thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Ryan Rolison hasn’t yet pitched above Class-A, but southpaw’s turning heads at Rockies’ summer camp

Ryan Rolison ’ s name has been tossed around quite a bit at Rockies ’ summer camp .
By manager Bud Black .
By pitching coaches Steve Foster and Darryl Scott .
By Colorado hurlers and position players alike .
And they ’ re all singing the same tune : Rolison , the club ’ s 2018 first-round pick out of Ole Miss , does not look the part of a 23-year-old left-hander who spent all of last season in Class-A and is the youngest pitcher in Colorado ’ s two versions of spring training this year .
“ Rolison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s made of in this ( big-league environment ) , ” Scott said .
“ He ’ s opened some eyes.
” Rolison started 2019 with Class-A Asheville , posting a 0.61 ERA in three starts and getting a quick promotion to Class-A Advanced Lancaster .
With the Jethawks , pitching in a notoriously hitter-friendly California League , Rolison had a 4.87 ERA in 22 starts .
Since “ summer camp ” began at Coors Field on July 4 , Rolison ’ s been building off the momentum he started as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training in Arizona .
The southpaw tossed a pair of impressive scoreless innings in an intersquad scrimmage July 11 , his birthday , and has held his own on the mound in other appearances against veterans and all-stars in Colorado ’ s lineup .
But those fans hoping a weird season could get weirder ( in a good way ) with Rolison making his MLB debut — something that would be fairly unprecedented given his experience , but a remote possibility nonetheless — “ probably want to pump the brakes a bit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that he played in a major conference , in the Southeastern Conference as a Friday night starter and all the things that go into that , there ’ s a pretty strong foundation there , ” Black said .
“ But college baseball is different from the pro game , and I think Ryan needs a little bit more seasoning , even though we like what we ’ ve seen so far.
” But Black did leave himself a little wiggle room : “ You can never say never to anything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the Colorado pitching staff was decimated by injuries and ineptitude down the stretch .
That led the rotationally-thinned Rockies to turn to a 29-year-old washed-out starter , Tim Melville , who began the season in an independent league and was working in a barbecue joint just before that .
So while Rolison will start 2020 with the satellite squad in Albuquerque , he could be an option for Colorado down the line should health become an issue for the rotation , or should the team perform poorly and be open to seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitching prospects , right-handed starter Ryan Castellani and left-handed reliever Ben Bowden are most likely next in line to make their debuts .
Health updates .
Black gave several status updates on key players Thursday , which featured a light team workout in the morning at Coors Field .
Outfielder Charlie Blackmon , who re-joined the team Monday after being cleared in his coronavirus recovery , was officially placed on the injured list Tuesday .
But that move is purely procedural , and Black maintained that both the club and Blackmon are hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening day , next Friday in Texas .
Outfielder David Dahl , who did not play in the past two intersquad scrimmages , is suffering from “ core soreness , ” Black said .
Dahl swung Wednesday in the cage and took batting practice on the field Thursday .
Black believes Dahl will be playing in Colorado ’ s intersquad game Friday night .
Right-hander Scott Oberg , one of two options to be Colorado ’ s closer this year along with Wade Davis , has not yet pitched in an intersquad game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ got a little tight ” on the flight coming into Denver , so the team “ took some precautions early ” and slow-played his progression on the mound .
Scott said it wasn ’ t any issue relating to the arm of Oberg , who threw bullpens Tuesday and Thursday .

Ryan Rolison’s name has been tossed around quite a bit at Rockies’ summer camp. By manager Bud Black. By pitching coaches Steve Foster and Darryl Scott. By Colorado hurlers and position players alike.
And they’re all singing the same tune:
Rolison, the club’s 2018 first-round pick out of Ole Miss, does not look the part of a 23-year-old left-hander who spent all of last season in Class-A and is the youngest pitcher in Colorado’s two versions of spring training this year.
“Rolison has showed some maturity and what he’s made of in this (big-league environment),” Scott said. “He’s opened some eyes.”
Rolison started 2019 with Class-A Asheville, posting a 0.61 ERA in three starts and getting a quick promotion to Class-A Advanced Lancaster. With the Jethawks, pitching in a notoriously hitter-friendly California League, Rolison had a 4.87 ERA in 22 starts.
Since “summer camp” began at Coors Field on July 4, Rolison’s been building off the momentum he started as a non-roster invitee in his first big-league spring training in Arizona. The southpaw tossed a pair of impressive scoreless innings in an intersquad scrimmage July 11, his birthday, and has held his own on the mound in other appearances against veterans and all-stars in Colorado’s lineup.
But those fans hoping a weird season could get weirder (in a good way) with Rolison making his MLB debut — something that would be fairly unprecedented given his experience, but a remote possibility nonetheless — “probably want to pump the brakes a bit,” according to Black.
“The fact that he played in a major conference, in the Southeastern Conference as a Friday night starter and all the things that go into that, there’s a pretty strong foundation there,” Black said. “But college baseball is different from the pro game, and I think Ryan needs a little bit more seasoning, even though we like what we’ve seen so far.”
But Black did leave himself a little wiggle room: “You can never say never to anything, right?”
Consider last season, when the Colorado pitching staff was decimated by injuries and ineptitude down the stretch. That led the rotationally-thinned Rockies to turn to a 29-year-old washed-out starter, Tim Melville, who began the season in an independent league and was working in a barbecue joint just before that.
So while Rolison will start 2020 with the satellite squad in Albuquerque, he could be an option for Colorado down the line should health become an issue for the rotation, or should the team perform poorly and be open to seeing young talent in September. Among Rockies pitching prospects, right-handed starter Ryan Castellani and left-handed reliever Ben Bowden are most likely next in line to make their debuts.
Health updates. Black gave several status updates on key players Thursday, which featured a light team workout in the morning at Coors Field.
Outfielder Charlie Blackmon, who re-joined the team Monday after being cleared in his coronavirus recovery, was officially placed on the injured list Tuesday. But that move is purely procedural, and Black maintained that both the club and Blackmon are hopeful to have him in the lineup on opening day, next Friday in Texas.
Outfielder David Dahl, who did not play in the past two intersquad scrimmages, is suffering from “core soreness,” Black said. Dahl swung Wednesday in the cage and took batting practice on the field Thursday. Black believes Dahl will be playing in Colorado’s intersquad game Friday night.
Right-hander Scott Oberg, one of two options to be Colorado’s closer this year along with Wade Davis, has not yet pitched in an intersquad game. Bullpen coach Darryl Scott said Oberg “got a little tight” on the flight coming into Denver, so the team “took some precautions early” and slow-played his progression on the mound. Scott said it wasn’t any issue relating to the arm of Oberg, who threw bullpens Tuesday and Thursday.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Avalanche gets taste of what’s to come in scrimmages inside empty Pepsi Center

The Avalanche got a taste on Thursday of what it might feel like early next month when the Western Conference playoffs unfold before no fans at 18,500-seat Rogers Place in Edmonton .
For the first time since NHL training camps opened Monday , the Avs held a full-fledged intrasquad scrimmage inside an empty Pepsi Center .
“ Obviously , it ’ s quiet , but you don ’ t expect much more out of a scrimmage , ” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said on a Zoom call after the hourlong Burgundy vs. White affair .
“ It will be different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve known that the whole time — it will be very different .
“ I ’ ve said this before and I ’ ll keep saying it : Nothing else in this world is what it used to be , so why should the Stanley Cup playoffs be any different ?
We ’ re just going to have to get used to the new normal and make the most of it.
” Landeskog played left wing on White ’ s top line , with center Nazem Kadri and right winger Valeri Nichushkin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s top line featuring center Nathan MacKinnon and wingers Andre Burakovsky and Mikko Rantanen .
MacKinnon scored a fancy goal on a breakaway but White got goals from defensemen Erik Johnson and Ian Cole in an otherwise close matchup .
“ It ’ s obviously a little strange having so many seats and nobody in them , ” Cole said afterward .
“ But I think everybody is aware of the situation and do the best they can as far as trying to put a good product out there , regardless of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regardless of how many people are watching or cheering us on ( on television ) .
“ There are some times during the season , especially at some different buildings around the league , where you kind of have to make your own energy .
And this is certainly going to be one of those times to the nth degree .
This is going to be very new to us , but I think something that you can deal with it and create your own energy to gain that advantage.
” Reporters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the arena could hear just about everything players and coaches were saying during the scrimmage .
Without fans , the opposing team and the television microphones are bound to pick up much more verbal interaction .
The question is , might Avs coach Jared Bednar ask his players to limit on-ice conversations because , without fans , they will be so easily heard by the opponent ?
Bednar said that ’ s an emphatic “ no.
” Young players in squirts and peewees are taught to call for the puck , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and space , to rim the puck out of danger .
And without fans at the highest level , that should not change .
“ To me , it eliminates confusion , ” Bednar said of talkative on-ice teams .
“ It helps everything get sorted out on the defensive side of the puck .
Offensively , it helps you play faster .
We ’ ve been trying to get our team to be more vocal , more confident , and give more help to their teammates for a number of years now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that area and now I noticed , after the break , we ’ ve regressed back .
We have to get them back talking again .
We ’ re going to be pushing that .
Already started today .
Hopefully , our guys continue to improve and get back to where they were and even move past that.
” Footnotes .
Rookie Shane Bowers took a high stick to the face and did not complete the scrimmage , which featured goalies Pavel Francouz ( White ) and Philipp Gruabuer ( Burgundy ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take Friday off and return to camp Saturday .

The Avalanche got a taste on Thursday of what it might feel like early next month when the Western Conference playoffs unfold before no fans at 18,500-seat Rogers Place in Edmonton.
For the first time since NHL training camps opened Monday, the Avs held a full-fledged intrasquad scrimmage inside an empty Pepsi Center.
“Obviously, it’s quiet, but you don’t expect much more out of a scrimmage,” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said on a Zoom call after the hourlong Burgundy vs. White affair. “It will be different, no doubt, and we’ve known that the whole time — it will be very different.
“I’ve said this before and I’ll keep saying it: Nothing else in this world is what it used to be, so why should the Stanley Cup playoffs be any different? We’re just going to have to get used to the new normal and make the most of it.”
Landeskog played left wing on White’s top line, with center Nazem Kadri and right winger Valeri Nichushkin. They often went head-to-head with Burgundy’s top line featuring center Nathan MacKinnon and wingers Andre Burakovsky and Mikko Rantanen. MacKinnon scored a fancy goal on a breakaway but White got goals from defensemen Erik Johnson and Ian Cole in an otherwise close matchup.
“It’s obviously a little strange having so many seats and nobody in them,” Cole said afterward. “But I think everybody is aware of the situation and do the best they can as far as trying to put a good product out there, regardless of how many people are in the stands, regardless of how many people are watching or cheering us on (on television).
“There are some times during the season, especially at some different buildings around the league, where you kind of have to make your own energy. And this is certainly going to be one of those times to the nth degree. This is going to be very new to us, but I think something that you can deal with it and create your own energy to gain that advantage.”
Reporters and the Zamboni crew from the lower level of the arena could hear just about everything players and coaches were saying during the scrimmage. Without fans, the opposing team and the television microphones are bound to pick up much more verbal interaction.
The question is, might Avs coach Jared Bednar ask his players to limit on-ice conversations because, without fans, they will be so easily heard by the opponent?
Bednar said that’s an emphatic “no.” Young players in squirts and peewees are taught to call for the puck, to tell a teammate if he has time and space, to rim the puck out of danger. And without fans at the highest level, that should not change.
“To me, it eliminates confusion,” Bednar said of talkative on-ice teams. “It helps everything get sorted out on the defensive side of the puck. Offensively, it helps you play faster. We’ve been trying to get our team to be more vocal, more confident, and give more help to their teammates for a number of years now.
“We’ve improved dramatically in that area and now I noticed, after the break, we’ve regressed back. We have to get them back talking again. We’re going to be pushing that. Already started today. Hopefully, our guys continue to improve and get back to where they were and even move past that.”
Footnotes. Rookie Shane Bowers took a high stick to the face and did not complete the scrimmage, which featured goalies Pavel Francouz (White) and Philipp Gruabuer (Burgundy). … Bednar said his club will take Friday off and return to camp Saturday.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Nuggets’ depth could force Bol Bol’s debut: “The sky’s the limit for that kid”

Nuggets rookie Bol Bol hasn ’ t tallied one second of NBA basketball yet , but Denver ’ s circumstances may soon dictate the 7-foot-2 second-round pick suit up .
Less than a week away from their first scrimmage next Wednesday vs. Washington , it ’ s fair to wonder how many guys Nuggets coach Michael Malone will have at his disposal .
Malone said Wednesday that the team ’ s depth had forced some “ unique ” lineups in practices .
On Thursday , Nuggets guard Troy Daniels said the team has between eight and 10 players in Orlando @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in Denver , with their first real game about two weeks away .
And Bol , speaking to the media for the first time all season , confirmed that their numbers have yielded some curious rotations .
“ It ’ s been kind of crazy , ” Bol said .
“ With not so many people , you can get placed anywhere .
There were some times , like today , I was playing at the three .
“ Yes , a 7-2 small forward .
He didn ’ t directly answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play at all , saying he would stay “ ready for whatever happens.
” The small sampling of videos the Nuggets ’ social media accounts have put out have revealed tantalizing highlights .
One showed him burying a smooth , turnaround baseline jumper .
Another showed him towering over assistants as they tried to get a shot over him .
Another , from Wednesday , showed he and Nikola Jokic working on their corner 3-pointers .
It ’ s almost too enticing to think of the matchup nightmares the two of them could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was limited after playing just eight games in the G League , but the silver-lining of the hiatus and the fact that the Nuggets are missing so many players , has meant he ’ s been an integral part of practices .
When asked for a player who ’ d surprised through more than a week of practices , Malone mentioned Bol .
Daniels , when asked about his impression of the rookie , raved .
“ Talented , talented , talented , talented , ” Daniels said .
“ The kid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people are not blessed with .
He can really take that and use it when he ’ s working out and work his tail off every day .
The sky ’ s the limit for that kid .
He literally can shoot over anybody , can rebound , has touch around the rim , can handle the ball .
He ’ s a really , really good player , he belongs in the NBA .
He just has to sustain it.
” Specifically , Bol said one of the biggest areas of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite Jokic ’ s svelte frame , he could still likely bully Bol inside .
Same for the rest of the Nuggets ’ big men like Mason Plumlee or Noah Vonleh .
But chatter from the Nuggets ’ second training camp suggests a prospect who has had his moments , even in four-on-four or three-on-three settings .
What Bol lacks in strength he makes up for in size .
“ I mean I know I ’ m tall , but I haven ’ t realized when I put my hands up how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It ’ s been a long journey because I spent most of the season watching practice but now that I can finally practice , it ’ s been pretty fun .
It ’ s what I ’ ve been looking forward to .
”

Nuggets rookie Bol Bol hasn’t tallied one second of NBA basketball yet, but Denver’s circumstances may soon dictate the 7-foot-2 second-round pick suit up.
Less than a week away from their first scrimmage next Wednesday vs. Washington, it’s fair to wonder how many guys Nuggets coach Michael Malone will have at his disposal. Malone said Wednesday that the team’s depth had forced some “unique” lineups in practices. On Thursday, Nuggets guard Troy Daniels said the team has between eight and 10 players in Orlando. That means that at least seven remain in Denver, with their first real game about two weeks away.
And Bol, speaking to the media for the first time all season, confirmed that their numbers have yielded some curious rotations.
“It’s been kind of crazy,” Bol said. “With not so many people, you can get placed anywhere. There were some times, like today, I was playing at the three. “
Yes, a 7-2 small forward. He didn’t directly answer a question about whether he expected to play at all, saying he would stay “ready for whatever happens.”
The small sampling of videos the Nuggets’ social media accounts have put out have revealed tantalizing highlights. One showed him burying a smooth, turnaround baseline jumper. Another showed him towering over assistants as they tried to get a shot over him. Another, from Wednesday, showed he and Nikola Jokic working on their corner 3-pointers. It’s almost too enticing to think of the matchup nightmares the two of them could create together.
Bol’s season was limited after playing just eight games in the G League, but the silver-lining of the hiatus and the fact that the Nuggets are missing so many players, has meant he’s been an integral part of practices. When asked for a player who’d surprised through more than a week of practices, Malone mentioned Bol.
Daniels, when asked about his impression of the rookie, raved.
“Talented, talented, talented, talented,” Daniels said. “The kid, he has the intangibles that a lot of people are not blessed with. He can really take that and use it when he’s working out and work his tail off every day. The sky’s the limit for that kid. He literally can shoot over anybody, can rebound, has touch around the rim, can handle the ball. He’s a really, really good player, he belongs in the NBA. He just has to sustain it.”
Specifically, Bol said one of the biggest areas of emphasis has been improving his strength. Despite Jokic’s svelte frame, he could still likely bully Bol inside. Same for the rest of the Nuggets’ big men like Mason Plumlee or Noah Vonleh. But chatter from the Nuggets’ second training camp suggests a prospect who has had his moments, even in four-on-four or three-on-three settings.
What Bol lacks in strength he makes up for in size.
“I mean I know I’m tall, but I haven’t realized when I put my hands up how much ground I can cover,” he said. “It’s been a long journey because I spent most of the season watching practice but now that I can finally practice, it’s been pretty fun. It’s what I’ve been looking forward to.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--The Spot: What changed Gov. Polis’ mind on mask mandate, and why Colorado is seeing presidential ads

The Spot: What changed Gov. Polis’ mind on mask mandate, and why Colorado is seeing presidential ads now

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis ’ announcement Thursday that he will require masks statewide took longer than many fellow Democrats would have liked given weeks of increasing coronavirus case numbers here , but his hesitance to act is not that surprising .
If you ’ re curious about his decision-making , on this and many other matters , it ’ s useful to understand that he is , fundamentally , a local-control guy who has been more reluctant than most in his party to support statewide mandates of any sort .
This shows up in all sorts of debates at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the pandemic .
Recall that when things were really getting bad back in early spring , Polis declined to issue a statewide stay-home order until after local leaders practically begged for one and a patchwork of stay-home orders were put in place at the county level .
Even as he issued it he promised he ’ d try to reopen the state economy sooner than anyone else , and he pretty much made good on that .
A mask mandate is not the same thing as a stay-home order , of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two situations .
For all the complaining Colorado Republicans do about perceived tyranny from Polis — last week ’ s “ We Can ’ t Breathe ” cartoon from the Douglas County GOP is a good example of that viewpoint — he has been slow to enact blanket orders about individuals ’ behavior .
Polis understands very well how important mask-wearing is to public health — he has been virtually begging residents to wear face coverings for weeks — but once again , he was slow to make it a requirement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday that the spread of the coronavirus has begun rapidly increasing in the past two weeks .
At the current rate , hospitals could exceed their intensive care capacity in September .
In announcing the mask mandate Thursday , Polis cited two surveys that found mask requirements increase wearing , and data that shows mandates improve case counts in counties that have them .
Yes , the governor is a local-control guy , but he ’ s also a data guy .
RELATED : How did Colorado get where we are today with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handy timeline .
It really has been a long four-plus months .
To support the important journalism we do , you can become a Denver Post subscriber here .
You can send tips , comments and questions to me at aburness @ denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below .
A draft plan on Denver Public Schools ’ reopening procedures obtained by The Denver Post outlines ways operations will be different for the 2020-21 school year , from busing and “ cohort ” schedules to sanitation requirements and quarantine scenarios .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative session has , as of Wednesday , been resolved .
The governor signed all but three bills that came across his desk , and for the first time in more than six months there is no pending legislation in our state .
Among the many bills to become laws in the last few weeks is one banning the LGBTQ “ panic defense , ” which had allowed defendants in court to blame their own violent actions on the sexual orientation or gender identity of their victim .
The “ panic defense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states , is seldom argued in Colorado courts .
But for one population — black trans women — getting rid of this defense once and for all was more urgent , said one of the sponsors of the bill , Rep. Brianna Titone .
The Arvada Democrat is Colorado ’ s first openly transgender state lawmaker , and one of the first in the country .
“ For me , what this bill really means is protecting Black trans women , who are the most vulnerable of the communities we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said this week .
Black transgender women in particular face extreme levels of violence .
In 2019 , according to the Human Rights Campaign , at least 26 transgender or gender non-conforming people were murdered , and the majority of them were Black .
Consider , alongside that stat , the fact that Black people comprise only about 14 % of the country ’ s population .
• None Most workers here will now be entitled to six days of • None So many of the biggest decisions Colorado now faces .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works .
• None Stapleton will adopt one of these • None Nearly a million Colorado workers who lack a retirement savings plan at work will soon On air and online this spring , John Hickenlooper urged the federal government to give Paycheck Protection Program loans to more small businesses , and it did — including to breweries he partly owns .
Coopersmith , a brew pub in Fort Collins , received loans of at least $ 350,000 and as much as $ 1 million , according to a federal database .
Hickenlooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coopersmith stock .
Beach Chalet , a San Francisco brewery and restaurant , also received PPP loans of at least $ 350,000 .
Hickenlooper owns Beach Chalet stock valued somewhere between $ 15,000 and $ 50,000 , according to his most recent financial disclosure report , which was filed in May .
Hickenlooper ’ s many business investments , which are worth many millions of dollars , have been in an irrevocable blind trust since 2003 , when he was elected mayor of Denver .
Trustees make all investment decisions , not Hickenlooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wynkoop , the Denver brewery that Hickenlooper founded , also received significant government help .
Breckenridge-Wynkoop LLC , a holding company for Wynkoop and Breckenridge Brewing , received somewhere between $ 2 million and $ 5 million in PPP loans to pay 500 employees .
But that doesn ’ t benefit the candidate ; Hickenlooper ’ s trustees sold his Wynkoop stock in 2007 .
RELATED : For all its faults , the Paycheck Protection Program provided a lifeline in Colorado .
• None Colorado ’ s Republican members of Congress haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s convention next month , • None Hickenlooper has consistently raised more money than Sen. Cory Gardner , but Gardner has more money in the bank , • None The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel has done some good on-the-ground reporting about Lauren Boebert since her 3 • that Hickenlooper hasn ’ t taken responsibility for wearing Native American headdresses .
Why Colorado voters are seeing presidential ads Less than four months out from the presidential election , there ’ s little suspense about who will likely win Colorado ’ s nine electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent state polls — which show Democrat Joe Biden up over President Donald Trump by 13 to 19 percentage points — have concluded the state ’ s multi-cycle run as a battleground state is over .
But that doesn ’ t mean the campaigns and outside groups will ignore Colorado entirely .
An announcement this week by the Service Employees International Union underscores why .
For groups supporting Biden , Colorado is part of the former vice president ’ s firewall , and they need key voter groups to show up big in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alike .
The SEIU has chosen Colorado among a half-dozen states to begin running two digital ads aimed at mobilizing the base — especially Black , Latino and other minority voters whose participation is less consistent election to election .
“ This is the largest ad campaign working to mobilize infrequent voters of color — voters who are key to winning in November and to the long-term possibility of progressive change , ” says the SEIU ’ s release about the start of an expected $ 150 million campaign .
Its ads focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguing he ’ d be better than Trump at solving the country ’ s problems .
The other states targeted by the SEIU include potential battlegrounds — Minnesota , Florida , Nevada and Pennsylvania — as well as Virginia , which like Colorado has become a more reliable blue state in the Trump era .
The SEIU notes that Trump ’ s winning margins in a handful of key states in 2016 were smaller than the number of infrequent voters who didn ’ t participate .
In a state like Colorado , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the difference in the presidential race , but higher turnout could affect down-ballot contests , including the Senate race between Hickenlooper and Gardner .
That ’ s why Republican groups likely will invest money in Colorado , too , in a bid to encourage that party ’ s base to turn out for Trump and other GOP candidates .
• None As Donald Trump seeks four more years in office , the incumbent is struggling to outline his second-term plan , • None — and achieve carbon-free power generation by 2035 — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• None China ’ s role in the pandemic and as a perennial foreign policy challenge has both candidates • None for the first time during the pandemic .
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe .

For people, policy and Colorado politics
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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ announcement Thursday that he will require masks statewide took longer than many fellow Democrats would have liked given weeks of increasing coronavirus case numbers here, but his hesitance to act is not that surprising.
If you’re curious about his decision-making, on this and many other matters, it’s useful to understand that he is, fundamentally, a local-control guy who has been more reluctant than most in his party to support statewide mandates of any sort.
This shows up in all sorts of debates at the Capitol and has been a theme throughout the pandemic. Recall that when things were really getting bad back in early spring, Polis declined to issue a statewide stay-home order until after local leaders practically begged for one and a patchwork of stay-home orders were put in place at the county level. Even as he issued it he promised he’d try to reopen the state economy sooner than anyone else, and he pretty much made good on that.
A mask mandate is not the same thing as a stay-home order, of course, but there’s overlap in the two situations. For all the complaining Colorado Republicans do about perceived tyranny from Polis — last week’s “We Can’t Breathe” cartoon from the Douglas County GOP is a good example of that viewpoint — he has been slow to enact blanket orders about individuals’ behavior.
Polis understands very well how important mask-wearing is to public health — he has been virtually begging residents to wear face coverings for weeks — but once again, he was slow to make it a requirement. What changed? State health officials said Thursday that the spread of the coronavirus has begun rapidly increasing in the past two weeks. At the current rate, hospitals could exceed their intensive care capacity in September.
In announcing the mask mandate Thursday, Polis cited two surveys that found mask requirements increase wearing, and data that shows mandates improve case counts in counties that have them.
Yes, the governor is a local-control guy, but he’s also a data guy.
RELATED: How did Colorado get where we are today with the coronavirus? Here’s a handy timeline. It really has been a long four-plus months.
To support the important journalism we do, you can become a Denver Post subscriber here.
You can send tips, comments and questions to me at aburness@denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below.
Top Line
A draft plan on Denver Public Schools’ reopening procedures obtained by The Denver Post outlines ways operations will be different for the 2020-21 school year, from busing and “cohort” schedules to sanitation requirements and quarantine scenarios.
Capitol Diary • By Alex Burness
Black Trans Lives Matter
Every last bill from Colorado’s 2020 legislative session has, as of Wednesday, been resolved. The governor signed all but three bills that came across his desk, and for the first time in more than six months there is no pending legislation in our state.
Among the many bills to become laws in the last few weeks is one banning the LGBTQ “panic defense,” which had allowed defendants in court to blame their own violent actions on the sexual orientation or gender identity of their victim.
The “panic defense,” which today remains legal in 39 other states, is seldom argued in Colorado courts. But for one population — black trans women — getting rid of this defense once and for all was more urgent, said one of the sponsors of the bill, Rep. Brianna Titone. The Arvada Democrat is Colorado’s first openly transgender state lawmaker, and one of the first in the country.
“For me, what this bill really means is protecting Black trans women, who are the most vulnerable of the communities we’re trying to protect here,” Titone said this week.
Black transgender women in particular face extreme levels of violence. In 2019, according to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 26 transgender or gender non-conforming people were murdered, and the majority of them were Black. Consider, alongside that stat, the fact that Black people comprise only about 14% of the country’s population.
More Colorado political news
Most workers here will now be entitled to six days of paid family and medical leave.
So many of the biggest decisions Colorado now faces fall to the governor. That’s not how state government usually works.
Stapleton will adopt one of these nine names.
Nearly a million Colorado workers who lack a retirement savings plan at work will soon gain that benefit.
#COSen 2020 • By Justin Wingerter
Hick companies got PPP money
On air and online this spring, John Hickenlooper urged the federal government to give Paycheck Protection Program loans to more small businesses, and it did — including to breweries he partly owns.
Coopersmith, a brew pub in Fort Collins, received loans of at least $350,000 and as much as $1 million, according to a federal database. Hickenlooper owns more than $100,000 in nonpublic Coopersmith stock.
Beach Chalet, a San Francisco brewery and restaurant, also received PPP loans of at least $350,000. Hickenlooper owns Beach Chalet stock valued somewhere between $15,000 and $50,000, according to his most recent financial disclosure report, which was filed in May.
Hickenlooper’s many business investments, which are worth many millions of dollars, have been in an irrevocable blind trust since 2003, when he was elected mayor of Denver. Trustees make all investment decisions, not Hickenlooper, to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Wynkoop, the Denver brewery that Hickenlooper founded, also received significant government help. Breckenridge-Wynkoop LLC, a holding company for Wynkoop and Breckenridge Brewing, received somewhere between $2 million and $5 million in PPP loans to pay 500 employees.
But that doesn’t benefit the candidate; Hickenlooper’s trustees sold his Wynkoop stock in 2007.
RELATED: For all its faults, the Paycheck Protection Program provided a lifeline in Colorado.
More federal election news
Colorado’s Republican members of Congress haven’t committed to attending their party’s convention next month, with one exception.
Hickenlooper has consistently raised more money than Sen. Cory Gardner, but Gardner has more money in the bank, Colorado Public Radio reports.
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel has done some good on-the-ground reporting about Lauren Boebert since her 3rd District win. Read their Sunday stories here and here.
A member of the Eastern Shoshone tribe told Wyoming Public Media that Hickenlooper hasn’t taken responsibility for wearing Native American headdresses.
Presidential race • By Jon Murray
Why Colorado voters are seeing presidential ads
Less than four months out from the presidential election, there’s little suspense about who will likely win Colorado’s nine electoral votes. Most political forecasters looking at recent state polls — which show Democrat Joe Biden up over President Donald Trump by 13 to 19 percentage points — have concluded the state’s multi-cycle run as a battleground state is over.
But that doesn’t mean the campaigns and outside groups will ignore Colorado entirely. An announcement this week by the Service Employees International Union underscores why.
For groups supporting Biden, Colorado is part of the former vice president’s firewall, and they need key voter groups to show up big in the election in Democratic-leaning and swing states alike. The SEIU has chosen Colorado among a half-dozen states to begin running two digital ads aimed at mobilizing the base — especially Black, Latino and other minority voters whose participation is less consistent election to election.
“This is the largest ad campaign working to mobilize infrequent voters of color — voters who are key to winning in November and to the long-term possibility of progressive change,” says the SEIU’s release about the start of an expected $150 million campaign.
Its ads focus on building affirmative support for Biden by arguing he’d be better than Trump at solving the country’s problems.
The other states targeted by the SEIU include potential battlegrounds — Minnesota, Florida, Nevada and Pennsylvania — as well as Virginia, which like Colorado has become a more reliable blue state in the Trump era.
The SEIU notes that Trump’s winning margins in a handful of key states in 2016 were smaller than the number of infrequent voters who didn’t participate.
In a state like Colorado, their participation may not be as likely to make the difference in the presidential race, but higher turnout could affect down-ballot contests, including the Senate race between Hickenlooper and Gardner. That’s why Republican groups likely will invest money in Colorado, too, in a bid to encourage that party’s base to turn out for Trump and other GOP candidates.
More presidential race news
As Donald Trump seeks four more years in office, the incumbent is struggling to outline his second-term plan, the AP reports.
Democrat Joe Biden announced plans to combat climate change — and achieve carbon-free power generation by 2035 — in part by overhauling the energy sector.
China’s role in the pandemic and as a perennial foreign policy challenge has both candidates focusing on the country in ads and appeals.
This week, Trump wore a mask in public for the first time during the pandemic.
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thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Survivor of Firestone explosion asks GOP group to take down ad

Erin Martinez , who survived an explosion in Firestone that killed her husband and brother , has called on a Republican group to take down an ad about the explosion .
“ I woke up this morning to hear about a horrifying political ad using images from the explosion and fire that destroyed my life and killed my husband Mark and my brother Joey , ” Martinez said through a spokesperson Thursday .
The ad , from the National Republican Senatorial Committee , uses video from the explosion to criticize John Hickenlooper , a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ received donations from Anadarko Petroleum , which owned the gas line that exploded .
One donation came weeks after the explosion .
“ No one went to jail , no fines under Hickenlooper , ” a narrator says in the NRSC ad .
“ John Hickenlooper took the money and let them get away with it.
” The ad began airing online , on Denver television stations , and on cable Thursday morning .
The NRSC has spent millions of dollars , and plans to spend millions more , criticizing Hickenlooper before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican , on Nov. 3 .
Martinez said Thursday that she and her family have worked extremely hard to prevent tragedies like the one that killed her brother and husband .
She stood next to Gov .
Jared Polis last year when he signed an oil and gas regulations overhaul .
“ Not a single day goes by that we are not heartbroken and struck with unimaginable grief , ” Martinez said in the emailed statement .
“ This ad uses my story in a negative light and disgraces the memory of Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from public view immediately.
” Joanna Rodriguez , a spokesperson for the NRSC , responded to the request : “ The kind of grief Ms. Martinez and her family have survived is unimaginable , and their public fight to keep other Colorado families safe is incredibly important .
“ John Hickenlooper said he was going to do the right thing to protect Colorado families right after the explosion , but then a private donation to his office from the gas company responsible changed that , ” Rodriguez added .
Hickenlooper ’ s campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public-private partnerships that he and other governors used to improve Colorado .
Anadarko donated money years before the explosion for a children ’ s reading program and wildfire relief fund , Hickenlooper ’ s campaign noted .
The campaign also pointed to several regulatory steps Hickenlooper took after the explosion .
“ Erin Martinez is absolutely correct — Washington Republicans must take down their ‘ horrifying ’ and false attack and stop exploiting this tragedy and distorting the facts to score political points , ” said Melissa Miller , a Hickenlooper @ @

Erin Martinez, who survived an explosion in Firestone that killed her husband and brother, has called on a Republican group to take down an ad about the explosion.
“I woke up this morning to hear about a horrifying political ad using images from the explosion and fire that destroyed my life and killed my husband Mark and my brother Joey,” Martinez said through a spokesperson Thursday.
The ad, from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, uses video from the explosion to criticize John Hickenlooper, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. When Hickenlooper was governor, his office received donations from Anadarko Petroleum, which owned the gas line that exploded. One donation came weeks after the explosion.
“No one went to jail, no fines under Hickenlooper,” a narrator says in the NRSC ad. “John Hickenlooper took the money and let them get away with it.”
The ad began airing online, on Denver television stations, and on cable Thursday morning. The NRSC has spent millions of dollars, and plans to spend millions more, criticizing Hickenlooper before he faces Sen. Cory Gardner, a Yuma Republican, on Nov. 3.
Martinez said Thursday that she and her family have worked extremely hard to prevent tragedies like the one that killed her brother and husband. She stood next to Gov. Jared Polis last year when he signed an oil and gas regulations overhaul.
“Not a single day goes by that we are not heartbroken and struck with unimaginable grief,” Martinez said in the emailed statement. “This ad uses my story in a negative light and disgraces the memory of Mark and Joey. Please remove this ad from public view immediately.”
Joanna Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the NRSC, responded to the request: “The kind of grief Ms. Martinez and her family have survived is unimaginable, and their public fight to keep other Colorado families safe is incredibly important.
“John Hickenlooper said he was going to do the right thing to protect Colorado families right after the explosion, but then a private donation to his office from the gas company responsible changed that,” Rodriguez added.
Hickenlooper’s campaign said the ad is a gross mischaracterization of the public-private partnerships that he and other governors used to improve Colorado. Anadarko donated money years before the explosion for a children’s reading program and wildfire relief fund, Hickenlooper’s campaign noted. The campaign also pointed to several regulatory steps Hickenlooper took after the explosion.
“Erin Martinez is absolutely correct — Washington Republicans must take down their ‘horrifying’ and false attack and stop exploiting this tragedy and distorting the facts to score political points,” said Melissa Miller, a Hickenlooper spokeswoman.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Read Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ statewide mask order

Below is the text of Gov .
Jared Polis ’ executive order requiring all people , over the age of 10 , to wear masks when in public indoor spaces in Colorado .
See the full document here and read more about the details of the order in our story : Colorado governor issues statewide mask order as COVID-19 cases rise .
Amending and Extending Executive Orders D 2020 039 , D 2020 067 , D 2020 092 , and D 2020 110 Ordering Individuals in Colorado to Wear Non-Medical Face Coverings Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular , pursuant to Article IV , Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution and the relevant portions of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act , C.R.S .
§ 24-33.5-701 et seq .
( Act ) , I , Jared Polis , Governor of the State of Colorado , hereby issue this Executive Order amending and extending Executive Orders D 2020 039 , D 2020 067 , D 2020 092 , and D 2020 110 ordering individuals in Colorado to wear a medical or non-medical face covering due to the presence of coronavirus-2019 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 , 2020 , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ’ s ( CDPHE ) public health laboratory confirmed the first presumptive positive COVID-19 test result in Colorado .
Since then , the number of confirmed cases has continued to climb , and there is community spread throughout the State .
We have seen over 37,000 infections and lost over 1,700 Coloradans .
I verbally declared a disaster emergency on March 10 , 2020 , and on March 11 , 2020 , I issued the corresponding Executive Order D 2020 003 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 018 , D 2020 032 , D 2020 058 , D 2020 076 , D 2020 109 , and D 2020 125 .
On March 25 , 2020 , I requested that the President of the United States declare a Major Disaster for the State of Colorado , pursuant to the Stafford Act .
The President approved that request on March 28 , 2020 .
My administration , along with other State , local , and federal authorities , has taken a wide array of actions to mitigate the effects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect against overwhelming our health care resources .
While we have seen indications that our efforts to “ flatten the curve ” are working , transmission of the virus continues to threaten Coloradans ’ way of life and livelihoods and current data shows a recent increase in COVID infections .
As we take steps to return Coloradans to work , we must continue to take measures to facilitate reopening the economy while protecting public health by taking steps to incorporate best practices to protect individuals from infection .
We have learned that widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections by as much as 65 % .
Broad adoption of mask wearing in Colorado may have significant economic benefits by allowing the State to prevent re-closures of businesses and schools and , ultimately , return to our normal lives more quickly .
A recent study from Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5 % hit to the Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) .
At this time , thirty-nine Colorado counties and municipalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under Executive Order D 2020 110 , mask wearing is mandatory for employees , contractors , and others providing services for Mass Transportation Operations and Critical Businesses as well as for State and county employees and the individuals they serve at Government Offices and Facilities .
These requirements remain intact with this Executive Order .
This Executive Order amends and extends Executive Orders D 2020 039 , D 2020 067 , D 2020 092 , and D 2020 110 to protect Coloradans by requiring individuals in Colorado to wear a non-medical face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject to several exceptions .
Executive Order D 2020 110 is amended as follows : • After Paragraph F , add the following new Paragraphs G through R : G. Except as permitted by Paragraphs L , M , and N , below , all individuals over ten ( 10 ) years old must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or moving within any Public Indoor Space , as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order , or while using or waiting to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , light rail , train , car service , ride-sharing or similar service , or Mass Transportation Operations .
H. Any individual who endangers the health of others by knowingly entering or remaining in a Public Indoor Space , as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order , in violation of the terms of this Executive Order may be subject to civil or criminal penalties , including but not limited to prosecution for trespass .
I .
Except as permitted by Paragraphs L , M , and N , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the community , no owner , operator , or manager of a Public Indoor Space , as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order , may provide service to individuals or allow an individual to enter or move within that Public Indoor Space , unless the individual is wearing a face covering as required by this Executive Order .
J .
Owners , operators , or managers of Public Indoor Spaces , as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order , must post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals of their legal obligation under this Executive Order to wear a face covering when entering or moving within a Public Indoor Space .
K. A State or local department or agency that learns that a business licensee is in violation of this Executive Order will consider whether the public health , safety or welfare requires summary , temporary suspension of the business ’ s license to operate ( including but not limited to a liquor license ) .
L. The following individuals are exempt from the requirements of this Executive Order : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old and younger ; or M. Individuals performing the following activities are exempt from the requirements of this Executive Order while the activity is being performed : • Individuals who are hearing impaired or otherwise disabled or who are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication ; • Individuals who are seated at a food service establishment ; • Individuals who are exercising alone or with others from the individual ’ s household and a face covering would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are receiving a personal service where the temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service ; • Individuals who enter a business or receive services and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes ; • Individuals who are actively engaged in a public safety role such as law enforcement , firefighters , or emergency medical personnel ; • Individuals who are officiating at a religious service ; or • Individuals who are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience .
N. Counties that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose to be exempt from Paragraphs G through N , and R of this Executive Order .
O .
Nothing in this Executive Order should be construed to prevent individuals from wearing a surgical-grade mask or other , more protective face covering to cover the nose and mouth if that type of mask or more protective face covering is appropriate under industry standards .
P. Nothing in this Executive Order prevents a county or municipality from adopting more protective standards than those contained in this Executive Order .
Q .
Except as modified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orders or Public Health Orders , including Public Health Order 20-31 , issued due to COVID-19 and that are currently in effect shall remain in full force and effect as originally promulgated .
R. For the purposes of this Executive Order , Public Indoor Space means any enclosed indoor area that is publicly or privately owned , managed , or operated to which individuals have access by right or by invitation , expressed or implied , and that is accessible to the public , serves as a place of employment , or is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Space does not mean a person ’ s residence , including a room in a motel or hotel or a residential room for students at an educational facility .
Executive Order D 2020 039 , as extended by Executive Order D 2020 067 , and as amended and extended by Executive Orders D 2020 092 , D 2020 110 , and this Executive Order , shall expire thirty ( 30 ) days from July 16 , 2020 , unless extended further by Executive Order .
In all other respects , Executive Order D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Executive Orders D 2020 067 , D 2020 092 , and D 2020 110 , shall remain in full force and effect as originally promulgated .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Below is the text of Gov. Jared Polis’ executive order requiring all people, over the age of 10, to wear masks when in public indoor spaces in Colorado. See the full document here and read more about the details of the order in our story: Colorado governor issues statewide mask order as COVID-19 cases rise.
EXECUTIVE ORDER
Amending and Extending Executive Orders D 2020 039, D 2020 067, D 2020 092, and D 2020 110 Ordering Individuals in Colorado to Wear Non-Medical Face Coverings
Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado and, in particular, pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution and the relevant portions of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, C.R.S. § 24-33.5-701 et seq. (Act), I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order amending and extending Executive Orders D 2020 039, D 2020 067, D 2020 092, and D 2020 110 ordering individuals in Colorado to wear a medical or non-medical face covering due to the presence of coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado.
I. Background and Purpose
On March 5, 2020, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) public health laboratory confirmed the first presumptive positive COVID-19 test result in Colorado. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has continued to climb, and there is community spread throughout the State. We have seen over 37,000 infections and lost over 1,700 Coloradans. I verbally declared a disaster emergency on March 10, 2020, and on March 11, 2020, I issued the corresponding Executive Order D 2020 003, as amended by Executive Orders D 2020 018, D 2020 032, D 2020 058, D 2020 076, D 2020 109, and D 2020 125. On March 25, 2020, I requested that the President of the United States declare a Major Disaster for the State of Colorado, pursuant to the Stafford Act. The President approved that request on March 28, 2020.
My administration, along with other State, local, and federal authorities, has taken a wide array of actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, prevent further spread, and protect against overwhelming our health care resources. While we have seen indications that our efforts
to “flatten the curve” are working, transmission of the virus continues to threaten Coloradans’ way of life and livelihoods and current data shows a recent increase in COVID infections. As we take steps to return Coloradans to work, we must continue to take measures to facilitate reopening the economy while protecting public health by taking steps to incorporate best practices to protect individuals from infection.
We have learned that widespread mask use is a low cost and highly effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections by as much as 65%. Broad adoption of mask wearing in Colorado may have significant economic benefits by allowing the State to prevent re-closures of businesses and schools and, ultimately, return to our normal lives more quickly. A recent study from Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5% hit to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At this time, thirty-nine Colorado counties and municipalities already have mandatory mask orders in place.
Under Executive Order D 2020 110, mask wearing is mandatory for employees, contractors, and others providing services for Mass Transportation Operations and Critical Businesses as well as for State and county employees and the individuals they serve at Government Offices and Facilities. These requirements remain intact with this Executive Order.
This Executive Order amends and extends Executive Orders D 2020 039, D 2020 067, D 2020 092, and D 2020 110 to protect Coloradans by requiring individuals in Colorado to wear a non-medical face covering over their nose and mouth, subject to several exceptions.
II. Amendments
Executive Order D 2020 110 is amended as follows:
Strike the words “have discretion to” in Paragraph II.D. After Paragraph F, add the following new Paragraphs G through R:
G. Except as permitted by Paragraphs L, M, and N, below, all individuals over ten (10) years old must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or moving within any Public Indoor Space, as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order, or while using or waiting to use the services of any taxi, bus, light rail, train, car service, ride-sharing or similar service, or Mass Transportation Operations.
H. Any individual who endangers the health of others by knowingly entering or remaining in a Public Indoor Space, as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order, in violation of the terms of this Executive Order may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including but not limited to prosecution for trespass.
I. Except as permitted by Paragraphs L, M, and N, below, to protect workers, customers, and the community, no owner, operator, or manager of a Public Indoor Space, as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order, may provide service to individuals or allow an individual to enter or move within that Public Indoor Space, unless the individual is wearing a face covering as required by this Executive Order.
J. Owners, operators, or managers of Public Indoor Spaces, as such term is defined in Paragraph R of this Executive Order, must post signs at entrance(s) instructing individuals of their legal obligation under this Executive Order to wear a face covering when entering or moving within a Public Indoor Space.
K. A State or local department or agency that learns that a business licensee is in violation of this Executive Order will consider whether the public health, safety or welfare requires summary, temporary suspension of the business’s license to operate (including but not limited to a liquor license).
L. The following individuals are exempt from the requirements of this Executive Order:
Individuals ten (10) years old and younger; or
Individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face covering.
M. Individuals performing the following activities are exempt from the requirements of this Executive Order while the activity is being performed:
Individuals who are hearing impaired or otherwise disabled or who are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication;
Individuals who are seated at a food service establishment;
Individuals who are exercising alone or with others from the individual’s household and a face covering would interfere with the activity;
Individuals who are receiving a personal service where the temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
Individuals who enter a business or receive services and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes;
Individuals who are actively engaged in a public safety role such as law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel;
Individuals who are officiating at a religious service; or
Individuals who are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.
N. Counties that complete certification for Protect Our Neighbors may choose to be exempt from Paragraphs G through N, and R of this Executive Order.
O. Nothing in this Executive Order should be construed to prevent individuals from wearing a surgical-grade mask or other, more protective face covering to cover the nose and mouth if that type of mask or more protective face covering is appropriate under industry standards.
P. Nothing in this Executive Order prevents a county or municipality from adopting more protective standards than those contained in this Executive Order.
Q. Except as modified by this Executive Order, all Executive Orders or Public Health Orders, including Public Health Order 20-31, issued due to COVID-19 and that are currently in effect shall remain in full force and effect as originally promulgated.
R. For the purposes of this Executive Order, Public Indoor Space means any enclosed indoor area that is publicly or privately owned, managed, or operated to which individuals have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, and that is accessible to the public, serves as a place of employment, or is an entity providing services. Public Indoor Space does not mean a person’s residence, including a room in a motel or hotel or a residential room for students at an educational facility.
III. Duration
Executive Order D 2020 039, as extended by Executive Order D 2020 067, and as amended and extended by Executive Orders D 2020 092, D 2020 110, and this Executive Order, shall expire thirty (30) days from July 16, 2020, unless extended further by Executive Order. In all other respects, Executive Order D 2020 039, as amended and extended by Executive Orders D 2020 067, D 2020 092, and D 2020 110, shall remain in full force and effect as originally promulgated.
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thedenverpost--2020-07-17--Kafer: Want to convince me to wear a mask? Here’s what not to do.

As a college instructor , I normally teach students how to be more persuasive , but today I ’ ll be giving pointers on how to be as unpersuasive as possible .
Want to convince a skeptical friend , acquaintance , or stranger to wear a mask to curb transmission of COVID-19 ?
By the end of this column , you ’ ll know exactly how to fail that quest .
According to Aristotle , in order to be persuasive , one must offer a logical argument ( logos ) , stir emotions ( pathos ) , and convince others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
With that as my guide let me first make a compelling argument for wearing masks .
We know that transmission by infected individuals ( ill or pre-symptomatic ) is most likely to occur in poorly ventilated indoor environments where people are talking face to face for an extended period of time ( 15 minutes or more ) .
Loud talking and singing increases transmission by injecting more virus-carrying droplets into the air .
On the other hand , transmission while outside or from surfaces is rare , according to the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can curb transmission by reducing the amount of droplets in the air passed between individuals .
The infection mortality rate for COVID-19 , that is the number of infected people who die from the infection , was estimated to be around .6 % by epidemiologists from Columbia University .
That would mean that for every thousand people infected about 6 people will die .
Other studies have estimated the mortality rate to be even lower , like one out of Santa Clara , Ca .
that used antibody tests to put the mortality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some people will have no symptoms at all while others will experience lasting complications such as lung damage .
Among people 65 and older , the infection mortality rate could is much higher .
Slowing transmission can help protect high-risk people while ensuring hospitals do not become overcrowded .
So wear a mask , social distance , and make choices appropriate to your level of risk .
Now let ’ s consider the unconvincing , irrational , high-drama appeals that are flooding Colorado .
First , consider sabotaging your argument with faulty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimates that make COVID-19 look like the Spanish Flu .
Follow up by making a direct Spanish Flu comparison even though medical science has advanced over the past century .
We now have antibiotics to treat the secondary pneumonia infections that killed the majority of the 50 million flu victims .
To get more click bait , toss in a bubonic plague comparison .
This terrifying disease killed 66 % of those who contract it .
Fortunately , Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 , which has brought the mortality rate down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projections don ’ t just mar the logic of the argument ; they hurt the persuader ’ s credibility .
Fear appeals are a risky choice in rhetoric .
Generate too little fear and the argument will be ignored .
Produce too much and your claim will be dismissed with skepticism or a sense of futility .
The only rhetorical method less effective than fear-mongering is shame .
A guilt trip is the perfect persuasion tool if you want people to comply temporarily , superficially , or not at all .
Be sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum irritation .
Call people “ selfish bastards ” and tell them to “ wear a damn mask.
” Colorado ’ s governor , Jared Polis , really won hearts and minds with those messages .
To completely finish off your credibility , be as arbitrary as possible .
Capacious power plays have a splendid effect on public trust .
Here ’ s a couple of ideas to cultivate cynicism in the masses : shut down the economy but allow certain favored businesses to remain open .
Denounce protests against shutting down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as dangerous vectors of disease but praise Black Lives Matters protests as perfectly safe and important .
Threaten to cancel schools in the fall even though the infection mortality rate is the lowest among grade school children .
Disregard the concerns of parents who can ’ t home school and the students who feel isolated and depressed .
Consider closing playgrounds again .
Be sure to accuse critics of wanting people to die .
Declare masks crucial at this moment , mandate their use under penalty of law , then delay the order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t wear masks for health reasons .
Amp up the patronizing and sanctimonious tone of your social media posts .
With any luck , even those who wear masks will start to doubt your argument .
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist .
Follow her on Twitter : @ kristakafer .
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 .

As a college instructor, I normally teach students how to be more persuasive, but today I’ll be giving pointers on how to be as unpersuasive as possible. Want to convince a skeptical friend, acquaintance, or stranger to wear a mask to curb transmission of COVID-19? By the end of this column, you’ll know exactly how to fail that quest.
According to Aristotle, in order to be persuasive, one must offer a logical argument (logos), stir emotions (pathos), and convince others of one’s credibility (ethos). With that as my guide let me first make a compelling argument for wearing masks.
We know that transmission by infected individuals (ill or pre-symptomatic) is most likely to occur in poorly ventilated indoor environments where people are talking face to face for an extended period of time (15 minutes or more). Loud talking and singing increases transmission by injecting more virus-carrying droplets into the air. On the other hand, transmission while outside or from surfaces is rare, according to the World Health Organization. Masks and social distancing can curb transmission by reducing the amount of droplets in the air passed between individuals.
The infection mortality rate for COVID-19, that is the number of infected people who die from the infection, was estimated to be around .6% by epidemiologists from Columbia University. That would mean that for every thousand people infected about 6 people will die. Other studies have estimated the mortality rate to be even lower, like one out of Santa Clara, Ca. that used antibody tests to put the mortality rate between .12% and .2%.
Some people will have no symptoms at all while others will experience lasting complications such as lung damage. Among people 65 and older, the infection mortality rate is much higher. Slowing transmission can help protect high-risk people while ensuring hospitals do not become overcrowded. So wear a mask, social distance, and make choices appropriate to your level of risk.
Did it work?
Now let’s consider the unconvincing, irrational, high-drama appeals that are flooding Colorado. First, consider sabotaging your argument with faulty projections and associations. Start with overblown estimates that make COVID-19 look like the Spanish Flu. Follow up by making a direct Spanish Flu comparison even though medical science has advanced over the past century. We now have antibiotics to treat the secondary pneumonia infections that killed the majority of the 50 million flu victims. To get more click bait, toss in a bubonic plague comparison. This terrifying disease killed 66% of those who contract it. Fortunately, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, which has brought the mortality rate down to 11%.
Bad comparisons and faulty projections don’t just mar the logic of the argument; they hurt the persuader’s credibility. Fear appeals are a risky choice in rhetoric. Generate too little fear and the argument will be ignored. Produce too much and your claim will be dismissed with skepticism or a sense of futility.
The only rhetorical method less effective than fear-mongering is shame. A guilt trip is the perfect persuasion tool if you want people to comply temporarily, superficially, or not at all. Be sure to spice it up with profanity for maximum irritation. Call people “selfish bastards” and tell them to “wear a damn mask.” Colorado’s governor, Jared Polis, really won hearts and minds with those messages.
To completely finish off your credibility, be as arbitrary as possible. Capacious power plays have a splendid effect on public trust. Here’s a couple of ideas to cultivate cynicism in the masses: shut down the economy but allow certain favored businesses to remain open. Denounce protests against shutting down the economy and ruining people’s livelihoods as dangerous vectors of disease but praise Black Lives Matters protests as perfectly safe and important. Threaten to cancel schools in the fall even though the infection mortality rate is the lowest among grade school children. Disregard the concerns of parents who can’t home school and the students who feel isolated and depressed. Consider closing playgrounds again.
Be sure to accuse critics of wanting people to die. Declare masks crucial at this moment, mandate their use under penalty of law, then delay the order for two weeks. Shame people who can’t wear masks for health reasons. Amp up the patronizing and sanctimonious tone of your social media posts. With any luck, even those who wear masks will start to doubt your argument.
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @kristakafer.
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--2020-07-17--Denver weather: Sunny and hot on Friday and Saturday

Denver ’ s weather on Friday and Saturday will be mostly sunny and hot with high temperature in the upper 90s , according to the National Weather Service .
On Friday in the city there ’ s a 20 % chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. , the weather service said .
Winds could gust up to 17 mph .
On Saturday there ’ s a slight chance of showers between 1 and 4 p.m. , then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms , according to the weather service forecast .
Skies will be mostly sunny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 98 degrees .
There ’ s a 20 % chance for precipitation .
“ Isolated to scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms will be possible across north central and northeastern Colorado Friday and Saturday with brief moderate rain and gusty winds possible with the storms , ” the weather service said .
On Sunday in Denver there ’ s a 50 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms , and the high temperature will top out at 92 degrees .
A slight weather pattern change will allow upper-level disturbances and cold fronts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and into early next week , the weather service said , bringing cooler weather and higher chances for precipitation .
Strong storms will be possible across the Eastern Plains Sunday through Tuesday .

Denver’s weather on Friday and Saturday will be mostly sunny and hot with high temperature in the upper 90s, according to the National Weather Service.
On Friday in the city there’s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., the weather service said. Winds could gust up to 17 mph.
On Saturday there’s a slight chance of showers between 1 and 4 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, according to the weather service forecast. Skies will be mostly sunny, and the high temperature should rise to 98 degrees. There’s a 20% chance for precipitation.
“Isolated to scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms will be possible across north central and northeastern Colorado Friday and Saturday with brief moderate rain and gusty winds possible with the storms,” the weather service said.
On Sunday in Denver there’s a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, and the high temperature will top out at 92 degrees.
A slight weather pattern change will allow upper-level disturbances and cold fronts to move across northeastern Colorado on Sunday and into early next week, the weather service said, bringing cooler weather and higher chances for precipitation. Strong storms will be possible across the Eastern Plains Sunday through Tuesday.


thedenverpost--2020-07-17--In Colorado, about 12% of renters and 4.5% of homeowners report missing June payments

Last month , about 12 % of Colorado renters reported not making the rent payment , while about 4.5 % of homeowners said they had deferred the mortgage payment , according to the Household Pulse Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau .
As bad as that might sound , Coloradans are doing a better job at staying current than residents of other states , and better than what would be expected given the 633,407 claims filed in the state for unemployment assistance since March , said Nicholas Sly , an economist with the Denver branch of the Federal Reserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an analysis of the local housing market .
“ Compared with the profound increase in joblessness during the second quarter of 2020 , the rise in the number of missed housing payments initially appears relatively modest .
Indeed , labor markets had been strong going into the pandemic .
Savings rates had picked up .
Wages were growing , and growing at the fastest rates among low-skill workers , ” Sly said .
The massive intervention from the federal government also provided a shock absorber .
Colorado residents have received $ 4.41 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,200 direct deposits , debit cards and checks that went out from the IRS , according to the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation .
Nearly a fifth of Colorado homeowners and nearly a quarter of renters report using the money to keep a roof over their heads , according to the Household Pulse Survey .
Nationally , nearly 30 % of U.S. renters and 22 % of homeowners relied on stimulus payments to cover housing costs .
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has paid out an additional $ 3.5 billion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and contractors since March 29 .
About one in 10 households used that money to meet their most recent housing payment , the survey found .
But the federal enhancement to those unemployment payments , which run $ 600 a week , are set to expire on July 25 , and the Senate remains at loggerheads on whether they should be continued , reduced or abandoned .
Aside from the personal misery that evictions and foreclosures create , they can weigh on the larger economy and pose a risk to the larger financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we are watching , ” Sly said .
“ It speaks a lot to the financial stability of households .
”

Last month, about 12% of Colorado renters reported not making the rent payment, while about 4.5% of homeowners said they had deferred the mortgage payment, according to the Household Pulse Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
As bad as that might sound, Coloradans are doing a better job at staying current than residents of other states, and better than what would be expected given the 633,407 claims filed in the state for unemployment assistance since March, said Nicholas Sly, an economist with the Denver branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, who did an analysis of the local housing market.
“Compared with the profound increase in joblessness during the second quarter of 2020, the rise in the number of missed housing payments initially appears relatively modest. Indeed, labor markets had been strong going into the pandemic. Savings rates had picked up. Wages were growing, and growing at the fastest rates among low-skill workers,” Sly said.
The massive intervention from the federal government also provided a shock absorber. Colorado residents have received $4.41 billion in Economic Impact Payments, those $1,200 direct deposits, debit cards and checks that went out from the IRS, according to the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
Nearly a fifth of Colorado homeowners and nearly a quarter of renters report using the money to keep a roof over their heads, according to the Household Pulse Survey. Nationally, nearly 30% of U.S. renters and 22% of homeowners relied on stimulus payments to cover housing costs.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has paid out an additional $3.5 billion in state and federal benefits to unemployed workers and contractors since March 29. About one in 10 households used that money to meet their most recent housing payment, the survey found.
But the federal enhancement to those unemployment payments, which run $600 a week, are set to expire on July 25, and the Senate remains at loggerheads on whether they should be continued, reduced or abandoned.
Aside from the personal misery that evictions and foreclosures create, they can weigh on the larger economy and pose a risk to the larger financial system.
“It is an issue that we are watching,” Sly said. “It speaks a lot to the financial stability of households.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-17--Former Avs defenseman Kyle Quincey’s 1-year-old son smiling again after brain surgery

Axl Quincey has a wonderful smile , and when it returned weeks after undergoing brain surgery in Philadelphia last month , the one-year-old ’ s parents felt like they could believe again .
Kyle and Rachel Quincey recently crossed a memorable hurdle in their long quest to see their boy overcome brain cancer .
“ The surgeon got to meet Axl before the surgery and Axl was dancing and smiling , ” Rachel said from Philadelphia , inside the borrowed home of Flyers goalie Brian Elliott .
“ After surgery , Dr. Storm said , ‘ I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy again.
’ So when Axl finally smiled it was such a relief because you ’ re just one step closer to recovery , and we got that happy , dancing , smiling boy back.
” Kyle Quincey , the former Avalanche defenseman who settled in Colorado and is building a home in Cherry Hills , said the smile was wonderful for so many reasons , including one very important one : Doctors weren ’ t sure Axl would have normal control of his face .
“ He could do it still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia ( CHOP ) for 16 days after his 22 1/2-hour surgery on June 9 .
The family , including 2-year-old brother , Stone , have settled in nicely at Elliott ’ s home .
The goalie , who is married with two young sons , is in Philadelphia ’ s training and staying with teammate Kevin Hayes .
Elliott ’ s wife and boys are in Madison , Wis. , where the couple met while Brian was attending the University of Wisconsin .
“ Brian has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Axl kind of use the house like his kids use it , I think he was happy to see that we were enjoying it as much he and his family did when they were here , ” Rachel said .
Axl is far from out of the woods in his battle with brain cancer .
He has begun radiation treatment five times per week , and the latest MRI detected what could be troubling tissue .
“ We were finally able to come home and he thrived as soon as we did .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more normal setting and out of the sterile environment of the hospital , ” Rachel said .
“ The surgery went very well .
It was very successful .
His most recent MRI does show what looks to be a possible residual tumor , but it ’ s hard to tell if it ’ s an actual tumor or some other type of tissue .
We were always planning on doing the radiation treatment , so that ’ s what we ’ re in right now .
It ’ s five days a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in every morning , Monday through Friday.
” Axl can ’ t consume food through his mouth because his right vocal cord was paralyzed from his first surgery April 2 in Colorado , so he has a feeding tube attached to his stomach .
The vocal cord may or may not return to normal , Rachel said , and many other problems could arise .
Axl is scheduled to have an MRI every three months until he ’ s 3 , every six months until he ’ s 5 and every year until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Rachel said Dr. Jay Storm at CHOP is optimistic he removed all or most of the tumor that was attached to Axl ’ s brain stem .
“ He even said to me , ‘ I ’ m so happy to see Axl awake and lively , ’ Rachel said of Dr. Storm .
“ He said it was such a delicate dance to slowly remove the tumor and not affect the nerve.
” Kyle is traveling to Colorado this weekend to oversee the demolition of the family ’ s scraped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hills .
The couple bought the old home in 2016 when Kyle was playing for the Detroit Red Wings .
Kyle was hoping to return to Colorado late this month to give back to Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation by playing with many other former Avs at Dawg Bowl X charity tournament in Littleton .
“ I was really hoping it would work out but we have the house we ’ re dealing with and ( the Dawg Bowl ) didn ’ t line up , ” Kyle said .
“ We need him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stastny , wife of former Avs center Paul Stastny , has worked with the Quiniceys on a campaign to raise money for childhood cancer , with all proceeds given to organizations chosen by the Quinceys .
Items can be purchased online at # TeamAx and Instagram .

Axl Quincey has a wonderful smile, and when it returned weeks after undergoing brain surgery in Philadelphia last month, the 1-year-old’s parents felt like they could believe again.
Kyle and Rachel Quincey recently crossed a memorable hurdle in their long quest to see their boy overcome brain cancer.
“The surgeon got to meet Axl before the surgery and Axl was dancing and smiling,” Rachel said from Philadelphia, inside the borrowed home of Flyers goalie Brian Elliott. “After surgery, Dr. Storm said, ‘I can’t wait to see that dancing, smiling boy again.’ So when Axl finally smiled it was such a relief because you’re just one step closer to recovery, and we got that happy, dancing, smiling boy back.”
Kyle Quincey, the former Avalanche defenseman who settled in Colorado and is building a home in Cherry Hills, said the smile was wonderful for so many reasons, including one very important one: Doctors weren’t sure Axl would have normal control of his face.
“He could do it still,” the father said.
Axl remained at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for 16 days after his 22 1/2-hour surgery on June 9. The family, including 2-year-old brother, Stone, have settled in nicely at Elliott’s home. The goalie, who is married with two young sons, is in Philadelphia’s training and staying with teammate Kevin Hayes. Elliott’s wife and boys are in Madison, Wis., where the couple met while Brian was attending the University of Wisconsin.
“Brian has two boys and to see Stone and Axl kind of use the house like his kids use it, I think he was happy to see that we were enjoying it as much he and his family did when they were here,” Rachel said.
Axl is far from out of the woods in his battle with brain cancer. He has begun radiation treatment five times per week, and the latest MRI detected what could be troubling tissue.
“We were finally able to come home and he thrived as soon as we did. He was around his brother in a more normal setting and out of the sterile environment of the hospital,” Rachel said. “The surgery went very well. It was very successful. His most recent MRI does show what looks to be a possible residual tumor, but it’s hard to tell if it’s an actual tumor or some other type of tissue. We were always planning on doing the radiation treatment, so that’s what we’re in right now. It’s five days a week for six weeks. We go in every morning, Monday through Friday.”
Axl can’t consume food through his mouth because his right vocal cord was paralyzed from his first surgery April 2 in Colorado, so he has a feeding tube attached to his stomach. The vocal cord may or may not return to normal, Rachel said, and many other problems could arise.
Axl is scheduled to have an MRI every three months until he’s 3, every six months until he’s 5 and every year until he’s 26, Kyle said.
But Rachel said Dr. Jay Storm at CHOP is optimistic he removed all or most of the tumor that was attached to Axl’s brain stem.
“He even said to me, ‘I’m so happy to see Axl awake and lively,’ Rachel said of Dr. Storm. “He said it was such a delicate dance to slowly remove the tumor and not affect the nerve.”
Kyle is traveling to Colorado this weekend to oversee the demolition of the family’s scraped dream home off Quincey Avenue in Cherry Hills. The couple bought the old home in 2016 when Kyle was playing for the Detroit Red Wings. Kyle was hoping to return to Colorado late this month to give back to Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation by playing with many other former Avs at Dawg Bowl X charity tournament in Littleton.
“I was really hoping it would work out but we have the house we’re dealing with and (the Dawg Bowl) didn’t line up,” Kyle said.
“We need him here,” Rachel said.
——
Haley Stastny, wife of former Avs center Paul Stastny, has worked with the Quiniceys on a campaign to raise money for childhood cancer, with all proceeds given to organizations chosen by the Quinceys. Items can be purchased online at #TeamAx and Instagram.


thedenverpost--2020-07-17--Christian McCaffrey joins exclusive club in Madden NFL video game

It ’ s been quite the year for the Panthers ’ Christian McCaffrey .
He became the third player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving last season and then set the mark for biggest contract for a running back in April .
Now he ’ s joined another exclusive club .
The former Valor Christian star received a 99 ( out of 99 ) overall rating in Madden NFL 21 on Tuesday , Electronics Arts announced .
He ’ s the first running back to earn the rating since then-Vikings star Adrian Peterson in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s an honor , ” McCaffrey said in a video released by EA .
“ I ’ ve been playing Madden since I was a kid.
” McCaffrey also received high marks in speed ( 92 ) , acceleration ( 93 ) , agility ( 97 ) , awareness ( 97 ) , catching ( 82 ) , carrying ( 98 ) , change of direction ( 96 ) , ball carrying vision ( 96 ) and juke move ( 96 ) .
Other 99 club members announced include Rams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Mahomes .
Broncos linebacker Von Miller , who had a 99 rating from 2017-19 , has a 97 for the upcoming game .
Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell , who starred at Denver South High School , has a 95 rating .
Madden NFL 21 is slated for an Aug. 28 release date for PC , PlayStation 4 and Xbox One .
It will be available in the fourth quarter of 2020 for the PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X and Google Stadia .
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Avalanche get a taste of what ’ s to come in scrimmages inside empty Pepsi Center The Avalanche got a taste on Thursday of what it might feel like early next month when the Western Conference playoffs unfold before no fans at 18,500-seat Rogers Place in Edmonton .
For the first time since NHL training camps opened Monday , the Avs held a full-fledged intrasquad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more… Nikola Jokic is the “ best big ” in the NBA , new Nuggets guard Troy Daniels says Dwight Howard .
Al Jefferson .
Marc Gasol .
Deandre Ayton .
Anthony Davis .
Troy Daniels hooped with ‘ em all .
And yet when someone asked Thursday what it was like to finally hook up with Nikola Jokic in Florida again , the new Nuggets sharpshooter fired back with this : “ Best big in the league , man.
” Read more… Rapids enter match with Sporting Kansas City with must-win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points ” The Rapids were out-worked in a 2-0 loss in their MLS is Back Tournament debut in Florida .
They return to the field Friday night for a matchup against a highly talented Sporting Kansas City squad .
Read more… + Nuggets ’ depth could force Bol Bol ’ s debut : “ The sky ’ s the limit for that kid ” + Ryan Rolison hasn ’ t yet pitched above Class-A , but southpaw ’ s turning heads at Rockies ’ summer camp + Denver gets free beers if Brandon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal in 2020 .
+ CU Buffs football ’ s Terrance Lang aiming for more as junior .
+ Referees gearing up for their return to NBA games , too .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

It’s been quite the year for the Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey. He became the third player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving last season and then set the mark for biggest contract for a running back in April.
Now he’s joined another exclusive club.
The former Valor Christian star received a 99 (out of 99) overall rating in Madden NFL 21 on Tuesday, Electronics Arts announced. He’s the first running back to earn the rating since then-Vikings star Adrian Peterson in Madden NFL 25 back in 2013.
“That’s an honor,” McCaffrey said in a video released by EA. “I’ve been playing Madden since I was a kid.”
McCaffrey also received high marks in speed (92), acceleration (93), agility (97), awareness (97), catching (82), carrying (98), change of direction (96), ball carrying vision (96) and juke move (96).
Other 99 club members announced include Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Broncos linebacker Von Miller, who had a 99 rating from 2017-19, has a 97 for the upcoming game. Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who starred at Denver South High School, has a 95 rating.
Madden NFL 21 is slated for an Aug. 28 release date for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It will be available in the fourth quarter of 2020 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Google Stadia.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Reads
The Avalanche got a taste on Thursday of what it might feel like early next month when the Western Conference playoffs unfold before no fans at 18,500-seat Rogers Place in Edmonton. For the first time since NHL training camps opened Monday, the Avs held a full-fledged intrasquad scrimmage inside an empty Pepsi Center. Read more…
Dwight Howard. Al Jefferson. Marc Gasol. Deandre Ayton. Anthony Davis. Troy Daniels hooped with ‘em all. And yet when someone asked Thursday what it was like to finally hook up with Nikola Jokic in Florida again, the new Nuggets sharpshooter fired back with this: “Best big in the league, man.” Read more…
The Rapids were out-worked in a 2-0 loss in their MLS is Back Tournament debut in Florida. They return to the field Friday night for a matchup against a highly talented Sporting Kansas City squad. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Poudre School District cancels July voluntary activities after athletes test positive for COVID-19
+ Nuggets’ depth could force Bol Bol’s debut: “The sky’s the limit for that kid”
+ Ryan Rolison hasn’t yet pitched above Class-A, but southpaw’s turning heads at Rockies’ summer camp
+ Denver gets free beers if Brandon McManus breaks NFL record for longest field goal in 2020.
+ Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon named finalist for Lady Byng Trophy.
+ CU Buffs football’s Terrance Lang aiming for more as junior.
+ Bode Miller launches winter sports academy.
+ NHL’s older coaches debate wearing masks, taking precautions.
+ NCAA approves bowl eligibility adjustment for FCS victories.
+ Referees gearing up for their return to NBA games, too.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.