thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Denver protests live: Updates from June 1 demonstrations at the Capitol

After a weekend of protests at the Colorado Capitol , Denver began a fifth straight night of demonstrations Monday .
The local protests mirror scenes across the country following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Floyd was a black man killed when a white police officer , who has since been fired and arrested , knelt on the back of Floyd ’ s neck for several minutes as Floyd screamed “ I can ’ t breathe !
” Earlier this week , protesters were met by heavily armed police in Denver who used tear gas , non-lethal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Mayor Michael Hancock extended the city ’ s emergency curfew that orders residents to return home by 9 p.m. Those who violate the curfew could be arrested , like the 83 who are facing charges after breaking Saturday ’ s curfew .
• May 31 — For fourth night , Denver police unleash tear gas and foam bullets as marchers again defy curfew • May 30 — Tear gas flies , protesters set fires on third night of unrest in Denver | As Denver curfew arrives , George Floyd protesters cheer • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tear gas as second day of George Floyd protests stretches into night • May 28 — Tear gas , pepper balls used on Denver crowds in George Floyd protests Thursday night More information on police and protests • Trump declares he ’ s president of law and order , warns of military deployment as protests resume • RTD ’ s suspension of bus and rail service to and from downtown Denver continues through Monday • Voices from the George Floyd protest in Denver • Denver leaders defend cops ’ use of chemicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Four Minneapolis officers fired after death of black man Get the latest breaking news sent straight to your inbox by signing up for email alerts .

After a weekend of protests at the Colorado Capitol, Denver began a fifth straight night of demonstrations Monday. The local protests mirror scenes across the country following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd was a black man killed when a white police officer, who has since been fired and arrested, knelt on the back of Floyd’s neck for several minutes as Floyd screamed “I can’t breathe!”
Earlier this week, protesters were met by heavily armed police in Denver who used tear gas, non-lethal bullets and more to disperse crowds.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock extended the city’s emergency curfew that orders residents to return home by 9 p.m. Those who violate the curfew could be arrested, like the 83 who are facing charges after breaking Saturday’s curfew.
Previous coverage
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A protester stands in a cloud of gas from police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned less-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police stand ready to disperse the crowd by force during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man killed by an officer while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned less-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Demonstrators flee law enforcement officers firing non-lethal rounds towards them near Civic Center Park during a George Floyd protest May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Protesters attend to a fellow protester who was shot with a projectile by Denver police Civic Center Park during a George Floyd protest May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Law enforcement officers fire pepper balls and tear gas towards demonstrators near Civic Center Park in Denver during a George Floyd protest on May 30, 2020.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Braxton Robertson pleads with the police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd Ð the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained Ð in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Two anonymous men lock arms with fellow protestors in the face of a line of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Braxton Robertson pleads with the police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A man who asked to remain anonymous stands with fellow protestors in the face of a line of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police and protestors stand off on Broadway near the state capitol during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Protestors line up against police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Alexis Stepp shakes hands with a police officer as fellow protestors face off with the police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Andrew Anslover pulls back his mask to reveal his face and eyes after being doused with milk upon being sprayed by police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Protestors line up against police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A police officer stands near the library on Broadway during a protest after the killing of George Floyd - the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained - in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Protesters gets in the faces of Denver police officers gathered near Colfax Ave and Broadway on the third day of George Floyd protests in Denver May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police stand ready to disperse the crowd by force during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Michael leads a chant during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A man is injured after taking a projectile to the face from police during a protest held in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in response to the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A man is injured after taking a projectile to the face from police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Stanford Smith is helped after receiving pepper spray to the face during a protest after the killing of George Floyd Ð the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained Ð in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Protestors line up against police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Defying a city curfew order, protesters created a makeshift barricade facing off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police advance on people during a protest after the killing of George Floyd Ð the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained Ð in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Alex Woods stands with milk dried to his face from a dousing after being pepper sprayed by police during a protest in Denver held in response to the death of George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest after Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis officer while being detained in that city. In response to the protests in Denver police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People begin to construct barriers to stop the advancement of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post A law enforcement officer sprays pepper spray at demonstrators near Civic Center Park during a protest over the killing of George Floyd May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A woman screams after receiving a point-blank shot of pepper spray from advancing police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post A Molotov cocktail that was thrown at Denver police officers burns out at 13th Avenue and Broadway. Officers massed while they were trying to fend off protesters during a protest in Denver on May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Men on motorcycles do burnouts as police advance during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Alexis Stepp holds a Black Lives Matter Sign high as people run from the advancement of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People tag buildings as police advance during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Vandalized kiosk sign at the Denver Cultural Complex near 13th and Broadway during a George Floyd protest in Denver May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Defying a curfew order, protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Defying a curfew order, a group of women hold their hands up in protest near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A group pushes a dumpster down a hill towards a line of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Law enforcement officers detain people defying a city curfew order in Capitol Hill in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Dumpsters are tipped over in the intersection of 14th Ave. and Pearl St. in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
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thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Newman: If MLB does proceed with a 50-game season, it will come with an asterisk

The latest twist in MLB ’ s 2020 fate came Monday , with ESPN reporting that owners are proposing a season somewhere in the realm of 50 games and would pay players full prorated salary shares .
But at what point is a season not a legitimate season ?
If a 50-game schedule comes to fruition , we are at that point .
Fifty games would be 31 % of a normal 162-game regular season .
Aside from all the chirping by players over the financial piece of a shortened season — no doubt an ugly look amid a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t in the right , either — a 50-game season would be a competitive farce .
It would be nothing more than a poor excuse for a shell of a product that will enable players to gain some of their 2020 salaries , and for owners to recoup TV money to offset what is guaranteed to be a massive loss at the ticket office considering games are expected to be played without fans .
The one thing a 50-game schedule wouldn ’ t be ?
Anything close to an accurate depiction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consider : A 50-game major league season is akin to a five-game NFL season , a 25-game NBA season or the Masters champion being decided after 22 holes .
The proposal — which is less than half of the 114-game schedule the players ’ association put forward on Sunday — aligns with the owners ’ belief that from a financial standpoint , a shorter season without fans is more feasible .
The players , of course , want as many games as possible .
While the motivation of owners within a multi-billion dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still bringing in TV cash , the players want as much of their salaries as possible .
Pro-rated , the 114-game proposal would cover 70.3 % of players ’ original salaries , while the 50-game schedule would pay at a 30.8 % clip .
So the tea leaves are there to read , and read quite clearly .
Commissioner Rob Manfred recently acknowledged on CNN that the owners ’ losses could approach $ 4 billion if a season isn ’ t played , and all parties are uneasy about the prospect of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement necessary after 2021 .
Considering the league ’ s goal of a second spring training this month and then the start of the season in July , this week is a huge test to see if MLB and the players ’ association can bridge the gap and find a compromise to salvage the season .
But if a 50-game schedule is that compromise , it won ’ t do the game or its history justice .
If MLB is really going to venture into that sort of territory , a more exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the asterisked season , like an expanded , league-wide tournament that runs over several months .
But to call 50 games a regular season is not rational .

The latest twist in MLB’s 2020 fate came Monday, with ESPN reporting that owners are proposing a season somewhere in the realm of 50 games and would pay players full prorated salary shares.
But at what point is a season not a legitimate season? If a 50-game schedule comes to fruition, we are at that point.
Fifty games would be 31% of a normal 162-game regular season. Aside from all the chirping by players over the financial piece of a shortened season — no doubt an ugly look amid a global pandemic, even if the owners aren’t in the right, either — a 50-game season would be a competitive farce.
It would be nothing more than a poor excuse for a shell of a product that will enable players to gain some of their 2020 salaries, and for owners to recoup TV money to offset what is guaranteed to be a massive loss at the ticket office considering games are expected to be played without fans.
The one thing a 50-game schedule wouldn’t be? Anything close to an accurate depiction of a true, grind-it-out MLB season.
Consider: A 50-game major league season is akin to a five-game NFL season, a 25-game NBA season or the Masters champion being decided after 22 holes. The proposal — which is less than half of the 114-game schedule the players’ association put forward on Sunday — aligns with the owners’ belief that from a financial standpoint, a shorter season without fans is more feasible.
The players, of course, want as many games as possible. While the motivation of owners within a multi-billion dollar industry is keeping operational costs low while still bringing in TV cash, the players want as much of their salaries as possible. Pro-rated, the 114-game proposal would cover 70.3% of players’ original salaries, while the 50-game schedule would pay at a 30.8% clip.
So the tea leaves are there to read, and read quite clearly.
Commissioner Rob Manfred recently acknowledged on CNN that the owners’ losses could approach $4 billion if a season isn’t played, and all parties are uneasy about the prospect of a lost season with a new collective bargaining agreement necessary after 2021. Considering the league’s goal of a second spring training this month and then the start of the season in July, this week is a huge test to see if MLB and the players’ association can bridge the gap and find a compromise to salvage the season.
But if a 50-game schedule is that compromise, it won’t do the game or its history justice.
If MLB is really going to venture into that sort of territory, a more exciting, off-the-wall idea should be considered for the asterisked season, like an expanded, league-wide tournament that runs over several months. But to call 50 games a regular season is not rational.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Broncos defensive back lands on list of NFL’s best in coverage

One of the Broncos ’ defensive backs landed on NFL.com ’ s list of the 10 best players in coverage for his play in 2019 , and no it wasn ’ t Chris Harris Jr. Safety Justin Simmons came in at No .
3 behind Patriots defensive backs Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson .
To qualify , players must have minimums of 200 coverages snaps and 40 targets .
They were measured primarily by passer rating allowed , catch rate allowed below expectation , tight window percentage , target rate and average separation yards .
“ Simmons ’ ballhawk rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearest defender made a play on the football ( pass defensed or interception ) — was 34.1 percent , the best among those meeting this established criteria by more than six percentage points , ” NFL.com ’ s Nick Shook writes .
“ … Simmons is a stud with a bright future , and if there were still some folks out there who weren ’ t aware of his performance , these numbers should help open their eyes.
” Simmons recorded career highs in interceptions ( 4 ) and pass defections ( 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a franchise tag on the 26-year-old safety in March and general manager John Elway has said that the goal is “ to make sure that Justin is a Bronco for a long time.
” If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
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Daylen Kountz seeks career revival at Northern Colorado , where ex-Denver East star can reassert himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kountz never saw his big-man-on-campus potential fulfilled in Boulder , where he logged only 15 minutes per game across his first two seasons .
He averaged 4.3 points per game and saw just seven total starts in a backup role behind starting point guard McKinley Wright IV .
Read more… Broncos Mailbag : Six or seven receivers — and who will be the odd men out ?
The only declared change to the offense by Pat Shurmur so far is not needing a full-time fullback ( Andy Janovich was flipped to Cleveland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six receivers to open 2019 and had five active against the Raiders so I ’ ll use that total .
1 .
Sutton , Ryan O ’ Halloran writes .
Read more… Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : How many touchdowns will Broncos receiver KJ Hamler score as a rookie ?
How big an impact can we reasonably expect second-round pick KJ Hamler to make on the scoreboard in this offense ?
Read more… + Colorado may start allowing guided groups for fishing , biking , climbing and other outdoor recreation + Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real deal ?
Mark Kiszla answered this and more in Monday ’ s live chat .
+ Former MLB star Dale Murphy says son was “ shot in the eye with a rubber bullet ” during protest in Denver .
+ Bicycling in the pandemic : Ridership , bike shops thrive as manufacturers struggle to meet demand .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

One of the Broncos’ defensive backs landed on NFL.com’s list of the 10 best players in coverage for his play in 2019, and no it wasn’t Chris Harris Jr.
Safety Justin Simmons came in at No. 3 behind Patriots defensive backs Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson. To qualify, players must have minimums of 200 coverages snaps and 40 targets. They were measured primarily by passer rating allowed, catch rate allowed below expectation, tight window percentage, target rate and average separation yards.
“Simmons’ ballhawk rate — the percentage of targets where the nearest defender made a play on the football (pass defensed or interception) — was 34.1 percent, the best among those meeting this established criteria by more than six percentage points,” NFL.com’s Nick Shook writes. “… Simmons is a stud with a bright future, and if there were still some folks out there who weren’t aware of his performance, these numbers should help open their eyes.”
Simmons recorded career highs in interceptions (4) and pass defections (15) last season.
The Broncos placed a franchise tag on the 26-year-old safety in March and general manager John Elway has said that the goal is “to make sure that Justin is a Bronco for a long time.”
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
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Must-Read
After signing with CU, Kountz never saw his big-man-on-campus potential fulfilled in Boulder, where he logged only 15 minutes per game across his first two seasons. He averaged 4.3 points per game and saw just seven total starts in a backup role behind starting point guard McKinley Wright IV. Read more…
The only declared change to the offense by Pat Shurmur so far is not needing a full-time fullback (Andy Janovich was flipped to Cleveland in March). The Broncos carried six receivers to open 2019 and had five active against the Raiders so I’ll use that total. 1. Sutton, Ryan O’Halloran writes. Read more…
How big an impact can we reasonably expect second-round pick KJ Hamler to make on the scoreboard in this offense? Read more…
Quick Hits
+ After postponing, Bolder Boulder decides to officially cancel 2020 race.
+ Colorado may start allowing guided groups for fishing, biking, climbing and other outdoor recreation
+ Is Broncos rookie wide receiver Jerry Jeudy the real deal? Mark Kiszla answered this and more in Monday’s live chat.
+ Pat Dye, former Auburn football coach, dies at 80.
+ Former MLB star Dale Murphy says son was “shot in the eye with a rubber bullet” during protest in Denver.
+ Athletes’ outpouring on civil unrest rekindles Colin Kaepernick debate in NFL.
+ Non-revenue sports fret over college athlete compensation.
+ Bicycling in the pandemic: Ridership, bike shops thrive as manufacturers struggle to meet demand.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Broncos Mailbag: Six or seven receivers — and who will be the odd men out?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here .
Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .
Barring injuries , do you think all of the Week 1 starters are currently on the roster or do you see the team adding any more players with a real chance of being a starter ?
It ’ s unlikely barring injuries .
I looked back at the Broncos ’ last two season-opening games to see if it happened .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was signed Sept. 2 and started at inside linebacker seven days later because of Todd Davis ’ calf injury .
Everybody else in both games was with the team at the start of camp .
Covering Jacksonville in 2013 , the Jaguars claimed seven ( seven ! )
players off waivers after cut-down day and five played in the opener a week later .
If training camp is truncated and the preseason is reduced or eliminated , it will be interesting to see how teams address the waiver wire with so little film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do you see Denver carrying on the active roster now that the team is committing to a vertical offense ?
Between the returning players ( Courtland Sutton , DaeSean Hamilton , Tim Patrick and Diontae Spencer ) and the draft picks ( Jerry Jeudy , KJ Hamler and Tyrie Cleveland ) , you have seven talented players that all have their own skill set .
If seven is too many , who do you believe the odd men out are ?
A second question from Steve and it will represent one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only declared change to the offense by Pat Shurmur so far is not needing a full-time fullback ( Andy Janovich was flipped to Cleveland in March ) .
The Broncos carried six receivers to open 2019 and had five active against the Raiders so I ’ ll use that total .
1 .
Sutton .
2 .
Jeudy .
3 .
Hamler .
4 .
Tim Patrick ( special teams worth ) .
… and then it ’ s up for grabs .
If Diontae Spencer is the returner , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that opens the door for Hamilton , Cleveland and Juwann Winfree .
If I to lean one way right now , I ’ d say Spencer is the No .
5 and Cleveland the No .
6 .
There is the potential for some tough decisions , but that ’ s a nice problem to have for Shurmur and receivers coach Zach Azzanni .
So the NFL ’ s pass interference rule was a one-and-done experiment .
Fine .
The play in question against the Saints that day was still a helmet-to-helmet hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety only matters some of the time ?
I ’ ll credit Broncos coach Vic Fangio for throwing shade on the pass interference challenge rule .
He said last season that it felt like the rule was pushed through to approval without the needed discussion .
He ’ s absolutely right .
The owners were not leaving the March 2019 league meeting in Arizona until they had enough votes .
It was a debacle during the season , to the point where coaches knew it was a lost cause so they wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As for the helmet-to-helmet angle , Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman was fined $ 26,739 for the hit and that rule was enforced throughout last season .
What do last week ’ s promotions mean for the Broncos ?
Were these newly created positions or were other people pushed out ?
The Broncos announced promotions to eight members of their personnel department .
The only person added to the full-time staff was Emily Kuehler ( data scientist ) and she was in the building last year as an intern .
Matt Russell was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel to vice president of player personnel .
His duties will remain the same , though , as general manager John Elway ’ s No .
2 .
Also , the Broncos merged their technology and analytics staffs and it will be led by Tony Lazzaro .
Earlier this year , director of football analytics Mitch Tanney departed and technically , his spot was not filled , but Lazzaro will take over his supervisory duties .
Elway has been busy this offseason , first adding Rich Hurtado as vice president of football administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Sullivan , followed by last week ’ s promotions .
I know the prediction is 7-9 .
I think we will be 10-6 .
This team is loaded on offense and defense .
I ’ m only worried about left tackle .
Saw some options out there .
Still time for free agents ?
I ’ ll meet you in the middle in labeling the offense and defense as “ loaded.
” I think they ’ re improved .
I ’ ve addressed left tackle several times since the draft and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Elijah Wilkinson as their Week 1 left tackle .
Agree or disagree with the Broncos on that strategy , that ’ s their plan right now .
Jason Peters , Kelvin Beachum and Cordy Glenn are among the veteran free agents available .
I don ’ t think the offensive tackle position will be a huge issue if we use the speed we have at wide receiver and tight end .
Plus , Drew Lock can get the ball out fast .
What do you think ?
Hey , this was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I get Ron ’ s point — Lock ’ s mobility , via scrambling from the pocket or via designed rollouts , should limit the number of knockdowns and sacks .
But if the Broncos want to be an offense that threatens defenses down the field , they will need their protection to hold up .
The speed/ability of Sutton , Jeudy , Hamler and tight end Noah Fant will be valuable so long as Lock has time in the pocket .
Ryan , we ’ re still missing that big , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Travis Kelce .
Is there anyone still available in free agency to fill the void or what is Denver ’ s plan ?
The Broncos don ’ t need a bigger inside linebacker to cover the likes of Kelce , but of everything on Elway ’ s offseason check-list , this is one he didn ’ t get around to addressing and it ’ s a concern .
At the combine , Fangio said the defense needed better play from that position , but the current starters ( Todd Davis/Alexander Johnson ) were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broncos didn ’ t add anybody who could be an immediate sub-package inside linebacker capable of covering tight ends .
Thinking out loud , I wonder if Fangio uses more dime personnel ( six defensive backs ) and uses a safety against the tight end .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.
Barring injuries, do you think all of the Week 1 starters are currently on the roster or do you see the team adding any more players with a real chance of being a starter?
— Steve, Forks, Wash.
It’s unlikely barring injuries. I looked back at the Broncos’ last two season-opening games to see if it happened. Last year at Oakland, Corey Nelson was signed Sept. 2 and started at inside linebacker seven days later because of Todd Davis’ calf injury. Everybody else in both games was with the team at the start of camp. Covering Jacksonville in 2013, the Jaguars claimed seven (seven!) players off waivers after cut-down day and five played in the opener a week later. If training camp is truncated and the preseason is reduced or eliminated, it will be interesting to see how teams address the waiver wire with so little film on available players.
How many receivers do you see Denver carrying on the active roster now that the team is committing to a vertical offense? Between the returning players (Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, Tim Patrick and Diontae Spencer) and the draft picks (Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and Tyrie Cleveland), you have seven talented players that all have their own skill set. If seven is too many, who do you believe the odd men out are?
— Steve, Forks, Wash.
A second question from Steve and it will represent one of the main subplots of camp/preseason games. The only declared change to the offense by Pat Shurmur so far is not needing a full-time fullback (Andy Janovich was flipped to Cleveland in March). The Broncos carried six receivers to open 2019 and had five active against the Raiders so I’ll use that total. 1. Sutton. 2. Jeudy. 3. Hamler. 4. Tim Patrick (special teams worth). … and then it’s up for grabs. If Diontae Spencer is the returner, he’s No. 5. If not, that opens the door for Hamilton, Cleveland and Juwann Winfree. If I to lean one way right now, I’d say Spencer is the No. 5 and Cleveland the No. 6. There is the potential for some tough decisions, but that’s a nice problem to have for Shurmur and receivers coach Zach Azzanni.
So the NFL’s pass interference rule was a one-and-done experiment. Fine. The play in question against the Saints that day was still a helmet-to-helmet hit, so I guess concussions and player safety only matters some of the time?
— Gregory Weiss, Denver
I’ll credit Broncos coach Vic Fangio for throwing shade on the pass interference challenge rule. He said last season that it felt like the rule was pushed through to approval without the needed discussion. He’s absolutely right. The owners were not leaving the March 2019 league meeting in Arizona until they had enough votes. It was a debacle during the season, to the point where coaches knew it was a lost cause so they wouldn’t challenge those calls as often. As for the helmet-to-helmet angle, Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman was fined $26,739 for the hit and that rule was enforced throughout last season.
What do last week’s promotions mean for the Broncos? Were these newly created positions or were other people pushed out?
— John Buckley, Aurora
The Broncos announced promotions to eight members of their personnel department. The only person added to the full-time staff was Emily Kuehler (data scientist) and she was in the building last year as an intern. Matt Russell was the headliner, moving from director of player personnel to vice president of player personnel. His duties will remain the same, though, as general manager John Elway’s No. 2. Also, the Broncos merged their technology and analytics staffs and it will be led by Tony Lazzaro. Earlier this year, director of football analytics Mitch Tanney departed and technically, his spot was not filled, but Lazzaro will take over his supervisory duties. Elway has been busy this offseason, first adding Rich Hurtado as vice president of football administration (chief contract negotiator), replacing Mike Sullivan, followed by last week’s promotions.
I know the prediction is 7-9. I think we will be 10-6. This team is loaded on offense and defense. I’m only worried about left tackle. Saw some options out there. Still time for free agents?
— Maymoe Smith, Colorado Springs
I’ll meet you in the middle in labeling the offense and defense as “loaded.” I think they’re improved. I’ve addressed left tackle several times since the draft and the Broncos are currently committed to Garett Bolles or Elijah Wilkinson as their Week 1 left tackle. Agree or disagree with the Broncos on that strategy, that’s their plan right now. Jason Peters, Kelvin Beachum and Cordy Glenn are among the veteran free agents available.
I don’t think the offensive tackle position will be a huge issue if we use the speed we have at wide receiver and tight end. Plus, Drew Lock can get the ball out fast. What do you think?
— Ron, Denver
Hey, this was a semi-positive comment about the offensive tackles, but I get Ron’s point — Lock’s mobility, via scrambling from the pocket or via designed rollouts, should limit the number of knockdowns and sacks. But if the Broncos want to be an offense that threatens defenses down the field, they will need their protection to hold up. The speed/ability of Sutton, Jeudy, Hamler and tight end Noah Fant will be valuable so long as Lock has time in the pocket.
Ryan, we’re still missing that big, fast defender to counter tight ends like Travis Kelce. Is there anyone still available in free agency to fill the void or what is Denver’s plan?
— Reid, Las Vegas
The Broncos don’t need a bigger inside linebacker to cover the likes of Kelce, but of everything on Elway’s offseason check-list, this is one he didn’t get around to addressing and it’s a concern. At the combine, Fangio said the defense needed better play from that position, but the current starters (Todd Davis/Alexander Johnson) were last year’s starters and the Broncos didn’t add anybody who could be an immediate sub-package inside linebacker capable of covering tight ends. Thinking out loud, I wonder if Fangio uses more dime personnel (six defensive backs) and uses a safety against the tight end.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--AGC Biologics plans to bring 280 biotech jobs to vacant AstraZeneca plant in Boulder

AGC Biologics announced Monday that it has acquired AstraZeneca ’ s 300,000-square-foot facility in Boulder and will revive manufacturing operations there in April .
The Japanese biopharmaceutical company , which provides contract development and manufacturing services globally , said it will invest $ 100 million in and employ 280 workers at the facility , located at 5550 Airport Blvd .
“ The addition of this facility supports AGC Biologics ’ company-wide expansion initiative , which demonstrates our dedication to support our customers ’ demand for mammalian projects , now and into the future , ” the firm ’ s CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
“ This facility will enable us to continue to advance the development , manufacturing and commercial functions within our dynamic global company.
” The Boulder plant houses two 20,000-liter stainless steel mammalian cell bioreactors , and the company noted it could fit up to four more on its 20 acres .
Those bioreactors are helpful in antibody research and development .
“ Investments like this make Japan one of Colorado ’ s closest foreign partners and deepens our ties with Asian markets while furthering Colorado ’ s international economic attraction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global business development at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade .
She added that the firm ’ s presence and its manufacturing capacity could attract other innovative biotech startups to the region .
In February , the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit potentially worth $ 6.4 million and a Strategic Fund incentive of $ 75,000 under the code name Project Blizard .
Boulder provided a local match of $ 75,000 .
The incentives are contingent on AGC bringing 280 net new jobs to Boulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs are expected to come with an average wage of $ 96,000 a year .
Clif Harald , executive director of the Boulder Economic Council at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce , said in a statement that finding a new owner for the AstraZeneca facility has been a top priority the past 16 months .
One concern was that the longer the facility sat vacantly , the more likely it would face obsolescence .
AstraZeneca acquired the location in 2015 from Amgen , which had shut it down in 2012 .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see this special manufacturing facility brought back online by a global leader in the production of advanced bioscience therapeutics , ” said Harald .

AGC Biologics announced Monday that it has acquired AstraZeneca’s 300,000-square-foot facility in Boulder and will revive manufacturing operations there in April.
The Japanese biopharmaceutical company, which provides contract development and manufacturing services globally, said it will invest $100 million in and employ 280 workers at the facility, located at 5550 Airport Blvd.
“The addition of this facility supports AGC Biologics’ company-wide expansion initiative, which demonstrates our dedication to support our customers’ demand for mammalian projects, now and into the future,” the firm’s CEO, Patricio Massera, said in a release. “This facility will enable us to continue to advance the development, manufacturing and commercial functions within our dynamic global company.”
The Boulder plant houses two 20,000-liter stainless steel mammalian cell bioreactors, and the company noted it could fit up to four more on its 20 acres. Those bioreactors are helpful in antibody research and development.
“Investments like this make Japan one of Colorado’s closest foreign partners and deepens our ties with Asian markets while furthering Colorado’s international economic attraction,” said Michelle Hadwiger, director of global business development at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
She added that the firm’s presence and its manufacturing capacity could attract other innovative biotech startups to the region.
In February, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit potentially worth $6.4 million and a Strategic Fund incentive of $75,000 under the code name Project Blizzard. Boulder provided a local match of $75,000.
The incentives are contingent on AGC bringing 280 net new jobs to Boulder over the next eight years. The jobs are expected to come with an average wage of $96,000 a year.
Clif Harald, executive director of the Boulder Economic Council at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement that finding a new owner for the AstraZeneca facility has been a top priority the past 16 months.
One concern was that the longer the facility sat vacantly, the more likely it would face obsolescence. AstraZeneca acquired the location in 2015 from Amgen, which had shut it down in 2012.
“We couldn’t be more excited to see this special manufacturing facility brought back online by a global leader in the production of advanced bioscience therapeutics,” said Harald.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Denver police chief responds to incidents of peaceful protesters and observers hit with tear gas, pr

Denver police chief responds to incidents of peaceful protesters and observers hit with tear gas, projectiles

Denver ’ s Police Chief Paul Pazen said Monday said the department will investigate all allegations of force against peaceful people after eyewitnesses reported peaceful protesters and observers getting hit with foam bullets and pepper balls at demonstrations in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
Fireworks , bricks , rocks , explosives and water bottles have been hurled at Denver police officers over four days of protests and unrest in response to Floyd ’ s death by Minneapolis police .
Denver police have responded with a wide variety of less-than-lethal weapons , but eyewitness accounts and videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to a threat and that nonviolent protesters and observers have been targeted or caught in the crossfire .
“ We don ’ t condone that , ” Pazen said Monday .
“ The whole purpose is to utilize this tool to keep space and keep distance so we don ’ t have to go hands-on .
As we ’ ve seen in other places , going hands-on is far more damaging.
” The Denver Police Department has been criticized in the past for how it handles protests , but some tactics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still being used by police .
The department has also shifted strategies over the past four days in response to the actions of each crowd .
The department will investigate incidents of force used against nonaggressive people at the protests to make sure officers were within the department ’ s policies , Pazen said .
“ If we miss the mark , we need to be held accountable , ” he said .
“ Including myself.
” At 8:01 p.m. Sunday , Denver police did not charge the Capitol grounds where more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 p.m. curfew .
That was intentional and different than what happened Saturday , Pazen said , because the crowd had not acted violently toward police .
Officers allowed the protesters to march until about 8:30 p.m. , when Pazen said some in the crowd threw fireworks and rocks at police .
“ Our actions are in direct response to whatever is thrown at us first , ” Pazen said .
Denver Police Department policy states that officers can use chemical munitions to “ quell rioting/disperse unlawful crowds , ” though policing experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire projectiles like pepper balls into large crowds .
Policy also requires officers to give verbal commands before , during and after using a less-than-lethal weapon , when possible .
Multiple times over the past four nights , police have unleashed gas or projectiles without warning or orders to the crowd , videos and eyewitness accounts by Denver Post reporters show .
In one incident , recorded on video by a Denver Post reporter , a Denver police officer without warning used pepper spray on two people who were nonviolent and who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least five Denver journalists have been struck with pepper balls , foam bullets or tear gas canisters while covering the protests , according to the journalists ’ reporting and the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition .
Other journalists have been fired at without warning while walking by themselves or shoved by officers .
Elisabeth Epps , an advocate with the Colorado Freedom Fund who served on the advisory committee for the creation of the department ’ s use of force policy , was shocked when tear gas rolled toward her Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Capitol lawn .
She was there in solidarity with the protesters that day , but she ’ s since switched her focus to documenting the police .
She said she ’ s been struck with pepper balls and other projectiles from police , and that all of her bruises are on her back and the backs of her legs because she was turned away when fired upon .
She said Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s previous characterizations that police were only using less-than-lethal weapons after having something launched at them was incorrect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of scale with the threat they faced .
“ It doesn ’ t matter whether it ’ s a fascist , or antifa , or a kid that throws a water bottle or a rock , ” Epps said .
“ What in the world makes it proportional to gas an entire hillside of people ?
” The protests this week are not the first time Denver police have been criticized for how they handle demonstrations .
The ACLU of Colorado in 2012 asked the city to conduct a broad review of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered in Civic Center Park on Oct. 29 , 2011 .
One of the ACLU ’ s main concerns was the use of pepper spray and pepper balls on people who were observing as well as the firing of pepper balls indiscriminately into a crowd , striking some who were retreating .
“ The practice of shooting into a crowd , especially when persons in the crowd are moving , is especially dangerous because the shooter can not be sure of what he or she is going to hit , ” a 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states .
Seeing Denver officers firing pepper balls at large crowds during this year ’ s protest is like déjà vu , said Mark Silverstein , legal director at the ACLU of Colorado .
“ It was just horrifying to see these officers fire those pepperball guns into a crowd , ” Silverstein said .
“ Those things are really dangerous .
We certainly called on Denver at the time to ban their use for crowd control .
Maybe we ’ ll have to talk to them again.
” Denver ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversight of the city ’ s law enforcement , also recommended that the city use the Tactical Review Board to analyze what happened on Oct. 29 , 2011 , including officers ’ use of force and their decision to dress in riot gear to request that the crowd take down its tents .
The city did not use the board and instead conducted an internal debriefing of the situation .
Protests began in Denver last week in response to Floyd ’ s death , but protesters have also carried signs and chanted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encounters in the Denver area .
“ We ’ re still in this position of advocating for black lives , ” said Apryl Alexander , an associate professor at the University of Denver who protested Thursday .
“ Depending on how you want to see it , we ’ ve been doing this for over a decade or for over 400 years.
” Alexander said she had specifically been thinking of 23-year-old Elijah McClain , who died August 27 after he was violently arrested three days earlier by Aurora police , despite being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police were responding to a call about a suspicious person wearing a ski mask and waving his arms .
The officers involved did not face discipline .
“ We weren ’ t just marching for what happened in Minneapolis , we were also marching for the injustices here in Colorado , ” Alexander said .
Denver police have also been disciplined for choking unarmed black men and using placing their knees on peoples ’ necks .
Sgt .
Rudolph Suniga served a month-long suspension from police work in May 2019 after choking an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
The man was suspected of trying to open doors of cars and attempting to start an unlocked Greyhound bus .
Department policy forbids officers from using a chokehold to block someone ’ s breathing except in lethal encounters .
Video footage from a 2014 arrest of a man suspected of domestic violence shows Officer Chad Sinnema use his knee on the handcuffed man ’ s neck while the man is facedown in a planter on the 16th Street Mall .
Sinnema was suspended for four days for his actions .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for using excessive force , including using his knee to pin a woman ’ s neck to the floor of a jail cell .

Denver’s Police Chief Paul Pazen said Monday the department will investigate all allegations of force against peaceful people after eyewitnesses reported peaceful protesters and observers getting hit with foam bullets and pepper balls at demonstrations in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Fireworks, bricks, rocks, explosives and water bottles have been hurled at Denver police officers over four days of protests and unrest in response to Floyd’s death by Minneapolis police. Denver police have responded with a wide variety of less-than-lethal weapons, but eyewitness accounts and videos show that police are not always firing in response to a threat and that nonviolent protesters and observers have been targeted or caught in the crossfire.
“We don’t condone that,” Pazen said Monday. “The whole purpose is to utilize this tool to keep space and keep distance so we don’t have to go hands-on. As we’ve seen in other places, going hands-on is far more damaging.”
The Denver Police Department has been criticized in the past for how it handles protests, but some tactics that came under question years earlier are still being used by police. The department has also shifted strategies over the past four days in response to the actions of each crowd.
The department will investigate incidents of force used against nonaggressive people at the protests to make sure officers were within the department’s policies, Pazen said.
“If we miss the mark, we need to be held accountable,” he said. “Including myself.”
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police stand ready to disperse the crowd by force during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man killed by an officer while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned less-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A protester stands in a cloud of gas from police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned less-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Demonstrators flee law enforcement officers firing non-lethal rounds towards them near Civic Center Park during a George Floyd protest May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Protesters attend to a fellow protester who was shot with a projectile by Denver police Civic Center Park during a George Floyd protest May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Law enforcement officers fire pepper balls and tear gas towards demonstrators near Civic Center Park in Denver during a George Floyd protest on May 30, 2020.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Braxton Robertson pleads with the police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd Ð the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained Ð in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Two anonymous men lock arms with fellow protestors in the face of a line of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Braxton Robertson pleads with the police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A man who asked to remain anonymous stands with fellow protestors in the face of a line of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police and protestors stand off on Broadway near the state capitol during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Protestors line up against police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Alexis Stepp shakes hands with a police officer as fellow protestors face off with the police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Andrew Anslover pulls back his mask to reveal his face and eyes after being doused with milk upon being sprayed by police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Protestors line up against police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A police officer stands near the library on Broadway during a protest after the killing of George Floyd - the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained - in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Protesters gets in the faces of Denver police officers gathered near Colfax Ave and Broadway on the third day of George Floyd protests in Denver May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police stand ready to disperse the crowd by force during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Michael leads a chant during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A man is injured after taking a projectile to the face from police during a protest held in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020, in response to the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A man is injured after taking a projectile to the face from police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Stanford Smith is helped after receiving pepper spray to the face during a protest after the killing of George Floyd Ð the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained Ð in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Protestors line up against police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Defying a city curfew order, protesters created a makeshift barricade facing off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Police advance on people during a protest after the killing of George Floyd Ð the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained Ð in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Alex Woods stands with milk dried to his face from a dousing after being pepper sprayed by police during a protest in Denver held in response to the death of George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest after Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis officer while being detained in that city. In response to the protests in Denver police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People begin to construct barriers to stop the advancement of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post A law enforcement officer sprays pepper spray at demonstrators near Civic Center Park during a protest over the killing of George Floyd May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A woman screams after receiving a point-blank shot of pepper spray from advancing police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post A Molotov cocktail that was thrown at Denver police officers burns out at 13th Avenue and Broadway. Officers massed while they were trying to fend off protesters during a protest in Denver on May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Men on motorcycles do burnouts as police advance during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Alexis Stepp holds a Black Lives Matter Sign high as people run from the advancement of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post People tag buildings as police advance during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Vandalized kiosk sign at the Denver Cultural Complex near 13th and Broadway during a George Floyd protest in Denver May 30, 2020. Protesters are outraged over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who was killed by a Minnesota police officer who pinned him to the ground with his knee on his neck.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Defying a curfew order, protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Defying a curfew order, a group of women hold their hands up in protest near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post A group pushes a dumpster down a hill towards a line of police during a protest after the killing of George Floyd – the Minneapolis man, who was killed by an officer, while being detained – in downtown Denver on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Thousands gathered to protest as police enforced an 8 p.m. citywide curfew. As officers advanced, protestors began throwing objects as officers returned non-lethal fire into the crowd.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Protesters face off with law enforcement officers near the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Law enforcement officers detain people defying a city curfew order in Capitol Hill in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post Dumpsters are tipped over in the intersection of 14th Ave. and Pearl St. in Denver on Saturday night, May 30, 2020. It was the third night of protests in Denver with demonstrators outraged over the death of George Floyd this week at the hands of Minnesota police.
Use of force
At 8:01 p.m. Sunday, Denver police did not charge the Capitol grounds where more than a thousand protesters had gathered despite an 8 p.m. curfew. That was intentional and different than what happened Saturday, Pazen said, because the crowd had not acted violently toward police. Officers allowed the protesters to march until about 8:30 p.m., when Pazen said some in the crowd threw fireworks and rocks at police.
“Our actions are in direct response to whatever is thrown at us first,” Pazen said.
Denver Police Department policy states that officers can use chemical munitions to “quell rioting/disperse unlawful crowds,” though policing experts have said it’s dangerous to fire projectiles like pepper balls into large crowds. Policy also requires officers to give verbal commands before, during and after using a less-than-lethal weapon, when possible. Multiple times over the past four nights, police have unleashed gas or projectiles without warning or orders to the crowd, videos and eyewitness accounts by Denver Post reporters show.
In one incident, recorded on video by a Denver Post reporter, a Denver police officer without warning used pepper spray on two people who were nonviolent and who were backing away as asked by the officer.
At least five Denver journalists have been struck with pepper balls, foam bullets or tear gas canisters while covering the protests, according to the journalists’ reporting and the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Other journalists have been fired at without warning while walking by themselves or shoved by officers.
Elisabeth Epps, an advocate with the Colorado Freedom Fund who served on the advisory committee for the creation of the department’s use of force policy, was shocked when tear gas rolled toward her Thursday night while she was standing quietly on the Capitol lawn. She was there in solidarity with the protesters that day, but she’s since switched her focus to documenting the police.
She said she’s been struck with pepper balls and other projectiles from police, and that all of her bruises are on her back and the backs of her legs because she was turned away when fired upon. She said Mayor Michael Hancock’s previous characterizations that police were only using less-than-lethal weapons after having something launched at them was incorrect and that officers’ responses sometimes seemed out of scale with the threat they faced.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a fascist, or antifa, or a kid that throws a water bottle or a rock,” Epps said. “What in the world makes it proportional to gas an entire hillside of people?”
Previous critique
The protests this week are not the first time Denver police have been criticized for how they handle demonstrations.
The ACLU of Colorado in 2012 asked the city to conduct a broad review of how the department handled Occupy Denver protesters gathered in Civic Center Park on Oct. 29, 2011. One of the ACLU’s main concerns was the use of pepper spray and pepper balls on people who were observing as well as the firing of pepper balls indiscriminately into a crowd, striking some who were retreating.
“The practice of shooting into a crowd, especially when persons in the crowd are moving, is especially dangerous because the shooter cannot be sure of what he or she is going to hit,” a 2012 letter from the ACLU to the city states.
Seeing Denver officers firing pepper balls at large crowds during this year’s protest is like déjà vu, said Mark Silverstein, legal director at the ACLU of Colorado.
“It was just horrifying to see these officers fire those pepperball guns into a crowd,” Silverstein said. “Those things are really dangerous. We certainly called on Denver at the time to ban their use for crowd control. Maybe we’ll have to talk to them again.”
Denver’s Office of the Independent Monitor, tasked with oversight of the city’s law enforcement, also recommended that the city use the Tactical Review Board to analyze what happened on Oct. 29, 2011, including officers’ use of force and their decision to dress in riot gear to request that the crowd take down its tents. The city did not use the board and instead conducted an internal debriefing of the situation.
Marching for Colorado
Protests began in Denver last week in response to Floyd’s death, but protesters have also carried signs and chanted the names of black men killed in police encounters in the Denver area.
“We’re still in this position of advocating for black lives,” said Apryl Alexander, an associate professor at the University of Denver who protested Thursday. “Depending on how you want to see it, we’ve been doing this for over a decade or for over 400 years.”
Alexander said she had specifically been thinking of 23-year-old Elijah McClain, who died August 27 after he was violently arrested three days earlier by Aurora police, despite being unarmed and suspected of no crime. Police were responding to a call about a suspicious person wearing a ski mask and waving his arms. The officers involved did not face discipline.
“We weren’t just marching for what happened in Minneapolis, we were also marching for the injustices here in Colorado,” Alexander said.
Denver police have also been disciplined for choking unarmed black men and placing their knees on peoples’ necks.
Sgt. Rudolph Suniga served a month-long suspension from police work in May 2019 after choking an unarmed black man until the man passed out. The man was suspected of trying to open doors of cars and attempting to start an unlocked Greyhound bus. Department policy forbids officers from using a chokehold to block someone’s breathing except in lethal encounters.
Video footage from a 2014 arrest of a man suspected of domestic violence shows Officer Chad Sinnema use his knee on the handcuffed man’s neck while the man is facedown in a planter on the 16th Street Mall. Sinnema was suspended for four days for his actions. Another officer, James Medina, was fired for using excessive force, including using his knee to pin a woman’s neck to the floor of a jail cell.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Coloradans must continue social distancing to avoid COVID-19 resurgence this summer, projections say

If Colorado is going to avoid overwhelming hospitals with new COVID-19 patients this summer , the public will need to do what health officials say , rather than what they ’ re allowed to do under easing restrictions , according to new projections .
Those projections , from the Colorado School of Public Health , showed the number of patients in critical condition due to the new coronavirus could exceed the number of intensive care beds available to treat them as early as August , if the public doesn ’ t maintain a high level of social distancing .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people would be hospitalized in Colorado during a summer peak than were at the peak of the first wave , in April .
The projections rely on mobility data , gathered from cell phones , as a proxy for how much people are social distancing .
That means it ’ s impossible to tell if people are going out for relatively low-risk activities , like exercising alone , or if they ’ re going to a large party at a friend ’ s house .
They also don ’ t fully account for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear to be somewhat helpful in controlling the virus ’ spread , said Dr. Jonathan Samet , dean of the School of Public Health .
Reported deaths from COVID-19 have fallen dramatically , and hospitalizations are down , though the rate of decrease is leveling out and hospitalizations could rise again , Samet said .
“ This is what we would expect as the distancing measures are relaxed somewhat , ” he said .
“ The important thing is it inclines in a controlled way , so intensive care capacity is not overwhelmed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid overwhelming hospitals .
In the first , everyone over 65 and those with chronic conditions only leave their house for necessities and outdoor exercise , while those at lower risk from the virus keep their face-to-face contacts to about half the normal rate .
That ’ s not a very likely scenario , since not everyone at high risk because of age or medical conditions can almost completely isolate themselves , state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said .
If the highest-risk people have less-than-perfect success isolating themselves , everyone else with need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the normal number to avoid an overwhelming spike in cases , according to the projections .
It ’ s also important that everyone wear masks in public and get tested if they develop symptoms or know they ’ ve been exposed to the virus , Herlihy said .
Colorado needs to stop the virus from gaining a strong footing if the state is going to meet the goals of allowing school to convene in the fall and avoid another stay-at-home order , said Jill Hunsaker Ryan , executive director of the Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ While Coloradans have made tremendous sacrifices to suppress the virus… we are still not out of the woods , ” she said .
“ We ’ re trying to promote economic stability while keeping virus spread at a minimum.
” Despite the emphasis on possibly severe consequences if residents don ’ t continue social distancing , state officials on Monday released drafts of potential guidance to reopen houses of worship , guided outdoor activities and other types of recreation with social distancing .
And while the state health department recommends that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the state allowed short-term rentals to restart Monday , provided their owners follow certain cleaning rules .
Counties can still apply to reopen more businesses , if they can show they have a plan to do so safely , Ryan said .
Efforts are shifting to contain the virus “ at the business level rather than the societal level , ” with stores and offices that have two or more cases required to close for at least 48 hours , she said .
“ It ’ s this very difficult balance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populations mix , the more likely disease transmission will pick up.
” A new study shows Coloradans have started spending more time out and about since late April , with the average number of hours at home decreasing before the state ’ s stay-at-home order lifted on April 27 .
Jude Bayham , an assistant professor at Colorado State University who uses economic models to study wildfires and epidemics , said aggregated cell phone data showed people spent more time at home starting in early March .
That changed in late April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel to mountain communities over Memorial Day weekend .
That ’ s “ potentially concerning , ” because visitors could bring the virus back to places that have little community spread , he said .
The model doesn ’ t include the effect of masks , because it ’ s not clear if people will feel protected and therefore be less cautious — in the same way driving at high speeds increased as more people wore seatbelts , Bayham said .
Masks aren ’ t recommended for children younger than 2 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the American Academy of Pediatrics .
At the same time , both consumer spending and earnings by employees of small businesses fell significantly as more people stayed home , and haven ’ t fully rebounded , showing that social distancing has it own drawbacks , Bayham said .
“ Distancing has proven to be effective , but costly , ” he said .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

If Colorado is going to avoid overwhelming hospitals with new COVID-19 patients this summer, the public will need to do what health officials say, rather than what they’re allowed to do under easing restrictions, according to new projections.
Those projections, from the Colorado School of Public Health, showed the number of patients in critical condition due to the new coronavirus could exceed the number of intensive care beds available to treat them as early as August, if the public doesn’t maintain a high level of social distancing.
In several of the projected scenarios, more people would be hospitalized in Colorado during a summer peak than were at the peak of the first wave, in April.
The projections rely on mobility data, gathered from cell phones, as a proxy for how much people are social distancing. That means it’s impossible to tell if people are going out for relatively low-risk activities, like exercising alone, or if they’re going to a large party at a friend’s house. They also don’t fully account for the effects of wearing masks, which appear to be somewhat helpful in controlling the virus’ spread, said Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean of the School of Public Health.
Reported deaths from COVID-19 have fallen dramatically, and hospitalizations are down, though the rate of decrease is leveling out and hospitalizations could rise again, Samet said.
“This is what we would expect as the distancing measures are relaxed somewhat,” he said. “The important thing is it inclines in a controlled way, so intensive care capacity is not overwhelmed.”
There are two projected scenarios that avoid overwhelming hospitals.
In the first, everyone over 65 and those with chronic conditions only leave their house for necessities and outdoor exercise, while those at lower risk from the virus keep their face-to-face contacts to about half the normal rate. That’s not a very likely scenario, since not everyone at high risk because of age or medical conditions can almost completely isolate themselves, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said.
If the highest-risk people have less-than-perfect success isolating themselves, everyone else with need to reduce their interactions to about one-third of the normal number to avoid an overwhelming spike in cases, according to the projections. It’s also important that everyone wear masks in public and get tested if they develop symptoms or know they’ve been exposed to the virus, Herlihy said.
Colorado needs to stop the virus from gaining a strong footing if the state is going to meet the goals of allowing school to convene in the fall and avoid another stay-at-home order, said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
“While Coloradans have made tremendous sacrifices to suppress the virus… we are still not out of the woods,” she said. “We’re trying to promote economic stability while keeping virus spread at a minimum.”
Despite the emphasis on possibly severe consequences if residents don’t continue social distancing, state officials on Monday released drafts of potential guidance to reopen houses of worship, guided outdoor activities and other types of recreation with social distancing. And while the state health department recommends that people not travel outside their county for recreation, the state allowed short-term rentals to restart Monday, provided their owners follow certain cleaning rules.
Counties can still apply to reopen more businesses, if they can show they have a plan to do so safely, Ryan said. Efforts are shifting to contain the virus “at the business level rather than the societal level,” with stores and offices that have two or more cases required to close for at least 48 hours, she said.
“It’s this very difficult balance,” she said. “The more populations mix, the more likely disease transmission will pick up.”
A new study shows Coloradans have started spending more time out and about since late April, with the average number of hours at home decreasing before the state’s stay-at-home order lifted on April 27.
Jude Bayham, an assistant professor at Colorado State University who uses economic models to study wildfires and epidemics, said aggregated cell phone data showed people spent more time at home starting in early March. That changed in late April, and there was a significant increase in travel to mountain communities over Memorial Day weekend. That’s “potentially concerning,” because visitors could bring the virus back to places that have little community spread, he said.
The model doesn’t include the effect of masks, because it’s not clear if people will feel protected and therefore be less cautious — in the same way driving at high speeds increased as more people wore seatbelts, Bayham said. Masks aren’t recommended for children younger than 2, but are safe for older kids and adults, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
At the same time, both consumer spending and earnings by employees of small businesses fell significantly as more people stayed home, and haven’t fully rebounded, showing that social distancing has it own drawbacks, Bayham said.
“Distancing has proven to be effective, but costly,” he said.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Colorado expected to see more job losses in months ahead despite gradual reopening

When the April unemployment report came out last month , it seemed Colorado might have dodged the worst of pandemic dislocations .
It nursed an 11.3 % unemployment rate , among the 10 lowest in the country , while states like Nevada and Michigan were above 20 % .
But IHS Markit is predicting that by early next year , Colorado will have some of the largest employment losses of any state .
“ Colorado will be in the top 10 for job losses , fifth-worst , ” said Karl Kuykendall , associate director of regional economics with IHS Markit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and data .
The forecast , out Monday , calls for non-farm employment in Colorado to fall 16.4 % between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 .
Only Florida , Michigan , Massachusetts and Nevada are expected to have larger percentage declines .
Colorado ’ s economy will suffer proportionately more job losses than even New York , which was at the epicenter of the outbreak .
Kuykendall estimates Colorado ’ s employment count will be 460,000 lighter at the start of next year than it was before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more than the drop of 384,800 in employment measured in March and April by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .
What that seems to indicate is that the worst is not over .
Many of the jobs lost in March and April won ’ t be coming back and more losses are coming in Colorado in the months ahead .
“ What is driving the near-term forecast for Colorado is its reliance on tourism , ” Kuykendall said .
Colorado has an above-average concentration of jobs in leisure and hospitality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recover from lockdowns , tourism will be hard-pressed to make a quick comeback .
Another industry , oil and gas production , will drive additional losses in the months ahead .
Layoffs there have started , but are likely to worsen .
Oil and gas producers have dramatically slashed their spending plans , and only a half dozen rigs were active in the state at the end of May , a historic low .
Kuykendall said job losses lag rig count declines by three to six months .
As the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t escape the prolonged pain in the oil patch .
“ We anticipate unemployment will get higher in the months ahead , ” Kuykendall said .
“ There will be some disconnect between the unemployment rate and job losses.
” The reopening of the economy now underway will pave the way for an initial recovery later in the year .
But the hole to dig out of is so deep and virus concerns so difficult to overcome without a proven vaccine that spending patterns will have a hard time getting back to where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to where it was ?
Kuykendall doesn ’ t forecast that happening for the country until early 2024 .

When the April unemployment report came out last month, it seemed Colorado might have dodged the worst of pandemic dislocations. It nursed an 11.3% unemployment rate, among the 10 lowest in the country, while states like Nevada and Michigan were above 20%.
But IHS Markit is predicting that by early next year, Colorado will have some of the largest employment losses of any state.
“Colorado will be in the top 10 for job losses, fifth-worst,” said Karl Kuykendall, associate director of regional economics with IHS Markit, which provides economic and industry-level forecasts and data.
The forecast, out Monday, calls for non-farm employment in Colorado to fall 16.4% between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. Only Florida, Michigan, Massachusetts and Nevada are expected to have larger percentage declines. Colorado’s economy will suffer proportionately more job losses than even New York, which was at the epicenter of the outbreak.
Kuykendall estimates Colorado’s employment count will be 460,000 lighter at the start of next year than it was before the coronavirus outbreak took hold. That is more than the drop of 384,800 in employment measured in March and April by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What that seems to indicate is that the worst is not over. Many of the jobs lost in March and April won’t be coming back and more losses are coming in Colorado in the months ahead.
“What is driving the near-term forecast for Colorado is its reliance on tourism,” Kuykendall said. Colorado has an above-average concentration of jobs in leisure and hospitality. Even as many parts of the economy recover from lockdowns, tourism will be hard-pressed to make a quick comeback.
Another industry, oil and gas production, will drive additional losses in the months ahead. Layoffs there have started, but are likely to worsen. Oil and gas producers have dramatically slashed their spending plans, and only a half dozen rigs were active in the state at the end of May, a historic low.
Kuykendall said job losses lag rig count declines by three to six months. As the nation’s fifth-largest oil producer, Colorado won’t escape the prolonged pain in the oil patch.
“We anticipate unemployment will get higher in the months ahead,” Kuykendall said. “There will be some disconnect between the unemployment rate and job losses.”
The reopening of the economy now underway will pave the way for an initial recovery later in the year. But the hole to dig out of is so deep and virus concerns so difficult to overcome without a proven vaccine that spending patterns will have a hard time getting back to where they were.
So when might employment return to where it was? Kuykendall doesn’t forecast that happening for the country until early 2024.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Denver weather: Hot temperatures continue with chance of p.m. showers

Unseasonably hot weather remains in the Denver forecast through the week along with a chance for afternoon thunderstorms .
Isolated @ @ @ @ @ showers and thunderstorms are expected daily through Friday , according to the National Weather Service @ @ @ @ @ to be too severe , however , as the most robust storms will be found @ @ @ @ @ border , especially on Wednesday and Friday .
In Denver there ’ s a 10 @ @ @ @ @ and thunderstorms on Tuesday , the weather service said .
Skies will be partly sunny @ @ @ @ @ hit 90 degrees .
The chance for precipitation in Denver on Wednesday increases to 20 @ @ @ @ @ sticks to 90 degrees .
Thursday and Friday will be a bit hotter in the @ @ @ @ @ temp of 91 followed by a high of 93 degrees .
Overnight low temperatures in @ @ @ @ @ to be in the upper 50s to lower 60s .
The coming weekend in northeastern @ @ @ @ @ dry and breezy , with an increased chance of fire danger .

Unseasonably hot weather remains in the Denver forecast through the week along with a chance for afternoon thunderstorms.
Isolated to scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected daily through Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms are not expected to be too severe, however, as the most robust storms will be found along Colorado’s eastern border, especially on Wednesday and Friday.
In Denver there’s a 10% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday, the weather service said. Skies will be partly sunny and the high temperature should hit 90 degrees.
The chance for precipitation in Denver on Wednesday increases to 20% and the high temperature sticks to 90 degrees. Thursday and Friday will be a bit hotter in the city, with a high temp of 91 followed by a high of 93 degrees.
Overnight low temperatures in Denver this week are expected to be in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
The coming weekend in northeastern Colorado is looking hot, dry and breezy, with an increased chance of fire danger.