The odds were ever in my favor last week when I finally got my hands on a pint of Sadboy Creamery ice cream.

Why it matters: Scoring a scoop from the cult-favorite creamery feels less like ordering dessert and more like competing in the Hunger Games.

The big picture: Sadboy's built a devoted following around its rotating lineup of small-batch ice creams and seasonal specials. It releases a fresh batch for preorder every Monday to pick up later that week.

By the numbers: At 9:59am last Monday, more than 1,650 people were waiting on the website.

• Within minutes, every pint was gone.

Yes, and: The exclusivity doesn't end at checkout. Customers must pick up their orders during one of a few 90-minute windows each week. Miss 'em, and you're SOL.

Driving the news: Soon, the fight for a pint may ease up — at least a little.

• Sadboy's preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar shop off East Colfax, targeting a September launch, to give the business "the space it needs to grow," owner Michael Kimball said in a statement.

🍨 My thought bubble: I managed to snag a single pint of Atlantic Beach Cry — with a salted ricotta base, tangy lemon-lime curd and toasted Ritz cracker pie crust.

• Unfortunately, dear readers, the hype is real. And it was on full display at pickup.
• One customer, with an infant and toddler in tow, said she'd traveled from Des Moines, Iowa, after someone told her Sadboy was a must-try.
• Another pointed a friend toward the pickup window and joked, "Here's where we pick up the crack."

Yes, but: After my pulse spiked while frantically refreshing the page just to buy one pint (there simply wasn't time for a second), I'm wrestling with whether this level of competitive ice cream shopping is for me.

• My wallet's also still processing $16 for a pint ($18 with tip).

⏰ What's next: A new drop goes live at 10am today.

• Set an alarm. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

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Denver police are rolling out a more aggressive anti-violence strategy following a spike in summer homicides.

Why it matters: The bloodshed is prompting the department to rethink how it deploys officers and formulates prevention resources.

Zoom in: The city recorded nine homicides last month — its deadliest in the last 1.5 years.

• Thirty-five people have been killed this year, up 40% from the same point in 2025.
• Police stress overall crime and shootings are down. But those shootings are far more lethal than in previous years, police chief Ron Thomas tells Axios.

DPD's new plan includes:

• Creating an overnight violence response team to be dispatched where DPD believes violence could break out.
• Expanding its flagship violence prevention strategy.
• Identifying places with repeated crime.
• Creating a public awareness campaign on illegal firearm use.
• A standing group with city agencies and local organizations to coordinate possible solutions.

The big picture: The violence isn't concentrated. "It's really happening all over the city," Thomas says.

Yes, but: Most homicides are targeted, involving people who know one another, he adds.

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Victor Marx, the Republican nominee for Colorado governor, last Friday tapped fellow Marine veteran George Markert as his lieutenant governor, rounding out the GOP ticket with another political newcomer.

Why it matters: The selection offers the clearest signal yet of what a Marx administration would look like: one built around military and private-sector leadership over elected experience.

🥊 The big picture: The race pits a Republican ticket of political newcomers against a Democratic ticket led by two longtime officeholders: Attorney General Phil Weiser and Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper.

What they're saying: "Colorado doesn't need more political theater," Marx said Friday on the "Jeff and Bill" show on 710KNUS. "It needs experienced leaders who know how to execute."

• Markert said he stepped up because he believes Colorado's been "on the wrong track for quite some time."

What we're watching: Marx's campaign is raising legal questions for a new online merchandise store selling packages of up to $1,299 — including a private Zoom with the candidate — that 9News reports is being pitched as a way for donors to give without contribution limits.

Full story

🛴 City Councilmember Chris Hinds asked the City Attorney's Office to review e-bike and e-scooter provider Veo's contract after suggesting the company isn't following agreed-upon stipulations. (BusinessDen 🔑)

👀 Denver's school board is pushing for another special meeting this week to discuss superintendent Alex Marrero's employment, as tensions over his leadership further escalate. (Denver Post 🔑)

💦 Colorado won't face mandatory cuts under a new proposal from the federal government limiting water intake from the Colorado River by Arizona, California and Nevada. (AP)

🤠 Garth Brooks added more Ball Arena shows this September after tickets for his back-to-back shows swiftly sold out. (9News)

• "I don't know what it is about Denver, but it's like they treat me like I'm from there," Brooks told the TV station.

The best local journalism helps you stay connected to the people, places and decisions shaping your community.

What we're hearing: Readers turn to Axios Denver for clear, trustworthy reporting every day. Member support helps us continue delivering the coverage that keeps your community informed.

📍 Become a member today. You'll help support independent local journalism and keep our newsroom focused on the stories that matter most.

• Thanks for being part of our community.

Sundance organizers revealed new details about the 2027 festival, posting premiere dates, venues and expanded programming for its Boulder debut, Jan. 21-31.

Why it matters: The festival's move to Boulder won't just change its backdrop. It'll reshape where people watch the films, where the industry — and celebs — gather and how the event practically works.

📍 If you go: World premieres will run Jan. 21-26, followed by repeat screenings through the festival's closing weekend.

🏨 Festival HQ: The city's iconic Hotel Boulderado

🍿 Where you'll watch: Screenings and festival events will spread across spots including: Macky Auditorium, Roe Green Theatre and Boulder Theater.

• Organizers are also upgrading these sites ahead of screenings.

Full story

Some celebrate birthdays with party hats and candles.

• Gov. Polis celebrated Colorado's 150th in a blue velvet cowboy ensemble with Cowboy Ken energy.

The bottom line: The state only turns 150 once. We'll give the governor's commitment to the bit a 10/10.