Morning Headlines: Pinnacol Assurance, Paul and Peter Stastny, New Census Numbers, and Parking-Ticket Refunds
Gone Golfing: In the wake of a scandal involving a taxpayer-paid trip to Pebble Beach, a Colorado state Senate committee has appointed three new directors to Pinnacol Assurance, the quasi-governmental agency that provides worker's comp insurance to many of the state's businesses (via the Denver Business Journal).
The Other Pepsi Center Shakeup: NHL Hall of Famer Peter Stastny, father of Colorado Avalanche player Paul Stastny, isn't too happy about the Avs' latest trades (via the Denver Post)—and more changes could be in store. ESPN warns fans not to be surprised if Stastny himself is traded before Monday's deadline, along with John-Michael Liles.
By the Numbers: El Paso County is now the most populous county in Colorado, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data. Other numbers of note: Since 2002, Denver has grown by more than 45,500 people, and Latinos are the fastest growing demographic, totaling one-fifth of the population (via the Associated Press). The new stats will bring changes to the state's congressional districts, as well (via the Denver Post).
Traffic Jam: Does the city of Denver owe you money? It might—if the city attorney determines to refund hundreds of thousands of dollars in parking tickets issued by unauthorized vehicle control officers—a stunning 30,030 in all (via CBS4 and the Denver Post). The payback could have severe consequences for the already struggling city budget.
Sloppy
You'd think after two years of covering Pinnacol, Michael would know the difference between "taxpayer-funded" and "tax exempt." While Pinnacol enjoys the benefits of not paying taxes, because of its mandate to provide insurance to any Colo. company regardless of risk, the company does not receive a penny of taxpayer money.
Michael is a prime example of new online media that simply regurgitates whatever comes across their Twitter feed (forget fact checking) from real investigative reporters like Kovaleski. Michael may be full of wit and verve, but he is seriously lacking critical thinking and clarity.