Ben Markus

Denver

Investigative Reporter at Colorado Public Radio

Investigative reporter for Colorado Public Radio. [email protected] - cell (303) 588-2847. Use Signal for encrypted messaging.

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Articles

DPD officer won’t face criminal charges in Paco Sanchez Park shooting

2 weeks ago | denverite.com | Ben Markus

The Denver District Attorney declined to press charges against an officer who shot and wounded a suspect in Paco Sanchez Park earlier this year, writing in a public decision letter that the officer’s use of force was justified. The park shooting occurred before midnight on Feb. 24 — but the events that led to the confrontation actually began weeks earlier with a drive-by shooting.
Western Slope judge warns ICE to stop civil immigration actions in courthouses

4 weeks ago | the-journal.com | Allison Sherry |Ben Markus

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2025 3:11 PM Updated Thursday, Apr.
Western Slope judge warns ICE to stop civil immigration actions in courthouses

4 weeks ago | durangoherald.com | Allison Sherry |Ben Markus

Workers say Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been a steady presence A Colorado judge has ordered federal immigration agents to stop doing civil enforcement in and around courthouses in three Western Slope counties, the first known judicial usage of a Colorado law designed to make courts safe from immigration raids. Ninth Judicial District Chief Judge John Neiley issued the previously unreported order for Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties on April 8.
Colorado governor signs bill letting universities pay student athletes

1 month ago | coloradosun.com | Ben Markus

Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation that will allow universities to pay athletes directly for their name, image and likeness rights, but he added a signing statement asking the legislature to eventually revisit the secrecy around specific payment amounts. This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org. “I have concerns about the bill’s new Colorado Open Records Act exception regarding student-athlete contracts,” wrote Polis.
Polis signs bill allowing universities to pay student athletes - but warns about lack of transparency

1 month ago | ksut.org | Ben Markus

Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation that will allow universities to pay athletes directly for their name, image and likeness rights, but he added a signing statement asking the legislature to eventually revisit the secrecy around specific payment amounts. “I have concerns about the bill’s new Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) exception regarding student-athlete contracts,” wrote Polis.
A twist in the long-running Vizguerra deportation case leads to another delay

1 month ago | denverite.com | Ben Markus

In a tactical shift, attorneys for Jeanette Vizguerra are now arguing that she is being unfairly targeted for deportation by government agents frustrated by their inability to remove her from the U.S. during a 15-year process. The new approach by attorney Laura Lichter, filed Thursday, caused the cancellation of a Friday court hearing designed to determine whether Vizguerra could continue to be held by the government for deportation. Instead, U.S. District Judge Nina Y.
Trump administration ordered to explain Jeanette Vizguerra detention by Monday

1 month ago | denverite.com | Ben Markus

The Trump administration must explain to a federal judge in writing by Monday why they have detained activist Jeanette Vizguerra. Attorneys for Vizguerra filed a habeas corpus petition on Tuesday in U.S. District Court, a day after she was picked up by agents from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement while on a lunch break outside the Target store where she works. U.S. District Court court judge Nina Y.
Pay for state college athletes takes a step forward in the Colorado legislature

2 months ago | kunc.org | Ben Markus

This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at Colorado Public Radio. Lawmakers are poised to allow Colorado universities to pay student athletes while keeping secret the details of individual compensation amounts — a provision that CU Boulder argues protects students who play sports from public criticism.
Pay for Colorado college athletes takes legislative step forward, though universities would still be able to keep compensation secret

2 months ago | montrosepress.com | Ben Markus

Lawmakers are poised to allow Colorado universities to pay student athletes while keeping secret the details of individual compensation amounts — a provision that the University of Colorado Boulder argues protects students who play sports from public criticism. kAm%96 2C8F>6?E 7C@> r& q@F=56C 2?5 3:== DA@?D@CD :D E92E :7 E96 AF3=:4 <?@HD 9@H >F49 DEF56?E 2E9=6E6D 2C6 A2:5[ E96? E9@D6 2E9=6E6D 2C6 @A6? E@ 4C:E:4:D> 2?5 92C2DD>6?E :7 E96J 92G6 2 325 82>6 — 4C:E:4:D> E92E :D C@FE:?6 @?
Pay for Colorado college athletes takes legislative step forward, though universities would still be able to keep compensation secret

2 months ago | coloradosun.com | Ben Markus

Lawmakers are poised to allow Colorado universities to pay student athletes while keeping secret the details of individual compensation amounts — a provision that the University of Colorado Boulder argues protects students who play sports from public criticism. This story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It first appeared at cpr.org.