Alayna Alvarez

Denver

Reporter for @Axios Denver. Formerly: @colo_politics / @pewtrusts' Stateline / @Oceana. Spill the 🫖 and drop your best 🌮 recs here: [email protected]

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Articles

New data reveals the state of downtown Denver 5 years post-pandemic

6 days ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez

A view of downtown Denver in May 2024. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty ImagesWhether downtown Denver is hurting or healing depends on who you ask — but new data shows it's doing both. Why it matters: The city's urban core is still finding its footing after COVID spurred the collapse of office culture and pedestrian life.
Denver's Elitch Gardens opens for the season Saturday

6 days ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez

Strap in: Elitch Gardens is back and bigger than ever this year. Driving the news: Denver's downtown theme and water park reopens Saturday for its 135th season. The park is set to operate through Jan. 4, marking its longest season yet, per the Denver Gazette. Zoom in: All 54 rides and water attractions are expected to be open this season, including the brain-rattling Mind Eraser and classic wooden coaster Twister II. If you go: Single-day tickets start at $44.99. Kids ages 2 and younger get in free.
Illinois birds in crisis: Report shows major decline in local species

6 days ago | axios.com | Justin Kaufmann |Alayna Alvarez

Photo: Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesBirds that call Illinois grasslands and wetlands home are in serious decline, according to a new conservation report. Why it matters: Birds are indicators of the overall health of their habitats and signal early warnings of broader trouble. If these habitats can't support birdlife, they likely can't sustain other wildlife — or even humans — for long.
Denver Public Schools immigrant families told to "self-deport" by Trump admin

1 week ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez

Photo illustration: Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesSome immigrant families with children in Denver Public Schools have been told by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to "self-deport" within seven days — and use a newly launched DHS app to report their departure, according to the district. Why it matters: It's the latest example of how President Trump's push for mass deportations is hitting home in Denver schools.
Bears waking earlier than usual in Colorado

1 week ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez
Your spring cleaning hacks

1 week ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez

Last week, we shared spring cleaning tips β and then asked for yours. Here are your best hacks:π "One tip that has worked well for me to keep my closet items from growing has been to not increase the number of hangers. I do not add clothes that don't have a hanger. If I want to add an item, I must also donate one." β Leslie C. π΅ "The $20/20 rule: If you can replace it for either less than $20 or find it to buy again in less than 20 min, chuck it and buy new.
New restaurants and bars opening in Denver this spring

1 week ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez
Poll shows Democrats losing ground with Colorado voters

1 week ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/AxiosThe Democratic Party's favorability has tanked since last November among Centennial State voters, according to a new bipartisan survey from the Colorado Polling Institute. Why it matters: Democrats nationwide are facing a surge of angry voters and record-low favorability — which could upend the party's chances in the 2026 primaries.
Colorado caught in the crosshairs of Trump's U.S.-China trade war

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez

President Trump paused most reciprocal tariffs for 90 days — but doubled down on China by raising export tariffs to 125%, delivering a fresh blow to Colorado businesses. The big picture: Both companies and consumers in the Centennial State will still feel the financial squeeze as costs inevitably pass through the supply chain. By the numbers: China is Colorado's second-largest import source, providing $1.8 billion in goods (11% of the state's total) in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How much Colorado will lose in childhood vaccine funding under federal plans

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Alayna Alvarez |Alex Fitzpatrick