thedenverpost--2020-08-10--Chappatta: Trump orders an anti-stimulus plan for struggling states

President Donald Trump and his advisers have said repeatedly that they don ’ t want to “ bail out ” some U.S. states .
It seems they ’ re willing to risk inflicting lasting damage on all 50 of them — and , by extension , the entire American economy — to prove their commitment to this cause .
As part of the president ’ s orders during the weekend to provide economic relief without Congress , he called for additional unemployment payments to restart at $ 400 a week , down from the previous $ 600 .
That sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this insurance most likely cushioned the economy from an even bigger decline in the past few months .
But that headline figure includes $ 100 that states would have to contribute themselves .
Now , $ 100 a person per week might not sound like much at first .
But it ’ s hard to overstate the difference between that money coming from the federal government versus the states , which are projected to face combined budget shortfalls of about $ 555 billion through 2022 .
As the first few months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort by Congress , the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve can yield powerful results .
Since February , as lawmakers enacted sweeping relief measures , the size of the U.S. Treasury market has swelled by more than $ 3 trillion , the Fed ’ s balance sheet has grown by roughly the same amount , and yet benchmark yields remain near record lows .
As much as Congress likes to play politics with the federal budget , in reality there ’ s no urgency to balance revenue and expenses .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it says across the top of each physical bill , “ Federal Reserve Note ” ) and always has a buyer of last resort for its securities in the central bank , which is still purchasing $ 80 billion of Treasuries a month .
States and municipalities don ’ t have the same luxury .
Much like an American household , each dollar they spend must come from somewhere .
That means either reduced public services , higher tax rates or both .
In that sense , making governors kick in extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance is basically the opposite of economic stimulus .
Unlike the kabuki theater of federal budget negotiations , state budgets aren ’ t a political plaything .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , at least outwardly , doesn ’ t seem to grasp this .
He said Monday that the added unemployment benefits wouldn ’ t cost states a dime , presumably suggesting that governors could cobble together what money remains from the last round of federal aid to make the payments .
That quite obviously misses the zero-sum aspect of state finances and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the 1.1 million state and city employees who have lost their jobs since March .
Meanwhile , he suggested there ’ s “ some limit ” to what the federal government can borrow during this crisis .
While that might be true , in practice there ’ s scant evidence that the U.S. is anywhere close to brushing up against that ceiling .
This weekend ’ s action might just be a ploy to bring Democratic leaders down from their demand for $ 1 trillion in state aid , which Mnuchin called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonetheless a dangerous game .
Before COVID-19 shuttered the American economy , states ’ financial reserves reached a record , with the Pew Charitable Trusts noting in March that “ policy makers in many states have used the current economic expansion to replenish and enlarge their rainy day funds to prepare for the next inevitable downturn.
” Connecticut , for instance , surpassed its pre-financial crisis savings mark for the first time last year .
By and large , state officials have made the tough choices , yet those weren ’ t enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent months .
As U.S. lawmakers look to put together a last-minute compromise on a relief package , they ought to think of state and local government budgets like those of households and companies , rather than the federal government ’ s .
If the goal is to invigorate the American economy , starving states of funds for political grandstanding will more likely cause the country to bleed out .
Brian Chappatta is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering debt markets .
He previously covered bonds for Bloomberg News .
He is also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

President Donald Trump and his advisers have said repeatedly that they don’t want to “bail out” some U.S. states. It seems they’re willing to risk inflicting lasting damage on all 50 of them — and, by extension, the entire American economy — to prove their commitment to this cause.
As part of the president’s orders during the weekend to provide economic relief without Congress, he called for additional unemployment payments to restart at $400 a week, down from the previous $600. That sounds mostly fine on its face, given that this insurance most likely cushioned the economy from an even bigger decline in the past few months. But that headline figure includes $100 that states would have to contribute themselves.
Now, $100 a person per week might not sound like much at first. But it’s hard to overstate the difference between that money coming from the federal government versus the states, which are projected to face combined budget shortfalls of about $555 billion through 2022. As the first few months of the coronavirus crisis demonstrated, an all-hands-on-deck effort by Congress, the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve can yield powerful results. Since February, as lawmakers enacted sweeping relief measures, the size of the U.S. Treasury market has swelled by more than $3 trillion, the Fed’s balance sheet has grown by roughly the same amount, and yet benchmark yields remain near record lows.
As much as Congress likes to play politics with the federal budget, in reality there’s no urgency to balance revenue and expenses. The U.S. controls issuance of dollars (or, as it says across the top of each physical bill, “Federal Reserve Note”) and always has a buyer of last resort for its securities in the central bank, which is still purchasing $80 billion of Treasuries a month. States and municipalities don’t have the same luxury. Much like an American household, each dollar they spend must come from somewhere. That means either reduced public services, higher tax rates or both.
In that sense, making governors kick in extra money from their own coffers for unemployment insurance is basically the opposite of economic stimulus. Unlike the kabuki theater of federal budget negotiations, state budgets aren’t a political plaything.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, at least outwardly, doesn’t seem to grasp this. He said Monday that the added unemployment benefits wouldn’t cost states a dime, presumably suggesting that governors could cobble together what money remains from the last round of federal aid to make the payments. That quite obviously misses the zero-sum aspect of state finances and is nothing short of a gut punch to the 1.1 million state and city employees who have lost their jobs since March. Meanwhile, he suggested there’s “some limit” to what the federal government can borrow during this crisis. While that might be true, in practice there’s scant evidence that the U.S. is anywhere close to brushing up against that ceiling.
This weekend’s action might just be a ploy to bring Democratic leaders down from their demand for $1 trillion in state aid, which Mnuchin called “absurd.” But it’s nonetheless a dangerous game. Before COVID-19 shuttered the American economy, states’ financial reserves reached a record, with the Pew Charitable Trusts noting in March that “policy makers in many states have used the current economic expansion to replenish and enlarge their rainy day funds to prepare for the next inevitable downturn.” Connecticut, for instance, surpassed its pre-financial crisis savings mark for the first time last year. By and large, state officials have made the tough choices, yet those weren’t enough to offset the unprecedented economic contraction in recent months.
As U.S. lawmakers look to put together a last-minute compromise on a relief package, they ought to think of state and local government budgets like those of households and companies, rather than the federal government’s. If the goal is to invigorate the American economy, starving states of funds for political grandstanding will more likely cause the country to bleed out.
Brian Chappatta is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering debt markets. He previously covered bonds for Bloomberg News. He is also a CFA charterholder.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-08-10--Erik Johnson’s horse “Landeskog” wins race as the Avalanche defenseman chases his own trophy

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson has owned racehorses as a hobby for years , and on a dirt track Saturday in Kentucky , one of his prized geldings took home first place .
“ It ’ s a big win , ” Johnson told reporters on a Monday video call from Edmonton .
“ Gabe was excited.
” In a normal world , without an ongoing global pandemic , Johnson spends much of his hockey offseason at the track with ERJ Racing .
As he explained to The Denver Post back in 2016 : “ Just like people like to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch my horses race.
” “ It seems to be catching on a little bit around our room , ” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said .
“ Guys are rooting for him and his horses to have success.
” Call it a happy distraction from the Edmonton NHL bubble .
Johnson , of course , is chasing a different trophy .
He reiterated that horse racing is “ not really my primary focus right now ” as Colorado awaits the Arizona Coyotes for a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series that begins Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ team and they don ’ t give up a whole lot , but they can also score some goals , ” Johnson said .
“ They have some D that can contribute to their offense and their goalie is playing really , really well .
A top-to-bottom solid team and we ’ re looking forward to the challenge.
” Much of the hype surrounding the Avalanche defensive corps this year is focused on youth with Cale Makar , 21 , and Sam Girard , 22 , signaling a new wave of speedy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s experience — 12 NHL seasons and 22 career playoff games ( all with Colorado ) — will be indispensable for the Avs amid the strangest postseason environment any player has encountered .
The Avs listen when Johnson , 32 , speaks ; whether it ’ s about horse racing or hockey .
“ It ’ s amplified at this time of the year , you need that , ” Bednar said .
“ You need guys that have been through some playoffs that have that experience , ( players who ) can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be coming your team ’ s way .
To have that in the locker room , another voice and extension of the coaching staff , I feel like all of our leaders do that.
” Johnson enters the playoffs with 16 points ( three goals ) this season after missing 11 total games with a lower-body injury .
Now healthy , and standing 6-foot-4 and 225-pounds , the Avs will need Johnson ’ s physicality against an Arizona team unafraid to check .
As for all the horse stuff ?
Landeskog the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six races he ’ s entered , according to NHL.com .
“ It ’ s something to laugh about with the guys about after the game , ” Johnson said .
Footnotes .
The NHL announced Monday that it has recorded zero positive COVID-19 tests in either its Toronto or Edmonton bubbles for a second-consecutive week .
“ We feel safe and it ’ s nice to know there are no outbreaks happening or anything like that , ” Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon said on a Monday video call .
… Bednar said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grubauer and Pavel Francouz on who will start at goaltender in Game 1 against Arizona , but declined to tell reporters .
… The Avalanche and Coyotes will play at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday .

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson has owned racehorses as a hobby for years, and on a dirt track Saturday in Kentucky, one of his prized geldings took home first place.
A victorious horse with a familiar name: Landeskog.
“It’s a big win,” Johnson told reporters on a Monday video call from Edmonton. “Gabe was excited.”
In a normal world, without an ongoing global pandemic, Johnson spends much of his hockey offseason at the track with ERJ Racing. As he explained to The Denver Post back in 2016: “Just like people like to play golf on weekends, I like to watch my horses race.”
“It seems to be catching on a little bit around our room,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “Guys are rooting for him and his horses to have success.”
Call it a happy distraction from the Edmonton NHL bubble. Johnson, of course, is chasing a different trophy. He reiterated that horse racing is “not really my primary focus right now” as Colorado awaits the Arizona Coyotes for a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series that begins Wednesday.
“(Arizona) is a stingy team and they don’t give up a whole lot, but they can also score some goals,” Johnson said. “They have some D that can contribute to their offense and their goalie is playing really, really well. A top-to-bottom solid team and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Much of the hype surrounding the Avalanche defensive corps this year is focused on youth with Cale Makar, 21, and Sam Girard, 22, signaling a new wave of speedy, offensive-minded NHL D-men. But Johnson’s experience — 12 NHL seasons and 22 career playoff games (all with Colorado) — will be indispensable for the Avs amid the strangest postseason environment any player has encountered.
The Avs listen when Johnson, 32, speaks; whether it’s about horse racing or hockey.
“It’s amplified at this time of the year, you need that,” Bednar said. “You need guys that have been through some playoffs that have that experience, (players who) can see around corners and help anticipate what may be coming your team’s way. To have that in the locker room, another voice and extension of the coaching staff, I feel like all of our leaders do that.”
Johnson enters the playoffs with 16 points (three goals) this season after missing 11 total games with a lower-body injury. Now healthy, and standing 6-foot-4 and 225-pounds, the Avs will need Johnson’s physicality against an Arizona team unafraid to check.
As for all the horse stuff? Landeskog the gelding has now won three of the six races he’s entered, according to NHL.com.
“It’s something to laugh about with the guys about after the game,” Johnson said.
Racehorse owner Erik Johnson of the #Avs was asked about Landeskog’s big win at Henderson, Ky., on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/LtxZaXO4Kz — Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) August 10, 2020
Footnotes. The NHL announced Monday that it has recorded zero positive COVID-19 tests in either its Toronto or Edmonton bubbles for a second-consecutive week. “We feel safe and it’s nice to know there are no outbreaks happening or anything like that,” Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon said on a Monday video call. … Bednar said he has made a decision between Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz on who will start at goaltender in Game 1 against Arizona, but declined to tell reporters. … The Avalanche and Coyotes will play at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.


thedenverpost--2020-08-10--New Colorado coronavirus cases drop for second week, but remain above June’s low point

New COVID-19 cases dropped for a second week in Colorado , but they have a long way to fall before reaching the record low set in June .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 2,730 cases of the new coronavirus in the week that ended Sunday .
That ’ s down from a high of 4,001 cases two weeks earlier , but still well above the low of 1,136 reached in mid-June .
New daily cases have generally trended down since late July .
For reasons that aren ’ t totally clear , there was a spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on July 6 , and two weeks later on July 20 .
Experts have suggested the pattern may have been due to people relaxing their social distancing precautions as Colorado saw fewer cases , then buckling down again as the situation deteriorated .
The Colorado Hospital Association reported 185 people were hospitalized on Monday , which was the lowest total since July 8 .
Hospitalizations had hit their lowest level , 126 , in late June then rose through mid-July before turning downward again .
Seven COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will increase as delayed reports come in .
Deaths had hit their low point — 15 — in the week ending July 5 , then doubled and hovered around 30 for each of the next four weeks .
An average of 2.8 % of coronavirus tests were positive over the last three days – well within the range experts consider acceptable .
Since March , the state has recorded 51,039 cases of the virus and 6,627 hospitalizations .
A total of 1,746 people have died of the virus , and 117 have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

New COVID-19 cases dropped for a second week in Colorado, but they have a long way to fall before reaching the record low set in June.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 2,730 cases of the new coronavirus in the week that ended Sunday. That’s down from a high of 4,001 cases two weeks earlier, but still well above the low of 1,136 reached in mid-June.
New daily cases have generally trended down since late July. For reasons that aren’t totally clear, there was a spike in people reporting symptoms of the virus on July 6, and two weeks later on July 20. Experts have suggested the pattern may have been due to people relaxing their social distancing precautions as Colorado saw fewer cases, then buckling down again as the situation deteriorated.
The Colorado Hospital Association reported 185 people were hospitalized on Monday, which was the lowest total since July 8. Hospitalizations had hit their lowest level, 126, in late June then rose through mid-July before turning downward again.
Seven COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the week ending Sunday, though the total likely will increase as delayed reports come in. Deaths had hit their low point — 15 — in the week ending July 5, then doubled and hovered around 30 for each of the next four weeks.
An average of 2.8% of coronavirus tests were positive over the last three days – well within the range experts consider acceptable.
Since March, the state has recorded 51,039 cases of the virus and 6,627 hospitalizations. A total of 1,746 people have died of the virus, and 117 have died with it.
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thedenverpost--2020-08-10--CSU Rams, Mountain West won’t play football this fall

With their football program and athletic department already embroiled in controversy , the CSU Rams took on another body blow Monday .
Athletic director Joe Parker on Monday confirmed Stadium and ESPN reports that the Mountain West has elected to postpone football in the fall because of growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic .
“ This is certainly a disappointing development for our student-athletes , coaches , and staff who have devoted their full attention to get ready for a fall season , ” Parker said via university statement .
“ However , as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has altered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the health and safety of our student-athletes and community at large is the most important factor driving our decision-making processes .
“ With the postponement of fall sports , we will devote our full attention to ensuring our student-athletes can have the most meaningful experience which they rightly deserve.
” The MW , which also includes Air Force and Wyoming , becomes the second FBS conference to officially nix a fall 2020 football season , following the Mid-American Conference ’ s announcement this past Saturday for similar reasons .
The future of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hangs in the balance as the only local major college still considering a fall 2020 schedule as of late Monday afternoon .
But a decision on that front could be forthcoming soon , as Pac-12 presidents are slated to meet Tuesday to discuss their plans .
Several media outlets reported that the league will decide , in tandem with the Big Ten , to forgo a fall football season , but CU athletic department officials told The Post that no formal decision had been made yet as of Monday afternoon .
CSU student-athletes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MW is aiming for a spring schedule for the falls sports affected by the decision .
If CSU kicks off in March or April , it will be the latest opening weekend ever for the Rams football program .
CSU launched its 1893 campaign on Jan. 7 An abbreviated , two-game 1918 season , attempted at a time when gatherings were also discouraged because of a pandemic , began on Nov. 16 of that year .
This calendar year will be the first without any CSU football games scheduled since 1944 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , and fans , now takes on even more uncertainty — especially where the fate of Parker and football coach Steve Addazio are concerned .
The football program is currently paused by Parker because of accusations of racism and abusive language , allegations that have been denied by CSU players and assistant coaches .
Parker and Addazio are also currently under university investigation for allegations that the football program and department mishandled COVID-19 protocols and put student-athletes ’ health at risk .
Parker and Addazio have denied the charges and agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be led by the Kansas City-based law firm of Husch Blackwell .
The Mountain West last week had moved to a shorter , 10-game scheduling model that would have begun Sept. 26 , featuring eight conference games and up to two non-league games .

With their football program and athletic department already embroiled in controversy, the CSU Rams took on another body blow Monday.
They’re not playing football this fall.
Athletic director Joe Parker on Monday confirmed Stadium and ESPN reports that the Mountain West has elected to postpone football in the fall because of growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is certainly a disappointing development for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have devoted their full attention to get ready for a fall season,” Parker said via university statement. “However, as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has altered our landscape, we have always stressed that the health and safety of our student-athletes and community at large is the most important factor driving our decision-making processes.
“With the postponement of fall sports, we will devote our full attention to ensuring our student-athletes can have the most meaningful experience which they rightly deserve.”
The MW, which also includes Air Force and Wyoming, becomes the second FBS conference to officially nix a fall 2020 football season, following the Mid-American Conference’s announcement this past Saturday for similar reasons.
The future of the CU Buffs’ football season now hangs in the balance as the only local major college still considering a fall 2020 schedule as of late Monday afternoon. But a decision on that front could be forthcoming soon, as Pac-12 presidents are slated to meet Tuesday to discuss their plans.
Several media outlets reported that the league will decide, in tandem with the Big Ten, to forgo a fall football season, but CU athletic department officials told The Post that no formal decision had been made yet as of Monday afternoon.
CSU student-athletes were told Monday by Rams officials that the MW is aiming for a spring schedule for the falls sports affected by the decision.
If CSU kicks off in March or April, it will be the latest opening weekend ever for the Rams football program. CSU launched its 1893 campaign on Jan. 7. An abbreviated, two-game 1918 season, when gatherings were also discouraged because of a pandemic, began on Nov. 16 of that fall.
This calendar year will be the first without any CSU football games scheduled since 1944.
Meanwhile, a surreal August for Rams players, and fans, now takes on even more uncertainty — especially where the fate of Parker and football coach Steve Addazio are concerned.
The football program is currently paused by Parker because of accusations of racism and abusive language, allegations that have been denied by CSU players and assistant coaches.
Parker and Addazio are also currently under university investigation for allegations that the football program and department mishandled COVID-19 protocols and put student-athletes’ health at risk. Parker and Addazio have denied the charges and agreed to cooperate with the investigation, which will be led by the Kansas City-based law firm of Husch Blackwell.
The Mountain West last week had moved to a shorter, 10-game scheduling model that would have begun Sept. 26, featuring eight conference games and up to two non-league games.


thedenverpost--2020-08-10--Colorado’s Sen. Michael Bennet calls for investigation into federal response to coronavirus outbreak

Colorado’s Sen. Michael Bennet calls for investigation into federal response to coronavirus outbreaks in meatpacking plants

U.S .
Senator Michael Bennet on Monday called for an investigation into the federal government ’ s response to the spread of the novel coronavirus in meatpacking plants across the country .
In a Monday letter to the inspector generals at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor , Bennet asks the agencies to investigate whether the outbreaks — like one at the JBS USA Greeley beef plant where nearly 300 people were sickened and six died — were made worse by federal actions .
“ We ask that you review steps the federal government took to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants , if any , and how the President ’ s use of the Defense Production Act for meat processing facilities may have affected the health and wellbeing of workers , ” the letter reads .
President Donald Trump used the act in late April to try to ensure meatpacking plants remained open as critical food producers despite the rising rates of coronavirus infections within plants .
Nationwide , at least 16,200 workers in meat and poultry processing plants in 23 states contracted the novel coronavirus by the end of May , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
In Colorado , at least seven meat processing plants have reported outbreaks infecting about 450 workers .
The outbreak at the JBS Greeley beef plant is one of the largest in the state .
High-ranking federal officials did try to influence the response to the outbreak at the JBS Greeley plant , the Denver Post reported in July , with the director of the CDC at one point calling a top state health official to suggest a course of action at the plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d been in touch with Vice President Mike Pence , according to an April 11 email obtained by the Denver Post .
Kim Cordova , president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 , which represents plant workers in the JBS Greeley facility , said Monday she welcomes a federal investigation and has called for one .
“ We are absolutely all in on that , ” she said .
“ A lot of what happened to those poor workers could have been prevented.
” In Monday ’ s letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review their own actions in response to the outbreaks , the voluntary use of safety standards inside meat processing plants , how federal officials communicated with the industry , where federal meat inspectors went during the outbreaks , and whether USDA inspectors were provided personal protective equipment .
A spokesman for JBS did not return a request for comment Monday .

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet on Monday called for an investigation into the federal government’s response to the spread of the novel coronavirus in meatpacking plants across the country.
In a Monday letter to the inspector generals at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor, Bennet asks the agencies to investigate whether the outbreaks — like one at the JBS USA Greeley beef plant where nearly 300 people were sickened and six died — were made worse by federal actions.
“We ask that you review steps the federal government took to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in these plants, if any, and how the President’s use of the Defense Production Act for meat processing facilities may have affected the health and wellbeing of workers,” the letter reads.
President Donald Trump used the act in late April to try to ensure meatpacking plants remained open as critical food producers despite the rising rates of coronavirus infections within plants.
Nationwide, at least 16,200 workers in meat and poultry processing plants in 23 states contracted the novel coronavirus by the end of May, and 86 died, according to a July report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Colorado, at least seven meat processing plants have reported outbreaks infecting about 450 workers. The outbreak at the JBS Greeley beef plant is one of the largest in the state.
High-ranking federal officials did try to influence the response to the outbreak at the JBS Greeley plant, the Denver Post reported in July, with the director of the CDC at one point calling a top state health official to suggest a course of action at the plant.
The CDC director said he’d been in touch with Vice President Mike Pence, according to an April 11 email obtained by the Denver Post.
Kim Cordova, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7, which represents plant workers in the JBS Greeley facility, said Monday she welcomes a federal investigation and has called for one.
“We are absolutely all in on that,” she said. “A lot of what happened to those poor workers could have been prevented.”
In Monday’s letter, Bennet also asks the agencies to review their own actions in response to the outbreaks, the voluntary use of safety standards inside meat processing plants, how federal officials communicated with the industry, where federal meat inspectors went during the outbreaks, and whether USDA inspectors were provided personal protective equipment.
A spokesman for JBS did not return a request for comment Monday.


thedenverpost--2020-08-11--Nuggets’ bizarre fourth quarter vs. Lakers shows team is prioritizing health

When Jamal Murray came out of Monday ’ s game against the Lakers with 3:06 left in the third quarter , he begged Nuggets coach Michael Malone to get back in for the fourth quarter .
Murray , who played 39 minutes in Saturday ’ s double-overtime thriller against Utah , had blown past his minutes restriction vs. the Jazz in what amounted to his first game in five months .
According to Murray , his minutes had been limited to 22 .
According to Malone , their target had been 28 minutes .
Regardless , two days later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was begging him for four more minutes in the fourth at least , ” Murray said .
“ ’ Just give me the last four minutes , but they said no.
’ ” He wasn ’ t the only one .
The Nuggets rested all five of their starters – Nikola Jokic , Paul Millsap , Michael Porter Jr. , Torrey Craig and Murray – for the entire fourth quarter and let the reserves take their chances against the No .
1 seed Lakers .
As LeBron James drilled 3-pointers and Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , it was rookie Bol Bol , P.J .
Dozier , Mason Plumlee , Keita Bates-Diop and Monte Morris who played extended minutes down the stretch .
After Bates-Diop came in with 2:26 left in the third quarter , the Nuggets didn ’ t make another substitution the rest of the game .
From a health standpoint , the team ’ s approach made sense .
They ’ ve yet to be whole – Gary Harris and Will Barton remain out , and Jerami Grant missed Monday ’ s game vs. the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire time in Orlando that the playoffs , on Aug. 17 , are their priority .
That it may have cost them the game – even when Saturday ’ s game vs. Utah was worth overextending Murray – seemed to be immaterial .
Malone had explained the thinking the before the game , so it wasn ’ t a shock to see their strategy .
“ Jamal , Michael , Nikola , Jerami have all played an extremely high amount of minutes , ” he said .
“ So , this game is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get better , go out there and be prepared to win , like we do every night , but whether we win or lose , I ’ m not going to look too much into this because of who ’ s available and us closely monitoring how much we ’ re playing our key players.
” Despite playing 23 minutes , Morris said he had no idea Malone would choose to ride with the reserves .
“ He didn ’ t talk to us or me or anything about getting extended minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earned them down the stretch .
It was hard to bring us out .
I like that as a coach what Malone did and the coaching staff , letting us ride it out .
We were playing really well and had a chance to beat the No .
1 seed with all their guys out there.
” And while the Nuggets ’ reserves nearly pulled off the upset , it ’ s impossible to ignore the context as the postseason approaches .
Monday ’ s loss dropped the Nuggets to 1.5 games behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they play Wednesday .
The Nuggets are well within their right to rest starters with a bigger picture and health in mind , but it ’ s also possible they ’ ve considered the playoffs .
And while they would never concede it , it ’ s tough to believe they don ’ t have a preference between Utah , Oklahoma City and Dallas , their three most likely first-round opponents .
Monday ’ s loss makes it far less likely that they ’ ll jump the Clippers for the No .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more seeding games ( vs. Clippers , vs. Raptors ) before the entire playoff bracket will be locked in .
For what it ’ s worth , Murray seems to have bought into the strategy .
“ I ’ m cool with it , ” he said , after playing in his second game since he was sidelined with a hamstring injury .
“ If they want to sit me or play me less minutes going into these last couple games , I ’ m cool with it .
I just want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

When Jamal Murray came out of Monday’s game against the Lakers with 3:06 left in the third quarter, he begged Nuggets coach Michael Malone to get back in for the fourth quarter.
Murray, who played 39 minutes in Saturday’s double-overtime thriller against Utah, had blown past his minutes restriction vs. the Jazz in what amounted to his first game in five months. According to Murray, his minutes had been limited to 22. According to Malone, their target had been 28 minutes. Regardless, two days later, the Nuggets took zero chances.
“I was begging him for four more minutes in the fourth at least,” Murray said. “’Just give me the last four minutes, but they said no.’”
He wasn’t the only one. The Nuggets rested all five of their starters — Nikola Jokic, Paul Millsap, Michael Porter Jr., Torrey Craig and Murray — for the entire fourth quarter and let the reserves take their chances against the No. 1 seed Lakers. As LeBron James drilled 3-pointers and Anthony Davis tread a path to the free-throw line, it was rookie Bol Bol, P.J. Dozier, Mason Plumlee, Keita Bates-Diop and Monte Morris who played extended minutes down the stretch.
After Bates-Diop came in with 2:26 left in the third quarter, the Nuggets didn’t make another substitution the rest of the game.
From a health standpoint, the team’s approach made sense. They’ve yet to be whole — Gary Harris and Will Barton remain out, and Jerami Grant missed Monday’s game vs. the Lakers — and Malone has emphasized the entire time in Orlando that the playoffs, on Aug. 17, are their priority. That it may have cost them the game — even when Saturday’s game vs. Utah was worth overextending Murray — seemed to be immaterial.
Malone had explained the thinking the before the game, so it wasn’t a shock to see their strategy.
“Jamal, Michael, Nikola, Jerami have all played an extremely high amount of minutes,” he said. “So, this game is an opportunity for us to compete, to get better, go out there and be prepared to win, like we do every night, but whether we win or lose, I’m not going to look too much into this because of who’s available and us closely monitoring how much we’re playing our key players.”
Despite playing 23 minutes, Morris said he had no idea Malone would choose to ride with the reserves.
“He didn’t talk to us or me or anything about getting extended minutes,” Morris said. “We earned them down the stretch. It was hard to bring us out. I like that as a coach what Malone did and the coaching staff, letting us ride it out. We were playing really well and had a chance to beat the No. 1 seed with all their guys out there.”
And while the Nuggets’ reserves nearly pulled off the upset, it’s impossible to ignore the context as the postseason approaches. Monday’s loss dropped the Nuggets to 1.5 games behind the No. 2 Clippers, who they play Wednesday.
The Nuggets are well within their right to rest starters with a bigger picture and health in mind, but it’s also possible they’ve considered the playoffs. And while they would never concede it, it’s tough to believe they don’t have a preference between Utah, Oklahoma City and Dallas, their three most likely first-round opponents. Monday’s loss makes it far less likely that they’ll jump the Clippers for the No. 2 seed. They’ll have two more seeding games (vs. Clippers, vs. Raptors) before the entire playoff bracket will be locked in.
For what it’s worth, Murray seems to have bought into the strategy.
“I’m cool with it,” he said, after playing in his second game since he was sidelined with a hamstring injury. “If they want to sit me or play me less minutes going into these last couple games, I’m cool with it. I just want to be ready for the playoffs.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-11--Rockies power rankings: How the national media ranks Colorado entering Week 3

The Rockies are off to a scorching start to the truncated 2020 MLB season .
And people are taking notice .
Oddsmaker BetMGM opened the season with Colorado at 100-to-1 odds to win the World Series .
On Monday , it improved to 35/1 .
And the Rockies are climbing up the power rankings across the country .
Here ’ s a roundup of how national experts are rating Colorado entering Week 3 : Bleacher Report ( No .
4 ) : “ Charlie Blackmon went 14-for-25 with three doubles and two home runs at the plate last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four quality starts and received four no-hit innings from Ryan Castellani in his MLB debut .
I was critical of the front office for not doing enough to improve during the offseason , but they look awfully strong in the early going , ” Joel Reuter writes .
CBS Sports ( No .
7 ) : “ It ’ ll be interesting to see how they fare before their series against the Dodgers kicks off on Aug. 21 .
They don ’ t face a team at or above .500 until then ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Astros play more like their preseason expectations moving forward instead of how they ’ ve played so far ) , ” Matt Snyder writes .
ESPN ( No .
12 ) : “ Just as predicted , 35-year-old Daniel Murphy and 35-year-old Matt Kemp are leading the way .
Murphy ’ s first year in Colorado was a big disappointment , as he hit just .279 — 20 points fewer than he had hit the year before without the benefit of Coors Field .
Kemp was so bad with the Reds in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one walk — that they released him and no team bothered to pick him up .
I ’ m not sure Kemp can keep this up — his hard-hit rate is in the bottom-third percentile and his swing-and-miss rate is in the bottom 10 % — but he has helped the Rockies get out to a nice start.
” MLB.com ( No .
8 ) : There was no analysis of Colorado .
Sports Illustrated ( No .
8 ) : “ Colorado ’ s core four starters ( Kyle Freeland , German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) have combined for a 2.49 ERA in 11 starts , providing a nice collective rebound after all except Gray struggled to repeat their 2018 form last season .
All three of Colorado ’ s losses have been by one run .
Rocktober will likely be upon us soon enough , ” Will Laws and Nick Selbe write .
USA Today ( No .
6 ) : “ Kyle Freeland looking great ( 2.41 ERA in three starts ) after miserable 2019 season , ” Jesse Yomtov writes .
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If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
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Ask Patrick Saunders here .

The Rockies are off to a scorching start to the truncated 2020 MLB season. And people are taking notice. Oddsmaker BetMGM opened the season with Colorado at 100-to-1 odds to win the World Series. On Monday, it improved to 35/1.
And the Rockies are climbing up the power rankings across the country. Here’s a roundup of how national experts are rating Colorado entering Week 3:
Bleacher Report (No. 4): “Charlie Blackmon went 14-for-25 with three doubles and two home runs at the plate last week, and the upstart Rockies rotation turned in four quality starts and received four no-hit innings from Ryan Castellani in his MLB debut. I was critical of the front office for not doing enough to improve during the offseason, but they look awfully strong in the early going,” Joel Reuter writes.
CBS Sports (No. 7): “It’ll be interesting to see how they fare before their series against the Dodgers kicks off on Aug. 21. They don’t face a team at or above .500 until then (though it’s possible the Diamondbacks and Astros play more like their preseason expectations moving forward instead of how they’ve played so far),” Matt Snyder writes.
ESPN (No. 12): “Just as predicted, 35-year-old Daniel Murphy and 35-year-old Matt Kemp are leading the way. Murphy’s first year in Colorado was a big disappointment, as he hit just .279 — 20 points fewer than he had hit the year before without the benefit of Coors Field. Kemp was so bad with the Reds in 2019 — 19 K’s, one walk — that they released him and no team bothered to pick him up. I’m not sure Kemp can keep this up — his hard-hit rate is in the bottom-third percentile and his swing-and-miss rate is in the bottom 10% — but he has helped the Rockies get out to a nice start.”
MLB.com (No. 8): There was no analysis of Colorado.
Sports Illustrated (No. 8): “Colorado’s core four starters (Kyle Freeland, German Márquez, Jon Gray, Antonio Senzatela) have combined for a 2.49 ERA in 11 starts, providing a nice collective rebound after all except Gray struggled to repeat their 2018 form last season. All three of Colorado’s losses have been by one run. Rocktober will likely be upon us soon enough,” Will Laws and Nick Selbe write.
USA Today (No. 6): “Kyle Freeland looking great (2.41 ERA in three starts) after miserable 2019 season,” Jesse Yomtov writes.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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Subscribe to The Denver Post.
Get started for 99¢.
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thedenverpost--2020-08-11--Popular Perseid meteor shower set to peak Tuesday night

The most popular meteor shower of the year is due to reach its peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning , with the best viewing expected to come just before dawn .
The annual Perseid meteor shower runs from July 17 through Aug. 24 , when the Earth passes through a dust cloud left by the 109P/Swift-Tuttle comet .
That comet has an orbit of 133 years and is currently cruising the outskirts of our solar system , but the long dust cloud it leaves remains behind .
When Earth passes through it , debris that enters our atmosphere burns up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go stargazing in Colorado , from parks to small towns But this may not be the best year for the Perseids because the moon will be half full .
“ This meteor shower is perhaps the most popular , as it is active during the summer months in the northern hemisphere , ” according to an explanation on the International Meteor Organization ’ s website .
“ There are stronger meteor showers , but they appear during the colder time of year in the northern hemisphere when conditions are less inviting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year to year , mainly due to lunar conditions .
If a bright moon is above the horizon during the night of maximum activity , then the display will be reduced .
Most of the Perseid meteors are faint , and bright moonlight will make it difficult to view .
Such is the case in 2020 , when a bright half-moon will rise near midnight and temper the show , just when the activity kicks into high gear.
” The best time for viewing is supposed to be around 4 a.m. because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the meteors appear to originate — will be at its highest of the night .
Unfortunately , the moon will be high in the sky then , too , reaching its highest point at 6:42 a.m .
The eastern sky will start to brighten from the coming dawn around 4:30 a.m. , with sunrise coming shortly after 6 a.m .
The next notable meteor shower will be the Orionids , from Oct. 2-Nov. 7 .
When their peak comes on the night of Oct. 20-21 , the moon will be only 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

The most popular meteor shower of the year is due to reach its peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with the best viewing expected to come just before dawn.
The annual Perseid meteor shower runs from July 17 through Aug. 24, when the Earth passes through a dust cloud left by the 109P/Swift-Tuttle comet. That comet has an orbit of 133 years and is currently cruising the outskirts of our solar system, but the long dust cloud it leaves remains behind. When Earth passes through it, debris that enters our atmosphere burns up and creates meteors.
RELATED: Where to go stargazing in Colorado, from parks to small towns
But this may not be the best year for the Perseids because the moon will be half full.
“This meteor shower is perhaps the most popular, as it is active during the summer months in the northern hemisphere,” according to an explanation on the International Meteor Organization’s website. “There are stronger meteor showers, but they appear during the colder time of year in the northern hemisphere when conditions are less inviting. The strength of each Perseid display varies year to year, mainly due to lunar conditions. If a bright moon is above the horizon during the night of maximum activity, then the display will be reduced. Most of the Perseid meteors are faint, and bright moonlight will make it difficult to view. Such is the case in 2020, when a bright half-moon will rise near midnight and temper the show, just when the activity kicks into high gear.”
The best time for viewing is supposed to be around 4 a.m. because the radiant — the area of the sky where the meteors appear to originate — will be at its highest of the night. Unfortunately, the moon will be high in the sky then, too, reaching its highest point at 6:42 a.m. The eastern sky will start to brighten from the coming dawn around 4:30 a.m., with sunrise coming shortly after 6 a.m.
The next notable meteor shower will be the Orionids, from Oct. 2-Nov. 7. When their peak comes on the night of Oct. 20-21, the moon will be only 23% full.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-11--“On the brink of full-on collapse:” Denver restaurants limp toward fall with little relief in sight

A national lobbying group established during the pandemic released a promotional video this month that describes in about 60 seconds just how bad coronavirus has turned out to be for local restaurants , and how it ’ s only getting worse .
The ad is playing now on cable channels in major markets .
Its message focuses on the Independent Restaurant Coalition ’ s statistics of looming restaurant closures ( up to 85 % ) and job losses ( as many as 16 million ) before providing a call to action for Congress to pass the Restaurants Act .
TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its production , and actor Morgan Freeman narrates : “ Neighborhood restaurants are the lifeblood of our communities , ” Freeman starts .
“ They are where we come together and make lifelong memories .
And right now they are facing extinction.
” It ’ s not too far of a stretch .
The restaurant industry is currently leading all other sectors in terms of closures nationwide , according to data released last month by the customer review platform Yelp .
It ’ s ahead of retail stores , beauty salons , bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 26,000 restaurants across the country have closed and 15,770 of them have shuttered permanently , according to Yelp .
Sixty-two percent of Colorado restaurants say they will consider closing permanently in the next six months under current or worsened conditions , according to the Colorado Restaurant Association .
RELATED : 16th Street ’ s iconic Rialto Café is closing after 23 years in Denver “ I think there ’ s still a little bit of a false reality right now about all these restaurants that are surviving ( the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who at the end of July closed his 23-year-old downtown Denver restaurant Vesta while continuing to operate two more Denver restaurants with another waiting in Arvada that hasn ’ t reopened since March .
“ If there ’ s not a secondary stimulus package , ” Wolkon said , “ I think you ’ re going to see a major fallout when these ( payroll protection ) funds run out in October.
” Dwindling payroll protection loans , added safety measures , re-closures , business-hour reductions , staff health concerns , consumer confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — there are so many factors affecting their businesses , according to restaurant owners , that planning for the future is simultaneously essential and impossible to do .
“ Every day I watch the weather like a psycho .
I look every day , all day , ” said Kendra Anderson , who owns the River North restaurant and lounge Bar Helix , which has become the outdoor-only Cabana X for the summer .
“ It makes you feel like you ’ re going crazy.
” Another thing that makes restaurateurs like Anderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a constantly shifting set of rules for their businesses .
When Colorado ’ s last call was moved to 10 p.m. at the end of July , for example , Anderson had to update all of her promotional materials , change staffing around and add on more daytime hours , including implementing a new brunch menu , to make up for lost nighttime sales .
“ That was all because ( last call ) went to 10 o ’ clock , ” Anderson said .
“ So now I ’ ve decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And we ’ re doing all that and not making money .
We ’ re just not closed.
” On average , Colorado restaurants are down 40 % in year-over-year sales , according to the latest July figures released by the Colorado Restaurant Association .
And the reservation platform OpenTable reports that Denver restaurants are seating on average 49 % fewer diners year-over-year so far this month .
One of the early concerns of restaurateurs who were reopening their spaces at the start of summer was capacity .
After spending thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more outdoor seating , the concern moved somewhere else .
“ Demand became more of an issue , because now we had these big expanded patios , but there just wasn ’ t anybody to sit on them , ” said John Imbergamo , who has worked in Denver restaurant publicity for 30 years .
“ Now it ’ s a matter of trying to fill those seats , and everybody ’ s scrambling to do interesting things to try to fill them , ” he said .
Last week , The Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promotional emails about new fried chicken menus around town .
Yelp reports that interest in categories such as “ comfort food , ” “ wineries ” and “ seafood ” is starting to “ bounce back ” after a steady decline at the start of the shutdown .
RELATED : Giving diners the bird : More and more restaurants turning to fried chicken during the pandemic “ I think the things that are selling like crazy in restaurants are things like oysters , ” Imbergamo said .
( He represents Stoic & Genuine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shucked oysters are flying off the shelves . )
“ The average person doesn ’ t want to risk cooking seafood at home.
” From oysters to fried chicken , sandwiches and burgers , there are clear themes on restaurants ’ pandemic menus , across the board .
“ And I think you reach for things that are comfortable and things that people know , ” Imbergamo said .
“ You don ’ t necessarily have to have a server with a towel over their arm suggesting the newest riesling on the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s in part a simplification of the system … .
” Other experiments are underway in an attempt to simplify the system that restaurants have relied on for years prior to the novel coronavirus .
They ’ re trying direct-to-consumer delivery , new point-of-sale platforms , more uniform pay structures for front- and back-of-house ( kitchen ) employees , different reservation companies , even menus made solely for takeout or delivery .
“ We kind of don ’ t know what ’ s working , ” Anderson of Bar Helix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in case anything works.
” Jim Gregory opened his first restaurant , Ranelle ’ s , on 6th Avenue in 1992 , at a time when you could still open a white tablecloth restaurant selling Italian food , and it would be something new , he said .
In the 2000s , Gregory ran two locations of the breakfast franchise The Egg & I , off Leetsdale Drive and in Arvada , which he then transitioned two years ago to independent operations called Morning Story .
Now the tax attorney by trade is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — which eschew the traditional dining room model to focus on delivery .
He says his breakfast and lunch revenues are down 40 % to 50 % .
“ ( The business ) only works with this new addition , ” Gregory told The Denver Post , “ and ( only ) if the new addition makes up the lost volume .
And I don ’ t know if it ’ s going to happen or not.
” The new addition is a dinner menu of fried chicken and housemade sauces , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and takeout .
Saucy Chix will utilize both Morning Story locations ’ kitchens after the breakfast and lunch businesses have closed for the day .
Gregory says his 4,000-square-foot restaurants are particularly hard-hit because of their size and their service hours .
“ Here ’ s the thing about breakfast and lunch : Half of our volume typically occurs on Saturday and Sunday and most of that happens between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. , ” he said .
“ The ability to produce that kind of volume in those time frames is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one way to describe it .
Anderson prefers a four-letter word when she thinks about what ’ s coming next .
“ I mean if we have to all be inside and the curfew ’ s still 10 p.m. , we ’ re ( expletive ) , ” Anderson said .
As Laura Shunk with The Colorado Restaurant Association puts it , “ ( I ) think the elephant in the room as we hit end of summer is , what happens in the winter when patios are closed ?
” As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved 300 patio expansions at restaurants across the city .
Restaurants are allowed to operate them without any further additions ( like walls and space heaters ) through Oct. 31 .
At the West Wash Park location of his ramen restaurant Uncle , Tommy Lee has been taking full advantage of the eased outdoor dining restrictions this summer : He ’ s only letting his customers sit outside .
In front of the restaurant , a section of Pennsylvania Street is closed to traffic , lined with tents and tables spread out beneath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picks up as usual when the weather gets cold , and more people think of ramen for dinner .
And he hopes his team will be somewhat more prepared for another shutdown or switch to takeout-only service after learning from what happened in March .
“ ( We ’ re ) really not sure until it happens , ” Lee said .
“ I think we ’ re still a long way from having diners inside our restaurants.
” Tabatha Knop , a co-owner of Larimer Street ’ s Work & Class and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t ready to eat inside , for the most part .
She also worries about another factor that ’ s hard to quantify : “ Half of our ( current ) clientele is visiting from out of state , ” she said , surprised .
“ So I ’ m not sure how many ( Denverites ) are really dining out at this point.
” By the time outdoor dining and tourism both drop off , “ I think we ’ ll really reassess in September , for sure , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll definitely have some very hard conversations to come by beginning of October.
” And she ’ s most concerned for her staff .
With the federal unemployment subsidy having ended in July , some workers are coming off of unemployment and asking about their future with the restaurant , Knop said .
“ I ’ m just wanting to give them a realistic picture.
” So she tells them : “ You know it is possible that we may have to lay some of you off again … Just save all your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you what the end of the year looks like , but I really have no idea.
” On a typical Tuesday night in early August , Anderson picked up the phone for an interview as she worked .
She ’ s struggling , she told The Denver Post , “ and my employees are here , they can hear me.
” She often asks herself , “ What am I not seeing ?
” regarding her options now and in the coming months .
Anderson doesn ’ t see herself taking out another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s offered .
Once it runs out again , she would not only have to return to her pre-pandemic revenues , she ’ d also have to do better than that to pay her bills now .
Her options are simple at this point : the pandemic ends ( there ’ s a vaccine ) , or else there ’ s a bailout ( this is where Freeman , Zimmern and the Restaurants Act come in ) .
“ I don ’ t understand how any of us are considering taking on additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teetering on the brink of full-on collapse , ” Anderson said .
“ I think what ’ s hard for a lot of restaurateurs to acknowledge is how much of our egos are wrapped up in our business .
I ’ m not a magical thinker , you know ?
” Subscribe to our food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

A national lobbying group established during the pandemic released a promotional video this month that describes in about 60 seconds just how bad coronavirus has turned out to be for local restaurants, and how it’s only getting worse.
The ad is playing now on cable channels in major markets. Its message focuses on the Independent Restaurant Coalition’s statistics of looming restaurant closures (up to 85%) and job losses (as many as 16 million) before providing a call to action for Congress to pass the Restaurants Act.
TV personality and chef Andrew Zimmern was behind its production, and actor Morgan Freeman narrates: “Neighborhood restaurants are the lifeblood of our communities,” Freeman starts. “They are where we come together and make lifelong memories. And right now they are facing extinction.”
It’s not too far of a stretch. The restaurant industry is currently leading all other sectors in terms of closures nationwide, according to data released last month by the customer review platform Yelp. It’s ahead of retail stores, beauty salons, bars and fitness studios.
As of July, more than 26,000 restaurants across the country have closed and 15,770 of them have shuttered permanently, according to Yelp. Sixty-two percent of Colorado restaurants say they will consider closing permanently in the next six months under current or worsened conditions, according to the Colorado Restaurant Association.
RELATED: 16th Street’s iconic Rialto Café is closing after 23 years in Denver
“I think there’s still a little bit of a false reality right now about all these restaurants that are surviving (the pandemic),” said Josh Wolkon, who at the end of July closed his 23-year-old downtown Denver restaurant Vesta while continuing to operate two more Denver restaurants with another waiting in Arvada that hasn’t reopened since March.
“If there’s not a secondary stimulus package,” Wolkon said, “I think you’re going to see a major fallout when these (payroll protection) funds run out in October.”
Dwindling payroll protection loans, added safety measures, re-closures, business-hour reductions, staff health concerns, consumer confidence, even Colorado’s unpredictable weather — there are so many factors affecting their businesses, according to restaurant owners, that planning for the future is simultaneously essential and impossible to do.
“Every day I watch the weather like a psycho. I look every day, all day,” said Kendra Anderson, who owns the River North restaurant and lounge Bar Helix, which has become the outdoor-only Cabana X for the summer. “It makes you feel like you’re going crazy.”
Another thing that makes restaurateurs like Anderson imagine they’re losing their minds is a constantly shifting set of rules for their businesses. When Colorado’s last call was moved to 10 p.m. at the end of July, for example, Anderson had to update all of her promotional materials, change staffing around and add on more daytime hours, including implementing a new brunch menu, to make up for lost nighttime sales.
“That was all because (last call) went to 10 o’clock,” Anderson said. “So now I’ve decided we’re on our sixth pivot. And we’re doing all that and not making money. We’re just not closed.”
On average, Colorado restaurants are down 40% in year-over-year sales, according to the latest July figures released by the Colorado Restaurant Association. And the reservation platform OpenTable reports that Denver restaurants are seating on average 49% fewer diners year-over-year so far this month.
One of the early concerns of restaurateurs who were reopening their spaces at the start of summer was capacity. After spending thousands of dollars to add on expanded patios and more outdoor seating, the concern moved somewhere else.
“Demand became more of an issue, because now we had these big expanded patios, but there just wasn’t anybody to sit on them,” said John Imbergamo, who has worked in Denver restaurant publicity for 30 years.
“Now it’s a matter of trying to fill those seats, and everybody’s scrambling to do interesting things to try to fill them,” he said.
Last week, The Denver Post’s food desk received four promotional emails about new fried chicken menus around town. Yelp reports that interest in categories such as “comfort food,” “wineries” and “seafood” is starting to “bounce back” after a steady decline at the start of the shutdown.
RELATED: Giving diners the bird: More and more restaurants turning to fried chicken during the pandemic
“I think the things that are selling like crazy in restaurants are things like oysters,” Imbergamo said. (He represents Stoic & Genuine at Union Station, where he says shucked oysters are flying off the shelves.) “The average person doesn’t want to risk cooking seafood at home.”
From oysters to fried chicken, sandwiches and burgers, there are clear themes on restaurants’ pandemic menus, across the board.
“And I think you reach for things that are comfortable and things that people know,” Imbergamo said. “You don’t necessarily have to have a server with a towel over their arm suggesting the newest riesling on the market to go with (these meals). It’s in part a simplification of the system … .”
Other experiments are underway in an attempt to simplify the system that restaurants have relied on for years prior to the novel coronavirus. They’re trying direct-to-consumer delivery, new point-of-sale platforms, more uniform pay structures for front- and back-of-house (kitchen) employees, different reservation companies, even menus made solely for takeout or delivery.
“We kind of don’t know what’s working,” Anderson of Bar Helix said. “So you do everything in case anything works.”
Jim Gregory opened his first restaurant, Ranelle’s, on 6th Avenue in 1992, at a time when you could still open a white tablecloth restaurant selling Italian food, and it would be something new, he said.
In the 2000s, Gregory ran two locations of the breakfast franchise The Egg & I, off Leetsdale Drive and in Arvada, which he then transitioned two years ago to independent operations called Morning Story. Now the tax attorney by trade is venturing into new territory — ghost kitchens — which eschew the traditional dining room model to focus on delivery. He says his breakfast and lunch revenues are down 40% to 50%.
“(The business) only works with this new addition,” Gregory told The Denver Post, “and (only) if the new addition makes up the lost volume. And I don’t know if it’s going to happen or not.”
The new addition is a dinner menu of fried chicken and housemade sauces, and it’s only available for delivery and takeout. Saucy Chix will utilize both Morning Story locations’ kitchens after the breakfast and lunch businesses have closed for the day.
Gregory says his 4,000-square-foot restaurants are particularly hard-hit because of their size and their service hours. “Here’s the thing about breakfast and lunch: Half of our volume typically occurs on Saturday and Sunday and most of that happens between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.,” he said. “The ability to produce that kind of volume in those time frames is severely restricted now.”
Severely restricted is one way to describe it. Anderson prefers a four-letter word when she thinks about what’s coming next. “I mean if we have to all be inside and the curfew’s still 10 p.m., we’re (expletive),” Anderson said.
As Laura Shunk with The Colorado Restaurant Association puts it, “(I) think the elephant in the room as we hit end of summer is, what happens in the winter when patios are closed?” As of the end of July, Denver had approved 300 patio expansions at restaurants across the city. Restaurants are allowed to operate them without any further additions (like walls and space heaters) through Oct. 31.
At the West Wash Park location of his ramen restaurant Uncle, Tommy Lee has been taking full advantage of the eased outdoor dining restrictions this summer: He’s only letting his customers sit outside. In front of the restaurant, a section of Pennsylvania Street is closed to traffic, lined with tents and tables spread out beneath them.
Lee said he hopes business picks up as usual when the weather gets cold, and more people think of ramen for dinner. And he hopes his team will be somewhat more prepared for another shutdown or switch to takeout-only service after learning from what happened in March.
“(We’re) really not sure until it happens,” Lee said. “I think we’re still a long way from having diners inside our restaurants.”
Tabatha Knop, a co-owner of Larimer Street’s Work & Class and Super Mega Bien, agrees that diners aren’t ready to eat inside, for the most part. She also worries about another factor that’s hard to quantify: “Half of our (current) clientele is visiting from out of state,” she said, surprised. “So I’m not sure how many (Denverites) are really dining out at this point.”
By the time outdoor dining and tourism both drop off, “I think we’ll really reassess in September, for sure,” Knop said, “but we’ll definitely have some very hard conversations to come by beginning of October.”
And she’s most concerned for her staff. With the federal unemployment subsidy having ended in July, some workers are coming off of unemployment and asking about their future with the restaurant, Knop said. “I’m just wanting to give them a realistic picture.”
So she tells them: “You know it is possible that we may have to lay some of you off again … Just save all your money. I wish I could tell you what the end of the year looks like, but I really have no idea.”
On a typical Tuesday night in early August, Anderson picked up the phone for an interview as she worked. She’s struggling, she told The Denver Post, “and my employees are here, they can hear me.”
She often asks herself, “What am I not seeing?” regarding her options now and in the coming months. Anderson doesn’t see herself taking out another payroll protection loan, if it’s offered. Once it runs out again, she would not only have to return to her pre-pandemic revenues, she’d also have to do better than that to pay her bills now.
Her options are simple at this point: the pandemic ends (there’s a vaccine), or else there’s a bailout (this is where Freeman, Zimmern and the Restaurants Act come in).
“I don’t understand how any of us are considering taking on additional debt for an industry that’s teetering on the brink of full-on collapse,” Anderson said. “I think what’s hard for a lot of restaurateurs to acknowledge is how much of our egos are wrapped up in our business. I’m not a magical thinker, you know?”
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thedenverpost--2020-08-11--Broncos Mailbag: Should Denver move Dalton Risner to play right tackle?

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 .
Ryan , who ’ s next to join the Broncos ’ Ring of Fame ?
I ’ d love to see a guy like Al Wilson get his due .
Mike Shanahan was voted in earlier this summer and he ’ ll be inducted in 2021 , likely with quarterback Peyton Manning since doubling up Pro Football Hall of Fame/Ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Manning , here are five names : Al Wilson , Riley Odoms , Ed McCaffrey , Gary Kubiak and Demaryius Thomas .
A look at their statistics … Wilson ( linebacker ) : Eight years , 125 games , 723 tackles and four Pro Bowls .
Odoms ( tight end ) : Twelve years , 153 games , 396 catches ( 41 touchdowns ) and four Pro Bowls ( two-time All Pro ) .
McCaffrey ( receiver ) : Nine years , 121 games , 462 catches ( 46 touchdowns ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titles .
Kubiak ( player/assistant/head coach/advisor ) : Twenty-four years with team .
Assistant coach on first two Super Bowl winners and head coach for third title team .
Thomas ( receiver ) : Nine years , 125 games , 665 catches ( 60 touchdowns ) , four Pro Bowls and one Super Bowl title .
He has not officially retired .
Hi Ryan , with Ja ’ Wuan James opting out this year and with possible COVID concern during the season , are the Broncos going to sign a free agent offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the better option Demar Dotson or Cordy Glenn ?
Once James opted out last week , I listed Dotson and Glenn as two of the right tackle depth options and the Broncos moved quickly to get Dotson into town on Sunday .
An 11-year NFL veteran , Dotson has played 130 games ( 106 starts ) , all for Tampa Bay .
A mountain of a man ( 6-foot-9 , 315 pounds ) , he would provide experience behind Elijah Wilkinson .
I know the Broncos would be loathed to do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becomes a real issue and the team tries Dalton Risner in that spot , who are the candidates to replace him at left guard and who do you think would have the inside track to start there ?
Correct , the Broncos feel Risner ’ s best position is left guard , the spot he played at last year and the spot where they want him to stay because it will aid both center Lloyd Cushenberry and left tackle Garett Bolles .
But for the sake of the question : Risner played right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hand placement techniques would quickly return to him .
If Netane Muti , the rookie from Fresno State , was not coming off Achilles and foot injuries in 2018-19 , the Broncos may have considered him ready to play left guard and try Risner outside .
If the Broncos felt Muti wasn ’ t ready , the other possibilities are Austin Schlottmann , Patrick Morris and I would even throw Wilkinson into that mix .
Ryan , what ’ s your take on Alexander Johnson this season ?
I can see him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and becoming that monster inside linebacker that we ’ ve been lacking since Danny Trevathan left .
If Johnson can match last year ’ s totals of 93 tackles and two interceptions , it should be considered another good season and line him up for a future with the Broncos .
The key for Johnson will be if coach Vic Fangio trusts him in man coverage situations ; most of Johnson ’ s work last year was in zone coverage where he could retreat and react .
If he can capably track tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an every-down player .
How do you think the AFC West is going play out ?
The Chiefs will win the division — that seems like a no-brainer — but what about the rest ?
I feel like the Broncos will land at No .
2 and be a wild card team , followed by the Raiders and Chargers .
And you ’ re right , the Chiefs are a no brainer to win a fifth consecutive division title .
Things then get complicated .
The Broncos/Raiders pick for second is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge to the Broncos ’ skill position players on offense and pass rushers on defense as the difference .
The addition of a seventh playoff team in each conference will help the Broncos , who could slide in with a 9-7 record .
I ’ m a little worried about our cornerback depth .
A.J .
Bouye is great but then the talent level drops off .
I can ’ t see Isaac Yiadom being the No .
2 guy .
Any shot we have at landing a Logan Ryan or Dre Kirkpatrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Broncos ’ depth in the secondary as a whole is concerning .
At safety , they would have to turn to Trey Williams or Alijah Holder if starters Kareem Jackson or Justin Simmons are unavailable .
At cornerback , there are questions after Bouye .
1 .
Can Bryce Callahan stay healthy after missing all of 2019 ?
2 .
Can rookie Michael Ojemudia be a quick study at outside corner ?
3. Who will emerge as the fourth cornerback among Yiadom , Duke Dawson , De ’ Vante Bausby and Davonte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he solves the nickel back issue since he ’ ll slide inside to cover the slot receiver .
If his status was in doubt , Ryan would make sense on a one-year deal to be the nickel .
Jared Veldheer had a nice run with us in 2018 and played well for the Packers last season when Bryan Bulaga went down .
I think he ’ d be a great replacement for Ja ’ Wuan James .
What do you think ?
Veldheer started 12 games at right tackle for the Broncos in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last offseason , but announced his retirement on May 21 , 2019 , but reconsidered , was waived by the Patriots on Nov. 26 and claimed by Green Bay the next day .
Veldheer started the divisional round playoff win over Seattle when Bulaga was inactive .
The Broncos have elected to pursue Dotson as a back-up right tackle , but Veldheer would have made sense , too .
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .

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.
Ryan, who’s next to join the Broncos’ Ring of Fame? I’d love to see a guy like Al Wilson get his due.
— Mark, Arvada
Mike Shanahan was voted in earlier this summer and he’ll be inducted in 2021, likely with quarterback Peyton Manning since doubling up Pro Football Hall of Fame/Ring of Fame makes sense.
After Shanahan and Manning, here are five names: Al Wilson, Riley Odoms, Ed McCaffrey, Gary Kubiak and Demaryius Thomas. A look at their statistics …
Wilson (linebacker): Eight years, 125 games, 723 tackles and four Pro Bowls.
Odoms (tight end): Twelve years, 153 games, 396 catches (41 touchdowns) and four Pro Bowls (two-time All Pro).
McCaffrey (receiver): Nine years, 121 games, 462 catches (46 touchdowns), one Pro Bowl and two Super Bowl titles.
Kubiak (player/assistant/head coach/advisor): Twenty-four years with team. Assistant coach on first two Super Bowl winners and head coach for third title team.
Thomas (receiver): Nine years, 125 games, 665 catches (60 touchdowns), four Pro Bowls and one Super Bowl title. He has not officially retired.
Hi Ryan, with Ja’Wuan James opting out this year and with possible COVID concern during the season, are the Broncos going to sign a free agent offensive tackle? If so, who’s the better option Demar Dotson or Cordy Glenn?
— Brandon
Once James opted out last week, I listed Dotson and Glenn as two of the right tackle depth options and the Broncos moved quickly to get Dotson into town on Sunday. An 11-year NFL veteran, Dotson has played 130 games (106 starts), all for Tampa Bay. A mountain of a man (6-foot-9, 315 pounds), he would provide experience behind Elijah Wilkinson.
I know the Broncos would be loathed to do it, but if the right tackle position becomes a real issue and the team tries Dalton Risner in that spot, who are the candidates to replace him at left guard and who do you think would have the inside track to start there?
— Evan Lukassen, Gunnison
Correct, the Broncos feel Risner’s best position is left guard, the spot he played at last year and the spot where they want him to stay because it will aid both center Lloyd Cushenberry and left tackle Garett Bolles.
But for the sake of the question: Risner played right tackle at Kansas State so the footwork and hand placement techniques would quickly return to him.
If Netane Muti, the rookie from Fresno State, was not coming off Achilles and foot injuries in 2018-19, the Broncos may have considered him ready to play left guard and try Risner outside.
If the Broncos felt Muti wasn’t ready, the other possibilities are Austin Schlottmann, Patrick Morris and I would even throw Wilkinson into that mix.
Ryan, what’s your take on Alexander Johnson this season? I can see him taking the leap to the next step and becoming that monster inside linebacker that we’ve been lacking since Danny Trevathan left.
— Carter Phillips, Denver
If Johnson can match last year’s totals of 93 tackles and two interceptions, it should be considered another good season and line him up for a future with the Broncos.
The key for Johnson will be if coach Vic Fangio trusts him in man coverage situations; most of Johnson’s work last year was in zone coverage where he could retreat and react. If he can capably track tight ends down the field, he could be an every-down player.
How do you think the AFC West is going play out? The Chiefs will win the division — that seems like a no-brainer — but what about the rest? I feel like the Broncos will land at No. 2 and be a wild card team, followed by the Raiders and Chargers.
— Marshall, Salt Lake City
That’s my predicted order of finish: 1. Kansas City. 2. Broncos. 3. Las Vegas. 4. L.A. Chargers.
And you’re right, the Chiefs are a no brainer to win a fifth consecutive division title. Things then get complicated.
The Broncos/Raiders pick for second is a coin flip, but I give the edge to the Broncos’ skill position players on offense and pass rushers on defense as the difference.
The addition of a seventh playoff team in each conference will help the Broncos, who could slide in with a 9-7 record.
I’m a little worried about our cornerback depth. A.J. Bouye is great but then the talent level drops off. I can’t see Isaac Yiadom being the No. 2 guy. Any shot we have at landing a Logan Ryan or Dre Kirkpatrick to give us a true starter?
— Don, Minneapolis
The Broncos’ depth in the secondary as a whole is concerning. At safety, they would have to turn to Trey Williams or Alijah Holder if starters Kareem Jackson or Justin Simmons are unavailable.
At cornerback, there are questions after Bouye. 1. Can Bryce Callahan stay healthy after missing all of 2019? 2. Can rookie Michael Ojemudia be a quick study at outside corner? 3. Who will emerge as the fourth cornerback among Yiadom, Duke Dawson, De’Vante Bausby and Davonte Harris?
If Callahan is healthy, he solves the nickel back issue since he’ll slide inside to cover the slot receiver. If his status was in doubt, Ryan would make sense on a one-year deal to be the nickel.
Jared Veldheer had a nice run with us in 2018 and played well for the Packers last season when Bryan Bulaga went down. I think he’d be a great replacement for Ja’Wuan James. What do you think?
— Peter G., Boulder
Veldheer started 12 games at right tackle for the Broncos in 2018. He signed with New England last offseason, but announced his retirement on May 21, 2019, but reconsidered, was waived by the Patriots on Nov. 26 and claimed by Green Bay the next day.
Veldheer started the divisional round playoff win over Seattle when Bulaga was inactive.
The Broncos have elected to pursue Dotson as a backup right tackle, but Veldheer would have made sense, too.
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.


thedenverpost--2020-08-11--Teacher testing for COVID-19 ramps up as Colorado schools look toward in-person learning

Before students and teachers can safely head back to Colorado ’ s classrooms amid a pandemic that is beginning its sixth month , school and health officials say they need a detailed map of where the virus is and how it ’ s behaving on any given day .
Only frequent and reliable testing can provide that level of insight into a disease that has already dramatically upended the way schools operate in Colorado , with many delaying in-person instruction this fall as the state ’ s coronavirus caseload eclipses the 50,000 mark .
But offering affordable and comprehensive testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s 178 school districts , which serve more than 900,000 students .
That conundrum , just days before the new academic year is to begin , prompted Denver-based philanthropic foundation Gary Community Investments to commit $ 1 million toward providing low-cost COVID-19 tests for teachers and staff with results available in 72 hours or less .
Testing began Friday , with teachers eventually able to choose from nine dedicated drive-thru COVIDCheck Colorado program sites in the metro area .
“ This is the playbook the most successful countries have used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Democratic gubernatorial candidate who serves as Gary ’ s CEO .
“ Any public-facing staff — teachers , cafeteria workers , security guards — we are recommending be tested.
” The tests will be free to the employee , with districts charged $ 10 for each one administered .
That ’ s a steep discount from what a typical coronavirus test costs on the private market , Johnston said .
Full-time and part-time teachers and staff who work on school campuses will be able to get a test roughly every two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gary Community Investments signed up the state ’ s largest school district — 94,000-student Denver Public Schools .
It also has partnerships with other large districts in the metro area , including Aurora Public Schools , Cherry Creek Public Schools , Sheridan School District 2 , Westminster Public Schools , Mapleton Public Schools and 27J Schools in Brighton .
Discussions are underway to add more districts to the program .
“ I think ( testing ) should be mandatory , ” said Beth Douma , an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Public Schools .
“ I have asthma — I want to make sure I take care of myself and others.
” Without a centralized federal testing program for COVID-19 in place , Douma said , school districts need to be proactive in tracking the virus and so it can be tamped down as quickly as possible .
The state education department doesn ’ t mandate coronavirus testing — that is up to the local public health agency in which the school district is located , an agency spokesman told The Denver Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t start in-person learning until mid-October at the earliest .
COVIDCheck Colorado bills itself as a one-stop shop for COVID-19 detection , providing users with an app-based dashboard that displays the district ’ s test results and symptom data to help stop potential outbreaks before they start .
The process begins with a polymerise chain reaction , or PCR , test .
That ’ s the one where they don ’ t jam the swab “ into your brain , ” Johnston said .
“ It ’ s a lot more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ You ’ re in and out in three minutes.
” Individuals testing positive will receive an alert and advice for next steps from a local telehealth provider .
The system allows school staff and students to report symptoms at the start of the school day and get recommendations from COVIDCheck as to whether to stay home or get tested .
That data is reported anonymously so the district can see what symptoms have been reported and in what school , but without names attached .
Denver Public Schools plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month for COVIDCheck ’ s services , possibly using federal relief money , said DPS spokeswoman Winna Maclaren .
The agreement with Gary Community Investments will last through December , with an option to go the full school year .
“ We hope this will give staff and families some peace of mind as we work to resume in-person learning later in the school year , ” Maclaren said .
She said DPS wanted to have access to the system ’ s real-time data capabilities to quickly identify potential outbreaks before they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pepsi Center , which is free to anyone who wants a test , can run out of kits and take longer to turn results around , she said .
Amie Baca-Oehlert , president of the Colorado Education Association , said testing is a “ crucial ” part of getting school buildings ready for reopening .
But she worries about the bill districts will have to foot with COVIDCheck , even if those tests come at a steep discount .
“ It is an absolutely important component of getting to in-person learning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expense that districts are having to face when getting teachers and students back to in-person learning safely , ” she said .
“ The concern over time is whether they will be able to sustain it.
” While the focus from Gary Community Investments so far has been on big , urban school districts , testing for teachers would be welcome in Colorado ’ s smaller school districts as well , said Kevin LaDuke , a sixth-grade social studies and science teacher at Orchard Mesa Middle School in Grand Junction .
“ As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that option so we can do the tracing so we can keep our teachers and students safe , ” he said .
The 22,000-student Mesa County Valley School District 51 is planning to launch its school year with both in-person and remote learning on Monday , which LaDuke says is made easier by the fact that coronavirus caseloads on the West Slope have been less severe than those on the Front Range .
In fact , Mesa County , with fewer than 200 cases per 100,000 population , ranks toward the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has had just four COVID-19 deaths since March , compared with more than 400 in Denver .
Dr. Bill Burman , director of Denver Public Health , said his organization consulted with Gary Community Investments on the testing protocol and plan it wants to use .
He said a slight decrease in the coronavirus positivity rate over the last couple of weeks in Colorado is a hopeful development as schools ramp up their reopenings .
“ We ’ re at a rate where testing can be a very helpful tool to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Early identification of cases allows us to properly isolate these cases .
That ’ s a key way we can break the transmission of COVID.
” But that involves resolve by more than just teachers and school officials .
Burman said the caseload in the community in which a school district resides is important because he worries about “ schools being victims of community transmission — not the cause of community transmission.
” “ It ’ s on all of us to drive down the case rate , ” he said @

Before students and teachers can safely head back to Colorado’s classrooms amid a pandemic that is beginning its sixth month, school and health officials say they need a detailed map of where the virus is and how it’s behaving on any given day.
Only frequent and reliable testing can provide that level of insight into a disease that has already dramatically upended the way schools operate in Colorado, with many delaying in-person instruction this fall as the state’s coronavirus caseload eclipses the 50,000 mark.
But offering affordable and comprehensive testing and tracing is no easy feat for the state’s 178 school districts, which serve more than 900,000 students. That conundrum, just days before the new academic year is to begin, prompted Denver-based philanthropic foundation Gary Community Investments to commit $1 million toward providing low-cost COVID-19 tests for teachers and staff with results available in 72 hours or less.
Testing began Friday, with teachers eventually able to choose from nine dedicated drive-thru COVIDCheck Colorado program sites in the metro area.
“This is the playbook the most successful countries have used,” said Mike Johnston, the former Democratic gubernatorial candidate who serves as Gary’s CEO. “Any public-facing staff — teachers, cafeteria workers, security guards — we are recommending be tested.”
The tests will be free to the employee, with districts charged $10 for each one administered. That’s a steep discount from what a typical coronavirus test costs on the private market, Johnston said. Full-time and part-time teachers and staff who work on school campuses will be able to get a test roughly every two weeks under the COVIDCheck system.
Last week, Gary Community Investments signed up the state’s largest school district — 94,000-student Denver Public Schools. It also has partnerships with other large districts in the metro area, including Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek Public Schools, Sheridan School District 2, Westminster Public Schools, Mapleton Public Schools and 27J Schools in Brighton.
Discussions are underway to add more districts to the program.
“I think (testing) should be mandatory,” said Beth Douma, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Lake Middle School and a 25-year veteran of Denver Public Schools. “I have asthma — I want to make sure I take care of myself and others.”
Without a centralized federal testing program for COVID-19 in place, Douma said, school districts need to be proactive in tracking the virus and so it can be tamped down as quickly as possible. The state education department doesn’t mandate coronavirus testing — that is up to the local public health agency in which the school district is located, an agency spokesman told The Denver Post.
Denver Public Schools recently announced it wouldn’t start in-person learning until mid-October at the earliest.
COVIDCheck Colorado bills itself as a one-stop shop for COVID-19 detection, providing users with an app-based dashboard that displays the district’s test results and symptom data to help stop potential outbreaks before they start. The process begins with a polymerise chain reaction, or PCR, test. That’s the one where they don’t jam the swab “into your brain,” Johnston said.
“It’s a lot more comfortable and incredibly accurate,” he said. “You’re in and out in three minutes.”
Individuals testing positive will receive an alert and advice for next steps from a local telehealth provider. The system allows school staff and students to report symptoms at the start of the school day and get recommendations from COVIDCheck as to whether to stay home or get tested. That data is reported anonymously so the district can see what symptoms have been reported and in what school, but without names attached.
Denver Public Schools plans to spend between $50,000 and $70,000 a month for COVIDCheck’s services, possibly using federal relief money, said DPS spokeswoman Winna Maclaren. The agreement with Gary Community Investments will last through December, with an option to go the full school year.
“We hope this will give staff and families some peace of mind as we work to resume in-person learning later in the school year,” Maclaren said.
She said DPS wanted to have access to the system’s real-time data capabilities to quickly identify potential outbreaks before they flare. The COVID-19 testing site at the Pepsi Center, which is free to anyone who wants a test, can run out of kits and take longer to turn results around, she said.
Amie Baca-Oehlert, president of the Colorado Education Association, said testing is a “crucial” part of getting school buildings ready for reopening. But she worries about the bill districts will have to foot with COVIDCheck, even if those tests come at a steep discount.
“It is an absolutely important component of getting to in-person learning, but it shows the level of financial expense that districts are having to face when getting teachers and students back to in-person learning safely,” she said. “The concern over time is whether they will be able to sustain it.”
While the focus from Gary Community Investments so far has been on big, urban school districts, testing for teachers would be welcome in Colorado’s smaller school districts as well, said Kevin LaDuke, a sixth-grade social studies and science teacher at Orchard Mesa Middle School in Grand Junction.
“As an educator, I hope we would have that option so we can do the tracing so we can keep our teachers and students safe,” he said.
The 22,000-student Mesa County Valley School District 51 is planning to launch its school year with both in-person and remote learning on Monday, which LaDuke says is made easier by the fact that coronavirus caseloads on the West Slope have been less severe than those on the Front Range.
In fact, Mesa County, with fewer than 200 cases per 100,000 population, ranks toward the bottom of Colorado’s county case rate and has had just four COVID-19 deaths since March, compared with more than 400 in Denver.
Dr. Bill Burman, director of Denver Public Health, said his organization consulted with Gary Community Investments on the testing protocol and plan it wants to use. He said a slight decrease in the coronavirus positivity rate over the last couple of weeks in Colorado is a hopeful development as schools ramp up their reopenings.
“We’re at a rate where testing can be a very helpful tool to bring the cases down,” he said. “Early identification of cases allows us to properly isolate these cases. That’s a key way we can break the transmission of COVID.”
But that involves resolve by more than just teachers and school officials. Burman said the caseload in the community in which a school district resides is important because he worries about “schools being victims of community transmission — not the cause of community transmission.”
“It’s on all of us to drive down the case rate,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-11--Denver weather: Sunny and hot with elevated fire concerns

Sunny and hot weather is expected in Denver through Thursday but the mountains and far Eastern Plains could have some @ @ @ @ @ Denver high temperatures will be 96 degrees on Tuesday , 95 degrees on Wednesday and @ @ @ @ @ according to the weather service forecast .
Skies will be sunny and winds will gust @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday and 17 mph on Wednesday .
Hot and mostly dry weather in northeastern and @ @ @ @ @ concerns , the weather service said .
There ’ s a risk for severe thunderstorms @ @ @ @ @ afternoon , with a couple of storms capable of producing 1-inch hail and winds to @ @ @ @ @ quality alert is posted for the Denver metro area until 4 p.m. Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ and Environment has issued an ozone action day alert for : Douglas , Jefferson , @ @ @ @ @ western Adams , Broomfield , Boulder , Larimer , and Weld counties .
Ozone concentrations @ @ @ @ @ the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups range on Tuesday .

Sunny and hot weather is expected in Denver through Thursday but the mountains and far Eastern Plains could have some afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
Denver high temperatures will be 96 degrees on Tuesday, 95 degrees on Wednesday and 97 degrees on Thursday, according to the weather service forecast. Skies will be sunny and winds will gust to about 22 mph on Tuesday and 17 mph on Wednesday.
Hot and mostly dry weather in northeastern and north-central Colorado will elevate fire concerns, the weather service said. There’s a risk for severe thunderstorms over the northeast plains Tuesday afternoon, with a couple of storms capable of producing 1-inch hail and winds to 60 mph.
An air quality alert is posted for the Denver metro area until 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an ozone action day alert for: Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties. Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups range on Tuesday.