thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Panthers LB Luke Kuechly retiring after 8 seasons in NFL

CHARLOTTE , N.C. — Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons .
The 28-year-old Kuechly made the surprising announcement Tuesday night in a video posted on the team ’ s website .
He said , “ I think now is the right chance to move on.
” Kuechly was selected to seven Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro five times .
However , he suffered three concussions during his career , which may have led to his decision .
Kuechly was in tears when he was carted off the field after a concussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment that highlighted the NFL ’ s ongoing problem with brain injuries .
“ It makes me sad because I love playing this game , ” Kuechly said .
“ I ’ ve played it since I was a kid .
It ’ s my favorite thing to do in the world .
The memories I have from this place and this organization and being on the field with these guys , they will never go away .
There ’ s only one way to play this game since I was a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and play strong .
At this point , I don ’ t know if I am able to do that anymore.
” Kuechly finishes his career with 1,092 tackles , which is the most by any player since coming into the league in 2012 as a first round pick out of Boston College .
Kuechly was part of three NFC South championships and helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl in 2015 .
“ While I wish we could have him for many more years , he has done everything the right way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made , ” Panthers owner David Tepper said .
“ Luke is a once in a generation player and someone we want every member of this organization to emulate.
” Kuechly suffered a notable concussion on Nov. 17 , 2016 , when he left the field after a collision with a Saints player .
He left the game on a cart crying uncontrollably , a moment that shook the Panthers organization and players around the league .
But Kuechly later said he wasn ’ t concerned about concussions affecting his future .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but continued playing .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons.
The 28-year-old Kuechly made the surprising announcement Tuesday night in a video posted on the team’s website. He said, “I think now is the right chance to move on.”
Kuechly was selected to seven Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro five times. However, he suffered three concussions during his career, which may have led to his decision.
Kuechly was in tears when he was carted off the field after a concussion during the 2016 season, a striking moment that highlighted the NFL’s ongoing problem with brain injuries.
“It makes me sad because I love playing this game,” Kuechly said. “ I’ve played it since I was a kid. It’s my favorite thing to do in the world. The memories I have from this place and this organization and being on the field with these guys, they will never go away. There’s only one way to play this game since I was a little kid — play fast, play physical and play strong. At this point, I don’t know if I am able to do that anymore.”
Kuechly finishes his career with 1,092 tackles, which is the most by any player since coming into the league in 2012 as a first round pick out of Boston College.
Kuechly was part of three NFC South championships and helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl in 2015.
“While I wish we could have him for many more years, he has done everything the right way and we respect the decision he has made,” Panthers owner David Tepper said. “Luke is a once in a generation player and someone we want every member of this organization to emulate.”
Kuechly suffered a notable concussion on Nov. 17, 2016, when he left the field after a collision with a Saints player. He left the game on a cart crying uncontrollably, a moment that shook the Panthers organization and players around the league.
But Kuechly later said he wasn’t concerned about concussions affecting his future.
He suffered a third concussion in 2017, but continued playing.


thedenverpost--2020-01-16--Aurora detectives solve 1996 cold case of woman stabbed in alley

While repeatedly stabbing Tangie Lynn Sims , her killer cut himself and left his blood drops in an Aurora alley in the fall of 1996 .
Twenty three years later , the blood helped police and other forensic experts solve the case .
Before identifying Wesley Backman as the 25-year-old woman ’ s killer , Aurora police detectives Steve Conner and Michael Prince crisscrossed the country tracking clues .
By the time they identified Backman , he already was dead , according to an Aurora Police Department news release .
Aurora police worked with United Data Connect , a Denver-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene and genealogical research to connect Backman to the crime .
“ The excellent work done by the original investigators , the incredible determination of Agents Conner and Prince , as well as the amazing work done by UDCL allowed Tangie ’ s family to finally obtain some solace and closure , ” the news release said .
Sims ’ murder rattled Aurora residents and led to an intense investigation just to determine who the victim had been , according to Denver Post newspaper articles at the time .
A woman was walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Oct. 24 , 1996 , when she saw something terrible , one Denver Post article said .
The bloody body of a young woman with long blond hair was lying on the ground in an alley in the 1200 block of Iola Street .
After reaching out to local newspaper and TV reporters and asking them to publicize the murder , witnesses came forward and police were able to identify the victim as Sims , the article said .
She had grown up in Chattanooga , Tenn. She had attended a Baptist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Famous Chicken ‘ n Biscuits restaurant as a cook , the Denver Post article said .
Sims had been severely beaten and stabbed to death , a police investigation at the time determined .
She last was seen alive walking toward a semitrailer , McCoy ’ s news release said .
The killer had cut himself during the attack and left blood drops at the scene .
The blood was collected .
After a lengthy , thorough investigation , Aurora detectives were not able to identify a suspect and Sims ’ case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
Years later , Conner and Prince picked up the investigation and followed leads created by new technological advances and techniques .
In 2019 , advancements in DNA testing combined with genealogical research led to a break in the case .
Forensic genealogist Joan Hanlon of United Data Connect was able to identify the killer ’ s family , the news release said .
More work was needed .
The DNA led to the killer ’ s family tree but not directly to him .
Conner and Prince traveled from state to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finally , one of the relatives they found donated DNA for a comparison with the killer ’ s DNA , the news release said .
A blood match was made between the unidentified relative and Backman , who was born in 1955 .
But Backman died in 2008 .
The detectives looked for other clues to corroborate their theory that Backman was the killer .
They learned that Backman had been an over-the-road truck driver and had lived across the country including in Aurora .
Sims had last been seen walking toward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other detectives across the country to see if Backman had other victims .

While repeatedly stabbing Tangie Lynn Sims, her killer cut himself and left his blood drops in an Aurora alley in the fall of 1996. Twenty three years later, the blood helped police and other forensic experts solve the case.
It wasn’t easy though.
Before identifying Wesley Backman as the 25-year-old woman’s killer, Aurora police detectives Steve Conner and Michael Prince crisscrossed the country tracking clues. By the time they identified Backman, he already was dead, according to an Aurora Police Department news release.
Aurora police worked with United Data Connect, a Denver-based laboratory, to use DNA from the scene and genealogical research to connect Backman to the crime.
“The excellent work done by the original investigators, the incredible determination of Agents Conner and Prince, as well as the amazing work done by UDCL allowed Tangie’s family to finally obtain some solace and closure,” the news release said.
Sims’ murder rattled Aurora residents and led to an intense investigation just to determine who the victim had been, according to Denver Post newspaper articles at the time.
Another cold case solved: Snatched beer mug, genealogy website help Douglas County detectives make arrest in 1980 murder of college student
A woman was walking her children to school on the morning of Oct. 24, 1996, when she saw something terrible, one Denver Post article said. The bloody body of a young woman with long blond hair was lying on the ground in an alley in the 1200 block of Iola Street.
After reaching out to local newspaper and TV reporters and asking them to publicize the murder, witnesses came forward and police were able to identify the victim as Sims, the article said. She had grown up in Chattanooga, Tenn. She had attended a Baptist church and had worked at a Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits restaurant as a cook, the Denver Post article said.
Sims had been severely beaten and stabbed to death, a police investigation at the time determined. She last was seen alive walking toward a semitrailer, McCoy’s news release said. The killer had cut himself during the attack and left blood drops at the scene. The blood was collected.
After a lengthy, thorough investigation, Aurora detectives were not able to identify a suspect and Sims’ case went cold, according to the news release.
Years later, Conner and Prince picked up the investigation and followed leads created by new technological advances and techniques. In 2019, advancements in DNA testing combined with genealogical research led to a break in the case.
Forensic genealogist Joan Hanlon of United Data Connect was able to identify the killer’s family, the news release said. More work was needed. The DNA led to the killer’s family tree but not directly to him. Conner and Prince traveled from state to state in search of family members.
Finally, one of the relatives they found donated DNA for a comparison with the killer’s DNA, the news release said. A blood match was made between the unidentified relative and Backman, who was born in 1955. But Backman died in 2008.
The detectives looked for other clues to corroborate their theory that Backman was the killer. They learned that Backman had been an over-the-road truck driver and had lived across the country including in Aurora. Sims had last been seen walking toward a semitrailer.
Conner and Prince are working with other detectives across the country to see if Backman had other victims.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Dallas Stars “cheat” on faceoffs, Avalanche coach says

The Dallas Stars ’ top forwards are cheaters , Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said .
“ They ’ ve got veteran centermen in ( Joe ) Pavelski , ( Jamie ) Benn , ( Tyler ) Seguin and they cheat .
They cheat on the faceoffs , ” Bednar said Wednesday , the day after Dallas used a questionable faceoff to beat the Avs 3-2 in overtime at the Pepsi Center .
To be fair , Bednar insinuated that all NHL teams , including his , try to push the rules to win faceoffs .
“ They ’ re doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than we are , ” Bednar said .
“ We don ’ t feel like the linesmen we ’ re doing a good enough job ( Tuesday ) , sort of holding ( the respective teams ) accountable to make it a level playing field on the faceoffs.
” The game ’ s final draw Tuesday between Pavelski and the Avs ’ Gabe Landeskog immediately led to the game-winning goal by Stars defenseman Esa Lindell .
In Dallas ’ offensive zone , Pavelski won the puck back to Lindell , who skated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete a regular-season sweep ( 4-0 ) of Colorado .
Landeskog was furious at himself and young linesman Brandon Gawryletz after the game .
Replays showed Pavelski hooked Landeskog ’ s stick on the dot before Gawryletz dropped the puck .
The rule states the faceoff man in the defensive zone ( Landeskog ) is to put his stick on the ice first , and then the attacking man ( Pavelski ) , with the sticks parallel to each other until the puck is dropped .
“ First and foremost , at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every faceoff ’ s important .
I take responsibility , ” Landeskog said Wednesday .
“ I should have just lifted my stick and backed out of there and reset .
The reality is , it was just a bad drop from start to finish .
I ’ m down in the D-zone first and he ( puts ) his stick under my heel and the linesman isn ’ t even looking — the linesman drops the puck without looking and obviously doesn ’ t see his mistake.
” “ Frustrating .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have just backed out of there , ” Landeskog said .
“ But the linesman has the responsibility of making sure it ’ s done the right way , especially at that key time .
Yeah , I was really ( upset ) after the game.
” Bednar said the faceoff controversy with the Stars began Dec. 28 in Dallas , where the Avs lost 3-2 in a shootout .
“ We got eaten up on the faceoffs a little bit in the ( previous ) Dallas game , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn how to cheat better.
” The Avs ’ rivalry with the Stars became heated early in the third period Tuesday when Benn accused Matt Calvert of embellishment after Benn was issued an interference minor off a faceoff .
Benn cross-checked Calvert on his way to the penalty box , and after Benn was released , Calvert attempted to fight the Stars ’ captain , who declined and raced to join the play in the offensive zone .
Of an ensuing faceoff , the two did fight .
“ I ’ ve never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I get can-opened and he decides to cross-check and skate away .
Whatever , ” Calvert said Wednesday .
“ If he wants to confront me , confront me .
And then I go at him off the draw and he kind of stares at me .
A lot of guys like to sneak in the first punch , unexpected , so that ’ s what I ’ m thinking .
“ So I drop one glove , not sure of what he ’ s doing , and he just skates away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrum again .
And then he ’ s looking at me again off the draw , and I think I hear him say , ‘ You want to do this ?
’ So we ( fought ) .
” Footnotes .
The Avs had a full practice Wednesday and resume their five-game homestand Thursday against the San Jose Sharks .
Forward Joonas Donskoi , a former Shark , is expected to miss his third game with a concussion .
But Donskoi practiced with the Avs on Wednesday and could return Saturday against St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Detroit before beginning an 11-day break between games .

The Dallas Stars’ top forwards are cheaters, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said.
“They’ve got veteran centermen in (Joe) Pavelski, (Jamie) Benn, (Tyler) Seguin and they cheat. They cheat on the faceoffs,” Bednar said Wednesday, the day after Dallas used a questionable faceoff to beat the Avs 3-2 in overtime at the Pepsi Center.
To be fair, Bednar insinuated that all NHL teams, including his, try to push the rules to win faceoffs.
“They’re doing a better job of cheating on it than we are,” Bednar said. “We don’t feel like the linesmen were doing a good enough job (Tuesday), sort of holding (the respective teams) accountable to make it a level playing field on the faceoffs.”
The game’s final draw Tuesday between Pavelski and the Avs’ Gabe Landeskog immediately led to the game-winning goal by Stars defenseman Esa Lindell. In Dallas’ offensive zone, Pavelski won the puck back to Lindell, who skated in and wristed it past Philipp Grubauer to complete a regular-season sweep (4-0) of Colorado.
The Stars pulled off their league-leading 8th comeback of the season when trailing after two periods! You don't want to miss these highlights from last night in Colorado. #DALvsCOL | #GoStars pic.twitter.com/0TOQymUDqg — Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) January 15, 2020
Landeskog was furious at himself and young linesman Brandon Gawryletz after the game. Replays showed Pavelski hooked Landeskog’s stick on the dot before Gawryletz dropped the puck. The rule states the faceoff man in the defensive zone (Landeskog) is to put his stick on the ice first, and then the attacking man (Pavelski), with the sticks parallel to each other until the puck is dropped.
“First and foremost, at that point in the game, overtime, every faceoff’s important. I take responsibility,” Landeskog said Wednesday. “I should have just lifted my stick and backed out of there and reset. The reality is, it was just a bad drop from start to finish. I’m down in the D-zone first and he (puts) his stick under my heel and the linesman isn’t even looking — the linesman drops the puck without looking and obviously doesn’t see his mistake.”
Gawryletz, 36, made his NHL debut in October 2015.
“Frustrating. I’ll take some blame — I should have just backed out of there,” Landeskog said. “But the linesman has the responsibility of making sure it’s done the right way, especially at that key time. Yeah, I was really (upset) after the game.”
Bednar said the faceoff controversy with the Stars began Dec. 28 in Dallas, where the Avs lost 3-2 in a shootout.
“We got eaten up on the faceoffs a little bit in the (previous) Dallas game,” he said. “I guess we have to learn how to cheat better.”
The Avs’ rivalry with the Stars became heated early in the third period Tuesday when Benn accused Matt Calvert of embellishment after Benn was issued an interference minor off a faceoff. Benn cross-checked Calvert on his way to the penalty box, and after Benn was released, Calvert attempted to fight the Stars’ captain, who declined and raced to join the play in the offensive zone.
Of an ensuing faceoff, the two did fight. “I’ve never had a diving penalty in my career. I get can-opened and he decides to cross-check and skate away. Whatever,” Calvert said Wednesday. “If he wants to confront me, confront me. And then I go at him off the draw and he kind of stares at me. A lot of guys like to sneak in the first punch, unexpected, so that’s what I’m thinking.
“So I drop one glove, not sure of what he’s doing, and he just skates away. I go after him in the scrum again. And then he’s looking at me again off the draw, and I think I hear him say, ‘You want to do this?’ So we (fought).”
Footnotes. The Avs had a full practice Wednesday and resume their five-game homestand Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Forward Joonas Donskoi, a former Shark, is expected to miss his third game with a concussion. But Donskoi practiced with the Avs on Wednesday and could return Saturday against St. Louis. Colorado completes its homestand Monday against Detroit before beginning an 11-day break between games.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Bernstein: Four ways to think about impeachment

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ended her delay of the impeachment of President Donald Trump .
The House of Representatives named impeachment managers on Jan. 15 and finally sent the articles of impeachment over to the Senate , which was scheduled to formally convene its trial on Thursday and then begin it in earnest Tuesday .
1 .
Did Pelosi and the Democrats lose a showdown with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell ?
That ’ s what CNN ’ s Chris Cillizza says .
I don ’ t see it .
The political scientist and Washington Post columnist Dan Drezner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted : “ Pelosi got little from McConnell in delaying the transmittal of impeachment .
On the other hand , during the delay some damning new documents appeared , Bolton said he ’ d testify , and now even the Trump White House expects witnesses will be called.
” John Bolton , one of Trump ’ s former national security advisers , was part of the White House foreign-policy team when Trump ordered military aid withheld from Ukraine as he pressured that country to investigate a leading Democratic rival , ex-Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impeachment articles .
Overall , I ’ d say Pelosi may have marginally helped her cause , and it ’ s hard to make an argument that she harmed it .
2 .
The new documents released by House Democrats on Jan. 14 , exposing previously unknown details about efforts by Trump associates to obtain material in Ukraine that would undermine Trump ’ s Democratic opponents , probably don ’ t change anything .
Whatever evidence emerges is unlikely to change either the trial outcome or its effect on public opinion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who have already voted to support Trump , and Senate Republicans expecting to vote to acquit him .
At least a little bit .
Because if new ugly details are still emerging , who ’ s to say that more won ’ t turn up later ?
3 .
Senators Elizabeth Warren , Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders will be stuck in Washington instead of campaigning in Iowa , whose Feb. 3 caucuses are the first contest in the presidential nominating race , and in the other early states .
And during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly to sit and listen .
Still , I think any supposed effect of their attendance on the upcoming primaries and caucuses is probably overrated .
The campaigns will go on without their personal participation .
What could matter quite a bit , however , is if the impeachment trial eats up media attention that otherwise might have been devoted to the campaign .
That could reduce the chance that any candidate could have a late surge in Iowa , and could reduce the impact of the Iowa and New Hampshire voting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
Whether you think Trump is guilty or innocent , or haven ’ t paid enough attention to develop a point of view , I do recommend tuning in for at least some of the trial .
It will be just the third Senate trial of a presidential impeachment in the history of the nation , and in my view it ’ s both patriotic and good civics to pay at least a little attention to it — to see what this particular form of self-government looks like .
And yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeaching Trump is a farce — or if you believe that the way the Senate majority is handling it is a farce .
Which should account for 90 % or more of those reading this .
Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy .
He taught political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University and wrote A Plain Blog About Politics .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit @ @ @ @ @

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ended her delay of the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The House of Representatives named impeachment managers on Jan. 15 and finally sent the articles of impeachment over to the Senate, which was scheduled to formally convene its trial on Thursday and then begin it in earnest Tuesday.
Four quick points:
1. Did Pelosi and the Democrats lose a showdown with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell? That’s what CNN’s Chris Cillizza says. I don’t see it. The political scientist and Washington Post columnist Dan Drezner is closer to the mark. He tweeted: “Pelosi got little from McConnell in delaying the transmittal of impeachment. On the other hand, during the delay some damning new documents appeared, Bolton said he’d testify, and now even the Trump White House expects witnesses will be called.” John Bolton, one of Trump’s former national security advisers, was part of the White House foreign-policy team when Trump ordered military aid withheld from Ukraine as he pressured that country to investigate a leading Democratic rival, ex-Vice President Joe Biden — the topic of one of the impeachment articles. Overall, I’d say Pelosi may have marginally helped her cause, and it’s hard to make an argument that she harmed it.
2. The new documents released by House Democrats on Jan. 14, exposing previously unknown details about efforts by Trump associates to obtain material in Ukraine that would undermine Trump’s Democratic opponents, probably don’t change anything. Whatever evidence emerges is unlikely to change either the trial outcome or its effect on public opinion. But it has to worry House Republicans, who have already voted to support Trump, and Senate Republicans expecting to vote to acquit him. At least a little bit. Because if new ugly details are still emerging, who’s to say that more won’t turn up later?
3. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders will be stuck in Washington instead of campaigning in Iowa, whose Feb. 3 caucuses are the first contest in the presidential nominating race, and in the other early states. And during the trial, their job will be mostly to sit and listen. Still, I think any supposed effect of their attendance on the upcoming primaries and caucuses is probably overrated. The campaigns will go on without their personal participation. What could matter quite a bit, however, is if the impeachment trial eats up media attention that otherwise might have been devoted to the campaign. That could reduce the chance that any candidate could have a late surge in Iowa, and could reduce the impact of the Iowa and New Hampshire voting on the rest of the nominating process.
4. Whether you think Trump is guilty or innocent, or haven’t paid enough attention to develop a point of view, I do recommend tuning in for at least some of the trial. It will be just the third Senate trial of a presidential impeachment in the history of the nation, and in my view it’s both patriotic and good civics to pay at least a little attention to it — to see what this particular form of self-government looks like. And yes, that applies even if you believe that impeaching Trump is a farce — or if you believe that the way the Senate majority is handling it is a farce. Which should account for 90% or more of those reading this.
Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. He taught political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University and wrote A Plain Blog About Politics.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Colorado hospitals sue to block early collection of $40 million to lower insurance costs

Colorado hospitals agreed to pay $ 40 million to fund a program to reduce insurance costs , but they ’ re balking at a proposed requirement that they pay it earlier than expected .
The Colorado Hospital Association , a trade group that represents most of the state ’ s hospitals , filed a lawsuit against the Division of Insurance on Tuesday .
It argued the division violated public comment rules and overstepped its power by threatening to suspend hospitals ’ licenses if they didn ’ t pay on time .
“ The state didn ’ t follow the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president of the hospital association .
Gov .
Jared Polis signed a bill last year to create a reinsurance program to lower what people buying on the individual market pay for health insurance .
Reinsurance involves governments supplying a pool of money that acts as a backstop , so that if insurers have to pay more than a certain amount for a customer ’ s medical expenses , they get some of that money back .
That allows them to offer lower premiums , because they aren ’ t on the hook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with expensive medical conditions buy coverage .
The law set a goal of reducing insurance premiums in the individual market by 15 % to 35 % , with a goal of reducing costs more in the most expensive areas , like the Western Slope .
In October , the governor ’ s office released an estimate that premiums would fall 20 % statewide , on average .
About 251,000 people buy insurance through the individual market in Colorado , according to the law ’ s fiscal note .
The reinsurance program would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30,000 on a customer ’ s medical bills , and cut out once spending reached $ 400,000 in a year .
The reinsurance fund would pay a percentage of the spending between those two bookends , ranging from 45 % for customers on the Front Range to 85 % for those living in the western half of the state .
The hospital association didn ’ t oppose the plan as the General Assembly debated it .
While hospitals would pay a fee to help support the program , they also might benefit if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the hospitals then didn ’ t have to provide as much uncompensated care .
People buying insurance won ’ t see lower insurance bills until next year , and the hospital association said its members anticipated they wouldn ’ t have to pay until the new fiscal year starts July 1 .
A draft regulation from the Division of Insurance would require that payments come in by June 30 , pushing them into the current fiscal year , when hospitals haven ’ t budgeted the money to pay them , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small , rural hospitals would have until Sept. 30 to pay .
Lonborg said hospitals aren ’ t opposed to paying the $ 40 million , but to paying it early .
While the regulation was marked as a draft , it also said it was effective Jan. 1 , meaning hospitals have to deal with it now , she said .
“ Our sole issue with ( the Division of Insurance ) is that they ’ re trying to collect the money early , ” she said .
The Division of Insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s specific allegations , but said in a statement that it would defend the program .
“ The Division is disappointed that the Colorado Hospital Association has taken this step , clearly motivated by protecting their bottom line , ” the statement said .
“ CHA is , unfortunately , attacking a program that is working and will save Coloradans thousands of dollars this year on their health care.
” The hospital association alleged the Division of Insurance moved the payment deadline up by a day to avoid the Taxpayer ’ s Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay back tax funds above a certain cap .
The law ’ s fiscal note says the fees are exempt from the TABOR limit , but Lonborg said that was incorrect .
The Division of Insurance has previously said the funds won ’ t count toward the TABOR cap .
“ We don ’ t believe that you ( balance the budget ) on the backs of hospitals , ” Lonborg said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado hospitals agreed to pay $40 million to fund a program to reduce insurance costs, but they’re balking at a proposed requirement that they pay it earlier than expected.
The Colorado Hospital Association, a trade group that represents most of the state’s hospitals, filed a lawsuit against the Division of Insurance on Tuesday. It argued the division violated public comment rules and overstepped its power by threatening to suspend hospitals’ licenses if they didn’t pay on time.
“The state didn’t follow the law,” said Julie Lonborg, senior vice president of the hospital association.
Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill last year to create a reinsurance program to lower what people buying on the individual market pay for health insurance. Reinsurance involves governments supplying a pool of money that acts as a backstop, so that if insurers have to pay more than a certain amount for a customer’s medical expenses, they get some of that money back. That allows them to offer lower premiums, because they aren’t on the hook for all the costs of care if people with expensive medical conditions buy coverage.
The law set a goal of reducing insurance premiums in the individual market by 15% to 35%, with a goal of reducing costs more in the most expensive areas, like the Western Slope. In October, the governor’s office released an estimate that premiums would fall 20% statewide, on average. About 251,000 people buy insurance through the individual market in Colorado, according to the law’s fiscal note.
The reinsurance program would start reimbursing insurers after they spent $30,000 on a customer’s medical bills, and cut out once spending reached $400,000 in a year. The reinsurance fund would pay a percentage of the spending between those two bookends, ranging from 45% for customers on the Front Range to 85% for those living in the western half of the state.
The hospital association didn’t oppose the plan as the General Assembly debated it. While hospitals would pay a fee to help support the program, they also might benefit if more people bought the cheaper insurance plans, and the hospitals then didn’t have to provide as much uncompensated care.
People buying insurance won’t see lower insurance bills until next year, and the hospital association said its members anticipated they wouldn’t have to pay until the new fiscal year starts July 1. A draft regulation from the Division of Insurance would require that payments come in by June 30, pushing them into the current fiscal year, when hospitals haven’t budgeted the money to pay them, the association said in its lawsuit. Some small, rural hospitals would have until Sept. 30 to pay.
Lonborg said hospitals aren’t opposed to paying the $40 million, but to paying it early. While the regulation was marked as a draft, it also said it was effective Jan. 1, meaning hospitals have to deal with it now, she said.
“Our sole issue with (the Division of Insurance) is that they’re trying to collect the money early,” she said.
The Division of Insurance declined to comment on the lawsuit’s specific allegations, but said in a statement that it would defend the program.
“The Division is disappointed that the Colorado Hospital Association has taken this step, clearly motivated by protecting their bottom line,” the statement said. “CHA is, unfortunately, attacking a program that is working and will save Coloradans thousands of dollars this year on their health care.”
The hospital association alleged the Division of Insurance moved the payment deadline up by a day to avoid the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which requires the state to pay back tax funds above a certain cap. The law’s fiscal note says the fees are exempt from the TABOR limit, but Lonborg said that was incorrect. The Division of Insurance has previously said the funds won’t count toward the TABOR cap.
“We don’t believe that you (balance the budget) on the backs of hospitals,” Lonborg said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--House leaders march Trump impeachment articles to the Senate

WASHINGTON — In a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol , Democratic House leaders marched the formal articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate late Wednesday , setting the stage for only the third trial to remove a president in American history .
Trump complained anew it was all a “ hoax , ” even as fresh details emerged about his efforts in Ukraine .
The ceremonial pomp and protocol by lawmakers who will be prosecuting the case against Trump moved the impeachment out of Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounting a defense aiming for swift acquittal .
“ Today we will make history , ” Pelosi said as she signed the documents , using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment .
“ This president will be held accountable.
” Earlier Wednesday , the House voted 228-193 , almost entirely along party lines to deliver the charges .
The split reflected the deeply divided nation at the start of this presidential election year .
It came one month after the House impeached Trump alleging he abused his presidential power by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , using military aid to the country as leverage .
Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress ’ ensuing probe .
Trump ’ s political campaign dismissed the House effort as “ just a failed attempt to politically damage President Trump leading up to his reelection.
” The Senate will transform itself into an impeachment court on Thursday .
The Constitution calls for Chief Justice John Roberts to preside at the trial , administering the oath to senators who will serve as jurors and swear to deliver “ impartial justice.
’ Technically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate of its delivery of the articles , with a more formal presentation Thursday .
Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday .
The top Republican in the House , Kevin McCarthy of California , said Americans will look back on this “ sad saga ” that tried to remove the president from office with the “ weakest case.
” The president ’ s team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks , according to senior administration officials unauthorized to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s far shorter than the last presidential impeachment trail , of Bill Clinton , in 1999 , or the first one , of Andrew Johnson , in 1868 .
As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sets the rules for the trial , Trump has given mixed messages about whether he prefers lengthy or swift proceeding , and senators are under pressure with the emerging new evidence to call more witnesses for testimony .
The seven-member prosecution team will be led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings , Reps. Adam Schiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Judiciary Committee , two of Pelosi ’ s top lieutenants .
Ahead of Wednesday ’ s session , Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas , an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani , about the Ukraine strategy , including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch .
Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell , who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and also prefers swift acquittal .
“ If McConnell makes this the first trial in history without witnesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is and that is an effort to cover up for the president , ” Schiff said .
McConnell opened the Senate dismissing what he called a rushed impeachment that is more about the politics of Democrats who don ’ t like Trump than the charges against him .
“ This isn ’ t really about Ukraine policy or military money , ” McConnell said .
“ This has been naked partisanship all along.
” Trump ’ s trial will be only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history , and it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation in an election year .
The managers are a diverse group with legal , law enforcement and military experience , including Hakeem Jeffries of New York , Sylvia Garcia of Texas , Val Demings of Florida , Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California .
Two are freshmen lawmakers — Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan , Garcia a former judge in Houston .
Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership .
Lofgren has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the congressional staff investigation of then-President Richard Nixon ’ s impeachment — he resigned before the full House voted on the charges — and then being an elected lawmaker during Bill Clinton ’ s .
All but one Democrat , Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota , voted to transmit the articles .
All Republicans voted against .
One former Republican-turned-independent , Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan , joined Democrats .
McConnell faces competing pressures from his party for more witnesses , from centrists who are siding with Democrats on the need to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense .
Senate Republicans signaled they would reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump , as Trump himself has suggested .
McConnell agreed he does not have the votes to do that .
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans , including Mitt Romney of Utah , Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennesse e to consider Senate witnesses .
She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that .
Romney said he wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security adviser at the White House , who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani .
Those four senators could force votes .
Republicans control the chamber , 53-47 , and are all but certain to acquit Trump .
But it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses .
It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump .
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and other Republicans want to subpoena Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine , Burisma , while his father was vice president .
McConnell prefers to model Trump ’ s trial partly on the process used for Clinton ’ s impeachment trial in 1999 .
It , too , contained motions for dismissal or calling new witnesses .
McConnell is hesitant to call new witnesses who would prolong the trial and put vulnerable senators who are up for reelection in 2020 in a bind with tough choices .
At the same time , he wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show voters they are listening .
Associated Press writers Zeke Miller , Alan Fram , Matthew Daly , Andrew Taylor , Mary Clare Jalonick , Laurie Kellman , and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — In a dramatic procession across the U.S. Capitol, Democratic House leaders marched the formal articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate late Wednesday, setting the stage for only the third trial to remove a president in American history.
Trump complained anew it was all a “hoax,” even as fresh details emerged about his efforts in Ukraine.
The ceremonial pomp and protocol by lawmakers who will be prosecuting the case against Trump moved the impeachment out of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic-run House to the Republican-majority Senate, where the president’s team is mounting a defense aiming for swift acquittal.
“Today we will make history,” Pelosi said as she signed the documents, using multiple pens to hand out and mark the moment. “This president will be held accountable.”
Earlier Wednesday, the House voted 228-193, almost entirely along party lines to deliver the charges. The split reflected the deeply divided nation at the start of this presidential election year. It came one month after the House impeached Trump alleging he abused his presidential power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, using military aid to the country as leverage. Trump was also charged with obstructing Congress’ ensuing probe.
Trump’s political campaign dismissed the House effort as “just a failed attempt to politically damage President Trump leading up to his reelection.”
The Senate will transform itself into an impeachment court on Thursday. The Constitution calls for Chief Justice John Roberts to preside at the trial, administering the oath to senators who will serve as jurors and swear to deliver “impartial justice.’
Technically, the House was simply notifying the Senate of its delivery of the articles, with a more formal presentation Thursday. Opening arguments are to begin next Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The top Republican in the House, Kevin McCarthy of California, said Americans will look back on this “sad saga” that tried to remove the president from office with the “weakest case.”
The president’s team expects acquittal with a Senate trial lasting no more than two weeks, according to senior administration officials unauthorized to discuss the matter and granted anonymity.
That’s far shorter than the last presidential impeachment trail, of Bill Clinton, in 1999, or the first one, of Andrew Johnson, in 1868.
As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sets the rules for the trial, Trump has given mixed messages about whether he prefers lengthy or swift proceeding, and senators are under pressure with the emerging new evidence to call more witnesses for testimony.
The seven-member prosecution team will be led by the chairmen of the House impeachment proceedings, Reps. Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Jerry Nadler of the Judiciary Committee, two of Pelosi’s top lieutenants.
Ahead of Wednesday’s session, Schiff released new records from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, about the Ukraine strategy, including an exchange with another man about surveilling later-fired Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch.
Schiff said the new evidence should bring more pressure on McConnell, who is reluctant to allow witnesses to testify and also prefers swift acquittal.
“If McConnell makes this the first trial in history without witnesses, it will be exposed for what it is and that is an effort to cover up for the president,” Schiff said.
McConnell opened the Senate dismissing what he called a rushed impeachment that is more about the politics of Democrats who don’t like Trump than the charges against him.
“This isn’t really about Ukraine policy or military money,” McConnell said. “This has been naked partisanship all along.”
Trump’s trial will be only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, and it comes against the backdrop of a politically divided nation in an election year.
The managers are a diverse group with legal, law enforcement and military experience, including Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Sylvia Garcia of Texas, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Zoe Lofgren of California.
Two are freshmen lawmakers — Crow a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia a former judge in Houston. Demings is the former police chief of Orlando and Jeffries is a lawyer and member of party leadership. Lofgren has the rare credential of having worked on the congressional staff investigation of then-President Richard Nixon’s impeachment — he resigned before the full House voted on the charges — and then being an elected lawmaker during Bill Clinton’s.
All but one Democrat, Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota, voted to transmit the articles. All Republicans voted against. One former Republican-turned-independent, Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, joined Democrats.
McConnell faces competing pressures from his party for more witnesses, from centrists who are siding with Democrats on the need to hear testimony and conservatives mounting Trump’s defense.
Senate Republicans signaled they would reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump, as Trump himself has suggested. McConnell agreed he does not have the votes to do that.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is leading an effort among some Republicans, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennesse e to consider Senate witnesses. She told reporters she was satisfied the rules will allow votes on that.
Romney said he wants to hear from John Bolton, the former national security adviser at the White House, who others have said raised alarms about the alternative foreign policy toward Ukraine being run by Giuliani.
Those four senators could force votes. Republicans control the chamber, 53-47, and are all but certain to acquit Trump. But it takes just 51 votes during the trial to approve rules or call witnesses. It also would take only 51 senators to vote to dismiss the charges against Trump.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and other Republicans want to subpoena Biden and his son, Hunter, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine, Burisma, while his father was vice president.
McConnell prefers to model Trump’s trial partly on the process used for Clinton’s impeachment trial in 1999. It, too, contained motions for dismissal or calling new witnesses.
McConnell is hesitant to call new witnesses who would prolong the trial and put vulnerable senators who are up for reelection in 2020 in a bind with tough choices. At the same time, he wants to give those same senators ample room to show voters they are listening.
Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Alan Fram, Matthew Daly, Andrew Taylor, Mary Clare Jalonick, Laurie Kellman, and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Editorial: RTD needs a new leader who can stop the deterioration

The Front Range ’ s Regional Transportation District is deteriorating — losing riders and reducing routes — at a time the transit agency should have rail cars brimming with commuters and should be breaking ground on new lines and bus rapid transit projects .
Despite a growing population in its service area , RTD ’ s bus and train ridership has declined from 103 million boardings in 2015 to about 98 million in 2018 .
In the first half of 2019 , ridership on light-rail lines dropped more than 13 % as fares increased and some trains failed to run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are a multitude of reasons why RTD is struggling – high turnover of drivers , a tight labor pool , and a national trend away from transit .
We understand why RTD officials are cutting services on some lines to adjust to that reality , at least temporarily .
But the elected members of the RTD board — a group tasked with overseeing operations of the taxpayer-funded entity — have an opportunity this month to demand top-tier leadership .
After 26 years , including five as the general manager and CEO , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The board is coming to the end of a search process for his replacement and has announced a handful of finalists .
The board must vet these potential new leaders looking for experience leading operations at least the size of RTD , and , critically , the proven ability to solve complex and seemingly intractable problems .
Mass transit will play a vital role in the future of transportation on the Front Range , but it ’ ll take inspiring leadership to get the average American out of their cars .
RTD ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion , including rider fares and a dedicated sales tax revenue stream .
The bus and rail lines operate in Boulder , Broomfield , Denver and Jefferson counties and parts of Adams , Arapahoe and Douglas counties .
It ’ s estimated these routes serve 2.8 million .
This is not a time for this job to be filled by someone hoping to learn how to be a CEO or looking for the next step up .
Genova was with RTD during some difficult times , and under his tenure the agency was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical parts of Denver ’ s light-rail and commuter-rail systems .
However , he ’ s leaving the agency when things are headed in the wrong direction .
Because of that , we ’ ll never know if he could have found solutions , but we know the person who fills his shoes faces a daunting task .
Only one of the five finalists announced on Jan. 9 has experience with an agency the size of RTD , and that ’ s Michael Ford , the current chief operations officer for RTD .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ballard , former president and CEO of the transit agency in Fort Worth Texas , which had an operating budget of $ 125 million in 2019 .
Does this batch of finalists have the skills to not only run an agency the size of RTD but also to oversee needed and difficult changes ?
It will not be easy to renegotiate employment contracts so that overtime needs are distributed more evenly among employees regardless of seniority , to mandate a length of employment after completion of the training program , and to explore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge RTD ’ s board to aim high as they fill this job and ensure whoever is entrusted with this state ’ s main system of mass transit is ready to tackle the problems that exist and ready it to handle the pressures that lie ahead .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

The Front Range’s Regional Transportation District is deteriorating — losing riders and reducing routes — at a time the transit agency should have rail cars brimming with commuters and should be breaking ground on new lines and bus rapid transit projects.
Despite a growing population in its service area, RTD’s bus and train ridership has declined from 103 million boardings in 2015 to about 98 million in 2018. In the first half of 2019, ridership on light-rail lines dropped more than 13% as fares increased and some trains failed to run as promised because of staffing shortages.
There are a multitude of reasons why RTD is struggling – high turnover of drivers, a tight labor pool, and a national trend away from transit. We understand why RTD officials are cutting services on some lines to adjust to that reality, at least temporarily.
But the elected members of the RTD board — a group tasked with overseeing operations of the taxpayer-funded entity — have an opportunity this month to demand top-tier leadership. After 26 years, including five as the general manager and CEO, Dave Genova is going to retire. The board is coming to the end of a search process for his replacement and has announced a handful of finalists.
The board must vet these potential new leaders looking for experience leading operations at least the size of RTD, and, critically, the proven ability to solve complex and seemingly intractable problems. Mass transit will play a vital role in the future of transportation on the Front Range, but it’ll take inspiring leadership to get the average American out of their cars.
RTD’s revenue in 2019 was $1.2 billion, including rider fares and a dedicated sales tax revenue stream. The bus and rail lines operate in Boulder, Broomfield, Denver and Jefferson counties and parts of Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. It’s estimated these routes serve 2.8 million.
This is not a time for this job to be filled by someone hoping to learn how to be a CEO or looking for the next step up.
Genova was with RTD during some difficult times, and under his tenure the agency was able to use public-private partnerships to complete critical parts of Denver’s light-rail and commuter-rail systems. However, he’s leaving the agency when things are headed in the wrong direction. Because of that, we’ll never know if he could have found solutions, but we know the person who fills his shoes faces a daunting task.
Only one of the five finalists announced on Jan. 9 has experience with an agency the size of RTD, and that’s Michael Ford, the current chief operations officer for RTD. The second most experienced candidate is Paul Ballard, former president and CEO of the transit agency in Fort Worth Texas, which had an operating budget of $125 million in 2019.
Does this batch of finalists have the skills to not only run an agency the size of RTD but also to oversee needed and difficult changes? It will not be easy to renegotiate employment contracts so that overtime needs are distributed more evenly among employees regardless of seniority, to mandate a length of employment after completion of the training program, and to explore other recruitment and retention needs.
We urge RTD’s board to aim high as they fill this job and ensure whoever is entrusted with this state’s main system of mass transit is ready to tackle the problems that exist and ready it to handle the pressures that lie ahead.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Denver’s first red flag filing granted after man agrees to give up his guns for a year

Denver ’ s first extreme risk protection order has been granted after a man agreed to give up his two handguns for a year , court documents show .
The man was scheduled to appear for a court hearing Thursday , where a judge in Denver Probate Court would decide whether to keep the man ’ s guns for up to a year .
But the hearing was canceled after the man and his attorney agreed Tuesday that the evidence supported a Denver police sergeant ’ s request to keep the guns .
“ The parties stipulate that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to self or others by having in his custody or control a firearm by purchasing , possessing , or receiving a firearm , ” according to court documents signed by the man , his attorney and the Denver city attorney ’ s office .
The man became the subject of the state ’ s first filing under the red flag law after Denver police responded on Dec. 29 to a domestic disturbance call .
A woman at the home said her husband had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him , according to the petition for the protection order .
When police located the man , he had a handgun and was making suicidal comments .
The officers attempted to place the man on a mental health hold , but Swedish Medical Center turned him away because he was drunk .
Police took him into custody instead and confiscated the gun he had on his person .
He also said that he had a gun at home , which he later surrendered as a condition of a mandatory protection order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver District Attorney ’ s Office declined to file charges against him , a Denver police sergeant filed a red flag petition to make sure the man couldn ’ t get his guns back .
The Denver Post is not naming the man because he was not charged with any crime .
“ The Denver Police Department must now consider releasing ( name redacted ) handguns back to him after the suicidal statements he made to officers and the investigating detective , ” the sergeant wrote in the petition .
“ Your petitioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it pertains to C.R.S .
13-14.5.101 , Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
” A judge granted a temporary order keeping the guns from the man and would have decided at the Thursday hearing whether to extend or end that temporary order .
The man can still ask for a later hearing to appeal the order .

Denver’s first extreme risk protection order has been granted after a man agreed to give up his two handguns for a year, court documents show.
The man was scheduled to appear for a court hearing Thursday, where a judge in Denver Probate Court would decide whether to keep the man’s guns for up to a year. But the hearing was canceled after the man and his attorney agreed Tuesday that the evidence supported a Denver police sergeant’s request to keep the guns.
“The parties stipulate that there is clear and convincing evidence to find that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to self or others by having in his custody or control a firearm by purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm,” according to court documents signed by the man, his attorney and the Denver city attorney’s office.
The man became the subject of the state’s first filing under the red flag law after Denver police responded on Dec. 29 to a domestic disturbance call.
A woman at the home said her husband had hit her and gave police a description of him, according to the petition for the protection order. When police located the man, he had a handgun and was making suicidal comments.
The officers attempted to place the man on a mental health hold, but Swedish Medical Center turned him away because he was drunk. Police took him into custody instead and confiscated the gun he had on his person. He also said that he had a gun at home, which he later surrendered as a condition of a mandatory protection order, according to the petition.
When the Denver District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against him, a Denver police sergeant filed a red flag petition to make sure the man couldn’t get his guns back. The Denver Post is not naming the man because he was not charged with any crime.
“The Denver Police Department must now consider releasing (name redacted) handguns back to him after the suicidal statements he made to officers and the investigating detective,” the sergeant wrote in the petition. “Your petitioner is seeking direction from the court as it pertains to C.R.S. 13-14.5.101, Extreme Risk Protection Orders.”
A judge granted a temporary order keeping the guns from the man and would have decided at the Thursday hearing whether to extend or end that temporary order.
The man can still ask for a later hearing to appeal the order.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--Denver councilman proposes pit bull probation to replace ban

A Denver city councilman is proposing to allow pit bulls once more in the city , albeit on a form of probation .
Denver enacted a ban in 1989 after several high-profile attacks , but next week Councilman Chris Herndon will propose to let pit bull owners — or potential owners — apply with Denver Animal Protection for a “ breed-restricted license.
” Herndon said he grew up with rottweilers , which also often receive bad reputations .
There are no bad breeds , he added , only bad owners .
Banning breeds outright only drives owners into the shadows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Most people will agree that there are pits right now within the city and county of Denver , but we don ’ t know how many and we don ’ t know where they are , ” Herndon said .
“ This bill will allow us to know how many and where they are.
” The application would require the name and address of the owner , two emergency contacts , a description of the dog and proof the pit bull is microchipped and properly vaccinated , according to the proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herndon ’ s office .
If there are no attacks , instances of animal cruelty , fighting or other problems with a registered dog for three years , the restricted license would be removed and the pit bull would be licensed in the same way as any other breed , the bill says .
Owners would be limited to two pit bulls per home , have to pay an annual fee and required to notify animal protection if the dog escapes , bites or dies or if the owner moves , the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a place now where it ’ s time to have this conversation , ” Herndon said .
“ Let ’ s put something in place … that will make our city safer.
” Aurora , Lone Tree , Louisville and Commerce City also ban the breed , and the Aurora City Council is also discussing whether to change its law .
Castle Rock ’ s Town Council repealed its ban in 2018 .
An attempt to put a repeal on Denver ’ s municipal ballot in 2016 failed .

A Denver city councilman is proposing to allow pit bulls once more in the city, albeit on a form of probation.
Denver enacted a ban in 1989 after several high-profile attacks, but next week Councilman Chris Herndon will propose to let pit bull owners — or potential owners — apply with Denver Animal Protection for a “breed-restricted license.”
Herndon said he grew up with rottweilers, which also often receive bad reputations. There are no bad breeds, he added, only bad owners.
Banning breeds outright only drives owners into the shadows, which is unsafe, he said.
“Most people will agree that there are pits right now within the city and county of Denver, but we don’t know how many and we don’t know where they are,” Herndon said. “This bill will allow us to know how many and where they are.”
The application would require the name and address of the owner, two emergency contacts, a description of the dog and proof the pit bull is microchipped and properly vaccinated, according to the proposal, provided to The Denver Post by Herndon’s office.
If there are no attacks, instances of animal cruelty, fighting or other problems with a registered dog for three years, the restricted license would be removed and the pit bull would be licensed in the same way as any other breed, the bill says.
Owners would be limited to two pit bulls per home, have to pay an annual fee and required to notify animal protection if the dog escapes, bites or dies or if the owner moves, the bill says.
“We’re at a place now where it’s time to have this conversation,” Herndon said. “Let’s put something in place … that will make our city safer.”
Aurora, Lone Tree, Louisville and Commerce City also ban the breed, and the Aurora City Council is also discussing whether to change its law. Castle Rock’s Town Council repealed its ban in 2018.
An attempt to put a repeal on Denver’s municipal ballot in 2016 failed.


thedenverpost--2020-01-15--ICE subpoenas Denver law enforcement in sanctuary city cases

Denver this week became the national target of the Trump administration ’ s escalated crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities , as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement subpoenaed information on four foreign nationals wanted for deportation .
ICE usually sends the administrative subpoenas to employers or landlords as they track down immigrants who are in the country illegally .
The agency confirmed to the Associated Press , which first reported the Denver subpoenas , that it was the first time they had been directed to a law enforcement agency .
ICE indicated that it could expand the unusual practice to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation at the Denver justice center , we are modifying our tactics to produce information , ” said Henry Lucero , deputy executive associate director for ICE ’ s Enforcement and Removal Operations .
Theresa Marchetta , a spokesperson for Mayor Michael Hancock , a vocal critic of President Donald Trump ’ s immigration policies , told The Denver Post on Wednesday : “ I find it very ironic that an administration that does not respect congressional subpoenas ( in Trump ’ s impeachment investigation ) is calling out the city of Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a request .
This is not a legal document .
It ’ s not signed by a judge.
” If city officials don ’ t respond , ICE , the homeland security agency responsible for arresting and deporting people , could take the subpoena to a federal judge , who can order compliance and find the city in contempt if it doesn ’ t comply .
Until then , city officials sounded unlikely to provide the information sought .
“ There is no indication ( the subpoenas ) are related to a criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesperson for the city attorney ’ s office .
“ Denver does not comply with subpoenas unless they are court-ordered or unless they are primarily related to a criminal investigation .
Our immigration ordinance fully complies with federal law.
” Curbing immigration , both legal and illegal , has been a top priority for Trump .
Since he took office , his administration has battled sanctuary cities , localities that provide added protection to immigrants and refuse to cooperate with federal officials .
In 2017 , then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions sent letters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties or states considered to have adopted “ sanctuary policies , ” saying those policies may violate federal law and threatening to withhold law enforcement grants .
Denver and the others eventually received the funds after courts chipped away at the threat .
ICE sent the new subpoenas to Denver on Monday .
In three of the cases , officials were given 14 days to respond with information , and in one case , three days .
The four men , three Mexican nationals and one Honduran , had all been arrested and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested for sexual assault , another for vehicular homicide , and a third for child abuse and strangulation assault .
The Honduran man was arrested on domestic violence charges .
All previously had been removed from the country .
Three of the four men have been released and one remains in custody .
ICE spokeswoman Alethea Smock said in an email Wednesday that the subpoenas to the Downtown Detention Center sought information that could aid in finding the inmates .
“ We are seeking base information to fulfill our congressional mandate to enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known to work , or apartment complexes where an alien might live , to find out more information about a targeted alien , ” she said , declining to provide copies of the subpoenas .
Immigration officials earlier had sent requests to the Denver jail to alert them about when the suspects would be released , but the city does not comply with such requests with as much advance notice as ICE wants , typically 48 hours .
Some other cities , including New York , Philadelphia and San Francisco , refuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marchetta said Wednesday that the Denver jail did notify ICE before the three inmate releases , but she did not have information about how soon beforehand .
Typically Denver notifies ICE within just a few hours of release , and city officials say it ’ s rare to know the timing farther in advance .
The new ordinance and other policies make clear that city employees won ’ t ask about or share a person ’ s legal status .
The changes included barring ICE agents from access to secure areas of city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they obtain judicial warrants .
A former Denver police chief declared at the time , “ We do not do the work of ICE.
” The federal agency ’ s Denver field office , however , called the city ’ s stance “ a dangerous policy that deliberately obstructs our country ’ s lawful immigration system , protects serious criminal alien offenders and undermines public safety.
” Enforcement and removal officers with ICE rely on help from local law enforcement to find suspects .
Over the budget year that ended Sept. 30 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13,000 less than last year , and deported more than 267,000 .
More than 92,000 of the arrests were of people with criminal convictions , officials said , including for homicide , kidnapping , sexual assault and assault .
But immigrant advocates and lawmakers say ICE is deporting people who have been in the U.S. for decades , who have families and lives and make contributions to American cities and who should not be their focus .
Sanctuary cities say they are creating havens for those people so they can feel safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ICE ’ s Lucero said the agency doesn ’ t want to get into the business of subpoenaing fellow law enforcement agencies — he called it a last resort .
But because of changes in how municipalities work with ICE , it could be necessary , he said .
And ICE officials believe they have the legal right to do it under the Immigration and Nationality Act .
“ This is a drastic change , ” he said of the subpoenas .
“ And one ICE is forced to do , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want this to happen .
We want to protect the public.
” ICE officials pointed to a New York City case where a 21-year-old Guyanese national was arrested and accused of raping and murdering a 92-year-old woman in Queens on Jan. 10 .
According to ICE , the suspect had beaten up his father during a brawl in November that resulted in an arrest .
Federal officials sent a request to hand him over for deportation .
New York City police say they didn ’ t get a request .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the terms of New York ’ s local laws , they would not have turned over the 21-year-old .
The Associated Press contributed to this story .

Denver this week became the national target of the Trump administration’s escalated crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities, as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement subpoenaed information on four foreign nationals wanted for deportation.
ICE usually sends the administrative subpoenas to employers or landlords as they track down immigrants who are in the country illegally. The agency confirmed to The Associated Press, which first reported the Denver subpoenas, that it was the first time they had been directed to a law enforcement agency. ICE indicated that it could expand the unusual practice to other cities.
“Since we have no cooperation at the Denver justice center, we are modifying our tactics to produce information,” said Henry Lucero, deputy executive associate director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Theresa Marchetta, a spokeswoman for Mayor Michael Hancock, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, told The Denver Post on Wednesday: “I find it very ironic that an administration that does not respect congressional subpoenas (in Trump’s impeachment investigation) is calling out the city of Denver for not responding to what amounts to a request. This is not a legal document. It’s not signed by a judge.”
If city officials don’t respond, ICE, the homeland security agency responsible for arresting and deporting people, could take the subpoena to a federal judge, who can order compliance and find the city in contempt if it doesn’t comply.
Until then, city officials sounded unlikely to provide the information sought.
“There is no indication (the subpoenas) are related to a criminal investigation,” said Ryan Luby, a spokesman for the city attorney’s office. “Denver does not comply with subpoenas unless they are court-ordered or unless they are primarily related to a criminal investigation. Our immigration ordinance fully complies with federal law.”
Curbing immigration, both legal and illegal, has been a top priority for Trump. Since he took office, his administration has battled sanctuary cities, localities that provide added protection to immigrants and refuse to cooperate with federal officials. In 2017, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions sent letters to 29 cities, metro areas, counties or states considered to have adopted “sanctuary policies,” saying those policies may violate federal law and threatening to withhold law enforcement grants.
Denver and the others eventually received the funds after courts chipped away at the threat.
ICE sent the new subpoenas to Denver on Monday. In three of the cases, officials were given 14 days to respond with information, and in one case, three days.
The four men, three Mexican nationals and one Honduran, had all been arrested and jailed. One man from Mexico was arrested for sexual assault, another for vehicular homicide, and a third for child abuse and strangulation assault. The Honduran man was arrested on domestic violence charges. All previously had been removed from the country.
Three of the four men have been released and one remains in custody.
ICE spokeswoman Alethea Smock said in an email Wednesday that the subpoenas to the Downtown Detention Center sought information that could aid in finding the inmates.
“We are seeking base information to fulfill our congressional mandate to enforce immigration law: where an alien is known to work, or apartment complexes where an alien might live, to find out more information about a targeted alien,” she said, declining to provide copies of the subpoenas.
Immigration officials earlier had sent requests to the Denver jail to alert them about when the suspects would be released, but the city does not comply with such requests with as much advance notice as ICE wants, typically 48 hours. Some other cities, including New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, refuse to help federal immigration authorities at all.
Marchetta said Wednesday that the Denver jail did notify ICE before the three inmate releases, but she did not have information about how soon beforehand. Typically Denver notifies ICE within just a few hours of release, and city officials say it’s rare to know the timing farther in advance.
Hancock signed the city’s stepped-up sanctuary policies in 2018.
The new ordinance and other policies make clear that city employees won’t ask about or share a person’s legal status. The changes included barring ICE agents from access to secure areas of city jails for interviews with inmates, unless they obtain judicial warrants.
A former Denver police chief declared at the time, “We do not do the work of ICE.” The federal agency’s Denver field office, however, called the city’s stance “a dangerous policy that deliberately obstructs our country’s lawful immigration system, protects serious criminal alien offenders and undermines public safety.”
Enforcement and removal officers with ICE rely on help from local law enforcement to find suspects. Over the budget year that ended Sept. 30, officers arrested about 143,000 people, about 13,000 less than last year, and deported more than 267,000. More than 92,000 of the arrests were of people with criminal convictions, officials said, including for homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault and assault.
But immigrant advocates and lawmakers say ICE is deporting people who have been in the U.S. for decades, who have families and lives and make contributions to American cities and who should not be their focus.
Sanctuary cities say they are creating havens for those people so they can feel safe and can report crime without fear of deportation.
ICE’s Lucero said the agency doesn’t want to get into the business of subpoenaing fellow law enforcement agencies — he called it a last resort.
But because of changes in how municipalities work with ICE, it could be necessary, he said. And ICE officials believe they have the legal right to do it under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
“This is a drastic change,” he said of the subpoenas. “And one ICE is forced to do, and puts other agencies on notice that we don’t want this to happen. We want to protect the public.”
ICE officials pointed to a New York City case where a 21-year-old Guyanese national was arrested and accused of raping and murdering a 92-year-old woman in Queens on Jan. 10. According to ICE, the suspect had beaten up his father during a brawl in November that resulted in an arrest. Federal officials sent a request to hand him over for deportation. New York City police say they didn’t get a request.
But even if they did, under the terms of New York’s local laws, they would not have turned over the 21-year-old.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-01-16--Ask Amy: My boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend still texts him

Dear Amy : My boyfriend and I have been together for three months .
We regularly talk about our future together , but there is one thing getting in the way .
His ex , whom he broke up with nearly eight months ago , continues to text him .
At first it was nothing to worry about — it was simply texts arranging for when she would send him payments of money she owed him .
Lately , messages come in nearly every day , saying things like , “ I ’ m having a bad day , please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know who else makes me feel safe.
” Or , “ I can ’ t wait to be with you again , baby.
” He has been very open with me about the whole thing , letting me read his messages to her and telling me every time she texts him .
He never answers her texts unless it is about money , but his big heart gets in the way when she tries to manipulate him into talking to her .
I want so badly to text her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , except I know that would be overstepping , and might mean that he would no longer get his money repaid .
He says he will block her on all platforms when she has repaid him .
I worry that she may never pay him back the total amount in order to always have a reason to talk to him .
Dear Girlfriend : Your boyfriend is doing the right thing by being transparent with you about these text messages .
The downside of him being so open with you is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should not contact her .
First of all , this is not your business .
You do not own this man ; you don ’ t have the right to tell someone not to contact him .
It does seem to me , however , that an “ I can ’ t wait to be with you again , baby ” message should be met with a one-time “ We have broken up .
It ’ s time for you to move on ” message ( from him ) .
If he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she repays him , then he is being almost as manipulative as she is .
You don ’ t mention what amount of money is still owed , but your boyfriend should let his ex continue to pay her debt , and then he should consider stopping all contact — when she still has a minimal amount left to pay .
Forgiving that last payment might be in everyone ’ s best interest .
Dear Amy : Our son-in-law “ Steve ’ s ” stepfather , “ Tom , ” is a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a cautious but cordial relationship for many years .
Over the past year , Steve and Tom have had a major falling out and Tom is banned from having any contact or relationship with Steve and his family ( our daughter and grandkids ) .
We support Steve ’ s stand on this , since there has been a troubled relationship between them for many years .
Tom and his wife “ Martha ” ( Steve ’ s mother ) are having marital issues , but remain together for now .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done many joint family gatherings ( birthdays , holidays , etc . )
together over the years , until this recent rift .
Now Martha joins family social gatherings alone , so we have had no interactions with Tom for over a year .
Soon Steve , our daughter and the grandkids are moving out of state .
We are not sure how to continue to support Steve ’ s family , by not socializing with Tom once they are gone .
We have always had a good relationship with Martha .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t present , should we continue to exclude Tom ?
What do we say to Martha when we invite her to gatherings , or if she invites us to her house where Tom might be present ?
Dear Complicated : “ Steve ” is well within his rights to exclude his stepfather and to ask that you also exclude him if Steve and family will be present in your home .
Steve does not get to insist that you must also exclude his stepfather when Steve is not even in the state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that most honors your independent relationship with “ Martha.
” Dear Amy : Ouch !
I thought you were a little too tough on “ K in Colorado ” the older man who is frustrated because so many people assume he is his son ’ s grandfather .
I hope you are rethinking your answer to him .
Dear Stung : “ K ” used his frustration over this as a justification for belittling an overweight woman , in his son ’ s presence .
I think he needed a reality check @

Dear Amy: My boyfriend and I have been together for three months. We regularly talk about our future together, but there is one thing getting in the way.
His ex, whom he broke up with nearly eight months ago, continues to text him.
At first it was nothing to worry about — it was simply texts arranging for when she would send him payments of money she owed him.
Lately, messages come in nearly every day, saying things like, “I’m having a bad day, please answer this when you see it. I don’t know who else makes me feel safe.” Or, “I can’t wait to be with you again, baby.”
He has been very open with me about the whole thing, letting me read his messages to her and telling me every time she texts him.
He never answers her texts unless it is about money, but his big heart gets in the way when she tries to manipulate him into talking to her.
I want so badly to text her myself and tell her to leave him alone, except I know that would be overstepping, and might mean that he would no longer get his money repaid.
He says he will block her on all platforms when she has repaid him.
I worry that she may never pay him back the total amount in order to always have a reason to talk to him.
— The New Girlfriend
Dear Girlfriend: Your boyfriend is doing the right thing by being transparent with you about these text messages. The downside of him being so open with you is that you have taken on this drama.
You should not contact her. First of all, this is not your business. You do not own this man; you don’t have the right to tell someone not to contact him.
It does seem to me, however, that an “I can’t wait to be with you again, baby” message should be met with a one-time “We have broken up. It’s time for you to move on” message (from him).
If he is even passively stringing her along until she repays him, then he is being almost as manipulative as she is.
You don’t mention what amount of money is still owed, but your boyfriend should let his ex continue to pay her debt, and then he should consider stopping all contact — when she still has a minimal amount left to pay. Forgiving that last payment might be in everyone’s best interest.
Dear Amy: Our son-in-law “Steve’s” stepfather, “Tom,” is a man with whom my husband and I have had a cautious but cordial relationship for many years.
Over the past year, Steve and Tom have had a major falling out and Tom is banned from having any contact or relationship with Steve and his family (our daughter and grandkids). We support Steve’s stand on this, since there has been a troubled relationship between them for many years.
Tom and his wife “Martha” (Steve’s mother) are having marital issues, but remain together for now.
We all live in the same town and have done many joint family gatherings (birthdays, holidays, etc.) together over the years, until this recent rift.
Now Martha joins family social gatherings alone, so we have had no interactions with Tom for over a year.
Soon Steve, our daughter and the grandkids are moving out of state.
We are not sure how to continue to support Steve’s family, by not socializing with Tom once they are gone. We have always had a good relationship with Martha.
Now that Steve and family aren’t present, should we continue to exclude Tom?
What do we say to Martha when we invite her to gatherings, or if she invites us to her house where Tom might be present?
— It’s Complicated
Dear Complicated: “Steve” is well within his rights to exclude his stepfather and to ask that you also exclude him if Steve and family will be present in your home.
Steve does not get to insist that you must also exclude his stepfather when Steve is not even in the state, however.
You should behave in a way that most honors your independent relationship with “Martha.”
Dear Amy: Ouch! I thought you were a little too tough on “K in Colorado” the older man who is frustrated because so many people assume he is his son’s grandfather. I hope you are rethinking your answer to him.
— Stung
Dear Stung: “K” used his frustration over this as a justification for belittling an overweight woman, in his son’s presence. I think he needed a reality check.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-01-16--Colorado Springs looks to implement $500 fee to take pictures at Garden of the Gods

The City of Colorado Springs is considering charging commercial photographers $ 500 to take pictures at Garden of the Gods @ @ @ @ @ all other parks excluding Garden of the Gods would be $ 250 annually .
Photographers @ @ @ @ @ fee popped up out of nowhere and they want answers from the city .
Unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ t seem to get their story straight about this new commercial photography permit .
There @ @ @ @ @ How is the city planning to enforce it ?
Click here for the full story @

The City of Colorado Springs is considering charging commercial photographers $500 to take pictures at Garden of the Gods. A photo permit for all other parks excluding Garden of the Gods would be $250 annually.
Photographers tell us the proposed permit fee popped up out of nowhere and they want answers from the city.
Unfortunately, city officials can’t seem to get their story straight about this new commercial photography permit.
There are many unanswered questions:
What prompted the permit requirement?
How is the city planning to enforce it?
Click here for the full story.


thedenverpost--2020-01-16--CSU sets program record with 19 triples while stomping New Mexico

FORT COLLINS –– Colorado State basketball fans have witnessed plenty of Nico Carvacho-themed contests over the past few years .
As of late , CSU ’ s freshman duo of Isaiah Stevens and David Roddy have particularly hoarded the spotlight .
But on Wednesday night at Moby Arena , virtually each and every Ram who hit the floor did their share in stealing the show .
Entering the clash amid a two-game winning streak , head coach Niko Medved ’ s squad took full advantage of a shorthanded New Mexico group upon pummeling the lifeless Lobos from the opening tip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharp-shooting Rams permanently obtained the lead about one minute into the action and extended their edge to as many as 39 , CSU doubtlessly stomped UNM 105-72 while improving to 12-7 overall and an even 3-3 in Mountain West play .
“ Great performance by our guys , ” Medved said .
“ There is not a lot to complain about here tonight .
Guys came out and really focused .
I felt like it was just a matter of time before we were going to make shots .
We ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guys did a great job of moving the ball and getting open shots…Boy , we just came out and never looked back.
” Though the Rams surely maintained their elite caliber of play in the second half , the home team truly settled things once and for all by the end of the initial stanza .
Utilizing a night where every shot seemed to fall for CSU , the Rams immediately exposed the deficient Lobos –– who were without second-leading scorer Carlton Bragg Jr. ( kicked off team ) as well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caldwell ( suspended ) .
In the blink of an eye , the green and gold opened up a 16-7 cushion behind a pair of Kendle Moore and Adam Thisltewood 3-pointers –– setting the tone for the remainder of the lopsided clash .
“ I feel like the start helped us a lot , ” Moore said .
“ Lately , in games , we get off to slow starts .
But today we just got it going and didn ’ t let up .
We just kept bringing the intensity.
” With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembled their best half of basketball this season as Medved ’ s bunch stormed toward the locker room up 56-33 after a vastly efficient frame on both ends .
The period also represented CSU ’ s highest-scoring segment thus far in the current campaign .
The Rams kept pushing the pedal to the medal thereafter as UNM didn ’ t come close to achieving a meaningful spurt over the latter half .
Overall , CSU shot 59.4 percent as a team while astonishingly knocking down 19 attempts from deep –– breaking the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-pointers set in 2000 against Michigan .
No one missed out on the 3-point barrage as six different Rams converted multiple triples , highlighted by Stevens ’ 5-6 display , Moore ’ s perfect 4-4 showing and Adam Thistlewood ’ s 4-5 showing .
Roddy freshman John Tonje and redshirt senior Kris Martin each sunk 2-4 tries from downtown as well .
“ When shots go in , everything is easier , ” Medved said .
“ You are not always going to make that many shots , but I thought they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved , and they were all good looks .
That was fun to see.
” Almost as impressive as CSU ’ s one-of-a-kind 3-point performance , six Rams reached double-digit scoring totals during the Lobos rout .
Stevens paved the way with 19 points off 7-10 shooting as the guard also dished eight of the Rams ’ 27 assists –– tied for the team ’ s second-most in program history .
Every bit as effective , Moore accumulated 17 tallies and Thistlewood recorded 16 points off a 6-7 shooting mark .
Additionally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive clash scoring in double figures .
Finally , Carvacho notched a 12-point , 10-rebound double-double as Tonje posted a single-game best with 10 points .
Every player enjoyed a piece of the pie versus UNM as the Rams picked up their third straight win .
Their starting five consisting of Stevens , Roddy , Thistlewood , Moore and Carvacho also moved to 3-0 this year .
Evidently , the group is beginning to form legitimate chemistry .
“ I think we are finally evolving and playing our best basketball at the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obviously , we didn ’ t play perfect tonight .
We still have some things to work on but we are going to keep taking the right steps in the right direction.
” Up next , CSU travels to Colorado Springs for a date with Air Force ( 9-9 , 3-3 ) on Saturday at 2 p.m. MT .

FORT COLLINS –– Colorado State basketball fans have witnessed plenty of Nico Carvacho-themed contests over the past few years. As of late, CSU’s freshman duo of Isaiah Stevens and David Roddy have particularly hoarded the spotlight.
But on Wednesday night at Moby Arena, virtually each and every Ram who hit the floor did their share in stealing the show.
Entering the clash amid a two-game winning streak, head coach Niko Medved’s squad took full advantage of a shorthanded New Mexico group upon pummeling the lifeless Lobos from the opening tip.
During a contest in which the sharp-shooting Rams permanently obtained the lead about one minute into the action and extended their edge to as many as 39, CSU doubtlessly stomped UNM 105-72 while improving to 12-7 overall and an even 3-3 in Mountain West play.
“Great performance by our guys,” Medved said. “There is not a lot to complain about here tonight. Guys came out and really focused. I felt like it was just a matter of time before we were going to make shots. We’ve been shooting the ball well in practice. Guys did a great job of moving the ball and getting open shots…Boy, we just came out and never looked back.”
Though the Rams surely maintained their elite caliber of play in the second half, the home team truly settled things once and for all by the end of the initial stanza.
Utilizing a night where every shot seemed to fall for CSU, the Rams immediately exposed the deficient Lobos –– who were without second-leading scorer Carlton Bragg Jr. (kicked off team) as well as the team’s leader in assists JJ Caldwell (suspended).
In the blink of an eye, the green and gold opened up a 16-7 cushion behind a pair of Kendle Moore and Adam Thisltewood 3-pointers –– setting the tone for the remainder of the lopsided clash.
“I feel like the start helped us a lot,” Moore said. “Lately, in games, we get off to slow starts. But today we just got it going and didn’t let up. We just kept bringing the intensity.”
With everyone doing their part, the Rams assembled their best half of basketball this season as Medved’s bunch stormed toward the locker room up 56-33 after a vastly efficient frame on both ends. The period also represented CSU’s highest-scoring segment thus far in the current campaign.
The Rams kept pushing the pedal to the medal thereafter as UNM didn’t come close to achieving a meaningful spurt over the latter half.
Overall, CSU shot 59.4 percent as a team while astonishingly knocking down 19 attempts from deep –– breaking the program’s previous record of 17 made 3-pointers set in 2000 against Michigan.
No one missed out on the 3-point barrage as six different Rams converted multiple triples, highlighted by Stevens’ 5-6 display, Moore’s perfect 4-4 showing and Adam Thistlewood’s 4-5 showing.
Roddy freshman John Tonje and redshirt senior Kris Martin each sunk 2-4 tries from downtown as well.
“When shots go in, everything is easier,” Medved said. “You are not always going to make that many shots, but I thought they were all good shots…A lot of guys got involved, and they were all good looks. That was fun to see.”
Almost as impressive as CSU’s one-of-a-kind 3-point performance, six Rams reached double-digit scoring totals during the Lobos rout.
Stevens paved the way with 19 points off 7-10 shooting as the guard also dished eight of the Rams’ 27 assists –– tied for the team’s second-most in program history.
Every bit as effective, Moore accumulated 17 tallies and Thistlewood recorded 16 points off a 6-7 shooting mark. Additionally, Roddy poured in 12 –– his six consecutive clash scoring in double figures.
Finally, Carvacho notched a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double as Tonje posted a single-game best with 10 points.
Every player enjoyed a piece of the pie versus UNM as the Rams picked up their third straight win.
Their starting five consisting of Stevens, Roddy, Thistlewood, Moore and Carvacho also moved to 3-0 this year. Evidently, the group is beginning to form legitimate chemistry.
“I think we are finally evolving and playing our best basketball at the right time,” Thistlewood said. “Obviously, we didn’t play perfect tonight. We still have some things to work on but we are going to keep taking the right steps in the right direction.”
Up next, CSU travels to Colorado Springs for a date with Air Force (9-9, 3-3) on Saturday at 2 p.m. MT.