🤠 How to do the Stock Show like a pro

🚨 A Break-In at the CO Supreme Court

Denver police arrested a man Tuesday morning for breaking into the Colorado Supreme Court building. The suspect forcibly took keys from an unarmed security guard, then fired shots inside the building, causing “extensive damage,” before voluntarily surrendering to authorities. [CO Sun]

🏠 Denver Declares House1000 Success

On New Year’s Eve, Mayor Mike Johnston announced that the city had officially met its goal of bringing 1,000 people off the streets and into shelter before the new year — a pledge Johnston made on his first day in office back in July. He plans to shelter another 1,000 people this year. [Denverite]

⚖️ Paramedics Found Guilty in Elijah McClain Trial

Following two days of deliberation, a jury found two Aurora paramedics guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. Three police officers also stood trial for this case recently — only one was convicted. [CPR]

🐘 Lauren Boebert Improves Her Odds

After barely holding onto her seat in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District last election, Rep. Lauren Boebert has announced plans to instead run for the state’s 4th Congressional District this year, which is much more favorable to Republicans. [CO Sun]

🐂 When We Almost Lost the Stock Show

The holidays aren’t over in the Mile High — it’s National Western Stock Show time! A true-blue Denver tradition that’s been going strong for more than a century. Well, except that one time when it almost went away. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Hey loyal reader, what do you love about the Stock Show?!

🧑‍🌾 Schmidt loves the educational aspects of the expo:

• “Not a lot of people know this, but the CSU Spur campus and NWSS offer tons of Ag training for people of all ages. Most of the NWSS revolves around education, scholarships for young farmers, and learning a lot about the Ag industry.”

🍺 Tarryn S. goes for the vibes and people-watching:

• “I love grabbing a beer at the Cowboy Bar. The mix of patrons is always amazing.”

🐾 Sharon M. recommends checking out this event underrated event:

• “On the final day of the stock show, you can watch the sheep herding competition — much like was portrayed in the movie ‘Babe.’ These are working dogs that also compete to show off their skills in following commands and dominating the sheep.”

🐴 Rheda G. loves all the animals — big and small:

• “My favorite things to do at the NW are walk through the Hall of Education and look at the many, various rabbits and chickens (who knew there were so many?!) and walk through the barns and appreciate how BIG the steers and bulls are — it’s also fun to see the cattle being showered and groomed for their time in the show ring.”

The Day the Stock Show Almost Left Denver

Since 1906, Denver’s National Western Stock Show has been a main attraction for ranchers and cowpokes and politicians and cityfolk alike, with millions of people and billions of dollars pouring into the city each January. But not so long ago, the big cow and horse expo almost moved out of the Mile High forever.

Arguably the most emblematic piece of western wear, the right hat can make or break an outfit. But how do you choose a hat that won’t make you look like you’re cosplaying?

The key to a good western hat is finding the sweet spot between form and function — it should provide you with ample head cover and shade. Once the basics are covered, find the style that fits you the best. Mine is the “Gus” style, but the most common western hat is the “cattleman’s crease.”

And what about material? The convention goes that a felt hat is for the cold months, and a straw hat is for the warmer months.