thedenverpost--2020-02-17--“They snubbed me for MVP”: Nuggets center Nikola Jokic makes best of riveting NBA All-Star Game

CHICAGO — Nuggets center Nikola Jokic made the best of Sunday ’ s All-Star Game showcase , even if the exhibition didn ’ t quite agree with his basketball ethos .
In a game full of soaring dunks and marginal defense , Jokic did what he does best : He made the game easier for the rest of his teammates .
In his first shift on Team LeBron , Jokic didn ’ t even look at the basket before tossing a perfect alley-oop lob to Philadelphia ’ s Ben Simmons .
On other possessions , as the game devolved into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preseason game , Jokic didn ’ t even bother crossing halfcourt .
He finished with five points , two rebounds and an assist as Team LeBron prevailed in the new All-Star format .
“ I really enjoyed it , ” Jokic said .
“ I enjoyed last year , I enjoyed this year .
Just enjoy the moment , just enjoy being around the guys .
I scored two times , I was so happy .
They snubbed me for MVP award .
It doesn ’ t matter .
Next year.
” Kawhi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 points , took home the hardware .
By the fourth quarter , with the stakes raised , play turned competitive .
The first three quarters between Team LeBron and Team Giannis were essentially mini-games , and neither side wanted to lose the fourth , whose target score of 24 was in honor of the late Kobe Bryant .
That there was $ 300,000 for charity at stake only added to the drama .
Jokic , watching from the bench , stood the majority of the fourth quarter while charges were drawn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel concept for the exhibition , was triggered .
In the end , Anthony Davis buried a free throw to seal the 157-155 win for Team LeBron .
That the game ended in such unsatisfying fashion didn ’ t diminish the overwhelming success of the new format .
An exhibition game turned riveting .
It wasn ’ t Jokic ’ s ideal setting , but that ’ s not to say he didn ’ t relish the experience .
He said Saturday during his media availability that he was already enjoying this All-Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , owing to fewer appearances and media obligations .
After he scored his first basket in the third quarter — a short jumper in the lane — Jokic threw his hands up in sarcastic delight .
Russell Westbrook , a frequent on-court rival , even rejoiced in the make .
After another 3-pointer toward the end of the third , Jokic dropped to a knee and pumped his fist heading into a timeout .
“ I wanted to do something stupid , and I think I did , ” Jokic exclaimed afterward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Gigi Bryant , Kobe ’ s daughter , Jokic laughed and joked around with his fellow teammates .
He looked at ease among his peers , and it ’ s hard to believe he won ’ t be back in next year ’ s All-Star Game in Indianapolis .
But Sunday ’ s game was far more significant than just a platform to celebrate the league ’ s best players .
It opened with a stirring tribute to Bryant and former NBA commissioner David Stern , both giants of the game who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crowd and praised Stern ’ s compassionate approach to his HIV diagnosis .
Johnson then led an eight-second moment of silence in honor of Bryant .
The tribute continued with an emotional performance by Jennifer Hudson as a video montage of Bryant rolled in the background .
Near the end , the United Center lights beamed purple and gold in Bryant ’ s honor .

CHICAGO — Nuggets center Nikola Jokic made the best of Sunday’s All-Star Game showcase, even if the exhibition didn’t quite agree with his basketball ethos.
In a game full of soaring dunks and marginal defense, Jokic did what he does best: He made the game easier for the rest of his teammates.
In his first shift on Team LeBron, Jokic didn’t even look at the basket before tossing a perfect alley-oop lob to Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons. On other possessions, as the game devolved into something not nearly as competitive as a preseason game, Jokic didn’t even bother crossing halfcourt.
He finished with five points, two rebounds and an assist as Team LeBron prevailed in the new All-Star format.
“I really enjoyed it,” Jokic said. “I enjoyed last year, I enjoyed this year. Just enjoy the moment, just enjoy being around the guys. I scored two times, I was so happy. They snubbed me for MVP award. It doesn’t matter. Next year.”
Kawhi Leonard, who finished with a game-high 30 points, took home the hardware.
By the fourth quarter, with the stakes raised, play turned competitive. The first three quarters between Team LeBron and Team Giannis were essentially mini-games, and neither side wanted to lose the fourth, whose target score of 24 was in honor of the late Kobe Bryant. That there was $300,000 for charity at stake only added to the drama.
Jokic, watching from the bench, stood the majority of the fourth quarter while charges were drawn, plays were challenged and defense, a novel concept for the exhibition, was triggered.
In the end, Anthony Davis buried a free throw to seal the 157-155 win for Team LeBron. That the game ended in such unsatisfying fashion didn’t diminish the overwhelming success of the new format. An exhibition game turned riveting.
It wasn’t Jokic’s ideal setting, but that’s not to say he didn’t relish the experience. He said Saturday during his media availability that he was already enjoying this All-Star Weekend more than last year’s, owing to fewer appearances and media obligations.
After he scored his first basket in the third quarter — a short jumper in the lane — Jokic threw his hands up in sarcastic delight. Russell Westbrook, a frequent on-court rival, even rejoiced in the make. After another 3-pointer toward the end of the third, Jokic dropped to a knee and pumped his fist heading into a timeout.
“I wanted to do something stupid, and I think I did,” Jokic exclaimed afterward.
Wearing the commemorative No. 2 jersey for Gigi Bryant, Kobe’s daughter, Jokic laughed and joked around with his fellow teammates. He looked at ease among his peers, and it’s hard to believe he won’t be back in next year’s All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
But Sunday’s game was far more significant than just a platform to celebrate the league’s best players.
It opened with a stirring tribute to Bryant and former NBA commissioner David Stern, both giants of the game who died this season. Magic Johnson addressed the crowd and praised Stern’s compassionate approach to his HIV diagnosis. Johnson then led an eight-second moment of silence in honor of Bryant.
The tribute continued with an emotional performance by Jennifer Hudson as a video montage of Bryant rolled in the background. Near the end, the United Center lights beamed purple and gold in Bryant’s honor.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Denver police investigating assault that led to death

Denver police are investigating an assault Friday night that led to the death of a man as a result of @ @ @ @ @ said Sunday .
The assault happened near the intersection of Federal Boulevard and West Howard @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
The victim of the assault was taken to a hospital , according @ @ @ @ @ issued Sunday night .
The victim died Saturday night in the hospital of his injuries @ @ @ @ @ identified , and no other information was made available .

Denver police are investigating an assault Friday night that led to the death of a man as a result of his injuries, agency officials said Sunday.
The assault happened near the intersection of Federal Boulevard and West Howard Place. Police went to the scene.
The victim of the assault was taken to a hospital, according to a Denver police statement issued Sunday night. The victim died Saturday night in the hospital of his injuries.
The victim was not identified, and no other information was made available.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Tony Fernandez, former MLB shortstop and Blue Jays hits leader, dies at 57

TORONTO — Tony Fernández , a stylish shortstop who made five All-Star teams during his 17 seasons in the major leagues and helped the Toronto Blue Jays win the 1993 World Series , died Sunday after complications from a kidney disease .
He was 57 .
Fernández was taken off a life support system in the afternoon with his family present at a hospital in Weston , Florida , said Imrad Hallim , the director and co-founder of the Tony Fernández Foundation .
Fernández had been in a medically induced coma and had waited years for a new kidney .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blue Jays in the 1980s and holds club records for career hits and games played .
“ Not only was he a great ball player but a great human being as well .
R.I.P .
my brother .
We will all miss you , ” former Toronto teammate Joe Carter tweeted .
A clutch hitter in five trips to the postseason , Fernández had four separate stints with the Blue Jays and played for six other teams .
One of those was the New York Yankees , who replaced him at shortstop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fernández was slated to slide over to second base and stick around as insurance , but he broke his right elbow ( for the second time in his career ) lunging for a ball late in spring training and missed the entire season .
Jeter , of course , went on to win AL Rookie of the Year and the first of his five World Series titles .
Fernández , who had been set to help ease Jeter ’ s transition , was given a World Series ring by the Yankees that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught on at second with the Cleveland Indians and was instrumental in their 1997 American League pennant .
He batted .357 in the AL Championship Series against Baltimore and homered in the 11th inning at Camden Yards to give Cleveland a 1-0 victory in the clinching Game 6 — his only postseason home run .
Fernández then hit .471 with four RBIs in the World Series against the Florida Marlins .
His two-run single in the third inning of Game 7 put the Indians ahead 2-0 , but the Marlins tied it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-2 in 11 innings to take the championship .
In 43 career postseason games , Fernández batted .327 with 23 RBIs and a .787 OPS .
He went 7 for 21 ( .333 ) with nine RBIs in the 1993 World Series , helping the Blue Jays beat Philadelphia in six games for their second consecutive title .
A wiry switch-hitter with speed , Fernández made his major league debut with the Blue Jays at age 21 in September 1983 .
He also played for the San Diego Padres , New York Mets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a career that lasted through 2001 .
He was a .288 hitter with 94 homers and 844 RBIs in 2,158 big league games .
He remains the last Yankees player to hit for the cycle in a home game , accomplishing the feat in 1995 .
Fernández finished with 2,276 hits , 1,057 runs , 414 doubles , 92 triples , 246 stolen bases and a .746 OPS .
He struck out only 784 times in 8,793 plate appearances — never more than 74 times in a season .
Especially early in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathtaking defender at shortstop .
Silky smooth in the field , he had a familiar way of slinging the ball almost underhand from his hip , causing his throws to arc their way to first base before landing softly in a teammate ’ s mitt .
“ A great teammate and friend .
A pitchers dream to have him at shortstop when your pitching .
One of the best ever , ” former Blue Jays pitcher David Wells tweeted .
Fernández was part of a blockbuster trade in December 1990 that sent him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Diego for Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar and Carter , who hit the game-ending home run that won the 1993 World Series for the Blue Jays .
Carter posted on Twitter a photo of all four players from that memorable deal in Blue Jays uniforms .
Fernández was traded to the Mets after the 1992 season and then back to Toronto in June 1993 .
He spent 1995 as the primary shortstop for a Yankees team that gave the franchise its first playoff berth in 14 years .
He signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1998 and made his final All-Star team at age 37 with them in 1999 .
Playing third base , he set career bests by batting .328 with 75 RBIs and an .877 OPS .
His 41 doubles equaled a career high .
Fernández played the next year in Japan , then split his last big league season between Milwaukee and Toronto .
He finished up where he started , hitting .305 over 48 games for the Blue Jays in 2001 .
• Tim Tebow , Mets minor leaguer , keeps aiming for majors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kindness and gentleness , ” Toronto teammate Vernon Wells said .
“ Heaven is where he belongs .
Praying for those who are mourning .
I ’ m thankful I knew him.
” Fernández is Toronto ’ s career leader in hits ( 1,583 ) , triples ( 72 ) and games played ( 1,450 ) .
He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008 .
He was born in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic , a cradle of shortstops and home to dozens of major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Alfonso Soriano and Robinson Canó .
After he retired from baseball , Fernández became an ordained minister and the Tony Fernández Foundation was established to assist underprivileged and troubled children .

TORONTO — Tony Fernández, a stylish shortstop who made five All-Star teams during his 17 seasons in the major leagues and helped the Toronto Blue Jays win the 1993 World Series, died Sunday after complications from a kidney disease. He was 57.
Fernández was taken off a life support system in the afternoon with his family present at a hospital in Weston, Florida, said Imrad Hallim, the director and co-founder of the Tony Fernández Foundation. Fernández had been in a medically induced coma and had waited years for a new kidney.
Fernández won four straight Gold Gloves with the Blue Jays in the 1980s and holds club records for career hits and games played.
“Not only was he a great ball player but a great human being as well. R.I.P. my brother. We will all miss you,” former Toronto teammate Joe Carter tweeted.
A clutch hitter in five trips to the postseason, Fernández had four separate stints with the Blue Jays and played for six other teams.
One of those was the New York Yankees, who replaced him at shortstop with a 21-year-old Derek Jeter in 1996. Fernández was slated to slide over to second base and stick around as insurance, but he broke his right elbow (for the second time in his career) lunging for a ball late in spring training and missed the entire season.
Jeter, of course, went on to win AL Rookie of the Year and the first of his five World Series titles. Fernández, who had been set to help ease Jeter’s transition, was given a World Series ring by the Yankees that season.
The next year, Fernández caught on at second with the Cleveland Indians and was instrumental in their 1997 American League pennant. He batted .357 in the AL Championship Series against Baltimore and homered in the 11th inning at Camden Yards to give Cleveland a 1-0 victory in the clinching Game 6 — his only postseason home run.
Fernández then hit .471 with four RBIs in the World Series against the Florida Marlins. His two-run single in the third inning of Game 7 put the Indians ahead 2-0, but the Marlins tied it in the bottom of the ninth and won 3-2 in 11 innings to take the championship.
In 43 career postseason games, Fernández batted .327 with 23 RBIs and a .787 OPS. He went 7 for 21 (.333) with nine RBIs in the 1993 World Series, helping the Blue Jays beat Philadelphia in six games for their second consecutive title.
A wiry switch-hitter with speed, Fernández made his major league debut with the Blue Jays at age 21 in September 1983. He also played for the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers in a career that lasted through 2001.
He was a .288 hitter with 94 homers and 844 RBIs in 2,158 big league games. He remains the last Yankees player to hit for the cycle in a home game, accomplishing the feat in 1995.
Fernández finished with 2,276 hits, 1,057 runs, 414 doubles, 92 triples, 246 stolen bases and a .746 OPS. He struck out only 784 times in 8,793 plate appearances — never more than 74 times in a season.
Especially early in his career, the rail-thin Fernández was a breathtaking defender at shortstop. Silky smooth in the field, he had a familiar way of slinging the ball almost underhand from his hip, causing his throws to arc their way to first base before landing softly in a teammate’s mitt.
“A great teammate and friend. A pitchers dream to have him at shortstop when your pitching. One of the best ever,” former Blue Jays pitcher David Wells tweeted.
Fernández was part of a blockbuster trade in December 1990 that sent him and slugger Fred McGriff from Toronto to San Diego for Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar and Carter, who hit the game-ending home run that won the 1993 World Series for the Blue Jays.
Carter posted on Twitter a photo of all four players from that memorable deal in Blue Jays uniforms.
Fernández was traded to the Mets after the 1992 season and then back to Toronto in June 1993. He spent 1995 as the primary shortstop for a Yankees team that gave the franchise its first playoff berth in 14 years.
He signed back on with the Blue Jays for 1998 and made his final All-Star team at age 37 with them in 1999. Playing third base, he set career bests by batting .328 with 75 RBIs and an .877 OPS. His 41 doubles equaled a career high.
Fernández played the next year in Japan, then split his last big league season between Milwaukee and Toronto. He finished up where he started, hitting .305 over 48 games for the Blue Jays in 2001.
“Tony Fernandez embodied kindness and gentleness,” Toronto teammate Vernon Wells said. “Heaven is where he belongs. Praying for those who are mourning. I’m thankful I knew him.”
Fernández is Toronto’s career leader in hits (1,583), triples (72) and games played (1,450). He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.
He was born in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, a cradle of shortstops and home to dozens of major leaguers who followed such as Sammy Sosa, Alfonso Soriano and Robinson Canó.
After he retired from baseball, Fernández became an ordained minister and the Tony Fernández Foundation was established to assist underprivileged and troubled children.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--PHOTOS: Bernie Sanders’ rally at Colorado Convention Center

Welcome to Michael Bennet 's last hurrah .
The 55-year-old U.S. senator 's cash-strapped campaign to be the Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ on New Hampshire 's primary for the last few months -- appears to be headed @ @ @ @ @ voting ends Tuesday night .

Rachel Woolf, Special to the Denver Post
From left, Maggie Kendall, Alex Meeker, Kay Pollack and Reyna Martinez, laugh as they wait in line to be on stage behind presidential candidate Bernie Sanders before his rally at the Colorado Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 in Denver.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--“He’s changing the conversation”: Bernie Sanders rally draws thousands in Denver

Sen. Bernie Sanders took the stage in Denver on Sunday evening to a deafening roar from a crowd of many thousands of people who rarely let up .
Much of Sanders ’ speech , inside a gigantic space at the Colorado Convention Center , sounded like a speech he gave last fall in Denver , nearly verbatim .
He called for Medicare for All , a Green New Deal and a $ 15 federal minimum wage as part of a platform “ by the working class , of the working class and for the working class.
” But since his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s distinguished himself as the front-runner in the Democratic presidential primary , having taken the popular vote in the chaotic Iowa caucuses and won the New Hampshire primary outright .
He ’ s also got a new and extremely financially potent primary rival in the former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg .
“ We ’ re going to end a corrupt political system in which billionaires buy elections , ” Sanders said .
“ Democracy , to me , means one person , one vote .
Not Bloomberg or anybody else spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy an election.
” Sanders spent only a fraction of his roughly 35-minute speech criticizing President Donald Trump .
That segment of the speech was concise and forceful , with Sanders calling Trump “ a pathological liar who is running a corrupt administration , who has no clue what the Constitution of the United States is about , who is a bully , who is vindictive , who is a racist , who is a sexist , who is a homophobe , who is a xenophobe , who is a religious bigot.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applause .
A significant portion of the crowd arrived hours early , and some waited in hour-long lines to buy campaign stickers and shirts .
The campaign claimed more than 11,000 people attended , a total confirmed by a fire department official .
Emma Tang , a high school student from Colorado Springs who will be voting for the first time in November , said Sanders ’ positions on health care and student loans appeal to her .
Eliminating student debt , which Sanders supports , would “ mean that I can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how I ’ m going to pay for it , ” Tang said .
She added , “ His policies are geared toward the youth and the next generation .
A lot of the other candidates are talking about the future but not so much in the future .
Bernie Sanders is talking about a better world.
” Erik Hamlin , 45 , of Arvada , said he ’ s a former Republican who now supports Sanders .
“ I ’ m a blue-collar man .
I make minimum wage , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Bernie Sanders , he ’ s about supporting workers , supporting teachers , reforming the country and invigorating the country.
” Hamlin was in line to donate $ 20 to Sanders .
Nearby , a nurse said she ’ d give $ 3 .
The line was dozens of people deep more than an hour before the main program began .
Kelly Canfield , a business analyst from Denver , said he ’ s encouraged by how “ mainstream ” the Sanders agenda has gone .
“ It ’ s about time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ None of it is radical .
To me , if the Democratic Party picks Bernie , it ’ s more like going home , to FDR , instead of running to the right like they have been .
This is as American as apple pie .
Not radical.
” But there are still many Democrats who view Sanders ’ platform as radical , including in Congress .
The candidate ’ s wife , Jane Sanders , told The Denver Post in an interview ahead of the speech that she believes her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to convert non-believers and transform the Democratic Party to a party of Sanders .
“ He would play a big role in terms of who ’ s elected to the Congress , ” she said .
Asked why , given that he ’ d need a sympathetic House and Senate to advance his plans , he hasn ’ t endorsed one of former Gov .
John Hickenlooper ’ s more progressive primary rivals in Colorado ’ s U.S. Senate race , Jane Sanders said she wasn ’ t sure .
But , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran on Medicare for All , free tuition to public colleges and universities , $ 15 minimum wage and a Green New Deal .
We were told all of these things were ridiculous , never going to happen .
And now every single person — well , maybe not Hickenlooper — but that is the conversation within the Democratic Party .
“ So he ’ s changing the conversation , and if elected , he ’ ll change the country.
” The rally was the first in a series of Colorado visits by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump , former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg , former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren will all be here in the next week .
All but Biden , who ’ ll be in town for a private fundraiser hosted by former Interior Sec .
Ken Salazar , will be holding public events .
Colorado ’ s presidential primary ballots will be tallied on Super Tuesday , March 3 .
This is Colorado ’ s first presidential primary after several caucus cycles .

Sen. Bernie Sanders took the stage in Denver on Sunday evening to a deafening roar from a crowd of many thousands of people who rarely let up.
Much of Sanders’ speech, inside a gigantic space at the Colorado Convention Center, sounded like a speech he gave last fall in Denver, nearly verbatim. He called for Medicare for All, a Green New Deal and a $15 federal minimum wage as part of a platform “by the working class, of the working class and for the working class.”
But since his last rally in Colorado, he’s distinguished himself as the front-runner in the Democratic presidential primary, having taken the popular vote in the chaotic Iowa caucuses and won the New Hampshire primary outright.
He’s also got a new and extremely financially potent primary rival in the former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
“We’re going to end a corrupt political system in which billionaires buy elections,” Sanders said. “Democracy, to me, means one person, one vote. Not Bloomberg or anybody else spending hundreds of millions of dollars trying to buy an election.”
Sanders spent only a fraction of his roughly 35-minute speech criticizing President Donald Trump. That segment of the speech was concise and forceful, with Sanders calling Trump “a pathological liar who is running a corrupt administration, who has no clue what the Constitution of the United States is about, who is a bully, who is vindictive, who is a racist, who is a sexist, who is a homophobe, who is a xenophobe, who is a religious bigot.”
These and many other lines drew ear-shattering applause. A significant portion of the crowd arrived hours early, and some waited in hour-long lines to buy campaign stickers and shirts. The campaign claimed more than 11,000 people attended, a total confirmed by a fire department official.
Emma Tang, a high school student from Colorado Springs who will be voting for the first time in November, said Sanders’ positions on health care and student loans appeal to her.
Eliminating student debt, which Sanders supports, would “mean that I can get a higher education without worrying so much about how I’m going to pay for it,” Tang said.
She added, “His policies are geared toward the youth and the next generation. A lot of the other candidates are talking about the future but not so much in the future. Bernie Sanders is talking about a better world.”
Erik Hamlin, 45, of Arvada, said he’s a former Republican who now supports Sanders.
“I’m a blue-collar man. I make minimum wage,” said Hamlin, a construction worker. “Bernie Sanders, he’s about supporting workers, supporting teachers, reforming the country and invigorating the country.”
Hamlin was in line to donate $20 to Sanders. Nearby, a nurse said she’d give $3. The line was dozens of people deep more than an hour before the main program began.
Kelly Canfield, a business analyst from Denver, said he’s encouraged by how “mainstream” the Sanders agenda has gone.
“It’s about time,” said Canfield, 57. “None of it is radical. To me, if the Democratic Party picks Bernie, it’s more like going home, to FDR, instead of running to the right like they have been. This is as American as apple pie. Not radical.”
But there are still many Democrats who view Sanders’ platform as radical, including in Congress. The candidate’s wife, Jane Sanders, told The Denver Post in an interview ahead of the speech that she believes her husband, if elected, would be able to convert non-believers and transform the Democratic Party to a party of Sanders.
“He would play a big role in terms of who’s elected to the Congress,” she said.
Asked why, given that he’d need a sympathetic House and Senate to advance his plans, he hasn’t endorsed one of former Gov. John Hickenlooper’s more progressive primary rivals in Colorado’s U.S. Senate race, Jane Sanders said she wasn’t sure.
But, she added, “In 2016, Bernie ran on Medicare for All, free tuition to public colleges and universities, $15 minimum wage and a Green New Deal. We were told all of these things were ridiculous, never going to happen. And now every single person — well, maybe not Hickenlooper — but that is the conversation within the Democratic Party.
“So he’s changing the conversation, and if elected, he’ll change the country.”
The rally was the first in a series of Colorado visits by major presidential candidates this month. President Donald Trump, former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren will all be here in the next week. All but Biden, who’ll be in town for a private fundraiser hosted by former Interior Sec. Ken Salazar, will be holding public events.
Colorado’s presidential primary ballots will be tallied on Super Tuesday, March 3. This is Colorado’s first presidential primary after several caucus cycles.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--GM plans to pull out of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand

DETROIT — General Motors says it ’ s pulling out of Australia , New Zealand and Thailand as part of a strategy to exit markets that don ’ t produce adequate returns on investments .
The company said in a statement Sunday that it will wind down sales , engineering and design operations for its historic Holden brand in Australia and New Zealand in 2021 .
It also plans to sell its Rayong factory in Thailand to China ’ s Great Wall Motors and withdraw the Chevrolet brand from Thailand by the end of this year .
CEO Mary Barra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets where it can drive strong returns .
She says GM will support its employees and customers in the transition .
The company said it will scale back operations in all three countries to selling niche specialty vehicles .
It also will make the same move in Japan , Russia and Europe , where “ we don ’ t have significant scale.
” “ We are pursuing a niche presence by selling profitable high-end imported vehicles supported by a lean GM structure , ” International Operations Senior Vice President Julian Blissett said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor all warranties in the markets , and it will continue to provide service and parts .
Local operations also will handle recalls and any safety-related issues , the company said .

DETROIT — General Motors says it’s pulling out of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand as part of a strategy to exit markets that don’t produce adequate returns on investments.
The company said in a statement Sunday that it will wind down sales, engineering and design operations for its historic Holden brand in Australia and New Zealand in 2021.
It also plans to sell its Rayong factory in Thailand to China’s Great Wall Motors and withdraw the Chevrolet brand from Thailand by the end of this year.
CEO Mary Barra says the company wants to focus on markets where it can drive strong returns. She says GM will support its employees and customers in the transition.
The company said it will scale back operations in all three countries to selling niche specialty vehicles. It also will make the same move in Japan, Russia and Europe, where “we don’t have significant scale.”
“We are pursuing a niche presence by selling profitable high-end imported vehicles supported by a lean GM structure,” International Operations Senior Vice President Julian Blissett said in the statement.
GM said it will honor all warranties in the markets, and it will continue to provide service and parts. Local operations also will handle recalls and any safety-related issues, the company said.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Matt Pile scores 20 to carry Omaha past Denver Pioneers basketball

OMAHA , Neb .
— Matt Pile had 20 points and 11 rebounds as Omaha routed Denver 85-62 on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ points and six assists for Omaha ( 13-14 , 6-6 Summit League ) , which @ @ @ @ @ .
JT Gibson added 11 points .
Zach Thornhill had 10 points .
Ade Murkey @ @ @ @ @ rebounds for the Pioneers ( 5-22 , 1-12 ) , whose losing streak stretched to @ @ @ @ @ added 12 points .
David Nzekwesi had 10 points .
The Mavericks leveled the season @ @ @ @ @ the win .
Denver defeated Omaha 91-76 on Jan. 18 .
Omaha takes on Purdue @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
Denver faces Oral Roberts at home on Thursday .

OMAHA, Neb. — Matt Pile had 20 points and 11 rebounds as Omaha routed Denver 85-62 on Sunday.
KJ Robinson had 17 points and six assists for Omaha (13-14, 6-6 Summit League), which snapped its four-game losing streak. JT Gibson added 11 points. Zach Thornhill had 10 points.
Ade Murkey had 28 points and eight rebounds for the Pioneers (5-22, 1-12), whose losing streak stretched to seven games. Robert Jones added 12 points. David Nzekwesi had 10 points.
The Mavericks leveled the season series against the Pioneers with the win. Denver defeated Omaha 91-76 on Jan. 18. Omaha takes on Purdue Fort Wayne on the road on Thursday. Denver faces Oral Roberts at home on Thursday.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--China sees rise in new coronavirus cases, death toll rises by 105

BEIJING — Mainland China on Monday reported a slight upturn in new virus cases and an increase by 105 in deaths caused by the illness for a total of 1,770 since the outbreak began .
The new number of 2,048 cases being reported Monday for the previous 24 hours came after three days of declines but was up by just 29 cases from the previous day ’ s figure .
Another 10,844 have recovered from COVID-19 , a disease caused by the new coronavirus , and have been discharged from hospitals , according to Monday ’ s figures .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Chinese President Xi Jinping was published by state media in an apparent attempt to demonstrate the Communist Party leadership acted decisively from the beginning of the crisis .
However , it also opened Xi up to criticism over why the public was not alerted sooner .
Xi ’ s speech indicated for the first time that he was leading the response to a new virus outbreak from early on in the crisis , saying he gave instructions on fighting the virus on Jan. 7 and ordered the shutdown that began on Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
His remarks were published by state media late Saturday .
Taiwan on Sunday reported its first death from the virus , the fifth fatality outside of mainland China .
Taiwan ’ s Central News Agency reported that the person who died was a man in his 60s living in central Taiwan .
He had not traveled overseas recently and had no known contact with virus patients , CNA said , citing Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe convened an experts meeting to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , where more than a dozen cases have emerged in the past few days without any obvious link to China .
“ The situation surrounding this virus is changing by the minute , ” Abe said .
Japanese Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said the country is “ entering into a phase that is different from before , ” requiring new steps to stop the spread of the virus .
Japan now has 413 confirmed cases , including 355 from a quarantined cruise ship , and one death from the virus .
Subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent straight to your inbox .

BEIJING — Mainland China on Monday reported a slight upturn in new virus cases and an increase by 105 in deaths caused by the illness for a total of 1,770 since the outbreak began.
The new number of 2,048 cases being reported Monday for the previous 24 hours came after three days of declines but was up by just 29 cases from the previous day’s figure.
Another 10,844 have recovered from COVID-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus, and have been discharged from hospitals, according to Monday’s figures.
The new figures came after a recent speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping was published by state media in an apparent attempt to demonstrate the Communist Party leadership acted decisively from the beginning of the crisis. However, it also opened Xi up to criticism over why the public was not alerted sooner.
Xi’s speech indicated for the first time that he was leading the response to a new virus outbreak from early on in the crisis, saying he gave instructions on fighting the virus on Jan. 7 and ordered the shutdown that began on Jan. 23 of cities at the epicenter of the outbreak. His remarks were published by state media late Saturday.
Taiwan on Sunday reported its first death from the virus, the fifth fatality outside of mainland China. Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported that the person who died was a man in his 60s living in central Taiwan. He had not traveled overseas recently and had no known contact with virus patients, CNA said, citing Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe convened an experts meeting to discuss measures to contain the virus in his country, where more than a dozen cases have emerged in the past few days without any obvious link to China.
“The situation surrounding this virus is changing by the minute,” Abe said.
Japanese Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said the country is “entering into a phase that is different from before,” requiring new steps to stop the spread of the virus.
Japan now has 413 confirmed cases, including 355 from a quarantined cruise ship, and one death from the virus.
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thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Rockies’ Nolan Arenado stresses that he has faith in his teammates

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — Nolan Arenado got back to baseball Monday , joining his Rockies teammates for their first full-squad workout of spring training .
But the star third baseman also took time to once again emphasize that his offseason displeasure with Colorado ’ s front office should not be viewed as lack of faith in his teammates .
“ I reiterated to my teammates that ’ s not where I ’ m coming from — it ’ s just wanting to win , ” Arenado said .
“ As a team , things happen , moves happen and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it feels good when you win.
” Arenado noted that the 2018 postseason , when the Rockies beat the Cubs in the National League wild-card game before getting swept by Milwaukee in the NL Division Series , “ ( Were ) some of the best times in my life , and I want to experience it again and again and again , like some of these teams get to.
” Bridich on deck .
General manager Jeff Bridich , who has yet to publicly comment on the Arenado situation , will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday at the annual Cactus League media day .
The GMs and managers from the 15 teams that hold spring training in Arizona are scheduled to attend .
Bridich talked to Rockies media last week when pitchers and catchers reported to camp but he declined to respond to Arenado ’ s comment in which the third baseman said he felt “ disrespected ” by Bridich .
“ Nothing .
There is no comment , ” Bridich said .
“ I haven ’ t had any comment to this point , so we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Leading man .
Early indications are that Charlie Blackmon will be the leadoff hitter again this season , even though manager Bud Black said the club will do some experimenting the spring .
In 2017 , Blackmon won the NL batting title with a .331 average and drove in 103 runs from the top of the order , setting a big-league record for RBIs from the leadoff position .
“ That ’ s why it ’ s a good situation because Charlie had a monster year , ” Black said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the game when that extra at-bat comes around , he ’ s getting it.
” Blackmon likes hitting leadoff , but he has value in the heart of the order , too .
Last season , he hit .273 with four home runs , nine RBIs and a 1.017 OPS in 42 cleanup plate appearances .
“ I identify more as a baseball player , ” Blackmon said .
“ I will adjust and figure it out wherever I hit in the order .
I have the most experience from the leadoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
I ’ ve said it before : It ’ s harder for someone else to transition into a leadoff role than it is for me to transition out of it .
”

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nolan Arenado got back to baseball Monday, joining his Rockies teammates for their first full-squad workout of spring training.
But the star third baseman also took time to once again emphasize that his offseason displeasure with Colorado’s front office should not be viewed as lack of faith in his teammates.
“I reiterated to my teammates that’s not where I’m coming from — it’s just wanting to win,” Arenado said. “As a team, things happen, moves happen and it gives you a little bit of energy and it feels good when you win.”
Arenado noted that the 2018 postseason, when the Rockies beat the Cubs in the National League wild-card game before getting swept by Milwaukee in the NL Division Series, “(Were) some of the best times in my life, and I want to experience it again and again and again, like some of these teams get to.”
Bridich on deck. General manager Jeff Bridich, who has yet to publicly comment on the Arenado situation, will get another chance to talk about the subject Tuesday at the annual Cactus League media day. The GMs and managers from the 15 teams that hold spring training in Arizona are scheduled to attend.
Bridich talked to Rockies media last week when pitchers and catchers reported to camp but he declined to respond to Arenado’s comment in which the third baseman said he felt “disrespected” by Bridich.
“Nothing. There is no comment,” Bridich said. “I haven’t had any comment to this point, so we’ll move past that. Next question.”
Leading man. Early indications are that Charlie Blackmon will be the leadoff hitter again this season, even though manager Bud Black said the club will do some experimenting the spring.
In 2017, Blackmon won the NL batting title with a .331 average and drove in 103 runs from the top of the order, setting a big-league record for RBIs from the leadoff position.
“That’s why it’s a good situation because Charlie had a monster year,” Black said. “It’s nice to know late in the game when that extra at-bat comes around, he’s getting it.”
Blackmon likes hitting leadoff, but he has value in the heart of the order, too. Last season, he hit .273 with four home runs, nine RBIs and a 1.017 OPS in 42 cleanup plate appearances.
“I identify more as a baseball player,” Blackmon said. “I will adjust and figure it out wherever I hit in the order. I have the most experience from the leadoff role, so I’m comfortable there. I’ve said it before: It’s harder for someone else to transition into a leadoff role than it is for me to transition out of it.”


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Broncos Analysis: Acquiring cornerback Darius Slay would be costly … and make sense

By this time last year , Broncos general manager John Elway had already settled the quarterback position , or at least he thought so , by having a trade in place with Baltimore for Joe Flacco .
Might Elway and Co. , be up to similar business before heading to Indianapolis for next week ’ s Scouting Combine ?
Per ESPN on Monday , the Detroit Lions have spoken with “ multiple teams ” about former All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay , who has one year remaining on his contract .
Slay , whose eight interceptions led the NFL in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye with coach Matt Patricia , leading to the trade chatter and the Lions ’ potential desire to get something for him instead of letting him walk for nothing in 2021 .
Acquiring Slay would be costly on two fronts , however .
Compensation Part No .
1 : A “ second- or third- ” round pick an NFL executive told The Denver Post .
Compensation Part No .
2 : The executive said a contract averaging “ $ 15 million-ish , ” per year .
In both areas the trade is doable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete it .
The Broncos have their second-round pick and three third-rounders — theirs plus picks from Pittsburgh ( for trading down in last year ’ s first round ) and San Francisco ( for trading receiver Emmanuel Sanders ) .
If they deal their second-round pick for Slay , they would still have the ability to use their third-round satchel to move up .
And the Broncos have $ 62 million in salary-cap space according to @ NFL_Stats , fifth-most in the league .
Slay ’ s new salary could fit without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy under-contract cornerbacks are Isaac Yiadom , Duke Dawson and Davontae Harris .
All three were benched at some point during the 2019 season .
Bryce Callahan ( foot ) didn ’ t play at all last year and Chris Harris is a free agent .
Slay has missed only nine games in seven years and has 19 interceptions and 104 passes defensed in 103 games .
He remains a cagey player in terms of when to jump routes , when to defend the first-down marker and how to stay out of major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trading for Slay before March 18 would allow the Broncos to proceed in free agency knowing they have a No .
1 cornerback in the fold .
They would likely wave good-bye to Harris ( unless his market doesn ’ t develop and he lowers his asking price ) and not have to get into a bidding contest for Dallas ’ Byron Jones .
If they have Slay , the Broncos could focus their finances on inside linebacker ( the Rams ’ Cory Littleton ? )
, receiver ( Dallas ’ Amari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Brandon Scherff , who will cost huge money ) .
The same goes for the draft — they could wait until rounds 2-3 for a cornerback .
The issue , though , is Slay ’ s next contract .
He is entering the final season of a four-year , $ 48 million pact that carries a 2020 salary cap number of $ 13.368 million .
His camp will want that deal torn up .
• Broncos Insider : Denver has a few decisions to make on players with contract options • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Should John Elway pick up a receiver in the first round ?
• Von Miller ’ s custom closet checks in at about 2,000 square feet with “ a retail feel ” • 🔊 Broncos podcast : On contract options , the XFL , Mel Tucker and more Is Slay worth $ 15 million per year ?
Elway doesn ’ t think Harris is , although Harris is two years older than Slay .
Only one cornerback , Miami ’ s Xavien Howard , currently has a contract averaging at least $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But buyers should be wary because the Jets ’ Trumaine Johnson ( $ 14.5 million ) has been a bust and Minnesota ’ s Xavier Rhodes ( $ 14.02 million ) struggled at points in 2019 .
What it boils down to for the Broncos : Do they like Harris at $ 12 million to $ 13 million ?
Do they really like Jones at $ 16 million to $ 17 million ?
Or do they like Slay enough to give up a premium draft pick and then pay him $ 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know ( Harris ) is the best play because he won ’ t be as expensive as Slay/Jones .
But we don ’ t know what coach Vic Fangio thinks of Harris — he may be set on getting The Next Guy regardless of the cost .

By this time last year, Broncos general manager John Elway had already settled the quarterback position, or at least he thought so, by having a trade in place with Baltimore for Joe Flacco.
Might Elway and Co., be up to similar business before heading to Indianapolis for next week’s Scouting Combine?
Per ESPN on Monday, the Detroit Lions have spoken with “multiple teams” about former All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay, who has one year remaining on his contract. Slay, whose eight interceptions led the NFL in 2017, doesn’t see eye to eye with coach Matt Patricia, leading to the trade chatter and the Lions’ potential desire to get something for him instead of letting him walk for nothing in 2021.
Acquiring Slay would be costly on two fronts, however.
Compensation Part No. 1: A “second- or third-” round pick an NFL executive told The Denver Post.
Compensation Part No. 2: The executive said a contract averaging “$15 million-ish,” per year.
In both areas the trade is doable for Elway if he is determined to complete it.
The Broncos have their second-round pick and three third-rounders — theirs plus picks from Pittsburgh (for trading down in last year’s first round) and San Francisco (for trading receiver Emmanuel Sanders). If they deal their second-round pick for Slay, they would still have the ability to use their third-round satchel to move up.
And the Broncos have $62 million in salary-cap space according to @NFL_Stats, fifth-most in the league. Slay’s new salary could fit without an issue.
Slay makes complete sense from a Broncos football standpoint.
The Broncos’ only healthy under-contract cornerbacks are Isaac Yiadom, Duke Dawson and Davontae Harris. All three were benched at some point during the 2019 season. Bryce Callahan (foot) didn’t play at all last year and Chris Harris is a free agent.
Slay has missed only nine games in seven years and has 19 interceptions and 104 passes defensed in 103 games. He remains a cagey player in terms of when to jump routes, when to defend the first-down marker and how to stay out of major penalty problems (six last year).
Trading for Slay before March 18 would allow the Broncos to proceed in free agency knowing they have a No. 1 cornerback in the fold. They would likely wave good-bye to Harris (unless his market doesn’t develop and he lowers his asking price) and not have to get into a bidding contest for Dallas’ Byron Jones.
If they have Slay, the Broncos could focus their finances on inside linebacker (the Rams’ Cory Littleton?), receiver (Dallas’ Amari Cooper?) and guard (Washington’s Brandon Scherff, who will cost huge money). The same goes for the draft — they could wait until rounds 2-3 for a cornerback.
The issue, though, is Slay’s next contract. He is entering the final season of a four-year, $48 million pact that carries a 2020 salary cap number of $13.368 million. His camp will want that deal torn up.
Is Slay worth $15 million per year? Elway doesn’t think Harris is, although Harris is two years older than Slay.
Only one cornerback, Miami’s Xavien Howard, currently has a contract averaging at least $15 million ($15.05 million). But buyers should be wary because the Jets’ Trumaine Johnson ($14.5 million) has been a bust and Minnesota’s Xavier Rhodes ($14.02 million) struggled at points in 2019.
What it boils down to for the Broncos: Do they like Harris at $12 million to $13 million? Do they really like Jones at $16 million to $17 million? Or do they like Slay enough to give up a premium draft pick and then pay him $15 million?
I believe keeping the one you know (Harris) is the best play because he won’t be as expensive as Slay/Jones. But we don’t know what coach Vic Fangio thinks of Harris — he may be set on getting The Next Guy regardless of the cost.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--René Lima-Marín broke his face on a steel toilet. Aurora detention officials wouldn’t take him to ge

René Lima-Marín broke his face on a steel toilet. Aurora detention officials wouldn’t take him to get surgery, lawsuit alleges

The GEO Group , the for-profit private prison company that runs Aurora ’ s ICE detention facility , faces two new federal lawsuits alleging staff failed to investigate an assault on a detainee and did not give adequate medical attention to another .
The lawsuits are the latest against the Florida-based private prison company , which has come under fire in several states for allegations of medical neglect , maltreatment , forced labor and a string of disease outbreaks .
Colorado lawmakers are mapping out a divorce from the private prison industry , while the GEO Group is fighting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of private prisons in that state .
In a statement , the GEO Group said the company has not been served with either of the new lawsuits , but “ rejects these types of allegations which are part of a continuous , coordinated effort to undermine federal immigration policies that our company plays no role in setting.
” For one of the plaintiffs , René Lima-Marín , the lawsuit represents the latest chapter in a winding , decades-long odyssey through Colorado ’ s criminal justice system .
In 2008 , he was mistakenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only to be sent back behind bars six years later after building a new life and starting a family .
Three years ago , former Gov .
John Hickenlooper pardoned Lima-Marín — but instead of walking free , he was sent to the Aurora Detention Facility while his case wound its way through immigration court .
It ’ s in the ICE facility where Lima-Marín says he slipped and fell in February 2018 , striking his face on the steel edge of a toilet seat in his cell , breaking multiple bones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery to avoid permanent facial impairment .
Lima-Marín said he didn ’ t get that surgery because GEO staff never took him back to the hospital .
He said he pleaded with staff on a daily basis to no avail .
Days turned to weeks .
As Lima-Marín waited in pain , detention facility staff refused to fill his pain medicine prescription , he said .
“ They didn ’ t care about individuals in there , ” Lima-Marín told The Denver Post .
“ They only care about sending people back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The Aurora resident eventually won his immigration case and was released in 2018 .
He went back to the doctor , where he was told the bones already had begun to heal incorrectly and would have to be rebroken in order to do the surgery .
Lima-Marín was ready to do it .
The only problem ?
GEO wouldn ’ t foot the bill now that he was out of the company ’ s custody .
“ You never expect to be a person in that situation , ” Lima-Marín said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he saw staff ignore people ’ s pleas for medical attention .
“ You witness it , you see it , and you feel sorry for them .
And you never expect to actually be in those shoes .
I ended up in those exact same shoes.
” The other lawsuit , filed last month , involves Lawrence Ritchie , who was violently beaten by a group of men in the Aurora facility two years ago .
GEO staff watched him get beaten and did nothing to stop it , the lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the assault , GEO officials assured officers that they would handle the incident internally , according to the lawsuit , which also named the city of Aurora as a defendant .
Michael Bryant , a spokesman for Aurora , said Monday that the city attorney ’ s office hadn ’ t yet been served with the lawsuit , so he couldn ’ t comment on the allegations .
A Rocky Mountain PBS News investigation found that Aurora police often leave investigations of sexual abuse or assault at the detention facility to GEO staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Mr .
Ritchie ’ s case is not unique , ” the complaint said .
“ He was neither the first nor the last person who was assaulted in ADF and then denied the opportunity to press charges against his attackers because of the implicit agreement between Defendant GEO and Defendant City of Aurora that Defendant GEO will handle criminal investigations ‘ in house.
’ ” These lawsuits depict a concerted effort by GEO and ICE to keep internal matters from reaching the public , said Olivia Kohrs , a civil rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re not letting the outside world see what they ’ re doing , ” she said .
“ And because of that , there ’ s a lack of transparency and a lack of accountability.
” The Aurora detention facility has come under intense scrutiny in recent years by local officials and congressional leaders as ICE has increased its activity under President Donald Trump .
After a string of outbreaks at the facility last year , the Aurora City Council passed an ordinance requiring detention facilities to notify the fire department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Rep. Jason Cow , D-Aurora , has called for weekly oversight visits of the facility , and previously sent letters to the Department of Homeland Security expressing concern for the disease outbreaks .

The GEO Group, the for-profit private prison company that runs Aurora’s ICE detention facility, faces two new federal lawsuits alleging staff failed to investigate an assault on a detainee and did not give adequate medical attention to another.
The lawsuits are the latest against the Florida-based private prison company, which has come under fire in several states for allegations of medical neglect, maltreatment, forced labor and a string of disease outbreaks. Colorado lawmakers are mapping out a divorce from the private prison industry, while the GEO Group is fighting a new California law phasing out the use of private prisons in that state.
In a statement, the GEO Group said the company has not been served with either of the new lawsuits, but “rejects these types of allegations which are part of a continuous, coordinated effort to undermine federal immigration policies that our company plays no role in setting.”
For one of the plaintiffs, René Lima-Marín, the lawsuit represents the latest chapter in a winding, decades-long odyssey through Colorado’s criminal justice system. In 2008, he was mistakenly released early from a 98-year prison sentence, only to be sent back behind bars six years later after building a new life and starting a family. Three years ago, former Gov. John Hickenlooper pardoned Lima-Marín — but instead of walking free, he was sent to the Aurora Detention Facility while his case wound its way through immigration court.
It’s in the ICE facility where Lima-Marín says he slipped and fell in February 2018, striking his face on the steel edge of a toilet seat in his cell, breaking multiple bones. Doctors told him he would need surgery to avoid permanent facial impairment.
Lima-Marín said he didn’t get that surgery because GEO staff never took him back to the hospital. He said he pleaded with staff on a daily basis to no avail. Days turned to weeks. As Lima-Marín waited in pain, detention facility staff refused to fill his pain medicine prescription, he said.
“They didn’t care about individuals in there,” Lima-Marín told The Denver Post. “They only care about sending people back to their country. That was their goal.”
The Aurora resident eventually won his immigration case and was released in 2018. He went back to the doctor, where he was told the bones already had begun to heal incorrectly and would have to be rebroken in order to do the surgery.
Lima-Marín was ready to do it. The only problem? GEO wouldn’t foot the bill now that he was out of the company’s custody.
“You never expect to be a person in that situation,” Lima-Marín said, noting other instances in the facility in which he saw staff ignore people’s pleas for medical attention. “You witness it, you see it, and you feel sorry for them. And you never expect to actually be in those shoes. I ended up in those exact same shoes.”
The other lawsuit, filed last month, involves Lawrence Ritchie, who was violently beaten by a group of men in the Aurora facility two years ago. GEO staff watched him get beaten and did nothing to stop it, the lawsuit alleges.
When Aurora police responded to the assault, GEO officials assured officers that they would handle the incident internally, according to the lawsuit, which also named the city of Aurora as a defendant.
Michael Bryant, a spokesman for Aurora, said Monday that the city attorney’s office hadn’t yet been served with the lawsuit, so he couldn’t comment on the allegations.
A Rocky Mountain PBS News investigation found that Aurora police often leave investigations of sexual abuse or assault at the detention facility to GEO staff, who are not police officers.
“Mr. Ritchie’s case is not unique,” the complaint said. “He was neither the first nor the last person who was assaulted in ADF and then denied the opportunity to press charges against his attackers because of the implicit agreement between Defendant GEO and Defendant City of Aurora that Defendant GEO will handle criminal investigations ‘in house.’ ”
These lawsuits depict a concerted effort by GEO and ICE to keep internal matters from reaching the public, said Olivia Kohrs, a civil rights attorney representing Ritchie and Lima-Marín.
“They’re not letting the outside world see what they’re doing,” she said. “And because of that, there’s a lack of transparency and a lack of accountability.”
The Aurora detention facility has come under intense scrutiny in recent years by local officials and congressional leaders as ICE has increased its activity under President Donald Trump.
After a string of outbreaks at the facility last year, the Aurora City Council passed an ordinance requiring detention facilities to notify the fire department in the event of a contagious disease outbreak.
Rep. Jason Crow, D-Aurora, has called for weekly oversight visits of the facility, and previously sent letters to the Department of Homeland Security expressing concern for the disease outbreaks.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--CU Buffs lose OL coach Chris Kapilovic to Michigan State

Kapilovic confirmed to Buffzone.com that he has decided to leave CU and coach the offensive line at Michigan State .
After one year as CU ’ s head coach , Tucker bolted for Michigan State last Tuesday .
Kapilovic is the first CU assistant to join Tucker in East Lansing , Mich. Kapilovic was hired by Tucker to join CU ’ s staff on Dec. 13 , 2018 .
He had spent the previous seven seasons at North Carolina .
He coached at Southern Mississippi for four years before that .
This winter , Kapilovic was offered opportunities to coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was able to keep him at CU with a higher salary .
It ’ s unknown what type of raise Kapilovic was going to get from CU , but he was originally signed to a two-year contract worth $ 425,000 per year .
Per the teams of his contract , he would owe CU $ 50,000 for terminating the contract early .
A highly regarded offensive line coach , Kapilovic was widely praised by CU players during his one season with the Buffs .
Arlington Hambright and Tim Lynott , both seniors last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-year starter who will be a junior next season , were among the linemen who often praised Kapilovic for the work he did with them .
In December , 247Sports.com rated Kapilovic as one of the top 21 recruiters in the Pac-12 .
For the 2020 class , Kapilovic helped to recruit Cherry Creek High School ’ s Carson Lee , as well as Jake Wray from Marietta , Ga .
Both were highly rated recruits who enrolled at CU last month .
Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan , a 6-foot-9 , 325-pound three-star prospect from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Kapilovic for the 2020 class .

Colorado offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic will join Mel Tucker at Michigan State.
Kapilovic confirmed to Buffzone.com that he has decided to leave CU and coach the offensive line at Michigan State.
After one year as CU’s head coach, Tucker bolted for Michigan State last Tuesday. Kapilovic is the first CU assistant to join Tucker in East Lansing, Mich.
Kapilovic was hired by Tucker to join CU’s staff on Dec. 13, 2018. He had spent the previous seven seasons at North Carolina. He coached at Southern Mississippi for four years before that.
This winter, Kapilovic was offered opportunities to coach at Auburn and Missouri, but Tucker was able to keep him at CU with a higher salary. It’s unknown what type of raise Kapilovic was going to get from CU, but he was originally signed to a two-year contract worth $425,000 per year. Per the teams of his contract, he would owe CU $50,000 for terminating the contract early.
A highly regarded offensive line coach, Kapilovic was widely praised by CU players during his one season with the Buffs.
Arlington Hambright and Tim Lynott, both seniors last season, and Will Sherman, a two-year starter who will be a junior next season, were among the linemen who often praised Kapilovic for the work he did with them.
In December, 247Sports.com rated Kapilovic as one of the top 21 recruiters in the Pac-12. For the 2020 class, Kapilovic helped to recruit Cherry Creek High School’s Carson Lee, as well as Jake Wray from Marietta, Ga. Both were highly rated recruits who enrolled at CU last month. Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, a 6-foot-9, 325-pound three-star prospect from Davis, Calif., was also recruited by Kapilovic for the 2020 class.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Backcountry skier rescued from Mount Yeckel near Aspen after head injury

A 36-year-old backcountry skier was rescued Sunday after he suffered a head injury while skiing on Mount Yeckel a few @ @ @ @ @ according to the Pitkin County Sheriff ’ s Office .
The skier and those who @ @ @ @ @ emergency signal from a two-way satellite communication device around 2:30 p.m. , and that alert @ @ @ @ @ ’ s emergency dispatch center .
Twenty-one volunteers from Mountain Rescue Aspen responded and found @ @ @ @ @ group .
The team evacuated the skier on a toboggan that was pulled behind a @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s office .
The injured skier was then taken by ambulance to Aspen @ @ @ @ @ was finished by about 10:30 p.m. , according to the sheriff ’ s office , @ @ @ @ @ carrying the satellite communication device .
“ It proved to be a great assistance with @ @ @ @ @ statement said .

A 36-year-old backcountry skier was rescued Sunday after he suffered a head injury while skiing on Mount Yeckel a few miles northeast of Aspen, according to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
The skier and those who were with him activated an emergency signal from a two-way satellite communication device around 2:30 p.m., and that alert was sent to the county’s emergency dispatch center.
Twenty-one volunteers from Mountain Rescue Aspen responded and found the injured skier and his group. The team evacuated the skier on a toboggan that was pulled behind a snowmobile, according to the sheriff’s office.
The injured skier was then taken by ambulance to Aspen Valley Hospital. The rescue was finished by about 10:30 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office, which praised the group for carrying the satellite communication device.
“It proved to be a great assistance with this rescue,” the statement said.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Marijuana banking bill gets pushback from Colorado’s Buck, Lamborn

Twelve members of the U.S. House of Representatives , including two from Colorado , are publicly pushing back against a federal bill that would give legal cannabis businesses access to banking services .
In a Feb. 13 letter sent to Mike Crapo , chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking , Housing and Urban Affairs , Reps. Ken Buck , R-Windsor , Doug Lamborn , R-Colorado Springs , and 10 other Republican representatives applauded the chairman ’ s concerns about the Secure and Fair Enforcement ( SAFE ) Banking Act and urged him to “ stand strong ” in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispensaries , cultivations and other businesses access to the federal banking system .
“ We have reservations with the unprecedented approach of allowing banking access for a Schedule I drug , in addition to increasing investment in marijuana enterprises even as they remain federally illegal , ” the representatives wrote .
Their primary concerns include addressing marijuana potency , impaired driving and the continued effects of the vaping crisis , they added .
The SAFE Banking Act , championed by Colorado Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter and Republican Sen. Cory Gardner , passed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 321-103 .
The 12 representatives who wrote the recent letter to Crapo voted against it .
They sent the letter in response to advocates who are pushing for the Senate to vote on the legislation soon .
In his comments published Dec. 18 , Crapo recommended adding public health and safety requirements to the legislation , such as requiring potency disclosures and a potential 2 % THC limit on products before allowing banks to do business with cannabis companies , and rules for preventing “ bad actors ” from laundering money through banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public safety by legitimizing banking access for a Schedule I drug , ” Buck said in a statement .
“ It is important that we continue to tread lightly and consider public health concerns that surround the marijuana industry.
” Earlier this month , Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis unveiled an initiative to entice more state-chartered banks and credit unions to offer services to cannabis businesses , stating the lack of banking opportunities poses both economic and public safety threats .
Burglary is the most common crime at marijuana dispensaries and cultivations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are forced to deal in cash .

Twelve members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including two from Colorado, are publicly pushing back against a federal bill that would give legal cannabis businesses access to banking services.
In a Feb. 13 letter sent to Mike Crapo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Reps. Ken Buck, R-Windsor, Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, and 10 other Republican representatives applauded the chairman’s concerns about the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act and urged him to “stand strong” in his assessment of the risks posed by allowing dispensaries, cultivations and other businesses access to the federal banking system.
“We have reservations with the unprecedented approach of allowing banking access for a Schedule I drug, in addition to increasing investment in marijuana enterprises even as they remain federally illegal,” the representatives wrote. Their primary concerns include addressing marijuana potency, impaired driving and the continued effects of the vaping crisis, they added.
The SAFE Banking Act, championed by Colorado Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter and Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, passed the House last September by a vote of 321-103. The 12 representatives who wrote the recent letter to Crapo voted against it. They sent the letter in response to advocates who are pushing for the Senate to vote on the legislation soon.
In his comments published Dec. 18, Crapo recommended adding public health and safety requirements to the legislation, such as requiring potency disclosures and a potential 2% THC limit on products before allowing banks to do business with cannabis companies, and rules for preventing “bad actors” from laundering money through banks.
“The SAFE Banking Act jeopardizes public safety by legitimizing banking access for a Schedule I drug,” Buck said in a statement. “It is important that we continue to tread lightly and consider public health concerns that surround the marijuana industry.”
Earlier this month, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis unveiled an initiative to entice more state-chartered banks and credit unions to offer services to cannabis businesses, stating the lack of banking opportunities poses both economic and public safety threats. Burglary is the most common crime at marijuana dispensaries and cultivations, and experts say it’s because they are forced to deal in cash.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Ian Desmond strives to be “culture changer” as Rockies veterans seek to be better leaders

SCOTTSDALE , Ariz. — After a 91-loss season , some of the Rockies ’ most-respected and highest-paid veterans looked in the mirror and decided they needed to change their leadership style .
Nothing dramatic , mind you .
No Vince Lombardi rah-rah stuff .
But third baseman Nolan Arenado and outfielders Charlie Blackmon and Ian Desmond took a second look at how they interact with teammates .
Desmond , 34 , who ’ s entering the fourth year of his five-year , $ 70 million contract , was candid about his evolving role with the team , which this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raimel Tapia .
“ When I signed to come here , it was as a culture-shifter , to help bring winning baseball to Colorado , ” Desmond said Monday .
“ That ’ s what we talked about .
That ’ s what I said in my press conference ( in December 2016 ) .
“ The last couple years , I kind of lost focus on that .
I got trapped in my own statistical successes and failures .
But this offseason gave me an opportunity to step back and regroup and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m here for : to be a culture-shifter .
So my No .
1 priority this season is being a better teammate and helping these young kids along and passing on all the things I ’ ve learned.
” Arenado , the all-star third baseman who last February signed a team-record , eight-year , $ 260 million contract , but whose offseason was colored by trade rumors and a public squabble with general manager Jeff Bridich , also said he ’ s trying to be a more effective leader .
“ I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of these guys , ” the 28-year-old said .
“ I know I kind of ( keep to ) myself a little bit , but I think I can help by ( interacting ) more.
” Blackmon , 33 , the four-time all-star who signed a six-year contract worth $ 108 million in 2018 , acknowledged that he ’ s not a vocal leader by nature and is unlikely to stand up give a clubhouse speech .
But Blackmon said he can do more on a one-on-one level .
“ Leading by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , but over the past few seasons I ’ ve sat down and done some self-evaluation to identify ways that I can do a better job being a teammate or a leader , ” he said .
“ It ’ s important for me to have a really good idea on what ’ s going on in Nolan Arenado ’ s life or Trevor Story ‘ s or Ryan McMahon ‘ s .
I want to know what they ’ re working on or what they ’ re struggling with .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have a conversation and hopefully help out .
That ’ s something that I am working on that maybe I wasn ’ t doing five years ago when I was just trying to get hits.
” The Rockies ’ most accomplished position players — Story , Arenado and Blackmon — are self-described “ grinders.
” They ’ re constantly taking cuts in the batting cage , lifting weights or studying video .
And while the Rockies are not quite as buttoned-down as their public image suggests , Blackmon understands there are times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We certainly have the focus and grinder mentality and we have guys who work very hard , ” Blackmon said .
“ I do think it ’ s important to remember that you are playing a game and it ’ s supposed to be fun .
You have to stay loose and relaxed .
“ I think there is a balance and I think we do have the personnel to bring both sides of that coin out.
” Subscribe to our Rockies Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight @ @ @ @

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After a 91-loss season, some of the Rockies’ most-respected and highest-paid veterans looked in the mirror and decided they needed to change their leadership style.
Nothing dramatic, mind you. No Vince Lombardi rah-rah stuff. But third baseman Nolan Arenado and outfielders Charlie Blackmon and Ian Desmond took a second look at how they interact with teammates.
Desmond, 34, who’s entering the fourth year of his five-year, $70 million contract, was candid about his evolving role with the team, which this season projects to him share left-field duties with Raimel Tapia.
“When I signed to come here, it was as a culture-shifter, to help bring winning baseball to Colorado,” Desmond said Monday. “That’s what we talked about. That’s what I said in my press conference (in December 2016).
“The last couple years, I kind of lost focus on that. I got trapped in my own statistical successes and failures. But this offseason gave me an opportunity to step back and regroup and made me realize what exactly I’m here for: to be a culture-shifter. So my No. 1 priority this season is being a better teammate and helping these young kids along and passing on all the things I’ve learned.”
Arenado, the all-star third baseman who last February signed a team-record, eight-year, $260 million contract, but whose offseason was colored by trade rumors and a public squabble with general manager Jeff Bridich, also said he’s trying to be a more effective leader.
“I want to communicate a little bit better with some of these guys,” the 28-year-old said. “I know I kind of (keep to) myself a little bit, but I think I can help by (interacting) more.”
Blackmon, 33, the four-time all-star who signed a six-year contract worth $108 million in 2018, acknowledged that he’s not a vocal leader by nature and is unlikely to stand up give a clubhouse speech. But Blackmon said he can do more on a one-on-one level.
“Leading by example is what comes most naturally to me, but over the past few seasons I’ve sat down and done some self-evaluation to identify ways that I can do a better job being a teammate or a leader,” he said. “It’s important for me to have a really good idea on what’s going on in Nolan Arenado’s life or Trevor Story‘s or Ryan McMahon‘s. I want to know what they’re working on or what they’re struggling with.
“So I can come up to them and have a conversation and hopefully help out. That’s something that I am working on that maybe I wasn’t doing five years ago when I was just trying to get hits.”
The Rockies’ most accomplished position players — Story, Arenado and Blackmon — are self-described “grinders.” They’re constantly taking cuts in the batting cage, lifting weights or studying video. And while the Rockies are not quite as buttoned-down as their public image suggests, Blackmon understands there are times the team needs to lighten up.
“We certainly have the focus and grinder mentality and we have guys who work very hard,” Blackmon said. “I do think it’s important to remember that you are playing a game and it’s supposed to be fun. You have to stay loose and relaxed.
“I think there is a balance and I think we do have the personnel to bring both sides of that coin out.”
Subscribe to our Rockies Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Kiowa proves too much for Stratton/Liberty, wins 53-43

Stratton/Liberty could not overcome Kiowa in 53-43 loss on Saturday .
In their next games , Stratton/Liberty will play host @ @ @ @ @ will travel to play Cripple Creek-Victor .
No team or player statistics have been reported @ @ @ @ @ story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive .
Information accurate as of publication @ @ @ @ @ data is available .

Stratton/Liberty could not keep up with Holly, fall 53-43 on Saturday.
Hanna Brogger lead Kiowa with 13 points scored while also grabbing 10 rebounds. Bailey Martell had a solid night, recording 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Next up for each team, Stratton/Liberty will stay home and play Idalia, while Kiowa will travel to play Cripple Creek-Victor.
Stratton/Liberty has not reported any team or player statistics from this contest.
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This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Far Northeast Warriors crushes Lincoln in blowout win

Far Northeast Warriors easily defeated Lincoln by a score of 91-8 on Friday .
Both teams will go on the @ @ @ @ @ , with Far Northeast Warriors heading to play Denver West and Lincoln taking on Denver @ @ @ @ @ player statistics have been reported for this contest .
This story was created with technology @ @ @ @ @ Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available .

Far Northeast Warriors easily put away Lincoln by a score of 91-8 on Friday, Feb. 14.
Far Northeast Warriors was paced in scoring by Tosjanae Bonds who accounted for 27 points while also collecting nine rebounds and six assists. Rajana Cox helped the effort by chipping in 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Lincoln was lead in scoring by Jessica DeLacruz who scored eight points while collecting four rebounds. Valeria Solis helped by chipping in zero points.
Both teams will go on the road in their next contest, with Far Northeast Warriors heading to play Denver West and Lincoln taking on Denver North.
More Colorado High School Basketball
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This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-02-17--Warner’s double-double lifts Widefield over Elizabeth in 59-32 victory

The Widefield Gladiators easily handled the Elizabeth Cardinals by a score of 59-32 on Friday .
Liliani Krause lead Widefield @ @ @ @ @ also grabbing seven rebounds .
Erika Warner recorded a double-double , scoring 18 points and @ @ @ @ @ was lead in scoring by Brighid Griffin who put up 10 points while grabbing four @ @ @ @ @ the effort by chipping in seven points and seven rebounds .
Both teams will go @ @ @ @ @ next contest , with Widefield heading to play The Classical Academy and Elizabeth taking on @ @ @ @ @ story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive .
Information accurate as of publication @ @ @ @ @ data is available .

The Widefield Gladiators easily put away the Elizabeth Cardinals by a score of 59-32 on Friday, Feb. 14.
Widefield was lead in scoring by Liliani Krause who put up 20 points while also collecting seven rebounds. Erika Warner recorded a double-double, scoring 18 points and collecting 11 rebounds.
Elizabeth was paced in scoring by Brighid Griffin who put up 10 points while grabbing four rebounds. Sadie Schmidt had a good night, scoring seven points.
Next up for each team, Elizabeth will stay home and play Canon City, while Widefield will travel to play The Classical Academy.
More Colorado High School Basketball
Subscribe to the Denver Post today
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Ask Amy: Daughter from Dysfunction Junction ponders status

Dear Amy : Growing up , my mother clearly dictated our relationship .
She was the authoritarian figure and I was the obedient daughter .
We were never best friends because she could not be level-headed and provide guidance .
Instead , she was always a disciplinarian and a “ Wait until your father hears about this ” kind of mother .
My mother approached me ( I ’ m 34 years old ) about why we don ’ t have a “ best friends ” relationship .
She noticed that her friends are “ BFFs ” with their daughters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her that she was at fault for setting those boundaries and not providing a level-headed atmosphere at home .
I said I was OK with our relationship because I know I could not change her .
My father says it has emotionally affected her to the point where she sees a counselor on a regular basis .
My father says she will not accept any responsibility , and it is my responsibility to start the conversation and to accept the blame .
She has never accepted fault over any situation , regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my father that I will not accept the blame ( this time ) and will not have the conversation because it will go nowhere .
I ’ m indifferent .
I ’ m not sure if there is anything I can do to positively change our relationship without taking all the blame .
What can I do ?
Dear Distant : You talk a lot about “ fault ” and “ blame.
” If you and your mother want to develop an adult friendship , you are both going to have to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score-keeping .
Your mother is in therapy .
She might be using her hurt feelings to try to manipulate you .
But she also seems to be making a bid for connection .
Now it ’ s your turn to decide whether you will accept the bid .
The conversation you two might have will start the way friendships do — slowly , haltingly , and through looking for commonalities instead of faults .
One opening bid from you might be to ask her about her therapy .
Why is she there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she hope to accomplish , and what does she want from you ?
Your friendship might be less “ Gilmore Girls , and more “ Housewives of Dysfunction Junction , ” but the way to open up to the possibilities is to talk , listen , and learn to disagree peacefully .
Dear Amy : I ’ ve been seeing “ Julian ” for a little over two months .
We are both in our late 20s .
He is sweet , generous , owns a stable business , has multiple hobbies/passions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything .
All of my friends love him .
However , I am scared for him to eventually meet my conservative , Italian-American family .
Julian is covered in tattoos .
A couple are always visible on the back of his neck .
I like his tattoos .
I don ’ t consider this a red flag .
His career is also blue collar .
Recently , my mother “ stalked ” his Instagram page , and called me in a rage .
She said that there “ must be something wrong with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that I “ can not ” date him .
She said many judgmental words and disregarded my feelings .
She said that she ’ s terrified of what our family will think of him .
I am waiting for my older brother to say similar words .
Julian and I have been getting more serious .
I told her that she has to stop trying to control me , and to just accept it .
However , I am still hurt and don ’ t want to deal with more judgments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judging a Book by its Cover Dear Not Judging : Your Italian-American family seems to be behaving in some stereotypical ways , but at your age and stage , it is well past time to differentiate from your family .
Their unkind and overblown reaction to your guy ’ s appearance reflects very poorly on them .
How embarrassing ( for them ) .
While I ’ m trafficking in stereotypes , maybe you can , too .
Be like Cher ’ s character in “ Moonstruck ” .
Tell them to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy : “ Anonymous Gran ” wanted to acknowledge her new grandchild ( her son , the baby ’ s father , did not ) .
Your response was good , but as a retired family law attorney I suggest , before the relationship with the child develops , that she attempts to get paternity or DNA tests on the alleged grandchild .
You never know paternity for sure until you have test results .
I had cases where grandparents later discovered “ non-paternity ” after they had a relationship with the child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Been There : Good advice ; thank you .

Dear Amy: Growing up, my mother clearly dictated our relationship.
She was the authoritarian figure and I was the obedient daughter.
We were never best friends because she could not be level-headed and provide guidance. Instead, she was always a disciplinarian and a “Wait until your father hears about this” kind of mother.
My mother approached me (I’m 34 years old) about why we don’t have a “best friends” relationship. She noticed that her friends are “BFFs” with their daughters.
I was blunt. I told her that she was at fault for setting those boundaries and not providing a level-headed atmosphere at home. I said I was OK with our relationship because I know I could not change her.
My father says it has emotionally affected her to the point where she sees a counselor on a regular basis.
My father says she will not accept any responsibility, and it is my responsibility to start the conversation and to accept the blame.
She has never accepted fault over any situation, regardless of her actions or words.
I told my father that I will not accept the blame (this time) and will not have the conversation because it will go nowhere. I’m indifferent.
I’m not sure if there is anything I can do to positively change our relationship without taking all the blame. What can I do?
— Distant Daughter
Dear Distant: You talk a lot about “fault” and “blame.” If you and your mother want to develop an adult friendship, you are both going to have to learn to let go of some of your score-keeping.
Your mother is in therapy. She might be using her hurt feelings to try to manipulate you. But she also seems to be making a bid for connection.
Now it’s your turn to decide whether you will accept the bid. The conversation you two might have will start the way friendships do — slowly, haltingly, and through looking for commonalities instead of faults.
One opening bid from you might be to ask her about her therapy. Why is she there, what is she learning, what does she hope to accomplish, and what does she want from you?
Your friendship might be less “Gilmore Girls, and more “Housewives of Dysfunction Junction,” but the way to open up to the possibilities is to talk, listen, and learn to disagree peacefully.
Dear Amy: I’ve been seeing “Julian” for a little over two months. We are both in our late 20s.
He is sweet, generous, owns a stable business, has multiple hobbies/passions, and is very honest with me about everything. All of my friends love him.
However, I am scared for him to eventually meet my conservative, Italian-American family. Julian is covered in tattoos.
A couple are always visible on the back of his neck. I like his tattoos. I don’t consider this a red flag. His career is also blue collar.
Recently, my mother “stalked” his Instagram page, and called me in a rage. She said that there “must be something wrong with him” to cover himself like that and that I “cannot” date him.
She said many judgmental words and disregarded my feelings. She said that she’s terrified of what our family will think of him.
I am waiting for my older brother to say similar words.
Julian and I have been getting more serious.
I told her that she has to stop trying to control me, and to just accept it. However, I am still hurt and don’t want to deal with more judgments.
What should I do?
— Not Judging a Book by its Cover
Dear Not Judging: Your Italian-American family seems to be behaving in some stereotypical ways, but at your age and stage, it is well past time to differentiate from your family. Their unkind and overblown reaction to your guy’s appearance reflects very poorly on them. How embarrassing (for them).
While I’m trafficking in stereotypes, maybe you can, too. Be like Cher’s character in “Moonstruck”. Tell them to “snap out of it!”
Dear Amy: “Anonymous Gran” wanted to acknowledge her new grandchild (her son, the baby’s father, did not).
Your response was good, but as a retired family law attorney I suggest, before the relationship with the child develops, that she attempts to get paternity or DNA tests on the alleged grandchild. You never know paternity for sure until you have test results.
I had cases where grandparents later discovered “non-paternity” after they had a relationship with the child, and it was devastating.
— Been There
Dear Been There: Good advice; thank you.
(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--2020-02-18--Woman’s body found in Fort Collins residence when police respond to report of a shooting

The body of a woman was found inside a Fort Collins home on Monday when police responded to a report @ @ @ @ @ incident happened at about 7 a.m. in the 6500 block of Lynn Driver , according @ @ @ @ @ A man found “ injured ” inside the residence was taken to a local hospital @ @ @ @ @ pair were not identified .
Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public @ @ @ @ @ .
The Larimer County Coroner ’ s Office will identify the victim after family is @ @ @ @ @ also determine the cause and manner of her death .
Anyone with information on the @ @ @ @ @ Detective Gary Trujillo at 970-416-2645 , or Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 .
@ @ @ @ @ to stopcriminals.org .

The body of a woman was found inside a Fort Collins home on Monday when police responded to a report of a shooting.
The incident happened at about 7 a.m. in the 6500 block of Lynn Driver, according to the police department.
A man found “injured” inside the residence was taken to a local hospital, police said. The pair were not identified.
Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public in connection with the incident. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office will identify the victim after family is notified. The coroner will also determine the cause and manner of her death.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Detective Gary Trujillo at 970-416-2645, or Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868. Online tips can be made to stopcriminals.org.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Joe Biden, speaking to donors in Denver, takes digs at Sanders and Bloomberg

Former Vice President Joe Biden is dropping in the polls in the presidential race while a self-described Democratic socialist is on the rise .
In the still-crowded field , he ’ s been losing support to other moderates .
Speaking to donors in Denver Monday night , Biden never referred to those polls or his declining position after disappointing finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire this month .
But it was clear he was seeking to regain lost ground .
He took aim at U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders , the emerging front-runner , by criticizing him for not adequately explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicare for All plan .
Biden has offered more modest health care proposals , including a public option insurance plan , that would cost a fraction as much .
“ Folks , what the voters are looking for , in my view , is they ’ re looking for authenticity , ” Biden said .
“ The last thing we need to be running against the president — this president , this charlatan , this guy who is a serial liar — is to be in a position where we ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American people ( about ) what things are going to cost and what it ’ s going to cover.
” A few moments later , Biden suggested Sanders ’ plan had no chance of passing Congress : “ It ’ s not enough to be able to beat Trump .
You ’ ve got to be able to bring along the Senate ( to a Democratic majority ) and keep the House in order to get things done.
” At another point , after recounting his role in getting President Barack Obama ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden took a dig at self-funding billionaire Mike Bloomberg , who ’ s been rising in the polls .
“ By the way , ” Biden said , “ Mayor Bloomberg says the health care bill was a disaster , it ’ s a lousy bill .
But he has $ 60 billion to explain that.
” Biden tried to make the case to 175 people assembled in northwest Denver that he was the surest bet to defeat President Donald Trump in November .
They gathered at the home of Ken Salazar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary , and his wife , Hope Hernandez-Salazar .
Also on hand were several current and former elected officials , including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold , Treasurer Dave Young and state Senate President Leroy Garcia .
Biden swung through Colorado to ask donors for help ahead of the state ’ s March 3 primary , on Super Tuesday .
Unlike other leading candidates , he hasn ’ t held any public campaign events in Colorado .
The last time he visited the state was for a September fundraiser in Denver .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national polls .
But he returned Monday in a weaker position , with his polling numbers dropping sharply since late January .
He ’ s now ranked second in Real Clear Politics ’ national polling average , behind Sanders , who drew thousands of supporters to a Denver rally Sunday .
In the New Hampshire primary last week , Biden placed fifth .
He ’ s hoping to come back in the next two weeks in Nevada and South Carolina , which have more diverse populations .
Salazar enthusiastically boosted Biden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creators of the health care revolution that we ’ re seeing , with a lot more work to do.
” He noted that his older brother , John Salazar , had lost his seat in Congress in part because of his vote for the health care law .
“ By the way , that was a courageous vote you took , ” Biden said .
“ I ’ d do it again !
” John Salazar yelled from the back of the room .
Biden argued that despite the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an awful lot of middle class folks are being left behind – really left behind.
” He said he wants to “ rebuild the backbone of the country , the middle class , and this time bring along all the brown and black folks all across the board.
” Biden grew particularly animated when talking about Trump ’ s foreign policy , raising his voice a few times .
“ What he is doing to this country is absolutely appalling , ” Biden said .
“ In the lifetime of anyone in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well , we ’ ve never seen a president like this .
We ’ ve never seen a president who ’ s weaponized the Justice Department , denigrated the armed forces , ( treated ) our allies in a way that creates distance with them , and ( who ) embraces thugs and autocrats from Putin to Kim Jong-Un .
… “ So folks , there is a whole lot to do .
But I ’ m optimistic .
”

Former Vice President Joe Biden is dropping in the polls in the presidential race while a self-described Democratic socialist is on the rise. In the still-crowded field, he’s been losing support to other moderates.
Speaking to donors in Denver Monday night, Biden never referred to those polls or his declining position after disappointing finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire this month. But it was clear he was seeking to regain lost ground.
He took aim at U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the emerging front-runner, by criticizing him for not adequately explaining how he’d pay for his Medicare for All plan. Biden has offered more modest health care proposals, including a public option insurance plan, that would cost a fraction as much.
“Folks, what the voters are looking for, in my view, is they’re looking for authenticity,” Biden said. “The last thing we need to be running against the president — this president, this charlatan, this guy who is a serial liar — is to be in a position where we’re not absolutely able to completely level with the American people (about) what things are going to cost and what it’s going to cover.”
A few moments later, Biden suggested Sanders’ plan had no chance of passing Congress: “It’s not enough to be able to beat Trump. You’ve got to be able to bring along the Senate (to a Democratic majority) and keep the House in order to get things done.”
At another point, after recounting his role in getting President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, Biden took a dig at self-funding billionaire Mike Bloomberg, who’s been rising in the polls.
“By the way,” Biden said, “Mayor Bloomberg says the health care bill was a disaster, it’s a lousy bill. But he has $60 billion to explain that.”
Biden tried to make the case to 175 people assembled in northwest Denver that he was the surest bet to defeat President Donald Trump in November. They gathered at the home of Ken Salazar, the former U.S. senator and Interior secretary, and his wife, Hope Hernandez-Salazar.
Also on hand were several current and former elected officials, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Treasurer Dave Young and state Senate President Leroy Garcia.
Biden swung through Colorado to ask donors for help ahead of the state’s March 3 primary, on Super Tuesday. Unlike other leading candidates, he hasn’t held any public campaign events in Colorado.
The last time he visited the state was for a September fundraiser in Denver. At the time, Biden was leading the national polls. But he returned Monday in a weaker position, with his polling numbers dropping sharply since late January.
He’s now ranked second in Real Clear Politics’ national polling average, behind Sanders, who drew thousands of supporters to a Denver rally Sunday. In the New Hampshire primary last week, Biden placed fifth.
He’s hoping to come back in the next two weeks in Nevada and South Carolina, which have more diverse populations.
Salazar enthusiastically boosted Biden, crediting him for being “one of the creators of the health care revolution that we’re seeing, with a lot more work to do.” He noted that his older brother, John Salazar, had lost his seat in Congress in part because of his vote for the health care law.
“By the way, that was a courageous vote you took,” Biden said.
“I’d do it again!” John Salazar yelled from the back of the room.
Biden argued that despite the nation’s strong economy, under Trump, “an awful lot of middle class folks are being left behind – really left behind.”
He said he wants to “rebuild the backbone of the country, the middle class, and this time bring along all the brown and black folks all across the board.”
Biden grew particularly animated when talking about Trump’s foreign policy, raising his voice a few times.
“What he is doing to this country is absolutely appalling,” Biden said. “In the lifetime of anyone in this room, and those of our parents as well, we’ve never seen a president like this. We’ve never seen a president who’s weaponized the Justice Department, denigrated the armed forces, (treated) our allies in a way that creates distance with them, and (who) embraces thugs and autocrats from Putin to Kim Jong-Un. …
“So folks, there is a whole lot to do. But I’m optimistic.”