To hear his critics tell it, Gov. Jared Polis is an "accomplice" to President Trump's attacks on democracy who gave Colorado "a black eye" and undermined the rule of law by granting Tina Peters clemency.

Why it matters: The harsh words — all from leaders of his own party — show how a single once-unthinkable act could tarnish Polis' eight-year legacy and his political future.

State of play: The fallout from Polis' move to free Peters, the former Mesa County clerk who became one of the nation's most notorious 2020 election deniers, is deepening, with two top Democrats calling for his impeachment.

The latest: Yesterday, nearly 200 former and current Democratic officials, organizers and voters signed a letter asking the state party to formally censure Polis for violating its rules related to "conduct detrimental to the interests of the Colorado Democratic Party," CPR first reported.

• Other suggested sanctions include prohibiting Polis from speaking at official party events or attending as an honored guest.
• Also yesterday, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet posted on social media that if he wins the governor's race, he would not appoint Polis to fill his position, calling the clemency decision "disqualifying."

Meanwhile, two top Democrats are taking it a step further and calling for his impeachment.

• David Seligman, a candidate for attorney general and prominent civil rights attorney, called on the Legislature to reconvene to impeach or censure the governor, who he believes deliberately waited for lawmakers to adjourn to dodge accountability.
• Melat Kiros, a progressive congressional candidate in Denver, said the governor capitulated to Trump, who repeatedly called for Peters' release. She demanded an investigation into collusion with the president.

What they're saying: "A governor who uses a constitutional power to assist an unlawful federal coercion scheme has violated his oath to defend the U.S. Constitution and Colorado's independence. This is grounds for impeachment," Kiros said in a statement.

Full story

The Colorado Avalanche are inviting fans inside Ball Arena for official watch parties during Western Conference Final road games against the Las Vegas Knights.

Zoom in: In addition to the outdoor Avs Alley setup during home games, fans can watch away games inside Ball Arena alongside other supporters.

If you go: Tickets for the two Ball Arena watch parties are $20 and can be purchased online.

• Tickets for Avs Alley are also online for $15.

Proceeds from viewing party tickets will benefit Kroenke Sports Charities, which funds community education, health and fitness programs.

What's next: The series starts tomorrow in Denver.

Data centers are a no-go in Denver — for now.

Why it matters: The city's one-year moratorium reflects mounting public pushback against data centers, whose massive water and energy needs are drawing tremendous scrutiny.

• The decision comes days after state lawmakers abandoned their own attempt to rein in data centers.

Driving the news: Denver City Council unanimously approved the pause last night, blocking new data center development and construction.

• Mayor Mike Johnston backed the proposal, and Councilmember Paul Kashmann said it takes effect May 21.

Yes, but: The ban won't affect those that are currently operating or permitted for construction.

Between the lines: A controversial 180,000-square-foot data center under construction at 4900 Race St. — which drew public outcry — won't be affected.

By the numbers: Denver has about 50 data centers, including roughly five large enough to fill entire buildings, city documents show.

Share this story

🏥 The Colorado Supreme Court ordered Children's Hospital Colorado to provide gender-affirming care for patients while a lawsuit on the issues plays out. (9News)

Hunter Rivera, the 24-year-old chair of the Weld County GOP, was arrested on suspicion of felony charges, including soliciting a minor for prostitution, internet luring of a child and attempted sexual assault of a child. (Colorado Sun)

🗳️ League of Women Voters of Colorado filed a federal lawsuit last Friday alleging the state's one-party vote to fill legislative vacancies is unconstitutional because it excludes voters from participating, John reports.

👀 In addition to granting clemency to Tina Peters, Polis pardoned 35 people and commuted the sentences of nine others, including two men convicted of first-degree murder and another who shot a police officer. (Colorado Sun)

The Colorado Rapids' top-paid player happens to be the team's club-record transfer.

Zoom in: Midfielder Paxten Aaronson is the team's highest-paid player, raking in $2.2 million in base salary, per the Major League Soccer Players Association's latest salary guide.

• The Rapids signed Aaronson from German side Eintracht Frankfurt for a club-record $8 million last year.

Between the lines: Forward Rafael Navarro ($1.4 million), defender Rob Holding ($1.2 million and goalkeeper Zack Steffen ($1.1 million) are the only other Rapids making at least a million dollars a year.

State of play: Aaronson is enjoying a solid season, including three goals and four assists in MLS play.

• Yes, but: The Rapids are still struggling.

The big picture: Colorado is near the bottom of the league's total salaries at $14 million in total team compensation — half what the league's highest-paid player, Lionel Messi, makes.

• Messi will take home $28 million in guaranteed money this season.

Send to a fan