Denver news in 5 minutes: What you need to know today, March 8

4 min. read
A funeral procession through Central City, likely during the 1890 and possibly for Sheriff R.B. Williams, who was shot by a quartz hauler. (Donald Campbell Kemp/Western History & Genealogy Dept./Denver Public Library/K-283)

Hi there. We've got a ton of news in the roundup today, including updates on the deadly fire in downtown yesterday and the latest on business in politics in Denver.

A funeral procession through Central City, likely during the 1890 and possibly for Sheriff R.B. Williams, who was shot by a quartz hauler. (Donald Campbell Kemp/Western History & Genealogy Dept./Denver Public Library/K-283)
Downtown fire:

At least one person is dead after a fire engulfed a building under construction at 18th and Emerson. The Denver Fire Department said the fire started and spread rapidly. There were reports of construction workers jumping from the building. The fire affected five other buildings, damaged or destroyed 40 cars and rained debris down around Denver. Ashley reports. (Denverite)

Business:

An analyst sees big trouble on the horizon for "car-oriented suburban retail," aka most malls, Laura Bliss reports. Meanwhile, one-hour delivery in every U.S. market is "inevitable," possibly within a few years. (CityLab)

Developers in Edgewater and Glendale think the answer is to let you drink while you shop, John Aguilar reports. (DP)

A builder wants to go to 34 floors at 21st and Lawrence. That would be about as tall as the new Confluence tower. It will have five floors of parking, Ryan Dravitz reports. (DenverInfill)

In Lone Tree, the plan is for up to 10,000 residential units in the RidgeGate community near I-25. It would have two rail stations on the Southeast line, John Rebchook reports. (CREJ)

It's difficult for veterans' to use their VA loans to buy houses in Denver, most likely because the loans have a "bad rap," Ben Markus reports. (CPR)

Birds:

The sandhill cranes are returning to southern Colorado. The three-day Monte Vista Crane Festival starts Friday. (Gazette)

Sports:

Becky Hammon is reportedly a top candidate for the Colorado State University men's basketball coaching job. If so, she could be the first woman to coach a D1 men's college team. (Yahoo)

Politics:

Cary Kennedy earned 50 percent of votes to defeat U.S. Rep. Jared Polis by 18 points. Kennedy, the former Colorado State Treasurer, won 9 of the 11 biggest counties in the state, according to her campaign. Esteban reports. (Denverite)

That's good for her, since she is relying solely on the caucus process to get onto the ballot, as Corey Hutchins reports. (Independent)

Victor Mitchell is the third Republican gubernatorial candidate to submit nomination petitions for June’s primary. So far, he has more signatures than any other GOP candidate. (Denverite)

Colorado Democrats urged Republicans who control the state Senate to allow debate on a resolution to expel GOP Sen. Randy Baumgardner, who was investigated on sexual misconduct allegations. (AP)

Colorado lawmakers introduced a pension bill that would cut benefits, boost contributions and give future public workers a 401(k)-style option. As reporter Brian Eason put it, the bill "has something for everyone to hate." (DP)

Around 60 community leaders and activists gathered on the steps of the City and County Building on Wednesday morning to hold a press conference demanding the resignation of Mayor Michael B. Hancock. Allan reports. (Denverite)

Nancy Rice, the chief justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, will retire in June, allowing Gov. John Hickenlooper to choose her replacement. Jesse Paul reports. (DP)

Arts:

Want $1,000 to $8,000 to paint a mural? Applications for Denver's Urban Arts Fund are now open. (Denverite)

Food and drink:

Stoney's is now serving sports and booze at 17th and Park. (Denverite)

Cherry Cricket is also getting a second location. It'll open in the former Breckenridge space by the ballpark and, of course, there will be an aquarium. (The Know)

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