The Democratic race to represent Denver is growing more combative just as voters receive primary ballots.

Why it matters: A new attack ad targeting 1st Congressional District challenger Melat Kiros marks an escalation in a race deciding whether voters want change or the experience of U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette.

• The ad underscores how seriously Democratic allies are taking Kiros' challenge to the longtime incumbent in the three-way race, which includes CU regent Wanda James.

Driving the news: Last week, a super PAC called Mile High Accountability Project released an ad claiming President Trump "loves" Democrats like Kiros who "attack" the party.

• Kiros called it "lazy" and rejected its claims in an interview with Axios.
• She also criticized DeGette's campaign for promoting a blog post suggesting Kiros had rationalized the murder of Jews, calling the characterization "horrifically racist and dangerous."

What they're saying: "To make these baseless attacks clearly shows that they're afraid that we have a chance of actually winning," Kiros tells us.

The other side: "Melat Kiros thinks voters are gullible enough to just believe whatever she says," DeGette said Monday in a statement. "Denver is smarter than that, and we won't be fooled."

• DeGette's campaign released its third television ad of the campaign cycle yesterday, highlighting her role as an impeachment manager during President Trump's 2021 trial.

Meanwhile, Kiros says three venues scheduled to host a Sunday rally featuring left-wing streamer Hasan Piker canceled on her because of what she called political pressure.

• Kiros suggested DeGette played a role in the cancellations; DeGette's campaign denied the accusation.

Follow the money: The rally ultimately went forward outside the Colorado Capitol. Kiros' campaign says it helped generate $27,000 from roughly 1,000 donors over a 24-hour period.

• The haul bolsters Kiros' argument that she can compete with DeGette's better-funded campaign, which has received support from multiple PACs.

The bottom line

Colorado's rafting industry is heading into one of its most challenging summers in years, with record-low snowpack, early runoff and shrinking river flows threatening one of the state's signature summer adventures.

Why it matters: Rafting is a major economic engine for mountain communities, especially along the Arkansas River, the nation's most heavily rafted river.

• Low water levels can shorten seasons, reduce bookings and ripple through local economies that depend on summer tourism.

State of play: The Arkansas River basin entered the season with water flows at roughly 25% of normal. The low levels are also compressing the coveted rafting window into late May and early June rather than the traditional mid-June peak, when flows are likely to get even lower.

Yes, but: Industry leaders say low water doesn't necessarily mean no rafting. Many companies are adjusting trip schedules, equipment and river sections to keep trips going throughout the summer.

Zoom in: Ahead of the season, bookings were still close to last year's, Travis Hochard, general manager at River Runners in Buena Vista, told us. And staffing levels are expected to reach 90% of normal, with smaller guide-to-guest ratios.

Full story

Levitt Pavilion recently released details for its popular summer concert series.

How it works: The shows won't cost you a dime, but you're encouraged to get tickets before showing up.

• Start times vary, though most shows begin at 6pm.

This year's lineup:

• Lettuce (June 20)
• The Bright Light Social Hour with Tarantula Bill (June 26)
• J. Roddy Walston & The Automatic Band with Rugburn (June 27)
• High Fade with Atlas Radio (July 3)
• Flobots with Espiaille & DCI Tour (July 4)
• Andy Frasco & the U.N. with The Cultet (July 11)
• Soul Rebel Reggae Fest with Black Uhuru (July 12)
• Las Cafeteras (July 17)

Full list

📍 The longstanding "Denver Post" signage will come down from 101 W. Colfax Ave. under a $13.5 million settlement between Denver and DP Media Network, ending a lease dispute and transferring ownership to the city, Alayna reports.

💰 The City Council this week passed a bill allowing certain city officials — including elected members and agency heads — to become lobbyists one year after leaving their city positions. (DBJ 🔑)

🌭 Hot dog eatery Bikers & Bakers, a related concept to Biker Jim's Gourmet Hot Dogs, left Avanti Food & Beverage as owner, Jim Pittenger, tends to his health. An Italian sandwich shop will replace his stall. (Denver Post 🔑)

🚨 Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper has been excused from minicamp practices following his arrest on domestic violence charges and a subsequent arrest for violating a protective order. (NBC Sports)

Despite her @MayorHaley handle on Instagram, Haley Metzger is not a real mayor.

Yes, but: Her Instagram reach exceeds that of Denver's actual mayor.

Why it matters: Metzger, 31, is using her platform to educate her more than 49,000 followers — many of whom shun traditional news media — about key Colorado races on the June 30 primary ballot.

State of play: She filmed interviews with both Democratic candidates for governor, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, as well as AG candidate Michael Dougherty.

Unlike traditional journalists, Metzger doesn't present herself as neutral. She openly identifies as a Democrat and frequently shares her views alongside interviews with candidates.

• For instance, Weiser discussed his support for legislation that would make it easier for workers to form labor unions, one of the legislature's most debated proposals.

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