Today we begin a week of honoring the 12 students and teacher killed on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School. So much has been written over the years about the families of those slain and the survivors who witnessed the unimaginable, we wondered what could be added of value to the discussion.
Sadly, Columbine remains something of a demarcation line for topics as relevant today as they were 20 years ago: guns, mental illness, profound grief, safety and even the media.
Through a series of stories, video interviews, photos and podcasts, online and in print, we will explore the legacy of Columbine, starting with reporter John Aguilar’s story today on what has and hasn’t happened in the ferocious battle over guns where so little compromise has been found.
Above all, we hope you spend this week remembering these people and their families:
- Cassie Bernall,17
- Steve Curnow, 14
- Corey DePooter, 17
- Kelly Fleming, 16
- Matt Kechter, 16
- Daniel Mauser, 15
- Daniel Rohrbough, 15
- William “Dave” Sanders, 47
- Rachel Scott, 17
- Isaiah Shoels, 18
- John Tomlin, 16
- Lauren Townsend, 18
- Kyle Velasquez, 16
— , Editor for The Denver Post
Five of The Denver Post’s best stories this week
20 years after Columbine shooting, little has been accomplished on gun control
More than 200 lives have been claimed in school shootings in the 20 years since the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999. In that time, little gun control legislation has passed. The response at the state level has been more robust but varied across the country. While 14 states, including Colorado, have passed “red-flag laws,” other states are moving in the opposite direction by strengthening concealed carry laws. Read more from John Aguilar.
Denver election guide
In anticipation for Denver’s upcoming election, our city reporter Andrew Kenney has created an election guide for voters. This included profiles of the candidates for Denver mayor.
- Lisa Calderón: Can the establishmentap sharpest critic change Denver’s power structure?
- Jamie Giellis: Denver transplant and former RiNo leader tries to strike a balance on development
- Penfield Tate: Former lawmaker warns that Denver is “disappearing” amid development and scandals
- Michael Hancock: Can Denver’s boomtown mayor survive success?
- Stephan “Seku” Evans: Former Black Panther, florist, has had enough “poo-poo la-la” in Denver
- Kalyn Heffernan: The rapper who’s “rolling” for Denver mayor
Teens are more open about talking about mental health and suicide. But they say adults are slow to catch up.
Suicide has become a reality for teenagers across Colorado as suicide is the leading cause of death in this state for individuals between the ages of 10 and 24. Jessica Seaman reports that part of the difficulty teens face when they need help is that their parents, teachers and school administrators treat mental health — a topic often laced with stigma and shame — as a subject to be avoided or dismissed. Read more from Jessica Seaman.
The story of craft beer in 2018: Record brewery openings, record closings and slowing growth
On Wednesday, the Brewers Association delivered a state of the industry address. That state, based on 2018 numbers, is still growing but slowing down significantly compared to years past even as thousands of new brewers get into the market or prepare to. Read more from Joe Rubino.
Bill overhauling how oil, gas is regulated in Colorado clears legislature: Now the action really begins
Far away from the capitol, those bracing for changes coming from new oil and gas legislation include workers who drill and service the wells; people concerned about the potential health effects of nearby drilling; and mineral rights owners and business people dependent on revenue the industry produces. Read more from Judith Kohler.
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Quick Hits
+ Although itap the “best place to live” in Colorado, you’ve probably never heard of this neighborhood
+ Colorado’s first build-for-rent community opening in Commerce City
+ Colorado regulators prepare to hit the ground running when oil and gas bill becomes law
+ “Chopped” winner returns to her old Denver neighborhood to open new brunch spot
+ Its “Eminem IPO” never happened, but Denver-based Royalty Exchange isn’t sulking, itap growing.
