Latest news with #AxiosDenver
Axios
2 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
How Colorado's governor is reimagining education
The legacy Gov. Jared Polis wants to leave behind is a roadmap for educating the next generation. Why it matters: The term-limited Democratic governor is issuing a call to action for the nation's governors to push a new vision that better connects education to workforce, civic and wellness outcomes. The big picture: The plan is outlined in a 48-page report released Thursday ahead of the conclusion of Polis' tenure as chair of the National Governors Association. Titled " Let's Get Ready!," it reimagines student readiness for life beyond school. The four pillars begin with competency in reading and math, but the knowledge base extends to workforce preparedness, lifelong well-being and civic engagement. To achieve this, states must develop new systems to measure outcomes and publish the data on a public dashboard, holding leaders and educators accountable. What he's saying: "We need better ways to measure the outcomes to make sure that kids are able to succeed in the world, and then … success spells economic success for our country," Polis told Axios Denver on the sidelines of the association's weekend meeting in Colorado Springs. The other side: One of the key components of the initiative is building a more effective partnership with the federal government on education. And it's unclear whether the Trump administration is willing to do so. In a discussion at the NGA conference between Polis and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, he thanked her for releasing $66 million in withheld federal dollars now headed to Colorado school districts. But she made "no guarantees" the same thing won't happen again and promised "pencil sharpening" that cuts costs in the future. What's next: Colorado is expected to join a handful of other states in a pilot program to rethink how student achievement is measured by developing new benchmarks beyond standardized testing. "We plan to lead the way … [in] making sure we can take our schools to the next level and the results for students to the next level," Polis said. The bottom line: The report builds on Polis' other education initiatives — including state-funded, part-time preschool and full-day kindergarten — and affirms his legacy as the education governor.
Axios
22-07-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Colorado sees fewest flash flood warnings since 2008
Despite a record-setting year for flash flood warnings nationwide, Colorado is seeing its quietest flood season since 2008, per an Axios Denver analysis of data from Iowa State University's Iowa Environmental Mesonet. By the numbers: As of Monday, the National Weather Service has issued 24 flash flood warnings in Colorado so far in 2025. That's down 48% from this time last year — and a dramatic 82% drop from 2023, when the state had already recorded 131 flash flood warnings. Zoom in: El Paso County leads the state with six warnings this year. Larimer and Pueblo counties follow with three each. The intrigue: Denver hasn't had any flood alerts this year. Still, the city shattered a 75-year rainfall record on March 26, logging 1.39 inches in a single day, per FOX31. The big picture: Scientists say climate change supercharges rainstorms by warming the atmosphere, allowing it to hold and dump more water. But that doesn't mean every region sees more rain every year.
Axios
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
"Love Is Blind" debuts Denver season Oct. 1
Netflix on Thursday announced the long-awaited premiere date for the Denver-set season of its hit reality show " Love Is Blind." Why it matters: It's the first time the wild dating experiment — where singles get engaged without seeing each other — unfolds in Colorado. The latest: The new season, hosted by Nick and Vanesa Lachey, debuts Oct. 1 and will feature 12 episodes, per Netflix. How it works: Contestants mingle inside "pods" separated by a frosted glass wall. If sparks fly, they get engaged — and only then meet in person. Couples then move in together, plan a wedding, and must decide when their wedding day arrives whether to tie the knot or walk away. What we're watching: Whether Denver's dating pool can prove love really is blind. Flashback: Axios Denver first reported the show was filming locally in March 2024, when cast and crew members were spotted at the restaurant Linger in the LoHi neighborhood.
Axios
15-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Boulder startup Ridley aims to revolutionize home sales with AI
A Boulder entrepreneur who sold his own house without a real estate agent — and went viral doing it — is launching a startup Tuesday to help others do the same. Why it matters: Real estate commissions, typically 5%-6%, remain stubbornly high, even after last year's landmark antitrust settlement was supposed to shake up how agents get paid. Driving the news: Mike Chambers is debuting his AI-fueled agent-free platform Ridley in Colorado. He made national headlines earlier this year when he successfully sought to prove he could sell his house without an agent after taking to social media with the handle @realtorshateme to chronicle the DIY process. He says most sellers don't need an agent — just the right tools. Ridley aims to be that toolkit. What he's saying: "The No. 1 mission of this company is to empower consumers to take control of this process on their own and save tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees in the process," Chambers told Axios Denver. How it works: Ridley's desktop-only platform breaks the home-selling process into stages with checklists, AI guidance and human support. Tools include: Pricing guidance using AI that factors in upgrades, defects, features and market data. A property page builder for direct offers and showings. MLS access via partner brokerages, plus syndication to Zillow, Redfin and A document center with smart pre-filled forms and highlighted explanations. A vendor scheduler via Thumbtack for photographers, inspectors and more. By the numbers: It's $999 for the base service, with add-ons available for MLS access and legal support. Between the lines: Despite his cheeky Instagram handle, Chambers insists he's not "anti-agent" — just anti-system. He's also not naive. He "100%" expects industry backlash. What's next: Chambers plans to expand Ridley to other states. He's also building out an agent mode for professionals who want to use the same tools or offer à la carte services to sellers who still want a hand.
Axios
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Where to find a Labubu doll in Denver
Denverites are lining up for Labubu dolls, mischievous little monsters with fangs that have become America's must-have toy. State of play: The "cute horror" character from Chinese toy giant Pop Mart has gone viral worldwide. Sold in "blind boxes," buyers don't know which version they'll get — sparking a resale frenzy and soaring prices. Zoom in: In Denver, demand is outpacing supply. Truong An Gifts — in the Far East Center on Federal — is one of the few, if not only, local shops selling authentic Labubus, staff say and shoppers validate. Staff tell Axios Denver that lines wrap around the building most weekends. By the numbers: Truong An Gifts' Labubu prices run from $59.99 to $77.99. Between the lines: Fakes are everywhere. But real Labubus have a QR tag that links to Pop Mart's site.
