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Phil Weiser is poised to be Colorado's accidental governor

"The fluke of [the 2016] election is what propelled my first campaign," he said.

Politics

Back in 2016, when Democrats expected Hillary Clinton to win the White House, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phil Weiser" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/09/colorado-phil-weiser-lawsuit-trump-50" data-vars-content-id="1b473998-826c-4f96-9f99-b386e87170af" data-vars-headline="Phil Weiser is poised to be Colorado&#x27;s accidental governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/09/colorado-phil-weiser-lawsuit-trump-50" target="_self">Phil Weiser</a> planned to join her administration.Yes, but: President Trump won.

Denver considers 4am nightclub proposal

The change would mark a significant shift for Denver's nightlife.

News

A proposal to let some Denver nightclubs operate until 4am faces its first major test on Monday. Why it matters: The change would mark a significant shift for Denver&#x27;s nightlife, potentially giving venues a boost as the city looks to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strengthen its economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/09/denver-rolls-out-100m-jobs-strategy" data-vars-content-id="9abd34e4-e097-446d-8ea0-7040d6a0cb6d" data-vars-headline="Denver considers 4am nightclub proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/09/denver-rolls-out-100m-jobs-strategy" target="_self">strengthen its economy</a>.

Colorado affordability fears hit new high, poll finds

The state's affordability fears are hitting new highs.

Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordability challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/25/denver-affordable-housing-crisis-three-generations" data-vars-content-id="2cc1ebb8-c005-41be-b3b2-541bb8093fc0" data-vars-headline="Colorado affordability fears hit new high, poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/25/denver-affordable-housing-crisis-three-generations" target="_self">affordability challenges</a> are changing how people eat, seek medical care and plan their futures here, according to a bipartisan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.copulsepoll.org/" data-vars-content-id="2cc1ebb8-c005-41be-b3b2-541bb8093fc0" data-vars-headline="Colorado affordability fears hit new high, poll finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.copulsepoll.org/" target="_blank">survey</a> released Thursday by the Colorado Health Foundation.Why it matters: As statewide elections loom this November, the survey suggests years of economic pressure are turning financial anxiety into growing frustration with policymakers.

Reunion Bakery rises on South Pearl Street

Fresh bread, Portuguese pastries and brunch now fill the expanded café.

Food and Drink

Platt Park is home to a new bakery from one of Denver&#x27;s most acclaimed pastry chefs, bringing its signature Portuguese treats, an expanded menu and the smell of fresh bread that drifts down the block before you reach the front door.State of play: James Beard-nominated baker Ismael de Sousa opened Reunion Bakery&#x27;s new home at 1240 S. Pearl St. in early May after first launching inside The Source market hall in 2018. The bakery draws on his Portuguese family&#x27;s roots in Caracas, Venezuela.

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.

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>

"CoCo" wins naming contest for new Front Range train service

The much-anticipated passenger rail train is now known as the Colorado Connector, or CoCo for short.

The much-anticipated Front Range <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passenger train" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ridethefrontrange.com/about-the-district" data-vars-content-id="d634badd-0dc8-40c6-81c2-5b11b793ccc5" data-vars-headline="&quot;CoCo&quot; wins naming contest for new Front Range train service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ridethefrontrange.com/about-the-district" target="_blank">passenger train</a> is now known as the Colorado Connector, or &quot;CoCo&quot; for short.Why it matters: The quirky moniker, unveiled Monday, could help win over Front Range voters ahead of a possible November ballot measure to fund a Trinidad to Fort Collins rail line.

Transit 🚗

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

Colorado Boulevard BRT's plan draws massive public interest