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Grandmother wins $4 million after SWAT raided wrong home based on Find My iPhone app

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Grandmother wins  million after SWAT raided wrong home based on Find My iPhone app

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A Denver judge awarded a 78-year-old grandmother $4 million in damages after a botched SWAT raid that relied almost exclusively on Apple’s Find My iPhone software.

Jurors concluded that Denver Police Department officers violated the state constitution by hastily seeking a search warrant of Ruby Johnson’s home without a proper investigation, wrote the ACLU of Colorado, which filed the lawsuit on Johnson’s behalf against Detective Gary Staab and Sgt. Gregory Buschy.

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SWAT officers surrounded Ruby Johnson on Jan. 4, 2022, in Denver, as they searched her property for a stolen truck and guns. Johnson won a $3.76 million jury verdict earlier this month under a new Colorado law allowing people to sue police over violations of their state constitutional rights. Last week, a Denver judge increased the award to $4 million. (Denver Police Department via AP)

TEXAS GRANDMOTHER THROWN IN JAIL AFTER CRITICIZING LOCAL GOVERNMENT. NOW HER CASE HEADS TO SUPREME COURT

On Jan. 4, 2022, Johnson was watching TV when she heard a loudspeaker blaring outside her home in Denver’s Montbello neighborhood. Police ordered anyone in the house to come out with their hands raised.

Johnson walked out her front door wearing a bathrobe, bonnet and slippers, stunned at the sight of an armored vehicle parked on her lawn. Officers with rifles and a K9 flanked her property. 

“I didn’t want them coming in there shooting,” she previously told 9NEWS. “I came out, and then they asked me, ‘Do you have a gun on you?’ I said, ‘No, why would I have a gun on me?’”

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Jurors determined that two Denver police officers acted “with willful and wanton disregard” for Ruby Johnson’s constitutional protection from unreasonable search and seizure, according to the ACLU of Colorado. Johnson lived alone in her home when SWAT raided it in January 2022. (Courtesy Joanna Kulesza/ACLU of Colorado)

THIS COUPLE LOST THEIR HOME AFTER POLICE SEIZED THEIR CASH. A JURY AWARDED THEM $1 MILLION

Police were looking for a pickup truck and guns that had been stolen the previous day from a Denver hotel parking garage, according to the lawsuit and 9NEWS. Police had obtained a warrant to search Johnson’s house based on pings from the Find My app on an iPhone that had been left in the pickup.

Apple’s Find My app uses information from Wi-Fi, GPS and cellular networks to determine the approximate location of people and their devices, the lawsuit states. Staab’s affidavit included a screenshot of the app with a circle spanning “at least six different properties” where the phone could be, according to the suit.

Staab improperly obtained the warrant because he didn’t mention the limitations of Apple’s Find My technology, which is “readily available” online, according to the suit. The filing characterized the detective’s affidavit as “hastily prepared, bare-bones, materially misleading” work.

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Johnson sat in the back of a police car for hours while officers searched her house, causing unnecessary damage, according to the lawsuit. She told police where her garage door opener was, but instead they used a battering ram to break the door and its frame, the suit states.

Denver SWAT raided Johnson’s house on Jan. 4, 2022, after an officer said the Find My app on a stolen iPhone pinged near the home. The phone had been in a pickup truck that was stolen the previous day, but officers did not locate any stolen property in Johnson’s house. (Denver Police Department via ACLU of Colorado)

CANCER SURVIVOR DEALT NEW BLOW AFTER TEXAS POLICE DESTROYED HER HOUSE, BUT LAWYERS SAY CITY STILL HAS TO PAY

Police also damaged the inside of her home, including breaking the head off of a cherished doll figurine customized to look just like Johnson and using the handle of a kitchen broom to smash up the ceiling so they could search the attic, according to the suit.

Earlier this month, jurors determined that Staab and Buschy acted “with willful and wanton disregard” for Johnson’s constitutional protection from unreasonable search and seizure, the ACLU of Colorado wrote. They originally awarded Johnson $1.26 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages.

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Last week, Denver District Judge Stephanie Scoville increased the award to an even $4 million, the ACLU of Colorado told Fox News.

The case is the first to be litigated under a provision of a sweeping police reform bill passed in Colorado in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, according to the ACLU. The new law gave citizens a right to sue individual officers for state constitutional violations where, previously, those alleging police misconduct had to sue in federal court where the legal doctrine of qualified immunity often shields government officials from liability.

“This is a small step toward justice for Ms. Johnson, but it is a critical case under our state’s Constitution, for the first time affirming that police can be held accountable for invading someone’s home without probable cause,” wrote Tim Macdonald, ACLU of Colorado legal director.

WHY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IS SPENDING BILLIONS TO LEGALLY STEAL YOUR MONEY:

The Denver Police Department declined to comment on the jury verdict. A spokesperson told Fox News in an email that an internal review of the incident resulted in no formal discipline for the officers and no change in search warrant policies.

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“The officers were acting based on a search warrant that was approved and signed by the District Attorney’s Office and a judge,” the spokesperson wrote.

The SWAT raid destroyed Johnson’s sense of security in her own home, according to the ACLU.

“Though the outcome of this trial will not fully undo the harm of that fateful day, it puts us one step closer to justice for her and others who have found their lives turned upside down because of police misconduct,” ACLU of Colorado Executive Director Deborah Richardson wrote in a statement.

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Montana

EXCLUSIVE: 2 ‘Exceptionally Rare’ Ski-In, Ski-Out Montana Mansions Head to Auction in Big Sky—and Could Sell for a Serious Steal

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EXCLUSIVE: 2 ‘Exceptionally Rare’ Ski-In, Ski-Out Montana Mansions Head to Auction in Big Sky—and Could Sell for a Serious Steal


A pair of stunning Montana ski homes are going under the hammer in the exclusive resort of Big Sky—where they could sell for well below their market value, having been offered up with no reserve.

Currently listed for a combined total of $13 million, the “exceptionally rare” dwellings are both located within the exclusive Spanish Peaks Mountain Club community—and come complete with full access to all of the incredible amenities that the private club has to offer, including “a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course, a 10-hole Par 3 course, preferred access to Montage Big Sky, and a private clubhouse featuring dining, a bar, fitness center, pro shop, pool, and hot tub.”

Now, the properties will be sold off to the highest bidder when they are auctioned off with Trayor Lesnock, founder and president of Platinum Luxury Auctions, in cooperation with listing agents Greg Smith and Amelia Turbyfill of Engel & Völkers.

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The larger of the two residences, which are both currently owned by Mark and Jennifer Kozubal, was placed on the market for $7.25 million in 2025, having been completed in 2023. It was more recently listed for the reduced price of $6.68 million.

Spanning more than 4,200 square feet, it features five bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a beautiful chef’s kitchen, ideal for hosting large groups. There are also “multiple living areas designed for entertaining and hosting family and friends,” according to the listing.

A pair of stunning Montana ski homes—including a 4,200-square-foot manse—are set to go under the hammer in the exclusive resort of Big Sky, where they could sell for as little as $1 each, having been offered up with no reserve.Mason Messner Doorstep Co.
The second property offers just under 3,000 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms—as well as “direct ski-in, ski-out access.”Mason Messner Doorstep Co.

Combining classic Alpine style with “sleek, modern finishes,” the property offers both comfort and elegance, as well as incredible privacy, thanks to its plum location at the end of a quiet street.

Boasting incredible proximity to both the club’s golf courses and the Big Sky slopes, the property features an array of amenities designed to create a relaxing sanctuary where owners and their guests can retreat after a busy day of sporting activity.

“After a day on the ski slopes or a round of golf, relax in your private hot tub, cozy up by the fireplace, or cook a meal in the chef-inspired kitchen,” the description states.

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The second property offers just under 3,000 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms—as well as “direct ski-in, ski-out access with groomed connectivity to Big Sky Resort terrain,” according to its listing.

Much like the other residence, the second dwelling—which was brought to the market in January with an asking price of $6.25 million—has been designed specifically for those with a passion for outdoor living, providing the ideal setting in which to unwind after a long day of skiing or golfing.

“The residence includes open-concept living spaces designed for gathering after skiing, hiking, or riding, complemented by warm mountain finishes throughout,” the listing notes.

For those seeking to enjoy year-round life on the mountain, the property has been outfitted with a number of unique features that ensure a comfortable, luxurious experience no matter the weather, including “whole-home humidification and water purification systems.”

The larger of the two residences, which are both currently owned by Mark and Jennifer Kozubal, was placed on the market for $7.25 million in 2025, having been completed in 2023. It was more recently listed for the reduced price of $6.68 million.
Spanning more than 4,200 square feet, it features five bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a beautiful chef’s kitchen, ideal for hosting large groups. Mason Messner Doorstep Co.
It also offers “multiple living areas designed for entertaining and hosting family and friends,” according to the listing. Mason Messner Doorstep Co.
Boasting incredible proximity to both the club’s golf courses and the Big Sky slopes, the property features an array of amenities designed to create a relaxing sanctuary where owners and their guests can retreat after a busy day of sporting activity.Mason Messner Doorstep Co.

Beyond the impressive infrastructure, other alluring amenities include a “full-home audio and visual system,” as well as a dedicated eight-locker ski boot room that opens directly onto the nearest ski trail.

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“Outdoor amenities include beautiful landscaping and a stone fireplace seating area positioned along the ski trail, with expansive views to the surrounding mountains,” the listing description continues.

However, perhaps the most tempting aspect of both properties is the fact that they could be sold for well below market value—presenting a truly rare opportunity for buyers to secure property in an area where luxury home sales are booming and price tags are regularly set in the seven-figure range.

“Opportunities like these are exceptionally rare in Big Sky,” seller Mark Kozubal explains. “These two Spanish Peaks Highlands homes offer true ski-in/ski-out access to a lightly used lift that connects directly into Big Sky Resort, creating an almost private ski experience with little to no wait.

“Combined with the privacy, beauty, and prestige of Spanish Peaks, these properties stand apart as truly unique mountain residences.”

Both properties are conveniently located within one of the most exclusive enclaves in Big Sky, offering proximity to both the area’s stunning ski resorts and the Yellowstone Club, which has long been one of the most star-studded neighborhoods in the area.

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Among those celebrities who are rumored to have purchased properties at the Yellowstone club are NFL star Tom Brady, musician Justin Timberlake and his actress wife Jessica Biel, and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.

The second dwelling—which was brought to the market in January with an asking price of $6.25 million—has been designed specifically for those with a passion for outdoor living.Mason Messner Doorstep Co.
“The residence includes open-concept living spaces designed for gathering after skiing, hiking, or riding, complemented by warm mountain finishes throughout,” the listing notes. Mason Messner Doorstep Co.
Beyond the impressive infrastructure, other alluring amenities include a “full-home audio and visual system,” as well as a dedicated eight-locker ski boot room that opens directly onto the nearest ski trail. Mason Messner Doorstep Co.
Both properties are conveniently located within one of the most exclusive enclaves in Big Sky, offering proximity to both the area’s ski resorts and the Yellowstone Club, which has long been one of the most star-studded neighborhoods in the area. Mason Messner Doorstep Co.

“Spanish Peaks is one of the premier private residential clubs in the West,” the club’s website notes. “Here, you can experience world-class skiing and golf, fine food and drink, spectacular natural beauty and so much more. This is mountain living at its best.”

Auctioneer Lesnock emphasizes that the opportunity to secure homes in such a luxury-leaning market for what could be a truly bargain price is not something that happens very often.

“Single-family homes within Spanish Peaks have solidly maintained an entry point of at least $5 million, so the ability for buyers to ‘name their price’ in these without reserve auctions represents a substantial purchase opportunity compared to this status quo,” he explains.

“In addition to the high caliber of each property, the community’s world-class golf, ski and wellness amenities are integral parts of the overall formula that continues to attract affluent, second-home buyers to Spanish Peaks from around the world.”

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As for why the owners have chosen to pursue an auction, rather than waiting for the homes to sell in a more traditional manner, Lesnock says this process will help them to secure a sale in a timely manner, without having to hang around for months on end in the hopes that a buyer will come forward.

“Under the luxury auction process, we’re giving buyers not only that economic purchase opportunity, but also the guarantee of a seamless, non-contingent sale, free of the haggling and aggravations that can plague traditional, luxury property transactions,” he shares.

“The sellers also benefit in accord, knowing they have a date-certain sale and a clear path to their ‘Next Step.’”

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Nevada

Nevada’s EV market is booming. Here’s why apartment charging could be the next challenge.

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Nevada’s EV market is booming. Here’s why apartment charging could be the next challenge.


As electric vehicle ownership continues to climb in Nevada, experts say one question is becoming increasingly important: Can the state’s charging infrastructure keep pace?

New consumer research from, Yardi Matrix, found Nevada ranks sixth in the nation for electric vehicle growth, with registrations increasing nearly 420% over the past five years.

At the same time, Nevada is outperforming much of the country when it comes to charging access for renters. About 14% of multifamily housing units in the state offer EV charging, placing Nevada ahead of more than half of the nation.

Still, researchers say one key difference separates Nevada from some neighboring states.

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Unlike California and several other states, Nevada does not require new multifamily housing developments to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure or EV-ready parking spaces.

Instead, developers decide whether to install chargers, often viewing them as an amenity that can help attract and retain tenants.

States take the wheel: Report looks at fragmented EV policies after federal rollbacks

“What you see in those other states is a state mandate that says if I’m going to build, I have to be ready or capable,” said a market analyst with Yardi Matrix, Douglas Ressler. “Nevada follows California vehicle sales very closely, but it lacks a multifamily EV building code mandate.”

Nevada has relied on incentives and rebates rather than statewide requirements to encourage EV infrastructure.

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As more Nevadans switch to electric vehicles, charging access at apartment communities will become increasingly important, particularly for renters who cannot install chargers at home.

If Nevada were to require EV-ready infrastructure in future apartment developments, lawmakers would likely need to pass legislation establishing statewide requirements for new multifamily construction.

For now, researchers say Nevada’s growing EV market will continue to test whether voluntary investment by developers can keep pace with rising demand.



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New Mexico

NM PRC hears pushback on El Paso Electric rate hike that could add $40 a month

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NM PRC hears pushback on El Paso Electric rate hike that could add  a month


Some El Paso Electric customers in New Mexico are speaking out against a proposed rate increase that could raise the average monthly household bill by more than $40 by late next year.

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which will decide whether to approve the proposal, held a public comment hearing earlier this week in Las Cruces.

During the meeting, customers and community members questioned the size of the request and whether the utility is doing enough to serve customers in southern New Mexico.

“This is a border town. It is a college town. It is a retiree town. It’s a military town. We’re not rich like Santa Fe, and the rates just keep going up and up and up,” said Kathy Lucero, a Las Cruces resident.

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“We ratepayers and energy consumers should not be asked to subsidize these excessive profits,” said Lynn Moore, a Dona Ana County resident.

El Paso Electric is asking for a $70.4 million increase to its base rates for customers in New Mexico.

El Paso Electric seeks $70.4M hike; average NM bills could rise nearly $42 a month

The utility says the request is needed to recover costs from more than $400 million in New Mexico system investments, including upgrades, reliability improvements and rising costs.

After the hearing, Israel Chavez, a local civil rights attorney, said accessibility is also a concern as the utility asks customers to pay more.

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“El Paso Electric closed its office on Water Street. There is no physical office to go to if you live with a disability, if you don’t have the technology to access your utility bill or to talk to somebody, there is no place to go unless you go to El Paso. And I think it’s wrong for El Paso Electric to cut services and then increase rates,” Chavez said.

In a statement addressing concerns about access, El Paso Electric said, “El Paso Electric continues to provide reliable service, along with a range of customer support resources to meet diverse needs, including assistance with account access, bill understanding, and payments.”

The utility added, “We recognize that changes like this can have its challenges, particularly for customers who may face barriers to technology or prefer in-person support. However, we remain committed to ensuring our customers feel supported and have access to the help they need when they need it.”

El Paso Electric said customers can still manage their accounts online, call customer care, or use authorized payment kiosks throughout its service area.

The New Mexico PRC has not made a final decision on the rate request.

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If approved, the increase would start taking effect next year in two phases.

FULL PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING

Final community meeting on proposed EPE rate hike in New Mexico draws mixed reactions

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