thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Colorado changes the way it reports coronavirus deaths as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in state

Colorado health officials on Friday revamped the way they report deaths related to the new coronavirus , listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had contracted the virus and then breaking out those whose deaths can be attributed directly to COVID-19 .
Health officials reported 1,150 individuals have died with COVID-19 in their systems , and found 878 of those deaths were due to the virus .
There have been 3,842 people hospitalized since the outbreak was first confirmed in the state in early March , though state health officials on Friday did not update the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of Thursday , 514 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness , state data shows .
At least 46 people since Wednesday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care , like a rehabilitation facility .
Additionally , as of Thursday , there were 364 critical care ventilators being used across the state , down from 463 a month ago , according to state data .
More than 21,200 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said the true number is likely far higher .
Officials recorded more than 4,597 tests on Thursday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus .
The testing rate — 80.7 tests per 100,000 people per day — is higher than the previous five days , but remains significantly lower than the 152-per-100,000 daily number that health experts say is necessary to safely monitor the outbreak .
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes .
Officials have confirmed outbreaks at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than the previous day .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state .
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Colorado health officials on Friday revamped the way they report deaths related to the new coronavirus, listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had contracted the virus as well as the number of deaths that can be attributed directly to COVID-19.
Health officials reported 1,150 individuals have died with COVID-19 in their systems, and that death-certificate data shows 878 deaths were due to the virus.
There have been 3,842 people hospitalized since the outbreak was first confirmed in the state in early March, though state health officials on Friday did not update the number of people currently in state hospitals. As of Thursday, 514 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness, state data shows.
At least 46 people since Wednesday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
Additionally, as of Thursday, there were 364 critical care ventilators being used across the state, down from 463 a month ago, according to state data.
More than 21,200 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus, though health officials have said the true number is likely far higher.
Officials recorded more than 4,597 tests on Thursday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus. The testing rate — 80.7 tests per 100,000 people per day — is higher than the previous five days, but remains significantly lower than the 152-per-100,000 daily number that health experts say is necessary to safely monitor the outbreak.
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes. Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 213 facilities across the state, five more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
Updated 7:35 p.m. May 15, 2020 This story has been updated to clarify the two sets of COVID-19 death numbers now being reported by the state.
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thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Autopsy: Pilot in Kobe Bryant crash had no alcohol or drugs in his system

LOS ANGELES — The pilot flying Kobe Bryant and seven others to a youth basketball tournament outside Los Angeles did not have alcohol or drugs in his system , and all sustained immediately fatal injuries when their helicopter slammed into a hillside , according to autopsies released Friday .
The reports by the Los Angeles County coroner ’ s office provide a clinical but unvarnished look at just how brutal the crash was , describing broken bones , dismembered body parts and a stench of fuel on what remained of clothing that burned .
The causes of death for Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ara Zobayan and the others were blunt trauma .
The report on Bryant revealed the only drug in his system was methylphenidate , which is sold under the brand name Ritalin and used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy .
Bryant was headed to his daughter ’ s tournament at his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks on the morning of Jan. 26 .
There They flew into fog .
Zobayan climbed sharply to try to get above the clouds , turned left and plunged into a hillside .
Federal authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli , his wife , Keri , and their daughter Alyssa ; Christina Mauser , who helped Bryant coach his daughter ’ s basketball team ; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton .
Alyssa and Payton were Gianna ’ s teammates .

LOS ANGELES — The pilot flying Kobe Bryant and seven others to a youth basketball tournament outside Los Angeles did not have alcohol or drugs in his system, and all sustained immediately fatal injuries when their helicopter slammed into a hillside, according to autopsies released Friday.
The reports by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office provide a clinical but unvarnished look at just how brutal the crash was, describing broken bones, dismembered body parts and a stench of fuel on what remained of clothing that burned.
The causes of death for Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, pilot Ara Zobayan and the others were blunt trauma.
The report on Bryant revealed the only drug in his system was methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin and used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
Bryant was headed to his daughter’s tournament at his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks on the morning of Jan. 26. There They flew into fog. Zobayan climbed sharply to try to get above the clouds, turned left and plunged into a hillside.
Federal authorities are still investigating the accident.
Also killed were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Roger Goodell: NFL teams can re-open facilities, minus coaches/players, Tuesday if state/local guide

Roger Goodell: NFL teams can re-open facilities, minus coaches/players, Tuesday if state/local guidelines allow

In a memo sent to NFL teams on Friday , commissioner Roger Goodell authorized the re-opening of team facilities Tuesday if franchises are permitted to do so under state and local regulations , are compliant with additional public health requirements and have implemented protocols established by the league earlier this month .
Coaches and players will continue to be prohibited from returning to their team facility .
The Broncos ’ facility can open Tuesday , but a team source said there is no urgency to re-open because coaches and players will continue to be prohibited from returning to the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees will continue to work from home , including football operations .
Brittany Bowlen , vice president of strategic initiatives , leads the team ’ s 10-person COVID-19 Task Force , which has been meeting to develop a return-to-action plan .
The NFL required teams to submit proposals by Friday with their ideas for how the league should proceed .
Next week , the league office is expected to announce across-the-board protocols for every team .
On Monday , the NFL has scheduled a required training program for the clubs ’ infection control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility , they must have completed the training .
A member of the Broncos ’ training or human resources staffs will represent the team .
In Goodell ’ s memo , multiple provisions were put in place .
*Teams can have no more than 75 people split between a team ’ s facility and home stadium .
All full-time and contracted employees at the facility and Mile High count toward the total .
*Teams can decide which employees can return to the facility , including members of personnel , football operations and administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutritionists .
A team ’ s strength and conditioning coach may continue to work at the facility only if it involves player rehabilitation .
Broncos general manager John Elway and his personnel department are eligible to work out of the facility , but will not initially according to a team source .
*The only players allowed to be at the facility are those undergoing medical treatment or rehabilitation .
That includes Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and tight end Austin Fort , who are returning from ACL injuries .
Players in the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ *A team ’ s retail stores are not authorized to re-open .
*Teams must promptly report any “ incidence of COVID-19 ” in the facility to the league and any change in government regulations .
“ The first phase of re-opening is an important step in demonstrating our ability to operate safely and effectively , even in the current environment , ” Goodell said .
“ After we implement this first phase and as more states and localities enact policies that allow more club facilities to re-open , I expect that additional staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to return to club facilities in a relatively short time .
”

In a memo sent to NFL teams on Friday, commissioner Roger Goodell authorized the re-opening of team facilities Tuesday if franchises are permitted to do so under state and local regulations, are compliant with additional public health requirements and have implemented protocols established by the league earlier this month.
Coaches and players will continue to be prohibited from returning to their team facility.
The Broncos’ facility can open Tuesday, but a team source said there is no urgency to re-open because coaches and players will continue to be prohibited from returning to the building.
Nearly all of the Broncos’ employees will continue to work from home, including football operations. Brittany Bowlen, vice president of strategic initiatives, leads the team’s 10-person COVID-19 Task Force, which has been meeting to develop a return-to-action plan.
The NFL required teams to submit proposals by Friday with their ideas for how the league should proceed. Next week, the league office is expected to announce across-the-board protocols for every team.
On Monday, the NFL has scheduled a required training program for the clubs’ infection control officers. Before a team re-opens their facility, they must have completed the training. A member of the Broncos’ training or human resources staffs will represent the team.
In Goodell’s memo, multiple provisions were put in place.
*Teams can have no more than 75 people split between a team’s facility and home stadium. All full-time and contracted employees at the facility and Mile High count toward the total.
*Teams can decide which employees can return to the facility, including members of personnel, football operations and administration, the equipment and medical staffs and nutritionists. A team’s strength and conditioning coach may continue to work at the facility only if it involves player rehabilitation. Broncos general manager John Elway and his personnel department are eligible to work out of the facility, but will not initially according to a team source.
*The only players allowed to be at the facility are those undergoing medical treatment or rehabilitation. That includes Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and tight end Austin Fort, who are returning from ACL injuries. Players in the building also count toward the 75-person total.
*A team’s retail stores are not authorized to re-open.
*Teams must promptly report any “incidence of COVID-19” in the facility to the league and any change in government regulations.
“The first phase of re-opening is an important step in demonstrating our ability to operate safely and effectively, even in the current environment,” Goodell said. “After we implement this first phase and as more states and localities enact policies that allow more club facilities to re-open, I expect that additional staff, likely including coaching staff, will be allowed to return to club facilities in a relatively short time.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--PHOTOS: Denver Urban Gardens gives away “To-Grow Boxes”

Volunteers packed boxes during a Denver Urban Gardens starter kit pickup event at Montbello Academy 360 in Denver on Tuesday , May 12 , 2020 .
The group gave out some 45,000 seedlings .
“ In the wake of COVID-19 , conversations around food systems , access , equity , and food insecurity have grown tremendously , particularly in areas that have experienced food shortages and supply disruption , ” said Diego Romero , Senior Communications Managers with Sprouts , in an email .
“ Based on the US ’ s history with Victory Gardens during times of war and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ To-Grow Boxes ” come filled with seeds , seedlings , and educational resources to help anyone develop a green thumb and be able to feed themselves over the coming months .
In partnership with Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation , which has provided a grant to scale the project by 50 % , DUG will be assembling 1,000 To-Grow Boxes for distribution in mid-May .
The To-Grow Boxes will be available for purchase on DUG ’ s website , as well as distributed to families facing food insecurity through DUG ’ s partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Volunteers packed boxes during a Denver Urban Gardens starter kit pickup event at Montbello Academy 360 in Denver on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. The group gave out some 45,000 seedlings.
“In the wake of COVID-19, conversations around food systems, access, equity, and food insecurity have grown tremendously, particularly in areas that have experienced food shortages and supply disruption,” said Diego Romero, Senior Communications Managers with Sprouts, in an email. “Based on the US’s history with Victory Gardens during times of war and economic crisis, DUG’s new “To-Grow Boxes” come filled with seeds, seedlings, and educational resources to help anyone develop a green thumb and be able to feed themselves over the coming months. In partnership with Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, which has provided a grant to scale the project by 50%, DUG will be assembling 1,000 To-Grow Boxes for distribution in mid-May. The To-Grow Boxes will be available for purchase on DUG’s website, as well as distributed to families facing food insecurity through DUG’s partnership in the Denver Community Food Access Coalition.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Newly-hired UNC assistant coach, former Stanford athlete dies at 26

Zach Hoffpauir , 26 , died in his sleep , according to a release from the athletic department .
The @ @ @ @ @ additional details about the cause of death .
Hoffpauir was an Arizona native and tasked @ @ @ @ @ state .
His father , Doug Hoffpauir , told AZCentral his son was excited to @ @ @ @ @ UNC and “ influence lives beyond football .
”

A recently-hired University of Northern Colorado assistant football coach died Thursday.
Zach Hoffpauir, 26, died in his sleep, according to a release from the athletic department. The university did not provide any additional details about the cause of death.
Our hearts are heavy with the tragic news of Coach Zach Hoffpauir. His impact on our team and the energy he brought will never be forgotten. RIP Coach Hoff 🙏 pic.twitter.com/OInTcphzcM — Northern Colorado FB (@UNC_BearsFB) May 15, 2020
Head coach Ed McCaffrey hired Hoffpauir, a Stanford University graduate, in February to coach safeties.
Hoffpauir was an Arizona native and tasked with recruiting players from the state.
His father, Doug Hoffpauir, told AZCentral his son was excited to start his coaching career at UNC and “influence lives beyond football.”
Full story via Greeley Tribune


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Colorado’s Cory Gardner releases first TV ad as poll shows slumping support

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner ’ s campaign released its first television ad of the 2020 election cycle Friday , a cheery roundup of news footage about the senator ’ s efforts to obtain surgical masks from overseas .
The 30-second ad , which Gardner ’ s re-election campaign says it will spend at least $ 100,000 to broadcast statewide , hit the airwaves on the same day that a new poll released to The Denver Post showed the Yuma Republican is unpopular .
The ad paints the picture of a pragmatist who , uninterested in partisanship , used connections with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks during a pandemic and a national shortage .
It includes a clip of Gov .
Jared Polis , a Democrat , saying Gardner “ has done everything I ’ ve asked ” to aid the state ’ s response .
“ Coloradans deserve a senator who will go to bat for them when it matters most .
And , right now , it matters more than ever , ” said Gardner ’ s campaign manager , Casey Contres .
Polis was asked about the ad Friday afternoon during a press conference on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is not the time for politicking .
I work closely with our federal delegation — with Senator ( Michael ) Bennet , with Senator Gardner , ” the governor said , declining to criticize Gardner or the ad .
He later added , “ It ’ s not the time to talk about political credit or to make political hay.
” Gardner is trying to overcome voters ’ disapproval of him and President Donald Trump , whom he rallied with in Colorado Springs in February .
Gardner is the only incumbent Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pundits as leaning in favor of Democrats .
“ This isn ’ t 2014 , when Cory Gardner was a relative blank slate with the national winds at his back , ” said Andrew Baumann , a Denver-based pollster with Global Strategy Group , a Democratic firm .
“ Colorado voters now clearly understand that Gardner has put his loyalty to Trump ahead of Coloradans , which has left him well-defined in a very negative way — and with a deeply unpopular albatross hanging around his neck.
” Baumann and Global Strategy Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between May 7 and 11 .
They found 37 % of voters approve of the job Gardner is doing , which is lower than the 41 % of Colorado voters who approve of the job Trump is doing .
Thirty percent approved of Gardner ’ s work on coronavirus response .
The poll was conducted in coordination with Progress Now Colorado , a liberal group .
Gardner will face one of two Democrats this November : John Hickenlooper or Andrew Romanoff .
The two Democrats will compete in a primary election June 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner’s campaign released its first television ad of the 2020 election cycle Friday, a cheery roundup of news footage about the senator’s efforts to obtain surgical masks from overseas.
The 30-second ad, which Gardner’s re-election campaign says it will spend at least $100,000 to broadcast statewide, hit the airwaves on the same day that a new poll released to The Denver Post showed the Yuma Republican is unpopular.
The ad paints the picture of a pragmatist who, uninterested in partisanship, used connections with heads of state in Asia to secure masks during a pandemic and a national shortage. It includes a clip of Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, saying Gardner “has done everything I’ve asked” to aid the state’s response.
“Coloradans deserve a senator who will go to bat for them when it matters most. And, right now, it matters more than ever,” said Gardner’s campaign manager, Casey Contres.
Polis was asked about the ad Friday afternoon during a press conference on the coronavirus pandemic.
“Well, now is not the time for politicking. I work closely with our federal delegation — with Senator (Michael) Bennet, with Senator Gardner,” the governor said, declining to criticize Gardner or the ad. He later added, “It’s not the time to talk about political credit or to make political hay.”
Gardner is trying to overcome voters’ disapproval of him and President Donald Trump, whom he rallied with in Colorado Springs in February. Gardner is the only incumbent Republican senator whose race is often ranked by pundits as leaning in favor of Democrats.
“This isn’t 2014, when Cory Gardner was a relative blank slate with the national winds at his back,” said Andrew Baumann, a Denver-based pollster with Global Strategy Group, a Democratic firm. “Colorado voters now clearly understand that Gardner has put his loyalty to Trump ahead of Coloradans, which has left him well-defined in a very negative way — and with a deeply unpopular albatross hanging around his neck.”
Baumann and Global Strategy Group surveyed 800 registered voters in Colorado online between May 7 and 11. They found 37% of voters approve of the job Gardner is doing, which is lower than the 41% of Colorado voters who approve of the job Trump is doing. Thirty percent approved of Gardner’s work on coronavirus response.
The poll was conducted in coordination with Progress Now Colorado, a liberal group.
Gardner will face one of two Democrats this November: John Hickenlooper or Andrew Romanoff. The two Democrats will compete in a primary election June 30 to determine who will take on Gardner.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Chambers: Is commissioner Gary Bettman really genuine about the NHL’s return?

Often-booed NHL commissioner Gary Bettman might be gaining fans with his “ Pollyanna ” -type optimism about restarting the 2019-20 season .
But at the same time , he could just be playing politics — assuring the public he has considered all avenues of a return while knowing there is little or no chance .
The only sure thing Bettman has in a possible return is the NHL ’ s strong television contract with NBC and its partners .
That ’ s a deal the American Hockey League doesn ’ t have and why the NHL ’ s top development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Without fans , the NHL still has a revenue stream and can build its brand .
The Stanley Cup could be awarded with millions watching from their couches .
And if they are allowed to watch from their favorite eatery or watering hole , we at least would know the coronavirus crisis is slowing .
According to The Mercury News , Bettman told members of the San Jose Sharks ’ business alliance that not completing 2019-20 and not awarding the Stanley Cup is “ not something I ’ m even contemplating.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right time comes , and the right circumstances , based on all of the options that we ’ re considering and our ability to execute them , we ’ ll get this season done , ” Bettman said .
“ I don ’ t want to sound Pollyanna , but cancelling is too easy a solution .
That means you stop working hard to do all of the things that we ’ re doing , and I ultimately believe that there will be an opportunity.
” He added : “ States are re-opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do the right things , I think we ’ ll be able to finish the season.
” What that will look like probably won ’ t be like anything we ’ ve ever seen .
The return might go straight into a 24-team playoff based on current points percentage , with the worst seven teams not even returning for a training camp .
In that scenario , seeds 17-24 — or even 13-24 — would be playing a mini-tournament with elimination at stake while the top 12 seeds play for seeding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Division and Western Conference behind St. Louis , could perhaps face the Blues in a short series to determine the division and conference No .
1 seed while the lower seeds play to advance to the big dance .
That ’ s just one example .
Many more are out there .
And each of them makes sense with the television deal .
“ It ’ s got to be fair , it ’ s got to have integrity , and if we have to do it over the summer on some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it on that basis , ” Bettman said .
Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi on Saturday told TSN radio in Vancouver that hockey will return this summer if COVID-19 testing is available to everyone in the picture .
“ There ’ s a very high likelihood , ” Gaglardi said .
“ I think that the league is determined to complete the season , and I would concur that not finishing the season is not on ( Bettman ’ s ) mind at all .
I expect we will play the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to logistics .
I keep saying it , people that talk to me are tired of hearing it , but it really comes down to being able to test — effectively test on a timely basis .
If we can test , I think the season is going to happen.
” Winning .
There ’ s a forecast of close to 80 degrees Sunday .
But if you ’ re not out and about , the NHL Network is showing the Avs ’ two Stanley Cup-winning games at 10 a.m. ( Game 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 p.m. ( Game 7 vs New Jersey Devils in Denver ) .

Often-booed NHL commissioner Gary Bettman might be gaining fans with his “Pollyanna”-type optimism about restarting the 2019-20 season. But at the same time, he could just be playing politics — assuring the public he has considered all avenues of a return while knowing there is little or no chance.
The only sure thing Bettman has in a possible return is the NHL’s strong television contract with NBC and its partners. That’s a deal the American Hockey League doesn’t have and why the NHL’s top development loop canceled what remained of 2019-20 last week.
Without fans, the NHL still has a revenue stream and can build its brand. The Stanley Cup could be awarded with millions watching from their couches. And if they are allowed to watch from their favorite eatery or watering hole, we at least would know the coronavirus crisis is slowing.
According to The Mercury News, Bettman told members of the San Jose Sharks’ business alliance that not completing 2019-20 and not awarding the Stanley Cup is “not something I’m even contemplating.”
“I believe that if the right time comes, and the right circumstances, based on all of the options that we’re considering and our ability to execute them, we’ll get this season done,” Bettman said. “I don’t want to sound Pollyanna, but cancelling is too easy a solution. That means you stop working hard to do all of the things that we’re doing, and I ultimately believe that there will be an opportunity.”
He added: “States are re-opening, cities are re-opening. And if we do the right things, I think we’ll be able to finish the season.”
What that will look like probably won’t be like anything we’ve ever seen. The return might go straight into a 24-team playoff based on current points percentage, with the worst seven teams not even returning for a training camp. In that scenario, seeds 17-24 — or even 13-24 — would be playing a mini-tournament with elimination at stake while the top 12 seeds play for seeding.
The Avalanche, standing second in the Central Division and Western Conference behind St. Louis, could perhaps face the Blues in a short series to determine the division and conference No. 1 seed while the lower seeds play to advance to the big dance.
That’s just one example. Many more are out there. And each of them makes sense with the television deal.
“It’s got to be fair, it’s got to have integrity, and if we have to do it over the summer on some modified basis, then we’ll do it on that basis,” Bettman said.
Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi on Saturday told TSN radio in Vancouver that hockey will return this summer if COVID-19 testing is available to everyone in the picture.
“There’s a very high likelihood,” Gaglardi said. “I think that the league is determined to complete the season, and I would concur that not finishing the season is not on (Bettman’s) mind at all. I expect we will play the season. I think we’re down to logistics. I keep saying it, people that talk to me are tired of hearing it, but it really comes down to being able to test — effectively test on a timely basis. If we can test, I think the season is going to happen.”
Winning. There’s a forecast of close to 80 degrees Sunday. But if you’re not out and about, the NHL Network is showing the Avs’ two Stanley Cup-winning games at 10 a.m. (Game 4 vs. Florida Panthers in 1996) and 2 p.m. (Game 7 vs New Jersey Devils in Denver).


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Apartment tenants mostly making the May rent in Colorado and elsewhere

When the U.S. economy shut down in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , an initial concern was that older and lower-cost apartments catering to service workers faced the highest risks of defaults and distress .
But as time passes , it is starting to look like the newer , high-end apartment buildings that targeted young adults in urban areas face the highest risks for elevated vacancies , according to experts on a webinar Friday hosted by the National Multifamily Housing Council .
Those are the kind of “ discretionary ” apartments that Denver-area developers built thousands of in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market was struggling to absorb even before the recession struck .
“ Young professionals who are in studios and small one-bedrooms are leaving , they have gone back home , ” said Jeff Adler , a vice president with Yardi Matrix , a firm that tracks the apartment market .
If they aren ’ t going back home , they are looking to rent more affordable Class B and C properties , rather than the costlier Class A spaces .
“ Consumers are making changes in their lives .
They are making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the middle of February , rental applications are down in discretionary or Class A apartments , but are on the rise in mid-range and workforce units .
Notices to vacate are up sharply for higher-end properties , but flat to down for the more affordable units , Adler said .
More than 36 million displaced workers in the U.S. have filed for unemployment benefits since mid-March , an unprecedented number .
Despite that , tenants have largely found a way to meet the rent , even if they aren ’ t all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Rent Payment Tracker estimates 87.7 % of apartment households made a full or partial rent payment for May as of May 13 , based on a survey of 11.4 million professionally-managed apartment units across the country .
That ’ s only 2.1 percentage points below the share of tenants who had paid the May rent at the same point a year ago .
And it is better than the 85 % of tenants who had paid April rent as of April 13 .
“ Once again , despite the economic and health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that apartment residents who live in professionally managed properties are meeting their obligations , ” Doug Bibby , NMHC president , said in comments accompanying the updated numbers .
Colorado apartment tenants are current at an even higher rate , according to a survey of 137,719 apartment homes from the Colorado Apartment Association .
The survey found that 88.8 % of renters had paid something as of May 5 , an improvement from the 83.6 % of tenants who had paid April ’ s rent as of April 6 .
“ April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for rent collections and , now , May is off to even a stronger start , ” said Mark Williams , executive vice president of the CAA , said in a news release .
So why didn ’ t more people skip out on rent in April and May given the sudden loss of income so many suffered and calls for a rent strike ?
It appears the government stimulus checks and the extra $ 600 a week that the federal government is providing unemployed workers appear to be making a difference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Entrata , a property management software company Harrington said consumers are also spending less elsewhere , which has freed up more money to direct toward the rent , which they are prioritizing .
Many landlords have been proactive in reaching out to tenants and crafting payment plans .
The payment counts don ’ t break out those “ partial ” payers , who will have to make up any shortfalls in the month ahead or risk eviction .
And it is worth noting that not all the strategies people are using to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , many landlords have waived credit card fees and more tenants are charging their rent , which personal finance experts strongly discourage .
One push property owners and renter advocates alike are making is to include substantial rent assistance in the next round of stimulus that Congress is considering .

When the U.S. economy shut down in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19, an initial concern was that older and lower-cost apartments catering to service workers faced the highest risks of defaults and distress.
But as time passes, it is starting to look like the newer, high-end apartment buildings that targeted young adults in urban areas face the highest risks for elevated vacancies, according to experts on a webinar Friday hosted by the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Those are the kind of “discretionary” apartments that Denver-area developers built thousands of in the past several years, and which the market was struggling to absorb even before the recession struck.
“Young professionals who are in studios and small one-bedrooms are leaving, they have gone back home,” said Jeff Adler, a vice president with Yardi Matrix, a firm that tracks the apartment market.
If they aren’t going back home, they are looking to rent more affordable Class B and C properties, rather than the costlier Class A spaces.
“Consumers are making changes in their lives. They are making adjustments,” he said.
Compared to the middle of February, rental applications are down in discretionary or Class A apartments, but are on the rise in mid-range and workforce units. Notices to vacate are up sharply for higher-end properties, but flat to down for the more affordable units, Adler said.
More than 36 million displaced workers in the U.S. have filed for unemployment benefits since mid-March, an unprecedented number. Despite that, tenants have largely found a way to meet the rent, even if they aren’t all paying on time.
The NMHC’s Rent Payment Tracker estimates 87.7% of apartment households made a full or partial rent payment for May as of May 13, based on a survey of 11.4 million professionally-managed apartment units across the country.
That’s only 2.1 percentage points below the share of tenants who had paid the May rent at the same point a year ago. And it is better than the 85% of tenants who had paid April rent as of April 13.
“Once again, despite the economic and health challenges facing so many, we have found that apartment residents who live in professionally managed properties are meeting their obligations,” Doug Bibby, NMHC president, said in comments accompanying the updated numbers.
Colorado apartment tenants are current at an even higher rate, according to a survey of 137,719 apartment homes from the Colorado Apartment Association. The survey found that 88.8% of renters had paid something as of May 5, an improvement from the 83.6% of tenants who had paid April’s rent as of April 6.
“April turned out to be a good month for rent collections and, now, May is off to even a stronger start,” said Mark Williams, executive vice president of the CAA, said in a news release.
So why didn’t more people skip out on rent in April and May given the sudden loss of income so many suffered and calls for a rent strike?
It appears the government stimulus checks and the extra $600 a week that the federal government is providing unemployed workers appear to be making a difference, said Chase Harrington, chief operating officer of Entrata, a property management software company
Harrington said consumers are also spending less elsewhere, which has freed up more money to direct toward the rent, which they are prioritizing.
Many landlords have been proactive in reaching out to tenants and crafting payment plans. The payment counts don’t break out those “partial” payers, who will have to make up any shortfalls in the month ahead or risk eviction.
And it is worth noting that not all the strategies people are using to meet the rent are sustainable. For example, many landlords have waived credit card fees and more tenants are charging their rent, which personal finance experts strongly discourage.
One push property owners and renter advocates alike are making is to include substantial rent assistance in the next round of stimulus that Congress is considering.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--A Colorado nursing home devastated by coronavirus ordered PPE that never arrived. FEMA got blamed, a

A Colorado nursing home devastated by coronavirus ordered PPE that never arrived. FEMA got blamed, and things got messy.

On April 24 , Shelly Griffith received some bad news via email .
The CEO of the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center outside Fort Morgan desperately needed more personal protection equipment , including gowns , masks and sanitizing wipes , which she expected to arrive that week in a nearly $ 15,000 order being shipped from China .
The senior care facility in Brush is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the novel coronavirus in Colorado : As of this week , as many as 20 residents have died , while another 34 residents and 37 staff members have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that email last month , her supplier — Project Graphics , a Connecticut company that previously specialized in graphic design — told her the shipment wasn ’ t coming because it had been scooped up by the Federal Emergency Management Administration .
The incident turned into a national story — with the head of FEMA on Friday denouncing the accusations in a conference call with reporters .
Griffith says Project Graphics deceived her .
The company says its Chinese manufacturer told them FEMA was to blame .
And FEMA says overseas companies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they can ’ t fill their orders for needy consumers around the world .
Sen. Cory Gardner ’ s office got involved to help Griffith sort through the mess , while Gov .
Jared Polis on Friday said he would support a Department of Justice investigation into federal meddling in state purchasing efforts .
The fiasco underscores the chaotic and competitive environment that nursing homes , companies and states around the country are dealing with as they try to arm their workers with protections needed to prevent people from getting sick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has meant people like Griffith have been forced to rely on American vendors they ’ ve never dealt with , while vendors rely on foreign manufacturers they ’ ve never used , and shipping methods they ’ ve never tried .
The results are accusations , frustrations and , most importantly , nursing homes without the supplies they need .
“ When you ’ re in a crisis situation , ” Griffith said , “ those are chances you have to take in an effort to get supplies here.
” When Griffith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she reached out to Gardner ’ s office for help , and staff in the Republican senator ’ s office connected her Monday with federal officials .
“ We got to bottom of the story , ” Griffith said .
“ The vendor did erroneously place blame on FEMA.
” In normal times , Griffith has a list of vendors she uses , she trusts .
But in light of the global rush for supplies , Eben Ezer ’ s managers have been forced to use companies with which they ’ ve never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult , ” she said .
“ Because you don ’ t have a relationship with the vendor , you don ’ t have a full understanding of the actual products you ’ re trying to procure.
” Griffith said she ’ ll never order from Project Graphics again .
But Greg McKim , the Connecticut company ’ s vice president , said he was just going off the information he got from his person on the ground in China who helps him put in supply orders .
Before the pandemic , Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a creative service company offering graphic products for visual promotions and event .
But after the virus upended American life , the company realized it could utilize connections it already had in China and pivoted to taking orders for personal protection equipment to be sold around the U.S .
When he put in his latest supply order — including supplies for Griffith — with the Chinese manufacturing company Runhe , the company told his representative that it couldn ’ t be fulfilled because it had been purchased by FEMA .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order not making it to the Brush nursing home .
“ But we ’ ve done zero wrong here.
” McKim said he believes FEMA has interceded on other orders .
Three days ago , he was supposed to have supplies loaded onto a cargo plane from China .
“ We were bumped , ” McKim said .
“ The U.S. federal government paid a premium for space on board and bumped us off.
” The bottom line , McKim said , is that if FEMA is in China trying to procure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too far of a stretch that they ’ re going to the same companies.
” It ’ s not just McKim who has voiced these frustrations .
Polis in April told CNN that FEMA had swooped in on an order of ventilators bound for Colorado , and has repeatedly expressed his irritation that the state has had to compete with its own federal government for supplies .
FEMA has denied the governor ’ s allegation as well .
During a Friday news conference , Polis , responding to a question about the FEMA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be thrilled if the ( Department of Justice ) is looking at federal interdiction of state purchasing efforts.
” Top FEMA officials took a hard stance Friday against the accusations , using the Eben Ezer center as an example of the misconception that the agency had anything to do with meddling in orders .
“ We ’ re not looking for $ 700 worth of hand sanitizer , ” FEMA administrator Peter Gaynor said on a conference call with reporters .
“ We ’ re looking for a million dollars in hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ continues to hear a version of an evolving rumor that FEMA is redirecting or seizing PPE or medical supplies .
This idea is , to put it nicely , absurd.
” Lee dePalo , administrator for FEMA Region 8 , which includes Colorado , said the problem lies with overseas manufacturers .
“ I have no doubt ( Project Graphics ) was told FEMA directed this , ” he said , noting that foreign companies seem to be pinning the blame on FEMA because they are the face of America ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brush , there ’ s an outbreak at a senior living facility struggling to keep people alive .
Eben Ezer ’ s money was refunded , but it never saw a single piece of protective equipment from that order .
“ Whatever it is , ” Griffith said , “ we are not able to get the PPE supplies we have needed.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

On April 24, Shelly Griffith received some bad news via email.
The CEO of the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center outside Fort Morgan desperately needed more personal protection equipment, including gowns, masks and sanitizing wipes, which she expected to arrive that week in a nearly $15,000 order being shipped from China.
The senior care facility in Brush is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the novel coronavirus in Colorado: As of this week, as many as 20 residents have died, while another 34 residents and 37 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
But in that email last month, her supplier — Project Graphics, a Connecticut company that previously specialized in graphic design — told her the shipment wasn’t coming because it had been scooped up by the Federal Emergency Management Administration.
The incident turned into a national story — with the head of FEMA on Friday denouncing the accusations in a conference call with reporters. Griffith says Project Graphics deceived her. The company says its Chinese manufacturer told them FEMA was to blame. And FEMA says overseas companies are using the federal agency as a scapegoat when they can’t fill their orders for needy consumers around the world.
Sen. Cory Gardner’s office got involved to help Griffith sort through the mess, while Gov. Jared Polis on Friday said he would support a Department of Justice investigation into federal meddling in state purchasing efforts.
The fiasco underscores the chaotic and competitive environment that nursing homes, companies and states around the country are dealing with as they try to arm their workers with protections needed to prevent people from getting sick. The lack of domestic production during the pandemic has meant people like Griffith have been forced to rely on American vendors they’ve never dealt with, while vendors rely on foreign manufacturers they’ve never used, and shipping methods they’ve never tried.
The results are accusations, frustrations and, most importantly, nursing homes without the supplies they need.
“When you’re in a crisis situation,” Griffith said, “those are chances you have to take in an effort to get supplies here.”
Pinning the blame
When Griffith believed FEMA had taken her supplies, she reached out to Gardner’s office for help, and staff in the Republican senator’s office connected her Monday with federal officials.
“We got to bottom of the story,” Griffith said. “The vendor did erroneously place blame on FEMA.”
In normal times, Griffith has a list of vendors she uses, she trusts. But in light of the global rush for supplies, Eben Ezer’s managers have been forced to use companies with which they’ve never worked.
“It’s extremely difficult,” she said. “Because you don’t have a relationship with the vendor, you don’t have a full understanding of the actual products you’re trying to procure.”
Griffith said she’ll never order from Project Graphics again.
But Greg McKim, the Connecticut company’s vice president, said he was just going off the information he got from his person on the ground in China who helps him put in supply orders.
Before the pandemic, Project Graphics served as a manufacturer, decorator and a creative service company offering graphic products for visual promotions and event. But after the virus upended American life, the company realized it could utilize connections it already had in China and pivoted to taking orders for personal protection equipment to be sold around the U.S.
When he put in his latest supply order — including supplies for Griffith — with the Chinese manufacturing company Runhe, the company told his representative that it couldn’t be fulfilled because it had been purchased by FEMA.
“I feel bad,” McKim said of the order not making it to the Brush nursing home. “But we’ve done zero wrong here.”
McKim said he believes FEMA has interceded on other orders. Three days ago, he was supposed to have supplies loaded onto a cargo plane from China.
“We were bumped,” McKim said. “The U.S. federal government paid a premium for space on board and bumped us off.”
The bottom line, McKim said, is that if FEMA is in China trying to procure goods, “it’s not too far of a stretch that they’re going to the same companies.”
It’s not just McKim who has voiced these frustrations. Polis in April told CNN that FEMA had swooped in on an order of ventilators bound for Colorado, and has repeatedly expressed his irritation that the state has had to compete with its own federal government for supplies. FEMA has denied the governor’s allegation as well.
During a Friday news conference, Polis, responding to a question about the FEMA’s practices, said he “would be thrilled if the (Department of Justice) is looking at federal interdiction of state purchasing efforts.”
An “evolving rumor”
Top FEMA officials took a hard stance Friday against the accusations, using the Eben Ezer center as an example of the misconception that the agency had anything to do with meddling in orders.
“We’re not looking for $700 worth of hand sanitizer,” FEMA administrator Peter Gaynor said on a conference call with reporters. “We’re looking for a million dollars in hand sanitizer.”
The agency, he said, “continues to hear a version of an evolving rumor that FEMA is redirecting or seizing PPE or medical supplies. This idea is, to put it nicely, absurd.”
Lee dePalo, administrator for FEMA Region 8, which includes Colorado, said the problem lies with overseas manufacturers.
“I have no doubt (Project Graphics) was told FEMA directed this,” he said, noting that foreign companies seem to be pinning the blame on FEMA because they are the face of America’s COVID-19 response.
Meanwhile, back in Brush, there’s an outbreak at a senior living facility struggling to keep people alive. Eben Ezer’s money was refunded, but it never saw a single piece of protective equipment from that order.
“Whatever it is,” Griffith said, “we are not able to get the PPE supplies we have needed.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--In first week of Denver’s mask order, police responded to 50 disputes over compliance — but issued n

In first week of Denver’s mask order, police responded to 50 disputes over compliance — but issued no tickets

On the afternoon of May 9 , a customer walked into The Clinic Colorado on Colorado Boulevard in Denver without a mask on and attempted to buy marijuana .
A store employee , Adam Mikdad , told him they could not serve him without a face covering .
The man , arguing that he has a breathing condition , became rude and unruly .
He then refused to leave the store ’ s small atrium , making it impossible for customers to enter and exit the dispensary .
The incident was one of 50 in which Denver police became involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock ’ s order mandating customers wear masks inside stores , according to data provided by the city ’ s Joint Information Center .
The calls came from marijuana dispensaries and convenience stores , along with supermarkets , liquor stores , addiction treatment centers , banks and fast food restaurants .
Denver police did not issue any citations , Heather Burke , a spokeswoman for the Joint Information Center said in an email .
“ Officers are still trying to gain compliance through education , ” she said .
When Denver first rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city officials said businesses would be charged with ensuring compliance , and urged them to call 311 for any complaints and 911 if things escalated into violence or threats .
Since the beginning of March , city officials have fielded 153 calls to 311 from businesses and citizens about noncompliance with public health orders , while there have been 84 complaints to 911 since March 6 .
During the first full week of Denver ’ s mask order , from May 6 to 13 , police were involved with 50 incidents , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordinance took effect .
One of those calls came from the Denver Recovery Group , an addiction treatment center on East Colfax Avenue .
A man walked in to get treatment and when staff told him he had to put on a mask , he initially seemed fine , said Denise Vincioni , the center ’ s director .
Then something flipped , and the man became aggressive , yelling that they were restricting his rights .
Ultimately , staff had to call police .
Vincioni said the Recovery Group is used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing homelessness and mental health issues .
“ We ’ re a medical facility , ” she said .
“ We tell these people that we ’ re trying to keep them safe , and we ’ re going to do everything we can to do that.
” Mikdad said police never ended up coming to the dispensary that day , with the call enough to prompt the angered customer to leave .
Other than that , virtually all the other customers have been fine with the mask order , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news sent straight to your inbox .

On the afternoon of May 9, a customer walked into The Clinic Colorado on Colorado Boulevard in Denver without a mask on and attempted to buy marijuana.
A store employee, Adam Mikdad, told him they could not serve him without a face covering. The man, arguing that he has a breathing condition, became rude and unruly. He then refused to leave the store’s small atrium, making it impossible for customers to enter and exit the dispensary.
The incident was one of 50 in which Denver police became involved during the first week of Mayor Michael Hancock’s order mandating customers wear masks inside stores, according to data provided by the city’s Joint Information Center. The calls came from marijuana dispensaries and convenience stores, along with supermarkets, liquor stores, addiction treatment centers, banks and fast food restaurants.
Denver police did not issue any citations, Heather Burke, a spokeswoman for the Joint Information Center, said in an email.
“Officers are still trying to gain compliance through education,” she said.
When Denver first rolled out the mask order last week, city officials said businesses would be charged with ensuring compliance, and urged them to call 311 for any complaints and 911 if things escalated into violence or threats. Since the beginning of March, city officials have fielded 153 calls to 311 from businesses and citizens about noncompliance with public health orders, while there have been 84 complaints to 911 since May 6.
During the first full week of Denver’s mask order, from May 6 to 13, police were involved with 50 incidents, with 11 coming on the first day the ordinance took effect.
One of those calls came from the Denver Recovery Group, an addiction treatment center on East Colfax Avenue. A man walked in to get treatment and when staff told him he had to put on a mask, he initially seemed fine, said Denise Vincioni, the center’s director.
Then something flipped, and the man became aggressive, yelling that they were restricting his rights. Ultimately, staff had to call police.
Vincioni said the Recovery Group is used to dealing with a population that may be experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.
“We’re a medical facility,” she said. “We tell these people that we’re trying to keep them safe, and we’re going to do everything we can to do that.”
Mikdad said police never ended up coming to the dispensary that day, with the call enough to prompt the angered customer to leave. Other than that, virtually all the other customers have been fine with the mask order, he said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Manning, Elway, Broncos and Rockies donate more than $16 million to Colorado COVID-relief

More than 120 individuals and organizations – from Peyton and Ashley Manning and John Elway to Anheuser Busch and the Buell Foundation – have contributed nearly $ 16.5 million to Colorado ’ s COVID Relief Fund to help community organizations impacted by the pandemic .
The fund has already given more than $ 8.4 million in grants of up to $ 25,000 to about 370 groups across the state , according to fund documents publicly available for review .
“ In this economic environment , community organizations are dealing with a drop in donations at the same time that more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immense strain on their ability to meet the needs of the community , ” Gov .
Jared Polis said in a statement .
Leading the pile of contributors of at least $ 10,000 is the Colorado Health Foundation with a $ 3.2 million gift , followed by $ 1 million gifts from Pinnacol Assurance , the state ’ s largest workers compensation insurer , and The Colorado Trust , a grant-making foundation that works to improve the health of Coloradans .
The large-dollar contributors account for more than $ 13.4 million of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the Denver Broncos ( $ 500,000 ) , the Colorado Rockies Foundation ( $ 200,000 ) , and the Anschutz Foundation ( $ 100,000 ) also made demonstrable contributions .
“ We felt a sense of responsibility to use our platform to make a meaningful contribution , ” said Allie Engelken , executive director of community development for the Broncos .
“ It ’ s the right thing to do at this time and we ’ re fortunate to have the resources and leadership to help do that.
” Elway contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a California doctor battling the pandemic on the front lines .
The Mannings are one of only two donors who requested their contribution be anonymous in its value .
“ We are inspired by the generosity of those who have donated and are thrilled that organizations across the state are able to help more people in their communities during this difficult time , ” Polis said in the statement .
The fund was launched in early March just as the state began battening down the hatches as the pandemic spread .
Called Help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinate the collection of donations and the distribution of the dollars following a vetting process of committees made up of business and nonprofit executives .
The fund is to help groups that fit into one of three categories tied to the pandemic : prevention , impact , and recovery .
A committee for each category reviews applications – there have been more than 780 of them – and makes recommendations to an allocation committee co-chaired by Sapkin and Roxane White , former chief of staff under then-Gov .
John Hickenlooper .
Grantees are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations across the state , from food pantries and daycare providers to financial assistance groups and first responders such as rural fire departments .
In Wray , a small town in northeast Colorado not far from the Kansas state line , Merrie Flores ran a small daycare for up to nine children in her home , state records show .
Then the pandemic hit and the flow of customers simply stopped .
The COVID-relief fund was able to offer some aid , even if just a little bit .
Anything to help .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flores told The Post in an email , one of the smallest grants the fund made .
“ I paid bills and took care of my kids.
” A third wave of relief funding is expected to be announced over the next few weeks .

More than 120 individuals and organizations – from Peyton and Ashley Manning and John Elway to Anheuser Busch and the Buell Foundation – have contributed nearly $16.5 million to Colorado’s COVID Relief Fund to help community organizations impacted by the pandemic.
The fund has already given more than $8.4 million in grants of up to $25,000 to about 370 groups across the state, according to fund documents publicly available for review.
“In this economic environment, community organizations are dealing with a drop in donations at the same time that more Coloradans need services and assistance, putting immense strain on their ability to meet the needs of the community,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
Leading the pile of contributors of at least $10,000 is the Colorado Health Foundation with a $3.2 million gift, followed by $1 million gifts from Pinnacol Assurance, the state’s largest workers compensation insurer, and The Colorado Trust, a grant-making foundation that works to improve the health of Coloradans. The large-dollar contributors account for more than $13.4 million of the fund’s contributions.
But groups such as the Denver Broncos ($500,000), the Colorado Rockies Foundation ($200,000), and the Anschutz Foundation ($100,000) also made demonstrable contributions.
“We felt a sense of responsibility to use our platform to make a meaningful contribution,” said Allie Engelken, executive director of community development for the Broncos. “It’s the right thing to do at this time and we’re fortunate to have the resources and leadership to help do that.”
Elway contributed $50,000, noting his son-in-law is a California doctor battling the pandemic on the front lines. The Mannings are one of only two donors who requested their contribution be anonymous in its value.
Other notable donors include money manager Tom Marsico ($100,000), businessman Pat Broe ($50,000), and developer Richard Sapkin ($10,000).
“We are inspired by the generosity of those who have donated and are thrilled that organizations across the state are able to help more people in their communities during this difficult time,” Polis said in the statement.
The fund was launched in early March just as the state began battening down the hatches as the pandemic spread. Called Help Colorado Now, its purpose is to coordinate the collection of donations and the distribution of the dollars following a vetting process of committees made up of business and nonprofit executives.
The fund is to help groups that fit into one of three categories tied to the pandemic: prevention, impact, and recovery. A committee for each category reviews applications – there have been more than 780 of them – and makes recommendations to an allocation committee co-chaired by Sapkin and Roxane White, former chief of staff under then-Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Grantees are a mixed bag of small businesses and organizations across the state, from food pantries and daycare providers to financial assistance groups and first responders such as rural fire departments.
In Wray, a small town in northeast Colorado not far from the Kansas state line, Merrie Flores ran a small daycare for up to nine children in her home, state records show. Then the pandemic hit and the flow of customers simply stopped. The COVID-relief fund was able to offer some aid, even if just a little bit. Anything to help.
“I got $3,200,” Flores told The Post in an email, one of the smallest grants the fund made. “I paid bills and took care of my kids.”
A third wave of relief funding is expected to be announced over the next few weeks.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--How Broncos rookie center Lloyd Cushenberry went from overlooked prospect to a pillar of LSU’s natio

How Broncos rookie center Lloyd Cushenberry went from overlooked prospect to a pillar of LSU’s national title team

Before Broncos rookie Lloyd Cushenberry became the MVP on LSU ’ s national title team , he was the very last recruit signed in the program ’ s 2016 class .
In fact , LSU didn ’ t even offer Cushenberry a scholarship until days before national signing day , after another offensive line prospect fell off the Tigers ’ board .
The soft-spoken 6-foot-3 , 312-pounder out of Dutchtown High in Geismar , La.
, didn ’ t have the height , exposure in recruiting camps or social media activity that so many other blue-chip recruits often do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and the leader he became in Baton Rouge as one of the program ’ s greatest centers — could be considered a surprise to some , his success going forward is now an expectation .
Although Austin Schlottmann and Patrick Morris will provide competition in camp , Cushenberry should be Denver ’ s starting center in 2020 .
“ He has the license to go in there and compete and win the job if he can , ” head coach Vic Fangio said the night Denver took Cushenberry in the third round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot where many pundits expected him to already be off the board .
Cushenberry ’ s acceleration from middle-tier prep prospect ( he had previously committed to South Carolina and Mississippi State ) into two-year starter at LSU was one foreseen by Benny Saia , his coach at Dutchtown .
In a program that ’ s produced a handful of pros such as Landon Collins , Eddie Lacey , Eric Reid and Justin Reid , the 22-year-old made his mark as a three-year starter at left tackle after a broken ankle wiped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back stronger from that , and I knew very quickly the type of player I had , ” Saia said .
“ He ’ s very cerebral , and as a center , that ’ s important because of all the line calls and all that goes with that position .
He ’ ll handle the mental part of it really well in the NFL just like he did at LSU , because he picks things up easily and he understands all of the necessary protections.
” Cushenberry had to learn center on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked up the basics of the position on YouTube .
“ Shortly after I had signed to go to LSU , I knew I was either going to play guard or center because I didn ’ t really have the height to play tackle at the next level , ” he said .
“ I definitely knew I had to learn how to snap the ball .
I never had , so I just went on YouTube one day and found a few videos of an old Washington Redskins O-Line coach teaching people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six games as a redshirt freshman before becoming an offensive staple the past couple of seasons .
That included second-team All-American honors as a junior , when he was the first offensive lineman in LSU history to be awarded the No .
18 jersey , which is given annually to the player who best represents the program on and off the field .
“ He ’ s a lead-by-example guy , and even though he came in really quiet , eventually he became the voice within the room , ” LSU offensive line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff he sees on game day , the tweaks and observations he brings over to the sideline — he ’ s an unbelievable voice within the huddle.
” Cregg , who spent three seasons as an offensive line assistant in Denver prior to his arrival at LSU , said Cushenberry still has more room to grow as a center .
But the coach already sees comparisons between him and Matt Paradis , who anchored Denver ’ s line from 2015-18 .
“ Sometimes Lloyd tries to do too much , and sometimes he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power on the second level , ” Cregg said .
“ You ’ d like to see him show and utilize that more , because he does have it .
“ But being around Paradis with the Broncos , ( Cushenberry ) has got the same mindset and operates the same way as Matt did .
He thinks quick , reacts quick , asks good questions in the room .
He can digest ( film ) and study it , and he already prepares like a pro .
He has all the intangibles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Before Broncos rookie Lloyd Cushenberry became the MVP on LSU’s national title team, he was the very last recruit signed in the program’s 2016 class.
In fact, LSU didn’t even offer Cushenberry a scholarship until days before national signing day, after another offensive line prospect fell off the Tigers’ board.
The soft-spoken 6-foot-3, 312-pounder out of Dutchtown High in Geismar, La., didn’t have the height, exposure in recruiting camps or social media activity that so many other blue-chip recruits often do.
Yet while how Cushenberry got to LSU — and the leader he became in Baton Rouge as one of the program’s greatest centers — could be considered a surprise to some, his success going forward is now an expectation. Although Austin Schlottmann and Patrick Morris will provide competition in camp, Cushenberry should be Denver’s starting center in 2020.
“He has the license to go in there and compete and win the job if he can,” head coach Vic Fangio said the night Denver took Cushenberry in the third round at No. 83 overall — a spot where many pundits expected him to already be off the board.
Cushenberry’s acceleration from middle-tier prep prospect (he had previously committed to South Carolina and Mississippi State) into two-year starter at LSU was one foreseen by Benny Saia, his coach at Dutchtown.
In a program that’s produced a handful of pros such as Landon Collins, Eddie Lacey, Eric Reid and Justin Reid, the 22-year-old made his mark as a three-year starter at left tackle after a broken ankle wiped out his freshman season.
“He came back stronger from that, and I knew very quickly the type of player I had,” Saia said. “He’s very cerebral, and as a center, that’s important because of all the line calls and all that goes with that position. He’ll handle the mental part of it really well in the NFL just like he did at LSU, because he picks things up easily and he understands all of the necessary protections.”
Cushenberry had to learn center on the fly at LSU, so he looked up the basics of the position on YouTube.
“Shortly after I had signed to go to LSU, I knew I was either going to play guard or center because I didn’t really have the height to play tackle at the next level,” he said. “I definitely knew I had to learn how to snap the ball. I never had, so I just went on YouTube one day and found a few videos of an old Washington Redskins O-Line coach teaching people how to snap.”
Cushenberry played in six games as a redshirt freshman before becoming an offensive staple the past couple of seasons. That included second-team All-American honors as a junior, when he was the first offensive lineman in LSU history to be awarded the No. 18 jersey, which is given annually to the player who best represents the program on and off the field.
“He’s a lead-by-example guy, and even though he came in really quiet, eventually he became the voice within the room,” LSU offensive line coach James Cregg said. “The stuff he sees on game day, the tweaks and observations he brings over to the sideline — he’s an unbelievable voice within the huddle.”
Cregg, who spent three seasons as an offensive line assistant in Denver prior to his arrival at LSU, said Cushenberry still has more room to grow as a center. But the coach already sees comparisons between him and Matt Paradis, who anchored Denver’s line from 2015-18.
“Sometimes Lloyd tries to do too much, and sometimes he doesn’t show and utilize his power on the second level,” Cregg said. “You’d like to see him show and utilize that more, because he does have it.
“But being around Paradis with the Broncos, (Cushenberry) has got the same mindset and operates the same way as Matt did. He thinks quick, reacts quick, asks good questions in the room. He can digest (film) and study it, and he already prepares like a pro. He has all the intangibles to immediately win the starting job there.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Ask Amy: Brother’s rantings have natural consequences

Dear Amy : About a month ago , at the start of the pandemic restrictions in our area , I was talking with my brother by phone and he voiced concern about my husband ’ s work , which he believed might expose our mother to the COVID virus .
She lives close by , and we visit one another quite often .
My husband , although an essential worker , has little to no contact with others while he works .
He always showers and puts his clothes in the laundry whenever he gets home , before he greets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , believing that these efforts weren ’ t enough , proceeded to shout at me at the top of his lungs , accursing me of everything from not caring about our mother ’ s health , to not listening to him .
My husband and kids were in the next room , so I told him I would talk to him later when he calmed down , and then I hung up .
For the next three days he sent aggressive and threatening texts and emails ; eventually I blocked his number .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ this is just how he communicates.
” She wants me to let it go .
I ’ m fine with letting it go , but that doesn ’ t mean I want to continue to communicate with him .
This is not the first time he has done this .
When it comes to family events in the future , how should I handle interactions with him ?
Dear Had Enough : Hopefully , you will — we all will — have family events in the future .
The law of natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being berated is to avoid the person who is berating you .
If your brother has reasonable concerns to share , he should find a reasonable way to express them .
People are panicking right now .
Your brother no doubt feels powerless .
This doesn ’ t absolve him of the need to behave respectfully , however , and now — he has lost access to you .
Do not involve your mother in this conflict .
He is her son , and she will defend his behavior in order to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
In the future , you should approach every contact with your brother as an opportunity for a fresh start .
If he can ’ t move forward , and chooses to try to relitigate this issue with you at every turn , then you will know that he is simply not ready , or able , to start over .
Dear Amy : I ’ m a small-business owner and have around 10 employees .
During the COVID shutdown I am continuing to pay all my employees their full salary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to work in isolated and safe shifts – strictly following the state guidelines for this industry .
One employee is agitating to be fired .
This person is eager to receive unemployment benefits , believing – I suppose – that I would rehire them when the benefits run out .
I can keep my business afloat for around six months before running into serious trouble .
I am not judging anyone for taking government money , but I am disgusted by this individual who is gainfully employed but who basically wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard a rumor that the employee went ahead and applied for unemployment – despite still being employed and paid by me .
Now we are in a standoff situation , with me refusing to fire the employee , and the employee refusing to work and refusing to quit ( because then they wouldn ’ t be eligible for unemployment benefits ) .
What ’ s your take on this ?
Dear Employer : It seems to me that if the employee is cashing paychecks AND unemployment checks , this would be grounds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would then disqualify them from receiving unemployment .
This is from an article in the National Law Review : “ That employer must consider whether the employee ’ s refusal [ to work ] is reasonable in light of the measures taken to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace , whether the employee has a covered disability that must be accommodated , and whether the employee is entitled to leave under multiple layers of leave laws .
This is a complicated analysis , and employers are well-advised to involve employment counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Amy : You asked how people were spending time productively during our national confinement : I took up genealogy .
Talk about a fascinating way to spend these long days !
Dear Satisfied : Every leaf on every branch of every family tree contains a story .
This is a really nice “ legacy project.
” Good for you .

Dear Amy: About a month ago, at the start of the pandemic restrictions in our area, I was talking with my brother by phone and he voiced concern about my husband’s work, which he believed might expose our mother to the COVID virus.
She lives close by, and we visit one another quite often. My husband, although an essential worker, has little to no contact with others while he works. He always showers and puts his clothes in the laundry whenever he gets home, before he greets me or the children.
My brother, believing that these efforts weren’t enough, proceeded to shout at me at the top of his lungs, accursing me of everything from not caring about our mother’s health, to not listening to him.
My husband and kids were in the next room, so I told him I would talk to him later when he calmed down, and then I hung up.
For the next three days he sent aggressive and threatening texts and emails; eventually I blocked his number.
My mother’s view is that “this is just how he communicates.” She wants me to let it go.
I’m fine with letting it go, but that doesn’t mean I want to continue to communicate with him. This is not the first time he has done this.
When it comes to family events in the future, how should I handle interactions with him?
— Had Enough
Dear Had Enough: Hopefully, you will — we all will — have family events in the future.
The law of natural consequences states that the natural reaction to being berated is to avoid the person who is berating you. If your brother has reasonable concerns to share, he should find a reasonable way to express them.
People are panicking right now. Your brother no doubt feels powerless. This doesn’t absolve him of the need to behave respectfully, however, and now — he has lost access to you.
Do not involve your mother in this conflict. He is her son, and she will defend his behavior in order to try to resolve this conflict between her two children.
In the future, you should approach every contact with your brother as an opportunity for a fresh start. If he can’t move forward, and chooses to try to relitigate this issue with you at every turn, then you will know that he is simply not ready, or able, to start over.
Dear Amy: I’m a small-business owner and have around 10 employees.
During the COVID shutdown I am continuing to pay all my employees their full salary. Some are at home, while some are able to work in isolated and safe shifts – strictly following the state guidelines for this industry.
One employee is agitating to be fired. This person is eager to receive unemployment benefits, believing – I suppose – that I would rehire them when the benefits run out.
I can keep my business afloat for around six months before running into serious trouble.
I am not judging anyone for taking government money, but I am disgusted by this individual who is gainfully employed but who basically wants things both ways.
I have now heard a rumor that the employee went ahead and applied for unemployment – despite still being employed and paid by me.
Now we are in a standoff situation, with me refusing to fire the employee, and the employee refusing to work and refusing to quit (because then they wouldn’t be eligible for unemployment benefits).
What’s your take on this?
— Employer
Dear Employer: It seems to me that if the employee is cashing paychecks AND unemployment checks, this would be grounds for termination “for cause,” which would then disqualify them from receiving unemployment.
This is from an article in the National Law Review: “That employer must consider whether the employee’s refusal [to work] is reasonable in light of the measures taken to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace, whether the employee has a covered disability that must be accommodated, and whether the employee is entitled to leave under multiple layers of leave laws. This is a complicated analysis, and employers are well-advised to involve employment counsel to assist them at the outset.”
Dear Amy: You asked how people were spending time productively during our national confinement: I took up genealogy. Talk about a fascinating way to spend these long days!
— Satisfied
Dear Satisfied: Every leaf on every branch of every family tree contains a story. This is a really nice “legacy project.” Good for you.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Man shot in Denver on Friday is pronounced dead at local hospital

A man shot in Denver on Friday was pronounced dead at a local hospital , police said .
Officers responded @ @ @ @ @ fired and a two-vehicle crash in the 1100 block of Willow Street , police said @ @ @ @ @ to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead .

A man shot in Denver on Friday was pronounced dead at a local hospital, police said.
Alert: Officers are investigating a 2-vehicle crash in the 1100 block of N. Willow St. with reported shots fired prior to crash. One person transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The circumstances and cause of the crash remain under investigation. pic.twitter.com/3Q8zdMtWD6 — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) May 15, 2020
Officers responded to a report of shots fired and a two-vehicle crash in the 1100 block of Willow Street, police said. A man was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation is ongoing.


thedenverpost--2020-05-16--Pickup truck with a dog inside of it is stolen from parking lot in Englewood

A pickup truck with a dog inside of it was stolen Friday in Englewood , police said .
The truck @ @ @ @ @ stolen at about 2 p.m. from a parking lot at 601 Englewood Parkway , according @ @ @ @ @ The truck is a white 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 with Colorado license plate CPZ-625 .
@ @ @ @ @ Honda CR250R dirt bike was attached to the truck .
A dog , named Beatrice @ @ @ @ @ when it was stolen .
Anyone with information on the incident , or on the @ @ @ @ @ is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) ; or @ @ @ @ @ https : //www.metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/anonymous-tips .

A pickup truck with a dog inside of it was stolen Friday in Englewood, police said.
Englewood Crime Alert – Stolen truck and dog Call 720-913-7867 with your anonymous tips! More info: https://t.co/aJKKjIVIel pic.twitter.com/38Dr6puyKD — MetroDenverCrimeStop (@CrimeStoppersCO) May 16, 2020
A truck and dog were stolen about 2 p.m. from a parking lot at 601 Englewood Parkway, according to a news release. The truck is a white 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 with Colorado license plate CPZ-625. A red and white 2004 Honda CR250R dirt bike was attached to the truck.
The dog, named Beatrice, was in the truck when it was stolen.
Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP) or submit a tip at metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/anonymous-tips.


thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Phyllis George, female sportscasting pioneer, dies at 70

LEXINGTON , Ky. — Phyllis George , the former Miss America who became a female sportscasting pioneer on CBS ’ s “ The NFL Today ” and served as the first lady of Kentucky , has died .
She was 70 .
A family spokeswoman said George died Thursday at a Lexington hospital after a long fight with a blood disorder .
Her children , Lincoln Tyler George Brown and CNN White House correspondent Pamela Ashley Brown , released a joint statement , saying : “ For many , Mom was known by her incredible accomplishments as the pioneering female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lady .
But this was all before we were born and never how we viewed Mom .
To us , she was the most incredible mother we could ever ask for , and it is all of the defining qualities the public never saw , especially against the winds of adversity , that symbolize how extraordinary she is more than anything else .
The beauty so many recognized on the outside was a mere fraction of her internal beauty , only to be outdone by an unwavering spirit that allowed her to persevere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1971 , George joined Brent Musburger and Irv Cross in 1975 on “ The NFL Today.
” Jimmy “ The Greek ” Snyder later was added to the cast .
“ Phyllis George was special .
Her smile lit up millions of homes for the NFL Today , ” Musburger tweeted .
“ Phyllis didn ’ t receive nearly enough credit for opening the sports broadcasting door for the dozens of talented women who took her lead and soared.
” George spent three seasons on the live pregame show , returned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plaudits for her warmth of her interviews with star athletes .
She also covered horse racing , hosted the entertainment show “ People ” and co-anchored the “ CBS Morning News.
” George was briefly married to Hollywood producer Robert Evans in the mid-1970s and to John Y .
Brown Jr. from 1979-98 .
Brown owned Kentucky Fried Chicken and the NBA ’ s Boston Celtics and served as the governor of Kentucky .
“ Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky , ” Brown told the Louisville Courier-Journal .
“ We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed every single day.
” From Denton , Texas , George attended the University of North Texas for three years , then went to Texas Christian University after earning a scholarship as Miss Texas in 1970 .
In her 2002 memoir , George wrote that a male friend told her sportscasting wouldn ’ t work because it was a man ’ s job .
George even acknowledged knowing nothing about the industry and having no experience nor another female mentor to follow .
None of it stopped her .
George was a friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devout believer in his best-selling philosophy of positive thinking , George credits that approach for launching a defining career she didn ’ t expect — one that saw her range into an astonishing variety of ventures and roles , in media , the film industry , food and beauty products , and as the glamorous first lady of the bluegrass state .
“ Saying yes to yourself opens up opportunities that can take you anywhere , ” George wrote .
“ Having a mentor in your life who says yes to you is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re starting out .
And later , always give credit to the people who were there with you at the beginning.
” ESPN sportscaster Hannah Storm remembered George as “ the ultimate trailblazer ” who inspired other women by showing that careers in sportscasting could be within their grasp .
“ A lot of times when you ’ re dreaming of something as a career option , you have to see it in order to believe it , ” she said .
“ And someone has to be first , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former president of CBS Sports , called George ’ s hiring as part of “ The NFL Today ” team a “ groundbreaking decision ” that “ changed the face of sports television.
” “ She had an openness and enthusiasm that made her a valuable contributor , ” Pilson said .
“ She didn ’ t claim to know a tremendous amount about sports , but she knew about people , which is why her interviews resonated .
She could do the best interviews with athletes and family members .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through on the set and in the interviews.
” George conducted one-on-one interviews with star athletes such as NFL greats Joe Namath and Roger Staubach .
“ People were uncomfortable with the idea of seeing a woman on TV talking about sports in a prominent role , ” Storm said .
“ But someone has to go first .
I give her so much respect for truly her courage .
She had to put herself out there .
Phyllis George did something out of the norm .
And I ’ m forever grateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t the first but made her entrance around the time that other women were getting their starts reporting on sports , too .
Jane Chastain was hired at CBS in 1974 and became the first female announcer on an NFL telecast that fall .
Lesley Visser became the first female NFL beat writer during a 14-year career at The Boston Globe that started in 1974 .
She later worked on “ The NFL Today ” as well as ABC and ESPN , becoming the first woman assigned to “ Monday Night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George “ always made you feel important and warm .
I never heard her talk about anyone in a negative way .
She made everything look so easy .
She had a magnetic personality.
” The industry discovered George after she co-hosted “ Candid Camera ” and the Miss America pageant .
She received a 13-week option from CBS in 1974 without a defined role .
But a popular interview with reluctant Boston Celtics star Dave Cowens soon earned her a three-year deal and paved the way to her breakthrough role the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George moved on to co-host the “ CBS Morning News ” in 1985 but quit after less than eight months .
Among the people she interviewed was former first lady Nancy Reagan .
She later interviewed President Bill Clinton in 1994 as part of her own prime-time talk show .
As a businesswoman , George founded “ Chicken By George , ” an eight-item line of fresh , marinated chicken breast entrees , and sold it two years later to Geo .
A. Hormel & Co. She created “ Phyllis George Beauty ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product line was sold through a TV home shopping network .
She also wrote several other books and had roles in a pair of Hollywood comedy films .
“ Phyllis is a pioneer .
Her range is what impresses me the most , ” former Kentucky and Louisville coach Rick Pitino , now at Iona , wrote in the foreward to her memoir , “ Never Say Never : Ten lessons to turn you can ’ t into YES I CAN.
” “ She entered a highly competitive pageant and emerged as Miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She became the first national female sports broadcaster .
She flourished in the limelight as First Lady in the state of Kentucky .
She ’ s been successful in business .
And she is a respected humanitarian .
Each step along the way , she embraced the mission at hand .
”

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Phyllis George, the former Miss America who became a female sportscasting pioneer on CBS’s “The NFL Today” and served as the first lady of Kentucky, has died. She was 70.
A family spokeswoman said George died Thursday at a Lexington hospital after a long fight with a blood disorder.
Her children, Lincoln Tyler George Brown and CNN White House correspondent Pamela Ashley Brown, released a joint statement, saying:
“For many, Mom was known by her incredible accomplishments as the pioneering female sportscaster, 50th Miss America and first lady. But this was all before we were born and never how we viewed Mom. To us, she was the most incredible mother we could ever ask for, and it is all of the defining qualities the public never saw, especially against the winds of adversity, that symbolize how extraordinary she is more than anything else. The beauty so many recognized on the outside was a mere fraction of her internal beauty, only to be outdone by an unwavering spirit that allowed her to persevere against all the odds.”
Miss America in 1971, George joined Brent Musburger and Irv Cross in 1975 on “The NFL Today.” Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder later was added to the cast.
“Phyllis George was special. Her smile lit up millions of homes for the NFL Today,” Musburger tweeted. “Phyllis didn’t receive nearly enough credit for opening the sports broadcasting door for the dozens of talented women who took her lead and soared.”
George spent three seasons on the live pregame show, returned in 1980 and left in 1983, winning plaudits for her warmth of her interviews with star athletes. She also covered horse racing, hosted the entertainment show “People” and co-anchored the “CBS Morning News.”
George was briefly married to Hollywood producer Robert Evans in the mid-1970s and to John Y. Brown Jr. from 1979-98. Brown owned Kentucky Fried Chicken and the NBA’s Boston Celtics and served as the governor of Kentucky.
“Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky,” Brown told the Louisville Courier-Journal. “We had a great partnership. I think we enjoyed every single day.”
From Denton, Texas, George attended the University of North Texas for three years, then went to Texas Christian University after earning a scholarship as Miss Texas in 1970.
In her 2002 memoir, George wrote that a male friend told her sportscasting wouldn’t work because it was a man’s job. George even acknowledged knowing nothing about the industry and having no experience nor another female mentor to follow.
None of it stopped her.
George was a friend of minister Norman Vincent Peale and a devout believer in his best-selling philosophy of positive thinking, George credits that approach for launching a defining career she didn’t expect — one that saw her range into an astonishing variety of ventures and roles, in media, the film industry, food and beauty products, and as the glamorous first lady of the bluegrass state.
“Saying yes to yourself opens up opportunities that can take you anywhere,” George wrote. “Having a mentor in your life who says yes to you is also key. Appreciate your mentors when you’re starting out. And later, always give credit to the people who were there with you at the beginning.”
ESPN sportscaster Hannah Storm remembered George as “the ultimate trailblazer” who inspired other women by showing that careers in sportscasting could be within their grasp.
“A lot of times when you’re dreaming of something as a career option, you have to see it in order to believe it,” she said. “And someone has to be first, and that was Phyllis.”
Neal Pilson, a former president of CBS Sports, called George’s hiring as part of “The NFL Today” team a “groundbreaking decision” that “changed the face of sports television.”
“She had an openness and enthusiasm that made her a valuable contributor,” Pilson said. “She didn’t claim to know a tremendous amount about sports, but she knew about people, which is why her interviews resonated. She could do the best interviews with athletes and family members. She was a warm person and that came through on the set and in the interviews.”
George conducted one-on-one interviews with star athletes such as NFL greats Joe Namath and Roger Staubach.
“People were uncomfortable with the idea of seeing a woman on TV talking about sports in a prominent role,” Storm said. “But someone has to go first. I give her so much respect for truly her courage. She had to put herself out there. Phyllis George did something out of the norm. And I’m forever grateful for her leading the way.”
George wasn’t the first but made her entrance around the time that other women were getting their starts reporting on sports, too.
Jane Chastain was hired at CBS in 1974 and became the first female announcer on an NFL telecast that fall.
Lesley Visser became the first female NFL beat writer during a 14-year career at The Boston Globe that started in 1974. She later worked on “The NFL Today” as well as ABC and ESPN, becoming the first woman assigned to “Monday Night Football” in 1998.
Visser said George “always made you feel important and warm. I never heard her talk about anyone in a negative way. She made everything look so easy. She had a magnetic personality.”
The industry discovered George after she co-hosted “Candid Camera” and the Miss America pageant. She received a 13-week option from CBS in 1974 without a defined role. But a popular interview with reluctant Boston Celtics star Dave Cowens soon earned her a three-year deal and paved the way to her breakthrough role the next year on “The NFL Today.”
George moved on to co-host the “CBS Morning News” in 1985 but quit after less than eight months. Among the people she interviewed was former first lady Nancy Reagan. She later interviewed President Bill Clinton in 1994 as part of her own prime-time talk show.
As a businesswoman, George founded “Chicken By George,” an eight-item line of fresh, marinated chicken breast entrees, and sold it two years later to Geo. A. Hormel & Co. She created “Phyllis George Beauty” in 2003. The cosmetic and skincare product line was sold through a TV home shopping network.
She also wrote several other books and had roles in a pair of Hollywood comedy films.
“Phyllis is a pioneer. Her range is what impresses me the most,” former Kentucky and Louisville coach Rick Pitino, now at Iona, wrote in the foreward to her memoir, “Never Say Never: Ten lessons to turn you can’t into YES I CAN.”
“She entered a highly competitive pageant and emerged as Miss America,” Pitino wrote. “She became the first national female sports broadcaster. She flourished in the limelight as First Lady in the state of Kentucky. She’s been successful in business. And she is a respected humanitarian. Each step along the way, she embraced the mission at hand.”