thedenverpost--2020-01-29--Manjoo: Beware the pandemic panic

Manjoo: Beware the pandemic panic

Coronavirus is starting to freak me out — not the illness itself but the amped-up , ill-considered way our frightened world might respond to it .
Yes , the novel virus appears to be spreading quickly at the outbreak ’ s epicenter in the Chinese province of Hubei , but after a late start the Chinese government is now imposing unprecedented measures to contain it .
As the World Health Organization declared last week , it remains too early to call the outbreak a global public health emergency .
So far , the Wuhan coronavirus is not much more frightening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like SARS in 2003 or MERS in 2012 , each of which killed fewer than a thousand people around the world .
The new virus ’ s death toll has just exceeded 130 ; for context , according to the CDC , about 15 million Americans have been sickened by the seasonal flu so far in the 2019-2020 flu season , and 8,200 have died from it .
( The flu kills between 300,000 and 650,000 people around the world annually . )
What worries me more than the new disease is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness might spiral into panic and that it might be used to justify unnecessarily severe limits on movement and on civil liberties , especially of racial and religious minorities around the world .
I also worry that the online world may give rise to dangerous skepticism and that in the event of an actual pandemic a large number of people may delay treatment or refuse vaccines because they don ’ t believe the science or are suspicious of the government .
“ I predict that the next major outbreak — whether of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else — will not be due to a lack of preventive technologies , ” warned Heidi Larson , the director of the Vaccine Confidence Project , in a 2018 article in the journal Nature .
“ Instead , emotional contagion , digitally enabled , could erode trust in vaccines so much as to render them moot.
” Social media , she added , “ should be recognized as a global public-health threat.
” Tech giants have been racing to tamp down conspiracy theories and hoaxes about the Wuhan virus , but I worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very successful , because society seems to have no good answer to the kind of emotional contagion Larson describes .
It ’ s not just that many people get their news from a medium given to rumor , exaggeration and wild misinformation , especially on issues about health or science — see the persistence of anti-vaxers or climate-change deniers .
There is also a growing partisan divide over how Americans interpret scientific expertise and health policy , leaving decisions about public health vulnerable to the kind of partisan squabbling you hear on cable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the hair-trigger state of geopolitics .
From Donald Trump to Xi Jinping to Boris Johnson , strongmen with authoritarian tendencies run many of the world ’ s most powerful governments .
It is worth remembering that disease , or the fear of disease , can bring out the worst in humanity — pandemics often feed scapegoating ( Jews were widely blamed for the Black Death ) , creating a fertile field for demagogues .
When you put all these factors together , you ’ ve got a dangerous recipe for global repression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to be driven by political considerations more than epidemiological ones .
The government has imposed a travel lockdown on more than 35 million people , which experts say is a quarantine of unprecedented size and scale , yet it may not even turn out to be very effective .
Experts say that quarantines work best during the earliest stages of an outbreak but that they can also backfire , causing medical shortages , corroding trust in health officials and pushing some people to look to evade care to escape any restriction on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mount a full-scale response to the virus .
According to Wuhan ’ s mayor , 5 million people left the city before restrictions were imposed , suggesting the country is effectively locking the barn door after the horse has run off .
“ They ’ re doing it because people who are in political leadership always think that if you do something dramatic and visible that you ’ ll gain popular support , ” Lawrence Gostin , a professor of global health law at Georgetown University , told The Washington Post .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health advice.
” We should keep this sense of caution in mind in case American politicians begin pushing for travel bans , overbroad quarantines or other measures that might not be supported by the science .
You might wonder what the great harm is — if the government needs to temporarily limit people ’ s movements or prevent some people from entering the country , shouldn ’ t it take those measures in the face of dangerous illness ?
Perhaps , but given the checkered history of quarantines — throughout history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marginalized — lawmakers and the media should rigorously examine the bases for any such restrictions .
We should especially make sure any restrictions imposed are indeed temporary and adhere to the science — something we don ’ t always do .
Consider that 30 years after the AIDS outbreak , men who have sex with men are still restricted from donating blood in the United States , long after the scientific basis for such a ban has passed .
So far , President Donald Trump has offered a measured response to the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control , ” he said this week .
But online , misinformation about the scale of the virus is already trending .
( It is not , as you might have read on Twitter , “ thermonuclear pandemic level bad.
” ) So are racist memes blaming Chinese people and Chinese culture for the virus .
I fear that the conditions are ripe for a situation similar to what occurred in the summer of 2014 , when an outbreak of Ebola overran West Africa .
After the Obama administration scrambled to bring home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected with the disease in Liberia , Trump went on a monthslong Twitter tirade about Ebola .
The future president favored extreme isolationism , seeing no benefit to American help in Africa .
“ People that go to far away places to help out are great-but must suffer the consequences !
” he wrote — ultimately sparking a growing partisan movement against the government ’ s response to the virus .
Today , Trump runs an administration that is hemorrhaging scientific expertise , and his political agenda is rife with efforts to target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2016 , a terrorist attack prompted Trump to propose banning Muslims from the country ; when he won the White House , he instituted a version of that ban .
I fear that panic about a foreign virus offers society another chance to target marginalized people .
So let ’ s keep our fear in check ; panic will hurt us far more than it ’ ll help .
Farhad Manjoo became an opinion columnist for The Times in 2018 .
Before that , Manjoo wrote the State of the Art column @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enough : Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society.
” To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Coronavirus is starting to freak me out — not the illness itself but the amped-up, ill-considered way our frightened world might respond to it.
Yes, the novel virus appears to be spreading quickly at the outbreak’s epicenter in the Chinese province of Hubei, but after a late start the Chinese government is now imposing unprecedented measures to contain it. As the World Health Organization declared last week, it remains too early to call the outbreak a global public health emergency.
So far, the Wuhan coronavirus is not much more frightening than the outbreaks of other recent coronaviruses like SARS in 2003 or MERS in 2012, each of which killed fewer than a thousand people around the world. The new virus’s death toll has just exceeded 130; for context, according to the CDC, about 15 million Americans have been sickened by the seasonal flu so far in the 2019-2020 flu season, and 8,200 have died from it. (The flu kills between 300,000 and 650,000 people around the world annually.)
What worries me more than the new disease is that fear of a vague and terrifying new illness might spiral into panic and that it might be used to justify unnecessarily severe limits on movement and on civil liberties, especially of racial and religious minorities around the world.
I also worry that the online world may give rise to dangerous skepticism and that in the event of an actual pandemic a large number of people may delay treatment or refuse vaccines because they don’t believe the science or are suspicious of the government.
“I predict that the next major outbreak — whether of a highly fatal strain of influenza or something else — will not be due to a lack of preventive technologies,” warned Heidi Larson, the director of the Vaccine Confidence Project, in a 2018 article in the journal Nature. “Instead, emotional contagion, digitally enabled, could erode trust in vaccines so much as to render them moot.” Social media, she added, “should be recognized as a global public-health threat.”
Tech giants have been racing to tamp down conspiracy theories and hoaxes about the Wuhan virus, but I worry that their efforts won’t be very successful, because society seems to have no good answer to the kind of emotional contagion Larson describes. It’s not just that many people get their news from a medium given to rumor, exaggeration and wild misinformation, especially on issues about health or science — see the persistence of anti-vaxers or climate-change deniers. There is also a growing partisan divide over how Americans interpret scientific expertise and health policy, leaving decisions about public health vulnerable to the kind of partisan squabbling you hear on cable news every night.
I also worry about the hair-trigger state of geopolitics. From Donald Trump to Xi Jinping to Boris Johnson, strongmen with authoritarian tendencies run many of the world’s most powerful governments. It is worth remembering that disease, or the fear of disease, can bring out the worst in humanity — pandemics often feed scapegoating (Jews were widely blamed for the Black Death), creating a fertile field for demagogues. When you put all these factors together, you’ve got a dangerous recipe for global repression.
Already, China’s response appears to be driven by political considerations more than epidemiological ones. The government has imposed a travel lockdown on more than 35 million people, which experts say is a quarantine of unprecedented size and scale, yet it may not even turn out to be very effective. Experts say that quarantines work best during the earliest stages of an outbreak but that they can also backfire, causing medical shortages, corroding trust in health officials and pushing some people to look to evade care to escape any restriction on their rights. China took weeks to mount a full-scale response to the virus. According to Wuhan’s mayor, 5 million people left the city before restrictions were imposed, suggesting the country is effectively locking the barn door after the horse has run off.
“They’re doing it because people who are in political leadership always think that if you do something dramatic and visible that you’ll gain popular support,” Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University, told The Washington Post. “They couldn’t have any sound public health advice.”
We should keep this sense of caution in mind in case American politicians begin pushing for travel bans, overbroad quarantines or other measures that might not be supported by the science.
You might wonder what the great harm is — if the government needs to temporarily limit people’s movements or prevent some people from entering the country, shouldn’t it take those measures in the face of dangerous illness? Perhaps, but given the checkered history of quarantines — throughout history, they have been used to persecute the marginalized — lawmakers and the media should rigorously examine the bases for any such restrictions. We should especially make sure any restrictions imposed are indeed temporary and adhere to the science — something we don’t always do. Consider that 30 years after the AIDS outbreak, men who have sex with men are still restricted from donating blood in the United States, long after the scientific basis for such a ban has passed.
So far, President Donald Trump has offered a measured response to the virus. “We have it totally under control,” he said this week. But online, misinformation about the scale of the virus is already trending. (It is not, as you might have read on Twitter, “thermonuclear pandemic level bad.”) So are racist memes blaming Chinese people and Chinese culture for the virus.
I fear that the conditions are ripe for a situation similar to what occurred in the summer of 2014, when an outbreak of Ebola overran West Africa. After the Obama administration scrambled to bring home two American health workers who had become infected with the disease in Liberia, Trump went on a monthslong Twitter tirade about Ebola.
The future president favored extreme isolationism, seeing no benefit to American help in Africa. “People that go to far away places to help out are great-but must suffer the consequences!” he wrote — ultimately sparking a growing partisan movement against the government’s response to the virus.
Today, Trump runs an administration that is hemorrhaging scientific expertise, and his political agenda is rife with efforts to target immigrants, minorities and the poor. In 2016, a terrorist attack prompted Trump to propose banning Muslims from the country; when he won the White House, he instituted a version of that ban.
I fear that panic about a foreign virus offers society another chance to target marginalized people. So let’s keep our fear in check; panic will hurt us far more than it’ll help.
Farhad Manjoo became an opinion columnist for The Times in 2018. Before that, Manjoo wrote the State of the Art column and is the author of “True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society.”
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-29--Kiszla: Real miracle of the 20th-ranked CU basketball program? The Buffs refused to cheat their way

Kiszla: Real miracle of the 20th-ranked CU basketball program? The Buffs refused to cheat their way to the top.

BOULDER — The doubters and cynics said it couldn ’ t be done here .
But in his 10th season on the CU bench , coach Tad Boyle finally has a team capable of beating Kentucky , Gonzaga or any of the elite programs in college basketball .
But maybe this is the real miracle : Boyle and the Buffs dare to chase dreams of March Madness without succumbing to the temptation of folding , spindling or mutilating the NCAA rulebook .
With McKinley Wright IV running the point , junior Tyler Bey living above the rim and Colorado Springs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 3-point range , the Buffs are 16-4 and ranked No .
20 in The Associated Press poll as they head to Los Angeles for crucial weekend roadies against UCLA and USC .
“ You start with good players , without a doubt , ” Boyle told me , as we sat in the CU Events Center after a recent afternoon practice .
“ And the reality is : How do you get the good players ?
You either recruit them , you develop them , or in some cases in college basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them.
” Contrary to what we were taught in vacation Bible school , cheaters do prosper .
Or did you miss the much ballyhooed FBI investigation that exposed the slimy underbelly of college basketball ?
Back in September 2017 , with chests puffed and arrest warrants issued , prosecutors announced they had seized a playbook of the college game ’ s dirty tricks and exposed an elaborate scheme to pay players that violated federal law .
“ The madness of college basketball went well beyond the Big Dance in March , ” declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southern District of New York , after 10 movers and shakers in the sport were charged with crimes .
“ Month after month , the defendants exploited the hoop dreams of student-athletes around the country , allegedly treating them as little more than opportunities to enrich themselves through bribery and fraud schemes.
” But more than two years after the FBI crackdown , what has changed for the better in the crooked landscape of college basketball recruiting ?
Not much , if you believe Boyle .
• 🔊 Kickin ’ It with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tad Boyle refuses to let cheaters in college basketball get him down • Kiszla : Why Kyle Shanahan was wrong coach for Broncos , but right man to beat Chiefs in Super Bowl • Kickin ’ It with Kiz : True or false ?
Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich would ’ ve sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees .
• Kiszla : Hey , Rockies !
Here ’ s solution to the nasty tiff between Nolan Arenado and Jeff Bridich • Kiszla : Wearing SpongeBob shirt , goofball Larry Walker finally kicks down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t know there was an FBI investigation .
I ’ d forgotten about it , ” said Boyle , his words soaked in sarcasm .
Well , don ’ t let Boyle fool you .
He remembers the messiest , most pertinent details of the investigation , particularly as it pertained to conference rival Arizona .
Emmanuel “ Book ” Richardson , an assistant coach for the Wildcats from 2009-17 , claimed in communications intercepted by FBI agents that despite a six-figure annual salary , he was going broke from paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It happened and nothing has come out of it , ” Boyle quipped .
“ Maybe it was a figment of my imagination.
” So why doesn ’ t Boyle do whatever it takes , even if that means breaking the rules , in order to attract elite players to his CU program ?
“ Because you have to look yourself in the mirror at night and you ’ ve got to sleep well at night , ” said Boyle , refusing to be burdened by the guilt of playing outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes aren ’ t because I ’ m worried about the NCAA investigating us .
They ’ re because we ’ re not rebounding or we ’ re not guarding well enough or we ’ re turning over the ball too much.
” Living by the Rules According to Boyle also allows him to look Arizona coach Sean Miller square in the eye when they shake hands on the basketball court .
During his nine previous seasons in Boulder , Boyle has earned invitations to the Big Dance four times .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , if my vote means anything .
But how hard is it to build a program that can compete with Arizona in the Pac-12 , much less Kansas on the national stage ?
CU has won only a single game in the NCAA tournament during Boyle ’ s tenure , who is still seeking his first regular-season conference championship .
The Buffs , however , don ’ t cheat to win .
And isn ’ t that a huge victory in its own right ?
Or am I being hopelessly naïve ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it the right way , ” insisted Boyle , whose team currently stands No .
2 in the conference standings , with a 5-2 record that puts the Buffs a half game behind first-place Oregon .
“ I refuse to let myself get jaded.
” Boyle has won 205 games during a decade on the CU bench .
But after everything he ’ s seen while traveling the crooked recruiting landscape in college basketball , maybe keeping the faith his team doesn ’ t have to cheat to win ranks as Boyle ’ @ @ @ @ @ @

BOULDER — The doubters and cynics said it couldn’t be done here. But in his 10th season on the CU bench, coach Tad Boyle finally has a team capable of beating Kentucky, Gonzaga or any of the elite programs in college basketball.
But maybe this is the real miracle: Boyle and the Buffs dare to chase dreams of March Madness without succumbing to the temptation of folding, spindling or mutilating the NCAA rulebook.
With McKinley Wright IV running the point, junior Tyler Bey living above the rim and Colorado Springs product D’Shawn Schwartz drilling shots from 3-point range, the Buffs are 16-4 and ranked No. 20 in The Associated Press poll as they head to Los Angeles for crucial weekend roadies against UCLA and USC.
“You start with good players, without a doubt,” Boyle told me, as we sat in the CU Events Center after a recent afternoon practice.
“And the reality is: How do you get the good players? You either recruit them, you develop them, or in some cases in college basketball, maybe some people cheat to get them.”
Contrary to what we were taught in vacation Bible school, cheaters do prosper. Or did you miss the much ballyhooed FBI investigation that exposed the slimy underbelly of college basketball?
Back in September 2017, with chests puffed and arrest warrants issued, prosecutors announced they had seized a playbook of the college game’s dirty tricks and exposed an elaborate scheme to pay players that violated federal law.
“The madness of college basketball went well beyond the Big Dance in March,” declared Joon Kim, a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, after 10 movers and shakers in the sport were charged with crimes. “Month after month, the defendants exploited the hoop dreams of student-athletes around the country, allegedly treating them as little more than opportunities to enrich themselves through bribery and fraud schemes.”
But more than two years after the FBI crackdown, what has changed for the better in the crooked landscape of college basketball recruiting?
Not much, if you believe Boyle.
“I didn’t know there was an FBI investigation. I’d forgotten about it,” said Boyle, his words soaked in sarcasm.
Well, don’t let Boyle fool you. He remembers the messiest, most pertinent details of the investigation, particularly as it pertained to conference rival Arizona. Emmanuel “Book” Richardson, an assistant coach for the Wildcats from 2009-17, claimed in communications intercepted by FBI agents that despite a six-figure annual salary, he was going broke from paying recruits out of his own pocket.
“It happened and nothing has come out of it,” Boyle quipped. “Maybe it was a figment of my imagination.”
So why doesn’t Boyle do whatever it takes, even if that means breaking the rules, in order to attract elite players to his CU program?
“Because you have to look yourself in the mirror at night and you’ve got to sleep well at night,” said Boyle, refusing to be burdened by the guilt of playing outside the rules. “The bags under my eyes aren’t because I’m worried about the NCAA investigating us. They’re because we’re not rebounding or we’re not guarding well enough or we’re turning over the ball too much.”
Living by the Rules According to Boyle also allows him to look Arizona coach Sean Miller square in the eye when they shake hands on the basketball court.
During his nine previous seasons in Boulder, Boyle has earned invitations to the Big Dance four times. He’s the best basketball coach in school history, if my vote means anything. But how hard is it to build a program that can compete with Arizona in the Pac-12, much less Kansas on the national stage?
CU has won only a single game in the NCAA tournament during Boyle’s tenure, who is still seeking his first regular-season conference championship.
The Buffs, however, don’t cheat to win. And isn’t that a huge victory in its own right?
Or am I being hopelessly naïve?
“You can be successful by doing it the right way,” insisted Boyle, whose team currently stands No. 2 in the conference standings, with a 5-2 record that puts the Buffs a half game behind first-place Oregon.
“I refuse to let myself get jaded.”
Boyle has won 205 games during a decade on the CU bench.
But after everything he’s seen while traveling the crooked recruiting landscape in college basketball, maybe keeping the faith his team doesn’t have to cheat to win ranks as Boyle’s biggest victory of all.


thedenverpost--2020-01-29--Dusty Baker reaches agreement to become Astros manager, AP source says

HOUSTON — Dusty Baker has reached an agreement to be the manager of the Houston Astros , a person with @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press on Wednesday .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the @ @ @ @ @ announced .
The 70-year-old Baker became the oldest manager in the big leagues .
He @ @ @ @ @ , who was fired Jan. 13 just an hour after he was suspended for the @ @ @ @ @ for his role in Houston ’ s sign-stealing scandal .
Baker ’ s hiring was @ @ @ @ @ wanted to add a veteran presence to a franchise reeling from the dismissal of Hinch @ @ @ @ @ .
Baker has 22 years of managerial experience , starting in 1993 with the San @ @ @ @ @ National League Manager of the Year , Baker last managed the Washington Nationals , who @ @ @ @ @ 97-65 season in 2017 .

HOUSTON — Dusty Baker has reached an agreement to be the manager of the Houston Astros, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.
The 70-year-old Baker became the oldest manager in the big leagues. He takes over from AJ Hinch, who was fired Jan. 13 just an hour after he was suspended for the season by Major League Baseball for his role in Houston’s sign-stealing scandal.
Baker’s hiring was a sign the AL champions wanted to add a veteran presence to a franchise reeling from the dismissal of Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow. Baker has 22 years of managerial experience, starting in 1993 with the San Francisco Giants.
A three-time National League Manager of the Year, Baker last managed the Washington Nationals, who let him go after a 97-65 season in 2017.


thedenverpost--2020-01-29--Nuggets’ Mason Plumlee changes number in honor of Kobe Bryant: “You can’t overstate the impact he ha

Nuggets’ Mason Plumlee changes number in honor of Kobe Bryant: “You can’t overstate the impact he had”

Nuggets backup center Mason Plumlee will change his jersey from No .
24 to No .
7 in honor of Kobe Bryant , the NBA veteran revealed Wednesday .
Plumlee , in a statement to The Denver Post , explained what Bryant meant to him .
“ Over the past few years , I ’ ve had a opportunity to spend time working out in the offseason at Lower Merion High School ( where Bryant attended ) .
I ’ ve gotten to know Kobe ’ s former teammates and coaches .
I ’ ve had a chance to better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a player and a person .
That experience takes on heightened significance now as I consider with profound gratitude how Kobe has inspired me and an entire generation .
“ The passion he played and prepared with and his dedication , determination and unrelenting work ethic set the standard , ” Plumlee continued .
“ You can ’ t overstate the impact he had on our sport and the NBA family .
Kobe stands alone in the history of our game .
His jersey and all that it symbolizes should as well.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
8 , hasn ’ t decided whether he ’ ll continue wearing his number , a league source said .
In the wake of Bryant ’ s tragic death in a helicopter crash Sunday , players like Brooklyn ’ s Spencer Dinwiddie and Orlando ’ s Terrence Ross , among others , have changed their numbers to honor him .
The Athletic was first to report Plumlee ’ s decision .
• Nuggets come up short in loss to Grizzlies • Keeler : Ex-Nuggets coach George Karl on Kobe Bryant ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became a Black Mamba fan • Kiszla vs. Singer : What will you remember about Kobe Bryant ?

Nuggets backup center Mason Plumlee will change his jersey from No. 24 to No. 7 in honor of Kobe Bryant, the NBA veteran revealed Wednesday.
Plumlee, in a statement to The Denver Post, explained what Bryant meant to him.
“Over the past few years, I’ve had a opportunity to spend time working out in the offseason at Lower Merion High School (where Bryant attended). I’ve gotten to know Kobe’s former teammates and coaches. I’ve had a chance to better understand what and who shaped Kobe as a player and a person. That experience takes on heightened significance now as I consider with profound gratitude how Kobe has inspired me and an entire generation.
“The passion he played and prepared with and his dedication, determination and unrelenting work ethic set the standard,” Plumlee continued. “You can’t overstate the impact he had on our sport and the NBA family. Kobe stands alone in the history of our game. His jersey and all that it symbolizes should as well.”
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who wears No. 8, hasn’t decided whether he’ll continue wearing his number, a league source said.
In the wake of Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash Sunday, players like Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie and Orlando’s Terrence Ross, among others, have changed their numbers to honor him.
The Athletic was first to report Plumlee’s decision.


thedenverpost--2020-01-29--Colorado Hospital Association withdraws lawsuit over $40 million reinsurance payment

The Colorado Hospital Association announced Wednesday it was withdrawing a lawsuit alleging the state overstepped its bounds by asking hospitals to pay $ 40 million earlier than they ’ d planned .
The issue centers around a fee on hospitals to support the state ’ s new reinsurance program .
Reinsurance reduces how much insurance companies have to pay for their most expensive customers , so they don ’ t have to charge everyone as much to cover their costs .
Monthly premiums for insurance bought on the individual market have declined about 20 % , though some people may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hospital association maintains the $ 40 million isn ’ t due until July 1 , when the new fiscal year starts , and that some of its members didn ’ t have room in their budgets to pay it early .
The Colorado Division of Insurance had released a proposed regulation to require the hospitals to pay up by June 30 .
One day could matter because the state also begins a new budget year in July , and it ’ s projected to hit the revenue cap set by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Colorado gets additional revenue next fiscal year , it will have to pay out more in refunds to taxpayers , squeezing the state budget .
The Division of Insurance has disputed that the proposed timeline was motivated by concerns about TABOR , and said the fees won ’ t count toward the cap .
In a statement , the hospital association said it was withdrawing the lawsuit because the insurance division is going to follow the normal rulemaking process , including holding a meeting with stakeholders , and took out language that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t pay the fees on time .
Chris Tholen , president and CEO of the association , said in a news release that he hopes for a legislative solution to the issue .
“ If the administration proceeds with the attempt to collect hospital payments early — especially in the face of a workable solution — we ’ ll be back in court if necessary , ” he said .
Julie Lonborg , spokeswoman for the hospital association , said one idea is to have the hospitals pay the full $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of paying $ 40 million each of the next two years .
That could help the state avoid the TABOR issue , while giving the hospitals time to budget for the expense , she said .
Vince Plymell , spokesman for the Division of Insurance , said it was too soon to comment on whether that ’ s a viable solution , because the division hasn ’ t seen the proposal ’ s specific language .
Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway said he was pleased the lawsuit , which he called “ frivolous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this distraction is over , we will continue to work with stakeholders as we strive to serve Coloradans , ” he said in a written statement .

The Colorado Hospital Association announced Wednesday it was withdrawing a lawsuit alleging the state overstepped its bounds by asking hospitals to pay $40 million earlier than they’d planned.
The issue centers around a fee on hospitals to support the state’s new reinsurance program. Reinsurance reduces how much insurance companies have to pay for their most expensive customers, so they don’t have to charge everyone as much to cover their costs. Monthly premiums for insurance bought on the individual market have declined about 20%, though some people may pay more because their subsidies also fell.
The hospital association maintains the $40 million isn’t due until July 1, when the new fiscal year starts, and that some of its members didn’t have room in their budgets to pay it early. The Colorado Division of Insurance had released a proposed regulation to require the hospitals to pay up by June 30.
One day could matter because the state also begins a new budget year in July, and it’s projected to hit the revenue cap set by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. If Colorado gets additional revenue next fiscal year, it will have to pay out more in refunds to taxpayers, squeezing the state budget. The Division of Insurance has disputed that the proposed timeline was motivated by concerns about TABOR, and said the fees won’t count toward the cap.
In a statement, the hospital association said it was withdrawing the lawsuit because the insurance division is going to follow the normal rulemaking process, including holding a meeting with stakeholders, and took out language that hospitals could lose their licenses if they don’t pay the fees on time.
Chris Tholen, president and CEO of the association, said in a news release that he hopes for a legislative solution to the issue.
“If the administration proceeds with the attempt to collect hospital payments early — especially in the face of a workable solution — we’ll be back in court if necessary,” he said.
Julie Lonborg, spokeswoman for the hospital association, said one idea is to have the hospitals pay the full $80 million starting in July 2021, instead of paying $40 million each of the next two years. That could help the state avoid the TABOR issue, while giving the hospitals time to budget for the expense, she said.
Vince Plymell, spokesman for the Division of Insurance, said it was too soon to comment on whether that’s a viable solution, because the division hasn’t seen the proposal’s specific language.
Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway said he was pleased the lawsuit, which he called “frivolous,” was withdrawn.
“Now that this distraction is over, we will continue to work with stakeholders as we strive to serve Coloradans,” he said in a written statement.


thedenverpost--2020-01-29--George Washington wins big over Kennedy, 62-16

The George Washington Patriots easily handled Kennedy by a score of 62-16 on Tuesday .
Next up for each team @ @ @ @ @ to Far Northeast Warriors , while George Washington will travel to play Northfield .
No @ @ @ @ @ been reported for this contest .
This story was created with technology provided by Data @ @ @ @ @ of publication and will update as more data is available .

The George Washington Patriots easily handled Kennedy by a score of 62-16 on Tuesday.
Jaida Redwine lead George Washington with 18 points scored while also collecting two rebounds and five assists. Maya Whiteside had a solid night, scoring 13 points.
Looking ahead to their next games, Kennedy will play host to Far Northeast Warriors, while George Washington will travel to play Northfield.
Kennedy has not reported any team or player statistics from this contest.
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This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Ask Amy: Mom worries about “fat shaming” her son

I totally resented my parents ’ fat-shaming when I was growing up .
( Oddly , I was tall and underweight at the time . )
I went to the gym every day as a young adult and could never please my parents .
I resented every comment from my parents about weight gain .
Now I am a boomer on the high end of BMI and “ overweight.
” My doctor told me my bloodwork is great , to relax , and not to diet .
Now I see the point my parents tried to make .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website to be aware that beef brisket has a ton more calories than fish .
I make him run the stairs in our house ( one flight ) and do two minutes of cardio .
I am teaching him not to be sedentary .
I have this bad , looming , horrible , guilty feeling about this health education , because of how my parents treated me .
Is it OK to get my son to log meals and learn about calories , good and bad fats , etc.
?
He gladly jumps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t too interested in learning about calories and nutrition .
I compliment him on his looks .
I just hope he doesn ’ t feel like I ’ m fat shaming .
What do you think ?
Dear Mom : Your son is old enough that , rather than “ make ” him log meals and run up the stairs , you could engage him more fully in a healthy eating program at home .
Learning to cook will equip him for when he leaves .
Start with asking him to chop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to making omelets , fajitas , and breads ( which are surprisingly fun to make ) .
Distinguishing between “ whole ” foods and processed foods will help him to make basic informed choices about his own eating .
But should you force him to log his eating , with you watching over his shoulder ?
I don ’ t think you should .
Be honest with your son about how your parents treated you , and how you felt about it .
Tell him you want to pass along a healthier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house soon and on his own .
If he feels knowledgeable , competent , and in control of his own choices , he ’ ll be prepared for the ramen years .
( And , by the way , there are times when a good brisket is totally worth its weight in calories . )
Your son might like trying recipes from “ The I Don ’ t Know How to Cook Book : 300 Great Recipes You Can ’ t Mess Up !
” by Mary-Lane Kamberg ( 2015 , Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 30-year-old daughter has developed some poor social habits and I am not sure if it is appropriate to offer advice or let her continue down this path .
She wears old , worn-out clothes and has poor eating habits , including eating very fast , taking huge bites of food , using her fingers to eat , and slurping her drinks .
She is bright , beautiful , kind , and has launched her career .
She is independent .
I obviously dropped the ball when raising her to correct these habits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being embarrassed to eat with her .
Is it appropriate as a parent to insert myself at this point ?
We talk very carefully about these topics and she says she is expressing her own “ style ” in dressing and has acknowledged wanting to slow down the speed of her eating , but there have not been any improvements .
Do I stay out of this or do I gently insert myself ?
Dear Judgmental : No , you should not comment on your daughter ’ s style of dress .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is making choices .
However , I do think you should continue to prompt her about her eating style .
None of us eats in front of a mirror .
She says she is working on some of her habits .
If a parent can ’ t occasionally act as a “ reflection , ” in a nonjudgmental but concerned way , then no one can .
Dear Amy : I did not like your answer to “ Worried , ” who was saddled with horrible stepchildren .
You asked her , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why did you support these awful , rude young adults over the person they were mean to ?
Dear Horrified : “ Worried ” had been in the lives of these young adults for almost 10 years .
I suggested that she reflect on the role she might have had in how they turned out , and that more compassion ( and less harsh judgment ) might yield a better result .

Dear Amy: I’m a comfortably retired mom with a 17-year-old son.
I totally resented my parents’ fat-shaming when I was growing up. (Oddly, I was tall and underweight at the time.) I went to the gym every day as a young adult and could never please my parents.
I resented every comment from my parents about weight gain. Now I am a boomer on the high end of BMI and “overweight.” My doctor told me my bloodwork is great, to relax, and not to diet.
Now I see the point my parents tried to make. I am making my son log calories on a website to be aware that beef brisket has a ton more calories than fish.
I make him run the stairs in our house (one flight) and do two minutes of cardio. I am teaching him not to be sedentary.
I have this bad, looming, horrible, guilty feeling about this health education, because of how my parents treated me. Is it OK to get my son to log meals and learn about calories, good and bad fats, etc.?
He gladly jumps up to exercise, but he isn’t too interested in learning about calories and nutrition. I compliment him on his looks. I just hope he doesn’t feel like I’m fat shaming.
What do you think?
— Concerned Mom
Dear Mom: Your son is old enough that, rather than “make” him log meals and run up the stairs, you could engage him more fully in a healthy eating program at home. Learning to cook will equip him for when he leaves.
Start with asking him to chop vegetables for the family salads. Move on to making omelets, fajitas, and breads (which are surprisingly fun to make). Distinguishing between “whole” foods and processed foods will help him to make basic informed choices about his own eating. But should you force him to log his eating, with you watching over his shoulder? I don’t think you should.
Be honest with your son about how your parents treated you, and how you felt about it. Tell him you want to pass along a healthier message.
He will be out of the house soon and on his own. If he feels knowledgeable, competent, and in control of his own choices, he’ll be prepared for the ramen years. (And, by the way, there are times when a good brisket is totally worth its weight in calories.)
Your son might like trying recipes from “The I Don’t Know How to Cook Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can’t Mess Up!” by Mary-Lane Kamberg (2015, Adams Media).
Dear Amy: My nearly 30-year-old daughter has developed some poor social habits and I am not sure if it is appropriate to offer advice or let her continue down this path.
She wears old, worn-out clothes and has poor eating habits, including eating very fast, taking huge bites of food, using her fingers to eat, and slurping her drinks. She is bright, beautiful, kind, and has launched her career. She is independent.
I obviously dropped the ball when raising her to correct these habits early on, and now find myself being embarrassed to eat with her.
Is it appropriate as a parent to insert myself at this point?
We talk very carefully about these topics and she says she is expressing her own “style” in dressing and has acknowledged wanting to slow down the speed of her eating, but there have not been any improvements.
Do I stay out of this or do I gently insert myself?
— Judgmental and Concerned Parent
Dear Judgmental: No, you should not comment on your daughter’s style of dress. She likely sees a mirror each day and is making choices.
However, I do think you should continue to prompt her about her eating style. None of us eats in front of a mirror. She says she is working on some of her habits. If a parent can’t occasionally act as a “reflection,” in a nonjudgmental but concerned way, then no one can.
Dear Amy: I did not like your answer to “Worried,” who was saddled with horrible stepchildren. You asked her, “Where’s your empathy?”
Why did you support these awful, rude young adults over the person they were mean to?
— Horrified
Dear Horrified: “Worried” had been in the lives of these young adults for almost 10 years. I suggested that she reflect on the role she might have had in how they turned out, and that more compassion (and less harsh judgment) might yield a better result.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Brighton man sentenced to more than 5 years in federal prison for $1 million wire fraud schemes

Anthony Bueno , described by federal prosecutors as a “ con man , ” has been sentenced to more than five years in prison and order to pay more than $ 1.3 million in restitution for money he stole from family and friends .
Bueno , 45 , of Brighton , was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Denver , just two weeks after being sentenced in federal court in a separate bribery scheme , according to a news release .
This week ’ s sentence was for 63 months in federal prison , followed by three years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive to the 30-month prison sentence recently ordered in the separate case .
Bueno used lies and deceit to obtain $ 1,301,829 , which he laundered through accounts controlled by his girlfriend , according to a release from the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office , District of Colorado .
Bueno purchased vehicles and paid off personal expenses with the ill-gotten gains .
He also used a portion of the money to pay restitution owed as a result of a prior state court conviction .
“ Mr .
Bueno is nothing more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends alike , ” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn .
“ Others thinking about these scams should heed this sentence and think twice before engaging in such crimes.
” Cara Church Underwood , in a separate case , pleaded guilty to participating in the same surety bond scheme , the release said .
Sentencing in her case is scheduled for Feb. 27 .

Anthony Bueno, described by federal prosecutors as a “con man,” has been sentenced to more than five years in prison and order to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution for money he stole from family and friends.
Bueno, 45, of Brighton, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Denver, just two weeks after being sentenced in federal court in a separate bribery scheme, according to a news release.
This week’s sentence was for 63 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. It will be served consecutive to the 30-month prison sentence recently ordered in the separate case.
Bueno used lies and deceit to obtain $1,301,829, which he laundered through accounts controlled by his girlfriend, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado. Bueno purchased vehicles and paid off personal expenses with the ill-gotten gains. He also used a portion of the money to pay restitution owed as a result of a prior state court conviction.
“Mr. Bueno is nothing more than a con man who preyed on family and friends alike,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Others thinking about these scams should heed this sentence and think twice before engaging in such crimes.”
Cara Church Underwood, in a separate case, pleaded guilty to participating in the same surety bond scheme, the release said. Sentencing in her case is scheduled for Feb. 27.


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Sofia Kenin tops Ash Barty to reach Australian Open final

MELBOURNE , Australia — So long in the shadows of other American tennis players , Sofia Kenin is into her first Grand Slam final at age 21 — and she beat the woman ranked No .
1 to get there .
Kenin did it by never flinching , even when she twice was a single point from losing each set of her Australian Open semifinal against Ash Barty before pulling out the 7-6 ( 6 ) , 7-5 victory in a stiflingly hot semifinal Thursday .
“ This really wasn ’ t an easy one , ” said the 14th-seeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth round at a major tournament until now .
Kenin , who was born in Russia and moved to Florida as a baby , burst onto the scene in 2019 by winning three singles titles and upsetting Serena Williams in the third round of the French Open .
She didn ’ t face a seeded player in this tournament until Thursday , but did eliminate 15-year-old sensation Coco Gauff in the fourth round .
This was not Barty ’ s first foray onto this stage : She won the French Open last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Barty was hardly at her best , especially at the most crucial moments , perhaps overwhelmed by the task of trying to become the first Australian woman to reach the final of the country ’ s Grand Slam tournament since 1980 .
Instead , Kenin is the first American other than a Williams sister to reach the Australian Open final since Lindsay Davenport in 1995 .
And Kenin is the first American woman to beat the No .
1 player at a major since Serena topped Venus at Wimbledon in 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up against either No .
4 Simona Halep or unseeded Garbiñe Muguruza .
That pair of two-time major champions and former No .
1s were to face each other in Thursday ’ s second semifinal .
“ I ’ m not even going to look , ” Kenin said of the other semifinal .
“ I ’ m just going to relax and enjoy this moment .
I ’ m just looking forward to the final.
” In the men ’ s semifinals , defending champion Novak Djokovic was scheduled to play Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , with No .
5 Dominic Thiem meeting No .
7 Alexander Zverev in a matchup between 20-somethings on Friday night .
Barty and Kenin stepped out in Rod Laver Arena in the early afternoon under a cloudless sky and a vibrant sun .
The temperature topped 100 Fahrenheit ( 38 Celsius ) in the first set , 20 to 25 ( 10 to 15 ) degrees hotter than it ’ s been for much of a chillier-than-usual 1½ weeks so far at Melbourne Park .
“ It was tough .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two weeks ( but ) I expected it today , ” Kenin said .
“ I ’ m from Miami .
I ’ m used to this weather .
The heat didn ’ t bother me.
” Barty braced herself by wearing an ice towel around her neck at changeovers .
In addition to making it uncomfortable for players and fans alike , the new conditions caused balls to zip through the air and fly off rackets , rendering it that much harder to control shots .
Add that to jitters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and neither was at her best for much of the opening set .
Barty ’ s one-handed slice backhand was not as reliable as it normally is .
Kenin ’ s movement and groundstrokes seemed to lack their usual verve .
It took Kenin 43 minutes to register just one forehand winner , while 11 of her initial 14 points resulted from unforced errors by Barty .
Barty had nearly twice as many winners in the first set , 22-12 , thanks in large part to her eight aces , and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46-44 .
But that doesn ’ t matter at all in tennis , of course .
Barty was a point from taking that set when she went up 6-4 in the tiebreaker by slapping a 78 mph second serve with a forehand return winner , prompting Kenin to bounce her racket off the blue court and shake her head .
Maybe that helped her release some tension , because she wouldn ’ t lose another point in the set .
Barty ’ s first set point was wasted with a netted backhand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the seats .
The second was erased when Kenin ripped a good return , followed by a forehand that wrong-footed Barty .
Another winner by Kenin , this one a swinging forehand volley , put her ahead 7-6 for her first set point .
Barty then missed a runaround forehand , ending the set ; Kenin shouted “ Come on !
” Not ready to concede , Barty recovered quickly , earning the match ’ s first break , 70 minutes in , en route to a 3-1 lead in the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and she served for it at 5-4 , but stumbled once more .

MELBOURNE, Australia — Sofia Kenin never flinched.
Not when she was twice a point from dropping the opening set of her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. Not when she was twice a point from dropping the second set, either.
And the American is into her first major final at age 21 — beating the woman ranked No. 1, Ash Barty, to get there. Now Kenin will need to beat a former No. 1, Garbiñe Muguruza, to grab the trophy.
Kenin saved a total of four set points to stop home hope Barty’s bid to give Australia a long-awaited singles champion at Melbourne Park, pulling out a 7-6 (6), 7-5 victory on a stiflingly hot Thursday.
“I was telling myself: ‘I believe in myself. If I lose the set, I’m still going to come out and believe,’” said the 14th-seeded Kenin, who never had been past the fourth round at a major. “Yeah, I really did a great job with it. I didn’t give up.”
Muguruza fended off four set points in the opener of her semifinal and wound up defeating No. 4 Simona Halep 7-6 (8), 7-5 in a matchup of players who have won Wimbledon and the French Open but not the Australian Open.
It was a streaky contest: Muguruza led 5-3 in the first set before Halep took 15 of 17 points to earn a pair of set points. Muguruza then took seven consecutive points. And so on, until Halep put a shot in the net to relinquish that set, then smashed her racket and sat on the sideline, shaking her head.
“I think I played many top-10 players in a row, got the victories. Definitely it’s a sign that my tennis is good,” Muguruza said. “Doesn’t matter how many Grand Slams you have. Even if you have 15 Grand Slams, you go out there and you have somebody that can beat you.
“Excited to have one more match here.”
Barty — who won the French Open last June, beating Kenin along the way — was hardly at her best Thursday, especially at the most crucial moments. Maybe she was burdened by the task of trying to become the first Australian woman since 1980 to get to the final of the country’s Grand Slam.
“Unfortunately, couldn’t quite scrap enough to get over the line,” said Barty, who held her niece on her lap at the post-match news conference. “Just didn’t play the biggest points well enough to win.”
Instead, Kenin is the first American other than a Williams sister to reach the Australian Open final since Lindsay Davenport in 2005. And Kenin is the first American woman to beat the No. 1 player at any major since Serena topped Venus at Wimbledon in 2002.
“She has the ability to adapt,” Barty said. “She’s extremely confident at the moment, as well.”
Those inside the sport know. But Kenin has been overshadowed by some of the many other American women making waves in recent years.
“I mean, yeah, I know people haven’t really paid attention much to me in the past. I had to establish myself, and I have,” Kenin said. “Of course, now I’m getting the attention, which I like it. Not going to lie.”
Kenin, who was born in Russia and moved to Florida as a baby, burst onto the scene in 2019 by winning three singles titles, upsetting Serena Williams in the third round at Roland Garros, and soaring from No. 52 to No. 12 in the rankings.
She didn’t face a seeded player in this tournament until Thursday, but did eliminate 15-year-old sensation Coco Gauff in the fourth round.
Barty and Kenin stepped out in Rod Laver Arena in the early afternoon under a cloudless sky and a vibrant sun. The temperature topped 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in the first set, 20 to 25 (10 to 15) degrees hotter than it’s been for much of a chillier-than-usual 1½ weeks so far at Melbourne Park.
Barty braced herself by wearing an ice towel around her neck at changeovers.
In addition to making it uncomfortable for players and fans alike, the conditions caused balls to zip through the air and fly off rackets, rendering it that much harder to control shots. Add that to some jitters, and neither woman was at her best in the opening set.
Barty’s one-handed slice backhand was not as reliable as it normally is. Kenin’s movement and groundstrokes seemed to lack their usual verve.
It took Kenin 43 minutes to register just one forehand winner, while 11 of her initial 14 points resulted from unforced errors by Barty.
After one lost point, Kenin hit herself in the thigh. On the next, she flubbed a high volley and dropped her racket to the ground. Up in the stands, Kenin’s father, Alexander, who is also her coach, put his hands on his head.
Hours later, he could smile as he looked back at the big win and ahead to what’s next.
“The basic plan that we developed, we stuck to it, and it looked like it worked,” Dad said.
Asked what he thought it will be like to see his daughter participate in her first Grand Slam final, he replied: “Never been there, so I don’t know. Let’s see.”
Barty had two chances to claim the first set but couldn’t. Same thing happened in the second.
Kenin now will climb into the top 10 of the rankings. One more win, and she’ll achieve something even more significant: The right to call herself a Grand Slam champion.
“She deserves that respect,” Barty said, “and she deserves the recognition.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Moby Madness: Isaiah Stevens delivers at the buzzer as CSU knocks off Nevada

FORT COLLINS –– If the clock wasn ’ t running on Wednesday night , Colorado State and Nevada likely would have battled in back-and-forth fashion into eternity .
Someone had to come out on top , and after dropping eight consecutive contests against the Wolfpack , the Rams simply never gave in upon knocking down clutch shot after clutch shot .
Despite a valiant effort the visitors , CSU ( 15-8 , 6-4 ) furiously stormed back down the stretch upon erasing a 10-point deficit and pulling ahead 89-85 in the final minute .
Nearly making the comeback all for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added to the affair ’ s drama by sinking a go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds remaining to seize a 91-89 edge .
Suddenly , you could hear a pin drop in the once-roaring Moby Arena .
Though CSU was down , Medved ’ s resilient squad was truly never out .
Breaking the eerie silence and creating a court-storming frenzy , freshman Isaiah Stevens raced across the court before side-stepping and delivering a nothing-but-net , game-winning buzzer-beater to defeat Nevada 92-91 .
While CSU ’ s first-year phenom sent the packed house of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thistlewood largely accounted for the Rams ’ ability to stay within striking distance earlier in the second half .
In the best 20-minute segment of Thistlewood ’ s career , the sharpshooter totaled 22 of his team-most 24 points off 6-8 converted field goals .
Not only did the sophomore fill up the stat sheet en route to a career-best outing , he came through when the Rams needed him most .
Following a big-time block from David Roddy on the defensive end , Thistlewood drained a corner triple to bring the crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , the shot cut CSU ’ s deficit to one with less than two minutes left .
Speaking of Roddy , the freshman star rose to the occasion as well in the latter stages .
Amounting to an 18-point showing , the forward converted a timely layup with time winding down to give the Rams an 87-85 advantage –– their first lead since early in the stanza .
Though impressively nailed 14 attempts from beyond the arc and scored 36 points in the paint , every Ram who took the floor contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night effectively .
A resurged Nico Carvacho also kept the Rams afloat , particularly early .
Overall , the redshirt senior went on to accumulate 16 points while hauling in 13 crucial rebounds .
Up next , CSU hosts UNLV ( 11-11 , 6-3 ) on Saturday afternoon as it looks to ride the high from Wednesday night a little longer .

FORT COLLINS –– Someone had to come out on top.
In a back-and-forth contest against Nevada Wednesday, Colorado State simply never gave in, knocking down clutch shot after clutch shot. None bigger than the one by Rams freshman Isaiah Stevens, who raced across the court before side-stepping and delivering a nothing-but-net, game-winning buzzer-beater to defeat Nevada, 92-91, and snap an eight-game losing streak to the Wolfpack.
𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑻 🚨 pic.twitter.com/QasUx1iZYO — Colorado State Men’s Basketball (@CSUMBasketball) January 30, 2020
“Coach (Niko) Medved told me that I had more than enough time with 5.3 to get down the court and get a shot that I like,” Stevens said. “And to just not rush myself, let the shot come to me, see what develops in front of me and then go make a play.”
As wild and unpredictable as the affair unfolded, it’s only fitting that Stevens capped the memorable evening at Moby on an emphatic note. Wednesday’s miraculous jumper marks his second game-winner at the horn thus far in his young career, with the first occurring in a victory over Loyola-Chicago.
To say the least, the Texas native knows how to perform in crunch time.
“He’s (Stevens) a walking bucket, that’s all I gotta say.” sophomore forward Adam Thistlewood said. “It’s amazing to see a young player be this great this early in his career. He is just going to keep going from here.”
Despite a valiant effort the visitors, CSU (15-8, 6-4) furiously stormed back down the stretch upon erasing a 10-point deficit and pulling ahead 89-85 in the final minute. Nearly making the comeback all for naught, Nevada’s Jalen Harris added to the affair’s drama by sinking a go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds remaining to seize a 91-89 edge.
Suddenly, you could hear a pin drop in the once-roaring Moby Arena. Though CSU was down, Medved’s resilient squad was truly never out. Stevens’ game-winner broke the eerie silence and created a court-storming frenzy.
While CSU’s first-year phenom sent the packed house of fans home happy, sophomore forward Adam Thistlewood largely accounted for the Rams’ ability to stay within striking distance earlier in the second half.
In the best 20-minute segment of Thistlewood’s career, the sharpshooter totaled 22 of his team-most 24 points off 6-8 converted field goals. Not only did the sophomore fill up the stat sheet en route to a career-best outing, he came through when the Rams needed him most.
Following a big-time block from David Roddy on the defensive end, Thistlewood drained a corner triple to bring the crowd to life. Representing an evident turning point, the shot cut CSU’s deficit to one with less than two minutes left.
“When he (Roddy) rotated over and blocked that shot, that was a game-changing play…And Adam Thistlewood was phenomenal tonight, especially in the middle part of the game,” Medved said.
Speaking of Roddy, the freshman star rose to the occasion as well in the latter stages. Amounting to an 18-point showing, the forward converted a timely layup with time winding down to give the Rams an 87-85 advantage –– their first lead since early in the stanza.
Though impressively nailed 14 attempts from beyond the arc and scored 36 points in the paint, every Ram who took the floor contributed vitally –– which combated Harris’ 31-tally night effectively.
A resurged Nico Carvacho also kept the Rams afloat, particularly early. Overall, the redshirt senior went on to accumulate 16 points while hauling in 13 crucial rebounds.
“What an unbelievable college basketball game,” Medved said. “When I shook Coach Alford’s hand at the end of the game, he said the same thing. Guys were just making plays. Jalen Harris was just unreal tonight. But our guys just did what they did all year. We continue to stick with it. We fight for 40 minutes…I think all of these victories are part of the process of continuing to get better and build. I like that this team is getting better in so many areas.”
Upon snapping its lengthy skid against the Wolfpack, CSU now stands in a four-way tie in the Mountain West standings alongside Utah State, Boise State and Nevada.
Up next, CSU hosts UNLV (11-11, 6-3) on Saturday afternoon as it looks to ride the high from Wednesday night a little longer. And though the outcome of the Rams’ upcoming clash could go either way, it’s safe to assume CSU will approach the action as passionately as Wednesday if the Moby faithful decide to jolt energy into the arena again.
“You could see it in the fans in how excited they got and how loud that place got,” Thistlewood said. “We feed off that. The more fans we can get, the more we are going to feed off them and the better we are going to play.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--What was with those massive snowflakes on Wednesday night?

A short-lived snow shower moved through the Denver metro area on Wednesday evening .
While that snow shower didn ’ t produce much in the way of actual accumulation – most areas in the immediate Denver metro area only saw a coating of wet snow – it did produce some unusually large snow flakes .
Here are a few scenes from Wednesday ’ s snow across the metro area : Those flakes didn ’ t last all that long , perhaps 20 or 30 minutes in most cases .
But they were quite the sight , if only for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size of Wednesday ’ s snowflakes came down to two things : relatively mild temperatures and a burst of moisture .
Temperatures in the Denver area were right around 32 degrees , if not a tick higher as the snow first started .
Because the temperature was right at the freezing mark , it led to a partial melting of the snowflake .
That created a sticky ring of liquid around the edge of the snowflake , and that helped glue together other flakes .
The flakes stuck together , creating the wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild temperatures – typically the main driver of the size of a snowflake – a shower-like burst of moisture created an essential downpour of snowfall as well .
With the mild temperatures helping glue together the snow , the simple addition of more moisture created more actual snow to fall .
While it didn ’ t last all that long , Wednesday night ’ s snow was ( briefly ) quite the spectacle across much of the metro Denver area .
You can thank mild temperatures ( at least for snow ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .

A short-lived snow shower moved through the Denver metro area on Wednesday evening. While that snow shower didn’t produce much in the way of actual accumulation – most areas in the immediate Denver metro area only saw a coating of wet snow – it did produce some unusually large snow flakes.
Here are a few scenes from Wednesday’s snow across the metro area:
Those flakes didn’t last all that long, perhaps 20 or 30 minutes in most cases. But they were quite the sight, if only for a short time.
The key behind the size of Wednesday’s snowflakes came down to two things: relatively mild temperatures and a burst of moisture.
Temperatures in the Denver area were right around 32 degrees, if not a tick higher as the snow first started. Because the temperature was right at the freezing mark, it led to a partial melting of the snowflake. That created a sticky ring of liquid around the edge of the snowflake, and that helped glue together other flakes. The flakes stuck together, creating the wider individual flakes.
In addition to the mild temperatures – typically the main driver of the size of a snowflake – a shower-like burst of moisture created an essential downpour of snowfall as well. With the mild temperatures helping glue together the snow, the simple addition of more moisture created more actual snow to fall.
While it didn’t last all that long, Wednesday night’s snow was (briefly) quite the spectacle across much of the metro Denver area. You can thank mild temperatures (at least for snow) and a cold front-induced burst of energy for it.


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Man sues Arvada police for excessive force

A man who claims he was punched in the face repeatedly by a police officer is suing Arvada and three officers in federal court for excessive force .
Travis Cook , through his attorneys , filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Denver claiming Officer Brandon Valdez beat Cook ’ s “ face bloody ” in an unprovoked attack Feb. 11 , 2018 .
Valdez and two other officers , Scott Thomas and Ryan Clark , were called to an Arvada home on a report of Cook arguing with his then-girlfriend , Alex Stumpp , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaulting Stumpp .
He was acquitted at trial .
The night of the incident , Valdez , “ from the outset , for no discernible reason … was rude , hostile and extremely aggressive with Mr. Cook , ” according to the lawsuit .
The officers gave Cook , who was sitting in a chair , “ contradictory orders , ” telling him to “ stand up ” and “ sit back down.
” Valdez used Cook ’ s noncompliance to the conflicting directives “ to justify using physical force , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defendants who initiated the physical contact with Mr. Cook.
” Valdez has claimed that Cook elbowed him in the face , prompting a reprisal to protect himself and others .
Two witnesses , Victor Stumpp , Alex Stumpp ’ s father , and Karalee Baker , Cook ’ s mother , claim that Cook “ never struck ” Valdez , according to the lawsuit .
Cook was shocked with a stun gun before being handcuffed .
Arvada police officers are not required to wear body cameras .
“ The lawsuit alleges three Arvada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Cook ’ s arrest following a domestic violence investigation in 2018 , ” Arvada police said in a written statement .
“ Following their investigation , officers determined there was probable cause to arrest Mr. Cook for felony assault .
“ Cook resisted officers when they attempted to place him under arrest , so officers were required to use force to protect the alleged victim and to take Mr. Cook into custody , ” police said .
Cook ’ s actions the night of the incident also triggered a violation of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The department claims Cook was “ in a physical altercation with his girlfriend prior to officers ’ arrival on the scene.
” The lawsuit claims that the police department ’ s internal affairs process “ is solely concerned with exonerating Arvada officers , not finding the truth .
It falsely reported the two independent witnesses as having said the opposite of what each actually said , as evidenced by recordings of the witnesses ’ statements.
” Stemming from the incident , Cook was charged with second- and third-degree assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peace officer .
He was acquitted of all charges , according to the lawsuit , except the misdemeanor obstruction charge .
On Jan. 14 , 2018 , Valdez , while on duty , shot and killed Erick DeLeon , according to the lawsuit .
DeLeon , wanted for a felony domestic violence warrant out of Denver , was armed and raised a gun at officers the night of the shooting , police said .
After being shot , DeLeon shot and killed himself .
The department ’ s decision to keep Valdez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting was “ deliberately indifferent ” to public safety , according to the lawsuit .
The lawsuit describes the officers ’ actions as “ unreasonable ” and that Cook engaged in “ no physical resistance.
” The officers ’ “ excessive force ” caused Cook “ substantial harm ” and violated his “ constitutional rights.
” The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages , to be determined at trial , as well as other terms of relief .

A man who claims he was punched in the face repeatedly by a police officer is suing Arvada and three officers in federal court for excessive force.
Travis Cook, through his attorneys, filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Denver claiming Officer Brandon Valdez beat Cook’s “face bloody” in an unprovoked attack Feb. 11, 2018.
Valdez and two other officers, Scott Thomas and Ryan Clark, were called to an Arvada home on a report of Cook arguing with his then-girlfriend, Alex Stumpp, according to the lawsuit. Cook was arrested for allegedly assaulting Stumpp. He was acquitted at trial.
The night of the incident, Valdez, “from the outset, for no discernible reason … was rude, hostile and extremely aggressive with Mr. Cook,” according to the lawsuit. The officers gave Cook, who was sitting in a chair, “contradictory orders,” telling him to “stand up” and “sit back down.”
Valdez used Cook’s noncompliance to the conflicting directives “to justify using physical force,” the lawsuit said. “It was the Defendants who initiated the physical contact with Mr. Cook.”
Valdez has claimed that Cook elbowed him in the face, prompting a reprisal to protect himself and others.
Two witnesses, Victor Stumpp, Alex Stumpp’s father, and Karalee Baker, Cook’s mother, claim that Cook “never struck” Valdez, according to the lawsuit. Cook was shocked with a stun gun before being handcuffed. Arvada police officers are not required to wear body cameras.
“The lawsuit alleges three Arvada Police Officers used excessive force while effecting Mr. Cook’s arrest following a domestic violence investigation in 2018,” Arvada police said in a written statement. “Following their investigation, officers determined there was probable cause to arrest Mr. Cook for felony assault.
“Cook resisted officers when they attempted to place him under arrest, so officers were required to use force to protect the alleged victim and to take Mr. Cook into custody,” police said.
Cook’s actions the night of the incident also triggered a violation of his probation in an earlier vehicular assault case, police said. The department claims Cook was “in a physical altercation with his girlfriend prior to officers’ arrival on the scene.”
The lawsuit claims that the police department’s internal affairs process “is solely concerned with exonerating Arvada officers, not finding the truth. It falsely reported the two independent witnesses as having said the opposite of what each actually said, as evidenced by recordings of the witnesses’ statements.”
Stemming from the incident, Cook was charged with second- and third-degree assault of Valdez, resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer. He was acquitted of all charges, according to the lawsuit, except the misdemeanor obstruction charge.
On Jan. 14, 2018, Valdez, while on duty, shot and killed Erick DeLeon, according to the lawsuit.
DeLeon, wanted for a felony domestic violence warrant out of Denver, was armed and raised a gun at officers the night of the shooting, police said. After being shot, DeLeon shot and killed himself.
The department’s decision to keep Valdez on patrol a month after the DeLeon shooting was “deliberately indifferent” to public safety, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit describes the officers’ actions as “unreasonable” and that Cook engaged in “no physical resistance.” The officers’ “excessive force” caused Cook “substantial harm” and violated his “constitutional rights.”
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, to be determined at trial, as well as other terms of relief.


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Bill prohibiting ICE arrests at Colorado courthouses heads to Senate floor

On Wednesday , the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony regarding a proposed bill that would prohibit ICE officers from making @ @ @ @ @ .
“ When courthouses are no longer are safe for everyone in Colorado to go @ @ @ @ @ strikes me as problematic , ” said Sen. Julie Gonzales , who is sponsoring this @ @ @ @ @ to make sure everyone can access justice.
” The bill was created in response to @ @ @ @ @ at courthouses in Colorado , where immigration officers detained undocumented immigrants attending court proceedings .
@ @ @ @ @ can obstruct the justice system .
Advocates , some through tears and breaking voices , @ @ @ @ @ of ICE detentions , detailing the trauma inflicted upon them and their families when they @ @ @ @ @ the justice system .
Legal experts and advocacy groups and argued that ICE threats discourage @ @ @ @ @ from complying with the law , preventing people from their right to a fair trial @ @ @ @ @ and will go to the Senate floor .

On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony regarding a proposed bill that would prohibit ICE officers from making civil arrests in Colorado courthouses.
“When courthouses are no longer are safe for everyone in Colorado to go and seek justice, that strikes me as problematic,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, who is sponsoring this bill. “We have to make sure everyone can access justice.”
The bill was created in response to arrests that have taken place at courthouses in Colorado, where immigration officers detained undocumented immigrants attending court proceedings. Gonzales argued that this threat can obstruct the justice system.
Advocates, some through tears and breaking voices, spoke on behalf of victims of ICE detentions, detailing the trauma inflicted upon them and their families when they were trying to comply with the justice system.
Legal experts and advocacy groups and argued that ICE threats discourage witnesses, victims and defendants from complying with the law, preventing people from their right to a fair trial.
The bill passed 3-2 and will go to the Senate floor.


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Impeachment trial: Cory Gardner questions whether House went too far

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner asked President Donald Trump ’ s attorneys on Wednesday whether the House of Representatives has overstated its authority and possibly abused its power of impeachment .
The president was impeached last month on two counts — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , the second of which was due to his refusal to allow executive branch officials to comply with subpoenas .
On Wednesday , the president ’ s impeachment trial featured eight hours of questions from senators .
“ Arguments have been made that any assertion of protection from disclosure is indicative of guilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of impeachment power can not be questioned by the executive , ” Gardner , a Yuma Republican , asked in a written question .
“ Is that interpretation of the House ’ s impeachment power consistent with the Constitution ?
And what protects the executive from the House abusing the impeachment power in the future ?
” Patrick Philbin , deputy counsel to the president , agreed with the premise of Gardner ’ s question , saying House Democrats were wrong to suggest Trump ’ s refusal to comply with subpoenas in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Constitution gives the House the sole power of impeachment , which means only that the House is the only place , the only part of the government , that has that power , ” Philbin said .
“ It doesn ’ t say they have a paramount power of impeachment that destroys all other constitutional rights or privileges or immunities.
” “ The ( Constitution ’ s ) framers recognized there could be partisan and illegitimate impeachments , ” Philbin added .
“ They recognized that the House could impeach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t leave the executive branch totally defenseless to that.
” Gardner ’ s question came during the first of two days of senator questions .
Those questions will continue Thursday , likely followed by votes on whether to subpoena witnesses and additional evidence Friday .
Gardner announced Wednesday that he is opposed to subpoenaing witnesses .
Earlier in the day , U.S. Rep. Jason Crow , an Aurora Democrat and one of the seven House prosecutors , fielded a question from Sen. Dianne Feinstein , a Democrat from California .
Feinstein wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked the release of military aid to Ukrainian investigations .
“ There is , in fact , overwhelming evidence that the president withheld military aid directly to get a personal , political benefit — to help his individual political campaign , ” Crow said .
He cited the words of acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney , who said at an October press conference that Ukraine aid was withheld to solicit an investigation into Ukrainian election interference .
Crow also cited the testimony of Gordon Sondland , ambassador to the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Trump that Ukraine ’ s president should announce investigations Trump desired .
In response to a question from Feinstein and Sen. Brian Schatz , D-Hawaii , Crow argued Trump ’ s defense team would welcome additional documents and witnesses if they proved Trump withheld aid for policy reasons or concerns about corruption in Ukraine , rather than his own political aspirations .
“ If this was a specific debate about policy — a debate about corruption , a debate about burden-sharing — then let ’ s have the documents that would show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s hear from the witnesses that would show that .
Because the documents and witnesses that we have forwarded , that we have talked about , show the exact opposite.
” Two other Democratic senators , Ben Cardin and Tammy Baldwin , asked Crow whether Ukrainians knew aid was being withheld last July .
The president ’ s defense attorneys have suggested they did not know , and therefore that a quid pro quo could not have occurred .
“ Defense Department official Laura Cooper testified that her staff received two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 , revealing that the Ukrainian embassy was asking about security assistance , ” Crow said in response to the question , before proposing that the Senate subpoena those emails .
“ The American people , in matters of national security , ” Crow added , “ deserve to go to bed every night knowing that the president — the commander in chief , the person who is ultimately responsible for the safety and security of our nation every night — has the best interests of them and their families and this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his political campaign .
That is why we are here .
”

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner asked President Donald Trump’s attorneys on Wednesday whether the House of Representatives has overstated its authority and possibly abused its power of impeachment.
The president was impeached last month on two counts — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, the second of which was due to his refusal to allow executive branch officials to comply with subpoenas. On Wednesday, the president’s impeachment trial featured eight hours of questions from senators.
“Arguments have been made that any assertion of protection from disclosure is indicative of guilt and that the House’s assertion of impeachment power cannot be questioned by the executive,” Gardner, a Yuma Republican, asked in a written question. “Is that interpretation of the House’s impeachment power consistent with the Constitution? And what protects the executive from the House abusing the impeachment power in the future?”
Patrick Philbin, deputy counsel to the president, agreed with the premise of Gardner’s question, saying House Democrats were wrong to suggest Trump’s refusal to comply with subpoenas in the impeachment inquiry is a sign of guilt.
“The Constitution gives the House the sole power of impeachment, which means only that the House is the only place, the only part of the government, that has that power,” Philbin said. “It doesn’t say they have a paramount power of impeachment that destroys all other constitutional rights or privileges or immunities.”
“The (Constitution’s) framers recognized there could be partisan and illegitimate impeachments,” Philbin added. “They recognized that the House could impeach for the wrong reasons. They didn’t leave the executive branch totally defenseless to that.”
Gardner’s question came during the first of two days of senator questions. Those questions will continue Thursday, likely followed by votes on whether to subpoena witnesses and additional evidence Friday. Gardner announced Wednesday that he is opposed to subpoenaing witnesses.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, an Aurora Democrat and one of the seven House prosecutors, fielded a question from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California. Feinstein wanted to know whether there was evidence Trump linked the release of military aid to Ukrainian investigations.
“There is, in fact, overwhelming evidence that the president withheld military aid directly to get a personal, political benefit — to help his individual political campaign,” Crow said.
He cited the words of acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, who said at an October press conference that Ukraine aid was withheld to solicit an investigation into Ukrainian election interference. Crow also cited the testimony of Gordon Sondland, ambassador to the European Union, who says he was told by Trump that Ukraine’s president should announce investigations Trump desired.
In response to a question from Feinstein and Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Crow argued Trump’s defense team would welcome additional documents and witnesses if they proved Trump withheld aid for policy reasons or concerns about corruption in Ukraine, rather than his own political aspirations.
“If this was a specific debate about policy — a debate about corruption, a debate about burden-sharing — then let’s have the documents that would show that,” Crow said. “Let’s hear from the witnesses that would show that. Because the documents and witnesses that we have forwarded, that we have talked about, show the exact opposite.”
Two other Democratic senators, Ben Cardin and Tammy Baldwin, asked Crow whether Ukrainians knew aid was being withheld last July. The president’s defense attorneys have suggested they did not know, and therefore that a quid pro quo could not have occurred.
“Defense Department official Laura Cooper testified that her staff received two emails from the State Department on July 25, revealing that the Ukrainian embassy was asking about security assistance,” Crow said in response to the question, before proposing that the Senate subpoena those emails.
“The American people, in matters of national security,” Crow added, “deserve to go to bed every night knowing that the president — the commander in chief, the person who is ultimately responsible for the safety and security of our nation every night — has the best interests of them and their families and this country in mind, not the best interests of his political campaign. That is why we are here.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Vanessa Bryant speaks: “We are completely devastated”

Vanessa Bryant spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since the helicopter crash that killed her husband Kobe Bryant , one of their daughters and seven others , taking to Instagram to thank people for the global outpouring of support since the tragedy .
She also announced the formation of a fund to help support the other families that were affected by the crash .
“ Thank you for all the prayers .
We definitely need them , ” Vanessa Bryant wrote .
“ We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband , Kobe — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my beautiful , sweet Gianna — a loving , thoughtful , and wonderful daughter , and amazing sister to Natalia , Bianka , and Capri .
We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday , and we share in their grief intimately.
” The Bryants would have celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this April .
They had four daughters including Gianna , the 13-year-old who died in the crash .
“ There aren ’ t enough words to describe our pain right now , ” Vanessa Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved .
We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives .
I wish they were here with us forever .
They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.
” It was the first statement from the Bryant family since the crash .
The Los Angeles Lakers — the team that Bryant spent 20 years with , winning five championships — held a media availability Wednesday as well , the team ’ s first since learning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday , a game the NBA postponed out of respect to Bryant , the other victims and the grieving process .
The Lakers will next play on Friday , at home against Portland .
“ I ’ m not sure what our lives hold beyond today , and it ’ s impossible to imagine life without them , ” Vanessa Bryant wrote .
“ But we wake up each day , trying to keep pushing because Kobe , and our baby girl , Gigi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way .
Our love for them is endless — and that ’ s to say , immeasurable .
I just wish I could hug them , kiss them and bless them .
Have them here with us , forever.
” There has been no announcement on funeral or memorial plans yet for Kobe and Gianna Bryant .
Vanessa Bryant asked for a continued respect of her family ’ s privacy as they begin to “ navigate this new reality .
”

Vanessa Bryant made her first public comment Wednesday since the helicopter crash that killed husband Kobe Bryant, one of their daughters and seven other people, taking to Instagram to thank people for the global outpouring of support since the tragedy.
She also announced the formation of a fund to help support the other families that were affected by the crash.
“Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them,” Vanessa Bryant wrote. “We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.”
The Bryants would have celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this April. They had four daughters including Gianna, the 13-year-old who died in the crash.
“There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now,” Vanessa Bryant wrote. “I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.”
It was the first statement from the Bryant family since the crash. The Los Angeles Lakers — the team that Bryant spent 20 years with, winning five championships — held a media availability Wednesday as well, their first since learning of Bryant’s death.
Bryant’s Granity Studios also released a statement late Wednesday remembering both Bryant and his daughter as well as the other victims — Alyssa, John and Keri Altobelli; Payton and Sarah Chester; Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan.
“Granity is a word Kobe created that is a combination of greater than infinity. How very Kobe,” the studio’s statement read. “In everything he built, Kobe was driven to teach the next generation how to reach their full potential. He believed in the beauty of the process, in the strength that comes from inner magic, and in achieving the impossible. We honor and will continue Kobe’s mission and commitment to using creative education to inspire people to be the best version of themselves.”
The Lakers had been scheduled to play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, a game the NBA postponed out of respect to Bryant, the other victims and the grieving process. The Lakers will next play on Friday, at home against Portland.
“I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them,” Vanessa Bryant wrote. “But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.”
There has been no announcement on funeral or memorial plans yet for Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Vanessa Bryant asked for continued respect of her family’s privacy as it begins to “navigate this new reality.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-30--Couple stuck two days in snow near Wyoming rescued by helicopter, Sno-cat

A couple in a pickup stuck for two days in mountain snow on a remote road near Wyoming was rescued Tuesday , and a man who walked away from the truck to seek help is being treated for hypothermia .
The pair got stuck Sunday on Larimer County Road 80C , and the sheriff ’ s office was notified of the situation about 11:20 a.m. Tuesday , according to a news release .
The hypothermia victim walked away from the truck about 11:15 a.m. Monday .
Rescuers tried to ping cellphone coordinates but were unsuccessful .
Deputies and emergency services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the search effort , and a helicopter was dispatched .
Overnight temperatures were in the teens to lower 20s , according to the National Weather Service .
Weather was colder still with the wind chill .
About 1:45 p.m. Tuesday , a UCHealth helicopter spotted the truck east of Eaton Reservoir , according to the release .
A woman in the truck did not need medical attention .
About an hour later the man was spotted on 80C about 2 miles southwest of Iron Mountain .
He was taken by helicopter to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woman in the truck about 5 p.m. , and she was taken home .
The sheriff ’ s office said people traveling in the mountains should let a separate party know of their plans , make sure to use and take appropriate clothing , and pack enough food and water for at least 24 hours .

A couple in a pickup stuck for two days in mountain snow on a remote road near Wyoming was rescued Tuesday, and a man who walked away from the truck to seek help is being treated for hypothermia.
The pair got stuck Sunday on Larimer County Road 80C, and the sheriff’s office was notified of the situation about 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, according to a news release. The hypothermia victim walked away from the truck about 11:15 a.m. Monday.
Rescuers tried to ping cellphone coordinates but were unsuccessful. Deputies and emergency services personnel used a Sno-cat as part of the search effort, and a helicopter was dispatched.
Overnight temperatures were in the teens to lower 20s, according to the National Weather Service. Weather was colder still with the wind chill.
About 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, a UCHealth helicopter spotted the truck east of Eaton Reservoir, according to the release. A woman in the truck did not need medical attention. About an hour later the man was spotted on 80C about 2 miles southwest of Iron Mountain. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital.
Rescuers in the Sno-cat reached the woman in the truck about 5 p.m., and she was taken home.
The sheriff’s office said people traveling in the mountains should let a separate party know of their plans, make sure to use and take appropriate clothing, and pack enough food and water for at least 24 hours.


thedenverpost--2020-01-31--Nuggets center Nikola Jokic named NBA All-Star for second straight season

Whatever ailed Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic to start this season has been a non-issue for months now .
On Thursday , Jokic was named to his second consecutive All-Star team after two fantastic months helped erase the memory of a slow start .
Jokic was voted an All-Star reserve by the NBA ’ s head coaches , and he ’ ll take part in the league ’ s showcase game on Sunday , Feb. 16 in Chicago .
The last Nugget to be named to consecutive All-Star teams was Carmelo Anthony during the 2009- ’ 10 and 2010- ’ 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets coach Michael Malone joked that if Jokic hadn ’ t been named to the All-Star team , it ’ d be “ the biggest conspiracy since JFK.
” There ’ s no need for any further investigation after the announcement .
Heading into Thursday night ’ s contest against Utah , Jokic was averaging 19.8 points , 10.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists and has been at the helm of Denver ’ s attack .
He ’ s the primary reason Denver sits at 32-15 and in the thick of the race for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concerning start to the season , which saw his scoring and his overall production drop , Jokic has played at an MVP level for the better part of two months .
Since Dec. 1 , Jokic is averaging 22.2 points , 10 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game .
In addition , he ’ s draining nearly 38 % of his 3-pointers .
It ’ s that area , in particular , where he ’ s seen the most stark change .
It was early in December when Jokic admitted he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside .
And it was around that time when Jokic began a postgame workout routine that made him feel like he was doing everything possible to correct the course .
Now noticeably trimmer , the Nuggets have leaned even more heavily on Jokic ’ s production while navigating their recent spate of injuries .
The league ’ s coaches took notice .
Jokic is an All-Star once again .

Whatever ailed Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic to start this season has been a non-issue for months now.
On Thursday, Jokic was named to his second consecutive All-Star team after two fantastic months helped erase the memory of a slow start. Jokic was voted an All-Star reserve by the NBA’s head coaches, and he’ll take part in the league’s showcase game on Sunday, Feb. 16, in Chicago.
“I’m more happy just because I know how it was there,” Jokic said. “I’m really happy to be around those guys, I’m really enjoying every moment there. It’s a nice accomplishment for me, of course my teammates, my coaches and my family, they all go with me through everything. It’s not just my accomplishment.”
Now a veteran of the chaotic All-Star weekend schedule, Jokic was asked how best to navigate all his obligations.
“Yeah,” Jokic deadpanned. “Be late.”
The last Nugget to be named to consecutive All-Star teams was Carmelo Anthony during the 2009-’10 and 2010-’11 seasons, respectively.
Last week, Nuggets coach Michael Malone joked that if Jokic hadn’t been named to the All-Star team, it’d be “the biggest conspiracy since JFK.”
“There was no doubt in my mind that he was an All-Star, that he’d be selected for his second consecutive appearance,” Malone said. “I think it symbolizes the recognition of him being a great player and the fact that we have earned a reputation as a team that has a chance to compete at the top of the West. When you have the record that we have, you deserve to have an All-Star.”
There’s no need for any further investigation after the announcement. Heading into Thursday night’s contest against Utah, Jokic was averaging 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists and has been at the helm of Denver’s attack. He’s the primary reason Denver sits at 32-15 and in the thick of the race for homecourt advantage in the playoffs.
Utah center Rudy Gobert, also named an All-Star on Thursday, said Jokic was a “no-brainer.”
“He’s just one of the best players in the world at his position,” Gobert said.
After a concerning start to the season, which saw his scoring and his overall production drop, Jokic has played at an MVP level for the better part of two months. Since Dec. 1, Jokic is averaging 22.2 points, 10 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. In addition, he’s draining nearly 38% of his 3-pointers.
It’s that area, in particular, where he’s seen the starkest change. It was early in December when Jokic admitted he was struggling with his confidence, especially from outside. Since then, he’s been on a tear.
“I didn’t change much, I just kinda changed my diet, my workouts,” Jokic said. “Maybe a little bit I changed the way how to play.”
Now noticeably trimmer, the Nuggets have leaned even more heavily on Jokic’s production while navigating their recent spate of injuries. The league’s coaches took notice. Jokic is an All-Star once again.