The number of births in Colorado has fallen for the 10th straight year, state health department data shows.

By the numbers: The fertility rate here dropped to 51.2 births per 1,000 women ages 15–44 last year — the lowest level recorded in at least the past decade.

Why it matters: The baby slump in Colorado reflects a broader trend playing out nationally, Axios’ Marisa Fernandez reports.

• The birth rate in the U.S. dropped by 4% last year, compared with 2019, the lowest it's been in nearly 50 years, according to provisional data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

What they're saying: Recent downward trends are partly attributable to increased access to and use of long-acting reversible contraceptives and a shift in reproductive patterns, including delaying childbirth until later in life and having fewer children, state health department spokesperson Kirk Bol tells Alayna.

• Income and other socioeconomic factors also likely play a role, he said.

Between the lines: The data corroborates previous surveys that predicted a "COVID baby bust," with women reporting they were postponing pregnancy and having fewer children, as well as surveys indicating less sexual activity overall.

The big picture: Fertility rates in the U.S. and around the world have been falling for years as women in developed countries have gained more freedoms, received more education and, in some cases, gotten increased access to birth control.

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For the second consecutive year, Liam and Olivia topped the list for baby names in Colorado, federal data shows.

• They've ranked in the top three for the past decade.

See where your name ranked

Once-confident Democratic lawmakers again jettisoned their effort to create a state-run public health insurance option in Colorado.

• And the legislation — advancing to a final vote as soon as today — will only require insurers to offer a standard plan that costs 15% less, not the 20% as originally drafted.

What's happening: The dynamic that led to compromise on a top policy priority demonstrates two weaknesses of Gov. Jared Polis and the Democratic majority:

• The power of the moneyed opposition — led by hospitals, doctors and health insurers — to influence policy.
• The lack of cohesion among the party's members, some of whom are not as liberal as the leadership.

Context: What's even more demoralizing to Democrats is that this is their second unsuccessful try at creating a government-run plan that competes with private insurers.

• When introduced in March, advocates already considered it a compromise because it didn't lower rates more significantly and affected only about 8% of the state.

What they're saying: "It could have been a whole lot worse," Republican state Sen. Jim Smallwood told the Colorado Sun.

• A resigned Rep. Dylan Roberts, the Democratic bill sponsor, added that it was "always a possibility we would end up here."

• Denver school board member Tay Anderson is stepping back from some duties as the district investigates new sexual assault allegations against him. (Chalkbeat)
• Remote learning will continue for many Colorado students next school year as districts preserve the option for parents. (Colorado Sun)
• Colorado deaths increased 18% in 2020 when adjusted for population growth, with the coronavirus contributing to more than half of the increase, new numbers show. (Denver Post)
• Denver is closing its community COVID-19 vaccination sites by the end of the month, with the final first-dose appointments being scheduled this week. (9News)
• The popular Crush Walls street graffiti festival won't happen this year after the festival's founder was accused of sexual assault and bullying. (Denverite)

The first of five drawings for the COVID-19 vaccination sweepstakes takes place tomorrow, but a glitch may leave scores of residents out of the running.

The state of play: At least 65,000 people who were vaccinated through Veterans Affairs are not included in the state's records used to randomly select winners, CPR reports.

• Moreover, as many as 11% of immunizations don't get recorded immediately in the state database, Colorado health officials acknowledged.

What to know: To check if your name's in the drawing, go here.

• If you can't find your information, the state advises contacting your provider before emailing it at [email protected].

Be smart: To get entered to win the first $1 million prize in federal dollars, you need to get your first shot no later than today. Here's a resource to find vaccination locations.

• Eligibility is based on receiving your first dose by the day before each drawing. Details here.

The first winner will be announced at 5pm Friday.

From its elevated greens to its beautiful views, Denver's City Park Golf Course is making an impressive debut.

• The renovated 18-hole public course opened for its first full season in April, and peak play runs now through August. The course is so popular, it's tough to find a prime tee time.

Why it matters: Golf enjoyed a pandemic boom, with green fees from the city's seven courses increasing 48% from 2019 to $9.4 million last year, figures show.

The intrigue: The upgrades to the City Park course — which opened in 1918 — include a centrally located clubhouse and driving range.

• "It's more risk and reward, more strategy shots than the old course," says Scott Rethlake, the city's golf director. "It's less grip and rip."

Toughest hole: The 11th hole requires the ball to carry a distance, and water becomes a concern along the right side.

• The hole's elevated green is deceivingly tricky.

John's pick: The ninth hole offers stunning mountain views that can distract from that menacing water on the left.