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Progressive challenger tests DeGette's hold

Rep. Diana DeGette, a 15-term Colorado congresswoman, faces a challenge from a first-time democratic socialist candidate.

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U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette&#x27;s iron grip on the Denver seat she&#x27;s held for nearly three decades faces its most formidable challenge in years from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive newcomer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/11/degette-cd1-2026-race-progressive-challenger" data-vars-content-id="aa268bfc-60a1-4dc5-99e9-295bd31c4872" data-vars-headline="Progressive challenger tests DeGette&#x27;s hold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/11/degette-cd1-2026-race-progressive-challenger" target="_self">progressive newcomer</a> Melat Kiros.Why it matters: Kiros, a democratic socialist, aims to unseat Colorado&#x27;s longest-serving Congress member — a potential upset that could signal a broader progressive push to topple <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="establishment Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/democrats-2026-midterms-house-primaries-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="aa268bfc-60a1-4dc5-99e9-295bd31c4872" data-vars-headline="Progressive challenger tests DeGette&#x27;s hold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/democrats-2026-midterms-house-primaries-jeffries" target="_self">establishment Democrats</a> nationwide.

Colorado's Artemis moment

Colorado companies are playing an outsize role in this week's Artemis II mission.

Colorado&#x27;s aerospace industry is playing an outsize role in Wednesday&#x27;s Artemis II mission — a high-stakes crewed test flight for NASA&#x27;s return to the Moon.Why it matters: Florida may get the glory for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosting the launch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" data-vars-content-id="2e63651c-09ea-4d62-bb5b-f96cb50de6e1" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s Artemis moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" target="_self">hosting the launch</a>, but Colorado&#x27;s status as a hub for space innovation stands to get a boost from the mission&#x27;s ripple effects.

Progressives flex power at Democratic assembly

Delegates backed challengers and adopted a more progressive platform at the state assembly.

Chanting &quot;when we fight, we win,&quot; Colorado Democrats on Saturday overwhelmingly endorsed a challenger to an incumbent U.S. senator, a former two-term governor.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The progressive faction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/09/progressive-democratic-party-establishment-2026-election" data-vars-content-id="ef5a3d8e-4113-486d-ac85-848981e0f5c2" data-vars-headline="Progressives flex power at Democratic assembly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/09/progressive-democratic-party-establishment-2026-election" target="_self">The progressive faction</a> within the party flexed its influence at the state assembly in Pueblo and delivered a loud and clear message to their leaders: No seat is safe, especially not the status quo.

Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD's board

The bill sponsors' goal is to improve accountability and accelerate decision-making.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) board of directors could shrink by nearly half under a new proposal from state lawmakers aiming to overhaul the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="troubled agency." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/05/colorado-state-audit-rtd-financial-problems" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/05/colorado-state-audit-rtd-financial-problems" target="_self">troubled agency.</a>Why it matters: RTD has struggled for years with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" target="_self">safety concerns</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" slumping ridership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" target="_self"> slumping ridership</a> and unreliable service across the eight Front Range counties it serves — and lawmakers argue its 15-member board is too large to fix those problems efficiently or effectively.

Community rallies to rebuild City Park bandstand

City Park Jazz plans to use a mobile stage for this year's edition.

Donations are pouring in to rebuild the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Park bandstand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/26/city-park-bandstand-fire-investigation" data-vars-content-id="dc74e8ec-e8a1-45d2-add6-1802c7bfa3f9" data-vars-headline="Community rallies to rebuild City Park bandstand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/26/city-park-bandstand-fire-investigation" target="_self">City Park bandstand</a> and save this summer&#x27;s City Park Jazz, with tens of thousands of dollars raised so far.Why it matters: After a devastating loss caused by a fire, the fundraising effort signals strong support for the historic bandstand and for keeping this year&#x27;s weekly Sunday music event on track.

City Council approves Axon as new license plate reader vendor

Denver approved a $150,000 deal with Axon to install 50 cameras, replacing Flock.

In a 7–6 vote on Tuesday, the Denver City Council narrowly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="selected Axon " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/24/axon-license-plate-cameras-public-split" data-vars-content-id="51d52e29-05ee-4d4c-9dcc-7fadf44a7adc" data-vars-headline="City Council approves Axon as new license plate reader vendor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/24/axon-license-plate-cameras-public-split" target="_self">selected Axon </a>as the city&#x27;s automated license plate reader vendor for a one-year contract.Why it matters: The vote caps a fraught process, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some council members" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/02/license-plate-denver-readers-mass-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="51d52e29-05ee-4d4c-9dcc-7fadf44a7adc" data-vars-headline="City Council approves Axon as new license plate reader vendor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/02/license-plate-denver-readers-mass-surveillance" target="_self">some council members</a> wary of the cameras&#x27; capabilities and Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s administration backing the deal.

Colorado lands 5 James Beard finalists

Three chefs and multiple local finalists move forward in the prestigious James Beard Awards.

Three Colorado chefs are finalists for the James Beard Awards, announced Tuesday by the foundation.Zoom in: Grand Junction&#x27;s Josh Niernberg (Bin 707 Foodbar) is among five national finalists for Outstanding Chef.

Denver Summit shatters NWSL attendance record at Empower Field

More than 63,000 people packed inside the vaunted stadium.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Summit ended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/27/denver-summit-home-debut-empower-field" data-vars-content-id="4c10f847-a23e-401e-a711-4adcceaeec7e" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit shatters NWSL attendance record at Empower Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/27/denver-summit-home-debut-empower-field" target="_self">Denver Summit ended</a> their home debut Saturday in a scoreless draw against Washington Spirit, but the eruption of applause from 63,004 people inside Empower Field when the final whistle blew made it feel like a victory.Why it matters: Saturday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attendance figures" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/denversummitfc/status/2037971405229138204" data-vars-content-id="4c10f847-a23e-401e-a711-4adcceaeec7e" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit shatters NWSL attendance record at Empower Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/denversummitfc/status/2037971405229138204" target="_blank">attendance figures</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shatter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/25/bay-fc-nwsl-womens-sports-attendence-record-oracle-park" data-vars-content-id="4c10f847-a23e-401e-a711-4adcceaeec7e" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit shatters NWSL attendance record at Empower Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/25/bay-fc-nwsl-womens-sports-attendence-record-oracle-park" target="_self">shatter</a> the National Women&#x27;s Soccer League (NWSL) record, providing a boisterous welcome for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mile High City&#x27;s newest franchise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/23/summit-fc-first-home-jersey" data-vars-content-id="4c10f847-a23e-401e-a711-4adcceaeec7e" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit shatters NWSL attendance record at Empower Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/23/summit-fc-first-home-jersey" target="_self">Mile High City&#x27;s newest franchise</a> — and marking a major feat for women&#x27;s sports.

Denver Summit set for potentially record-breaking home debut

The team is looking to win back-to-back games after notching its first win.

A new era for women&#x27;s sports kicks off Saturday as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Summit makes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/23/summit-fc-first-home-jersey" data-vars-content-id="7b275dee-5876-4331-9364-377a68e32634" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit set for potentially record-breaking home debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/23/summit-fc-first-home-jersey" target="_self">Denver Summit makes</a> its home debut, likely before a record-breaking crowd.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="near-instant popularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/soccer/denver-summit-fc-sells-out-season-tickets-tickets/73-c99308f3-2c95-40c7-b18f-3db5863c7929" data-vars-content-id="7b275dee-5876-4331-9364-377a68e32634" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit set for potentially record-breaking home debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/soccer/denver-summit-fc-sells-out-season-tickets-tickets/73-c99308f3-2c95-40c7-b18f-3db5863c7929" target="_blank">near-instant popularity</a> of Denver&#x27;s professional women&#x27;s soccer team<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" " data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/soccer/denver-summit-fc-sells-out-season-tickets-tickets/73-c99308f3-2c95-40c7-b18f-3db5863c7929" data-vars-content-id="7b275dee-5876-4331-9364-377a68e32634" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit set for potentially record-breaking home debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/soccer/denver-summit-fc-sells-out-season-tickets-tickets/73-c99308f3-2c95-40c7-b18f-3db5863c7929" target="_blank"> </a>capitalizes on a genuine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fervor for women&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/12/a-new-sporting-era" data-vars-content-id="7b275dee-5876-4331-9364-377a68e32634" data-vars-headline="Denver Summit set for potentially record-breaking home debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/12/a-new-sporting-era" target="_self">fervor for women&#x27;s</a> sports, as the nascent club joins a local sports pantheon with a championship pedigree.

City Park bandstand fire under investigation

Firefighters are investigating what caused the overnight blaze that destroyed the bandstand.

The Denver Fire Department is investigating an overnight fire that destroyed the City Park bandstand, but a spokesperson says it&#x27;s too early to say how the fire started.State of play: Emergency crews received a call at 2:40am Thursday that the site was burning, and when Denver Fire arrived, the bandstand was engulfed in flames, operations division chief Robert Murphy tells us.

News 🗞

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