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Axios Denver
Nearly 1,000 Native American children died in federal boarding schools, report finds
Between the early 1800s and late 1960s, nearly 1,000 Native American children died while forced to attend boarding schools set up by the U.S. government across 37 states, including Colorado, a new federal report reveals.The latest: The Interior Department report — a culmination of a three-year investigation — expands the number of children previously known to have died nationwide.What they're saying: "For the first time in the history of the country, the U.S. government is accounting for its role … to forcibly assimilate Indian children, and working to set us on a path to heal from the wounds inflicted by...
Colorado tourism breaks records in 2023
Data: Dean Runyan Associates; Chart: John Frank/AxiosColorado's tourism industry continued to set records in 2023 for the number of travelers who visited the state and how much they spent.Why it matters: The tourism industry is a key driver of the state's economy and analysts are closely watching the post-pandemic trend lines.State of play: A new report details the impacts of travelers in 2023 and reflects similar trends for Denver, which set all-time highs for tourism last year.Here are the numbers you need to know:$28.2 billion in travel spending. That's a 3.9% increase from 2022, and half is attributed to Denver and the Front Range.93.3 million travelers to Colorado, a 3.6% jump from the 90 million in 2022.9,450 additional jobs were created from the prior year, a 5% increase to 187,710 total jobs.5.7% increase in state and local tax revenue to $1.8 billion.
Céline Dion donates millions to Colorado for stiff person syndrome research
Céline Dion is making Colorado a leader in autoimmune disease research as she continues her yearslong battle with a rare, chronic neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome.The latest: The five-time Grammy winner's foundation recently pledged $2 million to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to establish the Céline Dion Foundation Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology.Amanda Piquet, the director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program at CU Anschutz, was named the inaugural chair.What she's saying: "We are using this to bring in patients from out of state, to help them with [stiff person syndrome], to get to a diagnosis faster, get them on treatments. And then the second component is to advance our research," Piquet told CPR.What's next: CU Anschutz is helping with a clinical trial, expected to launch this fall, for a new therapy related to the disease.
Denver Mayor Johnston's affordable housing tax inches closer to ballot
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's proposal to raise taxes for affordable housing development is poised to make the November ballot.Why it matters: Johnston's signature tax plan is a pivotal component of his mission to "solve" Denver's housing crisis, and a favorable decision could relieve tension between his administration and City Council.Driving the news: The measure was advanced by a City Council committee on Wednesday.State of play: A simple majority vote from the council will be required for approval. As of Wednesday afternoon, it appeared as though there was enough support to send the measure to voters, multiple members told Axios Denver.Council...
Where to find some zen in Denver
Calm feels harder to come by these days. If we're not physically on the go, our minds seem to be. And the news cycle certainly isn't helping.Why it matters: Slowing down and practicing meditation and mindfulness is key to combating stress, which studies show can impact our long-term health.We recently asked Axios Denver readers for their top places to find peace in the city. Here are several spots they said not to miss:🎨 The Clyfford Still Museum offers a "STILLness: Meditation in the Galleries" class for a morning of quiet reflection before the galleries open with seated and walking meditation.🙏...
Colorado conservatives launch attacks on Harris VP nominee
Some Republicans in Colorado and nationwide are celebrating the choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.Why it matters: The GOP sees Walz as an easier target than other contenders as they try to regain momentum after a rough few weeks for the party (and their own VP candidate), Axios' Stef Kight and Juliegrace Brufke write.State of play: The Colorado GOP didn't publicly respond to the announcement Tuesday. But the state's most prominent Republican leader has begun launching attacks on Walz, painting him as far-left and aligning him with progressives like U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders...
Front Range air quality worsens this summer
Data: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Chart: John Frank/AxiosDenver's air quality is worse this summer compared to a year ago, and the hazy skies are far from over.Why it matters: The Front Range is violating federal air quality standards and listed in severe non-attainment.Threat level: Hot weather, pollution and wildfire smoke have triggered 42 alerts from May 31 through Monday, according to the state's Department of Public Health and Environment.That's more than last year's 37 — and the ozone period doesn't end until Aug. 31.How it works: Ozone pollution — which looks like smog — is a mix...
Voters in Denver this fall will have a historically long ballot
Denver voters may want to invest in larger mailboxes.The big picture: The Denver City Council on Monday sent the latest measure to voters, asking whether the city should change how elected officials get pay raises.That means that when Denver's ballot lands in front of voters, it could feature as many as nine local questions and seven statewide measures, plus candidates for state and federal office.Why it matters: Casting a vote in a fraught presidential election could draw attention away from issues with more acute local impact, like labor laws and higher sales taxes.State of play: Monday's addition is the sixth...
Colorado's AI bill in national spotlight
Colorado's new law regulating artificial intelligence is a national model other states are looking to emulate, even as political and industry leaders want to roll back its far-reaching impact.Why it matters: Given the lack of movement in Washington on the issue, regulation of AI systems is falling to the states to take action.The big picture: Interest in taming AI models is captivating lawmakers across the country and drawing packed rooms this week at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual event in Louisville, Kentucky.At least 18 states have some regulation and many more are exploring the idea, as experts point...
State audit calls out RTD for fiscal shortcomings
The Regional Transportation District is falling short when it comes to fiscal management and oversight, a state performance audit published Monday found. State of play: The report comes as lawmakers renew efforts to reform the struggling public transit agency and the state prepares to send millions of new dollars to help expand services.
Why Denver parents are pinching pennies this back-to-school season
Higher prices have Denver parents pinching pennies this back-to-school season, according to a recent survey from consulting giant Deloitte.Why it matters: Despite inflation cooling, Colorado consumers still feel the need to tighten their purse strings to find relief.By the numbers: Local parents are expected to spend an average of $742 per child this year, about $23 less than what was estimated in 2023 — and 27% higher than the national average of $586.More than half of Denver parents plan to spend the same or less than last year.Zoom in: 77% of Denver parents surveyed feel no guilt about sending their...
Colorado investigators seek clues to what sparked wildfires
As firefighters get a better hold on four wildfires burning along the Front Range, attention is shifting to what ignited the blazes.State of play: The Quarry fire in Jefferson County is now being investigated as arson, but officials declined to elaborate on what evidence is driving that conclusion.The flames originated on Deer Creek Canyon Road, where investigators found some "weird items," Denver7 reports."We preliminarily believe this fire is human-caused in some manner," Kevin Bost, the Jefferson County investigations chief, told reporters Friday.To the north, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is providing assistance to the Boulder County Sheriff's...
Colorado's Olympic track and field stars, include a defending gold medalist
A half-dozen Coloradans are participating in this year's Olympic track and field events, including one athlete whose specialty has a legacy of local stars.The big picture: Two women, Valerie Constien and Elise Cranny, are competing in track events, while Valarie Allman (discus) and Anna Hall (heptathlon) will participate in largely field sports.Cranny, of Boulder, is competing in her second games in the 5,000-meter event after finishing second at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June.Hall, of Greenwood Village, is making her Olympic debut after winning the heptathlon at the same event.Allman, of Longmont, will try to defend her gold medal...
Why some Denverites are moving, despite higher rates
Denver sellers aren't delaying moves — and they're sweetening the deal for buyers. Why it matters: Even this housing market can't stop a Baby Boomer who's tired of cleaning an empty nest or a young family running out of bedrooms. What they're saying: Homeowners need to move, so price...
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