Hello, news friends. You know how there's this burgeoning industry of people who play video games on livestreams? Do you think that would still work if it was just a video of me reading the local news and overreacting? This could be huge. For now, though, I'll stick to text.
Energy & environment:
Denver and Xcel could collaborate on battery storage for the local power grid, new electric vehicle infrastructure and potentially even the creation of new renewable power plants. (Denverite)
The new "Geos" neighborhood in Arvada has homes that are producing 30 percent more energy than they consume, according to their builder. (CS Indy)
The feds plan to lease 18,000 acres near Great Sand Dunes for oil and gas drilling. An environmentalist says it could come within a quarter-mile of the preserve, bringing noise and light to one of the quietest places in Colorado. (KUNC)
An activist group used trackers to prove that coffee cups from Denver Starbucks locations end up in the landfill. I'm not really sure why all the subterfuge was necessary, considering that the bins say "no paper cups or lids." Regardless, it worked? Alpine Waste & Recycling says it's working on a way to recycle coffee cups. Bruce Finley reports. (DP)
Development:
Construction sites have inherent fire risks, but experts say the fire in Denver was a rare event. Esteban has an in-depth look. (Denverite)
A startup in Portland is selling and leasing prefab granny flats, or accessory dwelling units, that can fit in backyards. (CityLab)
Denver is reviewing all of the dozens of 30-foot "cell poles" going up around the city. (Denverite)
Business:
Facebook is hiring in Denver and probably moving into a bigger space behind Union Station. (DP, BusinessDen)
In place of the old Tony's Market, you'll find a pizza place, a coffee shop, a bar, one or two retail-focused businesses and up to seven other food concepts. (Denverite)
Transportation:
A three-year agreement between RTD and the transit workers union includes higher wages and improved benefits that could help the driver shortage. (Denverite)
We should have a G Line decision "soon," followed by three-plus months of testing and prep, if all goes well. (9)
Schools:
Colorado students are walking out of school today, a month after the Parkland shooting. Also, their teachers will consider striking if pay negotiations fail. (Chalkbeat)
Melanie Asmar has a profile of North High School, which is serving as a "national example of restorative justice." Job candidates are interviewed by panels of students and tardy students are welcomed into classrooms. (Chalkbeat)
The law:
After the ambush murder of a Douglas County deputy, media outlets requested body-cam footage of the event. The sheriff's office denied the request, but then released his own edited, narrative video. The video was accurate, according to the AP, and it's part of a larger trend of law enforcement using social media to write their own stories. (AP via CPR)
