Denver

Denver Alerts

Alert

Picture of the Denver skyline with DEN written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Denver with Alayna Alvarez, John Frank, and Esteban L. Hernandez.

Axios Denver

Standard

Axios Denver Partners

Axios Denver Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Denver this weekend.

Axios Denver Weekender

Weekender

Axios Denver Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Denver Members

Membership

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>.

Promising youngster tops Rapids salaries

Attacking midfielder Paxten Aaronson makes the most on the team.

Sports

The Colorado Rapids&#x27; top-paid player happens to be the team&#x27;s club-record transfer.Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Midfielder Paxten Aaronson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/that-s-what-i-wanted-usmnt-s-paxten-aaronson-is-ready-to-be-the-guy-for-the-colorado-rapids/blt702a17b05bae57d4" data-vars-content-id="806d4a4c-48cd-4bcb-8d7c-90c2c76810c7" data-vars-headline="Promising youngster tops Rapids salaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/that-s-what-i-wanted-usmnt-s-paxten-aaronson-is-ready-to-be-the-guy-for-the-colorado-rapids/blt702a17b05bae57d4" target="_blank">Midfielder Paxten Aaronson</a> is the team&#x27;s highest-paid player, raking in $2.2 million in base salary, per the Major League Soccer Players Association&#x27;s latest salary guide.

5 can't-miss Denver Broncos games this season

Denver starts the season with a Monday Night Football showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Denver Broncos <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-2026-schedule-featuring-holiday-matchups-and-bookend-stretches-vs-playoff-teams" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-2026-schedule-featuring-holiday-matchups-and-bookend-stretches-vs-playoff-teams" target="_blank">announced</a> they&#x27;ll open their season with a marquee Monday Night Football showdown against division rivals the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in September. State of play: Quarterback Bo Nix looks to lead the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reigning AFC West champs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/06/denver-broncos-2025-midseason-preview" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/06/denver-broncos-2025-midseason-preview" target="_self">reigning AFC West champs</a> on another deep playoff run after an injury sidelined him for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last season&#x27;s AFC title game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/25/broncos-patriots-playoff-loss-2026" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/25/broncos-patriots-playoff-loss-2026" target="_self">last season&#x27;s AFC title game</a> in Denver.

West Denver groups unite to negotiate Broncos stadium benefits

The group is comprised of 16 local organizations.

Sixteen West Denver organizations launched a coalition Tuesday to negotiate a community benefits agreement (CBA) with the Broncos over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the team&#x27;s planned stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/broncos-unveil-preliminary-framework-new-stadium" data-vars-content-id="2a2882ca-ce1c-4f54-90ef-05cf49dd822c" data-vars-headline="West Denver groups unite to negotiate Broncos stadium benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/broncos-unveil-preliminary-framework-new-stadium" target="_self">the team&#x27;s planned stadium</a> in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.Why it matters: The legally binding agreement could determine public support for the stadium in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically working-class neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/01/la-alma-lincoln-park-denver-broncos-stadium/" data-vars-content-id="2a2882ca-ce1c-4f54-90ef-05cf49dd822c" data-vars-headline="West Denver groups unite to negotiate Broncos stadium benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/01/la-alma-lincoln-park-denver-broncos-stadium/" target="_blank">historically working-class neighborhood</a>.

Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit

The team was bounced from the first round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2022.

The Denver Nuggets&#x27; first-round playoff loss against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Minnesota Timberwolves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/nuggets-two-nba-all-stars" data-vars-content-id="8b46490a-43a1-497f-9720-a4a7281c0d94" data-vars-headline="Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/nuggets-two-nba-all-stars" target="_self">the Minnesota Timberwolves</a> last week leaves them drowning in questions about the future.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="With their 2023 NBA title" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/13/denver-nuggets-first-title-nba-champions-beat-miami-heat-finals" data-vars-content-id="8b46490a-43a1-497f-9720-a4a7281c0d94" data-vars-headline="Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/13/denver-nuggets-first-title-nba-champions-beat-miami-heat-finals" target="_self">With their 2023 NBA title</a> getting further in the rear-view mirror, questions about who stays and who departs Denver loom over the franchise.

Every active Denver team plays this weekend

Six local franchises play games, including critical playoff matchups.

A major sports weekend is in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="store for Denver fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/16/free-fan-zone-playoffs-ball-arena" data-vars-content-id="9e25eed5-88ff-4018-b31d-0b2b2a33cc07" data-vars-headline="Every active Denver team plays this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/16/free-fan-zone-playoffs-ball-arena" target="_self">store for Denver fans</a>, with five local teams in action on Saturday alone. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The current golden era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/18/denver-sports-dominate-broncos-nuggets-avalanche" data-vars-content-id="9e25eed5-88ff-4018-b31d-0b2b2a33cc07" data-vars-headline="Every active Denver team plays this weekend" 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/denver-sports-dominate-broncos-nuggets-avalanche" target="_self">The current golden era</a> for the city&#x27;s sports teams means fans have no shortage of championship-caliber talent to watch.

A new playoff fan zone is coming outside Ball Arena

The fan zone will feature a 20-foot video board, a DJ and food trucks.

If you can&#x27;t score playoff tickets for the Colorado Avalanche or Denver Nuggets, the teams are offering the next best thing just outside Ball Arena.The big picture: Chopper Circle will close between 9th and 11th streets during Avs and Nuggets home playoff games, making room for a free expanded fan zone and a live game viewing area.

Rapids aim for anniversary win over Messi's Miami

It's the first time Messi will play an MLS game in Colorado.

Lionel Messi&#x27;s Inter Miami is hoping to spoil the Colorado Rapids&#x27; 30th anniversary celebration Saturday in a rare MLS <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="game at Empower Field." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/18/rapids-inter-miami-lionel-messi-empower-field" data-vars-content-id="3ae11978-347c-4172-84fe-a39941259342" data-vars-headline="Rapids aim for anniversary win over Messi&#x27;s Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/18/rapids-inter-miami-lionel-messi-empower-field" target="_self">game at Empower Field.</a> Why it matters: Stopping the diminutive Argentine — who is making his Colorado debut in the MLS — won&#x27;t be easy.

Broncos ownership group buy minority stake in Rockies

The deal links two of Denver's biggest teams — and, through family and ownership ties, effectively connects all four major pro franchises.

The ownership group behind the Denver Broncos, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penner Sports Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/29/how-taxpayers-could-pay-new-broncos-stadium" data-vars-content-id="1b3e749d-6726-4bac-add6-2a7443698ef1" data-vars-headline="Broncos ownership group buy minority stake in Rockies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/29/how-taxpayers-could-pay-new-broncos-stadium" target="_self">Penner Sports Group</a>, is joining the Colorado Rockies as minority partners, the baseball club announced Friday. Why it matters: The deal links two of Denver&#x27;s biggest teams — and, through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family and ownership ties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/09/walton-colorado-denver-broncos-foundation" data-vars-content-id="1b3e749d-6726-4bac-add6-2a7443698ef1" data-vars-headline="Broncos ownership group buy minority stake in Rockies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/08/09/walton-colorado-denver-broncos-foundation" target="_self">family and ownership ties</a>, effectively connects all four major pro franchises — concentrating influence over the city&#x27;s sports landscape.

Frozen Four pits Denver against fellow blue blood Michigan

The Pioneers are in their third-consecutive Frozen Four.

Three things in life are certain: Death, taxes and the University of Denver Pioneers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="making the Frozen Four" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/04/10/du-denver-hockey-frozen-four-boston-celebrini" data-vars-content-id="3d7d5824-f415-4bd2-97c7-20a870a629a8" data-vars-headline="Frozen Four pits Denver against fellow blue blood Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/04/10/du-denver-hockey-frozen-four-boston-celebrini" target="_self">making the Frozen Four</a>.The big picture: The Pios are in the final four of men&#x27;s NCAA hockey for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the third consecutive season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/10/university-denver-pioneers-western-michigan-frozen-four" data-vars-content-id="3d7d5824-f415-4bd2-97c7-20a870a629a8" data-vars-headline="Frozen Four pits Denver against fellow blue blood Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/10/university-denver-pioneers-western-michigan-frozen-four" target="_self">the third consecutive season</a>.

The Colorado Rockies might be bad again

Hitting rock bottom means there's only one way but up, right?

There&#x27;s no way to sugarcoat it: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Colorado Rockies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/21/colorado-rockies-could-avoid-historically-bad-season" data-vars-content-id="4e542a40-22c1-45d8-8d11-b72234252550" data-vars-headline="The Colorado Rockies might be bad again" 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/colorado-rockies-could-avoid-historically-bad-season" target="_self">The Colorado Rockies</a> were baseball&#x27;s worst club last season. But hitting rock bottom means there&#x27;s nowhere to go but up, right?Why it matters: The Rox (2-4) return to the finely manicured green at Coors Field on Friday seeking a signature home debut victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, a playoff contender last season.

Sports 🏅

Promising youngster tops Rapids salaries

5 can't-miss Denver Broncos games this season

Nuggets fans: Who survives the offseason?

West Denver groups unite to negotiate Broncos stadium benefits

Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit