Good day. It's snowing and the University of North Carolina won the national championship. I am satisfied. But the news is not – the news is insatiable. Here's what's up today on the Front Range: Hyperloop, a parking fight, Amazon moves, interesting developments in the governorship race and more.
Big moves in Cole:
The Rock Drill redevelopment could put $250 million, a hotel, nearly 200 residences and more into the edge of the Cole neighborhood, as Adrian reports. (Denverite)
Voodoo Doughnut:
The donut chain is suspending its speed-eating challenge after a 42-year-old man choked to death on an oversized donut at its Denver store, as Ashley Michels reports. (KDVR)
Here's where to learn CPR and first aid in Denver. Do it. (Denverite)
That Hyperloop thing:
CDOT, DIA and the city of Greeley are in the consortium that proposed a 40-mile "Hyperloop" system between the airport and Greeley. If their proposal is selected in May, they'll get access to technology and assistance from the master company of the magnetic-vacuum transit technology, as Cathy Proctor reports. I have a feeling we're more likely to get transit to Boulder than to finish this anytime soon. (DBJ)
Meet Mike Johnston:
Mike Johnston, who's running for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018, has already raised about $625,000 from 2,500 donors, as John Frank reports. He's running on debt-free college and job training. (DP)
More parking:
The Denver City Council is moving ahead with a proposal that would require parking more often in the redevelopment of small lots. Erica's got your explanation. (Denverite)
Also, Megan has this really oddly interesting story about the rules for buildings and sidewalks. (Denverite)
International money:
Apartment buildings still dominate Denver's growth, and our mix of population growth and job creation is attracting international investors, as one economist tells Ben Markus. (CPR)
Licenses for immigrants:
A study finds that granting driver licenses to undocumented immigrants, as Colorado does, may reduce the number of hit-and-run crashes. If you don't fear arrest, you stick around and potentially pay the bill. (AP via NYT)
Homeless people's belongings:
The city threw away possessions confiscated during a sweep of homeless encampments last July, as Chris Walker reports. (Westword)
What Aurora will pay for Amazon:
The city agreed to give up to $1.18 million in tax breaks for the huge new fulfillment center that Amazon is building, as Quincy Snowdon reports. (Aurora Sentinel)
