thedenverpost--2020-07-06--NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson copes with coronavirus at Aspen home

INDIANAPOLIS — Jimmie Johnson and his family took every precaution to avoid the coronavirus .
They washed their hands frequently , diligently followed the face-mask guidelines and even left their home in Charlotte , North Carolina , for the less densely populated Aspen , Colorado .
And yet both Johnson and his wife still tested positive for the virus this week — knocking the seven-time NASCAR champion out of what was expected to be his final Brickyard 400 .
Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 and it will end his streak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s also temporarily disrupting his family life as he and wife , Chani , attempt to quarantine while still raising their two daughters .
Both girls tested negative , Johnson said .
“ We ’ re being very responsible in our home and trying to self-isolate , but at the same time we have to parent on top of their fears , ” Johnson said Saturday by Zoom from Colorado .
“ So we ’ re OK , but for a 9-year-old and 6-year-old , it ’ s hard .
We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re heartbroken to see the fear in their eyes.
” Johnson was in Indianapolis on Wednesday to test on Dallara ’ s simulator .
He then flew back to Aspen and was scheduled to return to Indy for Sunday ’ s race .
He didn ’ t have an inkling anything was wrong until Friday .
Chani Johnson had been experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms in the summer mountain air , and the 44-year-old Johnson was using a routine prescription to treat his own seasonal issues .
Chani Johnson , a “ rule follower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus test because of the allergies .
Her results came back positive Friday morning and Johnson and their daughters immediately went for their own tests .
“ It would be very easy right now to get bummed out , ” said Johnson , who is stepping away from full-time NASCAR racing at the end of the season .
“ If it wasn ’ t for Chani ’ s diligence to do the right thing , we ’ d be going on with life as normal and who knows who we could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The good news is doctors believe Johnson ’ s wife already endured the worst of COVID-19 .
Johnson said aside from a tickle in his throat , he ’ s asymptomatic .
But the ramifications reverberate around the racing community .
Johnson said he has spoken with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of a contact tracing initiative and continues to seek out answers to a litany of questions .
One thing he ’ s not certain about is a positive test for antibodies he said he received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was warned by my physician then that although I did test positive for the antibodies , there ’ s a 20 % chance that it ’ s incorrect , ” Johnson said .
“ On top of the fact that they don ’ t know what the antibodies mean .
Still today , I don ’ t know what they mean .
“ Once I clear this and go back into life , I assume I still need to be very cautious and I could be re-infected once again .
There are just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what means what .
I still don ’ t have clarity .
The longer I get into this and the more issues I deal with , the more questions I have.
” He can ’ t return to racing unless he ’ s free of symptoms and has two negative tests in a 24-hour span .
Justin Allgaier will replace Johnson in Hendrick Motorsports ’ No .
48 Chevrolet and one team member — the mechanic in charge of Johnson ’ s cockpit — has been quarantined because he ’ s the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with the driver .
“ Purely out of precaution , the interior mechanic was the one person we could identify who had contact with Jimmie or his suit or whatever , ” said Jeff Andrews , the team ’ s vice president of competition .
A new race strategy also may be necessary .
Instead of starting fourth , the position Johnson earned in a random draw , Allgaier will have to drop to the back of the field because of rules regarding driver changes .
NASCAR President Steve Phelps said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be back by next Sunday at Kentucky Speedway .
The series does not test for the coronavirus and Phelps did not indicate Johnson ’ s positive result will change that .
“ I think the protocols have actually worked really , really well for us , ” Phelps said in the pre-race show .
“ Obviously , it is unfortunate that Jimmie is going to be out of the car this weekend .
I think if you look at the procedures that we have in place and the policies that we have in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers , the crews , our own officials and anyone who is working at the race track — the number of positive tests that we ’ ve had has been so , so far and few and far between.
” Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to test positive since the sport resumed in May .
Two teams have confirmed that shop-based employees who do not travel to the track have had positive tests .
NASCAR granted Johnson a waiver to compete in the playoffs if he qualifies .
Johnson is 12th in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoff picture .
Meanwhile , back at the mountain home , adjustments are being made .
Johnson plans to watch NASCAR racing on television for the first time since he became a Cup regular in 2002 , a potential preview of how retirement may look , while trying to figure out how to celebrate the holiday weekend and his older daughter ’ s 10th birthday .
“ We ’ re very scared to be around them and interact with them , not to mention my oldest has her birthday coming up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re going to be celebrating inside our house , but it ’ s really been tough for our kids to grasp .
”

INDIANAPOLIS — Jimmie Johnson and his family took every precaution to avoid the coronavirus.
They washed their hands frequently, diligently followed the face-mask guidelines and even left their home in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the less densely populated Aspen, Colorado.
And yet both Johnson and his wife still tested positive for the virus this week — knocking the seven-time NASCAR champion out of what was expected to be his final Brickyard 400.
Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 and it will end his streak of 663 consecutive Cup starts. It’s also temporarily disrupting his family life as he and wife, Chani, attempt to quarantine while still raising their two daughters. Both girls tested negative, Johnson said.
“We’re being very responsible in our home and trying to self-isolate, but at the same time we have to parent on top of their fears,” Johnson said Saturday by Zoom from Colorado.
“So we’re OK, but for a 9-year-old and 6-year-old, it’s hard. We can’t feed them. We’re heartbroken to see the fear in their eyes.”
Johnson was in Indianapolis on Wednesday to test on Dallara’s simulator. He then flew back to Aspen and was scheduled to return to Indy for Sunday’s race.
He didn’t have an inkling anything was wrong until Friday.
Chani Johnson had been experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms in the summer mountain air, and the 44-year-old Johnson was using a routine prescription to treat his own seasonal issues.
Chani Johnson, a “rule follower” her husband said, went for a coronavirus test because of the allergies. Her results came back positive Friday morning and Johnson and their daughters immediately went for their own tests.
“It would be very easy right now to get bummed out,” said Johnson, who is stepping away from full-time NASCAR racing at the end of the season. “If it wasn’t for Chani’s diligence to do the right thing, we’d be going on with life as normal and who knows who we could have come in contact with and infected.”
The good news is doctors believe Johnson’s wife already endured the worst of COVID-19. Johnson said aside from a tickle in his throat, he’s asymptomatic.
But the ramifications reverberate around the racing community.
Johnson said he has spoken with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of a contact tracing initiative and continues to seek out answers to a litany of questions. One thing he’s not certain about is a positive test for antibodies he said he received early in the pandemic.
“I was warned by my physician then that although I did test positive for the antibodies, there’s a 20% chance that it’s incorrect,” Johnson said. “On top of the fact that they don’t know what the antibodies mean. Still today, I don’t know what they mean.
“Once I clear this and go back into life, I assume I still need to be very cautious and I could be re-infected once again. There are just so many questions regarding this virus and what means what. I still don’t have clarity. The longer I get into this and the more issues I deal with, the more questions I have.”
He can’t return to racing unless he’s free of symptoms and has two negative tests in a 24-hour span. Justin Allgaier will replace Johnson in Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 Chevrolet and one team member — the mechanic in charge of Johnson’s cockpit — has been quarantined because he’s the only Hendrick employee to have come into close contact with the driver.
“Purely out of precaution, the interior mechanic was the one person we could identify who had contact with Jimmie or his suit or whatever,” said Jeff Andrews, the team’s vice president of competition.
A new race strategy also may be necessary.
Instead of starting fourth, the position Johnson earned in a random draw, Allgaier will have to drop to the back of the field because of rules regarding driver changes.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps said on NBC the series is hopeful Johnson can be back by next Sunday at Kentucky Speedway. The series does not test for the coronavirus and Phelps did not indicate Johnson’s positive result will change that.
“I think the protocols have actually worked really, really well for us,” Phelps said in the pre-race show. “Obviously, it is unfortunate that Jimmie is going to be out of the car this weekend. I think if you look at the procedures that we have in place and the policies that we have in place, really, to protect the drivers, the crews, our own officials and anyone who is working at the race track — the number of positive tests that we’ve had has been so, so far and few and far between.”
Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to test positive since the sport resumed in May. Two teams have confirmed that shop-based employees who do not travel to the track have had positive tests.
NASCAR granted Johnson a waiver to compete in the playoffs if he qualifies. Johnson is 12th in the standings, 63 points inside the playoff picture.
Meanwhile, back at the mountain home, adjustments are being made.
Johnson plans to watch NASCAR racing on television for the first time since he became a Cup regular in 2002, a potential preview of how retirement may look, while trying to figure out how to celebrate the holiday weekend and his older daughter’s 10th birthday.
“We’re very scared to be around them and interact with them, not to mention my oldest has her birthday coming up on the seventh,” he said. “We’re going to be celebrating inside our house, but it’s really been tough for our kids to grasp.”
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Denver weather: Hot with a chance of early afternoon thunderstorms on Monday

Denver weather forecasters say to expect more hot temperatures and a chance for afternoon thunderstorms on Monday .
The National @ @ @ @ @ expected to reach about 94 degrees Monday , with a 20 % chance of showers @ @ @ @ @ p.m .
Skies are expected to clear by about 8 p.m. and overnight lows will @ @ @ @ @ , forecasters said .
The same pattern of sunny skies and a chance for afternoon @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the weather service said .
Later this week , temperatures could reach triple @ @

Denver weather forecasters say to expect more hot temperatures and a chance for afternoon thunderstorms on Monday.
The National Weather Service said the heat expected to reach about 94 degrees Monday, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms beginning around 1 p.m.
Skies are expected to clear by about 8 p.m. and overnight lows will dip to about 64 degrees, forecasters said.
The same pattern of sunny skies and a chance for afternoon thunderstorms will repeat again on Tuesday, the weather service said.
Later this week, temperatures could reach triple digits.


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Denver weather: Could temperatures hit 100 degrees this week?

Crank up those air conditioners : triple-digit heat could well be on its way later this week .
Temperatures could reach 100 degrees in Denver later this week as the hottest weather so far this year moves into the Front Range and most of Colorado .
After starting the work week with readings in the low 90s , temperatures will gradually build as the week wears on , with triple digits possible in the Front Range by the end of the week and into the weekend .
Eastern plains locations could hit 100 degrees or above several times this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees was back on Sept. 2 , when Denver set its latest 100-degree reading on record .
Denver averages one 100-degree day per year , according to long-term statistics from the National Weather Service .
In 2012 , Denver hit 100 degrees 13 times that year , making it the most 100 degree days in the city ’ s recorded history .
Denver could tie or break daily records on Thursday ( current daily record : 98 degrees in 1989 ) , Friday ( 102 degrees , 2016 ) or Saturday ( 102 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prolonged ridge of high pressure will be the main driver behind this week ’ s exceptional and potential triple-digit heat .
In the tweet below , watch how the bulk of the heat concentrates over the southern and central Rockies and Plains for several days .
A ridge of high pressure , simply put , is when widespread sinking air compresses .
When that happens , air particles accelerate , which is a warming process .
High pressure also typically stifles rain chances , as clouds and precipitation from air rises rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also keep fire danger especially high for much of this week .
Hot temperatures , gusty winds and a low moisture content to the air will combine to keep fire danger high throughout most of this week and likely continuing into next weekend .
“ Elevated fire danger should continue through the rest of the week as the hot and dry weather persists , ” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote in their detailed forecast discussion on Sunday .

Crank up those air conditioners: triple-digit heat could well be on its way later this week.
Temperatures could reach 100 degrees in Denver later this week as the hottest weather so far this year moves into the Front Range and most of Colorado.
After starting the work week with readings in the low 90s, temperatures will gradually build as the week wears on, with triple digits possible in the Front Range by the end of the week and into the weekend. Eastern plains locations could hit 100 degrees or above several times this week.
The last time Denver hit 100 degrees was back on Sept. 2, when Denver set its latest 100-degree reading on record. Denver averages one 100-degree day per year, according to long-term statistics from the National Weather Service. In 2012, Denver hit 100 degrees 13 times that year, making it the most 100 degree days in the city’s recorded history.
Denver could tie or break daily records on Thursday (current daily record: 98 degrees in 1989), Friday (102 degrees, 2016) or Saturday (102 degrees, 1954).
A pronounced and prolonged ridge of high pressure will be the main driver behind this week’s exceptional and potential triple-digit heat. In the tweet below, watch how the bulk of the heat concentrates over the southern and central Rockies and Plains for several days.
Interesting evolution to the heat wave this week. Initially the heat core is over the Great Lakes, but then a subtropical high builds west and north merging with building heat dome over the Deep SW/ Lower Plains late week-weekend. Get ready for intense heat nation's middle!! pic.twitter.com/AJ4iDqSpwl — Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) July 5, 2020
A ridge of high pressure, simply put, is when widespread sinking air compresses. When that happens, air particles accelerate, which is a warming process. High pressure also typically stifles rain chances, as clouds and precipitation from air rises rather than descends.
This prolonged heat wave will also keep fire danger especially high for much of this week. Hot temperatures, gusty winds and a low moisture content to the air will combine to keep fire danger high throughout most of this week and likely continuing into next weekend.
“Elevated fire danger should continue through the rest of the week as the hot and dry weather persists,” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote in their detailed forecast discussion on Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Amid coronavirus pandemic, fewer students seek federal aid for college

The number of high school seniors applying for U.S. federal college aid plunged in the weeks following the sudden closure of school buildings this spring — a time when students were cut off from school counselors , and families hit with financial setbacks were reconsidering plans for higher education .
In the first weeks of the pandemic , the number of new applications fell by nearly half compared to last year ’ s levels , fueled by a precipitous decline among students at low-income schools , according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data .
The numbers have risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging students to apply for aid , but they remain down overall from last year .
It ’ s raising alarms among education officials who say thousands of students may be opting to delay or forgo college , with potentially dire consequences for their job prospects and future earnings .
“ The consequences are that kids are going directly into the workforce .
They ’ re closing the door on post-high school learning , ” said David Nieslanik , principal of Southridge High School in Beaverton , Oregon , where he saw only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction moved online .
The FAFSA , short for Free Application for Federal Student Aid , is required for students to be eligible for federal Pell grants and student loans .
It ’ s also often a requirement for state aid .
Students who complete the form are far more likely to enroll in college , studies have found , and those who receive aid are more likely to stay in college .
In the four weeks starting March 13 , the number of completed applications was down 45 % compared to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the AP analysis .
It was sharpest at Title I schools , a federal designation for public schools that have larger shares of low-income students , which saw a 52 % decrease , compared to a 39 % slide at other public schools .
Overall , applications were down by 70,000 as of June 19 , representing a 3.7 % drop for the entire application cycle .
Even before the pandemic , some states had been expecting to see decreases as demographic shifts result in fewer high school seniors , and plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or increase .
However , as the coronavirus started to spread , every state saw numbers slide compared to last year ’ s levels , even states that had more high school seniors this year .
Schools say the pandemic contributed to the slide in several ways .
Separated from their schools , students lost touch with counselors who typically guide them through the complex financial aid process .
Families without reliable internet access struggled to complete the online form .
And amid economic turmoil , some students took jobs and put college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s timing worsened its impact on low-income students , experts say : While more affluent students typically submit the FAFSA earlier in the application cycle , low-income students are more likely to wait until March or April , the time when schools were shutting down .
Gregory Cole , principal of the Mojave High School in North Las Vegas , Nevada , said it came at “ the very worst time.
” Many parents lost jobs as the region ’ s gaming industry shut down , and some students took jobs in groceries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem , many students come from families that had never filed the form , which requires a range of tax and Social Security records .
“ We ’ re the lifeline for a lot of our kids , ” Cole said .
“ Without us there to help them through the process , I think it ’ s inevitable that some of them are going to fall through the cracks.
” Once schools closed , counselors could no longer pull students into their offices to talk , or invite families to school to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were left sending emails that often went unanswered , or they relied on unwieldy video chats to help families with paperwork .
There ’ s hope that the decrease is partly tied to students who plan to attend community colleges and are waiting to file until closer to those schools ’ deadlines , which are often later , said Justin Draeger , president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators .
Still , he worries that the drop-off may be more than a “ temporary blip.
” “ During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school to retool .
But this just feels very different because of the pandemic , the illness , the job loss , and then the quarantines that might reappear this year , ” he said .
“ All of this says to me , there are a lot of things to be worried about.
” Education officials are encouraging students to apply over the summer , even if only to see how much financial aid they could receive .
North Carolina recently launched a “ FAFSA Frenzy ” campaign , while Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to apply .
Although deadlines for some state scholarships have passed , students can still apply for federal aid for the 2020-21 school year through June 2021 .
In Louisiana , one of several states where students are required to file the FAFSA in order to graduate from high school , state officials waived that rule because of the pandemic .
But state education officials are still calling and texting students in districts with lower completion rates .
As of June 19 , applications among the state ’ s low-income students were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are not going to stop , ” said Sujuan Boutté , executive director of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance .
“ We ’ ve got to be that rock that says , ‘ I do understand that there ’ s a lot of uncertainty , but this is a ticket to your future and you don ’ t want to put that on hold.
’ ” Officials in Kentucky say they ’ re working hard but aren ’ t optimistic they ’ ll catch up with last year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they worry that many students who filed will ultimately not enroll in college .
“ We may reach the same percentage , but I ’ m not optimistic that all of those students will be going to college , ” said Aaron Thompson , president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education .
“ If I ’ m wrong about this , I will be shouting hallelujah .
”

The number of high school seniors applying for U.S. federal college aid plunged in the weeks following the sudden closure of school buildings this spring — a time when students were cut off from school counselors, and families hit with financial setbacks were reconsidering plans for higher education.
In the first weeks of the pandemic, the number of new applications fell by nearly half compared to last year’s levels, fueled by a precipitous decline among students at low-income schools, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data. The numbers have risen as states and schools have launched campaigns urging students to apply for aid, but they remain down overall from last year.
It’s raising alarms among education officials who say thousands of students may be opting to delay or forgo college, with potentially dire consequences for their job prospects and future earnings.
“The consequences are that kids are going directly into the workforce. They’re closing the door on post-high school learning,” said David Nieslanik, principal of Southridge High School in Beaverton, Oregon, where he saw only more affluent students file for aid once instruction moved online.
The FAFSA, short for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is required for students to be eligible for federal Pell grants and student loans. It’s also often a requirement for state aid. Students who complete the form are far more likely to enroll in college, studies have found, and those who receive aid are more likely to stay in college.
In the four weeks starting March 13, the number of completed applications was down 45% compared to the same period the year before, according to the AP analysis. It was sharpest at Title I schools, a federal designation for public schools that have larger shares of low-income students, which saw a 52% decrease, compared to a 39% slide at other public schools.
Overall, applications were down by 70,000 as of June 19, representing a 3.7% drop for the entire application cycle.
Even before the pandemic, some states had been expecting to see decreases as demographic shifts result in fewer high school seniors, and plenty of individual schools saw filings hold steady or increase. However, as the coronavirus started to spread, every state saw numbers slide compared to last year’s levels, even states that had more high school seniors this year.
Schools say the pandemic contributed to the slide in several ways. Separated from their schools, students lost touch with counselors who typically guide them through the complex financial aid process. Families without reliable internet access struggled to complete the online form. And amid economic turmoil, some students took jobs and put college plans on hold.
The pandemic’s timing worsened its impact on low-income students, experts say: While more affluent students typically submit the FAFSA earlier in the application cycle, low-income students are more likely to wait until March or April, the time when schools were shutting down.
Gregory Cole, principal of the Mojave High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada, said it came at “the very worst time.”
Many parents lost jobs as the region’s gaming industry shut down, and some students took jobs in groceries or fast food chains. Compounding the problem, many students come from families that had never filed the form, which requires a range of tax and Social Security records.
“We’re the lifeline for a lot of our kids,” Cole said. “Without us there to help them through the process, I think it’s inevitable that some of them are going to fall through the cracks.”
Once schools closed, counselors could no longer pull students into their offices to talk, or invite families to school to navigate the FAFSA. Instead, schools were left sending emails that often went unanswered, or they relied on unwieldy video chats to help families with paperwork.
There’s hope that the decrease is partly tied to students who plan to attend community colleges and are waiting to file until closer to those schools’ deadlines, which are often later, said Justin Draeger, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Still, he worries that the drop-off may be more than a “temporary blip.”
“During recessions, traditionally more people go back to school to retool. But this just feels very different because of the pandemic, the illness, the job loss, and then the quarantines that might reappear this year,” he said. “All of this says to me, there are a lot of things to be worried about.”
Education officials are encouraging students to apply over the summer, even if only to see how much financial aid they could receive. North Carolina recently launched a “FAFSA Frenzy” campaign, while Kentucky is hosting “FAFSA Fridays” urging students to apply.
Although deadlines for some state scholarships have passed, students can still apply for federal aid for the 2020-21 school year through June 2021.
In Louisiana, one of several states where students are required to file the FAFSA in order to graduate from high school, state officials waived that rule because of the pandemic. But state education officials are still calling and texting students in districts with lower completion rates.
As of June 19, applications among the state’s low-income students were down by nearly 9%.
“We are not going to stop,” said Sujuan Boutté, executive director of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. “We’ve got to be that rock that says, ‘I do understand that there’s a lot of uncertainty, but this is a ticket to your future and you don’t want to put that on hold.’”
Officials in Kentucky say they’re working hard but aren’t optimistic they’ll catch up with last year’s numbers. Even if they do, they worry that many students who filed will ultimately not enroll in college.
“We may reach the same percentage, but I’m not optimistic that all of those students will be going to college,” said Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. “If I’m wrong about this, I will be shouting hallelujah.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--How I got hooked on sports: Brett Favre’s complicated legacy and covering a game at Lambeau Field

My first real memory of pro football is watching Brett Favre on TV run around the Superdome without his helmet — smiling , screaming , leaping — to celebrate a deep touchdown pass in Super Bowl XXXI .
The year was 1997 .
I was 6 years old .
And it was one helluva time to be raised in a family of Packer backers .
I spent most of the next decade sleeping beneath a Reggie White poster with the Minister of Defense in a three-point stance below the word CHARACTER and a definition ; 1 .
The combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
2 .
Moral force , integrity .
Sundays were reserved for football with a No .
80 Donald Driver jersey as the good luck charm .
In 2007 , in the heart of Broncos Country , my dad , brother and I led “ GO PACK GO ” chants out of Mile High after Favre threw an 82-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime .
Pure joy got replaced by pure sadness when a few years later Favre came out of retirement in another jersey .
An important personal lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t always get that storybook ending .
Back in September , though , it all added up to a surreal experience from Green Bay and the Lambeau Field press box as my part of The Post ’ s Broncos coverage team .
My fandom evolved plenty through years in sports media with rooting interests narrowed to the most compelling story to write .
But even with a lens of objectivity , I couldn ’ t help but remember 6-year-old me watching Favre run wild , falling in love with sports , then eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me back to the Packers .
So , thanks for the memories , Brett .
They ’ re why I ’ m still hooked on sports .

My first real memory of pro football is watching Brett Favre on TV run around the Superdome without his helmet — smiling, screaming, leaping — to celebrate a deep touchdown pass in Super Bowl XXXI.
The year was 1997. I was 6 years old. And it was one helluva time to be raised in a family of Packer backers.
I spent most of the next decade sleeping beneath a Reggie White poster with the Minister of Defense in a three-point stance below the word CHARACTER and a definition; 1. The combination of qualities or traits that distinguishes an individual. 2. Moral force, integrity.
Sundays were reserved for football with a No. 80 Donald Driver jersey as the good luck charm. In 2007, in the heart of Broncos Country, my dad, brother and I led “GO PACK GO” chants out of Mile High after Favre threw an 82-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime.
Pure joy got replaced by pure sadness when a few years later Favre came out of retirement in another jersey. An important personal lesson that transcended sports. We don’t always get that storybook ending.
Back in September, though, it all added up to a surreal experience from Green Bay and the Lambeau Field press box as my part of The Post’s Broncos coverage team.
My fandom evolved plenty through years in sports media with rooting interests narrowed to the most compelling story to write. But even with a lens of objectivity, I couldn’t help but remember 6-year-old me watching Favre run wild, falling in love with sports, then eventually writing, and how it all led me back to the Packers.
So, thanks for the memories, Brett.
They’re why I’m still hooked on sports.


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Where the Nuggets rank in national power rankings entering the NBA’s season restart

The 2020 NBA season is set to restart in 24 days .
So how do the Nuggets look ?
Here ’ s how some national publications rank Denver in their power rankings : The Athletic ( No .
10 ) : “ Yes , Jokic hurts opponents from everywhere on the floor , but a good chunk of his attack comes from being chunky .
Having that big body leaning on you on post possession after post possession wears you out .
Jokic posted up more than anybody in the league this season .
Take away the post-ups that led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second behind Embiid .
He will have to adjust his game a bit , if he ’ s healthy enough to be himself , ” The Athletic ’ s Zach Harper writes .
See The Athletic ’ s full rankings here ( Subscription ) .
ESPN ( No .
8 ) : “ A slimmed-down Nikola Jokic gives the Nuggets a completely new look and brings up questions they didn ’ t have before .
Are we sure Jokic , who tested positive for the coronavirus in late June , is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brilliance was in his physicality , using his frame to work angles , carve space and lull defenders to sleep .
The change could mean Jokic has a more explosive first step , is conditioned better for long stretches of playing time and can combine his unique skill set with more athleticism .
If that ’ s the case , Denver might have had one of the most striking improvements of any team during the break , ” ESPN ’ s Royce Young writes .
See ESPN ’ s full rankings here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The Nuggets have work to do to hold onto the No .
3 seed in the West and should face both the Lakers and Clippers before the playoffs begin , opportunities to see how Nikola Jokic ’ s pick-and-roll defense holds up against two of the best players in the league , ” John Schuhmann writes .
See NBA.com ’ s full rankings here .
Sports Illustrated ( No .
6 ) : “ Denver had a tough remaining schedule before the shutdown , and it will stay that way at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting with the nullification of home-court advantage , so seeding doesn ’ t really matter as much and matchups become more important .
We ’ ll have to see if there is any possible tanking in the final few games to set up teams for the matchup they want , as the Nos .
2 through 7 seeds in the West are all within four wins of each other .
The Nuggets will hope their newly skinny superstar , Nikola Jokic , recovers from COVID-19 to lead them to playoff success , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ See CBS Sports ’ full rankings here .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
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The 2020 NBA season is set to restart in 24 days. So how do the Nuggets look? Here’s how some national publications rank Denver in their power rankings:
The Athletic (No. 10): “Yes, Jokic hurts opponents from everywhere on the floor, but a good chunk of his attack comes from being chunky. Having that big body leaning on you on post possession after post possession wears you out. Jokic posted up more than anybody in the league this season. Take away the post-ups that led to him passing and he still ranks second behind Embiid. He will have to adjust his game a bit, if he’s healthy enough to be himself,” The Athletic’s Zach Harper writes. See The Athletic’s full rankings here (Subscription).
ESPN (No. 8): “A slimmed-down Nikola Jokic gives the Nuggets a completely new look and brings up questions they didn’t have before. Are we sure Jokic, who tested positive for the coronavirus in late June, is going to be a better player? Part of his brilliance was in his physicality, using his frame to work angles, carve space and lull defenders to sleep. The change could mean Jokic has a more explosive first step, is conditioned better for long stretches of playing time and can combine his unique skill set with more athleticism. If that’s the case, Denver might have had one of the most striking improvements of any team during the break,” ESPN’s Royce Young writes. See ESPN’s full rankings here.
NBA.com (No. 7): “The Nuggets have work to do to hold onto the No. 3 seed in the West and should face both the Lakers and Clippers before the playoffs begin, opportunities to see how Nikola Jokic’s pick-and-roll defense holds up against two of the best players in the league,” John Schuhmann writes. See NBA.com’s full rankings here.
Sports Illustrated (No. 6): “Denver had a tough remaining schedule before the shutdown, and it will stay that way at Walt Disney World. The West is interesting with the nullification of home-court advantage, so seeding doesn’t really matter as much and matchups become more important. We’ll have to see if there is any possible tanking in the final few games to set up teams for the matchup they want, as the Nos. 2 through 7 seeds in the West are all within four wins of each other. The Nuggets will hope their newly skinny superstar, Nikola Jokic, recovers from COVID-19 to lead them to playoff success,” CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger writes. See CBS Sports’ full rankings here.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
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thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Denver City Council seeks checks on the mayor’s power

Slowly but surely , Denver City Council members are making moves that — if approved by voters — will shift power from the city ’ s strong mayor back to their body of 13 .
At least three proposals are underway or soon will be to provide a check on the mayor ’ s executive powers .
The council has already placed at least one on the November ballot .
The measures are backed by hundreds , if not thousands , of protesters , demonstrators , activists and civically engaged residents , many of whom say they feel Denver ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the streets .
However , the changes will inevitably come slower than the masses would like .
And they won ’ t come with the blessing of Mayor Michael Hancock , whose office said the proposals represent more of a power grab than a shift .
“ All of these proposed charter changes have one thing in common : they appear to be a list of solutions in search of problems at a time when our residents need clear-headed leadership , not power-grab politics , ” spokesperson Theresa Marchetta said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t about a power grab — and aren ’ t about just about Hancock , even though clashes have increased since the 2019 city election .
New council members elected last year have challenged the mayor , who won a third term in a runoff , on contracts for halfway houses and his administration ’ s treatment of them , among other issues .
“ I still value a strong-mayor system , but what ’ s coming to the surface today were issues in Denver for my grandparents ’ generation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Singular authority without meaningful balance is not what serves my district.
” The discourse spilled into City Council chambers in mid-June , when scores of activists interrupted the group ’ s meeting demanding to voice their frustrations and concerns .
They called for police officers who ’ ve killed citizens to be fired , more police accountability , and more oversight of Hancock ’ s administration .
“ Y ’ all should have more control over the mayor , ” one demonstrator , Kenny White , told the council .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The council canceled the next week ’ s meeting in anticipation of a similar takeover , so the protesters met outside and repeated their calls for systemic change within city government .
While some on council work to push the needle in that direction , Councilman Kevin Flynn said he isn ’ t so sure the proposals represent much of a shift .
“ I ’ ve seen plenty of power confrontations between mayors and councils that remind me of what ’ s happening at the moment , ” Flynn said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer ’ s proposal that the mayor ’ s appointees be subject to approval by the council .
The council unanimously approved referring her proposal to the ballot in one June vote , but a second vote is needed to cement the decision .
Mandating council approval of appointees such as the city attorney , public safety director and police chief is meant to boost transparency between council members and those staffers while also building relationships , Sawyer said .
If approved by voters , the change would only apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process .
Hancock and future mayors would still select and oversee the appointees Councilman Paul Kashmann , said the move would likely change little as far as the general public is concerned but he supports it : “ It would set up a dynamic where there would be more give and take in advance , behind the scenes , rather than creating a public display that might embarrass the candidates.
” Flynn agreed and said he would also like if the council could fire an appointee “ because it ’ s only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we know how good they will be , ” he said .
That ’ s not currently part of Sawyer ’ s proposal .
Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca , who has long said she wants to diminish the power of Hancock ’ s office , is working on a charter change that would separate the Office of the Independent Monitor from the mayor ’ s oversight .
The office provides citizen oversight for law enforcement agencies , but it currently reports to the mayor and its recommendations can be too easily ignored , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lisa Calderón .
The councilwoman wants he office to be truly independent .
It ’ s an old criticism of the office , which was established when John Hickenlooper was mayor , but one the council and voters could act on this year .
Torres said the city ’ s Citizen Oversight Board , which also examines law enforcement agencies , should be strengthened along with the monitor ’ s office .
The council can do little about recent calls to defund the Denver Police Department — which are part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward enforcement and more toward more social services and more — Councilwoman Robin Kniech said .
The group is bound by the fiscal year — which coincides with the calendar year — to change any expenditures .
But those calls have underscored the importance of a proposal from Kniech that dates back to January , which would allow the council to change the city ’ s budget mid-year .
It ’ s an important step , Torres , Sawyer and Kashmann agreed , and another that will require approval from Denver residents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to the budget timing and process , ” Torres said .
Sawyer said she often asks for line-item expenditures but receives little or no information in return .
Most recently , she asked about police expenses during the city ’ s George Floyd protests .
“ We blanketed an entire statistical neighborhood in tear gas , including people who were sitting in their homes doing absolutely nothing , ” Sawyer said .
“ That ’ s a lot of tear gas .
How much did we spend on that ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision about whether and how to shift money from the police “ when we don ’ t have a line item budget on what the police are spending money on ?
” she asked .
The council will vote in July whether to forward Kniech ’ s proposal to the November ballot .
Already on the November ballot One measure that the council has voted to put on the 2020 ballot would allow the body to hire outside help , such as experts to explain complicated contracts or investigators to look into more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Hancock administration has blocked the council from doing just that , which can make the job difficult , Kashmann said .
“ I ’ m not looking to shift to a town manager form of government , but I do think the council has been hamstrung in our ability to do our job the way our constituents deserve , ” he said .
The proposal already set on the November ballot and others that soon could be are small but important changes , Kashmann said .
While the city has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is not to say the council is “ weak.
” “ Checks and balances are always important , but we have to remember that much of our power lies in our ability to work collectively as a body , ” he said .
Collectively , the proposed changes aren ’ t an attempt to shift power , Flynn said , but rather an effort to enhance the city ’ s checks and balances .
Whatever changes are in store for Denver ’ s form of government will likely come slowly , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The city ’ s charter transcends the individuals serving on the council and in the mayor ’ s seat , and any changes made must serve the needs of citizens in the future as well as in the present .

Slowly but surely, Denver City Council members are making moves that — if approved by voters — will shift power from the city’s strong mayor back to their body of 13.
At least three proposals are underway or soon will be to provide a check on the mayor’s executive powers. The council has already placed at least one on the November ballot.
The measures are backed by hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters, demonstrators, activists and civically engaged residents, many of whom say they feel Denver’s leadership has lost touch with people in the streets. However, the changes will inevitably come slower than the masses would like.
And they won’t come with the blessing of Mayor Michael Hancock, whose office said the proposals represent more of a power grab than a shift.
“All of these proposed charter changes have one thing in common: they appear to be a list of solutions in search of problems at a time when our residents need clear-headed leadership, not power-grab politics,” spokesperson Theresa Marchetta said in an email.
Council members say the changes aren’t about a power grab — and aren’t just about Hancock, even though clashes have increased since the 2019 city election. New council members elected last year have challenged the mayor, who won a third term in a runoff, on contracts for halfway houses and his administration’s treatment of them, among other issues.
“I still value a strong-mayor system, but what’s coming to the surface today were issues in Denver for my grandparents’ generation,” said Councilwoman Jamie Torres. “Singular authority without meaningful balance is not what serves my district.”
The discourse spilled into City Council chambers in mid-June, when scores of activists interrupted the group’s meeting demanding to voice their frustrations and concerns. They called for police officers who’ve killed citizens to be fired, more police accountability, and more oversight of Hancock’s administration.
“Y’all should have more control over the mayor,” one demonstrator, Kenny White, told the council. “It’s supposed to be checks and balances.”
The council canceled the next week’s meeting in anticipation of a similar takeover, so the protesters met outside and repeated their calls for systemic change within city government.
While some on council work to push the needle in that direction, Councilman Kevin Flynn said he isn’t so sure the proposals represent much of a shift.
“I’ve seen plenty of power confrontations between mayors and councils that remind me of what’s happening at the moment,” Flynn said.
Council approval of mayoral appointees
On deck for the November ballot is Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer’s proposal that the mayor’s appointees be subject to approval by the council. The council unanimously approved referring her proposal to the ballot in one June vote, but a second vote is needed to cement the decision.
Mandating council approval of appointees such as the city attorney, public safety director and police chief is meant to boost transparency between council members and those staffers while also building relationships, Sawyer said. If approved by voters, the change would only apply to new appointees and change little else about the process. Hancock and future mayors would still select and oversee the appointees
Councilman Paul Kashmann, said the move would likely change little as far as the general public is concerned but he supports it: “It would set up a dynamic where there would be more give and take in advance, behind the scenes, rather than creating a public display that might embarrass the candidates.”
Flynn agreed and said he would also like if the council could fire an appointee “because it’s only after we see the job they do that we know how good they will be,” he said.
That’s not currently part of Sawyer’s proposal.
A truly independent monitor
Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, who has long said she wants to diminish the power of Hancock’s office, is working on a charter change that would separate the Office of the Independent Monitor from the mayor’s oversight.
The office provides citizen oversight for law enforcement agencies, but it currently reports to the mayor and its recommendations can be too easily ignored, said CdeBaca’s chief of staff, Lisa Calderón. The councilwoman wants the office to be truly independent.
It’s an old criticism of the office, which was established when John Hickenlooper was mayor, but one the council and voters could act on this year.
Torres said the city’s Citizen Oversight Board, which also examines law enforcement agencies, should be strengthened along with the monitor’s office.
Additional budget oversight and control
The council can do little about recent calls to defund the Denver Police Department — which are part of a national push to put less public money toward enforcement and more toward more social services and more — Councilwoman Robin Kniech said. The group is bound by the fiscal year — which coincides with the calendar year — to change any expenditures.
But those calls have underscored the importance of a proposal from Kniech that dates back to January, which would allow the council to change the city’s budget mid-year.
It’s an important step, Torres, Sawyer and Kashmann agreed, and another that will require approval from Denver residents.
“We are weakened in many ways when it comes to the budget timing and process,” Torres said.
Sawyer said she often asks for line-item expenditures but receives little or no information in return. Most recently, she asked about police expenses during the city’s George Floyd protests.
“We blanketed an entire statistical neighborhood in tear gas, including people who were sitting in their homes doing absolutely nothing,” Sawyer said. “That’s a lot of tear gas. How much did we spend on that?”
How can the council make a decision about whether and how to shift money from the police “when we don’t have a line item budget on what the police are spending money on?” she asked.
The council will vote in July on whether to forward Kniech’s proposal to the November ballot.
Already on the November ballot
One measure that the council has voted to put on the 2020 ballot would allow the body to hire outside help, such as experts to explain complicated contracts or investigators to look into more sensitive internal matters. In the past, the Hancock administration has blocked the council from doing just that, which can make the job difficult, Kashmann said.
“I’m not looking to shift to a town manager form of government, but I do think the council has been hamstrung in our ability to do our job the way our constituents deserve,” he said.
The proposal already set on the November ballot and others that soon could be are small but important changes, Kashmann said.
While the city has a strong-mayor system, Councilman Chris Herndon said that is not to say the council is “weak.”
“Checks and balances are always important, but we have to remember that much of our power lies in our ability to work collectively as a body,” he said.
Collectively, the proposed changes aren’t an attempt to shift power, Flynn said, but rather an effort to enhance the city’s checks and balances.
Whatever changes are in store for Denver’s form of government will likely come slowly, but that’s by design, Sawyer said. The city’s charter transcends the individuals serving on the council and in the mayor’s seat, and any changes made must serve the needs of citizens in the future as well as in the present.


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Rockies need pitching depth, but can Jeff Hoffman deliver?

The Rays have Charlie Morton , Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow in their rotation , as well as a number of high-powered arms in the bullpen .
That could serve them very well in a 60-game season .
The Dodgers — even without David Price , who ’ s decided not to pitch this season because of the coronavirus pandemic — are deep , too .
So are the Yankees .
The Rockies ?
Based on last season , their pitching is about as deep as the Platte River in late summer .
But that was then , and ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes the Rockies will rebound from a 2019 season in which the pitching staff posted a 5.56 ERA , the third-highest in franchise history and the club ’ s highest since its 6.01 mark in 1999 .
Foster ’ s optimism is based on the belief that left-hander Kyle Freeland and veteran closer Wade Davis will mount monster comebacks .
He thinks veteran relievers Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee can rebound , too .
Perhaps most important , Foster predicts that right-hander Jeff Hoffman — the former first-round draft choice whose fastball and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other high-tech pitch evaluations — will finally blossom .
Hoffman , 27 , is out minor-league options so his time is now .
He could well be the key to Colorado ’ s needed depth , be it as a fifth starter or as a long reliever .
“ To this point and time , Jeff Hoffman has not performed up to the level that we believe he can , ” Foster said Sunday .
“ Being able to throw strikes is a critical component for him.
” Hoffman must work to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thrive .
“ Then he can use the dirtiness that he has — if that ’ s the right word , ” Foster said .
Hoffman throws a big curveball but Foster knows it ’ s time for Hoffman to harness the pitch on a regular basis .
He needs to challenge hitters and put hitters on the defensive .
“ Some of that is ( about ) mental toughness , some of that is the ability to not be afraid of context , ” Foster said .
In other words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explode into big innings , as too often has been the case in a career measured by a 6.11 ERA .
Freeland , who worked out with Hoffman during the pandemic break , knows his close friend very well .
He ’ s convinced that Hoffman can put it all together in 2020 .
“ He ’ s got all the tools and all the talent in the world to be an extremely good major league pitcher , ” Freeland said .
“ I know firsthand what he ’ s capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working hard toward that goal.
” Exhibition season .
There is still a chance that the Rockies could play a couple of exhibition games before their season opens on July 24 , but nothing has been announced yet .
The Rockies , however , will begin moving toward intrasquad games in the coming days .
The Atlanta Braves will play in-camp games starting Wednesday , but Rockies manager Bud Black has not set a date for his own team ’ s intrasquad games .
“ We ’ ll transition into some more game-like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black said .
“ Maybe by the end of the week , you might see something that for sure.
” Close call .
Right-handers German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela , along with Freeland , threw live batting practice Sunday afternoon .
A Marquez fastball got away and it buzzed Nolan Arenado , who had to react quickly to avoid getting drilled in the head .
“ You obviously don ’ t want to get thrown at up near there — but it happens , ” Arenado said .
“ Denver ’ s dry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but , honestly , I was able to get out of the way and I think that it ’ s a good sign for me , being able to recognize that it ’ s coming near me and I was able to move.
” Rodgers “ full go.
” Rookie infielder Brendan Rodgers , who had shoulder surgery last July and was a limited participant during spring training , is completely healed and ready to compete for playing time .
“ He ’ s moving great .
The arm feels good , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the arm coming back from surgery but he ’ s had some good workouts here .
I know Keith ( Dugger , Rockies head trainer ) was working really hard with him on a daily basis to strengthen his shoulder and making sure that he hit the medical markers to progress .
And now he ’ s full go .
”

Tampa Bay’s pitching is deep. Like, Crater Lake deep.
The Rays have Charlie Morton, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow in their rotation, as well as a number of high-powered arms in the bullpen. That could serve them very well in a 60-game season.
The Dodgers — even without David Price, who’s decided not to pitch this season because of the coronavirus pandemic — are deep, too. So are the Yankees.
The Rockies? Based on last season, their pitching is about as deep as the Platte River in late summer. But that was then, and ever sunny and optimistic pitching coach Steve Foster believes the Rockies will rebound from a 2019 season in which the pitching staff posted a 5.56 ERA, the third-highest in franchise history and the club’s highest since its 6.01 mark in 1999.
Foster’s optimism is based on the belief that left-hander Kyle Freeland and veteran closer Wade Davis will mount monster comebacks. He thinks veteran relievers Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee can rebound, too.
Perhaps most important, Foster predicts that right-hander Jeff Hoffman — the former first-round draft choice whose fastball and curveball get A-plus ratings by Rapsodo and other high-tech pitch evaluations — will finally blossom.
Hoffman, 27, is out of minor-league options, so his time is now. He could well be the key to Colorado’s needed depth, be it as a fifth starter or as a long reliever.
“To this point and time, Jeff Hoffman has not performed up to the level that we believe he can,” Foster said Sunday. “Being able to throw strikes is a critical component for him.”
Hoffman must work to get into pitcher’s counts in order to thrive.
“Then he can use the dirtiness that he has — if that’s the right word,” Foster said.
Hoffman throws a big curveball but Foster knows it’s time for Hoffman to harness the pitch on a regular basis. He needs to challenge hitters and put hitters on the defensive.
“Some of that is (about) mental toughness, some of that is the ability to not be afraid of context,” Foster said.
In other words, Hoffman can’t allow small rallies to explode into big innings, as too often has been the case in a career measured by a 6.11 ERA.
Freeland, who worked out with Hoffman during the pandemic break, knows his close friend very well. He’s convinced that Hoffman can put it all together in 2020.
“He’s got all the tools and all the talent in the world to be an extremely good major league pitcher,” Freeland said. “I know firsthand what he’s capable of and he seems like he’s working hard toward that goal.”
Exhibition season. There is still a chance that the Rockies could play a couple of exhibition games before their season opens on July 24, but nothing has been announced yet. The Rockies, however, will begin moving toward intrasquad games in the coming days.
The Atlanta Braves will play in-camp games starting Wednesday, but Rockies manager Bud Black has not set a date for his own team’s intrasquad games.
“We’ll transition into some more game-like activities in the coming days,” Black said. “Maybe by the end of the week, you might see something like that for sure.”
Close call. Right-handers German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela, along with Freeland, threw live batting practice Sunday afternoon. A Marquez fastball got away and it buzzed Nolan Arenado, who had to react quickly to avoid getting drilled in the head.
“You obviously don’t want to get thrown at up near there — but it happens,” Arenado said. “Denver’s dry and the ball gets a little slippery but, honestly, I was able to get out of the way and I think that it’s a good sign for me, being able to recognize that it’s coming near me and I was able to move.”
Rodgers “full go.” Rookie infielder Brendan Rodgers, who had shoulder surgery last July and was a limited participant during spring training, is completely healed and ready to compete for playing time.
“He’s moving great. The arm feels good,” Black said. “We were concerned about the arm coming back from surgery but he’s had some good workouts here. I know Keith (Dugger, Rockies head trainer) was working really hard with him on a daily basis to strengthen his shoulder and making sure that he hit the medical markers to progress. And now he’s full go.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--Denver police investigate after man killed in Park Hill shooting

Denver police are investigating after a man was killed in a shooting in Park Hill early Monday morning .
The @ @ @ @ @ block of North Poplar Street , according to a tweet posted on the department ’ @ @ @ @ @ 1:09 a.m. A man was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries after being @ @ @ @ @ The man died from his injuries , police tweeted at 3 a.m .
The case @ @ @ @ @ homicide .
The victim ’ s identity , details of what led to the shooting @ @ @ @ @ were not immediately released .

Denver police are investigating after a man was killed in a shooting in Park Hill early Monday morning.
The shooting happened in the 2900 block of North Poplar Street, according to a tweet posted on the department’s official Twitter account at 1:09 a.m.
A man was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries after being shot, police said. The man died from his injuries, police tweeted at 3 a.m.
The case is being treated as a homicide.
The victim’s identity, details of what led to the shooting and any possible suspect information were not immediately released.


thedenverpost--2020-07-06--“Young” motorcyclist killed in Jefferson County crash

A motorcyclist was killed late Sunday in a collision with a car in Jefferson County , the Colorado State Patrol @ @ @ @ @ at Ken Caryl Avenue and Shaffer Parkway in Ken Caryl , according to a tweet @ @ @ @ @ s official Twitter account at 11:29 p.m .
The motorcyclist , who was only described @ @ @ @ @ died at the scene , troopers said .
“ Family and dozens of friends are @ @ @ @ @ state patrol tweeted .
The motorcyclist ’ s identity and details of what led to @ @ @ @ @ released .

A motorcyclist was killed late Sunday in a collision with a car in Jefferson County, the Colorado State Patrol said.
The crash happened at Ken Caryl Avenue and Shaffer Parkway in Ken Caryl, according to a tweet posted on the department’s official Twitter account at 11:29 p.m.
The motorcyclist, who was only described as “young,” died at the scene, troopers said.
“Family and dozens of friends are sobbing nearby,” the state patrol tweeted.
The motorcyclist’s identity and details of what led to the crash were not immediately released.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Details out on the biggest Paycheck Protection Program borrowers in Colorado

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided more details about the Paycheck Protection Program on Monday , including the names , addresses and industries of borrowers who took out loans of more than $ 150,000 .
Nearly 103,000 Colorado businesses and nonprofits borrowed $ 10.3 billion under the Paycheck Protection Program as of June 27 , including 13,385 who borrowed more than $ 150,000 and 95 who received more than $ 5 million , according to the latest counts from the SBA .
Although firms shut down by pandemic closures sought help , such as the Blue Bonnet Restaurant and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Davis Graham & Stubbs and personal injury attorney Franklin D. Azar , the Strong Arm .
About one in six small businesses in the state accessed the program , which was designed to provide employers 2.5 months ’ worth of payroll expenses to cope with disruptions from the COVID-19 outbreak .
If the funds are primarily used to cover labor costs , the loans become forgivable .
Initially , there were concerns that banks , who provided the loans , were providing preferential treatment to their largest borrowers , and that firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other programs they could access were benefitting at the expense of small firms .
“ It seemed like the lenders wanted to deal with the big companies and that the Main Street businesses were getting left out , ” said Tony Gagliardi , Colorado State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business .
Accessibility concerns eased when Congress provided an additional $ 320 billion to the program after the first round of $ 349 billion ran out in just a couple of weeks in early April .
Carve-outs were made for small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly $ 130 billion left to lend out at the end of June when it was supposed to end .
It was extended through Aug. 8 .
Pressure has mounted for greater transparency about who received taxpayer funds .
After resisting at first , the Treasury Department relented and on Monday identified roughly 650,000 borrowers or 15 % of the total .
In Colorado , there were about 91,000 borrowers who took out PPP loans of under $ 150,000 .
They were not named .
The more detailed information shows that industries less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as manufacturing and construction , received a greater proportion of the loans than the hardest-hit industries like restaurants and hotels .
Many law firms and private equity companies also sneaked in there , as did public companies that had access to other capital sources , religious institutions , and nonprofits .
Nationally , businesses owned by politicians also borrowed from the program , including a minor league baseball team owned by the family of the governor of Ohio .
A large franchisee of Wendy ’ s , Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to President Donald Trump , received loans totaling $ 15 to $ 30 million , according to the Associated Press .
Other recipients included Kanye West ’ s clothing and sneaker brand Yeezy , Ice Cube ’ s professional basketball league , Planned Parenthood clinics in more than two dozen states , including Colorado , the nonprofit arm of the anti-tax group headed by Grover Norquist , Americans for Tax Reform , as well as Rosenblatt Securities , one of the biggest names on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 10 million range included restaurant chains Big Daddy ’ s and Boston Market , contractors Gerald H. Phipps and Haselden Construction , moving firm Graebel Companies , luxury travel firm Inspirato , and the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers .
There were another 438 Colorado borrowers in the $ 2 million and $ 5 million range .
They included restaurant chains Modmarket and Mad Greens , the Phil Long and O ’ Meara Ford dealerships , the Southern Ute Indian Tribe , and high-tech robotic toymaker Sphero .
Several local religious groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Archdiocese of Denver , Temple Sinai , Cherry Hills Community Church , Flatirons Community Church , New Life Church , Mile High Church and multiple Catholic parishes .
Cultural institutions of all stripes sought federal assistance , including the Denver Art Museum , the Colorado Museum of Natural History , the Children ’ s Museum of Denver , the Denver Zoo , the Denver Center for the Performing Arts , the Colorado Ballet , Opera Colorado and the Colorado Symphony .
And in a worrying sign for the future , several groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves , including the Denver Rescue Mission , Jewish Family Service , Catholic Charities of Central Colorado and the Mile High United Way .
“ Without this incredible economic lifeline , tens of thousands of businesses would have closed their doors , forever eliminating countless local jobs , ” Dan Nordberg , the SBA ’ s Region 8 Administrator , said in a statement .
But the program was only intended to carry the economy through a short interruption from the pandemic , which is now threatening to have a longer-lasting impact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be spent within eight weeks of being received , though that was later extended to 24 weeks .
Many small businesses have already run through their PPP money and still face sharply smaller demand , as consumers remain wary of returning to previous habits of shopping , visiting gyms , or eating out .
Texas , Florida , California , New York and others states have reversed their reopenings , closing down bars and delaying the onset of indoor dining .
“ The biggest issue is that PPP is short-term help , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Upwork , a freelancing platform .
“ And now we ’ re dealing with a mid- to long-term problem.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided more details about the Paycheck Protection Program on Monday, including the names, addresses and industries of borrowers who took out loans of more than $150,000.
Nearly 103,000 Colorado businesses and nonprofits borrowed $10.3 billion under the Paycheck Protection Program as of June 27, including 13,385 who borrowed more than $150,000 and 95 who received more than $5 million, according to the latest counts from the SBA.
Although firms shut down by pandemic closures sought help, such as the Blue Bonnet Restaurant and the Appliance Factory, so did law firms like Davis Graham & Stubbs and personal injury attorney Franklin D. Azar, the Strong Arm.
About one in six small businesses in the state accessed the program, which was designed to provide employers 2.5 months’ worth of payroll expenses to cope with disruptions from the COVID-19 outbreak. If the funds are primarily used to cover labor costs, the loans become forgivable.
Initially, there were concerns that banks, who provided the loans, were providing preferential treatment to their largest borrowers, and that firms with political connections or those who had other programs they could access were benefitting at the expense of small firms.
“It seemed like the lenders wanted to deal with the big companies and that the Main Street businesses were getting left out,” said Tony Gagliardi, Colorado State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Accessibility concerns eased when Congress provided an additional $320 billion to the program after the first round of $349 billion ran out in just a couple of weeks in early April. Carve-outs were made for small loans, and the program still had nearly $130 billion left to lend out at the end of June when it was supposed to end. It was extended through Aug. 8.
Pressure has mounted for greater transparency about who received taxpayer funds. After resisting at first, the Treasury Department relented and on Monday identified roughly 650,000 borrowers or 15% of the total. In Colorado, there were about 91,000 borrowers who took out PPP loans of under $150,000. They were not named.
The more detailed information shows that industries less directly impacted by the pandemic, such as manufacturing and construction, received a greater proportion of the loans than the hardest-hit industries like restaurants and hotels.
Many law firms and private equity companies also sneaked in there, as did public companies that had access to other capital sources, religious and cultural institutions, and nonprofits.
Nationally, businesses owned by politicians also borrowed from the program, including a minor league baseball team owned by the family of the governor of Ohio. A large franchisee of Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, whose CEO is a major donor to President Donald Trump, received loans totaling $15 to $30 million, according to the Associated Press.
Other recipients included Kanye West’s clothing and sneaker brand Yeezy, Ice Cube’s professional basketball league, Planned Parenthood clinics in more than two dozen states, including Colorado, the nonprofit arm of the anti-tax group headed by Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform, as well as Rosenblatt Securities, one of the biggest names on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Colorado borrowers in the $5 million to $10 million range included restaurant chains Big Daddy’s and Boston Market, contractors Gerald H. Phipps and Haselden Construction, moving firm Graebel Companies, luxury travel firm Inspirato, and the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers.
There were another 438 Colorado borrowers in the $2 million and $5 million range. They included restaurant chains Modmarket and Mad Greens, the Phil Long and O’Meara Ford dealerships, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and robotic toymaker Sphero.
A multitude of local religious groups and congregations received government help, including the Archdiocese of Denver, Temple Sinai, Cherry Hills Community Church, Flatirons Community Church, New Life Church, Mile Hi Church and several Catholic parishes.
Cultural institutions of all stripes sought federal assistance, including the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of Denver, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado and the Colorado Symphony.
And in a worrying sign for the future, several groups who help those in need sought help themselves, including the Denver Rescue Mission, Jewish Family Service, Catholic Charities of Central Colorado and the Mile High United Way.
“Without this incredible economic lifeline, tens of thousands of businesses would have closed their doors, forever eliminating countless local jobs,” Dan Nordberg, the SBA’s Region 8 Administrator, said in a statement.
But the program was only intended to carry the economy through a short interruption from the pandemic, which is now threatening to have a longer-lasting impact. The Treasury Department initially required the loans to be spent within eight weeks of being received, though that was later extended to 24 weeks.
Many small businesses have already run through their PPP money and still face sharply smaller demand, as consumers remain wary of returning to previous habits of shopping, visiting gyms, or eating out. Texas, Florida, California, New York and others states have reversed their reopenings, closing down bars and delaying the onset of indoor dining.
“The biggest issue is that PPP is short-term help,” said Adam Ozimek, chief economist at Upwork, a freelancing platform. “And now we’re dealing with a mid- to long-term problem.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--International students must leave U.S. if classes go online under new guidelines

International students will be forced to leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools offer classes entirely online this fall , under new guidelines issued Monday by federal immigration authorities .
The guidelines , issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement , provide additional pressure for universities to reopen even amid growing concerns about the recent spread of COVID-19 among young adults .
Colleges received the guidance the same day that some institutions , including Harvard University , announced that all instruction will be offered remotely .
President Donald Trump has insisted that schools and colleges return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Soon after the guidance was released , Trump repeated on Twitter that schools must reopen this fall , adding that Democrats want to keep schools closed “ for political reasons , not for health reasons.
” “ They think it will help them in November .
Wrong , the people get it !
” Trump wrote .
Under the updated rules , international students must take at least some of their classes in person .
New visas will not be issued to students at schools or programs that are entirely online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of in-person and online courses this fall , international students will be barred from taking all their classes online .
It creates an urgent dilemma for thousands of international students who became stranded in the U.S. last spring after the coronavirus forced their schools to move online .
Those attending schools that are staying online must “ depart the country or take other measures , such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction , ” according to the guidance .
The American Council on Education , which represents university presidents , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will result in confusion as schools look for ways to reopen safely .
Of particular concern is a stipulation saying students won ’ t be exempt from the rules even if an outbreak forces their schools online during the fall term .
It ’ s unclear what would happen if a student ended up in that scenario but faced travel restrictions from their home country , said Terry Hartle , the council ’ s senior vice president .
“ It ’ s going to cause enormous confusion and uncertainty , ” Hartle said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentive for institutions to reopen , regardless of whether or not the circumstances of the pandemic warrant it.
” The international education group NAFSA blasted the rules and said schools should be given the authority to make decisions that are right for their own campuses .
It said the guidance “ is harmful to international students and puts their health and well-being and that of the entire higher education community at risk.
” Nearly 400,000 foreigners received student visas in the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30 , down more than 40 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partly blame visa processing delay .
Colleges across the U.S. were already expecting sharp decreases in international enrollment this fall , but losing all international students could be disastrous for some .
Many depend on tuition revenue from international students , who typically pay higher tuition rates .
Last year , universities in the U.S. attracted nearly 1.1 million students from abroad .
Trump ’ s critics were quick to attack the new guidelines .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , the Vermont independent , said the “ cruelty of this White House knows no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened with a choice : risk your life going to class in-person or get deported , ” Sanders said in a tweet .
“ We must stand up to Trump ’ s bigotry .
We must keep all our students safe.
” Dozens of colleges have said they plan to offer at least some classes in person this fall , but some say it ’ s too risky .
The University of Southern California last week reversed course on a plan to bring students to campus , saying classes will be hosted primarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it will invite first-year students to live on campus , but classes will stay online .
Immigration authorities suspended certain requirements for international students early in the pandemic , but colleges were awaiting guidance on what would happen this fall .
ICE notified schools of the changes Monday and said a formal rule would be forthcoming .
The announcement was the Trump administration ’ s latest pandemic-related strike against legal immigration .
Last month , authorities extended a ban on new green cards to many people outside the United States and expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work permits , including at high-tech companies , multinational corporations and seasonal employers .
The administration has long sought deep cuts to legal immigration , but the goal was elusive before the coronavirus .

International students will be forced to leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools offer classes entirely online this fall, under new guidelines issued Monday by federal immigration authorities.
The guidelines, issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, provide additional pressure for universities to reopen even amid growing concerns about the recent spread of COVID-19 among young adults. Colleges received the guidance the same day that some institutions, including Harvard University, announced that all instruction will be offered remotely.
President Donald Trump has insisted that schools and colleges return to in-person instruction as soon as possible. Soon after the guidance was released, Trump repeated on Twitter that schools must reopen this fall, adding that Democrats want to keep schools closed “for political reasons, not for health reasons.”
“They think it will help them in November. Wrong, the people get it!” Trump wrote.
Under the updated rules, international students must take at least some of their classes in person. New visas will not be issued to students at schools or programs that are entirely online. And even at colleges offering a mix of in-person and online courses this fall, international students will be barred from taking all their classes online.
It creates an urgent dilemma for thousands of international students who became stranded in the U.S. last spring after the coronavirus forced their schools to move online. Those attending schools that are staying online must “depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction,” according to the guidance.
The American Council on Education, which represents university presidents, said the guidelines are “horrifying” and will result in confusion as schools look for ways to reopen safely.
Of particular concern is a stipulation saying students won’t be exempt from the rules even if an outbreak forces their schools online during the fall term. It’s unclear what would happen if a student ended up in that scenario but faced travel restrictions from their home country, said Terry Hartle, the council’s senior vice president.
“It’s going to cause enormous confusion and uncertainty,” Hartle said. “ICE is clearly creating an incentive for institutions to reopen, regardless of whether or not the circumstances of the pandemic warrant it.”
The international education group NAFSA blasted the rules and said schools should be given the authority to make decisions that are right for their own campuses. It said the guidance “is harmful to international students and puts their health and well-being and that of the entire higher education community at risk.”
Nearly 400,000 foreigners received student visas in the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30, down more than 40% from four years earlier. School administrations partly blame visa processing delay.
Colleges across the U.S. were already expecting sharp decreases in international enrollment this fall, but losing all international students could be disastrous for some. Many depend on tuition revenue from international students, who typically pay higher tuition rates. Last year, universities in the U.S. attracted nearly 1.1 million students from abroad.
Trump’s critics were quick to attack the new guidelines. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, said the “cruelty of this White House knows no bounds.”
“Foreign students are being threatened with a choice: risk your life going to class in-person or get deported,” Sanders said in a tweet. “We must stand up to Trump’s bigotry. We must keep all our students safe.”
Dozens of colleges have said they plan to offer at least some classes in person this fall, but some say it’s too risky. The University of Southern California last week reversed course on a plan to bring students to campus, saying classes will be hosted primarily or exclusively online. Harvard on Monday said it will invite first-year students to live on campus, but classes will stay online.
Immigration authorities suspended certain requirements for international students early in the pandemic, but colleges were awaiting guidance on what would happen this fall. ICE notified schools of the changes Monday and said a formal rule would be forthcoming.
The announcement was the Trump administration’s latest pandemic-related strike against legal immigration. Last month, authorities extended a ban on new green cards to many people outside the United States and expanded the freeze to include many on temporary work permits, including at high-tech companies, multinational corporations and seasonal employers.
The administration has long sought deep cuts to legal immigration, but the goal was elusive before the coronavirus.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--$1.2 million bail for driver that hit 2 Seattle protesters

SEATTLE — A judge on Monday set a $ 1.2 million bail for the man accused of driving a Jaguar on to a closed Seattle freeway and hitting two protesters , killing one and seriously injuring the other .
Dawit Kelete , who is black , drove the car around vehicles that were parked on Interstate 5 to protect a group of Black Femme March demonstrators , part of the Black Lives Matter movement protesting racial inequality and police violence .
The car hit two people and sped away about 1:40 a.m. Saturday , police said .
Over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold Kelete on an investigation of vehicular assault .
But the King County Prosecuting Attorney ’ s Office has yet to file charges against Kelete .
“ A charging decision is expected by Wednesday afternoon , ” spokesman Casey McNerthney said .
Kelete ’ s lawyer , John Henry Browne , said the crash was a “ horrible , horrible accident ” and was not intentional .
“ There ’ s absolutely nothing political about this case whatsoever , ” Browne told The Associated Press .
“ My client is in tears .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels tremendous guilt.
” Kelete is originally from Eritrea and is a U.S. citizen , Browne said .
He lives with his family in Seattle , and they ’ re very religious , he said .
Kelete was the owner of the Jaguar XJL and was alone in the car , according to a Washington State Patrol report submitted to the court late Saturday .
The protesters screamed and scattered as the car approached .
A graphic video shows the vehicle approaching at a high rate of speed .
It appeared to swerve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still in the road .
The car slid sideways as it hit the two protesters , sending them into the air .
The driver turned on his flashers just after impact , and drove away .
Summer Taylor , a 24-year-old veterinary clinic worker , suffered critical injuries and died Saturday night .
Diaz Love , 32 , from Portland , Oregon , was in serious condition .
“ I ’ m alive and stable , ” Love posted on Facebook late Sunday .
“ In a lot of pain .
I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they thought this murder would make us back down , they are very wrong .
Very wrong .
Love also said : “ My FB is filled with death threats , that and only being able to use one hand has me going slow .
I deeply appreciate and feel all the love y ’ all are sending me.
” After Kelete was stopped by state troopers , he agreed to take a field sobriety test for drugs and alcohol .
The tests showed he was not impaired , the state patrol said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared sullen throughout his time in custody , ” Trooper James McGuire wrote in the arrest report .
“ At one point he asked if the injured pedestrians were okay.
” Kelete , 27 , was booked into the King County Correctional Facility on Saturday morning on two counts of vehicular assault .
Seattle has been the site of prolonged unrest following the May police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis , which sparked nationwide protests .
Dozens of people were arrested last week in connection with protests as demonstrations continued after authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” zone in downtown Seattle .
The state patrol had closed a section of I-5 for 19 days in a row because of the protesters , troopers said .
It had been closed to traffic for more than an hour before the crash .
The state patrol said going forward it won ’ t allow protesters to enter I-5 and would arrest pedestrians on the freeway .

SEATTLE — A judge on Monday set a $1.2 million bail for the man accused of driving a Jaguar on to a closed Seattle freeway and hitting two protesters, killing one and seriously injuring the other.
Dawit Kelete, who is black, drove the car around vehicles that were parked on Interstate 5 to protect a group of Black Femme March demonstrators, part of the Black Lives Matter movement protesting racial inequality and police violence. The car hit two people and sped away about 1:40 a.m. Saturday, police said.
Over the weekend, a judge found probable cause to hold Kelete on an investigation of vehicular assault.
But the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has yet to file charges against Kelete. “A charging decision is expected by Wednesday afternoon,” spokesman Casey McNerthney said.
Kelete’s lawyer, John Henry Browne, said the crash was a “horrible, horrible accident” and was not intentional.
“There’s absolutely nothing political about this case whatsoever,” Browne told The Associated Press. “My client is in tears. He’s very remorseful. He feels tremendous guilt.”
Kelete is originally from Eritrea and is a U.S. citizen, Browne said. He lives with his family in Seattle, and they’re very religious, he said.
Kelete was the owner of the Jaguar XJL and was alone in the car, according to a Washington State Patrol report submitted to the court late Saturday.
The protesters screamed and scattered as the car approached. A graphic video shows the vehicle approaching at a high rate of speed. It appeared to swerve slightly as it came toward two people still in the road. The car slid sideways as it hit the two protesters, sending them into the air. The driver turned on his flashers just after impact, and drove away.
Summer Taylor, a 24-year-old veterinary clinic worker, suffered critical injuries and died Saturday night. Diaz Love, 32, from Portland, Oregon, was in serious condition.
“I’m alive and stable,” Love posted on Facebook late Sunday. “In a lot of pain. I cannot believe Summer was murdered. If they thought this murder would make us back down, they are very wrong. Very wrong.
Love also said: “My FB is filled with death threats, that and only being able to use one hand has me going slow. I deeply appreciate and feel all the love y’all are sending me.”
After Kelete was stopped by state troopers, he agreed to take a field sobriety test for drugs and alcohol. The tests showed he was not impaired, the state patrol said.
“The driver was reserved and appeared sullen throughout his time in custody,” Trooper James McGuire wrote in the arrest report. “At one point he asked if the injured pedestrians were okay.”
Kelete, 27, was booked into the King County Correctional Facility on Saturday morning on two counts of vehicular assault.
Seattle has been the site of prolonged unrest following the May police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which sparked nationwide protests. Dozens of people were arrested last week in connection with protests as demonstrations continued after authorities cleared the “Capitol Hill Occupied Protest” zone in downtown Seattle.
The state patrol had closed a section of I-5 for 19 days in a row because of the protesters, troopers said. It had been closed to traffic for more than an hour before the crash.
The state patrol said going forward it won’t allow protesters to enter I-5 and would arrest pedestrians on the freeway.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--Police arrest suspect in series of downtown Boulder fires

Police arrested a 53-year-old man who reportedly confessed to setting a series of dumpster and shed fires in downtown Boulder on Friday .
Troy Schneider was arrested Friday on suspicion of three counts of first-degree arson , two counts of second-degree arson , two counts of second-degree burglary and one count of attempted second-degree burglary .
Police said Schneider was tied to a series of four fires between noon and 5 p.m. Friday in the downtown Boulder area : a dumpster fire at 15th and Pearl streets , a mechanical room fire in the 800 block of Pearl Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Arapahoe Avenue and another dumpster fire in the 1000 block of Lawry Lane .
Firefighters were able to extinguish all of the fires before they spread and without any injuries .
Surveillance photos were gathered from the scenes of those fires once they were determined to be suspicious .
Boulder police then saw Schneider at 6:53 p.m. Friday walking in the University Hill neighborhood and noticed he matched the description of the suspect in the surveillance images .
According to an arrest affidavit , Schneider , who is a homeless person , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get people to stop following him .
Schneider also confessed to setting a fire in the 900 block of Walnut Street on June 28 .
According to police , Schneider on Friday also tried unsuccessfully tried to break into a home in the 300 block of Arapahoe Avenue , but was caught on a security tape .
Schneider has an extensive arrest record that includes convictions for motor vehicle theft , possession of a controlled substance , felony escape , vehicular eluding , false reporting , theft , criminal impersonation , third-degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody at the Boulder County Jail on $ 7,500 as he awaits a formal filing of charges on Wednesday .
Police have not yet released Schneider ’ s booking photo .

Police arrested a 53-year-old man who reportedly confessed to setting a series of dumpster and shed fires in downtown Boulder on Friday.
Troy Schneider was arrested Friday on suspicion of three counts of first-degree arson, two counts of second-degree arson, two counts of second-degree burglary and one count of attempted second-degree burglary.
Police said Schneider was tied to a series of four fires between noon and 5 p.m. Friday in the downtown Boulder area: a dumpster fire at 15th and Pearl streets, a mechanical room fire in the 800 block of Pearl Street, a shed fire in the 1300 block of Arapahoe Avenue and another dumpster fire in the 1000 block of Lawry Lane.
Firefighters were able to extinguish all of the fires before they spread and without any injuries.
Surveillance photos were gathered from the scenes of those fires once they were determined to be suspicious. Boulder police then saw Schneider at 6:53 p.m. Friday walking in the University Hill neighborhood and noticed he matched the description of the suspect in the surveillance images.
According to an arrest affidavit, Schneider, who is a homeless person, confessed to setting the fires in order to get people to stop following him.
Schneider also confessed to setting a fire in the 900 block of Walnut Street on June 28.
According to police, Schneider on Friday also tried unsuccessfully tried to break into a home in the 300 block of Arapahoe Avenue, but was caught on a security tape.
Schneider has an extensive arrest record that includes convictions for motor vehicle theft, possession of a controlled substance, felony escape, vehicular eluding, false reporting, theft, criminal impersonation, third-degree assault and trespassing.
He remains in custody at the Boulder County Jail on $7,500 as he awaits a formal filing of charges on Wednesday.
Police have not yet released Schneider’s booking photo.


thedenverpost--2020-07-07--It’s now a crime for Colorado doctors to impregnate patients with their own sperm

Doctors who artificially inseminate patients with their own sperm or that of other donors without a patient ’ s permission will soon be subject to felony charges and civil lawsuits .
Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis signed House Bill 1014 , which had bipartisan support , into law on Monday .
The bill was introduced after Grand Junction gynecologist Dr. Paul B. Jones was accused last year of using his own sperm to impregnate women over three decades .
Health care providers who use a donor without consent from a patient can be charged with a class 6 felony and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a fine of up to $ 100,000 .
The penalties would apply to insemination , donation of eggs or sperm , donation of embryos , in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer , and sperm injections .
Doctors can also be sued “ for unprofessional conduct ” under their medical licenses , and if they lose , would have to pay attorney and legal fees , as well as damages determined through the legal process or $ 50,000 per child .
Republican Sen. Bob Gardner of Colorado Springs , a bill sponsor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law to be used often , but it will give those who have been victimized a way to pursue civil action .
“ It ’ s very devastating for those who discovered this for all sorts of reasons you can imagine , not to mention the simple fact that when you have that many people who have had the DNA of one individual , they may be meeting their half brother and half sister , and the implications are just really bizarre and disturbing and life-changing for the people who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law will go into effect 90 days after the General Assembly ’ s June 15 adjournment .

Doctors who artificially inseminate patients with their own sperm or that of other donors without a patient’s permission will soon be subject to felony charges and civil lawsuits.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1014, which had bipartisan support, into law on Monday.
The bill was introduced after Grand Junction gynecologist Dr. Paul B. Jones was accused last year of using his own sperm to impregnate women over three decades.
Health care providers who use a donor without consent from a patient can be charged with a class 6 felony and face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The penalties would apply to insemination, donation of eggs or sperm, donation of embryos, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, and sperm injections.
Doctors can also be sued “for unprofessional conduct” under their medical licenses, and if they lose, would have to pay attorney and legal fees, as well as damages determined through the legal process or $50,000 per child.
Republican Sen. Bob Gardner of Colorado Springs, a bill sponsor, said Monday he doesn’t expect the law to be used often, but it will give those who have been victimized a way to pursue civil action.
“It’s very devastating for those who discovered this for all sorts of reasons you can imagine, not to mention the simple fact that when you have that many people who have had the DNA of one individual, they may be meeting their half brother and half sister, and the implications are just really bizarre and disturbing and life-changing for the people who have been affected,” he said.
The law will go into effect 90 days after the General Assembly’s June 15 adjournment.