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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.

Colorado group Cobalt spent $2.4M on abortion aid

Colorado has positioned itself as a post-Dobbs haven.

The Cobalt Abortion Fund in Colorado spent a record $2.4 million in 2025 helping nearly 4,000 people access and pay for abortion care, the organization says.Why it matters: Colorado has positioned itself as a post-Dobbs haven, and the sharp rise in spending underscores the increasing financial strain left by states that have outlawed abortions.

Colorado psychedelic therapy program considers expanding options

Ibogaine, a natural psychoactive substance, could be added as a treatment option.

A review of rules governing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado&#x27;s psychedelic therapy program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/providers-prepares-psychedelic-therapy-launch" data-vars-content-id="611d5d9b-c716-4d96-9b41-3ee6a0d7958f" data-vars-headline="Colorado psychedelic therapy program considers expanding options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/providers-prepares-psychedelic-therapy-launch" target="_self">Colorado&#x27;s psychedelic therapy program</a> will include potentially expanding the substances available for treatment.Why it matters: The change would make Colorado the first state to use ibogaine — a psychoactive found in the roots of the African shrub iboga — for regulated medical treatment.

Colorado among the most active states in the U.S.

Turns out the claim of the active, outdoorsy Coloradan isn't just a stereotype.

The claim that many Coloradans enjoy an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="active, outdoorsy lifestyle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" data-vars-content-id="bfe537f5-ca0d-4933-a78b-7b871cf14d22" data-vars-headline="Colorado among the most active states in the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" target="_self">active, outdoorsy lifestyle</a> isn&#x27;t just a stereotype — it&#x27;s backed by data.The big picture: The state with the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" lowest obesity rate in the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" data-vars-content-id="bfe537f5-ca0d-4933-a78b-7b871cf14d22" data-vars-headline="Colorado among the most active states in the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-obesity-rate" target="_self"> lowest obesity rate in the U.S.</a> also leads the nation for physical activity and exercise beyond work, per a new report.

Fatal fentanyl overdoses spike in Denver

The city tallied 515 total drug overdoses last year, a 7% jump from 2024.

Fatal overdoses in Denver rose last year, despite national figures showing a dip in drug deaths, possibly tied <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to a Chinese crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/09/china-fentanyl-crackdown-overdose-deaths" data-vars-content-id="c8f5d9ba-e029-46e8-9672-2863de0cf064" data-vars-headline="Fatal fentanyl overdoses spike in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/09/china-fentanyl-crackdown-overdose-deaths" target="_self">to a Chinese crackdown</a> on fentanyl.By the numbers: Denver recorded a 24% increase in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drug overdoses involving fentanyl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/02/24/overdoses-rate-colorado-2023" data-vars-content-id="c8f5d9ba-e029-46e8-9672-2863de0cf064" data-vars-headline="Fatal fentanyl overdoses spike 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/2025/02/24/overdoses-rate-colorado-2023" target="_self">drug overdoses involving fentanyl</a> last year compared to 2024, preliminary data from the medical examiner&#x27;s office shows.

Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado

An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other illnesses are surging nationwide.

Colorado is experiencing a continued spike in flu cases this winter as the &quot;super flu&quot; races through the state.Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other illnesses — such as the &quot;winter vomiting bug,&quot; COVID-19 and whooping cough — are surging nationwide.<ul><li>It also arrives as<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" chaos has enveloped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/22/childhood-vaccines-denmark-cdc-lawsuits" data-vars-content-id="3b161749-47bd-484c-ad51-ceb96ae5de44" data-vars-headline="Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/22/childhood-vaccines-denmark-cdc-lawsuits" target="_self"> chaos has enveloped</a> the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with many questions about vaccination schedules for children.</li></ul>Driving the news: Colorado <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="set a record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/12/31/colorado-flu-hospitalizations-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3b161749-47bd-484c-ad51-ceb96ae5de44" data-vars-headline="Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/12/31/colorado-flu-hospitalizations-2025/" target="_blank">set a record</a> at the end of December for flu hospitalizations reported in one week at 791 — the highest since state health officials began tracking them in 2004.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://cdphe.colorado.gov/viral-respiratory-diseases-report" data-vars-content-id="3b161749-47bd-484c-ad51-ceb96ae5de44" data-vars-headline="Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cdphe.colorado.gov/viral-respiratory-diseases-report" target="_blank">latest numbers</a>, released Wednesday, show a decrease, but hospitalizations remain elevated with 737 cases through Jan. 3.</li></ul>The big picture: Cases of the flu remain elevated nationwide, according to data from the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" CDC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-51.html#cdc_data_surveillance_section_2-u-s-virologic-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="3b161749-47bd-484c-ad51-ceb96ae5de44" data-vars-headline="Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-51.html#cdc_data_surveillance_section_2-u-s-virologic-surveillance" target="_blank"> CDC</a>.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-51.html" data-vars-content-id="3b161749-47bd-484c-ad51-ceb96ae5de44" data-vars-headline="Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-51.html" target="_blank">New CDC data</a> shows that there&#x27;s been at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths from the flu so far this season.</li><li>Many of these cases have been tied to &quot;subclade K&quot; — a variant of the H3N2 virus, which is a subtype of influenza A.</li><li>Experts and patients say subclade K is an example of the &quot;super flu,&quot; referring to a strain that spreads quickly and rapidly, becoming more troublesome.</li></ul><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go deeper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" data-vars-content-id="3b161749-47bd-484c-ad51-ceb96ae5de44" data-vars-headline="Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" target="_self">Go deeper</a>

Measles vaccination rates in Colorado are lagging

Most counties in the state don't meet the herd immunity threshold.

Most Colorado counties don&#x27;t meet the herd immunity threshold for measles, with vaccination rates for kindergarteners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="below the 95% mark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/04/colorado-kindergartners-vaccine-rates-lag-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="482407ce-65d7-4b33-87ec-a4e510f3a044" data-vars-headline="Measles vaccination rates in Colorado are lagging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/04/colorado-kindergartners-vaccine-rates-lag-in-2025" target="_self">below the 95% mark</a>, per new data collected and analyzed by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzY3MTU3MjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzY4NTM5NTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NjcxNTcyMDAsImp0aSI6ImE3ZDE5NjMzLWU1NGMtNDVjMy04NzllLTQ1ZmM5NTg4MDhlOSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9oZWFsdGgvaW50ZXJhY3RpdmUvMjAyNS9tZWFzbGVzLXZhY2NpbmUtc2Nob29scy1vdXRicmVha3MtcHVibGljLWhlYWx0aC8ifQ.YVNK2Csiqf58uH7d_RB2KlDmCOBAaL3I3qEg90ApgeA&amp;itid=gfta" data-vars-content-id="482407ce-65d7-4b33-87ec-a4e510f3a044" data-vars-headline="Measles vaccination rates in Colorado are lagging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/measles-vaccine-schools-outbreaks-public-health/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzY3MTU3MjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzY4NTM5NTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NjcxNTcyMDAsImp0aSI6ImE3ZDE5NjMzLWU1NGMtNDVjMy04NzllLTQ1ZmM5NTg4MDhlOSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9oZWFsdGgvaW50ZXJhY3RpdmUvMjAyNS9tZWFzbGVzLXZhY2NpbmUtc2Nob29scy1vdXRicmVha3MtcHVibGljLWhlYWx0aC8ifQ.YVNK2Csiqf58uH7d_RB2KlDmCOBAaL3I3qEg90ApgeA&amp;itid=gfta" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s measles cases are rising to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic levels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpr.org/2025/12/15/measles-case-weld-montezuma-colorado/" data-vars-content-id="482407ce-65d7-4b33-87ec-a4e510f3a044" data-vars-headline="Measles vaccination rates in Colorado are lagging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpr.org/2025/12/15/measles-case-weld-montezuma-colorado/" target="_blank">historic levels</a>, leaving local communities vulnerable to a virus public health officials say is preventable.

What Coloradans should know about the new flu strain

The new strain, a variant of H3N2, emerged over the summer.

The current flu shot may not be as effective against a new virus strain that prompted an early start to this year&#x27;s flu season, but local experts are still encouraging Coloradans to get the shot. Why it matters: The new strain, a variant of H3N2, emerged over the summer, raising fears that the current flu vaccine might struggle to fight it.

SNAP benefits resume in Colorado, but not for all

Colorado residents participating in the food assistance program known as SNAP will start to see their benefits restored as soon as Thursday.

Health

Colorado residents participating in the food assistance program known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SNAP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/22/colorado-food-banks-snap-food-assistance-polis" data-vars-content-id="0117093b-0098-4836-92e8-2ddc9048a31c" data-vars-headline="SNAP benefits resume in Colorado, but not for all" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/22/colorado-food-banks-snap-food-assistance-polis" target="_self">SNAP</a> will start to see their benefits restored as soon as Thursday now that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal government has reopened" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/house-passes-package-end-government-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="0117093b-0098-4836-92e8-2ddc9048a31c" data-vars-headline="SNAP benefits resume in Colorado, but not for all" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/house-passes-package-end-government-shutdown" target="_self">federal government has reopened</a>.Yes, but: Not all 600,000 who receive food money will keep their benefits after President Trump&#x27;s &quot;big, beautiful bill&quot; put <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/09/colorado-snap-cuts-trump" data-vars-content-id="0117093b-0098-4836-92e8-2ddc9048a31c" data-vars-headline="SNAP benefits resume in Colorado, but not for all" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/09/colorado-snap-cuts-trump" target="_self">new restrictions</a> on the program, Polis administration officials tell us.

Connect for Health Colorado plans to double in cost

The price spike is likely to lead Coloradans to forego health insurance.

The cost of health insurance plans purchased on the state&#x27;s exchange will double in 2026, the Colorado Division of Insurance <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://doi.colorado.gov/news-releases-consumer-advisories/congressional-inaction-leads-to-an-average-doubling-of-health" data-vars-content-id="197ecdbf-b50b-406b-acee-fd83a2097001" data-vars-headline="Connect for Health Colorado plans to double in cost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://doi.colorado.gov/news-releases-consumer-advisories/congressional-inaction-leads-to-an-average-doubling-of-health" target="_blank">announced</a> this week.Why it matters: The price spike is likely to lead Coloradans to forego health insurance, increase uncompensated care for providers and boost prices for the entire marketplace.

Colorado records lowest obesity rate in the U.S.

The state saw slight rise over a five-year span, according to a new report.

Colorado has the lowest adult obesity rate in the country, despite a slight rise over a five-year span, according to a new report.Why it matters: Obesity is tied to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, COVID-19 complications and more.

Health 🩺

Colorado group Cobalt spent $2.4M on abortion aid

Colorado psychedelic therapy program considers expanding options

Colorado among the most active states in the U.S.

Fatal fentanyl overdoses spike in Denver

Flu hospitalizations still high in Colorado