and inclusion legislation is advancing.

Illustration of a green apple surrounded by red apples.

1-minute voter guide: Denver School Board race may shift the conversation

Denver's troubled school board will face a major test in the Nov. 7 election.

Election

Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="troubled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/01/denver-school-board-controversy-mistrust-and-fear" data-vars-content-id="56ebaa67-7d9f-4ba9-ad35-89a19a2ae26d" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Denver School Board race may shift the conversation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/01/denver-school-board-controversy-mistrust-and-fear" target="_self">troubled</a> school board will face a major test in the Nov. 7 election.What&#x27;s happening: Three of the eight posts — including the citywide at-large seat — are up for grabs and incumbents are seeking re-election in two of the races.

Illustration of an apple with an I Voted sticker.

1-minute voter guide: What to know about Referred Question 2P in Denver

The city council is asking voters to approve a sales tax increase to help subsidize preschool education.

For the third time in 17 years, the Denver City Council is asking voters to approve a sales tax increase to help subsidize preschool education for low-income families.Why it matters: Each of the first two elections — in 2006 and 2014 — resulted in narrow approval.

Illustration of a chalkboard with three digital-style dollar signs on it.

Colorado school board races charged by political currents

Hyper-polarized politics are dominating once low-key school board races in Colorado this year.

Hyper-polarized politics are dominating once low-key school board races in Colorado this year as partisans look to control what happens in the classroom.Why it matters: The infusion of hot-button social issues is making school board contests the new frontier for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s culture war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/republicans-elections-2024-education" data-vars-content-id="2ac39062-50ac-4acc-be77-e9e2362cd958" data-vars-headline="Colorado school board races charged by political currents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/29/republicans-elections-2024-education" target="_self">nation&#x27;s culture war</a> and the results may reshape how school districts across the state are governed.

Illustration of woman in a suit wearing a pin with an apple on it 

How the return of student loan payments is affecting Coloradans

Centennial State residents collectively owe $29.4 billion in student debt.

Many Coloradans are already having to make major sacrifices as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loan payments resume this month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/16/student-loan-debt-colorado" data-vars-content-id="88693842-91fa-46a4-8a77-ed45b3bceb29" data-vars-headline="How the return of student loan payments is affecting Coloradans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/16/student-loan-debt-colorado" target="_self">student loan payments resume this month</a> following a three-year pandemic pause.Driving the news: Centennial State residents collectively owe $29.4 billion in student debt as of June 30, according to the latest data from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Department of Education" data-vars-click-url="https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/portfolio" data-vars-content-id="88693842-91fa-46a4-8a77-ed45b3bceb29" data-vars-headline="How the return of student loan payments is affecting Coloradans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://studentaid.gov/data-center/student/portfolio" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Education</a>.

an illustration of a vintage heather grey sweatshirt with the words "pay to the order of" on it 

Denver schools refocus on Black students' success with new initiative

The city's public school system is doubling down on its pledge to elevate Black students.

Denver Public Schools is doubling down on its pledge to elevate Black students.Driving the news: Superintendent Alex Marrero announced this week the creation of a Black Student Success team that will focus on &quot;bringing academics alive&quot; through evidenced-based teacher interventions.

Illustration of a student with IBM, Intel, and Boeing logos on his backpack

Denver mayor's school board endorsements rekindle fight with teachers union

Mike Johnston's bad blood with the Colorado teachers union is following him into City Hall.

Mike Johnston&#x27;s bad blood with the Colorado teachers union is following him into City Hall.Driving the news: The Denver mayor is wading into November&#x27;s local school board elections by endorsing three candidates aligned with education reformers — not the slate backed by the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, the local union.

Illustration of a hand breaking through a blackboard making a "stop" motion 

Coloradans owe more than $29 billion in student loan debt

Nearly 800,000 Coloradans are feeling the pain of federal student loan payments that resumed this month for the first time in three years.

Nearly 800,000 Coloradans are feeling the pain of federal student loan payments that resumed this month for the first time in three years.Why it matters: After the pandemic-era pause offered a welcomed break, experts are warning of a messy return to debt repayment for borrowers.

Illustration of an envelope, shaped like a graduation cap, stamped with a "payment due" notice

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

Education 📚