thedenverpost--2020-01-14--Colorado lawmakers introduce death penalty repeal

Lawmakers on Tuesday took the first step toward repealing the death penalty in Colorado .
Lead sponsors Sens .
Julie Gonzales , D-Denver , and Jack Tate , R-Centennial , introduced the repeal bill , which calls for capital punishment to be abolished in this state starting on July 1 .
This is the sixth repeal attempt in about a dozen years .
And it will likely be the one that finally succeeds : Tate and two other Senate Republicans are joining the vast majority of Democrats in supporting the bill , all but guaranteeing its passage .
The House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the governor has said he ’ d sign it into law .
Only one person — murderer and rapist Gary Lee Davis — has been executed in Colorado since a federal moratorium on the death penalty was lifted in 1976 .
There are now just three people on death row in Colorado .
The bill does not propose to alter their sentences in any way .
Two of those men were convicted in the killing of state Sen. Rhonda Fields ’ son and his fiancée .
The Aurora Democrat will oppose this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Denver Post last week that if the bill passes she ’ ll be glad to move on from what is a very painful conversation for her .
“ It ’ s hurtful , ” she said , “ because it reminds me of my own personal trauma and scars as it relates to the death of my son and his fiancée , and I have to live with that pain and those scars every day .
”

Lawmakers on Tuesday took the first step toward repealing the death penalty in Colorado.
Lead sponsors Sens. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Jack Tate, R-Centennial, introduced the repeal bill, which calls for capital punishment to be abolished in this state starting on July 1.
This is the sixth repeal attempt in about a dozen years. And it will likely be the one that finally succeeds: Tate and two other Senate Republicans are joining the vast majority of Democrats in supporting the bill, all but guaranteeing its passage. The House is certain to pass the bill, and the governor has said he’d sign it into law.
Only one person — murderer and rapist Gary Lee Davis — has been executed in Colorado since a federal moratorium on the death penalty was lifted in 1976.
There are now just three people on death row in Colorado. The bill does not propose to alter their sentences in any way.
Two of those men were convicted in the killing of state Sen. Rhonda Fields’ son and his fiancée. The Aurora Democrat will oppose this year’s bill, but she told The Denver Post last week that if the bill passes she’ll be glad to move on from what is a very painful conversation for her.
“It’s hurtful,” she said, “because it reminds me of my own personal trauma and scars as it relates to the death of my son and his fiancée, and I have to live with that pain and those scars every day.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-14--Lakewood jury finds woman guilty in kidnapping, torture case

A Jefferson County jury found a 29-year-old Lakewood woman guilty for her role in kidnapping a woman she believed to be a snitch , torturing the victim with cigarettes and injecting her with methamphetamine and heroin .
The jury found on Monday Angelique Cassandra Lopez guilty of second-degree kidnapping , menacing and aggravated witness intimidation , third-degree assault and false imprisonment , according to a news release from the First Judicial District Attorney ’ s Office .
Lopez was one of six people charged with kidnapping a 33-year-old woman in Lakewood last spring .
Four co-defendants have been sentenced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lopez and the others believed the woman had talked to police about a crime , the news release said .
On May 13 , Lopez and another woman forced the victim into a room at the Big Bunny Motel , 6218 W. Colfax Ave , the news release said .
Kidnappers used duct tape to bound the woman to a chair .
Over a span of three hours , they threatened her with a handgun , assaulted her and burned her with cigarettes and large incense sticks , the news release said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cocktail of methamphetamine and heroin and dumped her in a parking lot , the news release said .
A passerby found her barely conscious , bleeding and with duct tape on her wrists and a needle mark in her arm .
The person called 911 , the news release said .
Lopez is being held in the Jefferson County jail on a $ 250,000 bond pending her Feb. 27 sentencing .
She faces up to 21 years in prison .

A Jefferson County jury found a 29-year-old Lakewood woman guilty for her role in kidnapping a woman believed to be a snitch, torturing the victim with cigarettes and injecting her with methamphetamine and heroin, according to District Attorney Peter A. Weir’s office.
The jury found Angelique Cassandra Lopez guilty late Monday afternoon of three felony counts of kidnapping, menacing and aggravated witness intimidation and two misdemeanor counts of assault and false imprisonment, according to a news release by Pam Russell, spokeswoman for Weir’s office.
Lopez was one of six co-defendants charged with kidnapping a 33-year-old woman in Lakewood last Spring. Four co-defendants have previously been sentenced to prison and one case is pending. Lopez and other co-defendants believed the woman had talked to police about a crime, the news release said.
On May 13, Lopez and another woman forced the victim into a room at the Big Bunny Motel, 6218 W. Colfax Ave, the news release said. Kidnappers duct-taped the woman to a chair. Over a span of three hours, they then threatened her with a handgun and assaulted and burned her with cigarettes and large incense sticks, the news release said.
The kidnappers injected the victim with a cocktail of methamphetamine and heroin and dumped her in a parking lot, the news release said. A passerby found her barely conscious, bleeding, with duct tape on her wrists and a needle mark in her arm. The person called 911, the news release said.
Lopez is being held in the Jefferson County jail on a $250,000 bond pending her Feb. 27 sentencing. She faces up to 21 years in prison.


thedenverpost--2020-01-14--What’s coming to the former Tavern and Cowboy Lounge in LoDo? Tex-Mex, a brewery and a “rock and rol

What’s coming to the former Tavern and Cowboy Lounge in LoDo? Tex-Mex, a brewery and a “rock and roll bar.”

A changing LoDo block will be home to three new pre- and post-game party venues later this year with the opening of a Tex-Mex restaurant , brewery and rock and roll bar that will be able to accommodate around 600 patrons .
El Tejano , Smash Face Brewery & Taproom and Loaded will take up 25,000 square feet at 1941-49 Market St. , with 10,000 square feet of Coors Field-facing rooftop .
The buildings were occupied until October by Tavern Downtown , Cowboy Lounge and Cook Street School .
Last February , Denver ’ s Frank Schultz sold the real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11.25 million .
“ As with our other venues around the country , we ’ re coming to Denver to join the community , ” Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis said in a press release .
“ We think there are tremendous opportunities in LoDo — one of the city ’ s oldest neighborhoods , yet so close to Denver ’ s star attraction , Coors Field.
” The Knitting Factory , which started in 1987 in New York as a music and performance venue , is partnering with Los Angeles-based restaurateurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this Denver project .
Two of their new-to-Denver concepts hail from L.A. , while one is a first , anywhere .
El Tejano will sell lots of tacos , carne asada tater tots , street corn and a bar ’ s worth of free chips and salsa in the former Tavern space .
It has three locations already in Los Angeles .
RELATED : Two long-running LoDo bars have closed , and there are more changes in store for Market Street Next door to El Tejano in Denver , Loaded will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s-style rock and roll bar serving up cheap drinks , music theme nights and throwback vinyl , ” according to the release .
Loaded had previously operated in L.A. before closing and rebranding a few years ago .
And Smash Face is going to have its own Denver brewer who will brew beers named after “ smash-faced ” dog breeds — Pug Porter , Boxer Belgian , Shih Tzu Sour , Pekingese Pilsner , etc .
That ’ s a new concept altogether .
We can expect these three destinations to debut later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

A changing LoDo block will be home to three new pre- and post-game party venues later this year with the opening of a Tex-Mex restaurant, brewery and rock and roll bar that will be able to accommodate around 600 patrons.
El Tejano, Smash Face Brewery & Taproom and Loaded will take up 25,000 square feet at 1941-49 Market St., with 10,000 square feet of Coors Field-facing rooftop.
The buildings were occupied until October by Tavern Downtown, Cowboy Lounge and Cook Street School. Last February, Denver’s Frank Schultz sold the real estate to Fillmore Capital Partners for $11.25 million.
RELATED: Country star Dierks Bentley is opening a bar in LoDo
“As with our other venues around the country, we’re coming to Denver to join the community,” Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis said in a press release. “We think there are tremendous opportunities in LoDo — one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, yet so close to Denver’s star attraction, Coors Field.”
The Knitting Factory, which started in 1987 in New York as a music and performance venue, is partnering with Los Angeles-based restaurateurs Buckhead Group and San Francisco-based Fillmore Capital on this Denver project. Two of their new-to-Denver concepts hail from L.A., while one is a first, anywhere.
El Tejano will sell lots of tacos, carne asada tater tots, street corn and a bar’s worth of free chips and salsa in the former Tavern space. It has three locations already in Los Angeles.
RELATED: Two long-running LoDo bars have closed, and there are more changes in store for Market Street
Next door to El Tejano in Denver, Loaded will be a “beautifully brash, 80’s-style rock and roll bar serving up cheap drinks, music theme nights and throwback vinyl,” according to the release. Loaded had previously operated in L.A. before closing and rebranding a few years ago.
And Smash Face is going to have its own Denver brewer who will brew beers named after “smash-faced” dog breeds — Pug Porter, Boxer Belgian, Shih Tzu Sour, Pekingese Pilsner, etc. That’s a new concept altogether. We can expect these three destinations to debut later in 2020.
Subscribe to our new food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-01-14--Broncos hire Pat Shurmur as new offensive coordinator

The Broncos ’ offensive coordinator job was open for 48 hours .
Two days after firing Rich Scangarello , coach Vic Fangio announced Tuesday that former New York Giants coach Pat Shurmur would be the Broncos ’ fifth play-caller in as many years .
Shurmur , 54 , attended the Houston-Kansas City playoff game ( his son , Kyle , is a practice squad quarterback for the Chiefs ) on Sunday and spent Monday and Tuesday visiting with Fangio and the Broncos ’ offensive staff .
The Broncos will be Shurmur ’ s fourth stop as offensive coordinator , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He called the plays for the Rams and Vikings as well as during two-year stints as a head coach in Cleveland and for the Giants .
Shurmur is 43-79 as an NFL play-caller .
“ Pat is an established play-caller with significant experience leading an offense as both a coordinator and head coach , ” Fangio said in a statement .
“ Having coached against Pat for a number of years , he ’ s always impressed me .
His track record of developing younger players is outstanding.
” As dueling play-callers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All three of Shurmur ’ s wins ( 38-10 , 20-17 and 23-10 ) came as the Vikings ’ offensive coordinator in 2016-17 .
Fangio ’ s two wins came in 2011 ( San Francisco 20-10 over St. Louis ) and ’ 16 ( Chicago 20-10 over Minnesota ) .
Shurmur ’ s first task is deciding how many assistants he retains .
The current position coaches are Mike Munchak ( offensive line ) , Zach Azzanni ( receivers ) , Curtis Modkins ( running backs ) , Wade Harman ( tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterbacks ) .
Munchak and Azzanni are expected to remain with the Broncos .
“ Pat brings a collaborative approach to working with the staff as well as a flexibility to adjust the offense to our players and opponents , ” Fangio said .
“ We ’ re excited to add someone of his caliber to our coaching staff.
” Fangio went with a first-time NFL play-caller in Scangarello last year , but the seasoned route with Shurmur , who has four years of head-coaching experience and seven full years of play-calling chops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shurmur has earned praise for his work with quarterbacks Donovan McNabb , Sam Bradford , Nick Foles , Case Keenum and Daniel Jones .
Shurmur was the New York Giants ’ head coach the past two seasons , posting a 9-23 record .
He was fired on Dec. 30 .
The Broncos lack continuity in terms of offensive philosophy , but Shurmur does inherit building blocks in quarterback Drew Lock , running back Phillip Lindsay , receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant at the skill positions .
Shurmur grew up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his uncle , Fritz , was an NFL assistant for 24 years , including Green Bay ’ s defensive coordinator from 1994-98 under Mike Holmgren , who would later hire Pat as Cleveland ’ s coach .
Shurmur was a three-year starter at center for Michigan State ( 1985-87 ) and the first nine years ( 1988-97 ) of his coaching career were with the Spartans ’ program .
Shurmur was Stanford ’ s offensive line coach in 1998 before moving to the NFL .
Working with coach Andy Reid , Shurmur spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the first two as tight ends/assistant offensive line coach and the final seven as quarterbacks coach .
The Eagles advanced to one Super Bowl during Shurmur ’ s tenure .
Shurmur ’ s first play-calling post was with St. Louis ( 2009-10 ) .
The rebuilding Rams went 1-15 and 7-9 in the two years , finishing last and 26th in points scored , respectively .
Bradford was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2010 and running back Stephen Jackson had two 1,200-yard rushing seasons .
Tabbed by Holmgren to coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5-11 .
The Browns were 30th in scoring ( 13.6 ) and moved up to 24th ( 18.9 ) .
Shurmur returned to Philadelphia ( 2013-15 ) as Chip Kelly ’ s offensive coordinator , but he did not call the plays .
In 2013 , Foles had 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions , including a seven-touchdown game at Oakland .
The Eagles set their scoring franchise record in 2013-14 .
Shurmur was the Eagles ’ interim coach for the final game of 2015 ( a 35-30 win over the Giants ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Minnesota in 2016 as tight ends coach .
But at mid-season , he was elevated to offensive coordinator when Norv Turner abruptly resigned .
He remained the coordinator in 2017 and it represents his best play-calling season — a 13-3 record , third in rushing ( 122.3 ) , third on third down ( 43.5 % ) , 11th in yards ( 356.9 ) and 10th in scoring ( 23.9 ) .
Keenum threw the “ Minneapolis Miracle ” to win the Vikings ’ NFC Divisional Round game against New Orleans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the offense ranked 17th in yards ( 355.1 ) and 16th in points ( 23.1 ) .
The Giants scored 123 more points than in 2017 , quarterback Eli Manning set a career high with a 63.1 % completion rate and rookie running back Saquon Barkley made the Pro Bowl .
This past season , the Giants slipped to 18th in points ( 21.3 ) and 23rd in yards ( 338.5 ) .
After an 0-2 start , Shurmur made the bold move to bench Manning and hand the keys to Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 starts .

The Broncos’ offensive coordinator job was open for 48 hours.
Two days after firing Rich Scangarello, coach Vic Fangio announced Tuesday that former New York Giants coach Pat Shurmur would be the Broncos’ fifth play-caller in as many years.
Shurmur, 54, attended the Houston-Kansas City playoff game (his son, Kyle, is a practice squad quarterback for the Chiefs) on Sunday and spent Monday and Tuesday visiting with Fangio and the Broncos’ offensive staff.
The Broncos will be Shurmur’s fourth stop as offensive coordinator, following St. Louis, Philadelphia and Minnesota. He called the plays for the Rams and Vikings as well as during two-year stints as a head coach in Cleveland and for the Giants.
Shurmur is 43-79 as an NFL play-caller.
“Pat is an established play-caller with significant experience leading an offense as both a coordinator and head coach,” Fangio said in a statement. “Having coached against Pat for a number of years, he’s always impressed me. His track record of developing younger players is outstanding.”
As dueling play-callers, Shurmur holds a 3-2 edge over Fangio. All three of Shurmur’s wins (38-10, 20-17 and 23-10) came as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator in 2016-17. Fangio’s two wins came in 2011 (San Francisco 20-10 over St. Louis) and ’16 (Chicago 20-10 over Minnesota).
Shurmur’s first task is deciding how many assistants he retains. The current position coaches are Mike Munchak (offensive line), Zach Azzanni (receivers), Curtis Modkins (running backs), Wade Harman (tight ends) and T.C. McCartney (quarterbacks). Munchak and Azzanni are expected to remain with the Broncos.
“Pat brings a collaborative approach to working with the staff as well as a flexibility to adjust the offense to our players and opponents,” Fangio said. “We’re excited to add someone of his caliber to our coaching staff.”
Fangio went with a first-time NFL play-caller in Scangarello last year, but the seasoned route with Shurmur, who has four years of head-coaching experience and seven full years of play-calling chops on his resume.
Throughout his career, Shurmur has earned praise for his work with quarterbacks Donovan McNabb, Sam Bradford, Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Daniel Jones. Shurmur was the New York Giants’ head coach the past two seasons, posting a 9-23 record. He was fired Dec. 30.
The Broncos lack continuity in terms of offensive philosophy, but Shurmur does inherit building blocks in quarterback Drew Lock, running back Phillip Lindsay, receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant at the skill positions.
Shurmur grew up in Dearborn Heights, Mich., and his uncle, Fritz, was an NFL assistant for 24 years, including Green Bay’s defensive coordinator from 1994-98 under Mike Holmgren, who would later hire Pat as Cleveland’s coach.
Shurmur was a three-year starter at center for Michigan State (1985-87) and the first nine years (1988-97) of his coaching career were with the Spartans’ program.
Shurmur was Stanford’s offensive line coach in 1998 before moving to the NFL.
Working with coach Andy Reid, Shurmur spent nine years with Philadelphia (1999-2008), the first two as tight ends/assistant offensive line coach and the final seven as quarterbacks coach. The Eagles advanced to one Super Bowl during Shurmur’s tenure.
Shurmur’s first play-calling post was with St. Louis (2009-10). The rebuilding Rams went 1-15 and 7-9 in the two years, finishing last and 26th in points scored, respectively. Bradford was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2010 and running back Stephen Jackson had two 1,200-yard rushing seasons.
Tabbed by Holmgren to coach the Browns, Shurmur went 4-12 and 5-11. The Browns were 30th in scoring (13.6) and moved up to 24th (18.9).
Shurmur returned to Philadelphia (2013-15) as Chip Kelly’s offensive coordinator, but he did not call the plays. In 2013, Foles had 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions, including a seven-touchdown game at Oakland. The Eagles set their scoring franchise record in 2013-14.
Shurmur was the Eagles’ interim coach for the final game of 2015 (a 35-30 win over the Giants).
From Philadelphia, it was on to Minnesota in 2016 as tight ends coach. But at mid-season, he was elevated to offensive coordinator when Norv Turner abruptly resigned. He remained the coordinator in 2017 and it represents his best play-calling season — a 13-3 record, third in rushing (122.3), third on third down (43.5%), 11th in yards (356.9) and 10th in scoring (23.9). Keenum threw the “Minneapolis Miracle” to win the Vikings’ NFC Divisional Round game against New Orleans.
Shurmur took over the Giants in 2018 and the offense ranked 17th in yards (355.1) and 16th in points (23.1). The Giants scored 123 more points than in 2017, quarterback Eli Manning set a career high with a 63.1% completion rate and rookie running back Saquon Barkley made the Pro Bowl.
This past season, the Giants slipped to 18th in points (21.3) and 23rd in yards (338.5). After an 0-2 start, Shurmur made the bold move to bench Manning and hand the keys to Jones, the sixth overall pick. Jones had 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 starts.


thedenverpost--2020-01-14--Nuggets notebook: Jamal Murray talks about 3-point struggles; Gary Harris joins injury report

When you consider the inconsistencies , the frustrating losses and the recent injuries , the Nuggets are in an enviable position nearing the midway point of the regular season .
At 27-12 , Denver is tied with Utah for No .
2 in the Western Conference and firmly entrenched in the race for homecourt advantage .
The Nuggets have done this despite a defense that ’ s fallen off a cliff since Christmas ( 29th in the NBA ) and an offense that ’ s simultaneously surged .
In other words , there ’ s ample room for growth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 3-point shooting for an area begging for improvement .
Murray ’ s shooting a career-low 32.5 % from outside .
Since Dec. 1 ( 22 games ) , that number is at 30.5 % on a team-high 4.8 attempts per game .
But it ’ s not just Murray whose 3-point shooting has abandoned him .
Starters Paul Millsap , Will Barton and Gary Harris are all hovering around 30 % since the start of December .
Once Murray starts knocking down his shots from outside – something he says he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned – “ everything opens up , ” in his words .
“ I hope it ’ s coming soon , ” Murray said at practice Tuesday .
“ I ’ ve been in the gym a lot .
I ’ ve been in the gym every single day of 2020 .
That ’ s my goal , to at least touch the gym , get some shots up .
I ’ m getting good looks , I ’ m just not knocking it down right now .
Everybody in the league has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be right now.
” That the offense has taken off despite his outside struggles is indicative of the heights Nikola Jokic has lifted them .
Over the last month , Jokic is averaging nearly 24 points and 10 rebounds on almost 48 % 3-point shooting .
Jokic , like Murray is hoping to do , had to shoot through his early 3-point shooting inconsistencies .
“ When Joker hits his three , it opens up the game for everybody , ” Murray said .
“ When I hit my threes , imagine like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Barton ) are going and I ’ m shooting 5th , 6th in the league from midrange , and 90 percent from the free-throw line .
If I make some threes , just a couple , man , everything changes.
” When Murray is confident from outside , it has a pronounced effect on the offense .
Defenses need to adjust their pick-and-roll coverages , Jokic is in turn a dangerous cutting threat and it alters the geometry of their attack .
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Murray has the capability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which would be a reflection of the deadly shooter he is inside the arc .
Injuries mounting : The Nuggets had a light practice Tuesday coming off a back-to-back set over the weekend .
They have two more back-to-backs in their next four games and the injuries are starting to add up .
• Kiz vs. Singer : Should Nuggets trade Malik Beasley or Juancho Hernangomez ?
• “ He got his clock cleaned ” : Jerami Grant ’ s toughness , defense essential to Nuggets ’ postseason goals • Nikola Jokic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Clippers • Nuggets “ might be putting pressure on ourselves ” after loss to Cavs Murray is dealing with nagging back soreness that nearly kept him out of Sunday ’ s win over the Clippers .
He ’ s questionable for Wednesday ’ s matchup against Charlotte .
More concerning is Harris , who didn ’ t play the last few minutes vs. the Clippers after straining his right adductor earlier in the game .
He ’ s questionable , and the Nuggets are likely to take a cautious approach with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve told ( Gary ) and Paul and some of the other guys , it ’ s really important that we keep a big picture approach , ” Malone said .
“ As much as we want to win every single game , I want to do what ’ s right by Gary Harris .
I want to do what ’ s right for our team moving forward and hoping to play deep into the postseason .
… It ’ s something that we have to keep an eye on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Millsap will miss his fourth consecutive game with a knee injury .
He initially suffered a left knee contusion Dec. 20 , but compounded the issue with a left knee strain more recently .

When you consider the inconsistencies, the frustrating losses and the recent injuries, the Nuggets are in an enviable position nearing the midway point of the regular season.
At 27-12, Denver is tied with Utah for No. 2 in the Western Conference and firmly entrenched in the race for homecourt advantage. The Nuggets have done this despite a defense that’s fallen off a cliff since Christmas (29th in the NBA) and an offense that’s simultaneously surged. In other words, there’s ample room for growth.
Look no further than Jamal Murray’s 3-point shooting for an area begging for improvement.
Murray’s shooting a career-low 32.5% from outside. Since Dec. 1 (22 games), that number is at 30.5% on a team-high 4.8 attempts per game. But it’s not just Murray whose 3-point shooting has abandoned him. Starters Paul Millsap, Will Barton and Gary Harris are all hovering around 30% since the start of December.
Once Murray starts knocking down his shots from outside – something he says he’s worked diligently on since the calendar turned – “everything opens up,” in his words.
“I hope it’s coming soon,” Murray said at practice Tuesday. “I’ve been in the gym a lot. I’ve been in the gym every single day of 2020. That’s my goal, to at least touch the gym, get some shots up. I’m getting good looks, I’m just not knocking it down right now. Everybody in the league has gone through that. Mine happens to be right now.”
That the offense has taken off despite his outside struggles is indicative of the heights Nikola Jokic has lifted them. Over the last month, Jokic is averaging nearly 24 points and 10 rebounds on almost 48% 3-point shooting. Jokic, like Murray is hoping to do, had to shoot through his early 3-point shooting inconsistencies.
“When Joker hits his three, it opens up the game for everybody,” Murray said. “When I hit my threes, imagine like when Gary (Harris) and Thrill (Barton) are going and I’m shooting 5th, 6th in the league from midrange, and 90 percent from the free-throw line. If I make some threes, just a couple, man, everything changes.”
When Murray is confident from outside, it has a pronounced effect on the offense. Defenses need to adjust their pick-and-roll coverages, Jokic is in turn a dangerous cutting threat and it alters the geometry of their attack.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Murray has the capability of shooting 38% or higher from outside, which would be a reflection of the deadly shooter he is inside the arc.
Injuries mounting: The Nuggets had a light practice Tuesday coming off a back-to-back set over the weekend. They have two more back-to-backs in their next four games and the injuries are starting to add up.
Murray is dealing with nagging back soreness that nearly kept him out of Sunday’s win over the Clippers. He’s questionable for Wednesday’s matchup against Charlotte.
More concerning is Harris, who didn’t play the last few minutes vs. the Clippers after straining his right adductor earlier in the game. He’s questionable, and the Nuggets are likely to take a cautious approach with their premier perimeter defender.
“One thing I’ve told (Gary) and Paul and some of the other guys, it’s really important that we keep a big picture approach,” Malone said. “As much as we want to win every single game, I want to do what’s right by Gary Harris. I want to do what’s right for our team moving forward and hoping to play deep into the postseason. … It’s something that we have to keep an eye on. That injury has given him issues before.”
Millsap will miss his fourth consecutive game with a knee injury. He initially suffered a left knee contusion Dec. 20, but compounded the issue with a left knee strain more recently.
Malone to help Serbia? The Serbian basketball federation announced late Tuesday that Nuggets coach Michael Malone would be joining the staff for the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgrade in late June.
Malone’s commitment is likely contingent on Nikola Jokic’s participation, which isn’t official. Serbia finished fifth this past summer during the FIBA World Cup, where Jokic came off the bench and was hardly the table-setter he is for the Nuggets.
Former Suns coach and current Kings assistant Igor Kokoskov was named the Serbian head coach this fall. Jokic and Kokoskov had an extended conversation pregame when the Kings visited Denver in late December.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Ask Amy: Enjoy the lunch, but hold the private details

Dear Amy : I will be turning 60 this year , and have noticed a sort of trend among many of my friends , acquaintances , and co-workers .
It seems like every time we get together , someone starts to talk about a loved one who is very ill , dying , or has died .
This often sets off a morbid competition of who can come up with the most heartbreaking — and graphic — details .
Obviously , we ’ re all at an age where we ’ ve experienced this type of loss .
Both my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed on , but I would never reveal details of their deaths in a casual , mixed-company setting .
If we ’ re out having drinks before a concert , at a baby shower , or in the lunchroom at work , I ’ d rather not hear about a beloved aunt ’ s courageous but losing battle with cancer .
I ’ m not an unsympathetic person — quite the opposite .
But there is a time and place to reveal this sort of personal information .
My question is : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without coming across as a callous jerk ?
My next question : Am I being a callous jerk ?
Dear Buzz-killed : I don ’ t know if I would call you a callous jerk , mainly because you got there before me .
I exaggerate , but I do believe you sound … intolerant .
Perhaps you remember your own life about three decades ago , when your peers ( and possibly you , also ) were all talking about pregnancy , childbirth , the terrible twos , or your terrible bosses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were probably people who laid on too much graphic detail in recounting their childbirth stories .
I ’ d venture that these might be the same people who offer up too much detail ( for you ) regarding their loved-ones ’ illness or death stories .
However , what your cohorts are doing is not mindless , tactless talk .
They are narrating their lives .
What you describe as a “ morbid competition ” might otherwise be seen as “ relating.
” You may declare that reporting on , recounting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but ( in my view ) this is a matter of opinion .
I agree that going on and on in a larger social setting and describing ( private ) medical details about a perfect stranger is not polite or pro-social behavior .
But — anyone who wants to talk about and/or remember a loved-one is welcome to sit by me ( and that includes you ) .
If someone is engaged in a topic that makes you genuinely uncomfortable , you can gently try to change the subject by saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear all of this .
I seem to remember that you are planning a long trip this summer .
Will you still be able to do that ?
” Or , you could pull the person off of sharing medical details by asking pointed questions about the subject ’ s life , such as where ( and how ) they lived , versus how they are dying .
I made a few frozen casserole “ comfort food ” dishes for her and my brother-in-law to consume during her recovery .
Generally , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cook .
When I next saw them , they returned one of the casseroles , saying that it is a dish that they don ’ t care for .
I know that it is something they eat .
Am I wrong to think it would have been kinder to simply regift the dish , or simply dispose of it , rather than returning it to me ?
Dear Casserolled : Because a casserole is a word describing both a baked dish and also the dish it is baked in , I take it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , food intact .
I agree with you that this is strange , and rude .
This was a kind and generous gesture on your part .
When receiving gifts of food , there is no rule that this food must be consumed and enjoyed , but the dish ( sans food ) should be returned , clean , and the giver should be thanked .
Dear Amy : This is for “ Disappointed , ” your reader who thinks that a man grabbing a woman ’ s crotch is a minor infraction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be called out .
Public cases show how long an abuser gets away with this behavior when not reported .
Reporting an event can help to prevent this conduct from being forced onto others .
Dear Upset : Many readers have reacted to the question similarly .
If this sort of behavior goes unchallenged , then it continues .
In a worst-case scenario , this sort of drunken groping could escalate into a more serious assault .

Dear Amy: I will be turning 60 this year, and have noticed a sort of trend among many of my friends, acquaintances, and co-workers.
It seems like every time we get together, someone starts to talk about a loved one who is very ill, dying, or has died.
This often sets off a morbid competition of who can come up with the most heartbreaking — and graphic — details.
Obviously, we’re all at an age where we’ve experienced this type of loss. Both my parents and three of my siblings have passed on, but I would never reveal details of their deaths in a casual, mixed-company setting.
If we’re out having drinks before a concert, at a baby shower, or in the lunchroom at work, I’d rather not hear about a beloved aunt’s courageous but losing battle with cancer.
I’m not an unsympathetic person — quite the opposite. But there is a time and place to reveal this sort of personal information.
My question is: How would you handle this tricky social situation without coming across as a callous jerk?
My next question: Am I being a callous jerk?
— Buzz-killed in Boston
Dear Buzz-killed: I don’t know if I would call you a callous jerk, mainly because you got there before me. I exaggerate, but I do believe you sound … intolerant.
Perhaps you remember your own life about three decades ago, when your peers (and possibly you, also) were all talking about pregnancy, childbirth, the terrible twos, or your terrible bosses.
Yes, back in those days there were probably people who laid on too much graphic detail in recounting their childbirth stories. I’d venture that these might be the same people who offer up too much detail (for you) regarding their loved-ones’ illness or death stories.
However, what your cohorts are doing is not mindless, tactless talk. They are narrating their lives. What you describe as a “morbid competition” might otherwise be seen as “relating.”
You may declare that reporting on, recounting and remembering your loved ones is bad form, but (in my view) this is a matter of opinion. I agree that going on and on in a larger social setting and describing (private) medical details about a perfect stranger is not polite or pro-social behavior.
But — anyone who wants to talk about and/or remember a loved-one is welcome to sit by me (and that includes you).
If someone is engaged in a topic that makes you genuinely uncomfortable, you can gently try to change the subject by saying, “I’m so sorry to hear all of this. I seem to remember that you are planning a long trip this summer. Will you still be able to do that?” Or, you could pull the person off of sharing medical details by asking pointed questions about the subject’s life, such as where (and how) they lived, versus how they are dying.
Dear Amy: My sister-in-law had minor surgery.
I made a few frozen casserole “comfort food” dishes for her and my brother-in-law to consume during her recovery.
Generally, it is acknowledged that I am a good cook.
When I next saw them, they returned one of the casseroles, saying that it is a dish that they don’t care for. I know that it is something they eat.
Am I wrong to think it would have been kinder to simply regift the dish, or simply dispose of it, rather than returning it to me?
— Casserolled
Dear Casserolled: Because a casserole is a word describing both a baked dish and also the dish it is baked in, I take it that this dish was returned to you, food intact.
I agree with you that this is strange, and rude. This was a kind and generous gesture on your part. When receiving gifts of food, there is no rule that this food must be consumed and enjoyed, but the dish (sans food) should be returned, clean, and the giver should be thanked.
Dear Amy: This is for “Disappointed,” your reader who thinks that a man grabbing a woman’s crotch is a minor infraction.
Any form of sexual misconduct should be called out.
Public cases show how long an abuser gets away with this behavior when not reported.
Reporting an event can help to prevent this conduct from being forced onto others.
— Upset
Dear Upset: Many readers have reacted to the question similarly. If this sort of behavior goes unchallenged, then it continues. In a worst-case scenario, this sort of drunken groping could escalate into a more serious assault.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Key takeaways from tonight’s Democratic presidential debate in Iowa included Iran and healthcare

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) — Some key takeaways from Tuesday ’ s Democratic presidential debate in Des Moines , the final forum before the Iowa caucuses : CIVILITY AND SUBSTANCE OVER FIGHTING AND FRICTION After the United States ’ killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , Democrats were bracing for fights over foreign policy .
Instead , a whole lot of substance broke out .
There was a brief skirmish between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , who opposed the Iraq War , and former vice president Joe Biden , who apologized for supporting for it .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-quarter of the time set for the debate — focused on the future .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg and California businessman Tom Steyer tried to argue that their outside-the-Beltway resumes would be benefits in the Oval Office .
“ What we are hearing is 20 years of mistakes by the American government in the Middle East , ” Steyer said .
“ It ’ s time for someone from the outside having a strategic view on what we ’ re trying to do.
” The two liberals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued the United States needed to pull its troops entirely from the Middle East and Afghanistan .
“ The American people are sick and tired of endless wars that have cost us trillions of dollars , ” Sanders said .
Warren said generals keep arguing the United States is “ turning the corner ” in its fights .
“ We ’ ve turned the corner so many times we ’ re going in circles in these regions , ” she quipped .
The two voices backing traditional foreign policy were Biden and Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least a small military presence remaining in the Middle East .
Buttigieg , a 37-year-old who served as a military intelligence officer in Afghanistan , cast foreign policy as part of his generational argument .
“ There are enlisted people I serve with barely old enough to remember some of those votes , ” he said after Biden and Sanders talked about their 17-year-old Iraq war votes .
ABOUT THE FIGHT THAT DIDN ’ T HAPPEN The pre-debate chatter was about an expected fight between Sanders and Warren over Warren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 that a woman couldn ’ t be elected president .
Sanders denied it , Warren didn ’ t press it .
Their fight didn ’ t happen , but it did spark a more spirited discussion about gender and power .
Sanders continued to deny he ’ d ever said it .
“ Does anyone in their right mind believe a woman can ’ t be elected president ?
” he asked .
The answer is yes .
It ’ s a sentiment often heard among Democratic voters and operatives who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 loss .
Warren did not repeat onstage that Sanders made the statement but said , “ This question about whether or not a woman can be president needs to be addressed head-on.
” Warren said she and Klobuchar , the two women on the stage , were the only ones who had won every election they had run .
But there was obvious tension when Sanders tried to correct Warren ’ s statement that she was the only person onstage who ’ d beaten an incumbent Republican in the past 30 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican when he won his first congressional election in 1990 .
After the debate , it appeared that Warren declined to shake Sanders ’ hand .
Klobuchar is an “ A ” student in the art of the local when she campaigns across Iowa .
Dropping names of local political officials , cities , counties , vote totals and local heroes , Klobuchar is a disciplined candidate reminding voters in Iowa she understands them .
Yet , in the middle of an explanation of all the women who won governorships in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name of Laura Kelly of Kansas .
“ And her name .
… I ’ m very proud to know her , and her name is governor … Kelly , ” Klobuchar said , swallowing the new governor ’ s last name .
She later tried to bounce back with a tongue in cheek .
During an exchange about health care , Klobuchar quipped , “ The Affordable Care Act is 10 points more popular than the president of the United States.
” On trade , there was some clarity , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He refused to support the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement , despite his admission that it made modest improvements over the decades-old North American Free Trade Agreement .
( Steyer said he wouldn ’ t sign the deal because it didn ’ t do enough to address climate change . )
All the Democrats agreed that President Donald Trump ’ s trade war with China and North American allies has hurt American jobs and the rural economy — especially in Iowa , among the nation ’ s leading export economies .
Sanders ’ back-and-forth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his economic isolationism and the rest of the field ’ s half-a-loaf approach .
Sanders said the deal will result in the “ continuation of the loss of hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs ” and stops short of addressing environmental concerns vital to his campaign .
His ideological opposite , Biden , suggested there was nearly no trade pact Sanders would support .
Warren , despite opposing U.S. trade agreements with Asia and Europe , said “ we have farmers here in Iowa who are hurting and they are hurting because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wars.
” He is worth more than a billion dollars but appears to own only one questionable red knit tie .
But Tom Steyer , the activist who ran an investment company , made it to the final debate stage before Iowa votes .
And he made his presence felt .
He used his money to fund ads in early states that raised his profile enough to clear the debate ’ s polling and donation thresholds .
He has largely been a background presence in previous faceoffs , but Tuesday night he stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anti-corporate billionaire .
“ Corporations are having their way with the American people and the American people are suffering , ” Steyer said at one point , endorsing the single-payer health care plan outlined by Sanders , an avowed socialist .
Later , he said his children didn ’ t deserve government-paid-for college , effectively siding with Buttigieg ’ s more centrist approach on free college .
But then he argued that he had been talking about a wealth tax before Warren , who ’ s made it her keystone proposal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ richest Americans from everybody else has to end , ” he said .
Asked by CNN ’ s Wolf Blitzer if his funding of a pro-impeachment push since late 2017 was a smart move , given that Trump is likely to be acquitted in the upcoming Senate trial , Steyer said : “ Standing up for whats right is always worth it , Wolf .
And I will never back down from that.
” Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game @ @

By THOMAS BEAUMONT and NICHOLAS RICCARDI
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some key takeaways from Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate in Des Moines, the final forum before the Iowa caucuses:
CIVILITY AND SUBSTANCE OVER FIGHTING AND FRICTION
After the United States’ killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Democrats were bracing for fights over foreign policy. Instead, a whole lot of substance broke out.
There was a brief skirmish between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who opposed the Iraq War, and former vice president Joe Biden, who apologized for supporting for it. But most of the opening 30-minute discussion — one-quarter of the time set for the debate — focused on the future.
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and California businessman Tom Steyer tried to argue that their outside-the-Beltway resumes would be benefits in the Oval Office. “What we are hearing is 20 years of mistakes by the American government in the Middle East,” Steyer said. “It’s time for someone from the outside having a strategic view on what we’re trying to do.”
The two liberals, Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, argued the United States needed to pull its troops entirely from the Middle East and Afghanistan. “The American people are sick and tired of endless wars that have cost us trillions of dollars,” Sanders said.
Warren said generals keep arguing the United States is “turning the corner” in its fights. “We’ve turned the corner so many times we’re going in circles in these regions,” she quipped.
The two voices backing traditional foreign policy were Biden and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who both argued for at least a small military presence remaining in the Middle East.
Buttigieg, a 37-year-old who served as a military intelligence officer in Afghanistan, cast foreign policy as part of his generational argument. “There are enlisted people I serve with barely old enough to remember some of those votes,” he said after Biden and Sanders talked about their 17-year-old Iraq war votes.
___
ABOUT THE FIGHT THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN
The pre-debate chatter was about an expected fight between Sanders and Warren over Warren’s assertion that Sanders told her in 2018 that a woman couldn’t be elected president. Sanders denied it, Warren didn’t press it. Their fight didn’t happen, but it did spark a more spirited discussion about gender and power.
Sanders continued to deny he’d ever said it. “Does anyone in their right mind believe a woman can’t be elected president?” he asked.
The answer is yes. It’s a sentiment often heard among Democratic voters and operatives who are still traumatized by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss. Warren did not repeat onstage that Sanders made the statement but said, “This question about whether or not a woman can be president needs to be addressed head-on.”
Warren said she and Klobuchar, the two women on the stage, were the only ones who had won every election they had run. But there was obvious tension when Sanders tried to correct Warren’s statement that she was the only person onstage who’d beaten an incumbent Republican in the past 30 years. He noted he’d ousted a Republican when he won his first congressional election in 1990.
“That was 30 years ago,” Warren responded coolly.
After the debate, it appeared that Warren declined to shake Sanders’ hand.
___
RARE OOPS FOR ‘A’ STUDENT
Klobuchar is an “A” student in the art of the local when she campaigns across Iowa. Dropping names of local political officials, cities, counties, vote totals and local heroes, Klobuchar is a disciplined candidate reminding voters in Iowa she understands them.
Yet, in the middle of an explanation of all the women who won governorships in 2018, she got stuck trying to remember the name of Laura Kelly of Kansas.
“And her name. … I’m very proud to know her, and her name is governor … Kelly,” Klobuchar said, swallowing the new governor’s last name.
She later tried to bounce back with a tongue in cheek. During an exchange about health care, Klobuchar quipped, “The Affordable Care Act is 10 points more popular than the president of the United States.”
___
GLOBAL TRADE HITS HOME IN IOWA
On trade, there was some clarity, at least as far as Sanders is concerned. He refused to support the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, despite his admission that it made modest improvements over the decades-old North American Free Trade Agreement. (Steyer said he wouldn’t sign the deal because it didn’t do enough to address climate change.)
All the Democrats agreed that President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and North American allies has hurt American jobs and the rural economy — especially in Iowa, among the nation’s leading export economies.
Sanders’ back-and-forth with his colleagues revealed a rift between his economic isolationism and the rest of the field’s half-a-loaf approach.
Sanders said the deal will result in the “continuation of the loss of hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs” and stops short of addressing environmental concerns vital to his campaign.
His ideological opposite, Biden, suggested there was nearly no trade pact Sanders would support.
Warren, despite opposing U.S. trade agreements with Asia and Europe, said “we have farmers here in Iowa who are hurting and they are hurting because of Donald Trump’s initiated trade wars.”
___
STEYER’S BET HAS PAID OFF
He is worth more than a billion dollars but appears to own only one questionable red knit tie. But Tom Steyer, the activist who ran an investment company, made it to the final debate stage before Iowa votes. And he made his presence felt.
He used his money to fund ads in early states that raised his profile enough to clear the debate’s polling and donation thresholds. He has largely been a background presence in previous faceoffs, but Tuesday night he stood out by occupying an unusual niche — the anti-corporate billionaire.
“Corporations are having their way with the American people and the American people are suffering,” Steyer said at one point, endorsing the single-payer health care plan outlined by Sanders, an avowed socialist.
Later, he said his children didn’t deserve government-paid-for college, effectively siding with Buttigieg’s more centrist approach on free college. But then he argued that he had been talking about a wealth tax before Warren, who’s made it her keystone proposal. “The redistribution of wealth to the richest Americans from everybody else has to end,” he said.
Asked by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer if his funding of a pro-impeachment push since late 2017 was a smart move, given that Trump is likely to be acquitted in the upcoming Senate trial, Steyer said: “Standing up for whats right is always worth it, Wolf. And I will never back down from that.”
___
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, “Ground Game.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--PHOTOS: Miniature Zebus steal the show at NWSS

The 2,000 pound Limousin bulls trotting out of the arena at the National Western Stock Show on Tuesday towered over @ @ @ @ @ .
Miniature , in this case , meaning 400 to 450 pounds .

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Don Magnuson sits in a chair as he holds one of his miniature zebus during the National Western Stock Show on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Kiszla: Avs blow another game, revealing lack of both championship habits and Cup-worthy goalie

When Avalanche grinder Matt Calvert , who ’ s made of 67 percent sandpaper and 33 percent battery acid , punched Dallas star Jamie Benn in his big , ugly mug , I saw the future of these two Central Division rivals , who seem destined to battle it out in the first round of the NHL playoffs .
There will be blood , not to mention the animosity certain to fester during a seven-game playoff series of knock-down , drag-out , desperately beautiful hockey .
When the two combatants from Dallas and Colorado dropped the gloves during the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the Stars won the game 3-2 , on a goal by Esa Lindell in overtime .
“ We ’ ve got to learn how to finish games .
You can play the best game in the world .
But if you lose , it ’ s still a loss .
Right ?
” Avalanche defenseman Ian Cole said Tuesday .
“ We don ’ t really take moral victories around here .
And two points is all that matters.
” Are these Avs ready for the rigors of a long playoff fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not yet .
At this point , Colorado is a team of undeniably Cup-worthy talent but unreliable championship habits .
Yes , this is Nathan MacKinnon ’ s team .
On some nights , when MacK is flying , it seems as if the fate of the entire NHL universe turns on the blade on his skates .
Although nearly as dominant as any MVP candidate can be , MacKinnon can not carry the Avalanche every minute during the long grind of the regular season .
Colorado won ’ t win 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without major contributions from his teammates .
Through 46 games , what we ’ ve seen from the Avalanche is a group still trying to figure each other out and establish an identity sturdy enough to withstand the strain of adversity certain to be encountered during the playoffs .
While young defenseman Cale Makar and captain Gabe Landeskog are big talents , a team must win all the little battles and button down every detail in order to win a championship .
That ’ s why goaltender Philipp Grubauer repeatedly emphasizes that paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that form winning habits is every bit as important as earning the “ W ” at this time of year .
While the three stalwart members of the No .
1 scoring line have established deep enough roots in Denver to be be considered members of the family , please remember that five of the top nine forwards are new to the club , while Mikko Rantanen also sat out training camp as financial details of a new $ 55.5 million contract were hashed out .
Chemistry can not be microwaved ; it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So when coach Jared Bednar says he would like to hear the Avs talk more on the ice , should it be any surprise ?
Many of these guys wearing a Colorado sweater are still learning to mesh .
While Makar looks like the rookie of the year 90 percent of the time , the other 10 percent of the time reveals a 21-year-old defenseman still learning all the nuances required to thrive in the NHL .
And maybe most important : Grubauer was rock-solid down the stretch last season , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalie that teammates trust to restore order when things are going haywire in the third period .
Colorado now owns an 11-7-4 record on home ice .
That ’ s simply not good enough .
Full of jump , the Avalanche bolted out to a 2-0 lead against Dallas in the opening period , then frittered it all away .
While Grubauer wasn ’ t bad between the pipes , he wasn ’ t good enough to save Colorado ’ s bacon with the outcome hanging in the balance .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play 60 minutes , ” Grubauer said .
The Avs lack two things : Championship habits .
And a Cup-worthy goalie .

When Avalanche grinder Matt Calvert, who’s made of 67 percent sandpaper and 33 percent battery acid, punched Dallas star Jamie Benn in his big, ugly mug, I saw the future of these two Central Division rivals, who seem destined to battle it out in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
There will be blood, not to mention the animosity certain to fester during a seven-game playoff series of knock-down, drag-out, desperately beautiful hockey.
When the two combatants from Dallas and Colorado dropped the gloves during the third period, Calvert won the fight. But the Stars won the game 3-2, on a goal by Esa Lindell in overtime.
“We’ve got to learn how to finish games. You can play the best game in the world. But if you lose, it’s still a loss. Right?” Avalanche defenseman Ian Cole said Tuesday. “We don’t really take moral victories around here. And two points is all that matters.”
Are these Avs ready for the rigors of a long playoff fight?
The honest answer is: No. Not yet.
At this point, Colorado is a team of undeniably Cup-worthy talent but unreliable championship habits.
Yes, this is Nathan MacKinnon’s team. On some nights, when MacK is flying, it seems as if the fate of the entire NHL universe turns on the blade on his skates.
Although nearly as dominant as any MVP candidate can be, MacKinnon cannot carry the Avalanche every minute during the long grind of the regular season. Colorado won’t win 16 playoff games and raise the Stanley Cup without major contributions from his teammates.
Through 46 games, what we’ve seen from the Avalanche is a group still trying to figure each other out and establish an identity sturdy enough to withstand the strain of adversity certain to be encountered during the playoffs. While young defenseman Cale Makar and captain Gabe Landeskog are big talents, a team must win all the little battles and button down every detail in order to win a championship.
That’s why goaltender Philipp Grubauer repeatedly emphasizes that paying strict attention to all the small things that form winning habits is every bit as important as earning the “W” at this time of year.
While the three stalwart members of the No. 1 scoring line have established deep enough roots in Denver to be be considered members of the family, please remember that five of the top nine forwards are new to the club, while Mikko Rantanen also sat out training camp as financial details of a new $55.5 million contract were hashed out. Chemistry cannot be microwaved; it requires the patience of a slow simmer.
So when coach Jared Bednar says he would like to hear the Avs talk more on the ice, should it be any surprise? Many of these guys wearing a Colorado sweater are still learning to mesh.
While Makar looks like the rookie of the year 90 percent of the time, the other 10 percent of the time reveals a 21-year-old defenseman still learning all the nuances required to thrive in the NHL. And maybe most important: Grubauer was rock-solid down the stretch last season, but he is still establishing himself as a goalie that teammates trust to restore order when things are going haywire in the third period. Colorado now owns an 11-7-4 record on home ice. That’s simply not good enough.
Full of jump, the Avalanche bolted out to a 2-0 lead against Dallas in the opening period, then frittered it all away. While Grubauer wasn’t bad between the pipes, he wasn’t good enough to save Colorado’s bacon with the outcome hanging in the balance.
“We’ve got to find a way to play 60 minutes,” Grubauer said.
The Avs lack two things: Championship habits. And a Cup-worthy goalie.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Avs blow another third-period lead, fall 3-2 to Stars in overtime

If the NHL playoffs had opened Tuesday , the Dallas Stars and Avalanche would have begun a first-round series between the Central Division ’ s Nos .
2 and 3 seeds .
But , no , we ’ re still three months away from the postseason and Tuesday ’ s tilt was just the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the rivals .
Overtime was required , and in a heated affair that looked playoff-angry , the Stars skated off with the extra point after defenseman Esa Lindell scored with a wrist shot off a faceoff 1:54 into the extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pepsi Center .
Avs captain Gabe Landeskog , who lost the defensive-end faceoff to Joe Pavelski that led to Lindell ’ s goal , was furious afterward — likely because Pavelski appeared to hook his stick before linesman Brandon Gawryletz dropped the puck .
Landeskog screamed at Gawryletz while Pavelski pushed the puck back to Lindell , who skated in for the winning shot .
It was another blown third-period lead for the Avs , who fell to 4-7-3 in their last 14 games .
They led 2-0 early and 2-1 after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their last seven home games .
The Stars ’ Jason Dickinson scored on his own rebound to tie it 2-2 with 5:23 remaining in regulation .
Goalie Philipp Grubauer ( 27 saves ) took the loss for the Avs ( 25-15-6 , 56 points ) .
Denver-born Ben Bishop ( 41 saves ) got the win for Dallas ( 27-15-4 , 58 points ) .
“ I thought we were engaged start to finish .
Played hard .
Checked hard , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said .
“ I thought we played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how else to summerize .
It just seems like right now , anything that can go wrong will go wrong .
Again tonight , you see it .
So we just got to keep grinding.
” As usual , the Avs had a big first period at home .
They produced 16-of-20 shots in the period and took a 2-0 lead into intermission .
“ We got to find a way to play that way 60 minutes , ” Grubauer said .
“ It ’ s all about work ethic and back-checking.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the stick of Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen , who was playing the pass and inadvertently redirected the puck into his own net at 9:04 .
Landeskog doubled the lead at 15:27 when he redirected a long shot from MacKinnon .
But Dallas controlled the second period and capitalized on penalties to Tyson Jost and Mikko Rantanen , but only one of the power-play goals counted .
The first was overturned on a coach ’ s challenge for offside — Jamie Benn entered the offensive zone early — but the second one sliced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denis Gurianov found a hole through defenseman Ryan Graves and Grubauer .
The Avs outshot the Stars 14-12 in the third period but failed to produce a shot in overtime , falling to 3-6 on the season .
Footnotes .
The Stars ’ Corey Perry served the final game of his five-game suspension for elbowing Ryan Ellis at the Winter Classic in Dallas on Jan. 1 .
… The Avs ’ scratches were defenseman Mark Barberio and forward Joonas Donskoi ( concussion ) .
Donskoi skated in a red , noncontact sweater Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return .

If the NHL playoffs had opened Tuesday, the Dallas Stars and Avalanche would have begun a first-round series between the Central Division’s Nos. 2 and 3 seeds. But, no, we’re still three months away from the postseason and Tuesday’s tilt was just the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the rivals.
Overtime was required, and in a heated affair that looked playoff-angry, the Stars skated off with the extra point after defenseman Esa Lindell scored with a wrist shot off a faceoff 1:54 into the extra session for a 3-2 Dallas victory at the Pepsi Center.
Avs captain Gabe Landeskog, who lost the defensive-end faceoff to Joe Pavelski that led to Lindell’s goal, was furious afterward — likely because Pavelski appeared to hook his stick before linesman Brandon Gawryletz dropped the puck. Landeskog screamed at Gawryletz while Pavelski pushed the puck back to Lindell, who skated in for the winning shot.
It was another blown third-period lead for the Avs, who fell to 4-7-3 in their last 14 games. They led 2-0 early and 2-1 after two periods but fell to 1-4-2 in their last seven home games.
The Stars’ Jason Dickinson scored on his own rebound to tie it 2-2 with 5:23 remaining in regulation.
Goalie Philipp Grubauer (27 saves) took the loss for the Avs (25-15-6, 56 points). Denver-born Ben Bishop (41 saves) got the win for Dallas (27-15-4, 58 points).
“I thought we were engaged start to finish. Played hard. Checked hard,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “I thought we played hard. I don’t know how else to summerize. It just seems like right now, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Again tonight, you see it. So we just got to keep grinding.”
As usual, the Avs had a big first period at home. They produced 16-of-20 shots in the period and took a 2-0 lead into intermission.
“We got to find a way to play that way 60 minutes,” Grubauer said. “It’s all about work ethic and back-checking.”
Nikita Zadorov opened with a gift goal off the stick of Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who was playing the pass and inadvertently redirected the puck into his own net at 9:04. Landeskog doubled the lead at 15:27 when he redirected a long shot from MacKinnon.
But Dallas controlled the second period and capitalized on penalties to Tyson Jost and Mikko Rantanen, but only one of the power-play goals counted. The first was overturned on a coach’s challenge for offside — Jamie Benn entered the offensive zone early — but the second one sliced Colorado’s lead in half when Denis Gurianov found a hole through defenseman Ryan Graves and Grubauer.
The Avs outshot the Stars 14-12 in the third period but failed to produce a shot in overtime, falling to 3-6 on the season.
Footnotes. The Stars’ Corey Perry served the final game of his five-game suspension for elbowing Ryan Ellis at the Winter Classic in Dallas on Jan. 1. … The Avs’ scratches were defenseman Mark Barberio and forward Joonas Donskoi (concussion). Donskoi skated in a red, noncontact sweater Tuesday morning and could be close to a return.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Fact-checking Tuesday’s Democratic debate

Six of the candidates vying for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination took the stage Tuesday night in Des Moines for their last debate before the Iowa caucuses kick off the primary season in less than three weeks .
Here is how the candidates ’ remarks stacked up against the truth .
WHAT THE FACTS ARE Sen. Bernie Sanders said that his ‘ Medicare for All ’ plan would cost ‘ substantially less ’ than the current health care system , a characterization that many serious analysts contest .
“ ‘ Medicare for All , ’ which will guarantee comprehensive health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child , will cost substantially less than the status quo.
” Medicare for all would be an enormous change to the health care system , and many key details are still unsettled .
That makes it very difficult to provide precise estimates of what such a system would cost .
A number of serious economists have considered the question in a rigorous way .
Some believe that a Medicare for All system could cost less over the long run than the future under current policy .
But several believe it will cost more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to squeeze savings out of the current system .
It could pay lower prices to doctors , hospitals , and drugmakers .
It would eliminate health insurance profit .
And it could eliminate spending on administration and paperwork by simplifying the system .
But it also has features that would tend to increase spending .
By covering Americans who currently are uninsured , it would incur new costs .
It would also expand benefits beyond what health insurance typically covers , by including dental care and long-term care , among other services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assume more people will use them .
WHAT THE FACTS ARE Sanders said that his health care plan will eliminate the large differences between the prices paid for health care in the United States and peer nations , a statement without much evidence to support it .
“ Medicare for All will end the absurdity of the United States paying by far the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs and health care in general.
” Sanders is correct that nearly every kind of medical service costs more in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health economists believe it is these higher prices paid in the United States that explain the bulk of why the American health care system is so unusually expensive .
A Medicare for All plan like the one Sanders has proposed would have the power to lower such prices , by making the government the only purchaser of health care services .
But just because the government could pay less for health care than insurers and patients pay now does not mean that the government could easily reduce American prices to match those of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States is organized around our current prices , meaning that huge reductions in payments could be disruptive , with the potential to cause hospitals to close or doctors to default on their debts .
That ’ s why most serious analysts believe that even a Medicare for All system could only cut medical prices by so much .
The countries with lower payment rates set up systems to limit health care prices decades ago , before the gap with the United States became so large .
A Medicare for All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the United States would probably continue to pay the highest prices in the world for many health care services .
Former Vice President Joe Biden attempted to explain his vote to authorize the Iraq War .
“ I said 13 years ago it was a mistake to give the president the authority to go to war ” Biden was one of 77 senators who voted to authorize the war in Iraq in October 2002 — and he called that vote a mistake in 2005 .
The New York Times reviewed how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago and found that the episode reveals how he operates “ as a Senate dealmaker at heart.
” On other military engagements , potential and actual , Biden has exercised more caution .
During his bid for the presidency in 2008 , for example , Biden warned that war with Iran “ is not just a bad option .
It would be a disaster.
” When he became vice president , Biden was a lonely voice in the White House who argued against increasing troop levels in Afghanistan in 2009 — a fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by 2014 and , though President Barack Obama shared that aim , the United States still had troops in Afghanistan when the two men left office .
WHAT THE FACTS ARE Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , said that Australia , which is experiencing the worst wildfires seen in decades , is also suffering from tornadoes made of fire .
“ In Australia there are literally tornadoes made of fire taking place .
This is no longer theoretical or off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire tornadoes , are , indeed , a thing .
When wildfires get big enough and hot enough , it can create thunderstorms that breed tornadoes .
Climate change is a key element here since warming is making wildfires worse by lengthening the fire season , decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures .
WHAT THE FACTS ARE Sen. Bernie Sanders said he objected to the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement because it does not address climate change .
“ Every major environmental organization has said ‘ no ’ to this new trade agreement because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change ’ in it.
” Democrats fought for language calling for a commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change , as well as binding climate change standards , but those provisions did not make it into the final measure that passed the House .
That bill , which awaits a vote in the Senate , does not include any mention of climate change .
WHAT THE FACTS ARE Multiple candidates said Iran was complying with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal before President Donald Trump abandoned the agreement .
“ By gutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by the way , the Trump administration itself admitted was working , certified that it was preventing progress toward a nuclear Iran , by gutting that , they have made the region more dangerous.
” After the Iran nuclear deal was approved by the Obama administration in 2015 , Congress voted to require the American president to issue regular certifications that Iran was complying with the agreement ’ s limits on uranium enrichment and other nuclear activity .
Trump twice approved such certifications , affirming findings of U.S. intelligence agencies that Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so in October 2017 without citing specific Iranian violations .
In May 2018 , Trump abandoned the deal altogether .
He made no claim that Iran was in violation but that the “ horrible ” agreement expired too soon , failed to limit Iran ’ s ballistic missile program and did not constrain its foreign interventions across the Middle East .
Defenders of the deal argue that it was focused narrowly on preventing Iran from acquiring a bomb within 10 to 15 years rather than fundamentally changing Iran ’ s behavior .
WHAT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s previous support for NAFTA and normalizing trade relations with China damaged the American work force .
“ And the end result of those two , just PTNR with China , Joe , and NAFTA , cost us some 4 million jobs , as part of the race to the bottom.
” This is mostly true .
As we reported when this issue came up last September , while NAFTA often receives much of the blame from Democrats for the loss of American manufacturing jobs , it is PNTR — Permanent Normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tend to point to as the cause of more job losses .
A 2014 report from the Economic Policy Institute estimated that 851,000 jobs were lost because of the trade deficit with Canada and Mexico .
The same group found that the trade deficit in goods with China cost 3.4 million jobs from 2001 to 2017 .
Still , most economists say that it is difficult to pinpoint blame on specific trade relationships for jobs losses , as trade creates winners and losers across the workforce and generally boosts economic growth .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

Six of the candidates vying for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination took the stage Tuesday night in Des Moines for their last debate before the Iowa caucuses kick off the primary season in less than three weeks.
Here is how the candidates’ remarks stacked up against the truth.
WHAT THE FACTS ARE
Sen. Bernie Sanders said that his ‘Medicare for All’ plan would cost ‘substantially less’ than the current health care system, a characterization that many serious analysts contest.
WHAT SANDERS SAID:
“‘Medicare for All,’ which will guarantee comprehensive health care to every man, woman and child, will cost substantially less than the status quo.”
This is exaggerated.
Medicare for all would be an enormous change to the health care system, and many key details are still unsettled. That makes it very difficult to provide precise estimates of what such a system would cost. A number of serious economists have considered the question in a rigorous way. Some believe that a Medicare for All system could cost less over the long run than the future under current policy. But several believe it will cost more.
Medicare for All would be able to squeeze savings out of the current system. It could pay lower prices to doctors, hospitals, and drugmakers. It would eliminate health insurance profit. And it could eliminate spending on administration and paperwork by simplifying the system.
But it also has features that would tend to increase spending. By covering Americans who currently are uninsured, it would incur new costs. It would also expand benefits beyond what health insurance typically covers, by including dental care and long-term care, among other services. Once those services are covered, economists assume more people will use them.
WHAT THE FACTS ARE
Sanders said that his health care plan will eliminate the large differences between the prices paid for health care in the United States and peer nations, a statement without much evidence to support it.
WHAT SANDERS SAID:
“Medicare for All will end the absurdity of the United States paying by far the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs and health care in general.”
This is exaggerated.
Sanders is correct that nearly every kind of medical service costs more in the United States than in other developed nations. Many health economists believe it is these higher prices paid in the United States that explain the bulk of why the American health care system is so unusually expensive.
A Medicare for All plan like the one Sanders has proposed would have the power to lower such prices, by making the government the only purchaser of health care services. But just because the government could pay less for health care than insurers and patients pay now does not mean that the government could easily reduce American prices to match those of other nations.
The health care system in the United States is organized around our current prices, meaning that huge reductions in payments could be disruptive, with the potential to cause hospitals to close or doctors to default on their debts. That’s why most serious analysts believe that even a Medicare for All system could only cut medical prices by so much.
The countries with lower payment rates set up systems to limit health care prices decades ago, before the gap with the United States became so large. A Medicare for All system would almost certainly narrow that gap. But the United States would probably continue to pay the highest prices in the world for many health care services.
WHAT THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT
Former Vice President Joe Biden attempted to explain his vote to authorize the Iraq War.
What Biden Said:
“I said 13 years ago it was a mistake to give the president the authority to go to war”
Biden was one of 77 senators who voted to authorize the war in Iraq in October 2002 — and he called that vote a mistake in 2005. The New York Times reviewed how he made that decision nearly two decades ago and found that the episode reveals how he operates “as a Senate dealmaker at heart.”
On other military engagements, potential and actual, Biden has exercised more caution. During his bid for the presidency in 2008, for example, Biden warned that war with Iran “is not just a bad option. It would be a disaster.”
When he became vice president, Biden was a lonely voice in the White House who argued against increasing troop levels in Afghanistan in 2009 — a fight he ultimately lost. He then repeatedly pushed to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by 2014 and, though President Barack Obama shared that aim, the United States still had troops in Afghanistan when the two men left office.
WHAT THE FACTS ARE
Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, said that Australia, which is experiencing the worst wildfires seen in decades, is also suffering from tornadoes made of fire.
WHAT BUTTIGIEG SAID:
“In Australia there are literally tornadoes made of fire taking place. This is no longer theoretical or off in the future.”
Firenadoes, or fire tornadoes, are, indeed, a thing.
When wildfires get big enough and hot enough, it can create thunderstorms that breed tornadoes. Climate change is a key element here since warming is making wildfires worse by lengthening the fire season, decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures.
WHAT THE FACTS ARE
Sen. Bernie Sanders said he objected to the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement because it does not address climate change.
What Sanders said:
“Every major environmental organization has said ‘no’ to this new trade agreement because it does not even have the phrase ‘climate change’ in it.”
This is true.
Democrats fought for language calling for a commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as binding climate change standards, but those provisions did not make it into the final measure that passed the House. That bill, which awaits a vote in the Senate, does not include any mention of climate change.
WHAT THE FACTS ARE
Multiple candidates said Iran was complying with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal before President Donald Trump abandoned the agreement.
WHAT BUTTIGIEG SAID:
“By gutting the Iran nuclear deal, one that, by the way, the Trump administration itself admitted was working, certified that it was preventing progress toward a nuclear Iran, by gutting that, they have made the region more dangerous.”
This is true.
After the Iran nuclear deal was approved by the Obama administration in 2015, Congress voted to require the American president to issue regular certifications that Iran was complying with the agreement’s limits on uranium enrichment and other nuclear activity. Trump twice approved such certifications, affirming findings of U.S. intelligence agencies that Iran was in compliance. He stopped doing so in October 2017 without citing specific Iranian violations.
In May 2018, Trump abandoned the deal altogether. He made no claim that Iran was in violation but that the “horrible” agreement expired too soon, failed to limit Iran’s ballistic missile program and did not constrain its foreign interventions across the Middle East. Defenders of the deal argue that it was focused narrowly on preventing Iran from acquiring a bomb within 10 to 15 years rather than fundamentally changing Iran’s behavior.
WHAT THE FACTS ARE
Sanders said that Biden’s previous support for NAFTA and normalizing trade relations with China damaged the American work force.
What Sanders Said:
“And the end result of those two, just PTNR with China, Joe, and NAFTA, cost us some 4 million jobs, as part of the race to the bottom.”
This is mostly true.
As we reported when this issue came up last September, while NAFTA often receives much of the blame from Democrats for the loss of American manufacturing jobs, it is PNTR — Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China — that economists tend to point to as the cause of more job losses.
A 2014 report from the Economic Policy Institute estimated that 851,000 jobs were lost because of the trade deficit with Canada and Mexico. The same group found that the trade deficit in goods with China cost 3.4 million jobs from 2001 to 2017.
Still, most economists say that it is difficult to pinpoint blame on specific trade relationships for jobs losses, as trade creates winners and losers across the workforce and generally boosts economic growth.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Student fatally shot at Texas high school; suspect arrested

BELLAIRE , Texas ( AP ) — A 16-year-old student was shot to death Tuesday at a Texas high school , and a suspect was arrested hours later , officials said .
Grenita Lathan , interim superintendent of the Houston Independent School District , confirmed the shooting victim at Bellaire High School had died .
She gave no other information and took no questions .
A suspect and another person police said was connected to the case were arrested about 3 1/2 hours after the shooting Tuesday night , according to statements from the school district and Bellaire police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ released for now , including further details about where the shooting occurred in the school complex , whether the suspect was a student or what led to the arrest .
The district announced classes had been canceled Wednesday , after Latham originally said they were going on as scheduled .
Emergency crews were seen performing CPR as the student was carried on a stretcher to an ambulance outside the school , KPRC-TV reported .
There were conflicting media reports about whether the shooting happened inside or outside the school .
The city , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed on Twitter that there was a shooting and said the suspect is still at large .
It advised resident to avoid the area around the school or remain in their homes .
Officials gave no update on the suspect ’ s status later at a news conference .
Television footage from the school showed students gathered outside and police cars and an ambulance with their lights blazing .
This story has been corrected to reflect that the superintendent ’ s last name is Lathan , not Latham .

BELLAIRE, Texas (AP) — A 19-year-old student was shot to death Tuesday at a Texas high school, and a suspect was arrested hours later, officials said.
Grenita Lathan, interim superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, confirmed the shooting victim at Bellaire High School had died. She gave no other information and took no questions.
A suspect and another person police said was connected to the case were arrested about 3 1/2 hours after the shooting Tuesday night, according to statements from the school district and Bellaire police. They said no other information would be released for now, including further details about where the shooting occurred in the school complex, whether the suspect was a student or what led to the arrest.
The district announced classes had been canceled Wednesday, after Latham originally said they were going on as scheduled.
Emergency crews were seen performing CPR as the student was carried on a stretcher to an ambulance outside the school, KPRC-TV reported. There were conflicting media reports about whether the shooting happened inside or outside the school.
The city, a suburb south west of Houston, confirmed on Twitter that there was a shooting and said the suspect is still at large. It advised resident to avoid the area around the school or remain in their homes. Officials gave no update on the suspect’s status later at a news conference.
Television footage from the school showed students gathered outside and police cars and an ambulance with their lights blazing.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that the student killed was 19, not 16, and that the superintendent’s last name is Lathan, not Latham.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Prosecutor: Avenatti arrested on alleged bail violation

NEW YORK — California attorney Michael Avenatti has been rearrested for alleged bail violations , prosecutors in New York told a judge late Tuesday .
The prosecutors said in a one-page letter to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe that they were told by prosecutors in Los Angeles that an arrest warrant had been issued and it was expected Avenatti would be arrested soon .
“ We understand that has now occurred , ” the New York prosecutors said in the letter .
“ We are still gathering information and will provide an update to the Court as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The letter was submitted by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman and signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Richenthal .
Three other prosecutors were also listed .
California authorities did not immediately confirm the arrest .
In their letters , New York prosecutors said Los Angeles prosecutors notified them that Avenatti was arrested in California for alleged violations of the conditions of his pretrial release .
Avenatti was scheduled for trial next week in Manhattan federal court .
That trial pertains to allegations that he extorted Nike for up to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty .
But he also faces trial in May in Los Angeles on charges that he defrauded clients of millions of dollars .
He has pleaded not guilty to those charges , along with allegations in a criminal case in Manhattan federal court alleging he ripped off ex-client porn star Stormy Daniels of proceeds of a book deal .
The second New York trial was scheduled to start in May .
Earlier Tuesday , Avenatti was on a telephone conference with his lawyers , prosecutors and Gardephe .
During the hearing , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start with jury selection on Wednesday .
Avenatti has said he has been unfairly targeted by the U.S. Justice Department after publicly quarreling with President Donald Trump .
Gardephe said he ’ ll rule during another telephone conference on Wednesday whether to allow evidence about Avenatti ’ s financial condition to be shown to jurors .
Prosecutors say they ’ d like to show the jury that Avenatti ’ s debts coincided with demands he made early last year in meetings with Nike lawyers for between $ 15 million and $ 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Gardephe that Avenatti ’ s law firm would not have been able to stay in business because the firm had a $ 10 million judgment against it .
Defense attorney Danya Perry said prosecutors exaggerated Avenatti ’ s debts , particularly what the law firm owed , and she disputed claims by the government in court papers that Avenatti owed over $ 15 million .
“ It doesn ’ t get close to that , ” she said .
Although Podolsky insisted prosecutors needed to reveal the debts at trial to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much money from Nike , the judge expressed doubt .
Gardephe said : “ $ 15 to $ 20 million is a very compelling motive to commit a crime even if you don ’ t happen to be in debt .
I have to take that into account also.
” Perry said the amount of money requested for an internal corruption probe of Nike was first suggested by a Nike attorney rather than Avenatti .

NEW YORK — California attorney Michael Avenatti has been rearrested for alleged bail violations, prosecutors in New York told a judge late Tuesday.
The prosecutors said in a one-page letter to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe that they were told by prosecutors in Los Angeles that an arrest warrant had been issued and it was expected Avenatti would be arrested soon.
“We understand that has now occurred,” the New York prosecutors said in the letter.
“We are still gathering information and will provide an update to the Court as soon as we can,” the letter added. The letter was submitted by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman and signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Richenthal. Three other prosecutors were also listed.
California authorities did not immediately confirm the arrest.
A message seeking comment was left with Avenatti’s attorneys.
In their letters, New York prosecutors said Los Angeles prosecutors notified them that Avenatti was arrested in California for alleged violations of the conditions of his pretrial release.
Avenatti was scheduled for trial next week in Manhattan federal court. That trial pertains to allegations that he extorted Nike for up to $25 million. He has pleaded not guilty.
But he also faces trial in May in Los Angeles on charges that he defrauded clients of millions of dollars.
He has pleaded not guilty to those charges, along with allegations in a criminal case in Manhattan federal court alleging he ripped off ex-client porn star Stormy Daniels of proceeds of a book deal. The second New York trial was scheduled to start in May.
Earlier Tuesday, Avenatti was on a telephone conference with his lawyers, prosecutors and Gardephe.
During the hearing, the judge refused to postpone the trial scheduled to start with jury selection on Wednesday.
Avenatti’s lawyers had requested a monthlong delay to study additional documents.
Avenatti has said he has been unfairly targeted by the U.S. Justice Department after publicly quarreling with President Donald Trump.
Gardephe said he’ll rule during another telephone conference on Wednesday whether to allow evidence about Avenatti’s financial condition to be shown to jurors.
Prosecutors say they’d like to show the jury that Avenatti’s debts coincided with demands he made early last year in meetings with Nike lawyers for between $15 million and $25 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky told Gardephe that Avenatti’s law firm would not have been able to stay in business because the firm had a $10 million judgment against it.
Defense attorney Danya Perry said prosecutors exaggerated Avenatti’s debts, particularly what the law firm owed, and she disputed claims by the government in court papers that Avenatti owed over $15 million.
“It doesn’t get close to that,” she said.
Although Podolsky insisted prosecutors needed to reveal the debts at trial to show Avenatti’s motivation to seek so much money from Nike, the judge expressed doubt.
Gardephe said: “$15 to $20 million is a very compelling motive to commit a crime even if you don’t happen to be in debt. I have to take that into account also.”
Perry said the amount of money requested for an internal corruption probe of Nike was first suggested by a Nike attorney rather than Avenatti.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Service reductions at RTD won’t fully address transit agency’s debilitating labor crunch

Cuts proposed for RTD rail and bus service would partially alleviate the worker shortage that has led to dropped runs and delayed service — and increasingly displeased passengers across metro Denver — but the transit agency will need to significantly strengthen employee recruitment and retention if it hopes to solve its labor woes for the long term .
That was the message from Regional Transportation District directors , as they met Tuesday night to discuss the next steps in tackling an issue that has so far shown no signs of abating and continues to give the transit agency a black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff has calculated that if service cuts proposed last month — which include the jettisoning of six bus routes , curtailing service on 19 other bus lines and reducing service frequency in several light-rail corridors — were to go into effect , there would be a need for 50 fewer bus drivers and 12 fewer train operators across the district .
But with RTD down a total of approximately 94 bus drivers and 65 light-rail operators , largely because of high turnover , the proposed service cuts would act only as a partial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headcount .
“ This is not going to make everything magically work , ” warned Director Doug Tisdale , who stepped down as chair of the RTD board last week .
“ It ’ s one step in a coordinated process.
” Director Judy Lubow , who represents Longmont , asked if RTD is looking at other ways to maintain adequate employee numbers short of cutting routes or frequency of service .
“ What are we doing in addition to service cuts ?
” she asked .
“ Can we address retention beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tonilas told The Denver Post Tuesday that the agency has 27 light-rail operators finishing their training later this month .
And RTD has been offering referral bonuses up to $ 2,000 for new recruits , paying time and a half for overtime hours and increased pay for shift differentials .
Director Bob Broom said RTD is trying to attract workers at a time when historically low unemployment rates continue to be the rule , giving job seekers plenty of opportunities to choose from .
“ It ’ s just that the labor market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s difficult to recruit , ” he said .
But working conditions for RTD drivers and operators have also been at the center of the agency ’ s employee retention challenge .
RTD ’ s policy of “ mandating ” employees , particularly newer recruits , to work six days a week has proved particularly aggravating for workers seeking more stability in their schedules .
RTD Chief Operating Officer Michael Ford on Tuesday said one of the agency ’ s top goals is to reduce mandating as much as possible .
Amalgamated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that represents more than 1,000 RTD drivers and operators , has lambasted the transit agency for creating what it says are “ horrendous working conditions ” that “ chase those new hires away.
” “ Being a bus operator is hard enough as it is but when your employer doesn ’ t have your back , it is dehumanizing , ” reads a press release the union posted to its website .
The union says assigning mandatory overtime shifts on short notice and requiring employees to work split shifts contribute to a difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams took issue with the union at Tuesday ’ s meeting , saying that the multiyear labor contracts RTD hammers out with the ATU have significant sway over working conditions at the agency and that union officials need to take some of the “ heat ” for what results from those negotiations .
“ It is a shared problem , ” she said .
In the meantime , RTD will be holding 18 public meetings throughout the district starting in late February to get feedback on the service cut proposal .
A final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t happen until March and the cuts wouldn ’ t go into effect until May .
The agency estimates the proposed cuts would save RTD $ 12.4 million .

Cuts proposed for RTD rail and bus service would partially alleviate the worker shortage that has led to dropped runs and delayed service — and increasingly displeased passengers across metro Denver — but the transit agency will need to significantly strengthen employee recruitment and retention if it hopes to solve its labor woes for the long term.
That was the message from Regional Transportation District directors, as they met Tuesday night to discuss the next steps in tackling an issue that has so far shown no signs of abating and continues to give the transit agency a black eye with every canceled trip.
RTD staff has calculated that if service cuts proposed last month — which include the jettisoning of six bus routes, curtailing service on 19 other bus lines and reducing service frequency in several light-rail corridors — were to go into effect, there would be a need for 50 fewer bus drivers and 12 fewer train operators across the district.
But with RTD down a total of approximately 94 bus drivers and 65 light-rail operators, largely because of high turnover, the proposed service cuts would act only as a partial salve to the agency’s unsteady headcount.
“This is not going to make everything magically work,” warned Director Doug Tisdale, who stepped down as chair of the RTD board last week. “It’s one step in a coordinated process.”
Director Judy Lubow, who represents Longmont, asked if RTD is looking at other ways to maintain adequate employee numbers short of cutting routes or frequency of service.
“What are we doing in addition to service cuts?” she asked. “Can we address retention beyond service cuts?”
RTD spokeswoman Pauletta Tonilas told The Denver Post Tuesday that the agency has 27 light-rail operators finishing their training later this month. And RTD has been offering referral bonuses up to $2,000 for new recruits, paying time and a half for overtime hours and increased pay for shift differentials.
Director Bob Broom said RTD is trying to attract workers at a time when historically low unemployment rates continue to be the rule, giving job seekers plenty of opportunities to choose from.
“It’s just that the labor market is so tight out there that it’s difficult to recruit,” he said.
But working conditions for RTD drivers and operators have also been at the center of the agency’s employee retention challenge. RTD’s policy of “mandating” employees, particularly newer recruits, to work six days a week has proved particularly aggravating for workers seeking more stability in their schedules.
RTD Chief Operating Officer Michael Ford on Tuesday said one of the agency’s top goals is to reduce mandating as much as possible.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001, the union that represents more than 1,000 RTD drivers and operators, has lambasted the transit agency for creating what it says are “horrendous working conditions” that “chase those new hires away.”
“Being a bus operator is hard enough as it is but when your employer doesn’t have your back, it is dehumanizing,” reads a press release the union posted to its website.
The union says assigning mandatory overtime shifts on short notice and requiring employees to work split shifts contribute to a difficult work environment at RTD.
Director Kate Williams took issue with the union at Tuesday’s meeting, saying that the multiyear labor contracts RTD hammers out with the ATU have significant sway over working conditions at the agency and that union officials need to take some of the “heat” for what results from those negotiations.
“It is a shared problem,” she said.
In the meantime, RTD will be holding 18 public meetings throughout the district starting in late February to get feedback on the service cut proposal. A final vote on any service reductions wouldn’t happen until March and the cuts wouldn’t go into effect until May.
The agency estimates the proposed cuts would save RTD $12.4 million.