Denver, CO
Clock is ticking to clean the Front Range’s dirty air by 2027. The region’s off to a bad start this summer.
Colorado has three years to lower ground-level ozone pollution to meet federal standards, and this summer’s hazy skies — caused by oil and gas drilling, heavy vehicle traffic and wildfire smoke — are putting the state in a hole as it’s already logged more dirty air days than in all of 2023.
“Our state has taken a lot of steps to improve air quality, but you can see it in the skies, you can see it in the air, that we still have work to do,” said Kirsten Schatz, clean air advocate for the Colorado Public Interest Research Group.
Two months into the 2024 summer ozone season, the Front Range already has recorded more high ozone days than the entire summer of 2023. As of Monday, which is the most recent data available, ozone levels had exceeded federal air quality standards on 28 days. At the same point in 2023, there had been 27 high-ozone days.
The summer ozone season runs from June 1 to Aug. 31. However, the region encompassing metro Denver and the northern Front Range this year recorded its first high ozone day in May, and in some years ozone pollution exceeds federal standards into mid-September.
The region is failing to meet two air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The first benchmark is to lower average ozone pollution to a 2008 standard of 75 parts per billion. The northern Front Range is in what’s called “severe non-attainment” for that number, meaning motorists must use a more expensive blend of gasoline during the summer and more businesses must apply for federal permits that regulate how much pollution they spill into the air.
The second benchmark requires the region to lower its average ozone pollution to a 2015 standard of 70 parts per billion, considered the most acceptable level of air pollution for human health. In July, the EPA downgraded the northern Front Range to be in serious violation of that standard as the region’s ozone level now sits at 81 parts per billion. The state must now submit to the EPA a new plan for lowering emissions.
Colorado needs to meet both EPA benchmarks by 2027, or it will be downgraded again and face more federal regulation.
Of the 28 days the state has recorded high ozone pollution levels, 17 exceeded the 2008 standard of 70 parts per billion, according to data compiled by the Regional Air Quality Council, an organization that advises the state on how to reduce air pollution.
That’s bad news for the region after state air regulators predicted Colorado would be able to meet that standard by the 2027 deadline. The EPA calculates average ozone pollution levels on a three-year average, so this summer’s bad numbers will drag down the final grade.
“It’s not a good first year to have,” said Mike Silverstein, the air quality council’s executive director.
Smoke from wildfires near and far
Ground-level ozone pollution forms on hot summer days when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the sunlight. Those compounds and gases are released by oil and gas wells and refineries, automobiles on the road, fumes from paint and other industrial chemicals, and gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
It forms a smog that can cause the skies to become brown or hazy, and it is harmful to people, especially those with lung and heart disease, the elderly and children. Ground-level ozone is different than the ozone in the atmosphere that protects Earth from the sun’s powerful rays.
Wildfire smoke blowing from Canada and the Pacific Northwest did not help Colorado’s pollution levels in July, and then multiple fires erupted along the Front Range over the past week, creating homegrown pollution from fine particulate matter such as smoke, soot and ash. Ultimately, though, the heavy smoke days could be wiped from the calculations from 2024, but that decision will be made at a later date.
Still, June also saw multiple high ozone days, and air quality experts say much of the pollution originates at home in Colorado and cannot be blamed on outside influences.
The out-of-state wildfire smoke sent ozone levels skyrocketing the week of July 21 to 27, Silverstein said, but it’s not the reason the numbers are high. The week prior saw ozone levels above federal standards, too, and wildfire smoke had not drifted into the region.
“Pull the wildfires out and we would probably still have had high ozone,” he said.
Jeremy Nichols, senior advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, also warned that wildfires should not be used as an excuse for the region’s air pollution.
“While the wildfires are out of our control, there is a whole bunch of air pollution we can control,” he said. “I don’t want to let that cover up the ugliness that existed here in the first place.”
Nichols blames oil and gas drilling for the region’s smog. The state is not doing enough to regulate the industry, he said.
“We actually need to recognize we are at a point where oil and gas needs to stop drilling on high ozone days,” Nichols said. “Just like we’re told to stay home on high ozone days, business as usual needs to stop. I don’t think we’ve clamped down on them and in many respects they are getting a free pass to pollute.”
Legislation that would have prevented drilling on high ozone days failed during the 2024 session.
However, the air quality council has approved two measures to reduce emissions in the oil fields and is preparing to send those to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for approval.
One proposal would require drilling companies to eliminate emissions from pneumatic actuating devices, equipment driven by pressurized gas to open and close valves in pipelines, Silverstein said. Oil companies already are required to make 50% of those devices emission-free, and the federal government also is requiring them to be 100% emission-free by 2035. But Colorado’s proposal would accelerate the timeline, he said.
The second proposal would tell companies to stop performing blowdowns, which is when workers vent fumes from pipelines before beginning maintenance to clear explosive gases, when an ozone alert is issued, Silverstein said.
“There are thousands of these very small events, but these small events add up to significant activity,” he said.
Gabby Richmond, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, said the industry supports the new regulations. She said operators also were electrifying operations where possible and voluntarily delaying operational activities on high ozone days.
“Our industry values clean air, and we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that protect our environment and make Colorado a great place to live,” Richmond said in a statement. “As a part of this commitment, we have significantly reduced ozone-causing emissions by over 50% through technology, regulatory initiatives and voluntary measures — all in the spirit of being good neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”
“Knock down emissions where we can”
Meanwhile, people who live in metro Denver and the northern Front Range are asked to do their part, too.
When the state health department issues an ozone action alert — which is a forecast for high pollution levels — people are asked to limit driving as much as possible. They also are asked to avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment until later in the day when the sun starts dropping behind the mountains and temperatures fall.
It would be easy to blame Colorado’s ozone pollution on its geography, global climate change that is raising temperatures, and pollution blowing from other countries and states, Silverstein said. But Colorado has a responsibility to do its part.
“We have 4 million people and a big oil and gas field and lots of industrial activity and all of the things related to human activity all in one concentrated location with a great mountain backdrop, but it comes with a bit of a price,” he said. “So it’s up to us to find the strategies to knock down emissions where we can.”
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On a rainy Friday in late May, Mary Nguyen welcomed about 500 guests to the grand opening of Olive & Finch’s fourth location at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Small bites like vegetarian lumpia and Saigon Sammies (made with plant-based crispy chicken) were passed around.
As one of the busiest destinations in the city, the complex is a major milestone for the brand. It also fills a longstanding gap in the area’s dining options.
“When you go to a show at the Arts Complex, your dining options are limited. Mostly, you’ll find sports bars, greasy spoons, or high-end full-service restaurants, which are often expensive,” Nguyen explained. “It’s exciting to have thousands of people come for a show and be able to get the exposure, but also give them the opportunity to not go to a full-service restaurant if they just want to grab a drink, a snack, come in with their kids, or avoid spending $150 per person.”
The debut followed closely on the heels of Olive & Finch’s Union Station opening in March. More than bold bets on the city’s future, these new downtown locations reflect Nguyen’s personal commitment to Denver’s revitalization.
“There’s a narrative that downtown is dead, that it’s not safe. But I’m here all the time. I see something totally different. There are new restaurants opening, the streets are active, there are interesting people looking for things to do,” Nguyen said.
“I’m a Denver native. If I want to see a vibrant, activated downtown, then I’m going to help make that happen. I’m not waiting for someone else to do it,” she added.
Before the Arts Complex and Union Station locations, Nguyen began working on Little Finch (Olive & Finch’s fast-casual sister concept) on 16th Street back in 2021, long before the area’s multi-year renovation plan broke ground. Rather than viewing the once vibrant corridor as a lost cause, she saw herself as the first to an area ripe with potential.
“If you look at the investment the city is making … no other city in America is spending $600 million to revitalize their downtown. Honestly, I think I’ve done a great job coming in at the beginning, because in 10 years – actually, probably just two years, or even one – Denver’s going to come back,” she said.
These new locations represent the tip of the iceberg for Nguyen. By the end of 2026, Olive & Finch is on track to operate 10 locations, including one outpost in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood, and two more storefronts at Denver International Airport. These sites will join the four open Olive & Finch locations; Little Finch on 16th Street; and Finch, On the Fly, a grab-and-go kiosk that debuted in Denver International Airport this January.
“Everything that we’ve done has been really intentional. It just happened that now we’re ready, and it’s all happening at the same time,” Nguyen laughed.
Intentionality has been central to Olive & Finch’s growth. From 2013 to 2017, the team focused on refining operations, building a solid infrastructure, and ensuring every expansion would preserve the brand’s commitment to scratch-made, chef-driven food. A major component has been the launch of an in-house production and distribution company, which enables all locations to maintain Olive & Finch’s standards. That same company also services wholesale clients like hospitals, hotels, grocery stores and airport concessions.
“The wholesale side is actually the largest part of our business,” Nguyen said. With demand rising, the wholesale operation is projecting a 25% increase in sales next year.
“I know a lot of restaurants sometimes lose their ‘special sauce’ as they grow. For us it’s different because we’re producing everything…We really wanted to create a sustainable model, but also a company that’s sustainable,” Nguyen continued.
Still, the growth is entirely self-financed and independently owned by Nguyen, who left behind a career in finance to pursue her passion for hospitality.
“We don’t have partners or investors, Olive & Finch is independently owned by me,” Nguyen shared. “What started as a passion project has grown into what it is today. I’ve always known I wanted to build a hospitality company, I just didn’t know it would look like this.”
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“Higher Power” is coming to a higher altitude.
On Tuesday, June 10, Coldplay will headline at Denver, CO’s Empower Field at Mile High as part of their ongoing ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour.’
Willow and Elyanna will serve as the opening acts at the one-off concert.
This gig at the Broncos’ stadium comes after a pair of huge shows at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Based on our findings at Set List FM, the stadium rockers delivered 20+ songs over four acts both nights.
And, yes, iconic tunes like “The Scientist,” “Viva La Vida,” “Higher Power,” “Clocks,” “Fix You” all worked their way into the show.
“Musically, Coldplay is at the core a groovy little band tightened over a nearly 30-year career,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote about the first of two shows. “This quartet knows how to play big. ‘Higher Power’ opened the show in full overdrive. Pyro powered ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ and ‘Paradise.’ The crowd bounced through ‘God Put a Smile Upon Your Face’ and ‘Yellow.’”
Want to witness this ambitious live show — that’s amazingly powered by renewable energy sources — IRL at Mile High?
As of now, last-minute tickets are available.
At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find to get in the door was $165 including fees on Vivid Seats.
While that sounds expensive, keep in mind that seats started at $222 including fees, when we last reported on Coldplay ticket prices on May 21.
For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about Coldplay’s concert in Denver below.
All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation.
Coldplay Denver tickets
The band’s Empower Field at Mile High show date, start time and links to what tickets cost now versus what they were going for on May 21 can be found here:
| Coldplay Denver concert dates | Ticket prices start at |
Ticket prices started at on 05/21 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, June 10 6 p.m. |
$165 (fees included) |
$222 (fees included) |
(Note: The New York Post confirmed all above prices at the publication time. All prices are in US dollars, subject to fluctuation and, if it isn’t noted, will include additional fees at checkout.)
Vivid Seats is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.
They offer a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and your tickets will be delivered prior to the event.
Still curious about Vivid Seats? You can find an article from their team about why the company is legit here.
Coldplay tour schedule 2025-26
A complete calendar including all North American tour dates, venues, and links to the cheapest tickets available can be found here:
| Coldplay 2025 tour dates |
|---|
| June 13 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, TX |
| June 14 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, TX |
| July 7 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, ON, CA |
| July 8 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, ON, CA |
| July 11 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, ON, CA |
| July 12 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, ON, CA |
| July 15 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA |
| July 16 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA |
| July 19 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI |
| July 22 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN |
| July 26 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL |
| July 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL |
| Aug. 18 at Craven Park in Hull, GB |
| Aug. 19 at Craven Park in Hull, GB |
| Aug. 22 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Aug. 23 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Aug. 26 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Aug. 27 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Aug. 30 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Aug. 31 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Sept. 3 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Sept. 4 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Sept. 7 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| Sept. 8 at Wembley Stadium in London, GB |
| July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ |
Coldplay set list
Coldplay kicked off the North American leg of their yearslong tour at Stanford Stadium. According to Set List FM, here’s what they took to the stage at that June 1 gig:
Act I: Planets
01.) “Higher Power”
02.) “Adventure of a Lifetime”
03.) “Paradise”
04.) “The Scientist”
Act II: Moons
05.) “Viva la Vida”
06.) “Hymn for the Weekend”
07.) “In My Place”
08.) “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face”
09.) “Yellow”
10.) “All My Love”
Act III: Stars
11.) “People of the Pride”
12.) “Clocks”
13.) “WE PRAY”
14.) “Infinity Sign”
15.) “Something Just Like This” (The Chainsmokers cover)
16.) “My Universe”
17.) “A Sky Full of Stars”
Act IV: Home
18.) “Sparks”
19.) “The Jumbotron Song”
20.) “Fix You”
21.) “GOOD FEELiNGS”
22.) “feelslikeimfallinginlove”
Coldplay new music
On Oct. 4, 2024, Coldplay dropped their tenth studio album, “Moon Music.”
The New York Post’s music critic Chuck Arnold reviewed the record. For a closer look at what he had to say, you can find his analysis of their soulful new offering here.
Coldplay special guests
The group will be joined by a pair of opening acts at their Denver show. In order to make sure you’re familiar with their work, here’s each artist’s most-streamed song on Spotify.
Willow: “Wait a Minute!”
Elyanna: “Callin’ U (Tamally Maak)”
Huge stars on tour in 2025
If Coldplay isn’t coming to a venue near you, don’t worry. You’ve got options this year
Here are five huge artists that may be headed to your neck of the woods these next few months.
• Oasis
• Yusuf/Cat Stevens
• Paul Simon
• Benson Boone
• Mumford and Sons
Who else is on the road? Take a look at our list of all the biggest artists on tour in 2025 to find the show for you.
A Denver hairstylist who disappeared after leaving her University Hills apartment on April 15 has been found dead, her mother announced Saturday.
“There are no words strong enough for the grief we are feeling,” Jax Gratton’s mother, Cherilynne Gratton-Camis, wrote in a Facebook group dedicated to finding her daughter. “The light she carried, the love she gave so freely and the joy she brought into our lives have been taken from this world far too soon.”
In the nearly two months that Gratton was missing, more than 5,100 people joined the group to share information and try to find the missing 34-year-old hairstylist.
Gratton was last seen at about 10 p.m. April 15 in the 4200 block of East Iliff Avenue, according to the Denver Police Department.
Her body was found a week short of two months later, Gratton-Camis said.
Gratton-Camis started worrying when her daughter didn’t call on Easter, and the hairstylist’s friends realized something was wrong when she missed multiple appointments with her clients. Gratton rented a studio at the Solera Salon Suites’ North Broadway location.
Gratton’s body was found in a Lakewood alley in the 9600 block of West Colfax Avenue at about 5 p.m. Friday, Gratton-Camis told Denver7 on Saturday.
She said a Lakewood detective visually identified the hairstylist by her tattoos and that her daughter was found wearing the same clothes she left in.
“The body was in advanced stages of decomposition and could not be positively identified,” Lakewood Police Department spokesperson John Romero said in an email to The Denver Post. He said a suspicious death investigation was ongoing.
Jefferson County coroner officials said Sunday afternoon that no forensic identification had been made and the cause of death was “pending until further notice.”
No updates in the Lakewood investigation were available Sunday, Romero said.
“This has opened my eyes in ways I can’t ignore. It’s not just about Jax — it’s about all of you in the LGBTQIA+ community who face the world every day with courage, just wanting to live, love and exist safely and equally,” Gratton-Camis wrote on Facebook. “That should never be a fight. And yet it is.”
Gratton’s friends and family plan to gather in front of Denver’s City and County Building at 1437 Bannock St. at 11 a.m. Monday to talk about her death and remember her with the community.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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