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Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer

The state's warm, dry winter helped create conditions for the venomous reptiles to emerge earlier than usual..

News

Rattlesnake bites are climbing in Colorado and across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parts of the West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/18/rattlesnake-bites-double-utah-hiking" data-vars-content-id="4fcc404b-e4e9-418b-a59e-a309638e4eec" data-vars-headline="Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/18/rattlesnake-bites-double-utah-hiking" target="_self">parts of the West</a> this summer due in part to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-warm, dry winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/23/the-west-s-record-breaking-warm-winter-mapped" data-vars-content-id="4fcc404b-e4e9-418b-a59e-a309638e4eec" data-vars-headline="Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/23/the-west-s-record-breaking-warm-winter-mapped" target="_self">record-warm, dry winter</a> that experts say prompted the venomous reptiles to emerge earlier than usual.Why it matters: State wildlife officials say hikers, trail runners and dog owners should be extra vigilant as snake activity ramps up across the state.

The greatest Red Rocks concerts of all time, according to readers

Immortal performances include Rage Against the Machine in 1996, U2 in 1983 and The Beatles in 1964.

Culture

The rush of hearing live music at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="natural mountain amphitheater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/10/red-rocks-shows-attendance-capacity" data-vars-content-id="0a9166c5-b822-458b-a581-028814b0adff" data-vars-headline="The greatest Red Rocks concerts of all time, according to readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/10/red-rocks-shows-attendance-capacity" target="_self">natural mountain amphitheater</a> in a sleepy Colorado town transforms a concert into something closer to a spiritual experience.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="That&#x27;s Red Rocks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/20/red-rocks-concerts-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="0a9166c5-b822-458b-a581-028814b0adff" data-vars-headline="The greatest Red Rocks concerts of all time, according to readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/20/red-rocks-concerts-2026-lineup" target="_self">That&#x27;s Red Rocks</a>. Those two words represent countless memories, performances, sounds and unforgettable nights at the crown jewel of American music venues.

Gut-wrecking stomach bug cases confirmed "throughout" Colorado

The state has recored 90 cases this year.

Health

Colorado public health officials have recorded 90 local cases of a parasite so far this year, though where specifically remains unclear.The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food

Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race

The Colorado Springs resident's past is a red flag that Democrats will spotlight in the general election.

Election

Political newcomer Victor Marx, who said he once killed a man at age 7, narrowly emerged as the winner of the Republican primary for governor, a week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after the election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="c19e9572-7d23-4169-ad4e-5fcbabcf4e25" data-vars-headline="Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" target="_self">after the election</a>.Why it matters: The Colorado Springs resident&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial past" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/local-politics/victor-marx-on-his-claims-about-his-life/73-f8d30137-0dce-4b59-a9ee-a266cb23fc13" data-vars-content-id="c19e9572-7d23-4169-ad4e-5fcbabcf4e25" data-vars-headline="Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/local-politics/victor-marx-on-his-claims-about-his-life/73-f8d30137-0dce-4b59-a9ee-a266cb23fc13" target="_blank">controversial past</a> gives Democrats a line of attack in November&#x27;s general election, making the uphill climb even steeper for Republicans, who haven&#x27;t won the governor&#x27;s office in 14 years.

Why one Colorado mom says integrated care made all the difference

See how connected care helped one Colorado family navigate a stressful diagnosis.

Partners

When Lauren Shockey&#x27;s toddler son suddenly lost weight and started behaving differently, she feared something serious was wrong — but she said Kaiser Permanente&#x27;s integrated system helped her family move quickly from concern to diagnosis, all within one connected experience.The landscape: During medical crises, families often must juggle appointments, referrals, testing and coverage questions separately.Kaiser Permanente&#x27;s integrated model is designed to keep care, coverage and communication connected in one system so families can focus more on treatment and less on logistics.

Why your symptoms might not tell the full story

You can research symptoms, track changes and still not have a clear answer — but imaging could help guide next steps.

You now have more ways than ever to research symptoms, compare treatments and track your health.<ul><li>But even with all that information, getting a clear diagnosis isn&#x27;t always straightforward.</li></ul>The landscape: The traditional care path often focuses on managing symptoms first, either by waiting to see if symptoms improve or through treatments.<ul><li>That approach doesn&#x27;t always identify the cause of the issue, and without a clear diagnosis, care can become a series of short-term fixes instead of a targeted plan.</li></ul>

Denver is among the most polluted cities

As a whole, Colorado's air quality is improving, but pollution in certain areas remain problematic.

The metro Denver area ranks as the eighth-most ozone-polluted region in the nation with an average of 30 high-ozone days a year, per the American Lung Association&#x27;s 2026 &quot;State of the Air&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lung.org/research/sota" data-vars-content-id="d8de295a-9f8e-4d93-b7bf-d6a6267bbae5" data-vars-headline="Denver is among the most polluted cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lung.org/research/sota" target="_blank">report</a>.Why it matters: Hundreds of thousands of people in the metro area — which includes Aurora and Greeley — have health conditions such as asthma that make them more susceptible to air pollution.

What marijuana reclassification means for Colorado

The Trump administration took a significant step toward rescheduling marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

The Trump administration took a significant step Thursday toward <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescheduling marijuana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-marijuana-rule-change" data-vars-content-id="c8832fc2-00c9-46c7-a50f-a52d68453c34" data-vars-headline="What marijuana reclassification means for Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-marijuana-rule-change" target="_self">rescheduling marijuana</a> as a less dangerous drug, ordering the reclassification of FDA-approved and state-licensed marijuana.Why it matters: The order is a boost for Colorado&#x27;s medical retailers and will make it easier for researchers — like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="those" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/07/colorado-marijuana-labels-thc-study" data-vars-content-id="c8832fc2-00c9-46c7-a50f-a52d68453c34" data-vars-headline="What marijuana reclassification means for Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/07/colorado-marijuana-labels-thc-study" target="_self">those</a> at the University of Colorado Boulder — to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/01/08/cu-boulder-study-weed-exercise" data-vars-content-id="c8832fc2-00c9-46c7-a50f-a52d68453c34" data-vars-headline="What marijuana reclassification means for Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/01/08/cu-boulder-study-weed-exercise" target="_self">study</a> medicinal applications.

Death and Donuts: How one Colorado woman is pairing pastries with big questions

If you ask Peri Rigler, a sugary treat and death are a perfect pair for a conversation.

If you ask Peri Rigler, a sugary treat and death are a perfect pair for a conversation.Why it matters: The Erie resident&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Death and Donuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deathanddonuts.com/" data-vars-content-id="28ef5c3f-4ac9-4f49-bbac-0763afbc9989" data-vars-headline="Death and Donuts: How one Colorado woman is pairing pastries with big questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deathanddonuts.com/" target="_blank">Death and Donuts</a> events offer a space for those curious about death to discuss what some consider taboo.How it works: It&#x27;s not about grief or what&#x27;s next so much as a rumination on death itself.The death cafes bring together a dozen or so people at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="virtual and in-person events," data-vars-click-url="https://www.deathanddonuts.com/events" data-vars-content-id="28ef5c3f-4ac9-4f49-bbac-0763afbc9989" data-vars-headline="Death and Donuts: How one Colorado woman is pairing pastries with big questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deathanddonuts.com/events" target="_blank">virtual and in-person events,</a> mostly in Boulder County, to learn and make connections.<ul><li>Today, her organization is hosting a free online session to learn about Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medical Aid in Dying Law" data-vars-click-url="https://cdphe.colorado.gov/center-for-health-and-environmental-data/registries-and-vital-statistics/medical-aid-in-dying" data-vars-content-id="28ef5c3f-4ac9-4f49-bbac-0763afbc9989" data-vars-headline="Death and Donuts: How one Colorado woman is pairing pastries with big questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cdphe.colorado.gov/center-for-health-and-environmental-data/registries-and-vital-statistics/medical-aid-in-dying" target="_blank">Medical Aid in Dying Law</a>.</li><li>A week earlier, a group met at Natural Funeral Home in Lafayette to discuss environmentally friendly burial practices.</li></ul>Between the lines: The donuts &quot;lower the intensity,&quot; says Rigler, who also hosts the podcast, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mostly Death Stuff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mostlydeathstuff.com/" data-vars-content-id="28ef5c3f-4ac9-4f49-bbac-0763afbc9989" data-vars-headline="Death and Donuts: How one Colorado woman is pairing pastries with big questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mostlydeathstuff.com/" target="_blank">Mostly Death Stuff</a>.&quot;What she&#x27;s saying: &quot;There&#x27;s just a lot of folks searching for meaning and to have an impact in the world. And so it&#x27;s kind of natural to think about your death when you think about those things,&quot; Rigler, 47, told us in an interview.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Death Cafes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/death-cafe-what-is" data-vars-content-id="28ef5c3f-4ac9-4f49-bbac-0763afbc9989" data-vars-headline="Death and Donuts: How one Colorado woman is pairing pastries with big questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/death-cafe-what-is" target="_self">Death Cafes</a> are hardly new, but death — and related topics like living better and longer — are trendy right now.<ul><li>More than 11,000 death cafe groups are listed in the U.S., according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Death Cafe site" data-vars-click-url="https://deathcafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="28ef5c3f-4ac9-4f49-bbac-0763afbc9989" data-vars-headline="Death and Donuts: How one Colorado woman is pairing pastries with big questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://deathcafe.com/" target="_blank">Death Cafe site</a>.</li></ul>Zoom in: Rigler, who works full-time in advertising, said Death and Donuts came from her own curiosity and quest for community.<ul><li>&quot;You know that we can talk a lot about how we disagree and we&#x27;re divided as people, especially in the United States right now, but death is something that we all have in common,&quot; she says.</li></ul>

Allergy season arrives early in Colorado after warm winter

It's nothing to sneeze at: About 25% of adults have seasonal allergies.

As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. But not this year. Instead, an unseasonably warm and dry February is bringing March flowers.Why it matters: Allergy season is arriving much earlier than usual.Driving the news: The unseasonably warm winter prompted trees, shrubs and flowers in Denver to start blooming in late February.<ul><li>It&#x27;s nothing to sneeze at: About 25% of adults have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seasonal allergies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/weather/longer-growing-season-means-more-pollen/507-7eb3a622-495a-462c-884f-5d722d399aff" data-vars-content-id="37d4fd43-1ded-4318-b793-b8425a0fa78e" data-vars-headline="Allergy season arrives early in Colorado after warm winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/weather/longer-growing-season-means-more-pollen/507-7eb3a622-495a-462c-884f-5d722d399aff" target="_blank">seasonal allergies</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Most of the time, I&#x27;m telling patients around the 1st of March is when to start medical therapy for springtime allergens,&quot; Levi Keller, an assistant professor in allergy and clinical immunology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told KUNC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kunc.org/podcast/inthenoco/2026-03-11/allergy-season-started-early-this-year-heres-why-and-how-to-find-relief" data-vars-content-id="37d4fd43-1ded-4318-b793-b8425a0fa78e" data-vars-headline="Allergy season arrives early in Colorado after warm winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kunc.org/podcast/inthenoco/2026-03-11/allergy-season-started-early-this-year-heres-why-and-how-to-find-relief" target="_blank">told KUNC</a>.<ul><li>&quot;But this year, it was probably around Valentine&#x27;s Day or so that people were starting to feel a little bit more symptomatic.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: The days between the last and first frost in Denver have increased in recent years, even though the trend line indicates a six-day shorter growing season since 1970, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/graphic/2026-allergy-season?graphicSet=Freeze+Free+Growing+Season+Trends&amp;location=Denver&amp;lang=en" data-vars-content-id="37d4fd43-1ded-4318-b793-b8425a0fa78e" data-vars-headline="Allergy season arrives early in Colorado after warm winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/graphic/2026-allergy-season?graphicSet=Freeze+Free+Growing+Season+Trends&amp;location=Denver&amp;lang=en" target="_blank">new report</a> from Climate Central shows.<ul><li>Based on his patient load, Keller estimates that the allergy season is about 10-14 days longer based on periods with temperatures above freezing.</li></ul>

Denver Health is bringing new care services where they are needed most

As Denver grows, Denver Health is finding innovative ways to expand trusted care.

In a growing, aging Denver, the challenge in health care is delivering care that&#x27;s easy to navigate, close to home and comprehensive enough to meet most needs in one system.What you need to know: Denver Health has two major expansions underway — rebuilding the Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center and opening a new medical center in southeast Denver — designed to make high-quality care more convenient and closer to home.<ul><li>Long known as the city&#x27;s safety net, Denver Health is a complete health system delivering high-quality care in emergencies and for everyday primary and specialty needs.</li></ul>

Caring for Denver changes alcohol policy following audit

A city auditor report recently criticized its spending and grant oversight.

Caring for Denver will stop reimbursing alcohol purchases following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city auditor report" data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Auditors-Office/Audit-Services/Audit-Reports/Caring-for-Denver-Foundation" data-vars-content-id="caca6437-efb7-47a2-81b8-ee6100bd1738" data-vars-headline="Caring for Denver changes alcohol policy following audit" 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/Auditors-Office/Audit-Services/Audit-Reports/Caring-for-Denver-Foundation" target="_blank">city auditor report</a> criticizing the mental health nonprofit&#x27;s spending and grant oversight.Why it matters: The nonprofit&#x27;s spending for mental health and substance use treatment programs has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under a microscope for years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/12/05/caring-for-denver-questionable-taxpayer-spending-transparency" data-vars-content-id="caca6437-efb7-47a2-81b8-ee6100bd1738" data-vars-headline="Caring for Denver changes alcohol policy following audit" 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/caring-for-denver-questionable-taxpayer-spending-transparency" target="_self">under a microscope for years</a> because it generates millions from city sales taxes.

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.

Axios Arapahoe County

Aurora's mayor sleeps Fridays at shelter

Arapahoe County

Colorado maternal care grade drops

Colorado Springs

A grid map showing maternal mental health grades by U.S. state in 2026 based on 27 measures related to screening, providers, treatment, policy, and parental support. 11 states have a "B" grade, 25 have a "C" and 15 a "D." No states received an "A."

Health 🩺

Gut-wrecking stomach bug cases confirmed "throughout" Colorado

Aurora's mayor sleeps Fridays at shelter

Colorado maternal care grade drops

Why one Colorado mom says integrated care made all the difference

Why your symptoms might not tell the full story