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

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

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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

How ranked choice voting upended the Boulder mayor's race

The city of Boulder almost elected a former Republican as mayor.

<figure><img alt="A graphic showing vote changes with ranked choice voting" height="1080" id="60237662-6201-4d87-973a-9bcd60d19749" src="https://images.axios.com/mMxiKuxuWJv86vcEJ5rIOLU7z9g=/2023/11/09/1699490311873.gif" width="1920"/><figcaption>Ranked choice voting in the Boulder mayor&#x27;s race, as of 4:30pm Wednesday. Image courtesy of Boulder County Elections</figcaption></figure>The city of Boulder, a bastion of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive politics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpr.org/2018/10/24/bernie-sanders-stumps-for-colorado-dems-fueling-fiery-comments-from-both-parties/" data-vars-content-id="95a26af8-587a-4092-b516-0cf9c7d2e700" data-vars-headline="How ranked choice voting upended the Boulder mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpr.org/2018/10/24/bernie-sanders-stumps-for-colorado-dems-fueling-fiery-comments-from-both-parties/" target="_blank">progressive politics</a>, hub for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic socialism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boulderdsa.org/" data-vars-content-id="95a26af8-587a-4092-b516-0cf9c7d2e700" data-vars-headline="How ranked choice voting upended the Boulder mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boulderdsa.org/" target="_blank">Democratic socialism</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ivory tower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dailycamera.com/2016/10/29/whats-it-like-to-be-a-conservative-student-at-cu-boulder/" data-vars-content-id="95a26af8-587a-4092-b516-0cf9c7d2e700" data-vars-headline="How ranked choice voting upended the Boulder mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dailycamera.com/2016/10/29/whats-it-like-to-be-a-conservative-student-at-cu-boulder/" target="_blank">ivory tower</a> of liberal ideology, almost elected a former Republican as mayor.Driving the news: At least, that&#x27;s what the results from Tuesday&#x27;s election looked like for nearly 24 hours as city Councilmember Bob Yates, a registered Republican until May 2022 when he became unaffiliated, stood at the top of the field with a narrow lead.

Proposition HH fails in Colorado, dealing huge blow to Democrats

The billion-dollar stakes tied to Proposition HH made it the marquee race in the off-year election.

Politics

Colorado voters rejected Proposition HH <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Tuesday&#x27;s election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/29/guide-colorado-2023-election-key-races-ballot-measure" data-vars-content-id="b730507c-3aba-4c0b-97a0-29ac0ffc730d" data-vars-headline="Proposition HH fails in Colorado, dealing huge blow to Democrats" 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/guide-colorado-2023-election-key-races-ballot-measure" target="_self">in Tuesday&#x27;s election</a> by a significant margin, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preliminary vote counts" data-vars-click-url="https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/CO/118892/web.317647/#/summary" data-vars-content-id="b730507c-3aba-4c0b-97a0-29ac0ffc730d" data-vars-headline="Proposition HH fails in Colorado, dealing huge blow to Democrats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/CO/118892/web.317647/#/summary" target="_blank">preliminary vote counts</a>.Why it matters: The measure&#x27;s failure is a major blow to Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic lawmakers who hoped to trade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a property tax cut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/14/proposition-hh-property-taxes-colorado-2023-election" data-vars-content-id="b730507c-3aba-4c0b-97a0-29ac0ffc730d" data-vars-headline="Proposition HH fails in Colorado, dealing huge blow to Democrats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/14/proposition-hh-property-taxes-colorado-2023-election" target="_self">a property tax cut</a> for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looser spending restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/14/proposition-hh-colorado-2023-election-tabor-refunds" data-vars-content-id="b730507c-3aba-4c0b-97a0-29ac0ffc730d" data-vars-headline="Proposition HH fails in Colorado, dealing huge blow to Democrats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/14/proposition-hh-colorado-2023-election-tabor-refunds" target="_self">looser spending restrictions</a> under the Taxpayer&#x27;s Bill of Rights, known as TABOR.

Illustration of a close up of the state of Colorado, with the state outline as a checked "box". 

A quick guide to Colorado's 2023 election: Ballot measures and key races

The odd-year election means turnout is likely to be lower than normal.

Election

Colorado voters are casting ballots in dozens of local races and deciding on two statewide referendums in the 2023 election.Why it matters: The odd-year election means turnout is likely to be lower than normal — adding weight to every vote cast.

Illustration of the Colorado flag with a checkmark and box instead of a C and the sun.

Why Proposition II matters so much in Colorado

The implications of the vote and financial impact go well beyond the actual ballot language.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proposition II" data-vars-click-url="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/blue_book_2023_-_english.pdf" data-vars-content-id="1dd6c101-c875-47fc-85fc-3bb252b2853a" data-vars-headline="Why Proposition II matters so much in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/blue_book_2023_-_english.pdf" target="_blank">Proposition II</a> asks voters if the state can keep $23.7 million in excess tax revenue it collected from tobacco and nicotine products.Why it matters: The implications of the vote and financial impact go well beyond the actual ballot language.

Illustration of an umbrella made of money covering a voting booth

Denver school board race turns negative amid big spending

This year's election for Denver school board is big-time politics.

More than $1 million in campaign spending. Dark-money attack mailers. And a TV commercial.What&#x27;s happening: This year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="election for Denver school board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/10/29/school-board-election-voter-guide-2023" data-vars-content-id="15edc291-2b59-4ac8-830e-12b70ec8c37b" data-vars-headline="Denver school board race turns negative amid big spending" 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">election for Denver school board</a> is big-time politics.

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.

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.

5 storylines to watch in Colorado's 2023 election

Colorado's odd-year election is certainly not ordinary.

Colorado&#x27;s odd-year election is certainly not ordinary.What&#x27;s happening: The ballot features a billion-dollar rewrite of the Taxpayer&#x27;s Bill of Rights, 75 local measures, and dozens of high-stakes races for mayor and school board.

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.

1-minute voter guide: What to know about Proposition II on tobacco taxes

The ballot measure comes with a big price tag that holds significant implications for state spending in future years.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proposition II" data-vars-click-url="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/blue_book_2023_-_english.pdf" data-vars-content-id="3d34ca3a-7959-415e-aeb3-2f681be82948" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: What to know about Proposition II on tobacco taxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/blue_book_2023_-_english.pdf" target="_blank">Proposition II</a> asks voters if the state can keep $23.7 million in excess tax revenue it collected from tobacco and nicotine products — and continue to increase taxes in the future.Why it matters: The ballot measure comes with a big price tag that holds significant implications for state spending in future years.

Illustration of a pattern of voting booths.

1-minute voter guide: What to know about Proposition HH on property taxes

Proposition HH asks Colorado voters to consider a political proffer.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proposition HH" data-vars-click-url="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/blue_book_2023_-_english.pdf" data-vars-content-id="41270a40-ea49-4662-ae0e-722e4065db82" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: What to know about Proposition HH on property taxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/blue_book_2023_-_english.pdf" target="_blank">Proposition HH</a> asks Colorado voters to consider a political proffer:<ul><li>The state will reduce the pending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increase in property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/14/proposition-hh-property-taxes-colorado-2023-election" data-vars-content-id="41270a40-ea49-4662-ae0e-722e4065db82" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: What to know about Proposition HH on property taxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/14/proposition-hh-property-taxes-colorado-2023-election" target="_self">increase in property taxes</a> — if you agree to a reduction or elimination in TABOR refunds.</li></ul>Why it matters: The ballot measure is a high-priced bet from Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic lawmakers who believe frustration with housing prices will convince voters to erode the Taxpayer&#x27;s Bill of Rights even though similar referendums failed in recent years.

Illustration of a voting booth with a roof on it. 

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.

Election 🗳️