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Democrats' 2028 auditions begin in Denver

The Mile High City will offer an early stage for Democrats' future ambitions.

Politics

A who&#x27;s who of Democratic power players descends on Denver this week to plot the party&#x27;s future, fresh off its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping midterm victories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" data-vars-content-id="848317c4-50fb-4776-ab5a-4a08acb5d101" data-vars-headline="Democrats&#x27; 2028 auditions begin in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" target="_self">sweeping midterm victories</a>.Why it matters: The gathering gives Democrats&#x27; rising stars an early stage to test their 2028 message, and explore whether Colorado&#x27;s red-to-<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deep-blue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/takeaways-blue-tsunami-election-colorado-2026-results" data-vars-content-id="848317c4-50fb-4776-ab5a-4a08acb5d101" data-vars-headline="Democrats&#x27; 2028 auditions begin 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/2026/11/04/takeaways-blue-tsunami-election-colorado-2026-results" target="_self">deep-blue</a> shift could offer a national playbook.

Melat Kiros is the new face of Colorado's Democratic Party

The 29-year-old democratic socialist's meteoric rise will influence the next generation of the Democratic Party.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Melat Kiros" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/melat-kiros-1st-district-seat-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="716abb2f-5884-4b52-a060-ecfa174a2210" data-vars-headline="Melat Kiros is the new face of Colorado&#x27;s Democratic Party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/melat-kiros-1st-district-seat-midterm-elections" target="_self">Melat Kiros</a> is headed to Congress as a rising progressive star after toppling the state&#x27;s Democratic old guard and establishing herself as the party&#x27;s next-generation leaderWhy it matters: The 29-year-old democratic socialist&#x27;s meteoric rise could influence the party&#x27;s future by challenging establishment leaders and pushing a more aggressive agenda in Washington.

After Denver foie gras ban, animal rights group plans municipal push

Pro-Animal Colorado has ties to a national group, but wants to focus on local races.

News

An obscure animal rights group turned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a fight over foie gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/denver-ballot-measures-results-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="2a9a344d-d3c9-4275-8b78-591cc6a4dabd" data-vars-headline="After Denver foie gras ban, animal rights group plans municipal push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/11/04/denver-ballot-measures-results-midterm-elections" target="_self">a fight over foie gras</a> into a successful Denver ballot campaign to ban an uncommon seasonal delicacy.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a big win for Pro-Animal Colorado, which now shifts its focus to backing animal rights candidates in next April&#x27;s municipal election.

Where Denver homebuyers have the upper hand

The difference between a buyer's and seller's market can come down to ZIP code.

Real Estate

Whether Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/denver-real-estate-market-2026-predictions" data-vars-content-id="6fe06cbb-94e3-40c0-8720-14862827d833" data-vars-headline="Where Denver homebuyers have the upper hand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/denver-real-estate-market-2026-predictions" target="_self">housing market</a> favors buyers or sellers depends largely on where you&#x27;re looking, according to recent Redfin data analyzed by Axios.Why it matters: Location has always mattered in real estate. Now, it could determine who&#x27;s calling the shots.

Facing backlash, CoreSite vows "responsible" building

For years, Denver-based CoreSite operated largely under the radar.

Environment

For years, Denver-based CoreSite operated largely under the radar, running two data centers — including one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inside a historic downtown building" data-vars-click-url="https://milehighcre.com/coresite-acquires-historic-denver-gas-and-electric-building/" data-vars-content-id="9e67a131-fd42-4d1c-b966-5c7a05f8ea51" data-vars-headline="Facing backlash, CoreSite vows &quot;responsible&quot; building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://milehighcre.com/coresite-acquires-historic-denver-gas-and-electric-building/" target="_blank">inside a historic downtown building</a> — with little public scrutiny. <ul><li>Not anymore.</li></ul>

1-minute voter guide: Amendment 82 

The change would enshrine Coloradan's right to use natural gas.

Colorado voters will decide whether to make access to natural gas a constitutional right in this election.Why it matters: Amendment 82 would protect Coloradans&#x27; ability to buy natural gas for cooking and heating, potentially limiting future state and local restrictions.

Denver allows pizza boxes, other greasy stuff in compost 

The material can be reused for lawns, gardens and fields.

Denverites can now toss those greasy pizza boxes into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city&#x27;s composting bins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/11/denver-composting-enforcement" data-vars-content-id="2749326e-d049-42c7-bbbb-bd2682dcca99" data-vars-headline="Denver allows pizza boxes, other greasy stuff in compost " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/11/denver-composting-enforcement" target="_self">the city&#x27;s composting bins</a>. State of play: Acceptable compost items now include food-soiled paper, the city <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/News-Outreach/2026-News/Denver-Makes-Composting-Easier-Greasy-Pizza-Boxes-Now-Welcome" data-vars-content-id="2749326e-d049-42c7-bbbb-bd2682dcca99" data-vars-headline="Denver allows pizza boxes, other greasy stuff in compost " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/News-Outreach/2026-News/Denver-Makes-Composting-Easier-Greasy-Pizza-Boxes-Now-Welcome" target="_blank">announced</a> Tuesday.

Denver Botanic Garden's rare "death bloom" nears its end

The 25-year-old Utah agave will die within the next few weeks.

Things to Do

The Utah agave at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Botanic Gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/05/05/best-botanic-gardens-vogue-tripadvisor" data-vars-content-id="61bd7ae6-14ba-4f15-84f8-7a0323897d80" data-vars-headline="Denver Botanic Garden&#x27;s rare &quot;death bloom&quot; nears its end" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/05/05/best-botanic-gardens-vogue-tripadvisor" target="_self">Denver Botanic Gardens</a> survived hail storms, snowstorms and a polar vortex. But like any living thing, it can&#x27;t outrun Mother Nature. The big picture: The plant recently reached its &quot;death bloom,&quot; producing a stalk over 10 feet tall.

Jane Fonda boosts Elyria-Swansea's fight over data center

The Oscar-winning actor joined dozens of community members blocks from a data center construction site.

Actress and activist Jane Fonda brought her star power to town Thursday, backing Elyria-Swansea residents in their fight against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a massive data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" data-vars-content-id="b137a963-7f10-4090-9d57-de62c246ec77" data-vars-headline="Jane Fonda boosts Elyria-Swansea&#x27;s fight over data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" target="_self">a massive data center</a> they say will worsen conditions in the neighborhood. Why it matters: Fonda&#x27;s appearance in the historically Latino area and one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="of the most polluted ZIP codes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rmpbs.org/news/rocky-mountain-pbs/80216-polluted-zip-code-timeline" data-vars-content-id="b137a963-7f10-4090-9d57-de62c246ec77" data-vars-headline="Jane Fonda boosts Elyria-Swansea&#x27;s fight over data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rmpbs.org/news/rocky-mountain-pbs/80216-polluted-zip-code-timeline" target="_blank">of the most polluted ZIP codes</a> in the country underscores how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="communities nationwide are grappling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="b137a963-7f10-4090-9d57-de62c246ec77" data-vars-headline="Jane Fonda boosts Elyria-Swansea&#x27;s fight over data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" target="_self">communities nationwide are grappling</a> with the environmental impact of data centers.

How one company plans to put a nuclear microreactor at Buckley

The portable device could be tested as soon as this summer.

Radiant Industries wants to become the first American company to successfully build a new generation of small nuclear reactors set for eventual deployment in Aurora.Why it matters: A decision tied to President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push to expand nuclear power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2025/05/23/nuclear-cheers-trump-orders" data-vars-content-id="b6798660-bb90-4e3d-8843-fbf2d4ecae3b" data-vars-headline="How one company plans to put a nuclear microreactor at Buckley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2025/05/23/nuclear-cheers-trump-orders" target="_self">push to expand nuclear power</a> could put a small but potent reactor near hundreds of backyards in Colorado&#x27;s third-largest city.

How a large load tariff could work for Xcel

The utility company's proposal would set separate rates for large electricity users.

To handle surging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center power use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" data-vars-content-id="eaa6827e-fdf7-4385-b6c2-956044372971" data-vars-headline="How a large load tariff could work for Xcel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" target="_self">data center power use</a>, Xcel Energy is turning to a tool that&#x27;s gaining traction nationwide: a large load tariff.Why it matters: The tariff could help alleviate costs for households and prepare utility companies for a spike in energy demand from power-hungry data centers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driven largely by AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/data-centers-dominate-rising-us-demand" data-vars-content-id="eaa6827e-fdf7-4385-b6c2-956044372971" data-vars-headline="How a large load tariff could work for Xcel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/data-centers-dominate-rising-us-demand" target="_self">driven largely by AI</a>.

Why Denver's considering a data center moratorium

Forty-six data centers currently operate in Denver.

Denver City Councilmember Paul Kashmann says the city must pause data center development over their massive size, heavy power and water demands, as well as over vague definitions in current zoning laws.State of play: The plan announced last week with Mayor Mike Johnston calls for a one-year moratorium on building data centers, likely starting this spring.

How to recycle your Christmas tree in Denver

Denver's Treecycle program will run until Jan. 30.

You can turn your Christmas tree into one last holiday gift this month by transforming it into mulch.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver&#x27;s Treecycle program" data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Recycle-Compost-Trash/Seasonal-Programs/Treecycle" data-vars-content-id="f5fc6270-77de-490a-b995-9310bb7fb9ab" data-vars-headline="How to recycle your Christmas tree in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Recycle-Compost-Trash/Seasonal-Programs/Treecycle" target="_blank">Denver&#x27;s Treecycle program</a> will make three tree drop sites available on weekdays until Jan. 30 from 8am to 2pm, including:

Why you should not eat snow

Think about the snowflake you cut in kindergarten, the one with all the different edges and angles.

Musician Frank Zappa once famously <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woDy6LwXS1g" data-vars-content-id="b9ab4af7-aa66-469a-bd24-59981e1ca72a" data-vars-headline="Why you should not eat snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woDy6LwXS1g" target="_blank">warned</a>, &quot;Don&#x27;t eat the yellow snow.&quot;The intrigue: Colorado State University hydrologist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steven Fassnacht" data-vars-click-url="https://sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/srf/" data-vars-content-id="b9ab4af7-aa66-469a-bd24-59981e1ca72a" data-vars-headline="Why you should not eat snow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/srf/" target="_blank">Steven Fassnacht</a> said it&#x27;s not the only snow you should avoid ingesting.

Environment

Facing backlash, CoreSite vows "responsible" building

1-minute voter guide: Amendment 82

Denver allows pizza boxes, other greasy stuff in compost

CU study challenges Colorado's moose origin story

Denver Botanic Garden's rare "death bloom" nears its end