Axios Denver
How to celebrate May the 4th Be With You in Denver
Star Wars Day is approaching, which means it's time to find ways to celebrate the galaxy far, far away β right here in Denver.The big picture: Saturday marks Star Wars Day, otherwise known as May The 4th Be With You, which has been formally observed annually since 2011.We rounded up four ways to get in on the action:π€© See the X-wing at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, which houses a 3/4 scale replica of Luke Skywalker's iconic starship β complete with an R2-D2. ($19.95; 7711 East Academy Blvd.)π Mile High Spirits will host a free Star Wars pop-up market and costume contest Saturday from 2-8pm, with a winner earning free drinks and a gift card. (2201 Lawrence St.)πΊ Fiction Beer Company will host a Star Wars-themed trivia contest Thursday night starting at 7pm, with bar tabs covered for first- and second-place winners. (Free; 7101 East Colfax Ave.)πΌ Rocky Mountain Roller Derby will host two showdowns to commemorate Star Wars Day on Saturday, including its two home teams βΒ the Sapphire Sirens and Amethyst Assassins β and two junior teams. ($15; 2375 South Delaware St.)
Denver's campaign financing system needs more staff
Denver's taxpayer-funded campaign finance system worked as intended last year, city officials said Tuesday, but staffing the program is a concern.The big picture: The Fair Elections Fund provided $7.7 million to qualifying candidates last year, according to a report from the Clerk and Recorder's office released in March. Most candidates (81%) who made last year's ballot participated.The money was raised from 21,520 donations by 19,275 unique donors, with an average donation of $100.26.Threat level: City Clerk and Recorder Paul D. LΓ³pez, the city's chief election official, and Deputy City Clerk Andy Szekeres said more staff is needed to ensure the...
Gov. Jared Polis goes from instigator to mediator on Colorado oil and gas issues
Ten years ago, then-Congressman Jared Polis backed two statewide ballot measures that could have crippled the oil and gas industry.Now governor, Polis engineered a deal this week to prevent like-minded restrictions on fossil fuel production from becoming law in the near term, saying the proposals "would take Colorado in the wrong direction."Why it matters: The political one-eighty demonstrates Polis' more moderate approach as the state's leader and the influence of the oil and gas industry at the Capitol.Driving the news: The new deal negotiated by the governor's office averts a ballot showdown between environmentalists and oil and gas companies as...
Colorado's richest residents list is once again topped by Phil Anschutz
Colorado's richest residents are reaching new financial heights, according to Forbes' recently released ranking of the world's most deep-pocketed people.The big picture: This year's record 2,781 billionaires are collectively worth a whopping $14.2 trillion, up from last year's previous record of $12.2 trillion.Zoom in: The 12 wealthiest Coloradans' combined net worth as of April 2 totals nearly $50 billion, and 75% of them are now worth more than they were a year ago. Here's the list:Philip Anschutz, 84Net worth: $15.3 billion β up from $10.9 billion in 2023. (#125 wealthiest in the world)Source of wealth: Energy, sports, entertainmentResidence: DenverJohn Malone,...
PCL paves the way for towering growth across Colorado
PCL β one of Denver's most prominent construction companies β is building its local leadership team as it lays down new foundations across Colorado. Why it matters: The expansion signals the general contracting firm's rapid growth as it moves to bolster its regional presence. What they're saying: PCL's...
Capitol Pulse: Colorado's school funding overhaul in limbo
A massive overhaul of how Colorado pays for schools is facing a significant roadblock at the Capitol.State of play: The new formula will distribute more money to districts based on the number of students with special needs, rather than the cost of living, as well as make other changes.The state's largest teacher's union is objecting to the bipartisan legislation put forward by the House speaker and top Senate Republican because of worries it will lead to less funding in the future and open the door to public support for private schools.Why it matters: The opposition from the Colorado Education Association,...
Student activists at Auraria Campus set demands as Gaza protests continues
Pro-Palestinian organizers occupying Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus on Monday issued several demands they say must be met to end their demonstration.Why it matters: Demonstrations at college campuses nationwide by pro-Palestinian supporters are forcing institutions to balance a right to free speech with concerns about student safety and a rise in antisemitism.State of play: The Tivoli Quad rally marked the fifth day of protests hosted by students and activists after roughly 40 people at the encampment were arrested Friday for trespassing by Auraria Police.There were no uniformed police officers at Monday afternoon's student walkout and rally, which drew...
Colorado ranks No. 6 in the U.S. for best performing high schools
Data: U.S. News and World Report; Map: Tory Lysik/Axios VisualsColorado has some of the country's highest shares of best-performing public high schools, per U.S. News & World Report's recently released 2024 Best High School rankings.The big picture: The Centennial State clocks in with the country's sixth-highest share of top schools at 16.2%.Washington, D.C. (24.2%), New Jersey (20.2%) and Massachusetts (19.4%) lead the pack, while Mississippi (0.9%), Oklahoma (0.5%) and Wyoming (0%) round ot the bottom.Zoom in: Jefferson County's D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School landed in the nation's top 100 at No. 59 and is No. 1 in state rankings. Other schools in Colorado's top 10 include:Stargate Charter School (Thornton)Liberty Common Charter School (Fort Collins)Peak to Peak Charter School (Lafayette)The Vanguard School (Colorado Springs)Denver School of the Arts (Denver)Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy (Minturn)Fairview High School (Boulder)The Classical Academy (Colorado Springs)STEM School Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch)
These are Colorado's top 10 cities to move to in 2024
Grand Junction was named the best place to relocate to out of 22 Colorado cities, according to a new analysis from USA Today Homefront.Why it matters: Denver, which ranked at No. 19, is once again being shown up by other cities in the Centennial State due to safety issues and high cost of living.Flashback: Earlier this year, Grand Junction was listed among the nation's best-performing small cities by the Milken Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit, which assessed 403 U.S. metropolitan areas using 13 economic metrics.What they're saying: The Western Slope city, about 250 miles west of Denver, may be Colorado's "best-kept...
Median down payment for metro homes rises
You'll need a little more money for a down payment to land your Denver dream home. The big picture: The median down payment for a home in metro Denver was $70,000 in February, up about 7% from February 2023, according to data from Redfin. State of play: Homebuyers are reaching...
Your Denver newcomers guide to networking
When Chloe Rice moved to Denver nearly two years ago, she didn't envision herself becoming a superstar on Instagram.The intrigue: Rice, who's from Texas, wanted an adventure, and with a remote gig for a large tech company allowing her to work anywhere, she chose Denver β and ended up an accidental influencer.She runs @WorkFromDenver, which started in August 2022 as a coffee shop review page before exploding into an account mixing local food and drink recommendations with job networking opportunities.It now has more than 26,000 followers.The big picture: Young professionals are hungry for mentorship and real connections in addition to...
How to make friends as an adult in Denver
It's not easy to make friends in a new city β especially in a place like Denver, where an influx of new residents in recent years means many lack deep connections.Why it matters: The loneliness epidemic has become a major threat to our happiness as friendships are declining nationwide.Zoom in: We're rounding up more than a dozen groups to join if you want to grow your social circle in the Denver area.Join a members-only social clubClayton Members Club inside the Clayton Hotel β which just scored a Michelin award β offers Denver's movers and shakers a collaborative space to convene...
Homes for sale in Denver's top neighborhoods
Walkability, parks, tree-lined streets and access to retail and restaurants make the Highlands, Washington Park, Sloan's Lake, Cherry Creek and Central Park some of Denver's top neighborhoods.Why it matters: Charming, yes, but the most desirable neighborhoods are also among the priciest spots in town β especially in a hot market like Denver's.By the numbers: The typical single-family home in these areas sells for north of $800,000.Central Park, with a home sales average of $840,000, has more affordable options compared to other top neighborhoods.In Cherry Creek, the average home sells for $2.1 million, according to agent Kelly Moye.Reality check: The...
Red Rocks releases summer movie lineup
Red Rocks Amphitheatre's summer movie lineup includes an old classic, some modern classics, and one very obscene superhero. The big picture: Denver Film on Friday released its schedule for the 25th Film on the Rocks summer series, featuring five blockbuster movies, including:"The Matrix" on June 10."Shrek" on June 24. "The Wizard of Oz" on July 8. "Deadpool" on July 15."Mad Max: Fury Road" on Aug. 19. Between the lines: Each film will include pre-show musical performances. Performances begin at 7pm, while films start at 8:30pm. What's next: Tickets, which typically sell out fast, go on sale starting Monday at 10am at denverfilm.org. General admission tickets are $20, while VIP reserved seating is $35.
Buffs return to Folsom Field amid player turnover
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders says he's developing a championship-caliber team in Boulder β a bold claim for a squad recovering from a 4-8 season.Why it matters: It's the exact braggadocio Sanders introduced to the Buffaloes when he arrived two years ago, fueling lots of attention but few wins in his first season in college football's premier division.What they're saying: "This team is good," Sanders told us during a recent stop in Denver."I like what I see β wouldn't the coach be a fool if he don't like what he see? I like what I see, I really do."Reality check:...
This Colorado company is hiring an intern to cuddle with cows
Vail-based Harvest Hosts β a network of more than 5,000 small businesses nationwide that host RVers overnight β is hiring an intern to cuddle with cows. Why it matters: This "udderly amazing opportunity" isn't just about loving on livestock, but also about "fostering connections, promoting animal welfare, and creating unforgettable mooments," Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts, said in a statement.How it works: The company β one of the fastest-growing in Colorado β is launching a cow cuddler program this summer for an intern age 18 and up who has a driver's license and can travel to Harvest Host locations...
Attention Colorado pet owners: Get smart on these new laws
Colorado's legislative session went to the dogs.State of play: Three major new bills related to pets and veterinary care are now law and a fourth is on its way.Why it matters: The collective effect is a litany of new regulations designed to better inform pet owners and crack down on rogue operators.The latest: A measure to require pet care and boarding facilities to notify all clients about an infectious disease outbreak, such as respiratory illnesses, canine leptospirosis or feline leukemia virus, is poised to go to the governor's desk as early as Friday.State Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver) named the bill...
Broncos draft Oregon quarterback Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos took Oregon quarterback Bo Nix during the NFL Draft on Thursday night, securing another pocket passer for a franchise desperately needing one.The big picture: Nix was picked 12th overall and marks the team's first selection in this year's draft. The 24-year-old joins former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, who was traded to Denver earlier this week, and Jarrett Stidham, who started the Broncos' final two games last season. Zoom in: Nix β who stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 214 pounds β is among the most experienced quarterbacks in a class that saw five...
Denver weekend guide: Asian Food Week, Black & Gold Day, Sorry Papi
This weekend, try some of the best Asian cuisine in Denver, watch Coach Prime and the Buffaloes or enjoy a girls-only reggaeton party. Order off secret menus and score discounts during Mile High Asian Food Week. The big picture: This is your chance to support local Asian American, Native Hawaiian...
Colorado breweries win 21 World Beer Cup awards
Colorado breweries brought home nearly two dozen awards Wednesday at the World Beer Cup, hosted by the Boulder-based Brewers Association.Why it matters: The global contest, dubbed the "Olympics of Beer," is the largest of its kind and considered one of the world's most prestigious beer competitions.The big picture: Colorado breweries collected 21 awards, including nine gold medals ranging from lagers to Belgian styles.The competition featured 9,300 beers from 60 countries.Zoom in: Here are the Colorado breweries that saw the hoppiest endings.Gold medal winners:River North in Denver: Nightmare Fuel (coffee stout or porter)Bull & Bush in Denver: Kauai Pie (dessert stout...
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