thedenverpost--2020-02-24--Colorado consumers could save up to 20% under state health insurance option, Polis says

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis ’ s office released a plan Monday to limit how much the “ state option ” for insurance would pay hospitals , with a goal of reducing consumers ’ monthly costs by up to 20 % .
The formula is almost certain to run into stiff opposition from the Colorado Hospital Association .
But lawmakers say the rates are better than what some hospitals are currently receiving and the rate-setting will provide more certainty about how much hospitals can expect to be reimbursed for services .
And the plan will benefit rural hospitals , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avon who is sponsoring the bill .
He said anticipates the state option bill will receive bipartisan support , despite the vocal opposition .
Lawmakers wanted to release the reimbursement formula before the bill was introduced to be transparent and explain the process of developing it , he said .
“ The formula is just one part of the bill , so it ’ s not safe to just look at that and assume that ’ s how the state option is going to be accomplished , ” Roberts said .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the legislation.
” The proposed payment formula is the latest twist in a policy drama that began during the last legislative session when lawmakers passed a bill directing state agencies to pursue a “ public option ” for health insurance .
What the agencies came up with wasn ’ t what most people consider a public option — a government-run health plan — but rather a form of insurance sold by private companies with more regulations imposed in an effort to reduce costs .
The state Department of Health Care Policy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlined recommendations for reducing costs through the plan , which relied heavily on limiting payments to hospitals .
The specifics of how that would work and the formula that would guide the reimbursement rates were not determined at that time .
The bill ’ s sponsors worked with hospitals , insurance companies and the governor ’ s office to craft a plan that Roberts said reflects compromise , and rates that will ensure hospitals are able to cover all their costs .
The bill is expected to be introduced in the next couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the formula for reimbursement rates has been one of the largest pieces of it .
An actuary firm worked with the lawmakers on the analysis .
The formula in the proposal would pay hospitals a starting rate of 155 % of the rate Medicare pays .
In practice , that means that if Medicare would pay a hospital $ 1,000 to perform a medical procedure , the hospital would get $ 1,550 to do the same procedure on someone covered by the state option .
The percentage of reimbursement would increase depending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information provided by Colorado hospitals .
By comparison , Colorado hospitals got about 269 % of Medicare rates from private insurers in 2017 , according to a report from the RAND Corporation .
That means they were paid , on average , $ 2,690 for the hypothetical $ 1,000 procedure .
Some hospitals got twice that rate .
“ Certainly rural and smaller hospitals are above 200 ( % ) , and I think most are going to be around the 190 to 200 range , ” Roberts said .
The proposal estimates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Medicare rate , on average ( $ 1,430 for our example procedure ) .
So theoretically , the base rate would build in a small profit .
It ’ s difficult to forecast how much any particular hospital might gain or lose , though , because Medicare pays different rates if a hospital tends to get sicker patients , teaches aspiring doctors or treats lots of low-income patients .
“ This thoughtfully crafted formula will help save Coloradans up to 20 % on the individual market and bring transparency on costs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for Polis .
“ The formula also takes into account unique factors like whether a hospital is a critical access , independent or has a large number of patients on Medicare and Medicaid .
We look forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to create a Colorado Option and realize these savings for Coloradans — all for less money than special interests are spending to convince Coloradans that expensive premiums and out of reach health care is the best we can do.
” The formula was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hospitals have grown increasingly pointed , with Colorado being propelled to the center of a national debate on controlling health care costs .
The governor ’ s office has zeroed in on a report that found hospitals raised prices even as they became more profitable , and the hospitals argue they ’ re a small piece of the health care pie and are being unfairly singled out .
Hospitals that aren ’ t part of a larger network would get an extra 20 % , as would critical access hospitals — small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from another hospital and generally have short patient stays .
A hospital that is both independent and critical access would be paid 40 % extra , bringing its total rate under the state option to 195 % of what Medicare pays .
Hospitals also could get higher rates if they treat high numbers of patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid , and if they ’ ve kept their costs lower than the state average .
Theoretically , if a hospital received the maximum extra payments in all three categories , it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — but that ’ s highly unlikely , because it would require a hospital to treat only people covered by Medicare or Medicaid .
A yet-to-be-unveiled bill also is expected to require insurers to pass along rebates they get from drug companies , and lower their maximum profits .
The state Division of Insurance estimated between 4,600 and 9,200 people would buy the state option plan , but that could change as more details about what it might cost to buy insurance through the plan become available .
The governor ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of insurance will fall anywhere from 7 % to 20 % , with bigger decreases in rural areas .
Since these rates would apply only to the state option , however , it ’ s not clear if anything would stop hospitals from deciding they wanted to seek higher prices from other insurance plans .
It ’ s clear that the hospital rate reductions would be the primary source of savings , said Billy Wynne , a health care consultant and founder of the Public Option Institute .
Wynne hadn ’ t seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but said it would be difficult to address costs without looking at hospitals , because they are the largest source of health care spending .
Hospitals have a “ fair point ” that focusing on them doesn ’ t address the whole cost issue , but it ’ s a reasonable strategy to tackle one sector at a time , he said .
“ Biting off what you can chew now may be a better way to get something done , ” he said .
The Health Care Cost Institute estimated inpatient hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 14 % more than the national average .
They were even higher in Fort Collins , at 42 % above average , while Boulder and Colorado Springs were closer to the middle .
Chris Whaley , an associate policy researcher focused on health care costs at RAND Corporation , couldn ’ t speak directly to Colorado ’ s insurance markets , but said prices have risen nationwide as hospitals consolidate .
Often , hospitals have invested in cosmetic upgrades and more luxurious amenities because patients may see facilities as a proxy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitch mergers as a way to increase efficiency and lower costs , but the data clearly shows that prices go up when fewer hospitals are competing in a market , Whaley said .
The HCCI found the hospital markets in Denver , Colorado Springs and Fort Collins all were dominated by a few players .
“ We actually see the opposite going on , ” he said .
• New Colorado health care purchasing alliance aims to drive down hospital costs • How much will it cost to pop the question at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital profits are skyrocketing , new state report says Another point of contention for opponents of the proposal has been the recommendation that insurers would be mandated to participate in the public option , but Roberts said the bill sponsors are incorporating more flexibility into the plan because they know that ’ s not economically feasible for all companies .
The goals of the bill are to create competition and lower premiums , Roberts said .
“ Every county will have a new insurance option in that county , but we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move into every county , ” Roberts said .
“ We ’ re going to allow some flexibility in that we ’ ll look to find out which insurance companies are best situated to move into each individual county.
” Other major components of the state option plan bill include creating competition through insurance coverage , authorizing the Division of Insurance to apply for a federal waiver to allow the state to use money saved by creating the plan to help create more savings across the insurance pool , and the creation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions .

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s office released a plan Monday to limit how much the “state option” for insurance would pay hospitals, with a goal of reducing consumers’ monthly costs by up to 20%.
The formula is almost certain to run into stiff opposition from the Colorado Hospital Association. But lawmakers say the rates are better than what some hospitals are currently receiving and the rate-setting will provide more certainty about how much hospitals can expect to be reimbursed for services.
And the plan will benefit rural hospitals, said Rep. Dylan Roberts, a Democrat from Avon who is sponsoring the bill. He said he anticipates the state option bill will receive bipartisan support, despite the vocal opposition. Lawmakers wanted to release the reimbursement formula before the bill was introduced to be transparent and explain the process of developing it, he said.
“The formula is just one part of the bill, so it’s not safe to just look at that and assume that’s how the state option is going to be accomplished,” Roberts said. “This is just one of several major pieces of the legislation.”
Katherine Mulready, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the Colorado Hospital Association, countered that the information released Monday didn’t alleviate her concerns. It’s difficult to be sure of the impact, since the state didn’t release hospital-by-hospital numbers, but it appears the cuts could average anywhere from 25% to 56% in different parts of the state, she said.
The association is still analyzing the proposal, but it seems likely hospitals will have to raise costs for people with insurance plans that aren’t part of the state option, Mulready said.
“These cuts have real impacts to hospitals and the care they can provide their patients,” she said.
The proposed payment formula is the latest twist in a policy drama that began during the last legislative session when lawmakers passed a bill directing state agencies to pursue a “public option” for health insurance. What the agencies came up with wasn’t what most people consider a public option — a government-run health plan — but rather a form of insurance sold by private companies with more regulations imposed in an effort to reduce costs.
The state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Division of Insurance released a report in November that outlined recommendations for reducing costs through the plan, which relied heavily on limiting payments to hospitals. The specifics of how that would work and the formula that would guide the reimbursement rates were not determined at that time.
The bill’s sponsors worked with hospitals, insurance companies and the governor’s office to craft a plan that Roberts said reflects compromise, and rates that will ensure hospitals are able to cover all their costs. The bill is expected to be introduced in the next couple of weeks, and Roberts said determining the formula for reimbursement rates has been one of the largest pieces of it. An actuary firm worked with the lawmakers on the analysis.
How the formula works
The formula in the proposal would pay hospitals a starting rate of 155% of the rate Medicare pays. In practice, that means that if Medicare would pay a hospital $1,000 to perform a medical procedure, the hospital would get $1,550 to do the same procedure on someone covered by the state option. The percentage of reimbursement would increase depending on different criteria and was partly based on information provided by Colorado hospitals.
By comparison, Colorado hospitals got about 269% of Medicare rates from private insurers in 2017, according to a report from the RAND Corporation. That means they were paid, on average, $2,690 for the hypothetical $1,000 procedure. Some hospitals got twice that rate.
“Certainly rural and smaller hospitals are above 200(%), and I think most are going to be around the 190 to 200 range,” Roberts said.
The proposal estimates hospitals break even at 143% of the Medicare rate, on average ($1,430 for our example procedure). So theoretically, the base rate would build in a small profit. It’s difficult to forecast how much any particular hospital might gain or lose, though, because Medicare pays different rates if a hospital tends to get sicker patients, teaches aspiring doctors or treats lots of low-income patients.
“This thoughtfully crafted formula will help save Coloradans up to 20% on the individual market and bring transparency on costs for all consumers,” said Conor Cahill, a spokesman for Polis. “The formula also takes into account unique factors like whether a hospital is a critical access, independent or has a large number of patients on Medicare and Medicaid. We look forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to create a Colorado Option and realize these savings for Coloradans — all for less money than special interests are spending to convince Coloradans that expensive premiums and out of reach health care is the best we can do.”
The formula was released as accusations between the state government and hospitals have grown increasingly pointed, with Colorado being propelled to the center of a national debate on controlling health care costs. The governor’s office has zeroed in on a report that found hospitals raised prices even as they became more profitable, and the hospitals argue they’re a small piece of the health care pie and are being unfairly singled out.
Hospitals that aren’t part of a larger network would get an extra 20%, as would critical access hospitals — small hospitals that are at least 35 miles from another hospital and generally have short patient stays. A hospital that is both independent and critical access would be paid 40% extra, bringing its total rate under the state option to 195% of what Medicare pays.
Hospitals also could get higher rates if they treat high numbers of patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid, and if they’ve kept their costs lower than the state average. Theoretically, if a hospital received the maximum extra payments in all three categories, it could be paid 265% of what Medicare pays — but that’s highly unlikely, because it would require a hospital to treat only people covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
A yet-to-be-unveiled bill also is expected to require insurers to pass along rebates they get from drug companies, and lower their maximum profits.
Cutting monthly costs
The state Division of Insurance estimated between 4,600 and 9,200 people would buy the state option plan, but that could change as more details about what it might cost to buy insurance through the plan become available. The governor’s office’s formula anticipates the monthly price of insurance will fall anywhere from 7% to 20%, with bigger decreases in rural areas.
Since these rates would apply only to the state option, however, it’s not clear if anything would stop hospitals from deciding they wanted to seek higher prices from other insurance plans.
The Health Care Cost Institute estimated inpatient hospital services in the Denver metro area cost about 14% more than the national average. They were even higher in Fort Collins, at 42% above average, while Boulder and Colorado Springs were closer to the middle.
Chris Whaley, an associate policy researcher focused on health care costs at RAND Corporation, couldn’t speak directly to Colorado’s insurance markets, but said prices have risen nationwide as hospitals consolidate. Often, hospitals have invested in cosmetic upgrades and more luxurious amenities because patients may see facilities as a proxy for quality, he said.
Hospitals often pitch mergers as a way to increase efficiency and lower costs, but the data clearly shows that prices go up when fewer hospitals are competing in a market, Whaley said. The HCCI found the hospital markets in Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins all were dominated by a few players.
“We actually see the opposite going on,” he said.
Cautious responses from health industry
The proposal is consistent with what the governor has discussed, but it’s important to study its full implications before determining if it’s the best approach, said Billy Wynne, a health care consultant and founder of the Public Option Institute.
It would be difficult to address costs without looking at hospitals, because they are the largest source of health care spending, Wynne said. Hospitals have a “fair point” that focusing on them doesn’t address the whole cost issue, but it’s a reasonable strategy to tackle one sector at a time, he said.
“Biting off what you can chew now may be a better way to get something done,” he said.
The Colorado Medical Society also took a measured approach. Dr. David Markenson, a pediatric emergency specialist and the society’s president, said physicians aren’t opposed to considering costs, but it needs to be done with an eye on whether patients can access care they need close to home, and the quality of that care.
“Cost, while important, cannot be looked at in isolation,” he said. “It is only one piece of the entire health care puzzle.”
The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative came out with stronger support for the proposed formula. Adam Fox, the group’s director of strategic engagement, said he thought the plan balanced the need to support hospitals operating on thinner margins, while bringing overall costs down.
“We need to make sure that the rural hospitals and the critical access hospitals get what they need, but we also need to address some of the outrageous costs from some of the mega-hospitals,” he said.
Creating competition
Another point of contention for opponents of the proposal has been the recommendation that insurers would be mandated to participate in the public option, but Roberts said the bill sponsors are incorporating more flexibility into the plan because they know that’s not economically feasible for all companies.
The goals of the bill are to create competition and lower premiums, Roberts said.
“Every county will have a new insurance option in that county, but we’re not going to require every insurance company to move into every county,” Roberts said. “We’re going to allow some flexibility in that we’ll look to find out which insurance companies are best situated to move into each individual county.”
Other major components of the state option plan bill include creating competition through insurance coverage, authorizing the Division of Insurance to apply for a federal waiver to allow the state to use money saved by creating the plan to help create more savings across the insurance pool, and the creation of an advisory board to review plan decisions.


thedenverpost--2020-02-24--Explaining this morning’s sudden Front Range snowstorm

In just 28 minutes , Fort Collins went from mostly cloudy Monday morning straight into a blinding snowstorm .
A series of snow squalls — defined by the National Weather Service as a “ short-lived burst of heavy snowfall that leads to a quick reduction in visibilities ” — set up along the urban corridor on Monday morning , disrupting travel across much of the Front Range .
The heaviest of the snow fell in northern Colorado , where Fort Collins and Greeley saw a short but powerful blast of snow around 8 a.m. on Monday morning .
Later on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and east across parts of the foothills , the Palmer Divide and into the Colorado Springs area , affecting travel in those areas as well .
Those fast-moving snow squalls flared up on Monday morning , driven by an unusual amount of wintertime instability for eastern Colorado .
That instability came as a result of a strong cold front moving through the region , coupled with energy at the mid- and upper-levels of the atmosphere .
In short , Monday ’ s snow squalls developed in a similar fashion to the way an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of air masses , fueled by energy higher up in the atmosphere , and just enough moisture at the surface to wring out a fast-moving and wind-driven burst of snow .
That ’ s why the clouds on Monday may have resembled those of a June storm , rather than a mid-winter burst of snow .
That also created a degree of thunderstorm-like unpredictability with those bands of heavy snowfall .
While most of the immediate Denver area escaped most of the significant snowfall , narrow bands of heavy snow impacted Colorado Springs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bordering areas of the Denver metro area on Monday .
As is often the case with a snow squall , snow accumulation was fairly minimal ( generally an inch or less ) , but impacts were high .
With Monday ’ s snow coinciding with the morning rush , heavy snow swept through parts of the Interstate 25 and 70 corridors with near whiteout conditions .
Further west , snow also disrupted travel along Interstate 70 , shutting down Vail Pass .
Snow squalls have been a common theme this winter across eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow also accounting for a large chunk of the Denver area ’ s largest snowfall so far this February .

In just 28 minutes, Fort Collins went from mostly cloudy Monday morning straight into a blinding snowstorm.
A series of snow squalls — defined by the National Weather Service as a “short-lived burst of heavy snowfall that leads to a quick reduction in visibilities” — set up along the urban corridor on Monday morning, disrupting travel across much of the Front Range. The heaviest of the snow fell in northern Colorado, where Fort Collins and Greeley saw a short but powerful blast of snow around 8 a.m. on Monday morning.
Heads up Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, and Denver. A quick burst of snow will move off the foothills. Expect poor visibility and possibly slushy roads thru 9am. #cowx pic.twitter.com/KVDptKRUkN — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) February 24, 2020
Later on Monday morning, snow squalls moved south and east across parts of the foothills, the Palmer Divide and into the Colorado Springs area, affecting travel in those areas as well.
Snow squall warning still in effect for Teller County, with CDOT camera on Highway 67 near Cripple Creek indicating an intense quick burst of snow at this time!. #cowx pic.twitter.com/YfRmio9Pl4 — NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) February 24, 2020
Those fast-moving snow squalls flared up on Monday morning, driven by an unusual amount of wintertime instability for eastern Colorado. That instability came as a result of a strong cold front moving through the region, coupled with energy at the mid- and upper-levels of the atmosphere.
In short, Monday’s snow squalls developed in a similar fashion to the way an average summer thunderstorm would: a clash of air masses, fueled by energy higher up in the atmosphere, and just enough moisture at the surface to wring out a fast-moving and wind-driven burst of snow.
That’s why the clouds on Monday may have resembled those of a June storm, rather than a mid-winter burst of snow. That also created a degree of thunderstorm-like unpredictability with those bands of heavy snowfall.
Convective (thunderstorm-like) look to these clouds as a snow squall passes just north of Denver!#COwx pic.twitter.com/KwAfA8puiB — Chris Bianchi (@BianchiWeather) February 24, 2020
While most of the immediate Denver area escaped most of the significant snowfall, narrow bands of heavy snow impacted Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, and even some bordering areas of the Denver metro area on Monday.
As is often the case with a snow squall, snow accumulation was fairly minimal (generally an inch or less), but impacts were high. With Monday’s snow coinciding with the morning rush, heavy snow swept through parts of the Interstate 25 and 70 corridors with near whiteout conditions.
Further west, snow also disrupted travel along Interstate 70, shutting down Vail Pass.
Snow squalls have been a common theme this winter across eastern Colorado, with narrow bands of heavy snow also accounting for a large chunk of the Denver area’s largest snowfall so far this February.


thedenverpost--2020-02-24--Gannon Stauch case: “Hope and despair” remain four weeks after boy’s disappearance

Four weeks to the day since 11-year-old Gannon Stauch went missing , his family continued to hope for his safe return even as the El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office suspended its on-the-ground search for the boy .
“ There is just such personal anguish on days like this , ” said Cynthia Coffman , the former Colorado attorney general who has been working with Gannon ’ s parents during the effort to find their son .
The suspended search is discouraging , she said , but Gannon ’ s parents continue to hope that he will be found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ The emotions cycle through very quickly .
Hope and despair come right on the heels of each other in this situation.
” The sheriff ’ s office did not have any active searches ongoing Monday , spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby said .
The office suspended its search effort in southern Douglas County on Friday , after authorities spent days combing through a 35-acre area west of Larkspur looking for Gannon , who went missing from his Colorado Springs home on Jan. 27 .
Despite the shift in tactics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing , ” Kirby said .
The sheriff ’ s office has received 768 tips , she said , and there is a potential for additional on-the-ground search efforts to happen “ at any time.
” “ Our goal is to find Gannon and bring him home and that has not changed , ” she said .
Gannon ’ s family has not received any reports from law enforcement of confirmed sightings of Gannon since the day he went missing , Coffman said .
She asked that anyone with information that might lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s office .
“ It ’ s very important to the family that they thank people for looking for Gannon and for keeping his story current and fresh , and for all the folks who have shared credible tips with the El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office , and we want people to continue doing that , ” she said .
“ And not let Gannon become a memory , but for him to be alive in everyone ’ s mind and for people to keep their eyes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by his stepmother , Letecia Stauch , on Jan. 27 and was initially classified as a runaway child .
Letecia Stauch told authorities she ’ d last seen Gannon when he left to walk to a friend ’ s house .
The case was upgraded to a missing and endangered child case three days later because of Gannon ’ s age , the medications he required and the length of time he ’ d been gone , Kirby said .
A week after the boy went missing , a neighbor of the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his home that he said showed Gannon leave his house on Jan. 27 with a female relative , and then showed the relative returning without the boy four hours later .
In a subsequent statement to Fox31 , Letecia Stauch said she ’ d gone shopping with Gannon that day and that he did return home with her despite what the video appeared to show .
The El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office has not commented on the video except to say it is part of the ongoing investigation .
Kirby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office does not have any suspects in Gannon ’ s disappearance .
Coffman said that as she ’ s spent time with Gannon ’ s parents , Albert Stauch and Landen Hiott , she ’ s learned about Gannon .
The boy told corny jokes , liked technology and video games .
“ When his parents talk about him , it ’ s not only about what he likes to do , but what he ’ ll want to do when he comes home , ” she said .

Four weeks to the day since 11-year-old Gannon Stauch went missing, his family continued to hope for his safe return even as the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office suspended its on-the-ground search for the boy.
“There is just such personal anguish on days like this,” said Cynthia Coffman, the former Colorado attorney general who has been working with Gannon’s parents during the effort to find their son.
The suspended search is discouraging, she said, but Gannon’s parents continue to hope that he will be found.
“With uncertainty can come hope,” she said. “The emotions cycle through very quickly. Hope and despair come right on the heels of each other in this situation.”
The sheriff’s office did not have any active searches ongoing Monday, spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby said. The office suspended its search effort in southern Douglas County on Friday, after authorities spent days combing through a 35-acre area west of Larkspur looking for Gannon, who went missing from his Colorado Springs home on Jan. 27.
Despite the shift in tactics, “the investigation is progressing and continuing,” Kirby said. The sheriff’s office has received 768 tips, she said, and there is a potential for additional on-the-ground search efforts to happen “at any time.”
“Our goal is to find Gannon and bring him home and that has not changed,” she said.
Gannon’s family has not received any reports from law enforcement of confirmed sightings of Gannon since the day he went missing, Coffman said. She asked that anyone with information that might lead authorities to Gannon report that information to the sheriff’s office.
“It’s very important to the family that they thank people for looking for Gannon and for keeping his story current and fresh, and for all the folks who have shared credible tips with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and we want people to continue doing that,” she said. “And not let Gannon become a memory, but for him to be alive in everyone’s mind and for people to keep their eyes and ears open.”
Gannon was reported missing by his stepmother, Letecia Stauch, on Jan. 27 and was initially classified as a runaway child. Letecia Stauch told authorities she’d last seen Gannon when he left to walk to a friend’s house.
The case was upgraded to a missing and endangered child case three days later because of Gannon’s age, the medications he required and the length of time he’d been gone, Kirby said.
A week after the boy went missing, a neighbor of the family shared with the media a surveillance video from his home that he said showed Gannon leave his house on Jan. 27 with a female relative, and then showed the relative returning without the boy four hours later.
In a subsequent statement to Fox31, Letecia Stauch said she’d gone shopping with Gannon that day and that he did return home with her despite what the video appeared to show.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has not commented on the video except to say it is part of the ongoing investigation. Kirby said Monday that the sheriff’s office does not have any suspects in Gannon’s disappearance.
Coffman said that as she’s spent time with Gannon’s parents, Albert Stauch and Landen Hiott, she’s learned about Gannon. The boy told corny jokes, liked technology and video games.
“When his parents talk about him, it’s not only about what he likes to do, but what he’ll want to do when he comes home,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-02-24--Avalanche got better Monday and sacrificed next to nothing — save for Tyson Jost’s pride

The playoff-bound Avalanche must really believe in NHL-inexperienced goalie Pavel Francouz and its forward depth .
After all , it made just two modest moves before Monday ’ s trade deadline .
And the Avs either changed their minds on trading young forward Tyson Jost or couldn ’ t get an adequate return for their 2016 first-round draft pick ( 10th overall ) .
In the end , Colorado only did what it had to do .
The Avs added two “ rentals ” in forward Vladislav Namestnikov and goalie Michael Hutchinson , both of whom can become unrestricted free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those players : A 2021 fourth-round draft pick ( Namestnikov ) and minor-league defenseman Calle Rosen ( Hutchinson ) .
Namestnikov , 27 , will be asked to dull the pain of injuries to key forwards Mikko Rantanen , Nazem Kadri and Matt Calvert .
And Hutchinson , 29 , is the clear-cut backup goalie until Philipp Grubauer — out indefinitely with a lower-body injury — returns to try to take back his job from Francouz .
For now , Francouz has unequivocally been anointed the No .
1 guy for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoffs if he can sustain his recent play .
Frankie was named the NHL ’ s first star of the week Monday after going 3-0-1 with a 1.46 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in four games .
Francouz , 29 , is in his first full NHL season and he sees eye-to-eye with anyone who stands 5-foot-10 .
But he has significant big-game international experience and he ’ s quicker than a frightened cat .
Most important , his teammates love him and his coaches believe he can lead the team in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s best goalies statistically , the Czech Republic native stands fifth in GAA ( 2.27 ) and SP ( .927 ) .
If the Avs didn ’ t think that highly of Francouz , they would have traded for a proven starter — and a bunch of them were available Monday .
But they settled on the 6-foot-3 Hutchinson , who will gladly accept an NHL backup role and only has to be paid what ’ s left of his modest $ 700,000 salary .
As for Namestnikov , who has a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Avs ’ fourth Russian and might slot into a top-six role until Rantanen and Kadri return .
When those guys do return , he ’ ll probably add some scoring to the bottom six — and likely make Jost the odd man out of the lineup with everyone healthy .
For now , Avs general manager Joe Sakic and his staff believe this team will further prove it can win without a handful of key injuries , and when they ’ re close to full strength , they can win the Stanley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avalanche got better Monday and sacrificed next to nothing — save for Jost ’ s pride .
Footnotes .
The Avs had Monday off but will practice Tuesday when Sakic will speak to the media about the trade deadline and more .
… Goalie Hunter Miska has been reassigned to the AHL ’ s Colorado Eagles .
Love sports ?
Subscribe to our Denver Sports Omelette newsletter to get the latest news sent straight to your inbox .

The playoff-bound Avalanche must really believe in NHL-inexperienced goalie Pavel Francouz and its forward depth. After all, it made just two modest moves before Monday’s trade deadline.
And the Avs either changed their minds on trading young forward Tyson Jost or couldn’t get an adequate return for their 2016 first-round draft pick (10th overall).
In the end, Colorado only did what it had to do.
The Avs added two “rentals” in forward Vladislav Namestnikov and goalie Michael Hutchinson, both of whom can become unrestricted free agents July 1. The total cost of those players: A 2021 fourth-round draft pick (Namestnikov) and minor-league defenseman Calle Rosen (Hutchinson).
Namestnikov, 27, will be asked to dull the pain of injuries to key forwards Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri and Matt Calvert. And Hutchinson, 29, is the clear-cut backup goalie until Philipp Grubauer — out indefinitely with a lower-body injury — returns to try to take back his job from Francouz.
For now, Francouz has unequivocally been anointed the No. 1 guy for the stretch run, and probably into the playoffs if he can sustain his recent play. Frankie was named the NHL’s first star of the week Monday after going 3-0-1 with a 1.46 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in four games.
Francouz, 29, is in his first full NHL season and he sees eye-to-eye with anyone who stands 5-foot-10. But he has significant big-game international experience and he’s quicker than a frightened cat.
Most important, his teammates love him and his coaches believe he can lead the team in the playoffs. Among the NHL’s best goalies statistically, the Czech Republic native stands fifth in GAA (2.27) and SP (.927).
If the Avs didn’t think that highly of Francouz, they would have traded for a proven starter — and a bunch of them were available Monday. But they settled on the 6-foot-3 Hutchinson, who will gladly accept an NHL backup role and only has to be paid what’s left of his modest $700,000 salary.
As for Namestnikov, who has a $4 million cap hit, he becomes the Avs’ fourth Russian and might slot into a top-six role until Rantanen and Kadri return. When those guys do return, he’ll probably add some scoring to the bottom six — and likely make Jost the odd man out of the lineup with everyone healthy.
For now, Avs general manager Joe Sakic and his staff believe this team will further prove it can win without a handful of key injuries, and when they’re close to full strength, they can win the Stanley Cup with what they have.
The Avalanche got better Monday and sacrificed next to nothing — save for Jost’s pride.
Footnotes. The Avs had Monday off but will practice Tuesday when Sakic will speak to the media about the trade deadline and more. … Goalie Hunter Miska has been reassigned to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.
Love sports? Subscribe to our Denver Sports Omelette newsletter to get the latest news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--DTC apartment complex shooting suspects identified; considered armed and dangerous

Denver police have identified a man and woman suspected of killing one person and injuring two others at a Denver @ @ @ @ @ week .
Roxanne Rodriguez-Hernandez , 24 , and Tyler Demittri Wright , 32 , are @ @ @ @ @ the Feb. 19 shooting at the Pearl at DTC apartments in the 7500 block of @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , 26 , was shot multiple times and died at the scene .
Both @ @ @ @ @ dangerous .
Wright is described as black , 5-feet , 7-inches tall , 145 pounds @ @ @ @ @ eyes .
Rodriguez-Hernandez is Hispanic , 5-feet , 2-inches tall , 125 pounds with brown @ @ @ @ @ with information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 .
Tipsters can @ @ @ @ @ of up to $ 2,000 is offered .

Denver police have identified a man and woman suspected of killing one person and injuring two others at a Denver Tech Center apartment complex last week.
Roxanne Rodriguez-Hernandez, 24, and Mark Anthony Howard, 34, are wanted for first-degree murder in the Feb. 19 shooting at the Pearl at DTC apartments in the 7500 block of East Technology Way.
Marquis Johnson, 26, was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
Denver police on Friday morning released an alias for Howard, but corrected the name, saying he had “gone to great lengths” to assume the other man’s identity. The other man is not connected to the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous. A reward of up to $2,000 is offered.
UPDATE: The true identity of the E. Technology Way homicide suspect is 34-year-old Mark Anthony Howard. Mark Anthony Howard had gone to great lengths to assume the identity of Tyler Demittri Wright , who IS NOT connected to this crime. https://t.co/yw3A8OLE49 pic.twitter.com/tD6cdI0j2T — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) February 29, 2020


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--What kills coronavirus: Answers about sanitizers, masks, medication

The World Health Organization ’ s online information about coronavirus includes answers to questions about preventing its spread .
Following is the agency ’ s advice regarding what methods can and can not kill the virus or otherwise prevent the transmission of COVID-19 .
Hand-washing : Frequent washing with soap and water is effective in killing the virus .
The water does not need to be hot or even warm .
Dry hands thoroughly with a towel , paper towel or hand dryer .
Hand sanitizers : As an alternative to soap and water , a sanitizer with at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most commonly available sanitizers have at least that much alcohol .
Hand dryers : Hot-air dryers by themselves do not kill the virus .
Ultraviolet disinfection lamp : WHO discourages their use because of the potential for skin irritation .
Saline nose rinse : There is no evidence it fends off coronavirus infection , or any respiratory infection .
Spraying alcohol or chlorine on one ’ s body : This will not kill viruses that have entered the body , and it can harm mucous membranes .
Alcohol ( 75 percent solution ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for cleaning surfaces , if used according to instructions .
Sesame oil on the body : No effect on coronavirus .
Vaccines : Flu or pneumonia vaccines have no effect on the coronavirus .
Antibiotics : They work only against bacteria , not any virus .
Masks : Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing .
A healthy person needs to wear a mask only if taking care of a person with suspected coronavirus infection .
Follow proper procedure in putting on , removing and disposing of the masks , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and after wearing a mask and not touching the front of a mask .
Multiple masks are not more effective than one properly adjusted mask .
Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

The World Health Organization’s online information about coronavirus includes answers to questions about preventing its spread.
Following is the agency’s advice regarding what methods can and cannot kill the virus or otherwise prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Hand-washing: Frequent washing with soap and water is effective in killing the virus. The water does not need to be hot or even warm. Dry hands thoroughly with a towel, paper towel or hand dryer.
Hand sanitizers: As an alternative to soap and water, a sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol can be used. Most commonly available sanitizers have at least that much alcohol.
Hand dryers: Hot-air dryers by themselves do not kill the virus.
Ultraviolet disinfection lamp: WHO discourages their use because of the potential for skin irritation.
Saline nose rinse: There is no evidence it fends off coronavirus infection, or any respiratory infection.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine on one’s body: This will not kill viruses that have entered the body, and it can harm mucous membranes. Alcohol (75 percent solution) and bleach- or chlorine-based disinfectants are appropriate for cleaning surfaces, if used according to instructions.
Garlic: No effect on coronavirus.
Sesame oil on the body: No effect on coronavirus.
Herbal remedies: No effect on coronavirus.
Smoking: No effect on coronavirus.
Vaccines: Flu or pneumonia vaccines have no effect on the coronavirus.
Antibiotics: They work only against bacteria, not any virus.
Masks: Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. A healthy person needs to wear a mask only if taking care of a person with suspected coronavirus infection. Follow proper procedure in putting on, removing and disposing of the masks, including washing hands with soap and water before and after wearing a mask and not touching the front of a mask. Multiple masks are not more effective than one properly adjusted mask.
Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--Friednash: Coronavirus exposes fallacy of isolationism — we are global citizens

Former Australian Chancellor Duke Metternich famously said that “ if France sneezes , the rest of Europe catches a cold.
” Today , China has a virus and the terrifying question is how sick is the rest of the world going to get ?
Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said we should prepare for the coronavirus to “ take a foothold in the U.S. ” As the threat of a pandemic escalates , Colorado needs to think global and act local .
We are not an isolated state that is inoculated from what happens in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone in Liberia contracts Ebola or someone in mainland China contracts a new form of the flu due to lack of access to health care and proper infrastructure , the rest of the world is at risk and not just from the health impacts .
It is more important than ever that we should be educating our young Coloradans to be global citizens .
They need to know who the president of Mexico is , and they need to be able to find Hong Kong on the map .
We need to encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in conversations outside of social media networks in a way that builds awareness and breaks down stereotypes from Kampala to Kuala Lumpur .
It is through experience that we build tolerance , awareness and a better understanding of how to lead and make decisions not based on fear but based on facts .
The coronavirus is an urgent reminder that we no longer can manage or cities , grow our businesses , conduct our elections or invest our resources in isolation from the rest of the world .
When we fail to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build our relationships beyond our borders impacts how we are able to manage both success and setbacks .
Globalization is not happening .
It happened .
And , while the impact here is uncertain , there are global concerns that the health crisis can turn into an economic crisis .
Wall Street is waking up to the prospect that the coronavirus could disrupt the global economy .
Our $ 22 billion tourism industry is an important part of our economy and tax revenue .
Colorado has more than a million international visitors each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have a ripple effect on the travel and tourism industry .
More than 2.5 million people from China visited the United States last year , and the Trump administration is currently restricting entry to the U.S. from China .
As the virus spreads to Europe , will travel be restricted there as well ?
Denver has nonstop flights to Germany , U.K. , France , Switzerland and beginning on March 31 , Norwegian Air will begin a nonstop flight between Denver and Rome .
Roughly 300,000 visitors come to Colorado from Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
Data shoes that Chinese visitors spend more money than any other tourists that come here .
Our agricultural outputs are linked to a global market .
Colorado farmers ’ export of goods and agricultural products under the phase one China trade deal could be delayed because of the outbreak .
Our manufacturing is linked to a global workforce .
China is a major manufacturing hub for materials , products and components being used around the world .
According to Statista , the global superpower accounts for 28 % of global manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been closed in China , and its supply chain has been significantly impacted .
This could have an impact on businesses in Colorado , delaying delivery of materials sourced from China and potentially other countries as the virus spreads globally .
Our technology is linked to a global network .
And our health is linked to a global community too .
Colorado State University is working at warp speed to understand how the coronavirus spreads , ways to test for it more effectively , and creating a potential vaccine .
Deep assets in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include simulated animal markets to understand how diseases move from animal to humans and BioMARC , a Biomanufacturing plant capable of scaling ideas into the commercial marketplace .
CSU ’ s Infectious Disease Research Center has a long history of studying infectious diseases , including the Ebola and Zika virus , and they have formed strategic partnerships with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to make it easier to collaborate on international health issues .
Regardless of how the coronavirus ultimately impacts Colorado , and let ’ s hope that impact is nominal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educate and prepare our youth for the global challenges ahead .
This will not be the last time Colorado is impacted by an issue that takes us beyond our borders and outside of our collective comfort zone .
Colorado will continue to be impacted by global events and decisions , whether we choose to be part of the conversation or not .
Doug Friednash is a Denver native , a partner with the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck and the former chief of staff for Gov .
John Hickenlooper .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Former Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich famously said that “if France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold.” Today, China has a virus and the terrifying question is how sick is the rest of the world going to get?
Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said we should prepare for the coronavirus to “take a foothold in the U.S.”
As the threat of a pandemic escalates, Colorado needs to think globally and act locally. We are not an isolated state that is inoculated from what happens in a poor province in China.
When someone in Liberia contracts Ebola or someone in mainland China contracts a new form of the flu due to lack of access to health care and proper infrastructure, the rest of the world is at risk and not just from the health impacts.
It is more important than ever that we should be educating our young Coloradans to be global citizens. They need to know who the president of Mexico is, and they need to be able to find Hong Kong on the map. We need to encourage them to travel and engage and participate in conversations outside of social media networks in a way that builds awareness and breaks down stereotypes from Kampala to Kuala Lumpur. It is through experience that we build tolerance, awareness and a better understanding of how to lead and make decisions not based on fear but based on facts.
The coronavirus is an urgent reminder that we no longer can manage our cities, grow our businesses, conduct our elections or invest our resources in isolation from the rest of the world. When we fail to think globally, we forget that how we build our relationships beyond our borders impacts how we are able to manage both success and setbacks. Globalization is not happening. It happened.
And, while the impact here is uncertain, there are global concerns that the health crisis can turn into an economic crisis. Wall Street is waking up to the prospect that the coronavirus could disrupt the global economy.
Our $22 billion tourism industry is an important part of our economy and tax revenue. Colorado has more than a million international visitors each year and a global travel virus crisis could have a ripple effect on the travel and tourism industry. More than 2.5 million people from China visited the United States last year, and the Trump administration is currently restricting entry to the U.S. from China. As the virus spreads to Europe, will travel be restricted there as well? Denver has nonstop flights to Germany, U.K., France, Switzerland and beginning on March 31, Norwegian Air will begin a nonstop flight between Denver and Rome. Roughly 300,000 visitors come to Colorado from Europe each year and another 30,000 come from China. Data shoes that Chinese visitors spend more money than any other tourists that come here.
Our agricultural outputs are linked to a global market. Colorado farmers’ export of goods and agricultural products under the phase one China trade deal could be delayed because of the outbreak.
Our manufacturing is linked to a global workforce. China is a major manufacturing hub for materials, products and components being used around the world. According to Statista, the global superpower accounts for 28% of global manufacturing output in the world. Factories have been closed in China, and its supply chain has been significantly impacted. This could have an impact on businesses in Colorado, delaying delivery of materials sourced from China and potentially other countries as the virus spreads globally.
Our technology is linked to a global network. And our health is linked to a global community too.
Colorado State University is working at warp speed to understand how the coronavirus spreads, ways to test for it more effectively, and creating a potential vaccine. Deep assets in infectious disease research and development at CSU include simulated animal markets to understand how diseases move from animal to humans and BioMARC, a Biomanufacturing plant capable of scaling ideas into the commercial marketplace. CSU’s Infectious Disease Research Center has a long history of studying infectious diseases, including the Ebola and Zika virus, and they have formed strategic partnerships with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to make it easier to collaborate on international health issues.
Regardless of how the coronavirus ultimately impacts Colorado, and let’s hope that impact is nominal, the issue reminds us that we must educate and prepare our youth for the global challenges ahead. This will not be the last time Colorado is impacted by an issue that takes us beyond our borders and outside of our collective comfort zone. Colorado will continue to be impacted by global events and decisions, whether we choose to be part of the conversation or not.
Doug Friednash is a Denver native, a partner with the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck and the former chief of staff for Gov. John Hickenlooper.
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.
Editor’s note: The column was updated on March 1 to correct the country where Duke Metternich was chancellor.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--Denver weather forecast: Spring-like weather heading into the weekend

Metro area residents will get some spring-like weather heading into the weekend , according to the National Weather Service .
Friday is expected to be sunny with a high near 57 degrees and an overnight low around 29 .
Saturday will be even warmer , with some clouds and a high near 63 degrees .
The weather pattern is normal for this time of year , said Jim Kalina , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder .
“ We can get really cold or we can get into the 70s.
” Saturday ’ s overnight low is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rain , mainly after 5 p.m. , is expected on Sunday when the high will be near 53 degrees and the overnight low around 24 .
On Sunday night , rain and snow are in the forecast .
On Monday there is a 20 percent chance of snow before 11 a.m .
The day will be partly sunny with a high near 40 degrees and an overnight low around 23 .
There is a slight chance of rain after 5 p.m. on Tuesday .
Otherwise , the day is expected to be sunny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overnight low around 26 .
On Wednesday it will be mostly sunny with a high near 48 and an overnight low of 26 degrees .
There is a slight chance of rain and snow .
Thursday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 53 .

Metro area residents will get some spring-like weather heading into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Friday is expected to be sunny with a high near 57 degrees and an overnight low around 29.
Saturday will be even warmer, with some clouds and a high near 63 degrees.
The weather pattern is normal for this time of year, said Jim Kalina, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder. “We can get really cold or we can get into the 70s.”
Saturday’s overnight low is expected to be around 32 degrees.
Rain, mainly after 5 p.m., is expected on Sunday when the high will be near 53 degrees and the overnight low around 24.
On Sunday night, rain and snow are in the forecast.
On Monday there is a 20 percent chance of snow before 11 a.m. The day will be partly sunny with a high near 40 degrees and an overnight low around 23.
There is a slight chance of rain after 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Otherwise, the day is expected to be sunny with a high near 50 degrees and an overnight low around 26.
On Wednesday it will be mostly sunny with a high near 48 and an overnight low of 26 degrees. There is a slight chance of rain and snow.
Thursday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 53.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--Nuggets Mailbag: Could Gary Harris lose his starting spot if shooting struggles continue?

Denver Post sports writer Mike Singer posts his Nuggets Mailbag every other week on Friday during the season .
Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question for the Nuggets Mailbag .
If Gary Harris ’ shooting struggles linger into late March , is there any chance he will lose his spot in the Nuggets ’ starting lineup ?
Perhaps Michael Porter Jr. could take his place , with Will Barton slotting in at the two ?
Unless Gary Harris stops doing what he ’ s “ expected ” to do , ( ahem , defend opponents ’ best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see Malone yanking him from the starting lineup .
Barton got benched last postseason when his scoring and confidence plummeted .
If Harris is the fifth option and still knocking down the occasional 3-pointer or attacking the hoop with a scorer ’ s mindset , I ’ m not sure how much he hurts in the aggregate .
I think Malone would lean toward starting Torrey Craig a lot faster than he would toward starting MPJ .
I can ’ t reiterate this enough : to play , Malone has to trust you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-round opponents ( OKC , Dallas , Utah , Houston ) for the Nuggets , who do you think they would prefer to see the most ?
Honestly , I don ’ t think any of those teams scare them .
Houston isn ’ t as daunting without Clint Capela , and I ’ d be very curious how they ’ d plan to stop Jokic with their small-ball lineups .
I think they ’ ve got a mental edge over Utah , who they beat on the road with just seven players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite their offseason additions , the Jazz aren ’ t well-equipped to stop the Nuggets any longer .
They should have an advantage over Dallas in what would be Luka Doncic ’ s first playoff series .
The injury to Dwight Powell isn ’ t insignificant as it hampers their frontcourt depth against perhaps the deepest frontcourt in the NBA .
So I ’ ll flip the question .
I think plucky Oklahoma City might give them fits .
I wouldn ’ t want to see a motivated Chris Paul in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure and little to lose is a dangerous formula .
On the whole , Coach Malone has done a splendid job .
However , there are two areas that I do not understand his approach .
First , he seems to be the first Denver coach that I recall in 50 years of watching Denver Nuggets and Denver Rocket games who refuses to use the advantage of playing at altitude .
What I see is a team that has been told not to push the ball unless there is a 2-on-1 opportunity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game to use Denver ’ s elevation ?
Second , he does not work the refs .
This was painfully clear during the loss to the Lakers .
LeBron was actively working the refs the entire game while Malone just sat there .
Given the tendency of Jokic to get too emotional , this is something Malone has to do .
Jokic is an established star who doesn ’ t get calls that rookies ( Zion Williamson ) and second year players ( Luka Doncic ) get .
It was only three seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets finished with the sixth-fastest pace in the NBA .
Since then , it ’ s been a slow descent toward the bottom of the league .
The most obvious reason ?
Look at their personnel .
As good of shape as Nikola Jokic is now in , he ’ s not winning many wind sprints .
Whether snatching the ball off the defensive glass or initiating the offense as a point-center , Jokic doesn ’ t do many things “ fast ” .
They ’ ve also been a below-average defensive rebounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermined their speed .
As to the contention Malone doesn ’ t work the refs , that ’ s just not true .
In Phoenix , Oklahoma City and Memphis , the media seating is essentially between the bench and midcourt .
Some of the things I ’ ve heard come out of Malone ’ s mouth can ’ t be printed .
I do agree , however , that Jokic has to fight an uphill battle with the whistle as a result of his unconventional post game .
What do you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered a successful season for the Nuggets ?
Is it just making it back to the second round ?
Or do they need to advance to the Western Conference finals ?
I think it entirely depends on their matchup .
Unequivocally , a first-round loss would be a massive disappointment .
If the Nuggets got to the conference finals , one step further than last season , that ’ s a huge win .
It ’ s what happens in the conference semifinals that could get murky .
The two LA teams have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contenders .
If the Nuggets caught one of them in the second round , which looks increasingly likely , I ’ d need to see how they handled themselves against proven playoff winners like LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard .
If the series were to go six or seven games , inherently a competitive series , I ’ d give the Nuggets a ton of credit for raising their level of play against an elite team .
If the Nuggets looked overmatched , it would highlight how much further they have to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship talk .
Subscribe to our Nuggets Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox .

Denver Post sports writer Mike Singer posts his Nuggets Mailbag every other week on Friday during the season.
Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question for the Nuggets Mailbag.
If Gary Harris’ shooting struggles linger into late March, is there any chance he will lose his spot in the Nuggets’ starting lineup? Perhaps Michael Porter Jr. could take his place, with Will Barton slotting in at the two?
— Matt, East Colfax
Unless Gary Harris stops doing what he’s “expected” to do, (ahem, defend opponents’ best wing), I don’t see Malone yanking him from the starting lineup. Barton got benched last postseason when his scoring and confidence plummeted. If Harris is the fifth option and still knocking down the occasional 3-pointer or attacking the hoop with a scorer’s mindset, I’m not sure how much he hurts in the aggregate. I think Malone would lean toward starting Torrey Craig a lot faster than he would toward starting MPJ. I can’t reiterate this enough: to play, Malone has to trust you on defense.
Of all the potential first-round opponents (OKC, Dallas, Utah, Houston) for the Nuggets, who do you think they would prefer to see the most?
— Donovan, Westminster
Honestly, I don’t think any of those teams scare them. Houston isn’t as daunting without Clint Capela, and I’d be very curious how they’d plan to stop Jokic with their small-ball lineups.
I think they’ve got a mental edge over Utah, who they beat on the road with just seven players on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite their offseason additions, the Jazz aren’t well-equipped to stop the Nuggets any longer.
They should have an advantage over Dallas in what would be Luka Doncic’s first playoff series. The injury to Dwight Powell isn’t insignificant as it hampers their frontcourt depth against perhaps the deepest frontcourt in the NBA.
So I’ll flip the question. I think plucky Oklahoma City might give them fits. I wouldn’t want to see a motivated Chris Paul in the postseason. Facing a team with no pressure and little to lose is a dangerous formula.
On the whole, Coach Malone has done a splendid job. However, there are two areas that I do not understand his approach. First, he seems to be the first Denver coach that I recall in 50 years of watching Denver Nuggets and Denver Rocket games who refuses to use the advantage of playing at altitude. What I see is a team that has been told not to push the ball unless there is a 2-on-1 opportunity. Does he believe that it cheapens the game to use Denver’s elevation? Second, he does not work the refs. This was painfully clear during the loss to the Lakers. LeBron was actively working the refs the entire game while Malone just sat there. Given the tendency of Jokic to get too emotional, this is something Malone has to do. Jokic is an established star who doesn’t get calls that rookies (Zion Williamson) and second year players (Luka Doncic) get.
— Shawn Thompson, Denver
It was only three seasons ago (‘16-17) that the Nuggets finished with the sixth-fastest pace in the NBA. Since then, it’s been a slow descent toward the bottom of the league. The most obvious reason? Look at their personnel. As good of shape as Nikola Jokic is now in, he’s not winning many wind sprints. Whether snatching the ball off the defensive glass or initiating the offense as a point-center, Jokic doesn’t do many things “fast”. They’ve also been a below-average defensive rebounding team (19th), which has undermined their speed.
As to the contention Malone doesn’t work the refs, that’s just not true. In Phoenix, Oklahoma City and Memphis, the media seating is essentially between the bench and midcourt. Some of the things I’ve heard come out of Malone’s mouth can’t be printed. I do agree, however, that Jokic has to fight an uphill battle with the whistle as a result of his unconventional post game.
What do you think the bar is for this to be considered a successful season for the Nuggets? Is it just making it back to the second round? Or do they need to advance to the Western Conference finals?
— Scott, Castle Pines
I think it entirely depends on their matchup. Unequivocally, a first-round loss would be a massive disappointment. If the Nuggets got to the conference finals, one step further than last season, that’s a huge win. It’s what happens in the conference semifinals that could get murky.
The two LA teams have been looming all season as potential championship contenders. If the Nuggets caught one of them in the second round, which looks increasingly likely, I’d need to see how they handled themselves against proven playoff winners like LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard. If the series were to go six or seven games, inherently a competitive series, I’d give the Nuggets a ton of credit for raising their level of play against an elite team. If the Nuggets looked overmatched, it would highlight how much further they have to go before they can realize any of that championship talk.
Subscribe to our Nuggets Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--Fallout from the Houston Astros cheating scandal is sure to last all season around MLB

Houston Astros might want to buckle up for a long season after the cheating scandal came to light back in the fall of 2019 after former pitcher Mike Fiers revealed the Astros ’ cheating methods in his interview with The Athletic .
Since then a number of things have changed around MLB .
Commissioner Rob Manfred imposed penalties and fines on the Astros organization and suspended both general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J .
Hinch for the 2020 season .
Both have since been fired by the team .
Also , former Astros bench coach Alex Cora was relieved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sox where he managed the 2018 Boston team a World Series title .
The New York Mets had Carlos Beltran lined up to be their new manager in 2020 , but with his contribution to the sign-stealing as a player in Houston in 2017 , the Mets decided to be proactive and fire him before he ever worked a game .
Current players on the Astros gave a lackluster apology tour once spring training opened in early February , with players and ownership dodging questions and never really saying they cheated the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the scandal and most were negative .
A quick google search will show all-star players from the Dodgers on the West Coast to the Yankees on the East are upset about what occurred down in Houston .
It is sure to be an interesting season for the cheating Astros .
Every road ballpark they go to will be filled with 35,000+ fans heckling , taunting and banging trashcans as they try to play America ’ s favorite pastime .
The Astros did this to themselves .
The punishment from Major League front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun for the Astros is just beginning as it is going to be a long , painful road for Jose Altuve and Co. down in Texas .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers !
Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cancel anytime .
Want more stats ?
Get the latest numbers from our stats page .
Kiszla : With Kawhi Leonard all about that load management , it ’ s time to cut the fat jokes about Nikola Jokic Joker might be a little soft around the middle , but he is also one of league ’ s toughest iron men .
Read more… Northfield emerges as 4A basketball power out of Denver Prep League : “ We want to create a legacy ” As the Nighthawks prepare for another trip to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rise continues well into March .
Read more… Tigers LB unlikely to be available when Broncos select 15th in April ’ s draft , but he would be perfect fit for Vic Fangio ’ s defense .
Read more… + Altitude/Comcast dispute : Worst-case scenario extends blackout well into the future + Nuggets Mailbag : Could Gary Harris lose his starting spot if shooting struggles continue ?
+ Rockies southpaw Kyle Freeland debuts new delivery against Athletics , leaves game due to back spasms + Justin Lawrence eyes redemption , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contamination ” of a supplement + Darrin Chiaverini , three other assistants , retained by CU Buffs coach Karl Dorrell + Avalanche ’ s Martin Kaut relishes first NHL goal in win against Sabres : “ That goal was for my mom ” + Rockies journeyman catcher Drew Butera has seen it all in 10 MLB seasons + Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

Houston Astros might want to buckle up for a long season after the cheating scandal came to light back in the fall of 2019 after former pitcher Mike Fiers revealed the Astros’ cheating methods in his interview with The Athletic.
Since then a number of things have changed around MLB. Commissioner Rob Manfred imposed penalties and fines on the Astros organization and suspended both general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch for the 2020 season. Both have since been fired by the team.
Also, former Astros bench coach Alex Cora was relieved of his duties by the Boston Red Sox where he managed the 2018 Boston team a World Series title.
The New York Mets had Carlos Beltran lined up to be their new manager in 2020, but with his contribution to the sign-stealing as a player in Houston in 2017, the Mets decided to be proactive and fire him before he ever worked a game.
Current players on the Astros gave a lackluster apology tour once spring training opened in early February, with players and ownership dodging questions and never really saying they cheated the game.
Players around MLB voiced their opinions on the scandal and most were negative. A quick google search will show all-star players from the Dodgers on the West Coast to the Yankees on the East are upset about what occurred down in Houston.
It is sure to be an interesting season for the cheating Astros. Every road ballpark they go to will be filled with 35,000+ fans heckling, taunting and banging trashcans as they try to play America’s favorite pastime.
The Astros did this to themselves. The punishment from Major League front office may be over, but the fun for the Astros is just beginning as it is going to be a long, painful road for Jose Altuve and Co. down in Texas.
— Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
What’s on Tap?
Avalanche: At Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m. Friday, ALT
At Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m. Friday, ALT Nuggets: At Los Angeles Clippers, 8:30 p.m. Friday, ALT, ESPN
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today.
Scoreboard
Want more stats? Get the latest numbers from our stats page.
Must-Read
Joker might be a little soft around the middle, but he is also one of league’s toughest iron men. Read more…
As the Nighthawks prepare for another trip to the postseason, they hope the program’s rise continues well into March. Read more…
Tigers LB unlikely to be available when Broncos select 15th in April’s draft, but he would be perfect fit for Vic Fangio’s defense. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Altitude/Comcast dispute: Worst-case scenario extends blackout well into the future
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Could Gary Harris lose his starting spot if shooting struggles continue?
+ Rockies southpaw Kyle Freeland debuts new delivery against Athletics, leaves game due to back spasms
+ Justin Lawrence eyes redemption, says positive PED test was result of “contamination” of a supplement
+ Darrin Chiaverini, three other assistants, retained by CU Buffs coach Karl Dorrell
+ Avalanche’s Martin Kaut relishes first NHL goal in win against Sabres: “That goal was for my mom”
+ CSU Rams football schedule features home heavy slate to begin 2020 season
+ Rockies journeyman catcher Drew Butera has seen it all in 10 MLB seasons
+ Colorado state basketball tournament scoreboard, 2020
+ Tokyo organizers, government take offensive on virus threat
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--PHOTOS: Denver International Airport turns 25 today. Take a look back at its history from constructi

PHOTOS: Denver International Airport turns 25 today. Take a look back at its history from construction to the A-line.

Student Mark Beall , second from left , learns how to do traffic control in the Tower Simulator , while Frontline Manager John Hogueisson , left , watches how he reacts .
The simulator mimics exactly the workings of a traffic control tower .
They can instantly change weather , bring in snow , have plane accidents or emergencies and go from night to day quickly to simulate all different kinds of air traffic scenarios .
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Federal Air Traffic Control in the U.S , the FAA hosted a media day at Denver International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as Denver TRACON .
On any given day , more than 80,000 flights are in the skies over the United States .
There are approximately 15,000 F.A.A .
Air Traffic Controllers serving in the U.S. Air Traffic Control system and131 FAA control towers in the nation .
At the DIA facility , new air traffic controllers learn how to hone their skills and learn the complexities of the system in the FAA 's air traffic simulator .
Next door is Denver Terminal Radar Approach Control or TRACON facility .
Denver 's TRACON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling 889,977 operations in 2010 an average of 2438 per day .
Helen H. Richardson , The Denver Post ( Photo By Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images )

In a world full of distinctive airport architecture, DIA stands alone.
Colorado’s landmark Denver International Airport, with its iconic white tent design and quirky reputation, is celebrating 25 years of operation on Friday.
Since its opening in 1995, the airport has become a hub for domestic and international travel. In 2019, nearly 70 million travelers passed through the airport, setting a new record, and as Colorado’s population boomed, DIA also expanded to meet an increase in usage. The Westin Denver International Airport hotel opened in 2015, and, in 2016, RTD’s A-Line began service to the airport from downtown Denver. Most recently, the airport has come under scrutiny amid complications and delays with its Great Hall renovation project.
Meanwhile, conspiracy theories swirl around the airport. Myths abound, detailing secret societies, underground bunkers and murals that point to a New World Order takeover or alien invasion.
Another piece of art just outside DIA has only added to local lore. Nicknamed “Blucifer” because its sculptor Luis Jimenez was killed by a falling piece of the statue, the 32-foot-tall blue Mustang that greets travelers outside the concourse is complete with blue muscles, bulging veins and topped off with glowing red eyes.
Take a look back at DIA’s history in pictures from The Denver Post archives.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--Rockies Insider: The “Rooftop Ballpark Pass” is back for LoDo’s social baseball butterflies

Considering Coors Field has always been more of an entertainment beacon than a true baseball cathedral , give credit to the Rockies for understanding what they ’ re selling .
The club is once again advertising for their Rooftop Ballpark Pass , which is “ back by popular demand ” and touts “ on-demand access to the best Rooftop bar in Denver ” .
That ’ s right , the main selling point for this ticket package isn ’ t the baseball game .
It ’ s the scene up at the party deck , where baseball is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cityscape .
The Rooftop , which opened in 2014 , eliminated about 3,500 seats in the upper deck of right field in favor of a two-tiered , standing room area .
It ’ s been a huge hit with fans in the six seasons since , and the area is usually jam-packed during weekend games throughout the summer .
Standing-room-only passes in the package can be redeemed right up to game day ( based upon availability ) and a minimum purchase of eight is required .
You can redeem up to six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excludes eight home games : opening day ( April 3 ) , the Dodgers series ( Aug. 21-23 ) , a Cubs game ( Sept. 7 ) and the fireworks games ( July 3-4 , Sept. 25 ) .
Each pass also includes $ 6 in concession credit , a.k.a .
about one free brew , so you can get your party started .
The passes are $ 12 each , for a minimum order of $ 96 .
Like what you ’ re reading ?
Share this with a friend and tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for the Rockies Insider here .
NEW 💥 If you enjoy The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage , we have a new subscription offer for you !
Try the first month for just 99¢ Paul Egins , the big-hearted “ cornerstone of the franchise , ” keeps the Rockies running “ He is our beacon in the dark .
Anything you need to know , he ’ s on top of it .
You want to know something about a city ?
He knows .
Need tickets ?
He ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on top of his game.
” Read more… The 22-year-old left-hander is the youngest pitcher in Colorado ’ s big-league camp and will likely start in Double-A Hartford after progressing through the Class-A ranks last season .
Read more… Saunders : Rockies ’ Trevor Story primed to be face of franchise Story , who recently signed a two-year , $ 27.5 million contract that took care of his final two years of arbitration , is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2021 season .
That means that owner Dick Monfort , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lock up Story long-term , will have to write a big , fat check to make it happen .
Read more… + Rockies southpaw Kyle Freeland debuts new delivery against Athletics , leaves game due to back spasms + Peter Lambert tweaks delivery , arm slot as Rockies remain hopeful the right-hander will break out in his second season + Justin Lawrence eyes redemption , says positive PED test was result of “ contamination ” of a supplement + Ubaldo Jimenez makes 2020 spring training debut for Rockies , yielding one run across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nerves after touring Hall of Fame + Rockies prospect Ryan Vilade looking to impress at spring training + Rockies journeyman catcher Drew Butera has seen it all in 10 MLB seasons + Want to chat about the Rockies ?
Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook .
In this episode of the On The Rox podcast from Salt River Fields , Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders discuss top rising prospects to watch in Rockies spring training .
Listen here… Philadelphia sued Harrison/Erickson , the New York company that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. District Court in Manhattan .
The team alleged Harrison/Erickson threatened to terminate the Phillies ’ rights to the Phanatic as of June 15 and “ make the Phanatic a free agent ” unless the team renegotiated its 1984 agreement to acquire the mascot ’ s rights .
Read more… If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at jbailey @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ beetbailey .

Considering Coors Field has always been more of an entertainment beacon than a true baseball cathedral, give credit to the Rockies for understanding what they’re selling.
The club is once again advertising for their Rooftop Ballpark Pass, which is “back by popular demand” and touts “on-demand access to the best Rooftop bar in Denver”.
That’s right, the main selling point for this ticket package isn’t the baseball game. It’s the scene up at the party deck, where baseball is part of the backdrop along with the mountains and the cityscape.
The Rooftop, which opened in 2014, eliminated about 3,500 seats in the upper deck of right field in favor of a two-tiered, standing room area. It’s been a huge hit with fans in the six seasons since, and the area is usually jam-packed during weekend games throughout the summer.
Standing-room-only passes in the package can be redeemed right up to game day (based upon availability) and a minimum purchase of eight is required. You can redeem up to six passes per game, although the package excludes eight home games: opening day (April 3), the Dodgers series (Aug. 21-23), a Cubs game (Sept. 7) and the fireworks games (July 3-4, Sept. 25).
Each pass also includes $6 in concession credit, a.k.a. about one free brew, so you can get your party started. The passes are $12 each, for a minimum order of $96.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
Like what you’re reading? Share this with a friend and tell them it’s easy to sign up for the Rockies Insider here.
NEW 💥 If you enjoy The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription offer for you! Try the first month for just 99¢
Must-Read
“He is our beacon in the dark. Anything you need to know, he’s on top of it. You want to know something about a city? He knows. Need tickets? He’ll get them. He’s always on top of his game.” Read more…
The 22-year-old left-hander is the youngest pitcher in Colorado’s big-league camp and will likely start in Double-A Hartford after progressing through the Class-A ranks last season. Read more…
Story, who recently signed a two-year, $27.5 million contract that took care of his final two years of arbitration, is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2021 season. That means that owner Dick Monfort, who’s said he wants to lock up Story long-term, will have to write a big, fat check to make it happen. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Rockies southpaw Kyle Freeland debuts new delivery against Athletics, leaves game due to back spasms
+ Peter Lambert tweaks delivery, arm slot as Rockies remain hopeful the right-hander will break out in his second season
+ Justin Lawrence eyes redemption, says positive PED test was result of “contamination” of a supplement
+ Jeff Hoffman’s shorter delivery produces mixed results in Rockies’ Cactus League opener
+ Rockies’ Brendan Rodgers progressing ahead of schedule with shoulder rehab
+ Ubaldo Jimenez makes 2020 spring training debut for Rockies, yielding one run across two innings
+ Larry Walker bundle of nerves after touring Hall of Fame
+ Rockies prospect Ryan Vilade looking to impress at spring training
+ Rockies journeyman catcher Drew Butera has seen it all in 10 MLB seasons
+ Want to chat about the Rockies? Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook.
By The Numbers
Ep. 133
In this episode of the On The Rox podcast from Salt River Fields, Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders discuss top rising prospects to watch in Rockies spring training. Listen here…
Parting Shot
Philadelphia sued Harrison/Erickson, the New York company that created the Phanatic, last August in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. The team alleged Harrison/Erickson threatened to terminate the Phillies’ rights to the Phanatic as of June 15 and “make the Phanatic a free agent” unless the team renegotiated its 1984 agreement to acquire the mascot’s rights. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.com or tweet me @beetbailey.


thedenverpost--2020-02-28--Colorado’s first licensed cannabis R&D firm to study marijuana’s effect on Alzheimer’s disease

A Denver-based company hopes to be the state ’ s first to study the effects of marijuana on Alzheimer ’ s disease , thanks to a newly available research and development license in the city .
MedPharm Holdings plans to apply for a Denver marijuana R & D license to test delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) , cannabidiol ( CBD ) and other cannabinoids ’ effects on Alzheimer ’ s and dementia patients .
According to the Alzheimer ’ s Association , 5.8 million Americans have the disease , a degenerative brain disorder that affects a person ’ s memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs that help ease symptoms , they do not change the course of the disease .
Albert Gutierrez , CEO of MedPharm , sees Alzheimer ’ s as “ one of the biggest things that ’ s plaguing our country now and in the future.
” That ’ s why he ’ s excited about cannabis ’ potential to treat it .
“ We haven ’ t yet tapped into what this plant can really do to help alleviate the symptoms , ” Gutierrez said .
“ We hear a lot of anecdotal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or helping with arthritic pain… now it ’ s time to put the cannabinoids to the test and really understand what cannabinoids and what doses and what delivery methods really help deliver that relief.
” More than 30 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana , but research into the plant has been stifled because it ’ s still a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law .
Colorado first introduced R & D licensing in 2017 with the passage of House Bill 1367 , but left it up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer it .
So far only one company — MedPharm — has ever applied for an R & D license , according to the Marijuana Enforcement Division .
MedPharm obtained its license from the state in 2018 and began growing cannabis and creating a variety of original drug formulas while waiting for Denver to open up city-level applications .
If approved , the new license will enable MedPharm to administer clinical trials and develop drugs for them , including placebos .
During trials , MedPharm scientists plan to track how cannabinoids interact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cognitive abilities and patterns in patient demeanor .
They ’ ll also study how THC , CBD and other cannabinoids are absorbed and metabolized in the body .
Gutierrez expects to begin the first phase of double-blind testing in the second quarter of 2020 .
Trials will run about six to nine months , he said .
This isn ’ t the first time researchers have studied the link between marijuana and Alzheimer ’ s .
The Alzheimer ’ s Association funded at least two studies to look at the plant ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herlihy , senior director of marketing and communication for the Colorado chapter .
The results of those studies , which started in 2016 and 2017 , have not yet been reported , but Herlihy is encouraged to see new research being pursued .
“ The association has been exploring all legitimate avenues of research , from basic research through clinical trials , and investigating chemical components of marijuana and other plants because we understand that traditionally plants are an important source for many life-saving medicines , ” Herlihy said .
When legislators passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put Colorado at the forefront of medical marijuana research .
Schools such as the University of Colorado and Colorado State University-Pueblo , which is home to the Institute of Cannabis Research , have been doing studies on the effects of marijuana on various conditions such as Parkinson ’ s disease and cancer .
But sponsors of the bill contended there were plenty more opportunities .
“ Right now , there ’ s more research than any one institution could possibly handle , frankly , for the next 10 years , ” former state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chad Kinney , director of the Institute of Cannabis Research at CSU Pueblo , said research is generally concentrated at universities because of the infrastructure that already exists there , including staff , laboratories and technology .
“ The costs of such research tools can be a barrier for many companies , especially smaller ones , to conducting research in-house , ” Kinney said by email .
Gutierrez said it cost $ 12 million to get MedPharm ’ s facility up and running .
Even if big pharmaceutical companies want to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal funding that could be at risk if they study marijuana , he said .
Denver may also be one of the first cities to opt in to allow marijuana R & D licensing , and Eric Escudero , director of communications at the Department of Excise and Licensing , said he hopes this new opportunity will inspire others to get in the game .
“ There ’ s a lot of potential , ” Escudero said .
“ What Silicon Valley did for technology , Denver can do for medical ( cannabis @ @ @ @

A Denver-based company hopes to be the state’s first to study the effects of marijuana on Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to a newly available research and development license in the city.
MedPharm Holdings plans to apply for a Denver marijuana R&D license to test delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids’ effects on Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans have the disease, a degenerative brain disorder that affects a person’s memory and thinking skills. While there are drugs that help ease symptoms, they do not change the course of the disease.
Albert Gutierrez, CEO of MedPharm, sees Alzheimer’s as “one of the biggest things that’s plaguing our country now and in the future.” That’s why he’s excited about cannabis’ potential to treat it.
“We haven’t yet tapped into what this plant can really do to help alleviate the symptoms,” Gutierrez said. “We hear a lot of anecdotal evidence as far as helping with epilepsy or helping with arthritic pain… now it’s time to put the cannabinoids to the test and really understand what cannabinoids and what doses and what delivery methods really help deliver that relief.”
More than 30 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana, but research into the plant has been stifled because it’s still a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
Colorado first introduced R&D licensing in 2017 with the passage of House Bill 1367, but left it up to municipalities to individually decide if they would offer it. So far only one company — MedPharm — has ever applied for an R&D license, according to the Marijuana Enforcement Division.
Clinical trials ahead
MedPharm obtained its license from the state in 2018 and began growing cannabis and creating a variety of original drug formulas while waiting for Denver to open up city-level applications. If approved, the new license will enable MedPharm to administer clinical trials and develop drugs for them, including placebos.
During trials, MedPharm scientists plan to track how cannabinoids interact with neurological receptors through brain mapping and measuring cognitive abilities and patterns in patient demeanor. They’ll also study how THC, CBD and other cannabinoids are absorbed and metabolized in the body.
Gutierrez expects to begin the first phase of double-blind testing in the second quarter of 2020. Trials will run about six to nine months, he said.
This isn’t the first time researchers have studied the link between marijuana and Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association funded at least two studies to look at the plant’s impact on brain inflammation, said Jim Herlihy, senior director of marketing and communication for the Colorado chapter. The results of those studies, which started in 2016 and 2017, have not yet been reported, but Herlihy is encouraged to see new research being pursued.
“The association has been exploring all legitimate avenues of research, from basic research through clinical trials, and investigating chemical components of marijuana and other plants because we understand that traditionally plants are an important source for many life-saving medicines,” Herlihy said.
“A lot of potential”
When legislators passed HB 1367, they hoped it would put Colorado at the forefront of medical marijuana research. Schools such as the University of Colorado and Colorado State University-Pueblo, which is home to the Institute of Cannabis Research, have been doing studies on the effects of marijuana on various conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and cancer. But sponsors of the bill contended there were plenty more opportunities.
“Right now, there’s more research than any one institution could possibly handle, frankly, for the next 10 years,” former state Rep. Dan Pabon said at the time.
Chad Kinney, director of the Institute of Cannabis Research at CSU Pueblo, said research is generally concentrated at universities because of the infrastructure that already exists there, including staff, laboratories and technology.
“The costs of such research tools can be a barrier for many companies, especially smaller ones, to conducting research in-house,” Kinney said by email.
Gutierrez said it cost $12 million to get MedPharm’s facility up and running. Even if big pharmaceutical companies want to get into the industry, many rely on federal funding that could be at risk if they study marijuana, he said.
Denver may also be one of the first cities to opt in to allow marijuana R&D licensing, and Eric Escudero, director of communications at the Department of Excise and Licensing, said he hopes this new opportunity will inspire others to get in the game.
“There’s a lot of potential,” Escudero said. “What Silicon Valley did for technology, Denver can do for medical (cannabis) research.”