Northern Illinois University

Aurora Century 16 reopening: See changes made to ten other massacre sites

At 5 p.m. today, the Aurora Century 16, the site of the July 20 attack that killed twelve, officially reopens following a ceremony featuring Governor John Hickenlooper and many others. Some family members have called for a boycott of the event -- an indication of the strong emotions stirred by decis ... More >>

Columbine to Newtown: A tragic list of school shootings since 1999

The senseless massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, which took the lives of twenty children, including Olivia Engel, seen here, plus seven adults, instantly stirs terrible memories of the 1999 attack on Columbine High School. On the tenth anniversary of that tragedy, we assembled a horrific roster of sc ... More >>

Photos: Aurora theater shooting and ten massacre sites that were changed (or not)

The City of Aurora is conducting a survey, asking folks through August 31 what should be done with the Aurora Century 16, the theater where James Holmes allegedly killed twelve people. Many other massacre sites have faced this unfortunate question in the past, with responses ranging from minor chan ... More >>

Video: Online guns undercover investigation catches sellers flouting law

Flickr.​A New York City undercover investigation of online gun sales in fourteen states has found that a majority of the 125 unlicensed sellers contacted were eager to sell firearms to buyers they knew couldn't pass a background check, a violation of federal law. Colorado sellers fared somew ... More >>

Mason Tvert touts marijuana-is-better-than-alcohol rallies at eighty-plus colleges nationwide

Mason Tvert prefers Emerald to Amethyst.​For indefatigable marijuana booster Mason Tvert, founder of the advocacy organization Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), April 1 is a very big day. Rallies are scheduled to take place at more than eighty colleges and universities across ... More >>

Former CSU top cop Dexter Yarbrough's past follows him

Dexter Yarbrough has had a tough year when it comes to the media. He took a leave from his position as Colorado State University police chief in December in relationship to what was called a "personnel investigation." Then, the following month, Rocky Mountain Collegian student journalist David McS ... More >>

The Columbine effect: A horrific roster of school shootings since 1999

The most resonant information that's come my way thus far today in relation to the anniversary of the April 20, 1999 shootings at Columbine High School was contained in an e-mail sent to Westword by Vicki Newell, a public-policy director with the Colorado PTA. It's a list of school shootings since ... More >>

Jack Balas Answers the Male Call

Two Denver shows feature the well-known artist.

The Psychology of Pain

Changing Scenes

A duet at Robischon, two solos at Sandy Carson, and Lew Tilley takes his final bow.

Serious Funnies

John Porcellino returns with a new life and newfound acclaim for his King-Cat Comics.

Popping Off

The Balas and Sweeney duet at Robischon really has something to say.

Ship of State

Facts and Fantasies

SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES THEM