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Denver's first PorchFest takes over Baker this weekend

Organizers are gearing up to debut the city's porch party.

Things to Do

The porches of Denver&#x27;s Baker neighborhood will transform into stages on Saturday for the city&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PorchFest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverporchfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="e33f0033-c4da-41b8-94b5-775f92c1f3a6" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s first PorchFest takes over Baker this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverporchfest.com/" target="_blank">PorchFest</a>.Why it matters: PorchFest gives local musicians a big new audience, nudges Denverites beyond their playlists and brings thousands of potential customers past Baker businesses.

Colorado winter outlook: Powerful El Niño boosts snow hopes

Colorado's best hope for breaking its historic snow drought is gaining strength in the Pacific.

News

Colorado&#x27;s best hope for breaking its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" data-vars-content-id="bf5b043f-e340-4fd1-a9fb-89b9e5f6775c" data-vars-headline="Colorado winter outlook: Powerful El Niño boosts snow hopes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/13/colorado-snowpack-drought-record-levels" target="_self">historic drought</a> is gaining strength in the Pacific.Why it matters: We&#x27;re thirsty. Nearly 86% of the state is in drought, and this winter&#x27;s snowpack could help determine water supplies, wildfire risk — and the fortunes of the state&#x27;s ski economy.

Colorado candidates refuse to debate

Candidates increasingly view debates as optional, or as a political liability.

Politics

Political debates used to be a campaign staple. Now, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="e15f5746-7884-4334-8bf2-e071c42f3f10" data-vars-headline="Colorado candidates refuse to debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">candidates</a> increasingly see them as optional — or a political liability.Why it matters: In a midterm cycle dominated by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/house-republicans-fundraising-democrats" data-vars-content-id="e15f5746-7884-4334-8bf2-e071c42f3f10" data-vars-headline="Colorado candidates refuse to debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/18/house-republicans-fundraising-democrats" target="_self">unprecedented spending</a> on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contrast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/19/republicans-midterms-hate-election" data-vars-content-id="e15f5746-7884-4334-8bf2-e071c42f3f10" data-vars-headline="Colorado candidates refuse to debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/19/republicans-midterms-hate-election" target="_self">contrast</a> ads, the candidates are reluctant to challenge each other face-to-face.

Sweet Bloom Coffee in Lakewood wins top coffee prize

The Lakewood-based coffee company has three Front Range locations.

Food and Drink

Coloradans won&#x27;t need to travel far along the Front Range to find some of North America&#x27;s best coffee. Driving the news: Lakewood-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters" data-vars-click-url="https://sweetbloomcoffee.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4UJsR2QyN6YRakUwu-_XKnYnUWBKzRsiIQOKV_oVJgKRzScTz2z" data-vars-content-id="6a42146f-e85f-4f2a-9da6-8a55d1bc63c1" data-vars-headline="Sweet Bloom Coffee in Lakewood wins top coffee prize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sweetbloomcoffee.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4UJsR2QyN6YRakUwu-_XKnYnUWBKzRsiIQOKV_oVJgKRzScTz2z" target="_blank">Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters</a> recently earned the top prize at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Global Coffee Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://globalcoffeeawards.com/winners-us-canada-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6a42146f-e85f-4f2a-9da6-8a55d1bc63c1" data-vars-headline="Sweet Bloom Coffee in Lakewood wins top coffee prize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://globalcoffeeawards.com/winners-us-canada-2026/" target="_blank">Global Coffee Awards</a>, winning Best Roaster in the U.S. and Canada, plus a gold and a silver in two additional categories. <ul><li>&quot;We don&#x27;t take any of it for granted,&quot; the company said in a statement. </li></ul>

Colorado's wolf dilemma deepens

State officials will stop killing wolves as population falls

Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wolf reintroduction program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/09/colorado-kills-wolves-livestock-attacks" data-vars-content-id="befa0a50-6830-4068-b200-8233610e4db9" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s wolf dilemma deepens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/09/colorado-kills-wolves-livestock-attacks" target="_self">wolf reintroduction program</a> is caught in a fundamental bind: building a self-sustaining population while limiting livestock losses for ranchers. Why it matters: Nearly three years into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voter-mandated effort" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/18/colorado-reintroduce-gray-wolves-deadline" data-vars-content-id="befa0a50-6830-4068-b200-8233610e4db9" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s wolf dilemma deepens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/18/colorado-reintroduce-gray-wolves-deadline" target="_self">voter-mandated effort</a>, Colorado is still searching for a way to make its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wolf experiment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/22/colorado-wolves-piney-ridge-pack-ranchers" data-vars-content-id="befa0a50-6830-4068-b200-8233610e4db9" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s wolf dilemma deepens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/22/colorado-wolves-piney-ridge-pack-ranchers" target="_self">wolf experiment</a> work.

Denver's at-large contest draws over $300K in fundraising 

Money could be a deciding factor in the 10-person race.

Candidates vying for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the open at-large seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/city-council-open-seat-candidates" data-vars-content-id="a023295e-4947-44cd-b090-5fcb37560bdf" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s at-large contest draws over $300K in fundraising " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/city-council-open-seat-candidates" target="_self">the open at-large seat</a> on the Denver City Council are raking in campaign cash as next month&#x27;s ballot drop looms. Why it matters: With just six weeks left to win over voters citywide, money could help candidates break through in the 10-person field for a seat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="representing every resident" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/05/special-election-denver-city-council-seat" data-vars-content-id="a023295e-4947-44cd-b090-5fcb37560bdf" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s at-large contest draws over $300K in fundraising " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/05/special-election-denver-city-council-seat" target="_self">representing every resident</a>.

Colorado lawmakers seek new AI safeguards

Bipartisan concern is growing, but lawmakers differ on what new AI rules should do.

AI&#x27;s catastrophic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risks to humanity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/anthropic-insiders-warn-ai-could-kill-all-humans" data-vars-content-id="74a8b343-3818-4fc1-b694-ea09786e52f1" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers seek new AI safeguards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/anthropic-insiders-warn-ai-could-kill-all-humans" target="_self">risks to humanity</a> are fueling fresh calls for regulation, with Colorado lawmakers in both parties agreeing that more guardrails are needed.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Public alarm over" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/09/15/colorado-poll-data-centers-artificial-intelligence-ai" data-vars-content-id="74a8b343-3818-4fc1-b694-ea09786e52f1" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers seek new AI safeguards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/09/15/colorado-poll-data-centers-artificial-intelligence-ai" target="_self">Public alarm over</a> the rapidly advancing technology is creating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a rare bipartisan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/15/ai-congress-regulation-bill-trump-bipartisan" data-vars-content-id="74a8b343-3818-4fc1-b694-ea09786e52f1" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers seek new AI safeguards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/15/ai-congress-regulation-bill-trump-bipartisan" target="_self">a rare bipartisan</a> opening in Congress to act.

Federal uncertainty reshapes Denver's election prep

Federal uncertainty is pushing city officials to plan for the unexpected.

Denver election officials are preparing for scenarios ranging from blizzards and power outages to federal immigration agents at the polls as November&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/30/election-integrity-fears-november-midterms-poll" data-vars-content-id="f999667e-a1db-40c7-8b45-8dbf12848c61" data-vars-headline="Federal uncertainty reshapes Denver&#x27;s election prep" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/30/election-integrity-fears-november-midterms-poll" target="_self">midterms</a> approach.Why it matters: With Election Day less than seven weeks away, officials are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preparing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/02/colorado-county-clerks-association-secure-election-despite-usps-rule/" data-vars-content-id="f999667e-a1db-40c7-8b45-8dbf12848c61" data-vars-headline="Federal uncertainty reshapes Denver&#x27;s election prep" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpr.org/2026/09/02/colorado-county-clerks-association-secure-election-despite-usps-rule/" target="_blank">preparing</a> for federal actions that may never happen — but could disrupt voting if they do.

Colorado lawmakers share how 9/11 shaped their careers

Two lawmakers from opposing parties served abroad following the attacks.

Fifteen-year-old Gabe Evans watched the carnage unfold at home in Colorado. In Wisconsin, college senior Jason Crow saw the attacks on TV — and made a life-altering choice. Why it matters: The Sept. 11 attacks helped propel both future Colorado congressmen toward military service, shaping careers that would eventually carry them from combat zones to Capitol Hill.

Denver's budget crisis eases in 2027, but cuts stick

The city's emerging from two years of budget cuts — but Mayor Mike Johnston isn't rushing to restore what was lost.

Denver is climbing out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/denver-budget-2026-mayor-johnston" data-vars-content-id="32e3d8e6-8152-4fe2-a797-23f5953b8dc5" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s budget crisis eases in 2027, but cuts stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/denver-budget-2026-mayor-johnston" target="_self">two years</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/12/mayor-johnston-city-budget-spending-2025" data-vars-content-id="32e3d8e6-8152-4fe2-a797-23f5953b8dc5" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s budget crisis eases in 2027, but cuts stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/12/mayor-johnston-city-budget-spending-2025" target="_self">budget cuts</a>, with no layoffs planned for 2027 — but Mayor Mike Johnston isn&#x27;t rushing to restore what was lost.Why it matters: Johnston&#x27;s proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget" data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Finance/Our-Divisions/Budget-and-Management-Office/City-Budget" data-vars-content-id="32e3d8e6-8152-4fe2-a797-23f5953b8dc5" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s budget crisis eases in 2027, but cuts stick" 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/Department-of-Finance/Our-Divisions/Budget-and-Management-Office/City-Budget" target="_blank">budget</a>, unveiled Thursday, marks a sharp turn from last year&#x27;s &quot;cuts to the bone&quot; just as he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launches his re-election campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/09/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-reelection-campaign" data-vars-content-id="32e3d8e6-8152-4fe2-a797-23f5953b8dc5" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s budget crisis eases in 2027, but cuts stick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/09/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-reelection-campaign" target="_self">launches his re-election campaign</a>.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston makes his case for 4 more years

Johnston is pitching progress on some of the city's toughest issues in his second-term bid.

Denver Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Johnston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/26/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-goals" data-vars-content-id="514b8b4e-a44c-4144-832e-714a32c6dea8" data-vars-headline="Denver Mayor Mike Johnston makes his case for 4 more years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/26/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-goals" target="_self">Mike Johnston</a> launched his re-election campaign Tuesday with a simple argument: <ul><li>He&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made progress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/08/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-agenda" data-vars-content-id="514b8b4e-a44c-4144-832e-714a32c6dea8" data-vars-headline="Denver Mayor Mike Johnston makes his case for 4 more years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/08/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-agenda" target="_self">made progress</a> on some of the city&#x27;s toughest problems, and he needs four more years to finish the job.</li></ul>

Trump deportations ripple through Colorado's economy

The costs of the deportation push are reaching Colorado wallets and construction sites.

President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass-deportation campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="b57d620b-c796-4f92-83fa-bad12900438c" data-vars-headline="Trump deportations ripple through Colorado&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">mass-deportation campaign</a> is costing Colorado — straining taxpayers and construction workforce that&#x27;s already short on workers.Why it matters: The numbers reveal the immigration crackdown&#x27;s ripple effects reaching far beyond those directly targeted.

ICE's Colorado footprint is growing as scrutiny mounts

ICE's detention capacity in Colorado is nearly doubling as arrests surge and scrutiny mounts.

Federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="9cd13b56-d7d0-4cd0-849b-f5b1655ec060" data-vars-headline="ICE&#x27;s Colorado footprint is growing as scrutiny mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigration</a> enforcement is growing in Colorado, where detention capacity is poised to nearly double as the Trump administration ramps up deportations.Why it matters: The expansion comes as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE arrests surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/08/29/nx-s1-5946880/ice-arrests-are-surging-as-the-administration-targets-more-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="9cd13b56-d7d0-4cd0-849b-f5b1655ec060" data-vars-headline="ICE&#x27;s Colorado footprint is growing as scrutiny mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/08/29/nx-s1-5946880/ice-arrests-are-surging-as-the-administration-targets-more-immigrants" target="_blank">ICE arrests surge</a> — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/08/19/colorado-sues-ice-tuberculosis/" data-vars-content-id="9cd13b56-d7d0-4cd0-849b-f5b1655ec060" data-vars-headline="ICE&#x27;s Colorado footprint is growing as scrutiny mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/08/19/colorado-sues-ice-tuberculosis/" target="_blank">legal challenges</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public resistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/08/25/nx-s1-5936454/colorado-resort-town-suing-ices-landlord-over-detentions" data-vars-content-id="9cd13b56-d7d0-4cd0-849b-f5b1655ec060" data-vars-headline="ICE&#x27;s Colorado footprint is growing as scrutiny mounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/08/25/nx-s1-5936454/colorado-resort-town-suing-ices-landlord-over-detentions" target="_blank">public resistance</a> intensify across the state.

Politics 🇺🇸

Colorado's wolf dilemma deepens

Colorado candidates refuse to debate

Boebert denies sexual relationship allegations

Denver's at-large contest draws over $300K in fundraising

Colorado lawmakers seek new AI safeguards