Morning headlines from DenverPost.com

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Today's Front Page News

Colorado Senate panel advances bill to lower some penalties for drugs
Tears flowed Wednesday in a Senate committee when a former meth user talked about how her husband's unexpected death led to her addiction, a prison sentence and foster care for her children.  

• Victims of Colorado wildlands fire say warning never came
• Colorado doctor accused of prescription-drug fraud fined $30,000, sentenced to 5 years of probation
• New female brigadier general in Army occupies rare post
• Justices seem open to voiding heart of health-care overhaul
• Colorado mental-health first-aid program wins national award

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Today's Local Politics

Colorado Democrats want Secretary of State Scott Gessler removed from office
Colorado Democrats unleashed some of their strongest criticism yet of Secretary of State Scott Gessler Wednesday, saying he should be removed from office after he opposed an election-related bill that was later killed by fellow Republicans.  

• Colorado budget committee deadlocks on trimming state payrolls
• Effort advances to recast Colorado's "New Energy Economy" office
• Divisive literacy bill rerouted at Colorado statehouse for tweaking
• Colorado budget committee deadlocks on trimming state payrolls
• Colorado Democrats call to 'remove' Secretary of State Scott Gessler from office

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Today's Business

New organic-certification rules likely to help Colorado growers sell in Europe
Producers of organic products — from wheat and millet to vodka and sunscreen — are expected to benefit from new rules designed to encourage exports to Europe.  

• Redevelopment of former University of Colorado Hospital site moving ahead under new company
• Gunnison County coal mine expansion gets federal go-ahead
• Cigarette makers say pipe tobacco used in roll-your-owns should be taxed more
• Colorado-based WideOpenWest considering bid for cable rival Knology
• Development to begin on last piece of former Lowry Air Force Base

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Today's Sports Headlines

Joe Sacco, Greg Sherman will return to Avalanche next season, sources say
The Avalanche may miss the NHL playoffs for a second consecutive season, but the team's overall improvement from a year ago has earned coach Joe Sacco a new contract.  

• Kiszla: Colorado Avalanche coach Joe Sacco deserves another season, plus more talent
• Wilin Rosario looks like a Colorado Rockies keeper with his .471 batting average
• Veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer, 49, is trying to earn a spot in the Colorado Rockies' rotation
• Avs lose at Canucks, fall back in playoff race
• Vail's Mikaela Shiffrin wins second straight slalom title at U.S. Alpine Championships

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Today's Entertainment

Anschutz Collection of Western art to open to the public in 2012
The Anschutz Collection, one of the country's most-respected collections of Western paintings, will open its doors to the public full-time later this year, adding another attraction to Denver's growing portfolio of small, quirky art museums.  

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Today's Opinion

Rosen: Peyton Manning's fair share
Thank you, Tim Tebow. During your brief stay in Denver, you gave us a hell — excuse me, heck — of a ride, turning a dismal 2011 football season into an improbable AFC West championship and an upset, first-round playoff victory.  

• Parker: No, Obamacare is not a modern-day Civil Rights Act
• Editorial: Humiliating punishment of 12-year-old out of line
• Editorial: Why start a fire in a tinder box?
• Smerconish: Analyzing 911 calls in Florida shooting death
• More questions in aftermath of Trayvon Martin's death