thedenverpost--2020-08-25--Wildfire haze, record heat and pollution combine to make Denver air quality dangerous for all

Beyond wildfire smoke , the air quality in Denver has deteriorated as residents also are barraged with infusions of multiple lung-irritating pollutants — including ozone , which has spiked in recent days to levels 28 % above federal health limits .
Ground-level ozone levels in metro Denver this week reached as high as 90 parts per million , exceeding the health limit of 70 ppm , state monitoring data shows .
Ozone levels at 11 of the 15 air-testing sites broke that health limit .
Ozone causes acute respiratory problems and triggers asthma attacks .
Colorado public health officials issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through at least 4 p.m. Tuesday .
Health authorities focused most urgently on the harm from inhaling tiny “ particulates ” spreading in the smoke from burning forests and grasslands .
California ’ s big fires brought more smoke , thickening the haze from the four major fires still burning across more than 193,000 acres in western Colorado .
These particulates piqued concerns because they easily waft inside homes and vehicles , penetrate masks residents wear to combat the coronavirus , can not be exhaled , and quickly enter bloodstreams to cause broader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also gained potency this week from continued high temperatures — Denver hit 97 again Monday in a heat wave that has brought more than 60 days this summer with temperatures topping 90 degrees .
Heat accelerates the formation of more ozone from the same amount of precursor pollution from vehicles and industrial facilities .
Front Range air conditions ranked about the worst since at least 2010 , matching heavy smoke from wildfires in 2018 , Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment officials said .
And the officials advised all residents — not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with asthma — to stay indoors and , if possible , set up “ safe rooms ” inside their homes .
“ This is happening across the West , and people in those sensitive categories should be staying inside .
Even for healthy and fit people , we recommend staying inside during peak conditions because of the effects this can have on your respiratory and cardio systems , especially pregnant mothers and children , ” said John Putnam , the health department ’ s environmental programs director .
“ We are strongly encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Putnam said .
Wildfire smoke has thickened the air pollution over much of California and other western states , including Idaho , Utah , Wyoming , Washington and Oregon .
The smoke from lightning-sparked blazes in California that wafted over Colorado Springs , Denver and other Front Range cities over the weekend was shifting eastward to the high plains and spreading northward to Wyoming , state air quality meteorologist Scott Landes said .
• Create a “ safe room ” using a portable air-filtering system .
This should be “ where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Landes said .
• Find a landmark 5 miles away that usually is visible .
“ If you know the landmark is 5 miles away and you can not see it , you know the air quality is not safe , ” Landes said .
Assessing peak pollution also can be done using the federal website fire.airnow.gov , which presents readings from air testing stations .
• Close windows and adjust household and vehicle air systems to re-circulate air , minimizing intake of particulates .
Any boosting of resiliency this week likely will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , referring to science projections that climate warming will lead with some variability to rising temperatures for decades .
“ With climate change , ” he said , “ you ’ re going to start seeing more and more of these events.
” The particulates from wildfires originate as wood that breaks down into bits of carbon less than 2.5 microns wide — easily inhaled .
“ You can not exhale them back out .
They enter your respiratory system and then can get into your bloodstream , ” Landes said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to feel it for days , maybe weeks afterwards , even after the smoke clears .
It affects your heart , can give you headaches and fatigue .
These fine particulates really have an impact on many parts of your body.
” Other pollutants hanging in the haze included heat-trapping greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide and methane — and toxics such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in smaller amounts from factories and the Suncor oil refinery north of Denver in Commerce City .
Colorado wildfires kicked out heavy smoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past to protect the multiplying houses and other buildings built near forests .
Wildfires are natural , essential in ecological balancing .
The suppression has led to thicker forests that , when hot temperatures and lightning — or humans — spark fires , burn more intensely because flames find plenty of fuel .
Wildfires also emit carbon monoxide and other gases that can irritate lungs and hearts , health officials said .
Among them : benzene , formaldehyde and acrolein .
Firefighters bear the greatest risks because these don ’ t spread as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out as a problematic pollutant inhaled by masses of people in Denver and other Front Range cities , worsening respiratory and heart ailments .
Ozone comes from the mixing of volatile organic compounds , or VOCs , and nitrogen oxides in heat and sunlight — typically reaching elevated levels during summer on hot days without wind .
The biggest sources of the VOCs and nitrogen oxides , according to Regional Air Quality Council data , include oil and gas production ( 44 % of VOCs and 28 % of nitrogen oxides ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ products , solvents and paints ( 19 % of VOCs ) and vehicles ( 15 % of VOCs ) .
Colorado officials for years have faced federal orders to reduce ozone air pollution , yet have failed for more than a decade to attain health standards .
The Environmental Protection Agency has relegated Colorado to “ serious ” violator status for failure to meet the 2008 ozone limit of 75 ppm , let alone the current 70 ppm .
EPA spokesman Rich Mylott on Monday confirmed this summer ’ s highest levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildfire smoke typically contains ozone precursor pollution and that “ the higher levels of ozone we have seen over the past few days are likely influenced by smoke from western fires.
” Heat and sunlight boost ozone formation , “ however the volumes of chemical compounds reacting in the air , particularly nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds , have much more of an effect on ozone levels , ” Mylott said , acknowledging state efforts to reduce pollution .
“ We expect these efforts will have an impact on improving air quality… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take into consideration “ exceptional events ” — the big wildfires — in assessing Colorado ’ s compliance with federal orders , state officials said .
A climate shift toward hotter , drier conditions in Colorado and the West means state air quality officials will be forced to do more to reduce air pollution , Putnam said .
“ We ’ re not going to have the ability to control the 90-degree days and the transport of wood smoke .
This means we ’ re going to have to reduce emissions that much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and oil and gas , ” he said .
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission rule-making process aims at reducing emissions from oil and gas operations in the state .
“ It ’ s going to be a continuous process to keep reducing emissions , ” Putnam said .
“ Because we are going to have a warmer climate , we are going to have to reduce emissions more .
”

Beyond wildfire smoke, the air quality in Denver has deteriorated to exceptionally poor conditions with residents barraged by infusions of multiple lung-irritating pollutants — including ozone, which has spiked in recent days to levels 28% above federal health limits.
Ground-level ozone levels in metro Denver this week reached as high as 90 parts per billion, exceeding the health limit of 70 ppb, state monitoring data shows. Ozone levels at 11 of the 15 air-testing sites broke that health limit. Ozone causes acute respiratory problems and triggers asthma attacks.
Colorado public health officials issued a special “multiple pollutants” alert through at least 4 p.m. Tuesday. Health authorities focused most urgently on the harm from inhaling tiny “particulates” spreading in the smoke from burning forests and grasslands. California’s big fires brought more smoke, thickening the haze from the four major fires still burning across more than 193,000 acres in western Colorado.
These particulates piqued concerns because they easily waft inside homes and vehicles, penetrate masks residents wear to combat the coronavirus, cannot be exhaled, and quickly enter bloodstreams to cause broader harm.
The bad air over Colorado also gained potency this week from continued high temperatures — Denver hit 97 again Monday in a heat wave that has brought more than 60 days this summer with temperatures topping 90 degrees. Heat accelerates the formation of more ozone from the same amount of precursor pollution from vehicles and industrial facilities.
Front Range air conditions ranked about the worst since at least 2010, matching heavy smoke from wildfires in 2018, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment officials said. And the officials advised all residents — not just older people, children and people with asthma — to stay indoors and, if possible, set up “safe rooms” inside their homes.
“This is happening across the West, and people in those sensitive categories should be staying inside. Even for healthy and fit people, we recommend staying inside during peak conditions because of the effects this can have on your respiratory and cardio systems, especially pregnant mothers and children,” said John Putnam, the health department’s environmental programs director.
“We are strongly encouraging people to try to take it easy,” Putnam said.
Wildfire smoke has thickened the air pollution over much of California and other western states, including Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Washington and Oregon. The smoke from lightning-sparked blazes in California that wafted over Colorado Springs, Denver and other Front Range cities over the weekend was shifting eastward to the high plains and spreading northward to Wyoming, state air quality meteorologist Scott Landes said.
Colorado officials on Monday recommended increased protections, including:
Create a “safe room” using a portable air-filtering system. This should be “where you spend the most time,” Landes said.
Find a landmark 5 miles away that usually is visible. “If you know the landmark is 5 miles away and you cannot see it, you know the air quality is not safe,” Landes said. Assessing peak pollution also can be done using the federal website fire.airnow.gov, which presents readings from air testing stations.
Close windows and adjust household and vehicle air systems to re-circulate air, minimizing intake of particulates.
Cumulative impact of smoke
Any boosting of resiliency this week likely will help in the future, Landes said, referring to science projections that climate warming will lead with some variability to rising temperatures for decades. “With climate change,” he said, “you’re going to start seeing more and more of these events.”
The particulates from wildfires originate as wood that breaks down into bits of carbon less than 2.5 microns wide — easily inhaled.
“You cannot exhale them back out. They enter your respiratory system and then can get into your bloodstream,” Landes said. “This has a cumulative effect. You’re going to feel it for days, maybe weeks afterwards, even after the smoke clears. It affects your heart, can give you headaches and fatigue. These fine particulates really have an impact on many parts of your body.”
Other pollutants hanging in the haze included heat-trapping greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide and methane — and toxics such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in smaller amounts from factories and the Suncor oil refinery north of Denver in Commerce City.
Colorado wildfires kicked out heavy smoke due to aggressive wildfire suppression in the past to protect the multiplying houses and other buildings built near forests. Wildfires are natural, essential in ecological balancing. The suppression has led to thicker forests that, when hot temperatures and lightning — or humans — spark fires, burn more intensely because flames find plenty of fuel.
Wildfires also emit carbon monoxide and other gases that can irritate lungs and hearts, health officials said. Among them: benzene, formaldehyde and acrolein. Firefighters bear the greatest risks because these don’t spread as far as smoke.
The ozone stands out as a problematic pollutant inhaled by masses of people in Denver and other Front Range cities, worsening respiratory and heart ailments.
Ozone comes from the mixing of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and nitrogen oxides in heat and sunlight — typically reaching elevated levels during summer on hot days without wind.
The biggest sources of the VOCs and nitrogen oxides, according to Regional Air Quality Council data, include oil and gas production (44% of VOCs and 28% of nitrogen oxides). Other main sources: household personal care products, solvents and paints (19% of VOCs) and vehicles (15% of VOCs).
“Serious” air quality violator
Colorado officials for years have faced federal orders to reduce ozone air pollution, yet have failed for more than a decade to attain health standards. The Environmental Protection Agency has relegated Colorado to “serious” violator status for failure to meet the 2008 ozone limit of 75 ppb, let alone the current 70 ppb.
EPA spokesman Rich Mylott on Monday confirmed this summer’s highest levels of particulate and ozone pollution, noting that wildfire smoke typically contains ozone precursor pollution and that “the higher levels of ozone we have seen over the past few days are likely influenced by smoke from western fires.”
Heat and sunlight boost ozone formation, “however the volumes of chemical compounds reacting in the air, particularly nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, have much more of an effect on ozone levels,” Mylott said, acknowledging state efforts to reduce pollution. “We expect these efforts will have an impact on improving air quality… in upcoming years.”
The EPA will take into consideration “exceptional events” — the big wildfires — in assessing Colorado’s compliance with federal orders, state officials said.
A climate shift toward hotter, drier conditions in Colorado and the West means state air quality officials will be forced to do more to reduce air pollution, Putnam said.
“We’re not going to have the ability to control the 90-degree days and the transport of wood smoke. This means we’re going to have to reduce emissions that much more from our big sectors — transportation and oil and gas,” he said.
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission rule-making process aims at reducing emissions from oil and gas operations in the state.
“It’s going to be a continuous process to keep reducing emissions,” Putnam said. “Because we are going to have a warmer climate, we are going to have to reduce emissions more.”
Updated 9:20 a.m. Aug. 25, 2020 This story has been updated to correct a reference to ground-level ozone levels in metro Denver. They reached as high as 90 parts per billion this week, exceeding the health limit of 70 ppb.


thedenverpost--2020-08-25--Campus statements on “sensitive topics” like race, climate change must be run past president’s offic

Campus statements on “sensitive topics” like race, climate change must be run past president’s office first, CU says

The University of Colorado has instructed communications staff on the school ’ s campuses to avoid partisan language and submit any statements dealing with “ sensitive ” topics — including COVID-19 science , race relations , climate change and the First Amendment — to the office of President Mark Kennedy prior to publication .
That directive , made in a July memo recently obtained by The Denver Post , was denounced Monday by a CU regent and the chair of the systemwide Faculty Council as a move to control speech .
But the memo was not sent to , nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ken McConnellogue , the CU system spokesman who authored the document .
Rather , he said , it was a heads-up to campus higher-ups calling for more measured , coordinated communication as the election approaches .
Regent Linda Shoemaker , D-Boulder , said she recently learned of the memo and felt it has a “ chilling effect ” over the campuses .
She said she believes it could pressure CU ’ s campus leaders to censor themselves as to not offend the Republican majority on the Board of Regents .
“ I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which have traditionally been very independent from the system , ” she said .
Joanne Addison , an English professor on the Denver campus and chair of the CU Faculty Council , condemned the memo .
“ This is a clear effort to regulate speech on some of the most important issues we face today , ” she said .
“ It ’ s unconscionable that the President ’ s Office is calling for an ‘ even-handed ’ and ‘ measured ’ approach to racism , homophobia and academic freedom , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of our students , staff and faculty.
” The document was sent to nine administrators in senior communications roles at CU ’ s four campuses .
Citing the upcoming election , it lists topics that warrant attention from CU ’ s top brass 24 to 48 hours before publication , and notes that some campus statements submitted to Kennedy ’ s office for pre-publication review will be shared with the Board of Regents as well — though “ regents will not be asked to edit communications.
” The two-page memo lists more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heightened attention , ” including health insurance , marijuana , COVID-19 science , campus reopening processes , international research funding , corporate research funding , divestment , international student visas , the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA program , First Amendment and free speech , climate change , academic freedom , race relations and LGBTQ+ issues .
Campus vice chancellors , according to the memo , are to “ cascade awareness ” of this approach to the colleges , schools and other units they oversee , according to the memo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensitive communications in as timely a way as possible , understanding that many communication issues are fast-moving , ” the memo states .
“ One goal is to not surprise the regents on communications.
” Regent Glen Gallegos , R-Grand Junction , said he was aware this discussion was happening among Kennedy and campus chancellors , but that regents were not involved in crafting the memo .
The document , he said , should not be viewed as a policy but as a suggestion .
He said he ’ s against censorship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such .
“ It ’ s an interesting time out there with COVID and George Floyd and Black Lives Matter and the dollars that are not there from the state , ” Gallegos said .
“ There ’ s a lot of things going on , and we try to represent what ’ s fair so that the general public that makes up the University of Colorado believes they ’ re reading a fair message.
” Monday marked the first time one of the campuses sent a draft communication to Kennedy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued in late July , McConnellogue said .
The CU president ’ s office — and the regents , Gallegos confirmed — were given a brief heads-up before Boulder campus Chancellor Phil DiStefano emailed faculty saying he will not rescind the appointment of John Eastman following national outcry over the visiting conservative scholar ’ s essay in Newsweek questioning whether Sen. Kamala Harris is eligible to serve as vice president because her parents were born outside the United States .
McConnellogue said the intent of the document was to be measured in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politically sensitive topics , and to avoid overt editorializing .
He said there have been campus communications that some regents — “ not one regent , not nine regents , but some regents ” — have disagreed with , noting that the regents are from different political parties .
CU ’ s Board of Regents is one of only a few politically elected university boards in the nation and is known for clashing along party lines .
Although McConnellogue said there was not one recent campus statement that upset regents , leaders on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last few months asserting Black lives matter , condemning racism and the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police , and supporting international students .
“ In a contentious election year , it doesn ’ t benefit the university to be a lightning rod on all manner of issues , ” McConnellogue told The Post .
“ The university will take a stand on issues that align with our mission and we will stand up for what is best for our students , faculty and staff .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we do so.
” The memo states that because of Colorado ’ s makeup and the political nature of the Board of Regents , the administration should “ write in purple ink , not blue or red when drafting statements on potentially controversial issues — we are not looking to make political statements , but we want to stand up for what is best for our faculty , staff and students.
” McConnellogue stressed that the memo was aimed at upper campus administration and its directives do not apply to faculty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have the inclination , ability or authority to influence dean or faculty communication , ” McConnellogue said .
“ CU is a large , complex organization and does not have a single communication strategy or structure .
I asked the communication vice chancellors to share the desire for measured communication on sensitive topics with those on campus they engage with , but campus communication is their purview , not mine .
”

The University of Colorado has instructed communications staff on the school’s campuses to avoid partisan language and submit any statements dealing with “sensitive” topics — including COVID-19 science, race relations, climate change and the First Amendment — to the office of President Mark Kennedy prior to publication.
That directive, made in a July memo recently obtained by The Denver Post, was denounced Monday by a CU regent and the chair of the systemwide Faculty Council as a move to control speech.
But the memo was not sent to, nor intended to impact, faculty, said Ken McConnellogue, the CU system spokesman who authored the document. Rather, he said, it was a heads-up to campus higher-ups calling for more measured, coordinated communication as the election approaches.
Regent Linda Shoemaker, D-Boulder, said she recently learned of the memo and felt it has a “chilling effect” over the campuses. She said she believes it could pressure CU’s campus leaders to censor themselves as to not offend the Republican majority on the Board of Regents.
“I believe this protocol is intended to muzzle campuses which have traditionally been very independent from the system,” she said.
Joanne Addison, an English professor on the Denver campus and chair of the CU Faculty Council, condemned the memo.
“This is a clear effort to regulate speech on some of the most important issues we face today,” she said. “It’s unconscionable that the President’s Office is calling for an ‘even-handed’ and ‘measured’ approach to racism, homophobia and academic freedom, as well as matters related to the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty.”
“Not surprise the regents”
The document was sent to nine administrators in senior communications roles at CU’s four campuses. Citing the upcoming election, it lists topics that warrant attention from CU’s top brass 24 to 48 hours before publication, and notes that some campus statements submitted to Kennedy’s office for pre-publication review will be shared with the Board of Regents as well — though “regents will not be asked to edit communications.”
The two-page memo lists more than a dozen subjects that “require heightened attention,” including health insurance, marijuana, COVID-19 science, campus reopening processes, international research funding, corporate research funding, divestment, international student visas, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA program, First Amendment and free speech, climate change, academic freedom, race relations and LGBTQ+ issues.
Campus vice chancellors, according to the memo, are to “cascade awareness” of this approach to the colleges, schools and other units they oversee, according to the memo.
“The intent is to collaborate on sensitive communications in as timely a way as possible, understanding that many communication issues are fast-moving,” the memo states. “One goal is to not surprise the regents on communications.”
Regent Glen Gallegos, R-Grand Junction, said he was aware this discussion was happening among Kennedy and campus chancellors, but that regents were not involved in crafting the memo. The document, he said, should not be viewed as a policy but as a suggestion. He said he’s against censorship and doesn’t view this memo as such.
“It’s an interesting time out there with COVID and George Floyd and Black Lives Matter and the dollars that are not there from the state,” Gallegos said. “There’s a lot of things going on, and we try to represent what’s fair so that the general public that makes up the University of Colorado believes they’re reading a fair message.”
Monday marked the first time one of the campuses sent a draft communication to Kennedy’s office before publication since the memo was issued in late July, McConnellogue said.
The CU president’s office — and the regents, Gallegos confirmed — were given a brief heads-up before Boulder campus Chancellor Phil DiStefano emailed faculty saying he will not rescind the appointment of John Eastman following national outcry over the visiting conservative scholar’s essay in Newsweek questioning whether Sen. Kamala Harris is eligible to serve as vice president because her parents were born outside the United States.
“Lightning rod”
McConnellogue said the intent of the document was to be measured in the university’s communications, particularly on politically sensitive topics, and to avoid overt editorializing.
He said there have been campus communications that some regents — “not one regent, not nine regents, but some regents” — have disagreed with, noting that the regents are from different political parties. CU’s Board of Regents is one of only a few politically elected university boards in the nation and is known for clashing along party lines.
Although McConnellogue said there was not one recent campus statement that upset regents, leaders on the Boulder campus officials have issued statements over the last few months asserting Black lives matter, condemning racism and the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, and supporting international students.
“In a contentious election year, it doesn’t benefit the university to be a lightning rod on all manner of issues,” McConnellogue told The Post. “The university will take a stand on issues that align with our mission and we will stand up for what is best for our students, faculty and staff. But we can and should be measured in how we do so.”
The memo states that because of Colorado’s makeup and the political nature of the Board of Regents, the administration should “write in purple ink, not blue or red when drafting statements on potentially controversial issues — we are not looking to make political statements, but we want to stand up for what is best for our faculty, staff and students.”
McConnellogue stressed that the memo was aimed at upper campus administration and its directives do not apply to faculty, staff or students.
“I do not have the inclination, ability or authority to influence dean or faculty communication,” McConnellogue said. “CU is a large, complex organization and does not have a single communication strategy or structure. I asked the communication vice chancellors to share the desire for measured communication on sensitive topics with those on campus they engage with, but campus communication is their purview, not mine.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-25--You could rent your car out to DIA travelers for extra cash under these newly approved ride-sharing

You could rent your car out to DIA travelers for extra cash under these newly approved ride-sharing programs

Avoid the big-name rental companies when you ’ re visiting , or loan out your vehicle as part of the two car-sharing pilot programs approved by City Council at the Denver International Airport .
Council approved the first person-to-person ride sharing pilot , Avail , in June and the second , Turo , on Monday night .
Both aim to accomplish the same thing : people flying into the airport can more easily rent a car and those living here can earn some supplemental cash by renting out theirs .
During a June meeting between Mayor Michael Hancock and City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local government affairs for the airport , told the group the airport would lease out spaces to Avail for the year-long pilot program .
Now Turo has been added into the fold .
Both companies lease spaces in the airport ’ s West Economy Lot where locals can park their cars for hire .
People needing a ride can book a reservation online or through the companies ’ apps and the airport will get a cut of the profits .
Aside from Denver , Avail is available at six other American airports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ California cities , individual rentals throughout Denver are already available .

Avoid the big-name rental companies when you’re visiting, or loan out your vehicle as part of the two car-sharing pilot programs approved by City Council at the Denver International Airport.
Council approved the first person-to-person ride sharing pilot, Avail, in June and the second, Turo, on Monday night. Both aim to accomplish the same thing: people flying into the airport can more easily rent a car and those living here can earn some supplemental cash by renting out theirs.
During a June meeting between Mayor Michael Hancock and City Council, Angela Casias, manager of local government affairs for the airport, told the group the airport would lease out spaces to Avail for the year-long pilot program. Now Turo has been added into the fold.
Both companies lease spaces in the airport’s West Economy Lot where locals can park their cars for hire. People needing a ride can book a reservation online or through the companies’ apps and the airport will get a cut of the profits.
Aside from Denver, Avail is available at six other American airports. While Turo is more widely available in California cities, individual rentals throughout Denver are already available.


thedenverpost--2020-08-25--COVID-19 is “a crisis within a crisis” for people experiencing homelessness

By Molly Bohannon , Katie Surma , Austin Fast , Nino Abdaladze , Megan Lupo , Jamie Fields and Sanjana Garg Of The Howard Center For Investigative Journalism , Howard Center for Investigative Journalism via AP PHOENIX — Nearly 200 tents stand inches apart on the scorching gravel lots , many covered in blankets for an extra layer of relief from the desert sun .
Outside , their occupants sit on hot ground or in folding chairs , nearby palm trees providing no shade .
Despite 12-foot-square sections painted in the gravel , there is little social distancing for Phoenix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local officials in late April as a temporary solution for some of the estimated 3,700 unsheltered homeless , the fenced-in lots on the edge of downtown promised round-the-clock security , social distancing and access to water and toilets .
But residents complain that hygiene supplies have become scarce , and measures meant to contain the spread of COVID-19 are not enforced .
“ We have been , like , ignored , ” said 61-year-old Elisheyah .
“ There ’ s no safety , nothing to guarantee you can be safe out here.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable populations in the COVID-19 pandemic , yet they ’ re largely invisible victims of the crisis .
Very little is known about how they are faring in part because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — the main federal agency overseeing homeless programs — has not required its national network of providers to gather information on infections or deaths .
That ’ s despite the fact that unlike other high-risk , congregate-living groups , such as nursing home residents or prisoners , homeless people interact more with the public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers warned that at least 1,700 of the country ’ s estimated 568,000 homeless people could eventually die of COVID-19 .
The administration ’ s homelessness czar told Congress in July there had been just 130 homeless deaths , noting that was “ significantly lower than had been originally projected.
” However , the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism tracked at least 153 homeless deaths in the same time period in just six areas with large homeless populations — San Francisco , Los Angeles , New York City , Washington , D.C. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 206 deaths nationwide by early August .
“ This country for a long time has written off the lives of people experiencing homelessness , ” said Dr. Margot Kushel , a nationally recognized homelessness expert and medical professor at the University of California , San Francisco .
“ And now it is literally the thing that is really going to make it very difficult to control this pandemic.
” Kushel called the pandemic “ a crisis within a crisis , ” noting that most homeless people are usually in poorer health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to services providing food , water and shelter .
The Howard Center spent three months investigating COVID-19 ’ s impact on homeless people , analyzing data to predict which homeless populations around the country would be most vulnerable .
It identified 43 counties that would likely struggle in the pandemic , several of which , such as Imperial in California and Maricopa in Arizona , went on to develop some of the highest infection rates in the country .
Reporters also interviewed more than 80 professionals working in homelessness , epidemiology and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in hot-spot areas , who described their daily struggles .
And because homelessness is typically a problem left to local communities to address , reporters filed 140 public records requests to the vulnerable counties and their major cities to learn more about their responses to the crisis .
Congress allocated more than $ 4 billion for homeless-specific programs as part of the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act and made billions more available at the discretion of federal and state officials .
But more than four months after passage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center found HUD had given communities access to less than one-third of the money allocated , and even those with access to funds were still waiting on federal guidelines on how to spend the money .
Cities and counties can access the funds directly or seek reimbursement for approved expenditures after signing grant agreements with HUD .
When the money does arrive , not all of it may be used to help homeless people .
Some homelessness professionals fear local governments will direct the majority of the money to homeless prevention , helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oliva , HUD ’ s former deputy assistant secretary for special needs , said it was “ politically and operationally easier to focus on eviction prevention for people who are in housing , and who are , unfairly , often seen as more worthy of assistance than people who are experiencing homelessness.
” But , she added , “ We have to do both.
” HUD did not respond to Howard Center questions about the delays , including on spending guidelines .
Many have criticized the federal government for not providing a coordinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on homeless people , as well as more resources for testing and tracing .
Some have also advocated for racially equitable COVID-19 responses .
By early August , people of color , who represent about 24 % of the general population , comprised about 61 % of all COVID-19 infections and 50 % of all deaths , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ We have been left county by county , city by city , to cobble together a public health response to something that is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its infectiousness and potential lethality , ” said Marc Dones , executive director of the National Innovation Service , a public policy organization focused on racial equity .
“ To simply step out of the role , to step out of the responsibility in this moment feels like a fundamental abdication of the purpose of government.
” At the start of the pandemic , the Howard Center found , some communities quickly responded , forming working groups to address both the housing and health needs of their homeless populations , and securing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trailers and even convention centers , to prevent communal spread .
In early March , for example , the homelessness prevention and response coordinator in Colorado Springs , Colorado , arranged cross-departmental meetings with public health and nonprofits and , in just three weeks , an emergency isolation shelter with 100 beds was constructed .
San Diego opened its convention center as an emergency shelter , testing site and meal distribution hub on April 1 and , by early August , had sheltered 2,780 homeless people .
Internal records show the city spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the makeshift shelter , and expects to spend $ 3 million a month through the end of the year .
Others were slow or failed to respond .
The city manager in Sanger , California , opposed housing homeless people possibly infected with COVID-19 in emergency trailers in his town before he was ordered to take them by the county public health department , records show .
Before the trailers arrived , city manager Tim Chapa appealed to the City Council .
He said the city ’ s shelter “ may not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service to identified COVID + homeless , ” he recounted in an April 17 email to a county official .
Chapa said the trailers would be better in Fresno , where they ended up later that day .
In Daytona Beach , Florida , efforts to convert an old building into permanent housing for homeless residents failed , despite the project having funding and county support .
Jeff White , executive director of Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless , Inc. , and another nonprofit leader argued that using COVID-19 funds to develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than paying for hotel rooms , which would be “ basically burning money.
” White told the Howard Center he moved on to another plan after city officials gave him “ kind of a non-response ” that didn ’ t show support for the project .
Leaders in El Centro , the main city in California ’ s Imperial County , repeatedly but unsuccessfully sought the county ’ s help with a testing program .
“ As to the homeless population , they are not going to enact anything unless there are any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not doing any pre-emptive activities , ” Adriana Nava , El Centro ’ s community services director , wrote to her colleagues on March 19 .
Overall , records showed , localities faced two major problems in addressing the pandemic ’ s impact on their homeless populations : a lack of readiness to work across departments dealing with both housing and health and insufficient data and testing to know who was getting sick and where .
“ All states have been at a disadvantage in their response to C-19 because the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nationwide strategy .
In fact , the national strategy seems to be ‘ let states handle it , ’ ” Barbara DiPietro , senior policy director for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council , said in an email .
“ This is the least efficient , most wasteful way to approach a crisis.
” This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center and produced by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University ’ s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication , an initiative of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late news industry executive and pioneer Roy W. Howard .
For more see http : //azpbs.org/covid-homeless .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

By Molly Bohannon, Katie Surma, Austin Fast, Nino Abdaladze, Megan Lupo, Jamie Fields and Sanjana Garg Of The Howard Center For Investigative Journalism, Howard Center for Investigative Journalism via AP
PHOENIX — Nearly 200 tents stand inches apart on the scorching gravel lots, many covered in blankets for an extra layer of relief from the desert sun. Outside, their occupants sit on hot ground or in folding chairs, nearby palm trees providing no shade. Despite 12-foot-square sections painted in the gravel, there is little social distancing for Phoenix’s homeless population.
Created by local officials in late April as a temporary solution for some of the estimated 3,700 unsheltered homeless, the fenced-in lots on the edge of downtown promised round-the-clock security, social distancing and access to water and toilets. But residents complain that hygiene supplies have become scarce, and measures meant to contain the spread of COVID-19 are not enforced.
“We have been, like, ignored,” said 61-year-old Elisheyah. “There’s no safety, nothing to guarantee you can be safe out here.”
Homeless people are one of the most vulnerable populations in the COVID-19 pandemic, yet they’re largely invisible victims of the crisis. Very little is known about how they are faring in part because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — the main federal agency overseeing homeless programs — has not required its national network of providers to gather information on infections or deaths. That’s despite the fact that unlike other high-risk, congregate-living groups, such as nursing home residents or prisoners, homeless people interact more with the public.
At the start of the pandemic, researchers warned that at least 1,700 of the country’s estimated 568,000 homeless people could eventually die of COVID-19. The administration’s homelessness czar told Congress in July there had been just 130 homeless deaths, noting that was “significantly lower than had been originally projected.”
However, the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism tracked at least 153 homeless deaths in the same time period in just six areas with large homeless populations — San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., Seattle and Phoenix — and found at least 206 deaths nationwide by early August.
“This country for a long time has written off the lives of people experiencing homelessness,” said Dr. Margot Kushel, a nationally recognized homelessness expert and medical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. “And now it is literally the thing that is really going to make it very difficult to control this pandemic.”
Kushel called the pandemic “a crisis within a crisis,” noting that most homeless people are usually in poorer health and, with widespread closures, had lost access to services providing food, water and shelter.
The Howard Center spent three months investigating COVID-19’s impact on homeless people, analyzing data to predict which homeless populations around the country would be most vulnerable. It identified 43 counties that would likely struggle in the pandemic, several of which, such as Imperial in California and Maricopa in Arizona, went on to develop some of the highest infection rates in the country. Reporters also interviewed more than 80 professionals working in homelessness, epidemiology and public health, as well as homeless people in hot-spot areas, who described their daily struggles. And because homelessness is typically a problem left to local communities to address, reporters filed 140 public records requests to the vulnerable counties and their major cities to learn more about their responses to the crisis.
Congress allocated more than $4 billion for homeless-specific programs as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and made billions more available at the discretion of federal and state officials.
But more than four months after passage of the CARES Act, the Howard Center found HUD had given communities access to less than one-third of the money allocated, and even those with access to funds were still waiting on federal guidelines on how to spend the money. Cities and counties can access the funds directly or seek reimbursement for approved expenditures after signing grant agreements with HUD.
When the money does arrive, not all of it may be used to help homeless people. Some homelessness professionals fear local governments will direct the majority of the money to homeless prevention, helping people stay in their homes.
Ann Oliva, HUD’s former deputy assistant secretary for special needs, said it was “politically and operationally easier to focus on eviction prevention for people who are in housing, and who are, unfairly, often seen as more worthy of assistance than people who are experiencing homelessness.” But, she added, “We have to do both.”
HUD did not respond to Howard Center questions about the delays, including on spending guidelines.
A patchwork response
Many have criticized the federal government for not providing a coordinated response to the pandemic’s impact on homeless people, as well as more resources for testing and tracing. Some have also advocated for racially equitable COVID-19 responses. By early August, people of color, who represent about 24% of the general population, comprised about 61% of all COVID-19 infections and 50% of all deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We have been left county by county, city by city, to cobble together a public health response to something that is on par with the Spanish flu in terms of its infectiousness and potential lethality,” said Marc Dones, executive director of the National Innovation Service, a public policy organization focused on racial equity. “To simply step out of the role, to step out of the responsibility in this moment feels like a fundamental abdication of the purpose of government.”
At the start of the pandemic, the Howard Center found, some communities quickly responded, forming working groups to address both the housing and health needs of their homeless populations, and securing emergency housing, such as hotels, trailers and even convention centers, to prevent communal spread.
In early March, for example, the homelessness prevention and response coordinator in Colorado Springs, Colorado, arranged cross-departmental meetings with public health and nonprofits and, in just three weeks, an emergency isolation shelter with 100 beds was constructed.
San Diego opened its convention center as an emergency shelter, testing site and meal distribution hub on April 1 and, by early August, had sheltered 2,780 homeless people. Internal records show the city spent approximately $2.8 million a month on the makeshift shelter, and expects to spend $3 million a month through the end of the year.
Others were slow or failed to respond.
The city manager in Sanger, California, opposed housing homeless people possibly infected with COVID-19 in emergency trailers in his town before he was ordered to take them by the county public health department, records show. Before the trailers arrived, city manager Tim Chapa appealed to the City Council. He said the city’s shelter “may not have the capacity to provide adequate medical support service to identified COVID + homeless,” he recounted in an April 17 email to a county official. Chapa said the trailers would be better in Fresno, where they ended up later that day.
In Daytona Beach, Florida, efforts to convert an old building into permanent housing for homeless residents failed, despite the project having funding and county support. Jeff White, executive director of Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless, Inc., and another nonprofit leader argued that using COVID-19 funds to develop “permanent supportive housing” was better than paying for hotel rooms, which would be “basically burning money.” White told the Howard Center he moved on to another plan after city officials gave him “kind of a non-response” that didn’t show support for the project.
Leaders in El Centro, the main city in California’s Imperial County, repeatedly but unsuccessfully sought the county’s help with a testing program. “As to the homeless population, they are not going to enact anything unless there are any positive results within the population. They are not doing any pre-emptive activities,” Adriana Nava, El Centro’s community services director, wrote to her colleagues on March 19.
Overall, records showed, localities faced two major problems in addressing the pandemic’s impact on their homeless populations: a lack of readiness to work across departments dealing with both housing and health and insufficient data and testing to know who was getting sick and where.
“All states have been at a disadvantage in their response to C-19 because the federal government has failed to adopt a unified, nationwide strategy. In fact, the national strategy seems to be ‘let states handle it,’” Barbara DiPietro, senior policy director for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, said in an email. “This is the least efficient, most wasteful way to approach a crisis.”
This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center and produced by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, an initiative of the Scripps Howard Foundation in honor of the late news industry executive and pioneer Roy W. Howard. For more see http://azpbs.org/covid-homeless.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-08-25--Denver weather: Smoke, heat, near-record high temps continue Tuesday

Smoky skies and near-record heat is in the Denver forecast Tuesday .
Denver tied a record-high temperature on Monday , for the date of Aug. 24 , when the temperature hit 98 degrees , according to the National Weather Service .
That tied the 98-degree record for the city set in 2011 .
On Tuesday , there will be areas of smoke , with mostly sunny skies , as the high temperature climbs to 98 degrees , according to the weather service forecast .
The record temperature in Denver on Aug. 25 is 99 degrees set in 2011 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has again issued air quality alerts for Denver and along the Front Range on Tuesday because of smoke from wildfires burning in the state and elsewhere in the West .
Near-record heat will continue Tuesday on the Eastern Plains fueled , in part , by dry and hazy conditions , according to the weather service .
On Wednesday in Denver , there ’ s a 30 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms .
There will be areas of smoke early in the morning , before 7 a.m. , and the smoke will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature tops out at about 95 degrees .
Winds could gust to 17 mph .
Denver ’ s weather forecast on Thursday includes a 20 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high temperature of 95 degrees , the weather service said .
On Friday , Denver ’ s streak of 90-degree days is expected to end as a cold front dips into northern Colorado .
Seasonal temperatures , in the mid- to upper-80s , and a chance of showers are expected through the weekend .
Skies over Denver will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance of showers and thunderstorms , and a high temperature of 86 degrees .

Smoky skies and near-record heat is in the Denver forecast Tuesday.
Denver tied a record-high temperature on Monday, for the date of Aug. 24, when the temperature hit 98 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. That tied the 98-degree record for the city set in 2011.
On Tuesday, there will be areas of smoke, with mostly sunny skies, as the high temperature climbs to 98 degrees, according to the weather service forecast. The record temperature in Denver on Aug. 25 is 99 degrees set in 2011.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has again issued air quality alerts for Denver and along the Front Range on Tuesday because of smoke from wildfires burning in the state and elsewhere in the West.
Near-record heat will continue Tuesday on the Eastern Plains fueled, in part, by dry and hazy conditions, according to the weather service.
On Wednesday in Denver, there’s a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. There will be areas of smoke early in the morning, before 7 a.m., and the smoke will return after 1 p.m. as the high temperature tops out at about 95 degrees. Winds could gust to 17 mph.
Denver’s weather forecast on Thursday includes a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high temperature of 95 degrees, the weather service said.
On Friday, Denver’s streak of 90-degree days is expected to end as a cold front dips into northern Colorado. Seasonal temperatures, in the mid- to upper-80s, and a chance of showers are expected through the weekend.
Skies over Denver will be partly cloudy on Friday, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, and a high temperature of 86 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-08-25--Broncos Mailbag: How will opposing defenses challenge Drew Lock early in the season?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here .
Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .
Now that opposing teams have game film on Drew Lock , what adjustments do you anticipate they ’ ll throw at him ?
— Brandon Brown , Rogers Tennessee ’ s coaching staff , along with those in Pittsburgh ( Week 2 ) and Tampa Bay ( Week 3 ) probably devoted some offseason hours to analyzing Lock ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not faced any of the Broncos ’ first six opponents ( Titans , Steelers , Buccaneers , Jets , Patriots and Dolphins ) .
Two things are common when facing young quarterbacks : Pressure and disguise .
From my untrained eye , I can track the pressures , but not the disguises .
I would expect teams to mix up their pressures to test the Broncos ’ revamped offensive line but also disguise some of their coverages to see how Lock responds .
On the flip side , Lock has five games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so he will be ready for plenty of new wrinkles .
.Following the practices it looks like Drew Lock and Courtland Sutton seem to be in sync and that Jerry Jeudy and Lock are getting there .
What is the chemistry between Lock and KJ Hamler ?
I have not heard much about that .
And what do the rest of the receivers and tight ends look like so far ?
— Del , Lamar Since fans aren ’ t allowed to attend training camp practices this year , I am assuming Del @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video clips on the Broncos ’ website .
Lock/Sutton .
The first 11-on-11 play of training camp was a pass to Sutton and the duo are trending the right away .
The in-sync part is important because I haven ’ t seen a glaring miscommunication between Lock and Sutton yet , which is a good sign considering the new playbook .
Lock/Jeudy .
Agreed on your “ getting there ” analysis .
They ’ ve had several nice completions , the same for Jeudy and backup quarterback Jeff Driskel .
Lock/Hamler .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamler , who is out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury and whose status for Week 1 is in doubt .
When Hamler gets back to practice , he and Lock will have to start over .
Lock/rest of the tight ends-receivers .
The players who have stood out catching passes from all the quarterbacks include tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and Jake Butt and receivers Tim Patrick , DaeSean Hamilton and Tyrie Cleveland .
Ryan , you ’ ve covered plenty of training camps .
This year is so different because of COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the changes ?
Which position group is most affected ?
— David Brown , Lenexa , Kansas “ Plenty of training camps ” should be code for “ old.
” This is my 17th year covering the NFL so I ’ ve seen a lot of practices and walk-throughs and special teams drills through the years in Washington , Jacksonville and now Denver .
Good question about which positions are impacted by COVID-19 and the lack of preseason games .
Inside linebackers .
Coach Vic Fangio mentioned this position group last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside linebackers taking on fullbacks , blitzing up the middle and getting physical in man coverage — they have to throttle back big-time in practice .
Running backs .
Look at a guy like rookie LeVante Bellamy .
An undrafted free agent , he would have received a ton of carries in the preseason games to show he was worthy of a roster spot .
Safeties .
Safety is another one of those physical positions and the first hit they deliver will be against Tennessee .
Blitzing , taking on a bigger blocker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field to break up a pass — most of that would have happened in a preseason game .
What does Lloyd Cushenberry have to do to gain the starting role at center ?
Is he really that far behind the guys in front of him ?
— Jeff , Aurora How the Broncos have handled the center position in training camp has been one of my surprises .
I expected Austin Schlottmann to get the first-team reps initially , but then once Cushenberry showed the coaches he had a grasp of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slide into the No .
1 spot .
Um , no .
Patrick Morris is getting the same kind of opportunities as Cushenberry with the first team .
In this truncated training camp , I do understand why they could begin the season with Schlottmann , because he has played regular-season games , albeit at guard .
I can ’ t imagine Cushenberry is “ behind ” Schlottmann and Morris .
Physically , he ’ s handled himself well in the 1-on-1 matchups and mentally , his smarts have been complimented by Fangio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Week 1 , all is not lost .
Chances are , if he continues his progress , he will get a chance to play this year .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.
Now that opposing teams have game film on Drew Lock, what adjustments do you anticipate they’ll throw at him?
— Brandon Brown, Rogers
Tennessee’s coaching staff, along with those in Pittsburgh (Week 2) and Tampa Bay (Week 3) probably devoted some offseason hours to analyzing Lock’s five-game debut from last year. Lock has not faced any of the Broncos’ first six opponents (Titans, Steelers, Buccaneers, Jets, Patriots and Dolphins).
Two things are common when facing young quarterbacks: Pressure and disguise. From my untrained eye, I can track the pressures, but not the disguises. I would expect teams to mix up their pressures to test the Broncos’ revamped offensive line but also disguise some of their coverages to see how Lock responds.
On the flip side, Lock has five games of experience in how defenses attacked him so he will be ready for plenty of new wrinkles.
.Following the practices it looks like Drew Lock and Courtland Sutton seem to be in sync and that Jerry Jeudy and Lock are getting there. What is the chemistry between Lock and KJ Hamler? I have not heard much about that. And what do the rest of the receivers and tight ends look like so far?
— Del, Lamar
Since fans aren’t allowed to attend training camp practices this year, I am assuming Del is getting his intel by watching the video clips on the Broncos’ website.
Lock/Sutton. The first 11-on-11 play of training camp was a pass to Sutton and the duo are trending the right away. The in-sync part is important because I haven’t seen a glaring miscommunication between Lock and Sutton yet, which is a good sign considering the new playbook.
Lock/Jeudy. Agreed on your “getting there” analysis. They’ve had several nice completions, the same for Jeudy and backup quarterback Jeff Driskel.
Lock/Hamler. A tough break for the offense and for Hamler, who is out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury and whose status for Week 1 is in doubt. When Hamler gets back to practice, he and Lock will have to start over.
Lock/rest of the tight ends-receivers. The players who have stood out catching passes from all the quarterbacks include tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and Jake Butt and receivers Tim Patrick, DaeSean Hamilton and Tyrie Cleveland.
Ryan, you’ve covered plenty of training camps. This year is so different because of COVID. What position groups are least affected by the changes? Which position group is most affected?
— David Brown, Lenexa, Kansas
“Plenty of training camps” should be code for “old.” This is my 17th year covering the NFL so I’ve seen a lot of practices and walk-throughs and special teams drills through the years in Washington, Jacksonville and now Denver.
Good question about which positions are impacted by COVID-19 and the lack of preseason games.
Inside linebackers. Coach Vic Fangio mentioned this position group last week. Football remains a contact sport and inside linebackers taking on fullbacks, blitzing up the middle and getting physical in man coverage — they have to throttle back big-time in practice.
Running backs. Look at a guy like rookie LeVante Bellamy. An undrafted free agent, he would have received a ton of carries in the preseason games to show he was worthy of a roster spot.
Safeties. Safety is another one of those physical positions and the first hit they deliver will be against Tennessee. Blitzing, taking on a bigger blocker in the run game and charging up the field to break up a pass — most of that would have happened in a preseason game.
What does Lloyd Cushenberry have to do to gain the starting role at center? Is he really that far behind the guys in front of him?
— Jeff, Aurora
How the Broncos have handled the center position in training camp has been one of my surprises. I expected Austin Schlottmann to get the first-team reps initially, but then once Cushenberry showed the coaches he had a grasp of the playbook and the altitude, he would slide into the No. 1 spot.
Um, no. Patrick Morris is getting the same kind of opportunities as Cushenberry with the first team. In this truncated training camp, I do understand why they could begin the season with Schlottmann, because he has played regular-season games, albeit at guard.
I can’t imagine Cushenberry is “behind” Schlottmann and Morris. Physically, he’s handled himself well in the 1-on-1 matchups and mentally, his smarts have been complimented by Fangio.
If Cushenberry doesn’t start in Week 1, all is not lost. Chances are, if he continues his progress, he will get a chance to play this year.


thedenverpost--2020-08-25--Ask Amy: Debt creates an awkward dilemma

Dear Amy : My partner “ Charles ” and I were happily together for eight years .
I decided to leave our home and move with my daughter to another city for her work .
The last few years of our relationship were long distance .
When he had a sudden heart attack and died , I was filled with grief and guilt .
After his death , I had to go collect my belongings from his place .
While at the house , his parents volunteered that they felt his debts had died with him .
I had loaned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It wasn ’ t a secret , and he was open about this to his parents .
They sold his home for an impressive sum last year , but never offered to pay back the money he had borrowed from me .
I ’ m not wealthy .
I am working hard and trying to stay afloat .
I don ’ t want to sadden his parents or to come off as greedy .
If he were here , he would tell me , “ Girl , speak up and go get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seem to find the words .
Dear Struggling : “ Charles ’ ” parents might declare that his debts died with him , but in reality , you have the right to collect the money owed to you .
[ And if my Judge Judy fandom has taught me nothing else , please get these more informal arrangements written down , signed by both parties , and dated ! ]
You already have a solid rationale for wanting to have this debt repaid , but your late boyfriend has supplied the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents .
Share a memory and point out their son ’ s wonderful qualities .
Because it is difficult to bring up the debt , address the challenge directly : “ I realize this is very awkward .
I might not get the words right , but I hope you will understand .
I know you are aware of the money I loaned to Charles to pay his taxes .
For me , this represents a substantial sum , and I did not hesitate to make the loan when Charles needed it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know you are aware of his intent .
Charles had a high degree of fairness and he always encouraged me to advocate for myself , and so I am doing so now .
I would very much appreciate you settling this debt from the proceeds of his estate.
” Dear Amy : I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with my first child .
My pregnancy has had a lot of complications .
The doctors have told me that I will most likely be hospitalized for early labor , preeclampsia , or because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to low amniotic fluid .
The baby is also not growing as he should , and this could affect his lung development .
I want to hope for the best outcome and since he will definitely be born early , my sister-in-law suggested doing the baby shower early ( it will be a virtual shower ) .
I would love to have a baby shower , but I am wondering if it is appropriate considering our situation .
Our immediate family knows what is going on , but we have not told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do you think ?
Dear K : Given the uncertainty of your situation and your concerns about what the future holds , you should do exactly whatever YOU want to do .
You may make one choice and then change your mind , but do not let anyone pressure you .
Because you have asked me to weigh in , I absolutely think you should go for it , and celebrate this pregnancy as soon as possible with every fiber of your being .
In a way , every pregnancy is a leap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent is forced to face their fears with bravery and optimism .
This is the very essence of parenthood , and you facing this challenge in an attitude of celebration is you being a very brave and very good parent .
I hope you will get back in touch with a joyful report about how things turned out .
Dear Amy : In your response to “ Mindful ” you cited a “ Mars/Venus ” stereotype regarding how men and women typically communicate .
I loved your response and realize that this totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m going to remember that he is just trying to “ problem solve ” when he leaps in to “ fix ” my pettier complaints .
Dear Grateful : The response to this topic has so far split equally along gender lines .
Women see it as insightful , men do not .

Dear Amy: My partner “Charles” and I were happily together for eight years.
I decided to leave our home and move with my daughter to another city for her work. The last few years of our relationship were long distance.
When he had a sudden heart attack and died, I was filled with grief and guilt.
After his death, I had to go collect my belongings from his place. While at the house, his parents volunteered that they felt his debts had died with him. I had loaned him $5,000 for his property tax. It wasn’t a secret, and he was open about this to his parents.
They sold his home for an impressive sum last year, but never offered to pay back the money he had borrowed from me.
I’m not wealthy. I am working hard and trying to stay afloat. I don’t want to sadden his parents or to come off as greedy. If he were here, he would tell me, “Girl, speak up and go get your money!”
I just can’t seem to find the words.
— Struggling
Dear Struggling: “Charles’” parents might declare that his debts died with him, but in reality, you have the right to collect the money owed to you. [And if my Judge Judy fandom has taught me nothing else, please get these more informal arrangements written down, signed by both parties, and dated!]
You already have a solid rationale for wanting to have this debt repaid, but your late boyfriend has supplied the inspiration.
You should write to his parents. Share a memory and point out their son’s wonderful qualities. Because it is difficult to bring up the debt, address the challenge directly: “I realize this is very awkward. I might not get the words right, but I hope you will understand. I know you are aware of the money I loaned to Charles to pay his taxes. For me, this represents a substantial sum, and I did not hesitate to make the loan when Charles needed it. He agreed to repay the loan and I know you are aware of his intent. Charles had a high degree of fairness and he always encouraged me to advocate for myself, and so I am doing so now. I would very much appreciate you settling this debt from the proceeds of his estate.”
Dear Amy: I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with my first child. My pregnancy has had a lot of complications. The doctors have told me that I will most likely be hospitalized for early labor, preeclampsia, or because the baby needs to come out immediately due to low amniotic fluid.
The baby is also not growing as he should, and this could affect his lung development. I want to hope for the best outcome and since he will definitely be born early, my sister-in-law suggested doing the baby shower early (it will be a virtual shower).
I would love to have a baby shower, but I am wondering if it is appropriate considering our situation. Our immediate family knows what is going on, but we have not told anyone else of the complications.
What do you think?
— K
Dear K: Given the uncertainty of your situation and your concerns about what the future holds, you should do exactly whatever YOU want to do. You may make one choice and then change your mind, but do not let anyone pressure you.
Because you have asked me to weigh in, I absolutely think you should go for it, and celebrate this pregnancy as soon as possible with every fiber of your being.
In a way, every pregnancy is a leap into the unknown, and every prospective parent is forced to face their fears with bravery and optimism. This is the very essence of parenthood, and you facing this challenge in an attitude of celebration is you being a very brave and very good parent.
I hope you will get back in touch with a joyful report about how things turned out.
Dear Amy: In your response to “Mindful” you cited a “Mars/Venus” stereotype regarding how men and women typically communicate. I loved your response and realize that this totally applies to my husband and me.
I’m going to remember that he is just trying to “problem solve” when he leaps in to “fix” my pettier complaints.
— Grateful
Dear Grateful: The response to this topic has so far split equally along gender lines. Women see it as insightful, men do not.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-08-25--Rockies beat D-Backs behind Ryan Castellani, end 7-game losing streak

The Rockies desperately needed a victory , by any means necessary .
They got it by utilizing the tried-and-true formula of solid starting pitching by rookie Ryan Castellani , shutdown work by the bullpen and a few timely hits to beat the Diamondbacks , 3-2 , Monday night at Chase Field in Phoenix .
The Rockies ’ win halted their seven-game losing streak and extended Arizona ’ s misery .
The Diamondbacks have lost six straight .
“ You can ’ t make this stuff up , ” said Castellani , who graduated from Brophy College Prep in Phoenix and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballpark he frequently attended as a teenager .
“ It was an emotional night and it was a lot of fun .
It worked out and the bullpen made it happen in the end .
“ I grew up going to games here and I ’ ve sat everywhere in this stadium , so it ’ s come full circle .
To be on the mound and get my first win here is amazing .
… It ’ s something I ’ ll cherish forever.
” The right-hander did his alma mater proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado the kind of start it needed .
Manager Bud Black was impressed with the poise the 23-year-old Castellani displayed on the mound .
“ That ’ s the big difference with Ryan , going back to ( spring training ) at Scottsdale , ” Black said .
“ There is just a different maturity we have seen this year compared to past years .
I think it ’ s just personal growth.
” Raimel Tapia , who ’ s beginning to shine at the top of the order , produced the go-ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tony Wolters , who led off with a double .
Tapia , 3-for-5 with a stolen base , is batting .306 .
” ‘ Tap ’ is doing a great job and he ’ s keeping the game simple , ” said Wolters , who batted 3-for-4 .
“ He ’ s hitting the ball where it ’ s pitched , he ’ s getting on base .
He ’ s our sparkplug.
” Wolters departed the game with two outs in the ninth , replaced by Drew Butera , after Wolters caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee .
He said the impact gave him “ dead-leg ” for a short time , but he said he would be fine .
Right-hander Daniel Bard , back in the majors after a seven-year absence , threw a perfect ninth to notch his second save .
Yency Almonte and Carlos Estevez combined to throw two scoreless innings .
Regarding his decision to use Bard in the ninth , Black said : “ It ’ s a cumulative effect of what we have seen all year .
We have talked a lot about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use it .
We feel , right now , that Daniel is a great option for us in the ninth inning .
It worked out tonight.
” Castellani allowed three hits , struck out two and walked three .
He made two big mistakes and the D-backs made him pay for them .
Kole Calhoun hit a hanging slider for a two-out solo homer to right in the third and Christian Walker hammered a high changeup to left for a solo homer in the fourth , tying the game 2-2 .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitches to affect him .
“ That ’ s growth , for sure , ” he said .
“ It happens in the minors .
You make bad pitches and you just learn to not show any emotion .
The second you show that your are ( ticked ) off , they ’ ve got you .
I know that a solo home run is not going to beat you.
” Arizona ’ s fifth inning ended with a bizarre header worthy of Lionel Messi , and with the ejection of manager Torey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flew out to shallow left field where Raimel Tapia snared it for the second out .
Tapia attempted to double up Calhoun at first but Tapia ’ s throw bounced by Daniel Murphy and Calhoun broke for second .
But Rockies catcher Tony Wolters , backing up first , threw toward second and Calhoun intentionally turned his head into the ball ’ s path , essentially head-butting the baseball .
Calhoun was called for interference and Lovullo got the thumb for arguing .
Trevor Story jumpstarted Colorado with a solo homer in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was Story ’ s 20th homer in 70 games against Arizona .
For his career , Story is batting .329 ( 87-for-264 ) with 23 doubles , two triples and 51 RBIs against the Diamondbacks .
It was not all good news .
The Rockies continue having a difficult time turning big opportunities into big innings .
That malady struck again in the third .
The Rockies had the bases loaded with one out in the third , and although Daniel Murphy delivered a run with a sacrifice fly , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After going 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position while they were swept in Los Angeles by the Dodgers , Colorado was 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position Monday night .

The Rockies desperately needed a victory, by any means necessary.
They got it by utilizing the tried-and-true formula of solid starting pitching by rookie Ryan Castellani, shutdown work by the bullpen and a few timely hits to beat the Diamondbacks, 3-2, Monday night at Chase Field in Phoenix.
The Rockies’ win halted their seven-game losing streak and extended Arizona’s misery. The Diamondbacks have lost six straight.
“You can’t make this stuff up,” said Castellani, who graduated from Brophy College Prep in Phoenix and notched his first big-league win in the ballpark he frequently attended as a teenager. “It was an emotional night and it was a lot of fun. It worked out and the bullpen made it happen in the end.
“I grew up going to games here and I’ve sat everywhere in this stadium, so it’s come full circle. To be on the mound and get my first win here is amazing. … It’s something I’ll cherish forever.”
The right-hander did his alma mater proud, pitching six strong innings and providing Colorado the kind of start it needed. Manager Bud Black was impressed with the poise the 23-year-old Castellani displayed on the mound.
“That’s the big difference with Ryan, going back to (spring training) at Scottsdale,” Black said. “There is just a different maturity we have seen this year compared to past years. I think it’s just personal growth.”
Raimel Tapia, who’s beginning to shine at the top of the order, produced the go-ahead run in the fifth, driving in Tony Wolters, who led off with a double. Tapia, 3-for-5 with a stolen base, is batting .306.
” ‘Tap’ is doing a great job and he’s keeping the game simple,” said Wolters, who batted 3-for-4. “He’s hitting the ball where it’s pitched, he’s getting on base. He’s our sparkplug.”
Wolters departed the game with two outs in the ninth, replaced by Drew Butera, after Wolters caught a hard foul-tip off of his left knee. He said the impact gave him “dead-leg” for a short time, but he said he would be fine.
Right-hander Daniel Bard, back in the majors after a seven-year absence, threw a perfect ninth to notch his second save. Yency Almonte and Carlos Estevez combined to throw two scoreless innings.
Regarding his decision to use Bard in the ninth, Black said: “It’s a cumulative effect of what we have seen all year. We have talked a lot about our bullpen and how we are going to use it. We feel, right now, that Daniel is a great option for us in the ninth inning. It worked out tonight.”
Castellani allowed three hits, struck out two and walked three. He made two big mistakes and the D-backs made him pay for them. Kole Calhoun hit a hanging slider for a two-out solo homer to right in the third and Christian Walker hammered a high changeup to left for a solo homer in the fourth, tying the game 2-2.
But Castellani didn’t allow the misplaced pitches to affect him.
“That’s growth, for sure,” he said. “It happens in the minors. You make bad pitches and you just learn to not show any emotion. The second you show that your are (ticked) off, they’ve got you. I know that a solo home run is not going to beat you.”
Arizona’s fifth inning ended with a bizarre header worthy of Lionel Messi, and with the ejection of manager Torey Lovullo.
The Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte flew out to shallow left field where Raimel Tapia snared it for the second out. Tapia attempted to double up Calhoun at first but Tapia’s throw bounced by Daniel Murphy and Calhoun broke for second. But Rockies catcher Tony Wolters, backing up first, threw toward second and Calhoun intentionally turned his head into the ball’s path, essentially head-butting the baseball. Calhoun was called for interference and Lovullo got the thumb for arguing.
Trevor Story jumpstarted Colorado with a solo homer in the first, his ninth of the season. It was Story’s 20th homer in 70 games against Arizona. For his career, Story is batting .329 (87-for-264) with 23 doubles, two triples and 51 RBIs against the Diamondbacks.
It was not all good news. The Rockies continue having a difficult time turning big opportunities into big innings. That malady struck again in the third. The Rockies had the bases loaded with one out in the third, and although Daniel Murphy delivered a run with a sacrifice fly, that was the extent of the rally.
After going 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position while they were swept in Los Angeles by the Dodgers, Colorado was 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position Monday night.


thedenverpost--2020-08-28--Trump, on huge White House stage, decrying Biden, radicals

WASHINGTON — Facing a fraught national moment , President Donald Trump was accepting his party ’ s renomination on a massive White House South Lawn stage Thursday night , breaking with tradition by using the executive mansion as a political backdrop and defying pandemic guidelines to address a tightly packed , largely maskless crowd .
As crises churned outside the gates , Trump was painting an optimistic vision of America ’ s future , including an eventual triumph over the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 175,000 people , left millions unemployed and rewritten the rules of society .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ secured , Trump asserted , if he defeats Joe Biden , against whom he was set to unleash blistering attacks meant to erase the Democrat ’ s lead in the polls .
“ We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years , ” Trump was to say according to speech excerpts confirmed by his campaign .
“ At no time before have voters faced a clearer choice between two parties , two visions , two philosophies or two agendas.
” Presenting himself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life under siege from radical forces , Trump declared the Democratic agenda as “ the most extreme set of proposals ever put forward by a major party nominee.
” As his speech brings the scaled-back Republican National Convention to a close , Trump risks inflaming a divided nation reeling from a series of calamities , including the pandemic , a major hurricane that slammed into the Gulf Coast and nights of racial unrest and violence after Jacob Blake , a Black man , was shot by a white Wisconsin police officer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was both familiar and controversial .
Despite tradition and regulation to not use the White House for purely political events , a huge stage was set up outside the executive mansion , dwarfing the trappings for some of the most important moments of past presidencies .
The speaker ’ s stand was flanked by dozens of American flags and two big video screens .
Trying to run as an insurgent as well as incumbent , Trump rarely includes calls for unity , even in a time of national uncertainty .
He has repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to portray Biden — who is considered a moderate Democrat — as a tool of the radical left , fringe forces he has claimed don ’ t love their country .
The Republicans claim that the violence that has erupted in Kenosha and some other American cities is to be blamed on Democratic governors and mayors .
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday said that Americans wouldn ’ t be safe in “ Joe Biden ’ s America.
” That drew a stern rebuke from his predecessor in the post .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are in Donald Trump ’ s America , ” said Biden on MSNBC .
“ He views this as a political benefit to him , he is rooting for more violence not less .
He is pouring gasoline on the fire.
” Both parties are watching with uncertainty the developments in Wisconsin and cities across the nation with Republicans leaning hard on support for law and order — with no words offered for Black victims of police violence — while falsely claiming that Biden has not condemned the lawlessness .
Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City ’ s former mayor , declared that Democrats ’ “ silence was so deafening that it reveals an acceptance of this violence because they will accept anything they hope will defeat President Donald Trump.
” Though some of the speakers , unlike on previous nights , offered notes of sympathy to the families of Black men killed by police , Giuliani also took aim at the Black Lives Matter movement , suggesting that it , along with ANTIFA , was part of the extremist voices pushing Biden to “ execute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had “ hijacked the protests into vicious , brutal riots.
” Along with Biden , running mate Kamala Harris offered counter-programming for Trump ’ s prime-time speech .
She delivered a speech a half mile from the White House , declaring , “ Donald Trump doesn ’ t understand the presidency.
” “ He thinks it ’ s all about him , ” she said , adding that “ It ’ s about all of us.. … Donald Trump has failed at the most basic and important job of a president of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people , plain and simple.
” Some demonstrations took to Washington ’ s streets Thursday night , ahead of a march planned for the next day .
New fencing set up along the White House perimeter was to keep the protesters at bay , but some of their shouts and car horns were clearly audible on the South Lawn .
As the event got underway , several hundred people were gathered at nearby newly christened Black Lives Matter Plaza , drumming loudly and and chanting , “ No justice , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from masked faces , can be heard on the White House grounds , where more than 1,000 people were expected , it could also intrude on another illusion that the Republicans have spent a week trying to create : that the pandemic is largely a thing of the past .
The rows of chairs on the lawn were tightly packed , inches apart .
Protective masks were not required , and COVID-19 tests were not to be administered to everyone .
This followed the scene at Pence ’ s speech the night before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was seen offering fist bumps and handshakes to some in the crowd , not all of whom were tested .
But Trump , who has defended his handling of the pandemic , was to tout an expansion of rapid coronavirus testing .
The White House announced Thursday that it had struck a $ 750 million deal to acquire 150 million tests from Abbott Laboratories to be deployed in nursing homes , schools and other areas with populations at high risk .
Four years ago , Trump declared in his acceptance speech that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s woes , but he has found himself asking voters for another term at the nadir of his presidency , amid a devastating pandemic , crushing unemployment and real uncertainties about schools and businesses reopening .
Another one million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week , in numbers released Thursday .
And the U.S. economy shrank at an alarming annual rate of 31.7 % during the April-June quarter as it struggled under the weight of the viral pandemic .
It was sharpest quarterly drop on record .
Price reported from Las @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jill Colvin , Darlene Superville and Aamer Madhani contributed reporting .

Jonathan Lemire, Michelle L. Price, Kevin Freking

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump blasted Joe Biden as a hapless career politician who will endanger Americans’ safety as he accepted his party’s renomination on the South Lawn of the White House. While the coronavirus kills 1,000 Americans each day, Trump defied his own administration’s pandemic guidelines to speak for more than an hour to a tightly packed, largely maskless crowd.
Facing a moment fraught with racial turmoil, economic collapse and a national health emergency, Trump delivered a triumphant, optimistic vision of America’s future Thursday. But he said that brighter horizon could only be secured if he defeated his Democratic foe, who currently has an advantage in most national and battleground state polls.
“We have spent the last four years reversing the damage Joe Biden inflicted over the last 47 years,” Trump said, referring to the former senator and vice president’s career in Washington.
When Trump finished, a massive fireworks display went off by the Washington Monument, complete with explosions that spelled out “Trump 2020.”
His acceptance speech kicked off the final stretch of the campaign, a race now fully joined and, despite the pandemic, soon to begin crisscrossing the country. Trump’s pace of travel will pick up to a near daily pace while Biden, who has largely weathered the pandemic from this Delaware home, announced Thursday that he will soon resume campaign travel.
Teasing once more that a vaccine could arrive soon, the president promised victory over the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 180,000 people in the United States, left millions unemployed and rewritten the rules of society. And, in the setting for his speech, Trump sought to project a sense of normalcy by throwing caution about the coronavirus aside.
All week long, Republicans at the nonconvention convention tried to create the illusion that the pandemic is largely a thing of the past. The rows of chairs on the South Lawn were inches apart. Protective masks were not required, and COVID-19 tests were not administered to everyone.
As his speech brought the scaled-back Republican National Convention to a close, Trump’s incendiary rhetoric risked inflaming a divided nation reeling from a series of calamities, including the pandemic, a major hurricane that slammed into the Gulf Coast and nights of protest after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot by a white Wisconsin police officer. Prosecutors charged a white, 17-year-old police admirer with the fatal shooting of two protesters and wounding of a third.
The president spoke from a setting that was both familiar and controversial. Despite tradition and regulation to not use the White House for purely political events, a huge stage was set up outside the executive mansion, dwarfing the trappings for some of the most important moments of past presidencies. The speaker’s stand was flanked by dozens of American flags and two large video screens.
Trying to run as an insurgent as well as incumbent, Trump rarely includes calls for unity, even in a time of national uncertainty. Presenting himself as the last barrier protecting an American way of life under siege from radical forces, Trump has repeatedly, if not always effectively, tried to portray Biden — who is considered a moderate Democrat — as a tool of extreme leftists.
He mocked his opponent’s record and famous empathy, suggesting that “laid-off workers in Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania” don’t “want Joe Biden’s hollow words of empathy, they wanted their jobs back.”
In a week of racial tumult, Republicans have claimed that the violence that has erupted in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and some other American cities is to be blamed on Democratic governors and mayors and would only grow worse under a Biden administration. That drew a stern rebuke from Biden.
“Every example of violence Donald Trump decries has happened on his watch. Under his leadership. During his presidency,” Biden tweeted. He has accused Trump of “rooting for more violence” to benefit him politically.
Both parties are watching with uncertainty the developments in Wisconsin and cities across the nation with Republicans leaning hard on support for law and order — with no words offered for Black victims of police violence — while falsely claiming that Biden has not condemned the lawlessness.
Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s personal attorney and New York City’s former mayor, declared that Democrats’ “silence was so deafening that it reveals an acceptance of this violence because they will accept anything they hope will defeat President Donald Trump.”
Though some of the speakers, unlike on previous nights, offered notes of sympathy to the families of Black men killed by police, Giuliani also took aim at the Black Lives Matter movement, suggesting that it, along with antifa, was part of the extremist voices pushing Biden to “execute their pro-criminal, anti-police policies” and had “hijacked the protests into vicious, brutal riots.”
Along with Biden, running mate Kamala Harris offered counter-programming for Trump’s prime-time speech. She delivered a speech a half-mile from the White House, declaring, “Donald Trump has failed at the most basic and important job of a president of the United States: He failed to protect the American people, plain and simple.”
Some demonstratiors took to Washington’s streets Thursday night, ahead of a march planned for Friday. New fencing was set up along the White House perimeter to keep the protesters at bay, but some of their shouts and car horns were clearly audible on the South Lawn, where more than 1,500 people gathered. Soon after Trump began talking, the horns and sirens — which came through occasionally to the millions watching at home — caused some people in the last row to turn around and look for the source of the disturbance.
After the convention concluded, there were skirmishes as protesters yelled and threw water bottles at police at the historic St. John’s Church near Black Lives Matter Plaza. There were some arrests.
Trump, who has defended his handling of the pandemic, touted an expansion of rapid coronavirus testing. The White House announced Thursday that it had struck a $750 million deal to acquire 150 million tests from Abbott Laboratories to be deployed in nursing homes, schools and other areas with populations at high risk.
Most of the convention has been aimed at former Trump supporters or nonvoters, and has tried to drive up negative impressions of Biden so that some of his possible backers stay home. Many of the messages were aimed squarely at seniors and suburban women.
Four years ago, Trump declared in his acceptance speech that “I alone can fix” the nation’s woes, but he has found himself asking voters for another term at the nadir of his presidency, amid the devastating pandemic, crushing unemployment and real uncertainties about schools and businesses reopening.
Another one million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, in numbers released Thursday. And the U.S. economy shrank at an alarming annual rate of 31.7% during the April-June quarter as it struggled under the weight of the viral pandemic. It was sharpest quarterly drop on record.
___
Price reported from Las Vegas. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Jill Colvin, Darlene Superville and Aamer Madhani contributed reporting.