Weekend Papers

Wider Spying Fuels Aid Plan for Telecom Industry (New York Times) The New York Times’ front-page revelation that the National Security Agency has expanded its warrantless eavesdropping program beyond preventing terrorism has an important Denver connection. Back in 2001 Denver-based Qwest refused to give the agency access to domestic calls. Rocky Mountain News: That may become an issue Tuesday, when oral arguments begin in former Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio’s appeal of his insider-trading conviction. One of Nacchio’s arguments may be that his optimistic revenue projections were based on top-secret government contracts which were later canceled because of his refusal share customer data. Beau heard killing over phone (Denver Post) Chilling story of a Denver man who listened helplessly as his girlfriend was brutally murdered by a former boyfriend. Robert Lopez ran red lights as he raced from his home near Invesco Field to her Glendale apartment, but he was too late. Abigail Robertson, 21, had been stabbed 27 times, in the side, abdomen and back. Food stamp applications mired in bureaucracy (Rocky Mountain News) Though federal law mandates that food-stamp applications must be processed in no more than 30 days, more than 1,000 area residents have been waiting months to receive aid, according to this investigation int he Rocky Mountain News. The paper blames funding shortages, staffing problems, and “the state’s notorious computer system.” Fab homes, fat wallets opening to rents and raves (Denver Post) There’s a lot more raving than ranting in this business section piece on high-country vactaion rentals for the super-rich, such as a 12,000-foot palace in Aspen, which goes for $20,000 per night. Elsewhere in the paper, the author who coined the term “Affluenza” worries that, despite our wealth, the “Fabric of America is fraying.” Salvation Army facility running out of toys (9 News) Officials say says the mortgage crisis, foreclosures, higher rents, rising medical costs and increasing utility costs have all contributed to a 25-percent increase in need for food and holiday gifts. At some facilities, they’re running out of toys. If you’d like to contribute, do it soon. Good seats available (Denver Post) Long the hottest ticket in town, seats for Colorado Avalanche games are increasingly going unfilled. By one estimate, nearly a third of the Pepsi Center is empty on some game nights. Team owners are ready to make you a deal. Broomfield High OK To Open After Asbestos Tests (CBS4) Broomfield High School is cleared to re-open Monday, after being shut down Friday when scare a boiler broke and officials found asbestos in the facility. The discovery prompted the cancellation of Friday night’s basketball game. Police Need Help Rounding Up 50 Most Wanted (7 News) Have you seen any of these guys? Police released their list Saturday, and one fugitive has already been apprehended.