Good morning, Denver.
As I write this, the family of squirrels in the tree outside my window is lounging in the sun, snoozing and snacking. I hope you're having that kind of morning.
And because you are not a squirrel but a curious, concerned, literate and engaged human, let's add some reading to your morning.
Police shot and killed a man in Parker last night
Officers were responding to a report of a suspicious man knocking on doors at an apartment complex around 10 p.m. Three officers were involved, but none were injured. They've all been placed on administrative leave for the investigation. (AP)
It's a great day for civic engagement
If like me you've been putting off filling out your ballot, today is probably a good time to do it. Because we know the issues are complex and ballot language can be confusing, we've got a guide with everything you need to know written in a way that's a lot easier to understand. (Denverite)
And speaking of the election, the school board race is getting intense
Jennifer Bacon, Rachele Espiritu and Tay Anderson — candidates for a seat in northeast Denver — are standing together after unsigned negative fliers started appearing. The fliers support Bacon while questioning Espiritu's qualifications and saying "Denver's real black leaders stand with Jen Bacon." (Chalkbeat)
The prescription opioid and heroin epidemic kills someone in Colorado about every 9 hours and 36 minutes
John Frank takes a long, hard look at what Colorado is doing and not doing to address it.
“We are living our prime objective, which is the preservation of human life,” said Evans Police Chief Rick Brandt, who helped lead the statewide training and recommends every officer carry a naloxone kit. “The long-term hope is that these folks will be motivated to get into some sort of treatment or recovery to overcome their addictions.” (DP)
Get to know Daddy Bruce Randolph
Years in the making, a documentary about the life and legacy of the restaurant owner who just wanted everyone to have a meal on Thanksgiving is ready for release. Executive producer Rev. Ronald Wooding and director Elgin Cahill chatted with TaRhonda Thomas about the film and Daddy Bruce. (9)
ICYMI: Elitch Gardens is "not going anywhere anytime soon"
As Denver officials work on a plan for the South Platte area that could include zoning changes, the owners of Elitch Gardens are hearing a lot of rumors about the amusement park's future.
“I read on the internet the other day that Elitch’s is closing in December. I’m always the last to know,” Rhys Duggan, president and CEO of Revesco Properties, quipped Thursday at a community meeting on the Downtown Area Plan.
“We’ve got 17 acres of parking around the amusement park. That’s our focus. What do we do with that?” (Denverite)
