Welcome back to 2018. Last year closed out on a violent and tragic note, the killing of a Douglas County sheriff's deputy and the wounding of four others. We've also got news about a Denver nonprofit making a difference for the hungry, the energy debate in Colorado, political rumblings and, before it's too late, some 2018 resolutions.
Read on.
Resolutions
Ashley and the rest of the team at Denverite have rounded up 18 resolutions for 2018, things that will help you engage with the city, engage your mind and just have more fun. (Denverite)
Food
“Throwing food away every single day is sad,” says Suntastic operations manager Nolan Smith. “There’s a lot of hungry people out there.” But Smith won’t be sad today. He put a call out to We Don’t Waste, a Denver-area nonprofit that will help clear out his rejects. Kevin has this story. (Denverite)
Weather
The rest of the country is swathed in cold, but we here in Denver should see a pretty nice day. (Denverite)
Climate
This could be the year Colorado's energy debate goes big, Grace Hood reports. Towns and utilities that one doesn't normally associate with liberal do-gooding are setting goals for more renewable energy, it's going to be a topic in governor's race and we'll need to decide how to spend $68 million in VW settlement money. (CPR)
Crime
Violence ripped through Highlands Ranch early in the morning of New Year's Eve. A man opened fire on Douglas County sheriff's deputies who were responding to a report of a domestic disturbance. Matthew Riehl killed one of the deputes and wounded four others, as well as two civilians. Before the shooting, the Iraq War vet and law school graduate live-streamed a profanity-laced rant. Wyoming authorities had warned Lone Tree police about the man. The community honored the fallen officer at a candlelight vigil. (DP, 9, 31)
Denver police arrested Jared Chavez, 25, on suspicion of second-degree murder after a man was shot and killed outside Dandy Dan's, a strip club on Federal Boulevard. (DP)
Politics
State Sen. Cheri Jahn of Wheat Ridge announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party. She'll spend the 2018 legislative session as an unaffiliated legislature. (Colorado Politics)
Editor Susan Greene is trying to get records related to a death penalty case handled by the office of George Brauchler, the Arapahoe County district attorney who is running for attorney general. The prosecution was handled by a previous DA, but Brauchler is blocking access to certain records related to the handling of the case. Greene argues this speaks to Brauchler's views on transparency and accountability and, ultimately, his fitness for office. (Colorado Independent)
In the past, Colorado Democrats have made a careful choice to run a moderate for governor. Not everyone thinks that's the necessary approach for 2018. Republicans see an opening, while many Democrats think they're right where they need to be. (Denverite)
Rural living
Jennifer Brown and Kevin Simpson spent time with the retirees, young families and others who cashed out from the hectic, expensive Front Range and voluntarily moved to one of Colorado's small towns. This is the latest entry in the Denver Post's "Colorado Divide" series. (DP)
Musicals
Hamilton tickets go on sale Jan. 22. Adrian reports. (Denverite)
