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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>.

What's cookin' in Denver's food scene

The highly anticipated Madeline restaurant is now open on 6th Avenue in the former Fruition space.

Food and Drink

New restaurants, new booze and a speakeasy — Denver&#x27;s food scene is cookin&#x27;. Here&#x27;s the latest news to know.😋 The highly anticipated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Madeline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.restaurantmadeline.com/" data-vars-content-id="0cc68125-f90e-4783-b4bc-f6c9ac980f53" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s cookin&#x27; in Denver&#x27;s food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.restaurantmadeline.com/" target="_blank">Madeline</a> restaurant is now open on 6th Avenue in the former Fruition space.

Civic Center EATS is back for the season

Food trucks are rolling back into Civic Center Park.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Civic Center EATS" data-vars-click-url="https://civiccenterpark.org/events/eats/" data-vars-content-id="539f29c9-86d5-477e-ad31-6a98dca291a9" data-vars-headline="Civic Center EATS is back for the season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://civiccenterpark.org/events/eats/" target="_blank">Civic Center EATS</a> returns Wednesday, relocating to Bannock Street in front of city hall due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing park renovations." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/18/civic-center-park-construction-begins" data-vars-content-id="539f29c9-86d5-477e-ad31-6a98dca291a9" data-vars-headline="Civic Center EATS is back for the season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/18/civic-center-park-construction-begins" target="_self">ongoing park renovations.</a>

Austin restaurants are taking over Denver's food scene

Austin isn't a plane ride away anymore. The Texas capital is coming to Denver.

Austin isn&#x27;t a plane ride away anymore. The Texas capital is coming to you — one taco, omakase counter and boozy brunch at a time.Why it matters: What <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="started as a trickle" data-vars-click-url="https://5280.com/denver-austin-restaurant-exchange-program/" data-vars-content-id="1a2ba243-0cbf-4abe-a40b-7705b2663e62" data-vars-headline="Austin restaurants are taking over Denver&#x27;s food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://5280.com/denver-austin-restaurant-exchange-program/" target="_blank">started as a trickle</a> of Texas-born concepts in Denver has become a culinary raid reshaping the local food and beverage scene just as the city attempts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rebuild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/20/16th-street-mall-renamed" data-vars-content-id="1a2ba243-0cbf-4abe-a40b-7705b2663e62" data-vars-headline="Austin restaurants are taking over Denver&#x27;s food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/20/16th-street-mall-renamed" target="_self">rebuild</a> its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="identity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/01/16th-street-reopens-downtown-denver" data-vars-content-id="1a2ba243-0cbf-4abe-a40b-7705b2663e62" data-vars-headline="Austin restaurants are taking over Denver&#x27;s food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/01/16th-street-reopens-downtown-denver" target="_self">identity</a>.

Score these deals during Cinco de Mayo in Denver

We got five local deals on tacos and tequila for you.

Things to Do

We have several deals to help you mark Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday, just in case you missed this past weekend&#x27;s festival in Denver. Yes, but: First, some context — it&#x27;s not Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16.

What to know about Asian Food Week

The eight-day event showcases the diversity of Colorado's food scene with 73 vendors from Aurora to Colorado Springs participating.

Now in its fourth year, Mile High Asian Food Week does not disappoint.Why it matters: The eight-day event showcases the diversity of Colorado&#x27;s food scene with 73 vendors from Aurora to Colorado Springs participating.

Colorado beers earn 27 medals at World Beer Cup

In a contest against the world's best brewers, 22 Colorado breweries took home medals for 27 different beers.

In a contest against the world&#x27;s best brewers, 22 Colorado breweries took home medals for 27 different beers.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Beer Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/?utm_source=sfmc&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=BA&amp;utm_content=" data-vars-content-id="0aef7870-62a9-42f3-9062-18c5fd05d333" data-vars-headline="Colorado beers earn 27 medals at World Beer Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/?utm_source=sfmc&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=BA&amp;utm_content=" target="_blank">World Beer Cup</a> awards, now in its 30th year, and hosted by the Boulder-based Brewers Association, is the global benchmark for quality beer, drawing 8,166 entries from 50 countries.

Craft beer's decline sets new records in 2025

The persistent downward trend is startling the once-booming industry and forcing brewers to rethink their business models.

The craft beer market continued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="b295ca84-8830-49d6-b2ff-ea2a18c4573d" data-vars-headline="Craft beer&#x27;s decline sets new records in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" target="_self">its historic decline</a> in 2025, with a 5.1% decrease in production and 2.9% contraction in U.S. breweries, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" data-vars-content-id="b295ca84-8830-49d6-b2ff-ea2a18c4573d" data-vars-headline="Craft beer&#x27;s decline sets new records in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" target="_blank">a new report</a> shows.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="persistent downward trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="b295ca84-8830-49d6-b2ff-ea2a18c4573d" data-vars-headline="Craft beer&#x27;s decline sets new records in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">persistent downward trend</a> is startling the once-booming industry and forcing brewers to rethink their business models and expand into non-beer beverages.

Leven Deli offers $2 Tax Day deals on booze and treats

You can also snag a cookie for just two bucks.

So you filed your taxes on time. Now, go reward yourself.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Leven" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatleven.com/" data-vars-content-id="1dcacc25-76b0-40d7-af84-687e7de6666b" data-vars-headline="Leven Deli offers $2 Tax Day deals on booze and treats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatleven.com/" target="_blank">Leven</a> is marking April 15 with its &quot;Taxes Are Hard, $2 is Easy&quot; promotion at both Leven Deli and Leven Supply.

Six new spots to eat and drink in Denver

Some debuts come straight from local culinary luminaries.

Several new and upcoming bars and restaurants are lighting up the city, including a sprinkling of high-profile debuts from culinary luminaries.Zoom in: We found six spots that recently opened or are set for a spring debut.

Best new bites at Coors Field

The two-foot hot dog is meant to shared — but we won't judge you for tackling it solo.

The glizzy craze is reaching new gastronomical heights at Coors Field.Zoom in: The ballpark debuts a shareable, two-foot hot dog, dubbed the Glizzilla, on Friday.

Food and Drink 🍽

What's cookin' in Denver's food scene

Civic Center EATS is back for the season

Austin restaurants are taking over Denver's food scene

Score these deals during Cinco de Mayo in Denver

What to know about Asian Food Week