🦫 Buc-ee’s loses

☕ Denver’s Coziest Coffee Shops

If Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow have anything to say about it, we’re in for another six weeks of winter — which sounds like the perfect excuse to snuggle up and sip on something warm at a cozy local coffee shop. So we’re rounding up our favorite spots around the city with the best beverages and killer vibes. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

• Want more? Check out this coffee nerd’s guide to Denver.

📣 Former Denver Police Chief Announces City Council Bid

Former DPD chief Paul Pazen plans to run for City Council’s District 2 seat once current Councilman Kevin Flynn terms out next year. His only opponent so far is Mayor Johnston’s deputy outreach director, Trần Nguyễn-Wills. [CBS Colorado]

⛽ Is the Pamler Lake Buc-ee’s Debate Finally Over?

Town officials with Palmer Lake announced Wednesday that developers have withdrawn their annexation application for the parcel of land where they intended to build Colorado’s second Buc-ee’s location. [CO Sun]

• What’s next? It’s unclear if developers will still pursue a location in the area. For now, it appears to be a victory on one side of a very heated year-long battle responsible for a slew of public official resignations, including the former mayor. [KRCC]

🛴 E-Scooter Deaths Reach a Record High

According to data from Denver’s Department of Transportation & Infrastructure, eight people died while riding e-scooters last year — more than quadruple the previous annual record. Notably, the increase in deaths occurred amid a decrease in ridership. [Westword]

• Change on the horizon? With vows to improve e-scooter safety and regulation, City Council announced plans to switch scooter operations exclusively to Veo, replacing Bird and Lime.

🔎 Denver Sheriff’s Deputy Placed on Investigatory Leave

The deputy is accused of attacking a man in a wheelchair while off duty. This is the second time the deputy has purportedly attacked someone in a wheelchair. In both cases, fellow officials have also been accused of trying to cover up the incidents. [Denver Post 🔒]