Court Gets Mental Evaluation on Alleged Theater Shooter

The mental health evaluation that will play a key role in the trial of theater shooting suspect James Holmes has been filed with the court. Court records say a 128-page reports a 128-page report prepared by the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo was received Friday, but it will not be made public. Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the July 20, 2012, shooting that killed 12 people and injured 70 others.

Joint Giveaway to Protest High Taxes Proposed for Recreartional Pot

Hundreds of people lined up at Civic Center Park in Denver today for a free joint. It's part of a protest against plans to impose high taxes on the drug which is now legal for recreational use in Colorado. Littletree Oppy is one of two people handing out the cigarettes, and she says people who can't afford to pay would be forced to go to the black market.

Mile High Million Tree Project Short of Goal

An initiative to plant a million trees in Denver has fallen short. The Denver Post reports that between 250,000 and 500,000 trees had been planted since 2006 as part of the Mile High Million tree initiative. Funding from Suncor Energy for the program that was started by former Mayor John Hickenlooper ended last year. City officials say the focus now is on maintaining the city's existing 2.2 million trees. City forester Rob Davis says the region is preparing for the emerald ash borer. The beetle from Asia has damaged forests throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Last year the beetle showed up in Kansas and Davis says it's possible it could make it here.

Community Caring Hands is feeling the love

Community Caring Hands is feeling the love. The social service non-profit was one of two Sterling-area facilities to receive a $1,000 Community Service Award this year. $61,000 was handed out in donations to 29 northern Colorado organizations, including Logan County Literacy Coalition. CCHI is looking for new board members, and volunteers to help. The board meets at 5:15 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Family Resource Center. Anyone interested in joining the board or willing to help in the community should attend a board meeting. Anyone in need of CCHI's services can call or contact the organization to see if they qualify.
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The results are in, and it appears expanded background checks for gun purchases is working, or is it?

The results are in, and it appears expanded background checks for gun purchases is working, or is it? In the first month of the new legislation, 561 private gun sellers did comply with the new law, and ten denials were issued, because of the background checks. Proponents of the bill say that's a win, but those who've expressed opposition, say the numbers have little or no impact. The hotly debated measure in the past legislative session resulted in threats of violence against lawmakers and protests outside the state Capitol. Now, with the initial results out the back-and-forth battles continue, with lawmakers on both sides of the measure claiming that the numbers prove "their right." But the sponsors of House Bill 1229 said the 561 background checks in July by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for private sales and the denials issued means one thing: The bill is working. Fifty-five sheriffs in the state disagree, and are part of a lawsuit filed to have the measure declared unconstitutional.
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