The estimated number of violent crimes in Colorado last year spiked to its highest level in 25 years and exceeded the national rate for the third straight year, according to statistics released Monday by the FBI.

Why it matters: The findings, some of which are approximates, bolster initial data showing a surge in violent crime in Denver and statewide throughout the pandemic.

• Legal experts say socioeconomic changes sparked by the COVID-19 crisis, including increases in unemployment, could be behind the spike, Axios' Russell Contreras reports.

By the numbers: The rate of violent criminal offenses — including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault — per 100,000 Coloradans jumped by 10% between 2019 and 2020, the most since 1990, an Axios analysis found.

• Homicide rates rose 28% between 2019 and 2020, though levels remain below national figures.

Yes, but: Colorado's rate of some violent crimes remains far lower than figures recorded throughout the 1980s and '90s.

Zoom in: Violent crimes reported to the Denver Police Department in 2020 outnumber every other year dating back more than three decades.

Dive deeper into Denver’s numbers

Colfax Avenue now tops the list of the most dangerous streets for pedestrians in Denver.

Why it matters: The city is acutely focused on improving the safety of local roads with the ongoing Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and the Denver Streets Partnership's sidewalk tours.

Driving the news: The efforts are bringing attention to a long-standing problem in Denver. The latest tallies show seven pedestrians were killed and another 65 seriously injured on Colfax from 2012 to 2021.

By the numbers: The remainder of Denver's top five fall along the city's main arteries:

• Federal Boulevard: 19 deaths, 48 injuries
• Broadway: Two deaths, 30 injuries
• Evans Avenue: Seven deaths, 23 injuries
• Colorado Boulevard: Seven deaths, 20 injuries

See the top 15

The precarious state of Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon is leading Grand Junction officials to press the Polis administration to act faster on an alternative route.

Why it matters: The possibility of mudslides continues to cause intermittent closures of the winding interstate when the forecast includes precipitation, disrupting a key connector for commerce on the Western Slope.

State of play: The extended closure of I-70 this summer after landslides blocked the tiered road renewed conversations about an alternate route on Cottonwood Pass Road between Gypsum and south of Glenwood Springs.

• The 26-mile mountainous stretch is currently a curvy dirt road and the width of only one lane in some places.
• Colorado Department of Transportation officials studied the feasibility of an upgrade about 10 years ago and determined it would cost $50 million to $200 million depending on the environmental impact.

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✈️ City officials are making plans to transform Denver International Airport into one of the nation's "greenest" travel hubs by using the next two years to permanently plug more than 60 oil and gas wells that have gone unused since 2018. (Denver Post)

⛷️ Vail Resorts' season pass sales are skyrocketing by nearly 70% after the Broomfield-based company dropped its prices for the first time in 13 years. (Denver Business Journal)

😎 The creators of "South Park," Trey Parker and Matt Stone, signed a contract to buy Casa Bonita for $3.1 million as part of the Denver institution's bankruptcy case. (Westword)

🏀 The Denver Nuggets agreed to a five-year extension with forward Michael Porter Jr. The deal could be worth up to $207 million. (Denver Post)

🏈 Denver Broncos receiver KJ Hamler will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL on Sunday against the Jets. (Denver Gazette)

🐕 A dog named Stella reunited with her Denver owner after spending five long days lost in the mountains. The 2-year-old pup was recovered by Grand County search and rescue crews, who hiked 14 miles round-trip to save her. (9News)

We love tacos — seriously, who doesn't? — so we've decided to dedicate a regular feature to their deliciousness. Get excited!

This week's specialty takes us off the beaten path to Alameda Burrito, a hidden gem in Lakewood. The locally owned hole in the wall slings some heavenly breakfast tacos, a rare find in Colorado, along with big, bulging burritos.

• What to order: Egg, potato and chorizo tacos
• Cost: $6.99 for four
• What makes it special: The authenticity, sides of homemade orange salsa and the warmhearted woman taking orders behind the counter.

🗣️ Got a taco we should try? Hit reply.

No beer pairs better with fall colors than an Oktoberfest.

• The tough part is picking a good one.

Taste test: John participated in two blind taste tests last week — organized by beer writers at Porch Drinking and Westword — and scored a total of 58 Märzens from across Colorado and around the globe.

• His take: It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. 😉

The best: Great Divide's Hoss, Grossen Bart's Friendly Mutton Chop, 4 Noses' Oktoberfest, Brix Brew & Tap's Das Boot and Dry Dock's Docktoberfest.

The best of the rest: Bierstadt's Oktoberfest, Left Hand's Oktoberfest, Ska's Oktoberfest, Odyssey's Oktoberfest, Station 26's Oktoberfest and Green Mountain's Märzen.

Be smart: Märzens are lagers named for when they are traditionally brewed, March.

• It's a different style than Festbier — a lighter lager also poured at Oktoberfest celebrations.