I really need to stop writing these compilations on Friday afternoon. Because essentially, here’s my mood by the time I get here:

And this was definitely that kind of week. For not just me, but the hard-working folks on staff. But you know, there was only ONE marathon legislative hearing this week, so that’s progress. Read on:     

A HISTORIC VOTE

At the Capitol, Marianne Goodland withstood the long hours and some truly heart-rending testimony in her coverage of the death penalty repeal, which passed the House earlier this week: 

> Death penalty repeal wins preliminary approval from House

> House approves repeal of death penalty; bill now heads to governor

> Two House lawmakers explain their death penalty votes

Gov. Jared Polis’ desk, actually, got a little crowded by Friday:

> CROWN Act wins final approval in Senate, now off to governor

> Private prison bill heads to the governor

MAKE EVERY TUESDAY SUPER

We’re mere days from Coloradans making their presidential picks, and as you might expect, the outlook is clearing up. Ernest Luning has the full slate:

> Presidential primary ballots continue to pour in as Super Tuesday nears

> Democrat Pete Buttigieg launches Colorado ad campaign ahead of Super Tuesday primary

> Trump campaign hits airwaves with ad filmed at Colorado Springs rally (VIDEO)

>Poll: Sanders, Warren lead Democratic field in Colorado ahead of Super Tuesday primary 

> TRAIL MIX | Echoes of 1992 in our hit-or-mis primary picks

And given the fact that @CoPo_Bot  is still blooping with alerts of candidate ad buys, you’re in for a lot of folks who “approved this message” leading up to Tuesday. 

MEANWHILE, IN DENVER …

Alayna Alvarez is a one-woman army in covering the city, and the issues are a font of news-making.

> Mayor Hancock’s veto stands: Pit bulls will remain banned in Denver

> Selection committee named in Denver’s search for a new sheriff

> Denver’s director of Parks and Recreation testifies on the Hill for Outdoors for All Act

> Denver mayor’s office reacts to court siding with Trump administration in ‘sanctuary cities’ grant battle

Most notably, Alayna spent some time with former Mayor Wellington Webb and learning about one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods:

> NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT | Five Points sits at the crossroads of prosperity, preservation 

THE STORY BEHIND THE BILL

There’s an adage that you don’t want to see how the sausage gets made, and that may be true for bills. Michael Karlik offers a fascinating, comprehensive look at the bill that will change the statute of limitations for victims of sex abuse:

> ‘One step at a time’: The path to a new sex abuse bill

THE MAN ABOUT TOWN

Joey Bunch. The man is everywhere. 

> DeGette asks “Who’s in charge?” as Trump administration deals with coronavirus outbreak

> Polis takes a victory lap on health care, looks ahead on curbing more costs

> Three dozen Colorado groups want lawmakers to prioritize roads

> Colorado Rising State Action tees up ballot initiatives to inoculate TABOR

You’ve got a little time before the next heat, so grab your banana and Gatorade. See you on the other side of Super Tuesday.