thedenverpost--2020-08-20--NCAA moves toward free year of eligibility for fall athletes

College athletes who play fall sports , including football , will be given a free year of eligibility no matter how much they compete over the next 10 months if an NCAA recommendation is approved later this week .
The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to recommend all athletes whose fall seasons are being altered by the pandemic should get the year of eligibility back .
The council also recommended the NCAA should pursue staging fall sports championships during the spring .
No recommendation was made for the size of the fields and how they should be picked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to participate .
“ We continue to be committed to providing opportunities wherever possible , ” said Council chairwoman M. Grace Calhoun , the athletic director at Penn .
Other fall sports include men ’ s and women ’ s soccer , volleyball , field hockey and cross country .
And the council approved the Football Oversight Committee ’ s plan to allow teams not playing in the fall to have 12 hours per week of mandatory activities that include strength and conditioning , meetings and noncontact , unpadded practices .
The proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Directors , which meets Friday .
If the board signs off — which is likely — all athletes , whether they play or opt out because of concerns about COVID-19 at any point during the 2020-21 academic year , will not be docked one of their four years of eligibility .
The NCAA made a similar decision earlier in the year when spring sports had their seasons cut short by the pandemic .
All of those athletes were permitted to get an extra year of eligibility , with seniors who wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits for the 2021 seasons .
The same thing will happen for fall sport athletes in 2021-22 .
Underclassmen will be guaranteed a waiver to get back the year of eligibility if they want during their careers , but they will count against roster and scholarship limits .
COVID-19 concerns have led all but six Division I leagues to postpone fall sports , with the hope of making them up in the spring semester .
But even those conferences that are moving toward a fall sports season — including the Southeastern Conference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decreased the number of games scheduled to be played and built in extra time in anticipation of disruptions caused by COVID-19 .
The Big Ten and Pac-12 are among the conferences looking into an alternative football season , starting maybe as soon as January .
“ It ’ s hard to penalize a guy a season of eligibility for things that aren ’ t in his control , ” California coach Justin Wilcox said before the council ’ s recommendation was handed down .
“ You put him in a difficult spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are you going to choose to play spring for this many games and that ’ ll cost you a year.
’ Because then guys are going to say , if it ’ s four games or three or six or whatever they ’ re going to do , then they ’ re going to say , ‘ Well , maybe I want to save it and play an entire season in ’ 21.
” The Mid-American Conference and Mountain West have also postponed fall sports among those in the NCAA ’ s highest-tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Division I known as FCS , which has an NCAA playoff , all the conferences have postponed fall sports season .
A few schools are scheduled to play nonconference football games .
The 12-hour schedule for football teams not slated to play over the next few months will kick in Monday and run through Oct. 4 .
“ I don ’ t agree at all with the 12 hours , ” Penn State Franklin said before it was approved .
“ That makes no sense that other teams are going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re only going to get to work with our guys for 12 hours .
You ’ ve got voting from basically all the different conferences , and right now , the only people voting in the best interests of the Big Ten are the people from the Big Ten.
” After several days of public outcry from players and their parents , Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said in a open letter that a fall season will not be revisited and the conference is evaluating winter/spring models for football .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons for all sports , including the return of football , ” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said .
AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow in Oakland , California , contributed to this report .

College athletes who play fall sports, including football, will be given a free year of eligibility no matter how much they compete over the next 10 months if an NCAA recommendation is approved later this week.
The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to recommend all athletes whose fall seasons are being altered by the pandemic should get the year of eligibility back. The council also recommended the NCAA should pursue staging fall sports championships during the spring. No recommendation was made for the size of the fields and how they should be picked, which will ultimately determine whether conferences choose to participate.
“We continue to be committed to providing opportunities wherever possible,” said Council chairwoman M. Grace Calhoun, the athletic director at Penn.
Other fall sports include men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, field hockey and cross country.
And the council approved the Football Oversight Committee’s plan to allow teams not playing in the fall to have 12 hours per week of mandatory activities that include strength and conditioning, meetings and noncontact, unpadded practices.
The proposals need approval by the Division I Board of Directors, which meets Friday. If the board signs off — which is likely — all athletes, whether they play or opt out because of concerns about COVID-19 at any point during the 2020-21 academic year, will not be docked one of their four years of eligibility.
The NCAA made a similar decision earlier in the year when spring sports had their seasons cut short by the pandemic. All of those athletes were permitted to get an extra year of eligibility, with seniors who wanted to return not counting against roster or scholarship limits for the 2021 seasons.
The same thing will happen for fall sport athletes in 2021-22.
Underclassmen will be guaranteed a waiver to get back the year of eligibility if they want during their careers, but they will count against roster and scholarship limits.
COVID-19 concerns have led all but six Division I leagues to postpone fall sports, with the hope of making them up in the spring semester.
But even those conferences that are moving toward a fall sports season — including the Southeastern Conference, Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference — have decreased the number of games scheduled to be played and built in extra time in anticipation of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
The Big Ten and Pac-12 are among the conferences looking into an alternative football season, starting maybe as soon as January.
“It’s hard to penalize a guy a season of eligibility for things that aren’t in his control,” California coach Justin Wilcox said before the council’s recommendation was handed down.
“You put him in a difficult spot if you say, ‘OK, are you going to choose to play spring for this many games and that’ll cost you a year.’ Because then guys are going to say, if it’s four games or three or six or whatever they’re going to do, then they’re going to say, ‘Well, maybe I want to save it and play an entire season in ’21.”
The Mid-American Conference and Mountain West have also postponed fall sports among those in the NCAA’s highest-tier of football. In the second tier of Division I known as FCS, which has an NCAA playoff, all the conferences have postponed fall sports season. A few schools are scheduled to play nonconference football games.
The 12-hour schedule for football teams not slated to play over the next few months will kick in Monday and run through Oct. 4.
“I don’t agree at all with the 12 hours,” Penn State Franklin said before it was approved. “That makes no sense that other teams are going to be having a season, and we’re only going to get to work with our guys for 12 hours. You’ve got voting from basically all the different conferences, and right now, the only people voting in the best interests of the Big Ten are the people from the Big Ten.”
After several days of public outcry from players and their parents, Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said in a open letter that a fall season will not be revisited and the conference is evaluating winter/spring models for football.
“We are actively planning for the winter and spring seasons for all sports, including the return of football,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said.
___
AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow in Oakland, California, contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Lawsuit targets federal plan that would allow more drilling on public lands in southwest Colorado

Environmental organizations are suing to scrap a management plan that would allow oil and gas drilling across public lands in southwestern Colorado .
Six environmental groups filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Denver on Wednesday against the Bureau of Land Management and the Interior Department , the BLM ’ s parent agency .
The groups claim the plan violates federal environmental laws because it didn ’ t consider reasonable alternatives or take a hard look at the potential greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on the climate .
The groups also filed a notice of their intent to sue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Colorado BLM ’ s Uncompahgre Field Office violates the federal Endangered Species Act by not ensuring the protection of Gunnison sage grouse .
The bird , the greater sage grouse ’ s smaller cousin , is found only in western Colorado and Utah and was designated as threatened in 2015 , triggering federal protections .
In 2019 , environmentalists and Colorado wildlife officials voiced concerns about the bird ’ s dropping numbers .
“ The Gunnison sage grouse is presently experiencing catastrophic declines rangewide , ” Talasi Brooks , a staff attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ The plan ’ s business-as-usual approach falls far short of the urgent action required to preserve this species from the effects of rampant livestock grazing and oil and gas development.
” BLM spokesman Jayson Barangan said the agency had not received the complaint and couldn ’ t comment on pending litigation .
The resource management plan , released in April , includes federally managed lands in Montrose , Gunnison , Ouray , Mesa , Delta and San Miguel counties .
The BLM manages 675,800 surface acres and 971,220 acres of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coal , in the area .
The plan will guide management decisions and energy development for the next 20 years on nearly 1.7 million acres of mountains , woodlands and red-rock deserts .
It would allow drilling on more than half of the public lands and coal mining on another 371,000 acres , according to the environmental groups .
Diana Dascalu-Joffe , an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity , said in a statement that the plan “ will worsen the climate catastrophe by plundering these beautiful public lands with filthy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations want the court to block any drilling or mining in the area and set the plan aside .
The BLM plan , in the works for several years , has also drawn opposition from residents in the North Fork Valley who don ’ t want to see more drilling in the area .
The valley has become known for its organic farms , wineries and artists .
Critics of the plan have accused the BLM of approving a management scheme that wasn ’ t one of the four presented to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have said they collaborated with a broad range of interest groups and provided multiple opportunities for public input .

Environmental organizations are suing to scrap a management plan that would allow oil and gas drilling across public lands in southwestern Colorado.
Six environmental groups filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Denver on Wednesday against the Bureau of Land Management and the Interior Department, the BLM’s parent agency. The groups claim the plan violates federal environmental laws because it didn’t consider reasonable alternatives or take a hard look at the potential greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on the climate.
The groups also filed a notice of their intent to sue on grounds that the plan released by the Colorado BLM’s Uncompahgre Field Office violates the federal Endangered Species Act by not ensuring the protection of Gunnison sage grouse.
The bird, the greater sage grouse’s smaller cousin, is found only in western Colorado and Utah and was designated as threatened in 2015, triggering federal protections. In 2019, environmentalists and Colorado wildlife officials voiced concerns about the bird’s dropping numbers.
“The Gunnison sage grouse is presently experiencing catastrophic declines rangewide,” Talasi Brooks, a staff attorney with Western Watersheds Project said in a statement. “The plan’s business-as-usual approach falls far short of the urgent action required to preserve this species from the effects of rampant livestock grazing and oil and gas development.”
BLM spokesman Jayson Barangan said the agency had not received the complaint and couldn’t comment on pending litigation.
The resource management plan, released in April, includes federally managed lands in Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, Mesa, Delta and San Miguel counties. The BLM manages 675,800 surface acres and 971,220 acres of minerals, including oil, gas and coal, in the area.
The plan will guide management decisions and energy development for the next 20 years on nearly 1.7 million acres of mountains, woodlands and red-rock deserts. It would allow drilling on more than half of the public lands and coal mining on another 371,000 acres, according to the environmental groups.
Diana Dascalu-Joffe, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement that the plan “will worsen the climate catastrophe by plundering these beautiful public lands with filthy, water-guzzling fracking and drilling.”
The environmental organizations want the court to block any drilling or mining in the area and set the plan aside.
The BLM plan, in the works for several years, has also drawn opposition from residents in the North Fork Valley who don’t want to see more drilling in the area. The valley has become known for its organic farms, wineries and artists.
Critics of the plan have accused the BLM of approving a management scheme that wasn’t one of the four presented to the public and discussed through the process. BLM officials have said they collaborated with a broad range of interest groups and provided multiple opportunities for public input.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Leadville woman sentenced to 35 years in prison for boyfriend’s murder

A Leadville woman was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison for running over her boyfriend with a car and @ @ @ @ @ , 59 , was convicted in February of second-degree murder for the July 8 , @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Martinez on James Street in Leadville , according to a Lake County district attorney @ @ @ @ @ .
“ After five long years , the family and friends of John Martinez are @ @ @ @ @ semblance of justice , ” said Assistant District Attorney Johnny Lombardi , lead prosecutor , @ @ @ @ @ I want to thank the men and women of law enforcement across this state who @ @ @ @ @ Day was held accountable for her brutal and hideous act of violence .
Our hearts @ @ @ @ @ family.
” Day also was found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving @ @ @ @ @ reckless driving , and careless driving resulting in death .

A Leadville woman was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison for running over her boyfriend with a car and killing him.
Maria Day, 59, was convicted in February of second-degree murder for the July 8, 2015, death of John Alexander Martinez on James Street in Leadville, according to a Lake County district attorney’s office news release.
“After five long years, the family and friends of John Martinez are finally able to have some semblance of justice,” said Assistant District Attorney Johnny Lombardi, lead prosecutor, in the release. “I want to thank the men and women of law enforcement across this state who spent countless hours ensuring Maria Day was held accountable for her brutal and hideous act of violence. Our hearts remain heavy for the Martinez family.”
Day also was found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, vehicular homicide reckless driving, and careless driving resulting in death.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Avalanche advances to second round with dominating victory over Coyotes in Game 5

The Avs were again awesome .
Again .
Nathan MacKinnon , Nazem Kadri and the rest of the highly confident and composed Avalanche breezed into the second round of the Western Conference playoffs by dismantling Arizona 7-1 , again , on Wednesday at Rogers Place .
Colorado also won 7-1 on Monday in Game 4 , reaching seven goals in consecutive playoff games for the first time in team history .
The Avs ’ 22 goals against Arizona are also a club record for a playoff series decided in five games .
“ Our time has arrived , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streak to eight games .
“ We haven ’ t won anything but it ’ s definitely a different feel after winning this series .
We ’ re a hungry group.
” MacKinnon and Kadri , the Avs ’ top two centers , each had two goals Wednesday and five other Avs had multiple points in eliminating the Coyotes in five games .
Arizona goalie Darcy Kuemper , the Game 3 hero with 49 saves , was pulled after two periods for the second straight game , with Arizona down 6-0 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cares about each other , ” MacKinnon added .
“ We really feel we have great chemistry and there ’ s a good vibe to our team .
So it ’ s great to get these playoffs off on the right foot .
We ’ ve played hard in all five games and we ’ re ready for whoever we play in the second round.
” No .
2-seeded Colorado , which outscored the Coyotes 22-8 in the series , followed the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights in becoming the West ’ s second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Dallas in the conference quarterfinals if the Stars defeat Calgary in Game 6 of that series Thursday .
Colorado could also potentially play St. Louis or Vancouver if the Flames rally to down Dallas .
No team is playing as well as the Avalanche , though , which is 6-1-1 overall in these playoffs .
“ It ’ s been unbelievable to watch , ” said Avs goalie Philipp Grubauer , who finished 4-0 in the series and had little business at his end of the ice .
“ First game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compete down at the other end .
It ’ s the way we want to play and it ’ s been amazing to watch .
I think we found our rhythm here and we got to make sure we move forward with the same effort in the next round.
” The Avs scored three times in each of the first two periods .
Similar to Game 4 , they came out flying and put Arizona on its heels .
The Coyotes took the game ’ s first two penalties and Colorado capitalized on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girard putting pucks past Kuemper on the power play .
Kadri scored on a breakaway late in the period as Colorado had all the momentum after the first period .
In the second period , MacKinnon had a hand in all three goals , scoring the first two , the latter on the power play .
The Avs probably would have swept the series if Kuemper wasn ’ t so stellar in the Avs ’ 51-shot attack in Game 3 .
“ We stuck to our gameplan .
Even though we lost Game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just kind of kept playing our game , ” said Avs captain Gabe Landeskog , who had two assists Wednesday .
“ We kept saying early on in the series , ‘ We ’ re going to wear them down.
’ That was kind of our gameplan and we stuck to it.
” The Avs are probably playing with as much confidence as they did through the 70-game regular season .
It ’ s Stanley Cup or bust .
“ You have to be focused .
You have to be dialed-in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make plays , ” said Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov , who scored the seventh goal in Game 5 .
“ Our group , we ’ re really confident .
We ’ re really prepared for the playoffs — physically , mentally , both .
”

The Avs were again awesome. Again.
Nathan MacKinnon, Nazem Kadri and the rest of the highly confident and composed Avalanche breezed into the second round of the Western Conference playoffs by dismantling Arizona 7-1, again, on Wednesday at Rogers Place. Colorado also won 7-1 on Monday in Game 4, reaching seven goals in consecutive playoff games for the first time in team history. The Avs’ 22 goals against Arizona are also a club record for a playoff series decided in five games.
“Our time has arrived,” said MacKinnon, who extended his playoff points streak to eight games. “We haven’t won anything but it’s definitely a different feel after winning this series. We’re a hungry group.”
MacKinnon and Kadri, the Avs’ top two centers, each had two goals Wednesday and five other Avs had multiple points in eliminating the Coyotes in five games. Arizona goalie Darcy Kuemper, the Game 3 hero with 49 saves, was pulled after two periods for the second straight game, with Arizona down 6-0.
“We’re a group that really cares about each other,” MacKinnon added. “We really feel we have great chemistry and there’s a good vibe to our team. So it’s great to get these playoffs off on the right foot. We’ve played hard in all five games and we’re ready for whoever we play in the second round.”
No. 2-seeded Colorado, which outscored the Coyotes 22-8 in the series, followed the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights in becoming the West’s second team to advance.
The Avs will face Dallas in the conference quarterfinals if the Stars defeat Calgary in Game 6 of that series Thursday. Colorado could also potentially play St. Louis or Vancouver if the Flames rally to down Dallas.
No team is playing as well as the Avalanche, though, which is 6-1-1 overall in these playoffs.
“It’s been unbelievable to watch,” said Avs goalie Philipp Grubauer, who finished 4-0 in the series and had little business at his end of the ice. “First game, second game, you watch those guys compete down at the other end. It’s the way we want to play and it’s been amazing to watch. I think we found our rhythm here and we got to make sure we move forward with the same effort in the next round.”
The Avs scored three times in each of the first two periods. Similar to Game 4, they came out flying and put Arizona on its heels. The Coyotes took the game’s first two penalties and Colorado capitalized on both, with Kadri and defenseman Sam Girard putting pucks past Kuemper on the power play.
Kadri scored on a breakaway late in the period as Colorado had all the momentum after the first period. In the second period, MacKinnon had a hand in all three goals, scoring the first two, the latter on the power play.
The Avs probably would have swept the series if Kuemper wasn’t so stellar in the Avs’ 51-shot attack in Game 3.
“We stuck to our gameplan. Even though we lost Game 3, we came back at them and just kind of kept playing our game,” said Avs captain Gabe Landeskog, who had two assists Wednesday. “We kept saying early on in the series, ‘We’re going to wear them down.’ That was kind of our gameplan and we stuck to it.”
The Avs are probably playing with as much confidence as they did through the 70-game regular season. It’s Stanley Cup or bust.
“You have to be focused. You have to be dialed-in and you also have to be confident to make plays,” said Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who scored the seventh goal in Game 5. “Our group, we’re really confident. We’re really prepared for the playoffs — physically, mentally, both.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Red Canyon fire south of Glenwood Springs prompts evacuations

A new wildfire has prompted evacuations south of Glenwood Springs .
The Red Canyon fire , which was initially named @ @ @ @ @ at about 4 p.m. Wednesday near Garfield County Road 115 and Fisher Cemetery Road , @ @ @ @ @ Rural Fire Protection District .
The fire was reported to be about 40 acres , @ @ @ @ @ “ High Aspen Residences , Coulter Ranch and Homestead Estates are being evacuated.
” An @ @ @ @ @ up at Roaring Fork High School , 2270 CO-133 , Carbondale .
A much larger @ @ @ @ @ Creek fire , is burning in the Glenwood Canyon area and has shut down Interstate @ @ @ @ @ week .
The Red Canyon fire is burning through grass and brush .
Garfield County @ @ @ @ @ residents south of County Road 115 , north of County Road 113 , and west @ @ @ @ @ Resources from the Grizzly Creek fire responded to the Red Canyon fire Wednesday including two @ @ @ @ @ tanker , seven engines and a water tender .

A new wildfire prompted evacuations south of Glenwood Springs but firefighters, including some fighting the nearby Grizzly Creek fire, brought the fire under control and evacuations were lifted.
The Red Canyon fire, which was initially named Fisher Creek fire, started at about 4 p.m. Wednesday near Garfield County Road 115 and Fisher Cemetery Road, according to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District.
The fire was reported to be about 40 acres, the fire department said: “High Aspen Residences, Coulter Ranch and Homestead Estates are being evacuated.”
An evacuation center was set up at Roaring Fork High School, 2270 CO-133, Carbondale.
A much larger wildfire, the 29,000-acre Grizzly Creek fire, is burning in the Glenwood Canyon area and has shut down Interstate 70 for more than a week.
The Red Canyon fire burned through grass and brush. Garfield County issued evacuation notices for residents south of County Road 115, north of County Road 113, and west of County Road 121.
But at about 8 p.m. the sheriff’s office announced that the fire is under control and the evacuations were lifted, allowing residents to go home.
Resources from the Grizzly Creek fire that responded to the Red Canyon fire Wednesday included two helicopters, a single-engine air tanker, seven engines and a water tender. The Grizzly Creek team also sent firefighters to help battle the Red Canyon fire.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Broncos podcast: Breaking down the first full week of training camp with analysis on early standouts

Broncos podcast: Breaking down the first full week of training camp with analysis on early standouts, Drew Lock and more

Fully healthy once again , the tight end said he now embraces the adversity he had to overcome to get @ @ @ @ @ be in contention to make the Broncos ' roster heading into the season opener on @ @ @

Ryan O’Halloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. A native of North Dakota and graduate of Kansas State, O’Halloran previously covered the Washington Redskins for eight years, primarily at The Washington Times, and the Jacksonville Jaguars for six years at The Florida Times-Union. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors seven times for his work. He was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year in 2019.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--U.S. jobless claims jump back above 1 million in face of coronavirus

WASHINGTON — The number of laid-off workers seeking U.S. unemployment benefits rose to 1.1 million last week after two weeks of declines , evidence that many employers are still slashing jobs as the coronavirus bedevils the U.S. economy .
The latest figures suggest that more than five months after the viral outbreak erupted the economy is still weak , despite recent gains as some businesses reopen and some sectors like housing and manufacturing have rebounded .
A rising number of people who have lost jobs say they consider their loss to be permanent .
The total number of people receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to 14.8 million , the government said Thursday .
Those recipients are now receiving far less aid because a $ 600-a-week federal benefit has expired , which means the unemployed must now get by solely on much smaller aid from their states .
The loss of the federal benefit has deepened the struggles for many , including a higher risk of eviction from their homes .
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to provide $ 300 a week in federal unemployment aid , with money drawn from a disaster relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will apply for the federal money , though they would need to revamp their computer systems to do so .
Other states are still considering whether to take that step ; two have said they won ’ t .
Some states may be hesitating to overhaul their unemployment systems because they expect Congress to eventually pass a new rescue package with an enhanced jobless benefit that might not require any changes .
In states that decide to pay out the $ 300 , the government estimates it would take three weeks , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money to the unemployed .
And initially only enough money is being allotted to cover three weeks of payments .
Even with subsequent grants , analysts estimate that there would be enough money to last only five or six weeks .
The continuing stream of layoffs comes against the backdrop of a modest recovery from a deep recession and a virus that is still paralyzing much of the economy .
Home construction and sales have bounced back .
So have auto purchases .
But spending on travel , entertainment and many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling .
And unemployment , at 10.2 % , remains elevated .
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE .
AP ’ s earlier story is below : The government will provide its latest snapshot Thursday of the pace of layoffs in the United States , which have declined steadily but remain stuck at a high level with the economy still in the grip of the viral pandemic that erupted in March .
The number of applications that were reported last week fell below 1 million after 20 straight weeks above that level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ still painfully high .
Before the viral outbreak , the weekly figure had never topped 700,000 , even during the Great Recession .
The latest string of layoffs follows the expiration of a $ 600 weekly federal check that provided vital support for millions of laid-off Americans .
Negotiations in Congress to extend that benefit , though at a lower level of payment , have collapsed .
The Trump administration is offering a new $ 300-a-week federal benefit , which states need to apply for and must revamp their computer systems to accommodate @

WASHINGTON — The number of laid-off workers seeking U.S. unemployment benefits rose to 1.1 million last week after two weeks of declines, evidence that many employers are still slashing jobs as the coronavirus bedevils the U.S. economy.
The latest figures suggest that more than five months after the viral outbreak erupted the economy is still weak, despite recent gains as some businesses reopen and some sectors like housing and manufacturing have rebounded. A rising number of people who have lost jobs say they consider their loss to be permanent.
In Colorado, where Gov. Jared Polis has shown a willingness to re-open and then close or limit their operations again based on the amount of virus circulating among residents new filings continued to climb last week after steady declines through much of May and June. Another 18,751 people applied for benefits, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced Thursday.
The total marks the third straight week the number of new claims has climbed and is the highest total since more than 20,000 people filed during the week ending June 20, according to state data. In total, more than 713,000 unemployment claims have been filed in the state since COVID-19 took hold in mid March.
In an analysis released Thursday morning, WalletHub ranked Colorado 37th among all states and Washington D.C. when it comes to the speed at which its unemployment claims numbers are recovering since the outset of the pandemic. New claims filed last in the state last week are up more than 182% compared to the first week of the year, according to WalletHub.
For the fourth week in a row, claims for federally funded Pandemic Unemployment Assitance, or PUA claims outpaced applications for regular state benefits in Colorado. PUA claims totaled 11,809 last week, while state claims were 6,942, according to the labor department. PUA filings, which are harder for the state to verify, have been beset by fraud, state officials say.
More than 288,000 Coloradans filed continuing claims for benefits for the week ending Aug. 8, slightly higher than the 280,800 who did so the week ending Aug. 1, the labor department says. The continuing need for support is a sign that many of the state’s job losses during the pandemic are long-term if not permanent.
The total number of Americans receiving unemployment aid declined last week from 15.5 million to 14.8 million, the government said Thursday. Those recipients are now receiving far less aid because a $600-a-week federal benefit has expired, which means the unemployed must now get by solely on much smaller aid from their states. The loss of the federal benefit has deepened the struggles for many, including a higher risk of eviction from their homes.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to provide $300 a week in federal unemployment aid, with money drawn from a disaster relief fund. Twenty-five states have said they will apply for the federal money, though they would need to revamp their computer systems to do so. Other states are still considering whether to take that step; two have said they won’t.
Some states may be hesitating to overhaul their unemployment systems because they expect Congress to eventually pass a new rescue package with an enhanced jobless benefit that might not require any changes.
In states that decide to pay out the $300, the government estimates it would take three weeks, on average, for the states to send the money to the unemployed. And initially only enough money is being allotted to cover three weeks of payments. Even with subsequent grants, analysts estimate that there would be enough money to last only five or six weeks.
Colorado received approval for that funding on Wednesday, one of the first states to tap into the program. The money is set to cover the weeks from July 26 through Aug. 15 with more federal funding possible after that. The state labor department says it expects to start distributing that money to people who qualify for the program in the middle of September.
In a statement sent to The Denver Post on Wednesday, Colorado’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet called the program, “woefully insufficient” and pushed for Congress to work on another bi-partisan COVID-19 relief package.
The continuing stream of layoffs comes against the backdrop of a modest recovery from a deep recession and a virus that is still paralyzing much of the economy. Home construction and sales have bounced back. So have auto purchases. But spending on travel, entertainment and many other services remains weak. Small businesses are struggling. And unemployment, at 10.2%, remains elevated.
The government will provide its latest snapshot Thursday of the pace of layoffs in the United States, which have declined steadily but remain stuck at a high level with the economy still in the grip of the viral pandemic that erupted in March.
The number of applications that were reported last week fell below 1 million after 20 straight weeks above that level. Yet at roughly 960,000, it was still painfully high. Before the viral outbreak, the weekly figure had never topped 700,000, even during the Great Recession.
The latest string of layoffs follows the expiration of a $600 weekly federal check that provided vital support for millions of laid-off Americans. Negotiations in Congress to extend that benefit, though at a lower level of payment, have collapsed. The Trump administration is offering a new $300-a-week federal benefit, which states need to apply for and must revamp their computer systems to accommodate.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--5 takeaways from the Avalanche’s Game 5 victory that eliminated Arizona

The Avalanche advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with another dominating 7-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes at Rogers Place in Edmonton .
Wednesday ’ s victory mirrored Monday ’ s 7-1 rout in the same building and lands Colorado in the second round for the second consecutive year .
Five takeaways : 1 .
A nice dinner and buckets of beer were undoubtedly served at the team hotel Wednesday night .
But there probably wasn ’ t a substantial celebration like the spring of 2019 when the Avs upset Western Conference regular-season champion Calgary in the first round .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s only postseason goal is to win the Stanley Cup .
Winning a round doesn ’ t call for celebration .
The only major celebration will occur if Colorado wins the Cup .
2 .
Second-line center Nazem Kadri had seven points ( five goals ) in the series and his four power-play goals came at key times for the Avalanche .
Tough to name a series MVP with Nathan MacKinnon in the running ( 10 points , three goals ) , but Kadri is certainly in contention .
Kadri didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series and was an offensive force .
3 .
Offensive chances and Grade-A opportunities weren ’ t comparable between the teams .
The entire series .
Colorado ’ s key to Game 5 was the same as in Game 4 — use its dominant speed and skill and push the pace from the first drop of the puck .
The Coyotes couldn ’ t keep up and took the first penalties in Game 5 , resulting in two Avalanche power-play goals .
And the Avs didn ’ t take their first penalty in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
Shutdown defenseman Ian Cole led the Avalanche in ice time at 21:21 and MacKinnon played a series-low 13:46 .
Those are ideal numbers for a confident team that builds a big lead and knows it ’ s going to win .
5 .
The Avalanche is dominating special teams .
The power play went 3-of-4 in Game 5 and the penalty kill was a perfect 2-for-2 .
For the series , the Avs scored seven times with the man-advantage on 20 opportunities — a sizzling 35 % success rate .

The Avalanche advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with another dominating 7-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Wednesday’s victory mirrored Monday’s 7-1 rout in the same building and lands Colorado in the second round for the second consecutive year. Five takeaways:
1. A nice dinner and buckets of beer were undoubtedly served at the team hotel Wednesday night. But there probably wasn’t a substantial celebration like the spring of 2019 when the Avs upset Western Conference regular-season champion Calgary in the first round. This year, it was expected and Colorado’s only postseason goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Winning a round doesn’t call for celebration. The only major celebration will occur if Colorado wins the Cup.
Nathan MacKinnon comparing this team to a year ago, when #Avs felt fortunate to beat Calgary in first round pic.twitter.com/zbYp3t0i53 — Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) August 20, 2020
2. Second-line center Nazem Kadri had seven points (five goals) in the series and his four power-play goals came at key times for the Avalanche. Tough to name a series MVP with Nathan MacKinnon in the running (10 points, three goals), but Kadri is certainly in contention. Kadri didn’t commit a penalty in the series and was an offensive force.
3. Offensive chances and Grade-A opportunities weren’t comparable between the teams. The entire series. Colorado’s key to Game 5 was the same as in Game 4 — use its dominant speed and skill and push the pace from the first drop of the puck. The Coyotes couldn’t keep up and took the first penalties in Game 5, resulting in two Avalanche power-play goals. And the Avs didn’t take their first penalty in Game 5 until the third period.
4. Shutdown defenseman Ian Cole led the Avalanche in ice time at 21:21 and MacKinnon played a series-low 13:46. Those are ideal numbers for a confident team that builds a big lead and knows it’s going to win.
5. The Avalanche is dominating special teams. The power play went 3-of-4 in Game 5 and the penalty kill was a perfect 2-for-2. For the series, the Avs scored seven times with the man-advantage on 20 opportunities — a sizzling 35% success rate.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--“What’s next? An asteroid?” Wildfire, pandemic drop double whammy on Glenwood Springs

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Homemade plastic barriers have been hung between booths inside the Daily Bread cafe , part of the Bartnik family ’ s solution to preventing COVID-19 ’ s spread in their small restaurant .
Joanna and Mark Bartnik felt like they had figured out the coronavirus pandemic this summer , and the cafe they ’ ve owned for 18 years was making a comeback .
Then on Aug. 10 they saw smoke billowing over the Grizzly Creek ridge just outside of town .
Within a week , business crashed for the second time this year .
“ Right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Business is worse than when we reopened after COVID , ” Joanna Bartnik said .
“ This was supposed to be our busy time where we would recover some of our COVID losses.
” The pandemic and fire are a brutal one-two punch that almost have leveled Glenwood Springs ’ economy .
And they come after a lengthy Grand Avenue Bridge project tested everyone ’ s patience before wrapping up in November 2017 .
In a typical year , August is one of the busiest months as families travel from Denver , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip before school starts .
They come to soak in mineral springs , hike to Hanging Lake and explore caves at an adventure park .
But August 2020 is anything but typical .
The Grizzly Creek fire has burned more than 29,000 acres around Glenwood Canyon , forcing transportation officials to close Interstate 70 with no estimated time for reopening .
The three-hour trip between Denver and Glenwood Springs expanded to nearly five hours , and pictures of smoke clouding the town further deter people from making the trip .
At the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , compared to 180 diners when things are normal , Joanna Bartnik said .
She was considering closing until the worst of the fire is over .
“ We just have to take a deep breath and get through it , ” she said .
It ’ s too soon to tell just how deep the pandemic and fire will cut .
Debra Figueroa , Glenwood Springs ’ city manager , estimated the town lost $ 2 million in taxable sales in the first week I-70 was closed .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekly losses experienced during the pandemic shutdown , she said .
On top of tax losses , the fire threatens the city ’ s water supply , and fire managers believe it has damaged the watershed that supplies the town ’ s drinking water , Figueroa said .
Early assessments estimated the cost of those damages to be up to $ 20 million , she said .
Gates on the water flow at Grizzly Creek were closed to protect the No Name drainage , cutting the city ’ s water supply in half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawing from the Roaring Fork River .
But it ’ s not enough to meet the city ’ s daily needs and have enough left over to fight a fire in town .
Residents and businesses are asked to reduce their usage .
At the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Resort , operations director Kevin Flohr closed the new Shoshone Chutes whitewater river .
The chutes draw from the city ’ s water supply rather than the hot springs that fill the giant swimming pool , he said .
It ’ s also expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make artificial rapids .
“ It ’ s a casualty of the fire , ” Flohr said .
“ It ’ s so expensive to run you can ’ t afford to run it without more people here.
” Flohr declined to share the resort ’ s daily attendance numbers , but even a first-time visitor could see the empty chairs around the pool .
On Tuesday , only one of three ticket booths was open and a lone cashier chatted with a resort hostess in the empty room .
Already , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections among guests .
The indoor restaurant closed .
A new poolside layout keeps people separated .
Stickers on the floor designate six-foot separation points between customers in line for tickets .
“ If this was two weeks ago , you ’ d see people flowing through here , ” Flohr said as he stood in the pool ’ s lobby .
“ Our plan was making us succeed.
” In the pool Tuesday a few dozen people , mostly locals , swam despite smoke rising from the surrounding mountains .
Alois Gettinger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 , soaked their aching bodies in the 90-degree mineral water .
The two became buddies at the pool , and when Gettinger was forced to evacuate his home in No Name , Janus offered his friend a room at his house .
“ I ’ ve had just about enough .
I ’ d like to be able to come out and take a breath of fresh air , ” Janus said .
“ The warm water soaking the hurting bones is more important than the lungs.
” “ Never seen it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mineral pool , the gondola to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park was idle .
Rather than visitors touring caves and riding the Giant Canyon Swing that slings them over a cliff , firefighters have established a base camp .
White fire hoses primed with water stretch along the sidewalks , and temporary water tanks sit near carved wooden bears and covered wagons that normally serve as photo ops for families .
Hot shot crews cut a swatch along the mountainside to serve as a fire break , and airplanes and helicopters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red fire retardant on the neighboring mountainsides .
When the fire erupted , owner Steve Beckley sent the park ’ s 250 employees home — again .
Already the park had closed for the coronavirus pandemic for almost three months , but Beckley was optimistic after reopening in early June .
“ We kind of had it figured out and we were pretty close to last year ’ s revenue , ” he said .
Park attendance declined about 28 % in July from the same month in 2019 , but those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Because of limited capacity , the park did not offer its usual discounts so people paid regular ticket prices .
They spent more on food , beverage and souvenirs , he said .
Beckley also owns the Iron Mountain Hot Springs , where just one couple soaked Tuesday afternoon in the 16 geothermal pools and two families splashed in the swimming pool .
Because of COVID-19 , the resort limits usage , by limiting visitors to two hours inside and requiring reservations .
A sign outside Tuesday showed availability for all 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus did not deter DeeAnn Ritchie from making the nearly five-hour drive from Denver to take her niece and nephew who were visiting from Seattle to see the area .
She grew up going to Glenwood Springs for weekend getaways and wanted to share the experience with her family .
“ To me , it ’ s supporting local business , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve never seen it this slow .
It ’ s heartbreaking with COVID and now the fire.
” Inside the Confetti Designs boutique , owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited for tourists to return .
Her friend , Anne Durkin , strolled inside , announcing , “ My corks are popped right now !
” as the two women started talking about the fire and Sharpe ’ s news that another grandchild is on the way .
“ We ’ re going to come back strong ” Glenwood Springs was doing well after the new Grand Avenue Bridge and adjacent pedestrian bridge rejuvenated the area , Sharpe said .
“ Before the fire , that was just hopping , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be downtown.
” People in Glenwood Springs are optimistic , though .
They point to the canyon and say they will be as resilient as it is .
The region has been scarred by fires before ; almost everyone talks about the 1994 South Canyon fire that killed 14 firefighters who died after getting trapped on Storm King Mountain .
“ It puts things in perspective , ” Flohr said .
“ How important is everything when you see that ?
” When word came that Hanging Lake survived after fire reached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s critically important to our community , ” Figueroa said .
“ There is such a strong connection .
It was good for morale .
It was a big deal for us.
” Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers free admission to firefighters and even provides swim trunks .
Restaurants and hotels give discounts to fire crews , and thank-you signs hang in windows throughout town .
At the adventure park , Beckley cooks batches of fudge for firefighters camping in the plaza .
On Tuesday , he thanked two firefighters repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cave tour .
Beckley is prepared for his park to be closed for another couple of weeks .
He hopes to reopen for Labor Day weekend — one last push before summer transitions to fall , when attendance drops .
Workers are ready to return and reopen the park at a moment ’ s notice .
“ Glenwood is a great place and we ’ re going to come back strong when this is done , ” he said .

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Homemade plastic barriers have been hung between booths inside the Daily Bread cafe, part of the Bartnik family’s solution to preventing COVID-19’s spread in their small restaurant.
Joanna and Mark Bartnik felt like they had figured out the coronavirus pandemic this summer, and the cafe they’ve owned for 18 years was making a comeback.
Then on Aug. 10 they saw smoke billowing over the Grizzly Creek ridge just outside of town. Within a week, business crashed for the second time this year.
“Right now, it’s really bad. Business is worse than when we reopened after COVID,” Joanna Bartnik said. “This was supposed to be our busy time where we would recover some of our COVID losses.”
The pandemic and fire are a brutal one-two punch that almost have leveled Glenwood Springs’ economy. And they come after a lengthy Grand Avenue Bridge project tested everyone’s patience before wrapping up in November 2017.
“What’s next? An asteroid?” Bartnik asked.
In a typical year, August is one of the busiest months as families travel from Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs for one last trip before school starts. They come to soak in mineral springs, hike to Hanging Lake and explore caves at an adventure park.
But August 2020 is anything but typical.
The Grizzly Creek fire has burned more than 29,000 acres around Glenwood Canyon, forcing transportation officials to close Interstate 70 with no estimated time for reopening. The three-hour trip between Denver and Glenwood Springs expanded to nearly five hours, and pictures of smoke clouding the town further deter people from making the trip.
At the Daily Bread, the Bartniks served 30 people on Sunday, compared to 180 diners when things are normal, Joanna Bartnik said. She was considering closing until the worst of the fire is over.
“We just have to take a deep breath and get through it,” she said.
It’s too soon to tell just how deep the pandemic and fire will cut.
Debra Figueroa, Glenwood Springs’ city manager, estimated the town lost $2 million in taxable sales in the first week I-70 was closed. That’s based on the average amount of weekly losses experienced during the pandemic shutdown, she said.
On top of tax losses, the fire threatens the city’s water supply, and fire managers believe it has damaged the watershed that supplies the town’s drinking water, Figueroa said. Early assessments estimated the cost of those damages to be up to $20 million, she said.
Gates on the water flow at Grizzly Creek were closed to protect the No Name drainage, cutting the city’s water supply in half, she said. The town started drawing from the Roaring Fork River. But it’s not enough to meet the city’s daily needs and have enough left over to fight a fire in town. Residents and businesses are asked to reduce their usage.
“Casualty of the fire”
At the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, operations director Kevin Flohr closed the new Shoshone Chutes whitewater river. The chutes draw from the city’s water supply rather than the hot springs that fill the giant swimming pool, he said. It’s also expensive to run the pumps and motors that make artificial rapids.
“It’s a casualty of the fire,” Flohr said. “It’s so expensive to run you can’t afford to run it without more people here.”
Flohr declined to share the resort’s daily attendance numbers, but even a first-time visitor could see the empty chairs around the pool. On Tuesday, only one of three ticket booths was open and a lone cashier chatted with a resort hostess in the empty room.
Already, the resort changed its setup to prevent COVID-19 infections among guests. The indoor restaurant closed. A new poolside layout keeps people separated. Stickers on the floor designate six-foot separation points between customers in line for tickets.
“If this was two weeks ago, you’d see people flowing through here,” Flohr said as he stood in the pool’s lobby. “Our plan was making us succeed.”
In the pool Tuesday a few dozen people, mostly locals, swam despite smoke rising from the surrounding mountains.
Alois Gettinger, 88, and Chris Janus, 72, soaked their aching bodies in the 90-degree mineral water. The two became buddies at the pool, and when Gettinger was forced to evacuate his home in No Name, Janus offered his friend a room at his house.
“I’ve had just about enough. I’d like to be able to come out and take a breath of fresh air,” Janus said. “The warm water soaking the hurting bones is more important than the lungs.”
“Never seen it this slow”
Down the road from the mineral pool, the gondola to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park was idle. Rather than visitors touring caves and riding the Giant Canyon Swing that slings them over a cliff, firefighters have established a base camp.
White fire hoses primed with water stretch along the sidewalks, and temporary water tanks sit near carved wooden bears and covered wagons that normally serve as photo ops for families. Hot shot crews cut a swatch along the mountainside to serve as a fire break, and airplanes and helicopters have dropped hundreds of thousands of gallons of red fire retardant on the neighboring mountainsides.
When the fire erupted, owner Steve Beckley sent the park’s 250 employees home — again. Already the park had closed for the coronavirus pandemic for almost three months, but Beckley was optimistic after reopening in early June.
“We kind of had it figured out and we were pretty close to last year’s revenue,” he said.
Park attendance declined about 28% in July from the same month in 2019, but those who came spent more money, he said. Because of limited capacity, the park did not offer its usual discounts so people paid regular ticket prices. They spent more on food, beverage and souvenirs, he said.
Beckley also owns the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, where just one couple soaked Tuesday afternoon in the 16 geothermal pools and two families splashed in the swimming pool. Because of COVID-19, the resort limits usage, by limiting visitors to two hours inside and requiring reservations. A sign outside Tuesday showed availability for all 23 time slots.
But the fire and virus did not deter DeeAnn Ritchie from making the nearly five-hour drive from Denver to take her niece and nephew who were visiting from Seattle to see the area. She grew up going to Glenwood Springs for weekend getaways and wanted to share the experience with her family.
“To me, it’s supporting local business,” she said. “I’ve never seen it this slow. It’s heartbreaking with COVID and now the fire.”
Inside the Confetti Designs boutique, owner Sue Sharpe visited with friends as she waited for tourists to return. Her friend, Anne Durkin, strolled inside, announcing, “My corks are popped right now!” as the two women started talking about the fire and Sharpe’s news that another grandchild is on the way.
“We’re going to come back strong”
Glenwood Springs was doing well after the new Grand Avenue Bridge and adjacent pedestrian bridge rejuvenated the area, Sharpe said.
“Before the fire, that was just hopping,” she said. “It was so exciting to be downtown.”
People in Glenwood Springs are optimistic, though. They point to the canyon and say they will be as resilient as it is. The region has been scarred by fires before; almost everyone talks about the 1994 South Canyon fire that killed 14 firefighters who died after getting trapped on Storm King Mountain.
“It puts things in perspective,” Flohr said. “How important is everything when you see that?”
When word came that Hanging Lake survived after fire reached the area, locals felt relief.
“It’s critically important to our community,” Figueroa said. “There is such a strong connection. It was good for morale. It was a big deal for us.”
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers free admission to firefighters and even provides swim trunks. Restaurants and hotels give discounts to fire crews, and thank-you signs hang in windows throughout town.
At the adventure park, Beckley cooks batches of fudge for firefighters camping in the plaza. On Tuesday, he thanked two firefighters repeatedly as he took them on a free cave tour.
Beckley is prepared for his park to be closed for another couple of weeks. He hopes to reopen for Labor Day weekend — one last push before summer transitions to fall, when attendance drops. Workers are ready to return and reopen the park at a moment’s notice.
“Glenwood is a great place and we’re going to come back strong when this is done,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--More Denver immigrants could face deportation without a lawyer due to shortfall in city legal aid fu

More Denver immigrants could face deportation without a lawyer due to shortfall in city legal aid fund

Catalino Alvarado had lived in Denver for more than 20 years when he was detained by immigration enforcement officers and locked up in the Aurora detention facility .
He spent 41 days there , leaving his wife , a Denver native , and their two young children without any income .
He couldn ’ t afford an attorney .
Assuming he would be deported , Alvarado started to plan to move the entire family back to his native Guatemala .
“ I was hopeless , ” said Alvarado .
“ It ’ s the case of so many people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to defend myself or who to go to.
” After reading a poster at the detention center , he was able to get free legal help from Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network because of funding through the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund .
The attorney helped free him on bond and is working to craft a defense against deportation .
It changed everything for him , he said .
Alvarado was lucky .
Hundreds of other Denver residents face an immigration judge without a lawyer because there is no public defender system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could soon be added to that tally due to a shortfall in money for the Immigrant Legal Services Fund .
The fund funnels a combination of city dollars and private donations to four nonprofits that help indigent Denver residents fight deportation and apply for legal residence by providing legal assistance .
A $ 50,000 decline in money from the city paired with a drop in private donations has caused the fund ’ s 2020 budget to fall to $ 250,000 from the approximately $ 385,000 it received in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifted a lot of focus for folks , and rightfully so , but now we ’ re in a hopeful space where we ’ re trying to engage private support , ” Atim Otii , director of the city ’ s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs , said Wednesday during a presentation to a City Council committee .
During the 2019 fiscal year , 1,620 Denver residents faced deportation proceedings without an attorney — about two-thirds of the 2,478 city residents who faced removal , Otii said .
That includes more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal Aurora Contract Detention Facility without legal representation to help argue for their release while proceedings continue .
For those detainees , many of whom are the main breadwinner of their household , that means prolonged and indefinite confinement , said Sarah Plastino , senior staff attorney at Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network .
“ Immigration detention is civil detention , not criminal , ” she said .
“ But the detention centers are built like jails.
” When facing deportation , the burden of proof is on the immigrant , who must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ savvy government lawyer , Plastino said .
Many of the legal cases take years and are complex .
If an extra $ 150,000 is not found for the fund , three of the four nonprofits that use the money will have to significantly cut back the number of Denver residents they can help , Otii said .
The money has helped provide legal representation for 270 people since its creation in 2018 .
Even at last year ’ s funding level , the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network estimated , at least 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were eligible for the program but did not receive services because there wasn ’ t enough money .
Last year , the network ’ s attorneys represented 42 Denver residents through the program , many of whom have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade .
Several council members voiced support for the program and finding additional funding .
“ Given that it was hard fought , I would hate to see it die on the vine , ” Councilwoman Jamie Torres said .
The work is important , Councilman Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scratching the surface .
It would take significantly more money — at least a million dollars — to pay for representation for every person eligible , Otii said .

Catalino Alvarado had lived in Denver for more than 20 years when he was detained by immigration enforcement officers and locked up in the Aurora detention facility.
He spent 41 days there, leaving his wife, a Denver native, and their two young children without any income. He couldn’t afford an attorney. Assuming he would be deported, Alvarado started to plan to move the entire family back to his native Guatemala.
“I was hopeless,” said Alvarado. “It’s the case of so many people in there. I didn’t know how to defend myself or who to go to.”
After reading a poster at the detention center, he was able to get free legal help from Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network because of funding through the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund. The attorney helped free him on bond and is working to craft a defense against deportation. It changed everything for him, he said.
Alvarado was lucky. Hundreds of other Denver residents face an immigration judge without a lawyer because there is no public defender system in immigration court. Even more people could soon be added to that tally due to a shortfall in money for the Immigrant Legal Services Fund.
The fund funnels a combination of city dollars and private donations to four nonprofits that help indigent Denver residents fight deportation and apply for legal residence by providing legal assistance.
A $50,000 decline in money from the city paired with a drop in private donations has caused the fund’s 2020 budget to fall to $250,000 from the approximately $385,000 it received in fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
“I think COVID unfortunately really shifted a lot of focus for folks, and rightfully so, but now we’re in a hopeful space where we’re trying to engage private support,” Atim Otii, director of the city’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, said Wednesday during a presentation to a City Council committee.
During the 2019 fiscal year, 1,620 Denver residents faced deportation proceedings without an attorney — about two-thirds of the 2,478 city residents who faced removal, Otii said.
That includes more than 800 people who were detained at the federal Aurora Contract Detention Facility without legal representation to help argue for their release while proceedings continue. For those detainees, many of whom are the main breadwinner of their household, that means prolonged and indefinite confinement, said Sarah Plastino, senior staff attorney at Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network.
“Immigration detention is civil detention, not criminal,” she said. “But the detention centers are built like jails.”
When facing deportation, the burden of proof is on the immigrant, who must mount their own legal defense against a savvy government lawyer, Plastino said. Many of the legal cases take years and are complex.
If an extra $150,000 is not found for the fund, three of the four nonprofits that use the money will have to significantly cut back the number of Denver residents they can help, Otii said. The money has helped provide legal representation for 270 people since its creation in 2018.
Even at last year’s funding level, the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network estimated, at least 80 people detained in the Aurora detention center were eligible for the program but did not receive services because there wasn’t enough money. Last year, the network’s attorneys represented 42 Denver residents through the program, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade.
Several council members voiced support for the program and finding additional funding.
“Given that it was hard fought, I would hate to see it die on the vine,” Councilwoman Jamie Torres said.
The work is important, Councilman Paul Kashmann said, and it is only scratching the surface. It would take significantly more money — at least a million dollars — to pay for representation for every person eligible, Otii said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Broncos look to right guard Graham Glasgow to be veteran stabilizer up front for Drew Lock

The Drew Lock Hype Train left the station back in December and has reached a full head of stream in training camp .
And the expectations placed on the second-year quarterback have , in turn , created correspondingly lofty expectations for an offensive line charged with making sure the quarterback can have the breakout season everyone is hoping for .
Enter Graham Glasgow , a 6-foot-6 , 310-pound mustachioed behemoth of a man .
The veteran right guard , signed to a $ 44 million free-agent contract in March , is charged with bringing veteran stability to a unit that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grabs and right tackle Ja ’ Wuan James opted out .
“ In the NFL a team can really only go as far as the quarterback takes them , but for us on the offensive line , it ’ s imperative for us to keep ( Lock ) upright so he can fulfill those expectations , ” Glasgow said .
“ And , it ’ s imperative we make his job as easy as possible , because playing quarterback in this league is not easy .
We understand our role in that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a line that lacks a clear identity early in camp .
Second-year pro Dalton Risner is the unit ’ s other pillar at left guard , while left tackle Garett Bolles is still looking for consistency and fellow fourth-year pro Elijah Wilkinson battles veteran free-agent acquisition Demar Dotson for the right tackle job .
Center remains undecided between Austin Schlottmann , Patrick Morris and rookie Lloyd Cushenberry .
Glasgow started 58 games over the past four years in Detroit ( 26 at center , 18 at left guard and 14 at right guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round out of Michigan in 2016 .
Coach Vic Fangio is relying on Glasgow ’ s experience and versatility to rub off on the rest of the line as he takes over a position Ron Leary mostly held last year .
“ Certain players need a caddy out there on the field , and some guys do better when they ’ ve got a good caddy ( like Glasgow ) with them , ” Fangio said .
Risner , coming off a strong debut season that saw him named to the PFWA All-Rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him on and off the field .
During water breaks so far in training camp , Risner and Glasgow are often side-by-side , with the former picking the latter ’ s brain as the Broncos continue to implement the offense of first-year coordinator Pat Shurmur .
“ I ’ m going to learn a lot from that guy , ” Risner said .
“ He ’ s a great player .
He ’ s really smart , and he ’ s really calm and collected .
He ’ s not going to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s always going to be rocking the mustache and he ’ s not going to be too high or too low .
He ’ s going to be a great mediator for the group and he ’ s going to be a great leader .
I ’ m excited to lead right next to him.
” An added bonus for Glasgow in his first season in Denver is working under offensive line coach Mike Munchak , who is widely considered to be one of the best , if not the best , o-line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been trying to immerse myself ( in Munchak ’ s technique ) , and take it in , and use it as much as I can and not be scared to switch things up , ” Glasgow said .
“ Because of that , I think I ’ ll end up being a better player .
”

The Drew Lock Hype Train left the station back in December and has reached a full head of stream in training camp.
And the expectations placed on the second-year quarterback have, in turn, created correspondingly lofty expectations for an offensive line charged with making sure the quarterback can have the breakout season everyone is hoping for.
Enter Graham Glasgow, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound mustachioed behemoth of a man. The veteran right guard, signed to a $44 million free-agent contract in March, is charged with bringing veteran stability to a unit that has the starting center job up for grabs and right tackle Ja’Wuan James opted out.
“In the NFL a team can really only go as far as the quarterback takes them, but for us on the offensive line, it’s imperative for us to keep (Lock) upright so he can fulfill those expectations,” Glasgow said. “And, it’s imperative we make his job as easy as possible, because playing quarterback in this league is not easy. We understand our role in that.”
The 28-year-old brings a stable presence to a line that lacks a clear identity early in camp.
Second-year pro Dalton Risner is the unit’s other pillar at left guard, while left tackle Garett Bolles is still looking for consistency and fellow fourth-year pro Elijah Wilkinson battles veteran free-agent acquisition Demar Dotson for the right tackle job. Center remains undecided between Austin Schlottmann, Patrick Morris and rookie Lloyd Cushenberry.
Glasgow started 58 games over the past four years in Detroit (26 at center, 18 at left guard and 14 at right guard) since being selected in the third round out of Michigan in 2016. Coach Vic Fangio is relying on Glasgow’s experience and versatility to rub off on the rest of the line as he takes over a position Ron Leary mostly held last year.
“Certain players need a caddy out there on the field, and some guys do better when they’ve got a good caddy (like Glasgow) with them,” Fangio said.
Risner, coming off a strong debut season that saw him named to the PFWA All-Rookie team, noted Glasgow is already mentoring him on and off the field. During water breaks so far in training camp, Risner and Glasgow are often side-by-side, with the former picking the latter’s brain as the Broncos continue to implement the offense of first-year coordinator Pat Shurmur.
“I’m going to learn a lot from that guy,” Risner said. “He’s a great player. He’s really smart, and he’s really calm and collected. He’s not going to show a lot of emotion. He’s always going to be rocking the mustache and he’s not going to be too high or too low. He’s going to be a great mediator for the group and he’s going to be a great leader. I’m excited to lead right next to him.”
An added bonus for Glasgow in his first season in Denver is working under offensive line coach Mike Munchak, who is widely considered to be one of the best, if not the best, o-line coach in the league.
“I’ve been trying to immerse myself (in Munchak’s technique), and take it in, and use it as much as I can and not be scared to switch things up,” Glasgow said. “Because of that, I think I’ll end up being a better player.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Physical activity is down during the pandemic. Here’s how to sneak in some exercise during your work

Physical activity is down during the pandemic. Here’s how to sneak in some exercise during your work day.

There ’ s a reason “ COVID curves ” and “ the Quarantine 15 ” are now commonplace terms .
While researchers are beginning to look at the connection between the pandemic and weight gain , it ’ s apparent that we ’ re moving less during this topsy-turvy period : A preliminary study published in May and led by Iowa State University and Trinity College Dublin reported an average 32 % reduction in physical activity once social distancing went into effect .
Being active is a huge health boost .
It improves mood , reduces stress , increases energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of chronic disease and so much more .
And research published in medical and health journals continues to emerge supporting the idea that unless you ’ re training for something specific , like a marathon , short bouts of exercise throughout the day have the same benefits as continuous workouts .
Here are a few ways to sneak in some extra movement .
Use the time it takes to brew coffee , warm up lunch or boil water to squeeze in mini-workouts .
Rotate through 10 reps of each of these until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stand facing the counter and place your hands on the edge just slightly wider than shoulder width .
Keep your arms straight and step your feet back so your body forms a plank .
Keep the heels lifted , abdominal muscles engaged and back straight .
Inhale and bend your elbows out to the side as you lower your chest to the counter .
Exhale as you push back up .
Side lunges : Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes pointing forward .
Take a wide step out to the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping the left leg straight and both soles of the feet on the ground .
Push yourself back to the starting position and lunge to the left .
Standing bicycle crunches : Stand tall with feet slightly wider than your hips .
Interlace your hands and place them behind your head with elbows wide .
Raise your right knee up as high as you can as you simultaneously twist your torso to the right and draw your left elbow to the lifted knee .
Alternate between sides .
Milk jug swings : Grab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange juice , and make sure the lid is on firmly .
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and hold the jug with both hands .
Bend your knees , shift your weight into the heels , lower the butt back and bring the jug between the legs .
Drive through your heels and simultaneously straighten your legs and extend your arms horizontally in front of your chest , contracting your abdominal muscles and squeezing the glute muscles as you rise .
As the jug descends , shift your weight back into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to a slight squat .
Find moments throughout the day to incorporate movement into more mundane tasks .
It ’ s not difficult .
Toothbrush squats : Use this two-minute morning routine to wake up your lower body by squatting while you brush your teeth .
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart .
Keep your chest up , bend your knees and push your hips back until the back of your thighs are parallel with the floor .
Pause so you ’ re not using momentum to push back up .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back up to standing .
Vacuum lunges : Step into a full lunge when vacuuming or mopping , and you ’ ll engage the lower body and abdominal muscles .
As you reach the vacuum forward , step one foot forward , bend the back knee and lower straight down .
Keep your torso straight and abs in as you push through the front heel , pull the vacuum back and return to standing .
Alternate legs .
Dishwashing lifts : While standing at the sink , add in calf raises to tone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lift your heels and come up onto the balls of your feet as high as you can .
Squeeze your glute muscles at the top and lower your heels .
Toothbrush rolls : Foot massage improves circulation , decreases stress and releases endorphins , all of which promotes better sleep .
Use your before-bed brush to roll out the feet .
Place a tennis or similar ball under the ball of your foot .
Put as much weight on it as you can tolerate , and roll the ball back and forth the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Repeat with the other foot .
Walk while you talk : Take that work call outside for a walk .
Start by asking if it ’ s OK to walk while you talk , and let them know they may hear some background noise .
Be sure to use earbuds or headphones .
Then pick up the pace as much as you can without huffing and puffing while you talk .
If you can , aim for a speed of 3 mph ( or a 20-minute mile ) .
Lastly , remember that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you can ’ t slip outside for a walking meeting , turn off the video and sneak in a short desk workout or stretch session .
Again , consider whether it would be appropriate for you to do so .
Trash can taps : Stand in front of a small garbage can and shift your balance to one foot and then tap the edge of the can with the other .
Repeat .
Speed up to make it more intense .
Triceps dips : Scoot to the edge of your chair ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Place palms flat on the edge of the chair with fingers facing forward .
Lower yourself until your elbows are bent back between 45 and 90 degrees .
Keep your back straight and close to the chair .
Press into your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position .
Repeat 10 times .
The prayer : Sit upright with both feet flat on the floor .
Bring your hands together in a prayer position in front of your chest .
Push your hands together as actively as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
Wall sit : Stand with your back against a wall .
Walk your feet out and slide your body down until your hips are level with your knees and your knees are at a 90-degree angle .
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release .
Standing hamstring curls : Stand in front of your desk and lightly hold onto the edge for support .
Shift your weight onto your left leg , bend your right knee and bring your heel to your butt .
Lower the foot .
Repeat 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ binge-watching TV time to your advantage .
Instead of skipping the closing credits , recap and opening credits , rotate through 10 reps of these couch moves until the show returns .
Couch climbers : Face the sofa and place your hands on the seat at shoulder width and step back to create a straight line with your body .
Engage your abs , squeeze your glute muscles and push the heels back .
Hold this plank position for 10 seconds .
Then draw one knee and then the other to your chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 30 seconds .
Hip thrusts : Start in an elevated bridge position with your upper back resting on the seat of the couch , feet on the floor and knees bent .
Interlace your hands behind your head , hinge at the hips to lower your bottom to the ground and squeeze the glute muscles to lift back up to starting position .
Repeat 10 times .
Decline push-up : Come into a high plank position with your feet on the edge of the sofa and your hands on the floor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground by bending your elbows out to the side .
Push up to the starting position .
This is an advanced push-up variation so do as many as you can without compromising your form .
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Kelly Dinardo, The New York Times
There’s a reason “COVID curves” and “the Quarantine 15” are now commonplace terms. While researchers are beginning to look at the connection between the pandemic and weight gain, it’s apparent that we’re moving less during this topsy-turvy period: A preliminary study published in May and led by Iowa State University and Trinity College Dublin reported an average 32% reduction in physical activity once social distancing went into effect.
Being active is a huge health boost. It improves mood, reduces stress, increases energy, enhances brain function, lowers risk of chronic disease and so much more. And research published in medical and health journals continues to emerge supporting the idea that unless you’re training for something specific, like a marathon, short bouts of exercise throughout the day have the same benefits as continuous workouts. Here are a few ways to sneak in some extra movement.
Move While You Wait
Use the time it takes to brew coffee, warm up lunch or boil water to squeeze in mini-workouts. Rotate through 10 reps of each of these until the microwave dings.
Kitchen counter push-ups: Stand facing the counter and place your hands on the edge just slightly wider than shoulder width. Keep your arms straight and step your feet back so your body forms a plank. Keep the heels lifted, abdominal muscles engaged and back straight. Inhale and bend your elbows out to the side as you lower your chest to the counter. Exhale as you push back up.
Side lunges: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes pointing forward. Take a wide step out to the right as you press your hips back while keeping the left leg straight and both soles of the feet on the ground. Push yourself back to the starting position and lunge to the left.
Standing bicycle crunches: Stand tall with feet slightly wider than your hips. Interlace your hands and place them behind your head with elbows wide. Raise your right knee up as high as you can as you simultaneously twist your torso to the right and draw your left elbow to the lifted knee. Alternate between sides.
Milk jug swings: Grab a bottle of milk, water or orange juice, and make sure the lid is on firmly. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and hold the jug with both hands. Bend your knees, shift your weight into the heels, lower the butt back and bring the jug between the legs. Drive through your heels and simultaneously straighten your legs and extend your arms horizontally in front of your chest, contracting your abdominal muscles and squeezing the glute muscles as you rise. As the jug descends, shift your weight back into the heels, hinging at the hips and returning to a slight squat.
Multitask Your Muscles
Find moments throughout the day to incorporate movement into more mundane tasks. It’s not difficult.
Toothbrush squats: Use this two-minute morning routine to wake up your lower body by squatting while you brush your teeth. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your chest up, bend your knees and push your hips back until the back of your thighs are parallel with the floor. Pause so you’re not using momentum to push back up. Then, drive through your heels and press back up to standing.
Vacuum lunges: Step into a full lunge when vacuuming or mopping, and you’ll engage the lower body and abdominal muscles. As you reach the vacuum forward, step one foot forward, bend the back knee and lower straight down. Keep your torso straight and abs in as you push through the front heel, pull the vacuum back and return to standing. Alternate legs.
Dishwashing lifts: While standing at the sink, add in calf raises to tone the lower legs and glute muscles. Lift your heels and come up onto the balls of your feet as high as you can. Squeeze your glute muscles at the top and lower your heels.
Toothbrush rolls: Foot massage improves circulation, decreases stress and releases endorphins, all of which promotes better sleep. Use your before-bed brush to roll out the feet. Place a tennis or similar ball under the ball of your foot. Put as much weight on it as you can tolerate, and roll the ball back and forth the length of your foot several times. Repeat with the other foot.
Walk while you talk: Take that work call outside for a walk. Start by asking if it’s OK to walk while you talk, and let them know they may hear some background noise. Be sure to use earbuds or headphones. Then pick up the pace as much as you can without huffing and puffing while you talk. If you can, aim for a speed of 3 mph (or a 20-minute mile). Lastly, remember that not every meeting is walk-and-talk appropriate.
Zoom and Move
When you can’t slip outside for a walking meeting, turn off the video and sneak in a short desk workout or stretch session. Again, consider whether it would be appropriate for you to do so.
Trash can taps: Stand in front of a small garbage can and shift your balance to one foot and then tap the edge of the can with the other. Repeat. Speed up to make it more intense.
Triceps dips: Scoot to the edge of your chair (make sure it’s stationary). Place palms flat on the edge of the chair with fingers facing forward. Lower yourself until your elbows are bent back between 45 and 90 degrees. Keep your back straight and close to the chair. Press into your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
The prayer: Sit upright with both feet flat on the floor. Bring your hands together in a prayer position in front of your chest. Push your hands together as actively as you can for 30 to 60 seconds and release.
Wall sit: Stand with your back against a wall. Walk your feet out and slide your body down until your hips are level with your knees and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release.
Standing hamstring curls: Stand in front of your desk and lightly hold onto the edge for support. Shift your weight onto your left leg, bend your right knee and bring your heel to your butt. Lower the foot. Repeat 10 times and switch legs.
Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Sitting
Use your binge-watching TV time to your advantage. Instead of skipping the closing credits, recap and opening credits, rotate through 10 reps of these couch moves until the show returns.
Couch climbers: Face the sofa and place your hands on the seat at shoulder width and step back to create a straight line with your body. Engage your abs, squeeze your glute muscles and push the heels back. Hold this plank position for 10 seconds. Then draw one knee and then the other to your chest as if you were running. Repeat for 30 seconds.
Hip thrusts: Start in an elevated bridge position with your upper back resting on the seat of the couch, feet on the floor and knees bent. Interlace your hands behind your head, hinge at the hips to lower your bottom to the ground and squeeze the glute muscles to lift back up to starting position. Repeat 10 times.
Decline push-up: Come into a high plank position with your feet on the edge of the sofa and your hands on the floor at shoulder width. Lower your chest toward the ground by bending your elbows out to the side. Push up to the starting position. This is an advanced push-up variation so do as many as you can without compromising your form.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Silverii: Gardner’s pre-existing conditions bill exists but is just 117 words of election fodder

If you ’ ve been near a TV or have had to watch an ad before your YouTube tutorial on how to fix your dead sourdough starter begins , you ’ ve probably heard that Sen. Cory Gardner has voted multiple times to strip away health coverage protections for people with pre-existing conditions .
I can guarantee you that Cory Gardner has heard the ads .
He knows that his record on health care is a huge liability in his increasingly hopeless second term in the Senate , so earlier this month , Sen. Gardner quietly started an effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue for Coloradans .
Colorado Public Radio ’ s excellent long-form interviewer and host of Colorado Matters Ryan Warner attempted to clarify Gardner ’ s health care record , asking the Senator at least six times if he supports the federal lawsuit to dismantle the ACA being pursued by the Trump administration , in the middle of a global pandemic .
If you haven ’ t heard this interview , it is worth your time , just to get a sense of the lengths Gardner will go to slither out from under having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s record is not in dispute when it comes to his votes to eliminate the ACA without a replacement that protects people with preexisting conditions .
He voted for every single repeal bill the Trump administration put forward , none of which protected people with preexisting conditions , and he supported many bills before that as well .
One of the very first bills Gardner ever voted for as a newly minted congressman was the 2011 H.R .
2 , better known as , and I am not making this up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law Act , ” which , it should not surprise you , did not protect people with preexisting conditions .
So I scratched my head when I saw a press release from Gardner on August 7 touting a bill I had never heard of , with the blaring headline “ Gardner Leads Bill to Protect Pre-existing Conditions.
” Gardner is not shy about touting his legislative efforts , especially those which he brings purely for citations in his television ads .
So I logged onto congress.gov to read the bill and see if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s press release promised .
The bill is a whopping 117 words , about the length of a postcard .
There ’ s nothing guaranteeing the benefits insurance companies must include ; nothing preventing your insurer from jacking your costs if you ’ ve been sick ; and nothing explaining what happens to the people who can ’ t afford their higher premiums but make too much for Medicaid , which Gardner has also worked to cut .
It reminded me so much of this transparently insincere ad Coloradans had to see over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a staged town-hall like setting explains his plan to offer a bill to offer “ over the counter birth control.
” True to form , in 2019 Gardner , and his fellow endangered Republican senator up for reelection this year , Joni Ernst of Iowa , sent out a press release , pulled a bill title and then proceeded to let it gather dust in the Senate Finance Committee .
So , this is the Cory Gardner reelection plan : file bills that you have absolutely no intention of actually working to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fig leaf when you ’ re getting attacked on issues you ’ ve badly failed to lead on , in this case , health care and protecting people with preexisting conditions , like me .
I have a horrible autoimmune disease that is incredibly expensive to treat , and if protections for people with preexisting conditions disappear — as the Trump administration is currently trying to accomplish in court and which Cory Gardner tried to do in the Senate — then Cory Gardner ’ s empty bill will be worth less than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gardner has had 10 years in Washington to do what he promised , come up with a health care plan that is less expensive and higher quality than what the ACA offers .
He has not only failed , but he has repeatedly thrown his support behind measures that would actively do harm to the people he ’ s supposed to represent .
To run an empty health care bill now , which accomplishes nothing except providing Gardner with a talking point in a political ad , shows that he will never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting against protecting people with preexisting conditions .
Gardner must be held accountable , especially when issues are literally a matter of life or death .
Ian Silverii is the executive director of ProgressNow Colorado , the state ’ s largest progressive advocacy group .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to @ @ @ @ @ @

If you’ve been near a TV or have had to watch an ad before your YouTube tutorial on how to fix your dead sourdough starter begins, you’ve probably heard that Sen. Cory Gardner has voted multiple times to strip away health coverage protections for people with pre-existing conditions. I can guarantee you that Cory Gardner has heard the ads. He knows that his record on health care is a huge liability in his increasingly hopeless second term in the Senate, so earlier this month, Sen. Gardner quietly started an effort to muddy up the waters on this critical issue for Coloradans.
Colorado Public Radio’s excellent long-form interviewer and host of Colorado Matters Ryan Warner attempted to clarify Gardner’s health care record, asking the Senator at least six times if he supports the federal lawsuit to dismantle the ACA being pursued by the Trump administration, in the middle of a global pandemic. If you haven’t heard this interview, it is worth your time, just to get a sense of the lengths Gardner will go to slither out from under having to answer that question.
Sen. Gardner’s record is not in dispute when it comes to his votes to eliminate the ACA without a replacement that protects people with preexisting conditions. He voted for every single repeal bill the Trump administration put forward, none of which protected people with preexisting conditions, and he supported many bills before that as well. One of the very first bills Gardner ever voted for as a newly minted congressman was the 2011 H.R. 2, better known as, and I am not making this up, the “Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act,” which, it should not surprise you, did not protect people with preexisting conditions.
So I scratched my head when I saw a press release from Gardner on August 7 touting a bill I had never heard of, with the blaring headline “Gardner Leads Bill to Protect Pre-existing Conditions.” Gardner is not shy about touting his legislative efforts, especially those which he brings purely for citations in his television ads. So I logged onto congress.gov to read the bill and see if it actually did what Sen. Gardner’s press release promised.
The bill is a whopping 117 words, about the length of a postcard. There’s nothing guaranteeing the benefits insurance companies must include; nothing preventing your insurer from jacking your costs if you’ve been sick; and nothing explaining what happens to the people who can’t afford their higher premiums but make too much for Medicaid, which Gardner has also worked to cut.
It reminded me so much of this transparently insincere ad Coloradans had to see over and over in 2014 where Gardner, in a staged town-hall like setting explains his plan to offer a bill to offer “over the counter birth control.” True to form, in 2019 Gardner, and his fellow endangered Republican senator up for reelection this year, Joni Ernst of Iowa, sent out a press release, pulled a bill title and then proceeded to let it gather dust in the Senate Finance Committee.
So, this is the Cory Gardner reelection plan: file bills that you have absolutely no intention of actually working to enact and then use them as a fig leaf when you’re getting attacked on issues you’ve badly failed to lead on, in this case, health care and protecting people with preexisting conditions, like me.
I have a horrible autoimmune disease that is incredibly expensive to treat, and if protections for people with preexisting conditions disappear — as the Trump administration is currently trying to accomplish in court and which Cory Gardner tried to do in the Senate — then Cory Gardner’s empty bill will be worth less than the paper it was extremely recently printed on.
Gardner has had 10 years in Washington to do what he promised, come up with a health care plan that is less expensive and higher quality than what the ACA offers. He has not only failed, but he has repeatedly thrown his support behind measures that would actively do harm to the people he’s supposed to represent.
To run an empty health care bill now, which accomplishes nothing except providing Gardner with a talking point in a political ad, shows that he will never take responsibility for his terrible record of voting against protecting people with preexisting conditions. Gardner must be held accountable, especially when issues are literally a matter of life or death.
Ian Silverii is the executive director of ProgressNow Colorado, the state’s largest progressive advocacy group.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Denver Sports Omelette: Broncos top rookie receivers through the years

Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler are expected to get plenty of playmaking opportunities as rookies .
Here is a look @ @ @ @ @ in Broncos history ( in order of receptions ) : If you enjoy the Denver @ @ @ @ @ friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup Sports @ @ @ @ @ a story .
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Ask Mike Singer here .
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@ @ @ @ @

Broncos Rookie Receivers: Through The Years
Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler are expected to get plenty of playmaking opportunities as rookies. Here is a look at the top rookie receivers in Broncos history (in order of receptions):
Player, Year Round-No. Catches Yards TD Eddie Royal, 2008 2-42 91 980 5 Vance Johnson, 1985 2-32 51 721 3 Al Frazier, 1961 20-240 47 799 6 Courtland Sutton, 2018 2-40 42 704 4 Mark Jackson, 1986 6-161 38 738 1 Ashley Lelie, 2002 1-19 35 725 2 Ricky Nattiel, 1987 1-27 31 630 2 Darius Watts, 2004 2-54 31 385 1 DaeSean Hamilton, 2018 4-113 30 243 2 Jon Embree, 1969 — 29 469 5
— Ryan O’Halloran, The Denver Post
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Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.