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Denver unveils $50M Sloan's Lake restoration plan

The goal, Mayor Mike Johnston joked, is to make Sloan's Lake "fall-in-able, if not swimmable."

News

The days of Sloan&#x27;s Lake being gross and grimy enough to inspire Reddit posts asking, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Why is [this place] so smelly?" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/1ef9yok/why_is_sloans_lake_so_smelly/" data-vars-content-id="e12e0aa9-bac7-4b86-adad-685ae90533f1" data-vars-headline="Denver unveils $50M Sloan&#x27;s Lake restoration plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/1ef9yok/why_is_sloans_lake_so_smelly/" target="_blank">&quot;Why is [this place] so smelly?</a>&quot; could be numbered.Why it matters: Denver&#x27;s largest lake, which draws 2 million visitors a year, has become dramatically shallower, fueling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="toxic algae blooms" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/algae-bloom/" data-vars-content-id="e12e0aa9-bac7-4b86-adad-685ae90533f1" data-vars-headline="Denver unveils $50M Sloan&#x27;s Lake restoration plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/05/algae-bloom/" target="_blank">toxic algae blooms</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fish kills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denver7.com/news/environment/dead-fish-are-stinking-up-sloans-lake-in-denver-heres-why" data-vars-content-id="e12e0aa9-bac7-4b86-adad-685ae90533f1" data-vars-headline="Denver unveils $50M Sloan&#x27;s Lake restoration plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denver7.com/news/environment/dead-fish-are-stinking-up-sloans-lake-in-denver-heres-why" target="_blank">fish kills</a> and warnings to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="keep dogs away" data-vars-click-url="https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-animal-shelter-warns-of-deadly-algae-in-sloans-lake/" data-vars-content-id="e12e0aa9-bac7-4b86-adad-685ae90533f1" data-vars-headline="Denver unveils $50M Sloan&#x27;s Lake restoration plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-animal-shelter-warns-of-deadly-algae-in-sloans-lake/" target="_blank">keep dogs away</a>.

Gabe Evans spent big on taxpayer-funded "franking"

The messages helped the 8th District Republican build his name recognition.

Election

To promote his work in Congress, U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans spent more than $320,000 on taxpayer-funded advertising in his first term — steering more than $225,000 to his campaign consultant, an exclusive Axios analysis finds.Why it matters: The radio, mail, web and text messages helped the 8th District Republican raise his name recognition ahead of his reelection bid this November and at times blurred the line between campaign-style messaging and official congressional communication.

Denver will rely on 911 for gunfire reports as ShotSpotter ends

The city's contract with the gunshot detection technology firm ends in December.

Denver is preparing to go without gunshot detection technology after its contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ShotSpotter expires in December" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/21/denver-police-new-shotspotter-contract" data-vars-content-id="ced16574-47a3-48f5-a0ea-1d14b47b6952" data-vars-headline="Denver will rely on 911 for gunfire reports as ShotSpotter ends" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/08/21/denver-police-new-shotspotter-contract" target="_self">ShotSpotter expires in December</a>. Why it matters: The shift could change how police respond to shooting calls, placing a heavier responsibility on people to report gunfire while reigniting a longstanding debate over the controversial tool.

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.

Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag

The train — known as CoCo — is billed as a transit game-changer connecting Colorado's major communities.

The proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado Connector passenger train system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/13/coco-gets-a-foxy-face" data-vars-content-id="f3d07c94-9620-44f0-966f-f1c642d5298f" data-vars-headline="Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/13/coco-gets-a-foxy-face" target="_self">Colorado Connector passenger train system</a> between Fort Collins and Pueblo is estimated to cost $4.7 billion to build and up to $200 million annually to operate, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a plan" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradoconnector.com/plan/" data-vars-content-id="f3d07c94-9620-44f0-966f-f1c642d5298f" data-vars-headline="Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradoconnector.com/plan/" target="_blank">a plan</a> released Monday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Known as CoCo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" data-vars-content-id="f3d07c94-9620-44f0-966f-f1c642d5298f" data-vars-headline="Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" target="_self">Known as CoCo</a>, the train is billed as a transit game-changer that would connect 12 Front Range communities along roughly 190 miles and possibly even neighboring states to the north and south.

Colorado's CoCo passenger train unveils new logos and a mascot

CoCo — short for Colorado Connector — is more than a cute nickname.

Colorado&#x27;s planned Front Range passenger rail service officially has a name, a look and now a personality.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CoCo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" data-vars-content-id="08139e5d-9e3c-4f5d-be1d-25bd242d91e2" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s CoCo passenger train unveils new logos and a mascot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" target="_self">CoCo</a> — short for Colorado Connector — is more than a cute nickname. It will become the public face of a campaign to persuade voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to pay for " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/09/colorado-proposed-passenger-train-costs" data-vars-content-id="08139e5d-9e3c-4f5d-be1d-25bd242d91e2" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s CoCo passenger train unveils new logos and a mascot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/09/colorado-proposed-passenger-train-costs" target="_self">to pay for </a>the long-promised rail line linking Front Range communities from Fort Collins to Pueblo.

Downtown Denver parking drops to $5 in new pilot

It's the latest experiment in the mayor's strategy to woo people back downtown after the pandemic.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/28/downtown-denver-mike-johnston-mary-nguyen-axios-live" data-vars-content-id="e532cc0b-13e4-4536-882f-1d61f45b9fd0" data-vars-headline="Downtown Denver parking drops to $5 in new pilot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/28/downtown-denver-mike-johnston-mary-nguyen-axios-live" target="_self">Downtown</a> parking just got a lot cheaper. Denver is rolling out a pilot that lets drivers park in about 3,000 spaces for $5.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest experiment in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/26/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-goals" data-vars-content-id="e532cc0b-13e4-4536-882f-1d61f45b9fd0" data-vars-headline="Downtown Denver parking drops to $5 in new pilot" 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">Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s</a> turnaround strategy to lure people back downtown post-pandemic.

Colorado opens mountain passes early after low snowpack

Most years, the passes won't open until the end of May, if not June.

This year&#x27;s low snowpack is not all bad news: Colorado&#x27;s mountain passes are opening earlier than ever.Why it matters: Not only does it make trips faster, but opening the passes &quot;signifies the winter to summer weather transition,&quot; Colorado Department of Transportation executive director Shoshana Lew said in a statement.

Denver launches new e-bike rebates

Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="e-bike rebates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/02/27/what-to-know-new-e-bike-rebate-rules" data-vars-content-id="7664a5ad-9d55-4552-b286-858ba453cf19" data-vars-headline="Denver launches new e-bike rebates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/02/27/what-to-know-new-e-bike-rebate-rules" target="_self">e-bike rebates</a> return next week.State of play:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Applications open online" data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-and-Resiliency/Cutting-Denvers-Carbon-Pollution/Sustainable-Transportation/Electric-Bike-Rebates" data-vars-content-id="7664a5ad-9d55-4552-b286-858ba453cf19" data-vars-headline="Denver launches new e-bike rebates" 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/Climate-Action-Sustainability-and-Resiliency/Cutting-Denvers-Carbon-Pollution/Sustainable-Transportation/Electric-Bike-Rebates" target="_blank"> Applications open online</a> at 11am May 19 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Colorado Boulevard BRT's plan draws massive public interest

The state is providing three potential options.

Transit

A wall-sized map of Colorado Boulevard turned into a public venting session on Wednesday evening.Zoom in: Residents dotted the map with comments on colorful sticky notes — including multiple &quot;NO!!&quot; — during an open house hosted by the state transportation department about its proposed bus rapid transit line (BRT).

Front Range rail scales back plans ahead of November vote

The district's voters will decide whether to hike the sales tax by half a cent to fund the train service.

Politics

Colorado lawmakers and rail officials are looking to limit who gets a say in a potential November referendum on a Front Range passenger train.Why it matters: The vote will determine the fate of the train service, a major priority for Gov. Jared Polis and a key element in the state&#x27;s efforts to reduce air pollution.

Denver advances proposed e-scooter contract

The contract with Veo starts May 1, replacing Bird and Lime.

After multiple delays, Denver inched closer to rolling out its new shared scooter and e-bike program with Veo, which wants to deploy its sizable fleet onto city streets.Why it matters: The Denver City Council delayed the deal over concerns, including that the switch could disrupt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="service for low-income riders" data-vars-click-url="https://denverite.com/2026/04/01/denver-veo-scooter-contract-delayed-again/" data-vars-content-id="4805b833-2e4f-4c56-97c2-9c4c5cee5903" data-vars-headline="Denver advances proposed e-scooter contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://denverite.com/2026/04/01/denver-veo-scooter-contract-delayed-again/" target="_blank">service for low-income riders</a>.

Colorado puts tentative price tag on proposed passenger train

The project has been in development for decades.

The state on Thursday said a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passenger train running" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" data-vars-content-id="2e88fc3a-146a-4d02-ad8f-cb8081a3b5cb" data-vars-headline="Colorado puts tentative price tag on proposed passenger train" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" target="_self">passenger train running</a> from Denver to Fort Collins will cost $333 million to build and roughly $30 million annually to maintain.Why it matters: After decades in the making, the public is finally getting a glimpse of the project&#x27;s real price tag — and residents could be on the hook.

RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down

Debra Johnson plans to leave RTD, just as the agency navigates safety and ridership issues.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Regional Transportation District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/30/rtd-board-colorado-shrink-proposal-accountability" data-vars-content-id="ab1950d4-fd60-4da7-b2da-3f68025b31a6" data-vars-headline="RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/30/rtd-board-colorado-shrink-proposal-accountability" target="_self">Regional Transportation District</a> (RTD) chief executive and general manager Debra Johnson plans to leave her role next year.Why it matters: Losing its top brass adds instability at a critical moment, as the agency grapples with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="service, safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" data-vars-content-id="ab1950d4-fd60-4da7-b2da-3f68025b31a6" data-vars-headline="RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down" 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">service, safety</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and low ridership." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" data-vars-content-id="ab1950d4-fd60-4da7-b2da-3f68025b31a6" data-vars-headline="RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down" 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">and low ridership.</a>

Transit 🚗

Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag

Colorado's CoCo passenger train unveils new logos and a mascot

Downtown Denver parking drops to $5 in new pilot

Colorado opens mountain passes early after low snowpack

Denver launches new e-bike rebates