Hey. Amazingly, it's Wednesday. Today's news roundup includes a view from a trial that could reshape Denver's treatment of homelessness; a somewhat progressive message from the GOP frontrunner for governor; the story of Stapleton; and more. But first, proof that red rocks stay red:
Moral questions at a trial about homelessness:
A trial about Denver's ban on "urban camping" is underway – but not before potential jurors wrestled with the question of whether they could support the law. Erica's got a great first-day report. (Denverite)
Brauchler for governor:
“I want them to have the best public education available, because that’s the key to the future. I want them to have affordable housing, good-paying jobs, safe neighborhoods and roads that don’t suck," DA George Brauchler said of his children as he announced his run for Colorado governor on the GOP ticket. (Denverite)
Business in RiNo:
A seven-table retro billiards hall is opening at 1305 26th Street this summer, as Kate Tracy reports. (BusinessDen)
The story of Stapleton:
Paul Karolyi's ever-excellent Changing Denver podcast takes on Stapleton this week. I've been dying to learn more about how this uber-planned community happened. (Confluence)
Who got funded:
Ello, the artsy social network somewhat based in Boulder, got $2.5 million; a founder recently launched a Snapchat clone. Jess Ryan's got the rest of the month's winners. (Built In)
Syria:
Mahmoud Kassir of Colorado has lost 33 family members in Syria, including his sister in a recent bombing that killed seven of his family, as Keagan Harsha reports. (KDVR)
Inside the California war on drugs:
Illegal growers in Northern California use chemicals that "are annihilating wildlife, polluting pristine public lands, and maybe even turning up in your next bong hit." Julian Smith takes us along for an armed law-enforcement raid on a backcountry grow. (High Country News)
A sea change for Colorado Springs?
"Colorado Springs voters sent a surprise message during a big snowstorm Tuesday, electing a potential majority bloc of City Council members that could push a more liberal agenda, unofficial results showed," The Gazette reported. It seemed to represent a turn away from candidates funded by business and development groups. (Colorado Politics/The Gazette)
Casa Bonita:
They won a public health award for food cleanliness. Here's why. (Denverite)
Dazzle Jazz is moving:
The venerable club will move this June from Lincoln Street to a historic, 8,907-square-foot space in the Baur’s building at 1512 Curtis St. I really need to get to this place. (Denverite)
