Unaffiliated Voters Break CO Primary Record

For the first time in Colorado history, more primary ballots are going to unaffiliated voters than to registered Democrats or Republicans combined, as the June 30 primary draws closer.

Colorado’s roughly 50% unaffiliated registration rate—among the highest in the nation—has been rising for years, but this primary marks the first time the group has hit a majority of ballots distributed. Political scientists say the shift is structural as younger voter opt out of party registration at higher rates than previous generations.

The milestone reshapes how candidates in the governor’s race and U.S. Senate primary must campaign. Unaffiliated voters tend to participate at lower rates in primaries, meaning each party’s nomination may hinge on activating them.

Experts note that unaffiliated voters are more likely to split their ballots, respond to candidate-quality arguments, and less likely to be moved by national party affiliation alone.

Wildfire Pre-Evacuations Near Hayden

A wildfire burning north of Hayden in Routt County prompted pre-evacuation notices Friday afternoon for residents along County Roads 70 and 80 in northwest Colorado.

The County Road 80 Fire broke out roughly 2 miles north of Hayden in terrain baked by historic drought. 

Routt County officials issued pre-evacuation notices, urging residents to prepare to leave quickly if the fire grows. No mandatory evacuations had been ordered as of Saturday evening.

Investigators confirmed Friday that the Samson Mesa Fire burning west of Parachute in Garfield County was human-caused, adding to a string of active wildfires across drought-stricken western Colorado.

Colorado Shows Up for World Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its 2026 World Cup run with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday in Los Angeles, and Colorado fans didn’t miss a minute.

Skyline Park in downtown Denver served as the city’s official free watch party hub, with crowds packing the venue for the USMNT opener. Across the state, Colorado Springs venues reported full houses, with seven dedicated watch party locations drawing fans throughout El Paso County.

Folarin Balogun scored twice and Christian Pulisic set up two goals in the rout at SoFi Stadium. The win puts the U.S. in strong position heading into the group stage, with the tournament running through mid-July across North American host cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Seattle.

Paying Too Much for Car Insurance? It Might Be Time to Compare Rates

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➤ Statewide: Software engineer Craig Steiner has taken over as chair of the Colorado GOP following Brita Horn’s early resignation over a “tremendous divide” in the party, with the June 30 primary approaching. (More)

➤ Aurora: Aurora lifted fire restrictions to allow personal fireworks June 15 through July 4, even as many Colorado communities cancel Independence Day shows due to historic drought. Ground-based fireworks are permitted during designated hours. (More)

➤ Ordway: The Eastern Plains town is selling vacant historic buildings for $3,500 each, requiring buyers to open businesses inside. The program aims to reverse downtown decline and attract entrepreneurs to the agricultural community. (More)

➤ Colorado Springs: The Pikes Peak APEX mountain bike and gravel race launched Saturday at Penrose House, sending elite and amateur riders, including 15-year-old Emmett Frozley, on multi-day routes around the Pikes Peak massif. (More)

➤ Statewide: U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet has taken the lead over Attorney General Phil Weiser in the Democrat primary for governor, according to a new poll. (More)

➤ Colorado Springs: City officials approved a proposed data center known as “Project Taurus” last week, saying they would release a memo in the coming days “providing additional context on the approval decision and review process, including key changes made to the original application.” (More) 

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➤ Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and forward Nathan Mackinnon were both named to the 2025-26 Postseason All-Star teams after their strong performance led Colorado to the Western Conference Finals. (More) 

➤ Colorado men’s basketball team released its 2026-2027 Big 12 opponents, confirming that the conference will schedule 18 conference games for the second straight season. (More)

➤ The Colorado Rockies promoted the organization’s No. 11 overall prospect, Sean Sullivan, to make his MLB debut on Friday night, but Sullivan had to be removed after tossing three scoreless innings due to an illness. (More)

➤ Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb told reporters in a recent interview that he believes the team’s acquisition of star receiver Jaylen Waddle will be integral to the growth of the team’s young starting quarterback, Bo Nix. (More)

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➤ Northern Colorado communities gathered Saturday to celebrate the 45-mile Poudre River Trail completion, connecting mountain headwaters through Fort Collins to Greeley and creating a continuous corridor for cyclists, runners, and walkers. (See Photos)

➤ The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America opened this weekend in Pueblo, bringing interactive exhibits of da Vinci’s inventions and artwork to a permanent venue in the Pikes Peak region. (More)

➤ A Colorado River glampground is reframing drought by leaning into guided hikes, stargazing, and land-based adventure instead of rafting, attracting a different clientele curious about the river ecosystem. (More)

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Have you ever been on the (now-completed) Poudre Trail in Fort Collins?

1. Yes
2. No, but I plan to
3. No, and I don’t plan to

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you a fan of renaissance festivals?

1. No: 54%
2. Yes: 31%
3. Only if I can LARP: 15%

Colorado looks like a perfect rectangle on a map, but it technically isn’t even close. How many sides does the state actually have?

Show me the answer