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Attack ads and political collusion roil tight 1st District primary

Upstart Melat Kiros's campaign to oust U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette is getting testy.

News

The Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race to represent Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="e7b9a6ab-51f5-437e-8c29-6c0a7c54c762" data-vars-headline="Attack ads and political collusion roil tight 1st District primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">race to represent Denver</a> 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 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whether voters want change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="e7b9a6ab-51f5-437e-8c29-6c0a7c54c762" data-vars-headline="Attack ads and political collusion roil tight 1st District primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">whether voters want change</a> or the experience of U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette.

Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and top races

Colorado voters go to the ballot box this month to decide which candidates will advance to the November general election.

Election

Colorado voters go to the ballot box this month to decide which candidates will advance to the November general election.Why it matters: Now that the Democrats are the dominant party in Colorado, primary elections <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hold as much importance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/11/colorado-democrats-primary-infighting-surges" data-vars-content-id="70fd0862-fbbd-4b15-8b3a-116ce50d6d64" data-vars-headline="Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and top races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/11/colorado-democrats-primary-infighting-surges" target="_self">hold as much importance</a> as the November vote, particularly in key races where the majority party is expected to win.

9 ways to celebrate Father's Day around Denver

It's Dad's day out. Here's how to make it count.

Things to Do

Mom had her turn. Dad&#x27;s up next.The big picture: This Father&#x27;s Day weekend offers plenty of ways to spend time with the father figure in your life — whether that&#x27;s catching a Rockies game, practicing your golf swing or raising a pint.

Expanded Denver Juneteenth festival set for Five Points

The festival will mark its 15th anniversary this year.

Denver&#x27;s free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="d877ae47-b156-4f66-be4e-9dc7279d49cb" data-vars-headline="Expanded Denver Juneteenth festival set for Five Points" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/" target="_blank">Juneteenth celebration</a> returns to the historic Five Points neighborhood this weekend — bigger and bolder with a three-day extravaganza.Why it matters: Organizers expanded this year&#x27;s festival after scaling back some of last year&#x27;s programming when corporate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sponsorship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/22/juneteenth-festival-budget-funding-cuts-sponsors/" data-vars-content-id="d877ae47-b156-4f66-be4e-9dc7279d49cb" data-vars-headline="Expanded Denver Juneteenth festival set for Five Points" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/22/juneteenth-festival-budget-funding-cuts-sponsors/" target="_blank">sponsorship</a> waned back amid broader DEI rollbacks.

Rapids defender makes World Cup roster

Lucas Herrington is the club's lone player in the tournament.

Sports

Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington&#x27;s road to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="4aedcb34-2b22-447c-acee-f1ff5a15d62d" data-vars-headline="Rapids defender makes World Cup roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> started fewer than three months ago. Zoom in: The 18-year-old from Brisbane earned a spot on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Australian national team&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-defender-lucas-herrington-named-to-australia-s-2026-fifa-world-cup-squad" data-vars-content-id="4aedcb34-2b22-447c-acee-f1ff5a15d62d" data-vars-headline="Rapids defender makes World Cup roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-defender-lucas-herrington-named-to-australia-s-2026-fifa-world-cup-squad" target="_blank">the Australian national team&#x27;s</a> 26-man roster after making his debut with the squad on March 27.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This year's edition is the biggest in tournament history.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="02149be0-d0d6-49b7-8ae2-58333f347af0" data-vars-headline="How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> starts this week with its biggest edition in history. Zoom in: Canada, Mexico and the U.S. co-host the 2026 men&#x27;s tournament, with the largest field in the tournament&#x27;s 96-year history.

Where to watch FIFA World Cup games in Denver

The tournament kicks off in Mexico on June 11.

Soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won&#x27;t be taking the pitch in Denver when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup kick off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/08/world-cup-2026-tickets-prices-fifa-resale" data-vars-content-id="eb326cd1-26ce-4b43-bdcf-1cb440b74bbd" data-vars-headline="Where to watch FIFA World Cup games in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/08/world-cup-2026-tickets-prices-fifa-resale" target="_self">FIFA World Cup kick off</a> next Thursday — but that doesn&#x27;t mean the Mile High City will be sitting on the sidelines.Why it matters: Local bars, restaurants and public spaces are gearing up and trying their hardest to bring a little World Cup magic to fans here at home.

Meet the Colorado company supplying FIFA's World Cup turf

The Littleton-based company's grass was sent to Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.

Joe Wilkins III will soon see his life&#x27;s work on the world&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grandest sports stage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/12/houston-world-cup-grass-pitch" data-vars-content-id="dfa87123-718e-4822-9dc2-e9916e82c754" data-vars-headline="Meet the Colorado company supplying FIFA&#x27;s World Cup turf" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/12/houston-world-cup-grass-pitch" target="_self">grandest sports stage</a>.State of play: Wilkins owns Littleton-based Green Valley Turf Co., which is among the companies picked to supply turf for U.S. stadiums hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="dfa87123-718e-4822-9dc2-e9916e82c754" data-vars-headline="Meet the Colorado company supplying FIFA&#x27;s World Cup turf" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">the FIFA World Cup</a> men&#x27;s soccer tournament starting next month.

Promising youngster tops Rapids salaries

Attacking midfielder Paxten Aaronson makes the most on the team.

The Colorado Rapids&#x27; top-paid player happens to be the team&#x27;s club-record transfer.Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Midfielder Paxten Aaronson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/that-s-what-i-wanted-usmnt-s-paxten-aaronson-is-ready-to-be-the-guy-for-the-colorado-rapids/blt702a17b05bae57d4" data-vars-content-id="806d4a4c-48cd-4bcb-8d7c-90c2c76810c7" data-vars-headline="Promising youngster tops Rapids salaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/that-s-what-i-wanted-usmnt-s-paxten-aaronson-is-ready-to-be-the-guy-for-the-colorado-rapids/blt702a17b05bae57d4" target="_blank">Midfielder Paxten Aaronson</a> is the team&#x27;s highest-paid player, raking in $2.2 million in base salary, per the Major League Soccer Players Association&#x27;s latest salary guide.

5 can't-miss Denver Broncos games this season

Denver starts the season with a Monday Night Football showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Denver Broncos <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-2026-schedule-featuring-holiday-matchups-and-bookend-stretches-vs-playoff-teams" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-2026-schedule-featuring-holiday-matchups-and-bookend-stretches-vs-playoff-teams" target="_blank">announced</a> they&#x27;ll open their season with a marquee Monday Night Football showdown against division rivals the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in September. State of play: Quarterback Bo Nix looks to lead the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reigning AFC West champs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/06/denver-broncos-2025-midseason-preview" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/06/denver-broncos-2025-midseason-preview" target="_self">reigning AFC West champs</a> on another deep playoff run after an injury sidelined him for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last season&#x27;s AFC title game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/25/broncos-patriots-playoff-loss-2026" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/25/broncos-patriots-playoff-loss-2026" target="_self">last season&#x27;s AFC title game</a> in Denver.

West Denver groups unite to negotiate Broncos stadium benefits

The group is comprised of 16 local organizations.

Sixteen West Denver organizations launched a coalition Tuesday to negotiate a community benefits agreement (CBA) with the Broncos over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the team&#x27;s planned stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/broncos-unveil-preliminary-framework-new-stadium" data-vars-content-id="2a2882ca-ce1c-4f54-90ef-05cf49dd822c" data-vars-headline="West Denver groups unite to negotiate Broncos stadium benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/broncos-unveil-preliminary-framework-new-stadium" target="_self">the team&#x27;s planned stadium</a> in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.Why it matters: The legally binding agreement could determine public support for the stadium in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically working-class neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/01/la-alma-lincoln-park-denver-broncos-stadium/" data-vars-content-id="2a2882ca-ce1c-4f54-90ef-05cf49dd822c" data-vars-headline="West Denver groups unite to negotiate Broncos stadium benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/01/la-alma-lincoln-park-denver-broncos-stadium/" target="_blank">historically working-class neighborhood</a>.

Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit

The team was bounced from the first round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2022.

The Denver Nuggets&#x27; first-round playoff loss against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Minnesota Timberwolves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/nuggets-two-nba-all-stars" data-vars-content-id="8b46490a-43a1-497f-9720-a4a7281c0d94" data-vars-headline="Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/13/nuggets-two-nba-all-stars" target="_self">the Minnesota Timberwolves</a> last week leaves them drowning in questions about the future.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="With their 2023 NBA title" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/13/denver-nuggets-first-title-nba-champions-beat-miami-heat-finals" data-vars-content-id="8b46490a-43a1-497f-9720-a4a7281c0d94" data-vars-headline="Nuggets face serious questions after latest playoff exit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/13/denver-nuggets-first-title-nba-champions-beat-miami-heat-finals" target="_self">With their 2023 NBA title</a> getting further in the rear-view mirror, questions about who stays and who departs Denver loom over the franchise.

Every active Denver team plays this weekend

Six local franchises play games, including critical playoff matchups.

A major sports weekend is in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="store for Denver fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/16/free-fan-zone-playoffs-ball-arena" data-vars-content-id="9e25eed5-88ff-4018-b31d-0b2b2a33cc07" data-vars-headline="Every active Denver team plays this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/16/free-fan-zone-playoffs-ball-arena" target="_self">store for Denver fans</a>, with five local teams in action on Saturday alone. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The current golden era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/18/denver-sports-dominate-broncos-nuggets-avalanche" data-vars-content-id="9e25eed5-88ff-4018-b31d-0b2b2a33cc07" data-vars-headline="Every active Denver team plays this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/18/denver-sports-dominate-broncos-nuggets-avalanche" target="_self">The current golden era</a> for the city&#x27;s sports teams means fans have no shortage of championship-caliber talent to watch.

A new playoff fan zone is coming outside Ball Arena

The fan zone will feature a 20-foot video board, a DJ and food trucks.

If you can&#x27;t score playoff tickets for the Colorado Avalanche or Denver Nuggets, the teams are offering the next best thing just outside Ball Arena.The big picture: Chopper Circle will close between 9th and 11th streets during Avs and Nuggets home playoff games, making room for a free expanded fan zone and a live game viewing area.

Sports 🏅

Rapids defender makes World Cup roster

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Where to watch FIFA World Cup games in Denver

Meet the Colorado company supplying FIFA's World Cup turf

Promising youngster tops Rapids salaries