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Colorado Voters to Decide More Than a Dozen Ballot Measures Including Tax Hikes, Immigration and Youth Sports
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Axios Denver, Approved, State

Colorado Voters to Decide More Than a Dozen Ballot Measures Including Tax Hikes, Immigration and Youth Sports

By John Frank | Axios Denver Colorado voters will decide more than a dozen ballot measures this November, from remaking the state's tax system to banning gender-affirming surgery for minors. Why it matters: Beyond the candidates, voters will have a direct say on major changes to taxes, immigration, criminal justice and other hot-button issues. State of play: The marquee measure would scrap Colorado's flat 4.4% income tax in favor of a graduated system that would raise taxes on those making $500,000 or more a year. Legislative fiscal analysts estimate the Democratic-led measure would generate an additional $2 billion a year, with the money reserved for education, health care and early child care. The other side: A countermeasure backed by ...
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Antisemitism Concerns Follow Kiros Into Colorado Congressional Race
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Axios Denver, Approved, State

Antisemitism Concerns Follow Kiros Into Colorado Congressional Race

By Esteban L. Hernandez | Axios Denver Some Jewish leaders in Colorado are calling for more engagement from congressional candidate Melat Kiros as she goes from political newcomer to frontrunner in the 1st District race. Why it matters: The tensions arrive amid heightened concern over antisemitic hate crimes locally and nationwide, as well as broader debate over where criticism of Israel ends and antisemitism begins. State of play: Brandon Rattiner, senior director at the Jewish Community Relations Council, says he wants Kiros to "have the political courage" to address concerns among Jewish constituents. Rattiner says Kiros should more directly acknowledge Jewish Coloradans who say they feel targeted by antisemitism and should make...
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Colorado Cities Wrestle With Costs and Benefits of Data Center Expansion
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Axios Denver, Approved, State

Colorado Cities Wrestle With Costs and Benefits of Data Center Expansion

By Alayna Alvarez | Axios Denver Colorado communities are taking dramatically different approaches to the boom in data center development, with a patchwork of moratoriums, incentives and new restrictions. Why it matters: The local experimentation is filling a vacuum left by state lawmakers, who failed last legislative session to agree on how Colorado should regulate the resource-hungry facilities. State of play: The fragmentation sets up another potential fight at the Colorado State Capitol next year over how to capture the upside of data center development without saddling communities with their enormous electricity, water and infrastructure demands. Driving the news: Denver — which already has 50 data centers — has&...
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Socialist Melat Kiros Victory Exposes Growing Divide Among Colorado Democrats
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Axios Denver, Approved, State

Socialist Melat Kiros Victory Exposes Growing Divide Among Colorado Democrats

By John Frank | Axios Denver Two days after her upset in the Democratic primary for Colorado's 1st Congressional District, Melat Kiros stood with party leaders behind a banner that read: "Together We Win." Yes, but: Now she appears quite lonely. The intrigue: Some Democratic candidates are keeping their distance from the 29-year-old democratic socialist on the campaign trail. And at least three Democratic moderate candidates are vocally expressing concern about her candidacy. Why it matters: The box-out on Kiros exposes divisions in the Democratic Party and undercuts the party's unity messaging heading into the November midterms. State of play: Kiros defeated 30-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette by more t...
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Denver’s Deep Blue Reputation Could Complicate DNC Convention Bid
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Axios Denver, Approved, State

Denver’s Deep Blue Reputation Could Complicate DNC Convention Bid

By: Alayna Alvarez | Axios Denver Denver is making an aggressive bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, but Colorado's deep-blue status — and recent progressive primary wins — may complicate its pitch. Why it matters: Hosting the four-day event could pump up to $500 million into Denver's economy while putting the city at the center of the national political conversation just months before the 2028 general election. The big picture: Denver is one of five finalist cities, including Atlanta — a Sun Belt stronghold Democrats increasingly view as the party's electoral future. State of play: Denver's bid banks on more than hotel rooms and convention center space. Democrats' nostalgia for the 200...
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Jeffco Schools Reject Federal Ruling On Transgender Sports Policies
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Axios Denver, Approved, Local

Jeffco Schools Reject Federal Ruling On Transgender Sports Policies

By John Frank | Axios Denver Jefferson County Schools is rebuking the Trump administration's claim that the district violated federal civil rights protections by allowing transgender students to compete in girls' sports and access their facilities. Why it matters: The clash between the Trump administration and Colorado's second-largest school district highlights the widening national debate over how federal civil rights law applies to transgender students. The dispute could also lead to a legal showdown over the interaction of federal policy, which defines sex based on biology, and state laws that protect gender identity and transgender students' rights. What they're saying: Jeffco officials said in a statement that the administration's legal arguments...
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Robotaxis Coming to Denver as Colorado Opens Door to AV Innovation
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Axios Denver, Approved, Local

Robotaxis Coming to Denver as Colorado Opens Door to AV Innovation

By John Frank | Axios Denver In the near future, you can hop in a driverless car and cruise through Denver. Why it matters: The technology promises to reduce vehicle fatalities and crashes, and to increase mobility for people who are elderly, disabled or impaired. State of play: Waymo is preparing to deploy its robotaxis on Denver roads starting next year, a spokesperson confirmed this week. The company began testing in September to map streets and gather data on driving patterns. The next step is to test the vehicles in autonomous mode with a driver on board, though a date for those efforts is TBD. A date for the company to start offering driverless rides is not yet set. Between the lines: The company also is meeting with c...
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Colorado teens hailed as heroes after Evergreen High School shooting
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Axios Denver, Approved, Local

Colorado teens hailed as heroes after Evergreen High School shooting

By Alayna Alvarez | Axios Denver The two teenage boys wounded in the Sept. 10 Evergreen High School shooting were injured while trying to stop the alleged gunman and save other students' lives, according to new details from authorities. The big picture: The revelations highlight their bravery in the middle of a nine-minute attack that left two students hospitalized and the suspected shooter dead. The latest: Authorities on Thursday said the second victim was a 14-year-old boy, whose family has yet to release his name. The other victim, identified earlier this month, is 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone. Zoom in: The younger teen's family said he and a friend confronted the assailant face-to-face before the 14-year-old was shot at close...
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