thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Two Republicans opposed by Trump win in North Carolina, Kentucky

By Christina A. Cassidy , Piper Hudspeth Blackburn and Alan Fram , The Associated Press LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Voters rebuffed President Donald Trump and nominated two Republicans he opposed to House seats from North Carolina and Kentucky on Tuesday .
Calls in higher-profile races in Kentucky and New York faced days of delay as swamped officials count mountains of mail-in ballots .
In western North Carolina , GOP voters picked 24-year-old investor Madison Cawthorn over Trump-backed real estate agent Lynda Bennett .
The runoff was for the seat vacated by GOP Rep. Mark Meadows , who resigned to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined his new boss in backing Bennett .
Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie , a libertarian-minded maverick who often clashes with GOP leaders , was renominated for a sixth House term .
Trump savaged Massie in March as a “ disaster for America ” who should be ejected from the party after he forced lawmakers to return to Washington during a pandemic to vote on a huge economic relief package .
Cawthorn , who uses a wheelchair following an accident , will meet the constitutionally mandated minimum age of 25 when the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a Trump supporter , and Massie is strongly conservative .
Still , their victories were an embarrassment to a president whose own reelection campaign has teetered recently .
As states ease voting by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic , a deluge of mail-in ballots and glacially slow counting procedures made delays inevitable .
That torturous wait seemed a preview of November , when more states will embrace mail-in voting and officials warn that uncertainty over who is the next president could linger for days .
Kentucky usually has 2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This year officials expect that figure to exceed 50 % , and over 400,000 mail ballots were returned by Sunday .
New York officials expect the vast majority of votes to be mail ballots this year , compared to their typical 5 % share .
Counties have until eight days after Election Day to count and release the results of mail ballots , with 1.7 million requested by voters .
In the day ’ s marquee contests , two African American candidates with campaigns energized by nationwide protests for racial justice were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s nominations .
First-term state legislator Charles Booker was hoping a late surge would carry him past former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath for the Democratic Senate nomination from Kentucky .
And in New York , political newcomer Jamaal Bowman was seeking to derail House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel ’ s bid for a 17th term .
In Kentucky , many counties including Jefferson , the state ’ s largest , faced piles of mail-in ballots and reported no results .
The Associated Press doesn ’ t expect to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when Kentucky plans to release additional tallies .
Even so , Booker and supporters gathered in Louisville chanted ’ from the ‘ hood to the holler , ” the slogan he hoped would help build a coalition of urban Blacks and rural whites .
“ We have the opportunity to transform history , ” Booker said .
The AP was also delaying its call in New York ’ s Engel-Bowman race , pending additional vote tallies .
In other contests , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky easily won the Republican nomination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be favored in November against McGrath or Booker .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , won renomination , cementing her rise from obscurity to progressive icon status when she ousted Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley , on track to become speaker , from the New York City district .
In Virginia , retired Army Col. Daniel Gade won the GOP Senate nomination but seems certain to lose to Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in November .
Republican Scott Taylor will face Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria in a rematch between two Navy veterans in a Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
And Cameron Webb , a health policy researcher , won the Democratic nomination for a central Virginia House district .
GOP Rep. Denver Riggleman lost his party ’ s nomination , fueling Democrats ’ hopes that Webb , an African American , can capture the seat .
Voters endured 90-minute waits in Kentucky ’ s second-largest city , Lexington , and social media posts showed long lines in New York ’ s Westchester County deep into the evening .
Yet overall , the day ’ s problems seemed less widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevada , where some people stood in line for hours .
In Louisville , voting advocates complained that an unknown number of people stayed home because of difficulty traveling to the city ’ s single polling place — the Kentucky Exposition Center .
“ In my neighborhood , most people don ’ t have cars , ” said voter Michael Baker .
“ It ’ s not fair for them to have one site.
” A judge kept the polling place open an extra half hour after about 175 people , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors , demanded to vote .
Louisville , the state ’ s biggest city , has 600,000 residents .
In the big New York and Kentucky contests , Democrats were watching whether nationwide protests sparked by last month ’ s killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police would translate to a decisive turnout by African American and progressive voters .
Kentucky ’ s McGrath has a military resume , centrists views and fundraising abilities that helped her win support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , to oppose McConnell .
Booker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended recent protests against the March police killing of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in her Louisville home .
That helped him win support from progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , and the state ’ s two largest newspapers .
In one measure of McGrath ’ s financial advantage , she has spent $ 16 million in ads compared to Booker ’ s $ 2 million , according to Advertising Analytics , which studies campaign advertising .
In New York , Engel is supported by Democratic stars like Hillary Clinton , House Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus major labor unions .
He ’ s one of Congress ’ most liberal members .
Bowman , an educator , has drawn strength from anti-racism protests and his accusations that Engel has grown aloof from his diverse district in parts of the Bronx and Westchester .
Bowman has been helped by progressive groups and lawmakers like Sanders .
Cassidy reported from Atlanta and Fram reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Alexandra Jaffe and Stephen Ohlemacher in Washington , Sophia Tulp in Leawood , Kan. , Michael Warren in Atlanta and Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this report .

By Christina A. Cassidy, Piper Hudspeth Blackburn and Alan Fram, The Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Voters rebuffed President Donald Trump and nominated two Republicans he opposed to House seats from North Carolina and Kentucky on Tuesday. Calls in higher-profile races in Kentucky and New York faced days of delay as swamped officials count mountains of mail-in ballots.
In western North Carolina, GOP voters picked 24-year-old investor Madison Cawthorn over Trump-backed real estate agent Lynda Bennett. The runoff was for the seat vacated by GOP Rep. Mark Meadows, who resigned to become Trump’s chief of staff and joined his new boss in backing Bennett.
Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, a libertarian-minded maverick who often clashes with GOP leaders, was renominated for a sixth House term. Trump savaged Massie in March as a “disaster for America” who should be ejected from the party after he forced lawmakers to return to Washington during a pandemic to vote on a huge economic relief package.
Cawthorn, who uses a wheelchair following an accident, will meet the constitutionally mandated minimum age of 25 when the next Congress convenes. Cawthorn has said he’s a Trump supporter, and Massie is strongly conservative. Still, their victories were an embarrassment to a president whose own reelection campaign has teetered recently.
As states ease voting by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic, a deluge of mail-in ballots and glacially slow counting procedures made delays inevitable. That torturous wait seemed a preview of November, when more states will embrace mail-in voting and officials warn that uncertainty over who is the next president could linger for days.
Kentucky usually has 2% of its returns come from mail ballots. This year officials expect that figure to exceed 50%, and over 400,000 mail ballots were returned by Sunday.
New York officials expect the vast majority of votes to be mail ballots this year, compared to their typical 5% share. Counties have until eight days after Election Day to count and release the results of mail ballots, with 1.7 million requested by voters.
In the day’s marquee contests, two African American candidates with campaigns energized by nationwide protests for racial justice were challenging white Democratic establishment favorites for the party’s nominations.
First-term state legislator Charles Booker was hoping a late surge would carry him past former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath for the Democratic Senate nomination from Kentucky. And in New York, political newcomer Jamaal Bowman was seeking to derail House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel’s bid for a 17th term.
In Kentucky, many counties including Jefferson, the state’s largest, faced piles of mail-in ballots and reported no results. The Associated Press doesn’t expect to call the McGrath-Booker race until June 30, when Kentucky plans to release additional tallies.
Even so, Booker and supporters gathered in Louisville chanted ’from the ‘hood to the holler,” the slogan he hoped would help build a coalition of urban Blacks and rural whites.
“We have the opportunity to transform history,” Booker said.
The AP was also delaying its call in New York’s Engel-Bowman race, pending additional vote tallies.
In other contests, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky easily won the Republican nomination for a seventh Senate term and will be favored in November against McGrath or Booker.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., won renomination, cementing her rise from obscurity to progressive icon status when she ousted Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley, on track to become speaker, from the New York City district.
In Virginia, retired Army Col. Daniel Gade won the GOP Senate nomination but seems certain to lose to Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in November. Republican Scott Taylor will face Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria in a rematch between two Navy veterans in a Virginia Beach district from which she toppled him in 2018.
And Cameron Webb, a health policy researcher, won the Democratic nomination for a central Virginia House district. GOP Rep. Denver Riggleman lost his party’s nomination, fueling Democrats’ hopes that Webb, an African American, can capture the seat.
Voters endured 90-minute waits in Kentucky’s second-largest city, Lexington, and social media posts showed long lines in New York’s Westchester County deep into the evening. Yet overall, the day’s problems seemed less widespread than in recent elections in Georgia and Nevada, where some people stood in line for hours.
In Louisville, voting advocates complained that an unknown number of people stayed home because of difficulty traveling to the city’s single polling place — the Kentucky Exposition Center.
“In my neighborhood, most people don’t have cars,” said voter Michael Baker. “It’s not fair for them to have one site.”
A judge kept the polling place open an extra half hour after about 175 people, some of whom pounded on the building’s doors, demanded to vote. Louisville, the state’s biggest city, has 600,000 residents.
In the big New York and Kentucky contests, Democrats were watching whether nationwide protests sparked by last month’s killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police would translate to a decisive turnout by African American and progressive voters.
Kentucky’s McGrath has a military resume, centrists views and fundraising abilities that helped her win support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to oppose McConnell.
Booker’s campaign caught fire after he attended recent protests against the March police killing of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in her Louisville home. That helped him win support from progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and the state’s two largest newspapers.
In one measure of McGrath’s financial advantage, she has spent $16 million in ads compared to Booker’s $2 million, according to Advertising Analytics, which studies campaign advertising.
In New York, Engel is supported by Democratic stars like Hillary Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Congressional Black Caucus, plus major labor unions. He’s one of Congress’ most liberal members.
Bowman, an educator, has drawn strength from anti-racism protests and his accusations that Engel has grown aloof from his diverse district in parts of the Bronx and Westchester. Bowman has been helped by progressive groups and lawmakers like Sanders.
___
Cassidy reported from Atlanta and Fram reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Alexandra Jaffe and Stephen Ohlemacher in Washington, Sophia Tulp in Leawood, Kan., Michael Warren in Atlanta and Gary Robertson in Raleigh, N.C., contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Douglas County opts out of financing program, leaving at least one development in limbo

The future of at least one big Castle Rock project is murkier today after the Douglas County commissioners voted not to participate in a program that connects commercial property owners with loans for energy and utility efficiency work and upgrades .
Thirty Colorado counties are part of the Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy , or C-PACE program , and more than a dozen others are in discussions to join , according to the program ’ s website .
Douglas County was in the “ in discussion ” group until Tuesday when county commissioners Roger Partridge and Lora Thomas voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county would participate .
Commissioner Abe Laydon voted against leaving the program .
“ I think this puts a government entity smack dab in the middle between two private entities that are creating a commercial contract , so it does involve government where the government doesn ’ t belong , ” Thomas said .
C-PACE is Colorado ’ s version of a program that exists in more than 30 states .
It was created through a bill passed through the statehouse in 2015 , said Tracy Phillips , who oversees the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners to tap into private loans for up to 100 % of the cost of work that upgrades their building ’ s energy efficiency , water conservation , renewable energy use and other eligible work .
For new projects , loans can account for up to 20 % of the financing .
While the program is overseen by Phillips and the Colorado New Energy Improvement District office , counties must opt in .
Participating counties collect loan repayments through special property tax assessments .
This allows C-PACE debt to be attached to buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be transferred in a sale .
Counties are compensated through a fee of up to 1 % on the debt they collect , Phillips said .
Developer Shawn Temple didn ’ t tune in or attend Tuesday ’ s meeting but he has been keeping a close eye on the discussion .
His company , P3 Advisors , is working on redeveloping a former dump in the middle of Castle Rock into a 65-acre , mixed-use development .
The first project planned for the site is a 359-room hotel and resort with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and event space .
Temple intended to pursue some financing through C-PACE .
“ We think it ’ s a short-sighted decision that will affect a lot of good projects in Douglas County that are new construction , ” Temple said of Tuesday ’ s vote .
“ With hospitality being the hardest hit ( industry ) in the pandemic this obviously could affect the future plans of the resort.
” He said the project would create at least 200 permanent jobs in Castle Rock .
Thomas ’ opposition was largely ideological and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the size of county government .
She pointed out that Weld County , another Front Range jurisdiction known for conservative politics , also backed out of the program .
For Laydon the issue boiled down to risk and the need for more investment options at a time when the country is entering a recession .
He noted that of the roughly 2,400 properties that have tapped into C-PACE loans across the country so far , just two have gone into foreclosure .
“ I think it would be unwise to not approve C-PACE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ but when businesses are failing , when the economy is failing , I think it is absolutely critical that the county engages in active discussion with the community where there is no risk to the county.
” The term-limited Partridge sided with county treasurer David Gill , who at the beginning of the meeting recommended the county not join C-PACE because they viewed the risks as too great .
Partridge and Gill noted that one C-PACE project that has gone into foreclosure is in Colorado ’ s Fremont County and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that could hamper a sale .
Without an assurance that the county would not lose out on any property taxes if something similar were to happen in Douglas County , Partridge said he could not support the program .
With assurances , he said he would “ reconsider a resolution at another date .
”

The future of at least one big Castle Rock project is murkier today after the Douglas County commissioners voted not to participate in a program that connects commercial property owners with loans for energy and utility efficiency work and upgrades.
Thirty Colorado counties are part of the Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE program, and more than a dozen others are in discussions to join, according to the program’s website. Douglas County was in the “in discussion” group until Tuesday when county commissioners Roger Partridge and Lora Thomas voted to rescind a resolution that said the county would participate. Commissioner Abe Laydon voted against leaving the program.
“I think this puts a government entity smack dab in the middle between two private entities that are creating a commercial contract, so it does involve government where the government doesn’t belong,” Thomas said.
C-PACE is Colorado’s version of a program that exists in more than 30 states. It was created through a bill passed through the statehouse in 2015, said Tracy Phillips, who oversees the state’s program. C-PACE allows commercial property owners to tap into private loans for up to 100% of the cost of work that upgrades their building’s energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy use and other eligible work. For new projects, loans can account for up to 20% of the financing.
While the program is overseen by Phillips and the Colorado New Energy Improvement District office, counties must opt in. Participating counties collect loan repayments through special property tax assessments. This allows C-PACE debt to be attached to buildings, not their owners, so it can be transferred in a sale. Counties are compensated through a fee of up to 1% on the debt they collect, Phillips said.
Developer Shawn Temple didn’t tune in or attend Tuesday’s meeting but he has been keeping a close eye on the discussion. His company, P3 Advisors, is working on redeveloping a former dump in the middle of Castle Rock into a 65-acre, mixed-use development. The first project planned for the site is a 359-room hotel and resort with up to 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Temple intended to pursue some financing through C-PACE.
“We think it’s a short-sighted decision that will affect a lot of good projects in Douglas County that are new construction,” Temple said of Tuesday’s vote. “With hospitality being the hardest hit (industry) in the pandemic this obviously could affect the future plans of the resort.”
He said the project would create at least 200 permanent jobs in Castle Rock.
Thomas’ opposition was largely ideological and driven by a desire to limit the the size of county government. She pointed out that Weld County, another Front Range jurisdiction known for conservative politics, also backed out of the program.
For Laydon the issue boiled down to risk and the need for more investment options at a time when the country is entering a recession. He noted that of the roughly 2,400 properties that have tapped into C-PACE loans across the country so far, just two have gone into foreclosure.
“I think it would be unwise to not approve C-PACE in normal circumstances,” Laydon said, “but when businesses are failing, when the economy is failing, I think it is absolutely critical that the county engages in active discussion with the community where there is no risk to the county.”
The term-limited Partridge sided with county treasurer David Gill, who at the beginning of the meeting recommended the county not join C-PACE because they viewed the risks as too great. Partridge and Gill noted that one C-PACE project that has gone into foreclosure is in Colorado’s Fremont County and now has additional debt attached to it, something that could hamper a sale. Without an assurance that the county would not lose out on any property taxes if something similar were to happen in Douglas County, Partridge said he could not support the program. With assurances, he said he would “reconsider a resolution at another date.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Homeless camp grows around Denver middle school as COVID-19 cases increase

The colorful tents that line the street next to a Capitol Hill school exemplify Denver ’ s struggle to serve people experiencing homelessness as the coronavirus pandemic stubbornly sticks around .
The encampment around Morey Middle School has grown in the past seven weeks or so , prompting neighbor Brendan McCormick and his wife to call the police multiple times .
They ’ re concerned for their 8-year-old son and the other neighborhood children , especially as schools look forward to reopening in mid-August .
But at the same time , COVID-19 cases are increasing within the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more likely to contract the virus in a group shelter rather than in an outdoor encampment .
Homeless advocates as well as some residents and Denver City Council members say that absent better options , Mayor Michael Hancock should provide encampments with more services and create a dedicated site for those living on the streets .
So far , Hancock hasn ’ t hinted at a change of approach .
Dozens of people are estimated to be living outside Morey .
Between May 15 and June 22 , Denver police received 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dumping , threats and trespassing , spokesperson Jay Casillas said .
“ There ’ s a blue tent across the street where there appears to be some prostitution going on , ” McCormick said .
“ Women have gone into that tent , been there a short time and then they go across the street and buy drugs from guys under a tarp.
” He isn ’ t asking the city to simply push the people out .
They should develop a more comprehensive approach that could include a dedicated campsite , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trash bins , showers and bathrooms would also help residents keep the sites clean , he said .
“ The city needs to come up with a plan here so they don ’ t just kick them out and they move to the next area where there ’ s a right of way they can take over , ” McCormick said .
That lack of strategy has plagued Hancock ’ s administration since the pandemic began .
While shelter space has increased in recent months , city officials have still leaned on controversial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to clear out encampments , despite recommendations to the contrary from the federal Centers for Disease Control .
Eight Denver City Council members and five state lawmakers wrote Hancock in late April asking him to create a temporary encampment “ where those who have not been using shelters can be better protected in a safe , healthy , secure environment that provides access to the resources required to slow the spread of the virus.
” The need for such a temporary site remains , said Lisa Calderón , chief of staff for Councilwoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose district includes Capitol Hill , agreed , saying a temporary encampment would be a good interim step to helping those experiencing homelessness .
Hancock never formally responded to the request , Calderón said .
Hancock spokesperson Mike Strott said the mayor has followed up verbally .
“ The pandemic has certainly shined a brighter light on the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our city , ” Strott said in a statement .
“ We appreciate the engagement of everyone who is participating in this community conversation , and we continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sizes of the camp sites are growing , said Cathy Alderman , a spokesperson for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless .
That ’ s partially because with the ongoing pandemic many spaces like libraries , shops and restaurants are closed , leaving those experiencing homelessness with no place to go .
A criminal element is almost sure to follow once an encampment grows past more than just a few tents , Alderman said .
While many of the city ’ s permanent and temporary shelters are being used , many people living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to be separated from loved ones or a pet or they ’ re concerned their property might be stolen .
Also , shelters can be dangerous : Someone was fatally stabbed last week in the temporary shelter at the National Western Complex .
And some people are fearful of contracting COVID-19 in group settings — a concern that appears to be grounded in reality .
Leaders of the CDC ’ s coronavirus task force have noted that risks for contracting the virus are magnified in group shelters because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures .
Health experts also agree the virus generally spreads more easily indoors than out .
A test of 50 people living unsheltered in the downtown area earlier this month yielded zero positive results , Alderman said , even though the number of COVID-19 cases among the city ’ s homeless population overall continues to rise .
As of Tuesday , 442 people experiencing homelessness have tested positive for the virus and eight have died , said Nancy Kuhn , a spokesperson for the city .
That ’ s why the city should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for now , Alderman said .
“ We really do need to provide services to these encampments rather than just moving them along , ” she said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

The colorful tents that line the street next to a Capitol Hill school exemplify Denver’s struggle to serve people experiencing homelessness as the coronavirus pandemic stubbornly sticks around.
The encampment around Morey Middle School has grown in the past seven weeks or so, prompting neighbor Brendan McCormick and his wife to call the police multiple times. They’re concerned for their 8-year-old son and the other neighborhood children, especially as schools look forward to reopening in mid-August.
But at the same time, COVID-19 cases are increasing within the city’s unhoused population, and evidence suggests people are more likely to contract the virus in a group shelter rather than in an outdoor encampment. Homeless advocates as well as some residents and Denver City Council members say that absent better options, Mayor Michael Hancock should provide encampments with more services and create a dedicated site for those living on the streets.
So far, Hancock hasn’t hinted at a change of approach.
Dozens of people are estimated to be living outside Morey. Between May 15 and June 22, Denver police received 26 complaints about the encampment, including accusations of dumping, threats and trespassing, spokesperson Jay Casillas said.
“There’s a blue tent across the street where there appears to be some prostitution going on,” McCormick said. “Women have gone into that tent, been there a short time and then they go across the street and buy drugs from guys under a tarp.”
He isn’t asking the city to simply push the people out. They should develop a more comprehensive approach that could include a dedicated campsite, McCormick said. Providing existing encampments with trash bins, showers and bathrooms would also help residents keep the sites clean, he said.
“The city needs to come up with a plan here so they don’t just kick them out and they move to the next area where there’s a right of way they can take over,” McCormick said.
That lack of strategy has plagued Hancock’s administration since the pandemic began. While shelter space has increased in recent months, city officials have still leaned on controversial cleanups — also known as sweeps — to clear out encampments, despite recommendations to the contrary from the federal Centers for Disease Control.
Eight Denver City Council members and five state lawmakers wrote Hancock in late April asking him to create a temporary encampment “where those who have not been using shelters can be better protected in a safe, healthy, secure environment that provides access to the resources required to slow the spread of the virus.”
The need for such a temporary site remains, said Lisa Calderón, chief of staff for Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca. Councilman Chris Hinds, whose district includes Capitol Hill, agreed, saying a temporary encampment would be a good interim step to helping those experiencing homelessness.
Hancock never formally responded to the request, Calderón said. Hancock spokesperson Mike Strott said the mayor has followed up verbally.
“The pandemic has certainly shined a brighter light on the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our city,” Strott said in a statement. “We appreciate the engagement of everyone who is participating in this community conversation, and we continue to evaluate all options.”
The numbers and sizes of the camp sites are growing, said Cathy Alderman, a spokesperson for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. That’s partially because with the ongoing pandemic many spaces like libraries, shops and restaurants are closed, leaving those experiencing homelessness with no place to go.
A criminal element is almost sure to follow once an encampment grows past more than just a few tents, Alderman said.
While many of the city’s permanent and temporary shelters are being used, many people living on the streets avoid them. They don’t want to be separated from loved ones or a pet or they’re concerned their property might be stolen. Also, shelters can be dangerous: Someone was fatally stabbed last week in the temporary shelter at the National Western Complex.
And some people are fearful of contracting COVID-19 in group settings — a concern that appears to be grounded in reality.
Leaders of the CDC’s coronavirus task force have noted that risks for contracting the virus are magnified in group shelters because of the close quarters and difficulty enforcing precautionary measures. Health experts also agree the virus generally spreads more easily indoors than out.
A test of 50 people living unsheltered in the downtown area earlier this month yielded zero positive results, Alderman said, even though the number of COVID-19 cases among the city’s homeless population overall continues to rise.
As of Tuesday, 442 people experiencing homelessness have tested positive for the virus and eight have died, said Nancy Kuhn, a spokesperson for the city.
That’s why the city should embrace and regulate encampments — at least for now, Alderman said.
“We really do need to provide services to these encampments rather than just moving them along,” she said.
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thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Get Cooking: No salt, no problem. Pantry substitutes to the rescue

“ Out of it ” may mean one thing in politics , protests or parenting , but a truly different–and at times unhappy—thing in the pantry .
There you are , frittering away ( it could be in more than one sense of that term ) , and you run dry on the vegetable oil , or hit the bottom of the salt cellar , or need butter and all you have is a half-moon of brie .
Aaargh .
Who wants just to pop off to the grocery these days ?
Who can ?
Chances are that what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re truly not .
Kitchen basics come in many garbs ; you merely need to know how to assess the dresses .
Today ’ s recipe , for example , adds the abundant oil and salt in crushed potato chips to coat chicken pieces as they bake to golden in the oven .
No need to pan-fry the chicken in a film of oil ; no need to salt them as they cook .
You can make fruitful substitutions from your pantry by attending to what it is that you ’ re after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Saltiness or sweetness , for example , don ’ t arrive merely via white crystals .
Or a smooth , creamy texture isn ’ t to be found only in cream .
Here are some places to look in your pantry for subs for something that you may not have on hand when you need it .
For salt : Ubiquitous in the everyday pantry , salt comes abundantly in soy sauce and miso pastes of any color , and in foods preserved in or prepared with it such as capers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bacon .
Of course , you will introduce other flavors in addition to salt when you use any of these , but ( bacon ! )
that may be desired .
For sweetness : Like salt , the many sugars ( fructose , glucose , sucrose , and so on ) are in or constituent of many pantry foods .
The obvious substitutes are honey , molasses , agave or corn syrup and the many granulated sugar substitutes so-named such as aspartame or monk fruit crystals .
All of this is common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really pressed to add something sweet to a cooking preparation and you don ’ t have at hand any true sugar ( or its synthesized equivalent ) remember that using dried fruit , heavy cream , fruit juice , maple syrup or applesauce adds significant sweetness .
It also adds other flavors that , again , may or may not be appropriate .
For milk or cream : I consider myself a lucky cook because I almost always have on hand some homemade whole-milk yogurt .
I make it a gallon at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I use it as-is for many a meal ( smoothies , say , or bircher muesli ) but I also use it when I need a small amount of milk or cream and I have neither on hand .
I simply water the yogurt down to the consistency I desire .
I need watch merely for its tendency to curdle if the “ cream ” is added in volume .
I am guessing that well-made commercial whole-milk Greek yogurt could act similarly .
I also always have homemade ghee on hand .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the refrigerator for months and tastes and acts nearly 100 percent just like regular , unclarified butter , with no burning in the sauté pan to boot .
If you ’ re looking to add dairy for its creaminess , richness or just plain milky flavors , those characteristics do not collapse into mere milk or cream .
The fresh cheeses or cheese-like mascarpone , Neufchâtel , farmer ’ s cheese , crème fraîche , queso fresco , quark , sour cream and Greek yogurt all substitute for cream ( again , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as do many an unaged bloomy rind cheese such as , for one example only , French or American-made brie .
For fats : Many of the vegetable or fruit oils ( olive , canola , corn , avocado , coconut , and so on ) are interchangeable but for attention to their individual flavors and smoke points when heated .
Solid , animal-based fats such as butter , lard or schmaltz ( chicken fat ) are a whole other book and are largely not substitutes for each other .
But fats or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not so labeled .
They ’ re in potato and some other grain-based chips , in jars of artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms , or in any confit ( of duck leg , for example ) .
I ’ ve used the olive oil from a couple of rounds of preserved goat ’ s cheese for the base of a delicious salad dressing .
Choose the potato chips for this recipe for whatever flavorings you want that they advertise : “ barbecue ” adds BBQ flavor , “ sour cream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so on .
Of course “ plain ” works just fine too .
Makes 4-6 servings In a large bowl or inside a zipped plastic bag , crush the potato chips well and add the black pepper , stirring it in .
Heat the oven to 375 degrees .
Arrange three plates side by side , with the flour in the first , the eggs in the second , and the crushed chips and pepper in the third .
In turn , dredge each piece of chicken in the flour ( shaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eggs and then the chips , pressing down on the chips so that they adhere .
Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish or sheet large enough to fit them all so that they do not touch each other .
Melt the ghee or butter with the olive oil and drizzle it over the pieces and bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes , or until the juices run clear .
You may turn over the pieces halfway through ; you also may remove the breast pieces 5-10 minutes before any dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh flat-leaf parsley or lemon wedges or other favorite condiments .

“Out of it” may mean one thing in politics, protests or parenting, but a truly different–and at times unhappy—thing in the pantry.
There you are, frittering away (it could be in more than one sense of that term), and you run dry on the vegetable oil, or hit the bottom of the salt cellar, or need butter and all you have is a half-moon of brie.
Aaargh. Who wants just to pop off to the grocery these days? Who can?
Chances are that what you’re out of, you’re truly not. Kitchen basics come in many garbs; you merely need to know how to assess the dresses.
Today’s recipe, for example, adds the abundant oil and salt in crushed potato chips to coat chicken pieces as they bake to golden in the oven. No need to pan-fry the chicken in a film of oil; no need to salt them as they cook.
You can make fruitful substitutions from your pantry by attending to what it is that you’re after in what you lack from your cupboard. Saltiness or sweetness, for example, don’t arrive merely via white crystals. Or a smooth, creamy texture isn’t to be found only in cream.
Here are some places to look in your pantry for subs for something that you may not have on hand when you need it.
For salt: Ubiquitous in the everyday pantry, salt comes abundantly in soy sauce and miso pastes of any color, and in foods preserved in or prepared with it such as capers, anchovies, many mustards, Worcestershire sauce and bacon. Of course, you will introduce other flavors in addition to salt when you use any of these, but (bacon!) that may be desired.
For sweetness: Like salt, the many sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and so on) are in or constituent of many pantry foods. The obvious substitutes are honey, molasses, agave or corn syrup and the many granulated sugar substitutes so-named such as aspartame or monk fruit crystals. All of this is common knowledge.
But if you’re really pressed to add something sweet to a cooking preparation and you don’t have at hand any true sugar (or its synthesized equivalent) remember that using dried fruit, heavy cream, fruit juice, maple syrup or applesauce adds significant sweetness. It also adds other flavors that, again, may or may not be appropriate.
For milk or cream: I consider myself a lucky cook because I almost always have on hand some homemade whole-milk yogurt. I make it a gallon at a time and it stores well and lengthily. I use it as-is for many a meal (smoothies, say, or bircher muesli) but I also use it when I need a small amount of milk or cream and I have neither on hand. I simply water the yogurt down to the consistency I desire. I need watch merely for its tendency to curdle if the “cream” is added in volume. I am guessing that well-made commercial whole-milk Greek yogurt could act similarly.
I also always have homemade ghee on hand. This form of clarified butter keeps in the refrigerator for months and tastes and acts nearly 100 percent just like regular, unclarified butter, with no burning in the sauté pan to boot.
If you’re looking to add dairy for its creaminess, richness or just plain milky flavors, those characteristics do not collapse into mere milk or cream. The fresh cheeses or cheese-like mascarpone, Neufchâtel, farmer’s cheese, crème fraîche, queso fresco, quark, sour cream and Greek yogurt all substitute for cream (again, sometimes with added flavors or tartness), as do many an unaged bloomy rind cheese such as, for one example only, French or American-made brie.
For fats: Many of the vegetable or fruit oils (olive, canola, corn, avocado, coconut, and so on) are interchangeable but for attention to their individual flavors and smoke points when heated. Solid, animal-based fats such as butter, lard or schmaltz (chicken fat) are a whole other book and are largely not substitutes for each other.
But fats or oils also are found around the kitchen, not so labeled. They’re in potato and some other grain-based chips, in jars of artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms, or in any confit (of duck leg, for example). I’ve used the olive oil from a couple of rounds of preserved goat’s cheese for the base of a delicious salad dressing.
Chicken baked in potato chips
Choose the potato chips for this recipe for whatever flavorings you want that they advertise: “barbecue” adds BBQ flavor, “sour cream and onion,” those flavors, and so on. Of course “plain” works just fine too. Makes 4-6 servings
Ingredients
6-8 pieces skin-on chicken (breasts, thighs, drumsticks)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2-3 large eggs, whisked
2 cups crushed kettle-style (not baked or fat-free) potato chips
2 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
2 tablespoons flavorful extra-virgin olive oil
In a large bowl or inside a zipped plastic bag, crush the potato chips well and add the black pepper, stirring it in. Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
Arrange three plates side by side, with the flour in the first, the eggs in the second, and the crushed chips and pepper in the third. In turn, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour (shaking off any excess), then in the eggs and then the chips, pressing down on the chips so that they adhere.
Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish or sheet large enough to fit them all so that they do not touch each other. Melt the ghee or butter with the olive oil and drizzle it over the pieces and bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes, or until the juices run clear.
You may turn over the pieces halfway through; you also may remove the breast pieces 5-10 minutes before any dark meat pieces. Serve topped with chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or lemon wedges or other favorite condiments.


thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Colorado Supreme Court to consider how same-sex common-law marriages are recognized and defined

The Colorado Supreme Court will consider how same-sex common-law marriages should be recognized and defined in the state in a pair of cases to be argued Wednesday .
The court ’ s rulings could have a broad impact on how disputes about same-sex common-law marriages are handled for years to come .
The current standard for defining common-law marriages in Colorado was established three decades ago .
The justices will consider two cases that raise different but related issues .
The first case considers whether common-law same-sex marriages that started before same-sex marriage was legalized in Colorado in 2014 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the justices to consider whether the state ’ s decades-old definition of common-law marriage should be adjusted to better apply to same-sex couples .
Attorneys familiar with the cases said this week that the first issue — whether common-law same-sex marriages that predate marriage equality should be recognized in Colorado — was largely answered in 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional and that same-sex couples should be treated the same as heterosexual couples .
“ In Colorado , what that means is just as different-sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage , so to should it be with same-sex couples , ” said Mark Gibson , an attorney who represented the Colorado LGBT Bar Association and three other organizations in a filing in the case .
Common law marriage exists in only a handful of states , and several of those states already have recognized same-sex common-law marriages that predate marriage equality , said Cathy Sakimura , family law director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights .
“ That question should be easily answered , ” she said .
The second , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s courts should use to determine whether a couple was in a common-law marriage when the marriage itself is disputed .
This could happen during a breakup — if one person denies being in a common-law marriage — or during the handling of estates , if one person has died and the other person is trying to prove a common-law marriage in order to claim the other ’ s assets .
A 1987 case that set the standard for determining whether a couple is in a common-law marriage says courts should consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owned property together , shared bank accounts or filed joint tax returns , if the woman took the man ’ s last name , whether the couple has children with the man ’ s last name and whether the couple lived openly as married and presented themselves as married in their communities .
Some of those factors — like the requirement that couples lived openly as married — do not easily translate to same-sex relationships and should be adjusted to better reflect the realities of such relationships , Gibson said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refine that language to account for the reality that same-sex couples , both historically and presently , often couldn ’ t be completely open in their relationships because of the danger , discrimination and potential employment ramifications of being open about the relationship , ” he said .
But Stephen Plog , attorney for one of the women in the case , argued that the state Supreme Court should not change the 1987 standard because it can be applied to same-sex couples without any adjustments .
“ The danger is that same-sex partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be boxed in to being ‘ married ’ if you change ( the standard ) or adapt it for same-sex couples , ” he said .
His client denies that she was ever in a common-law marriage and maintains she simply had a long-term , romantic relationship with her partner — a position that two lower courts agreed with , finding there was no marriage .
Ann Gushurst , attorney for that partner who is appealing the previous findings , said the couple was in fact married and the court ’ s standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied to same-sex couples .
“ In the case of same-sex marriages , trial courts have jumped through hoops to not find marriages when they absolutely would have for straight couples , ” she said .
Gibson said the organizations he represents don ’ t want to set up two separate tests for same-sex and straight couples , but rather ensure that the one test that does exist is fair to both types of couples and that judges have clear guidance from the state Supreme Court on how to apply the law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no harder for a different-sex couple to show a common-law marriage than it is for a same-sex couple , ” he said .
“ But to do that , you have to modify the test in some ways .
One of the tests in the 1987 standard — considering whether couples had filed joint tax returns — was impossible for same-sex couples to do for years , he said .
“ They never could have satisfied that factor before 2013 , so that is an automatic thumb on the scale against a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common-law marriage , and that ’ s not fair , ” he said .
“ There shouldn ’ t be this imbalance built into the test .
”

The Colorado Supreme Court will consider how same-sex common-law marriages should be recognized and defined in the state in a pair of cases to be argued Wednesday.
The court’s rulings could have a broad impact on how disputes about same-sex common-law marriages are handled for years to come. The current standard for defining common-law marriages in Colorado was established three decades ago.
The justices will consider two cases that raise different but related issues. The first case considers whether common-law same-sex marriages that started before same-sex marriage was legalized in Colorado in 2014 are legitimate, while the second case asks the justices to consider whether the state’s decades-old definition of common-law marriage should be adjusted to better apply to same-sex couples.
Attorneys familiar with the cases said this week that the first issue — whether common-law same-sex marriages that predate marriage equality should be recognized in Colorado — was largely answered in 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional and that same-sex couples should be treated the same as heterosexual couples.
“In Colorado, what that means is just as different-sex couples have always had access to common-law marriage, so to should it be with same-sex couples,” said Mark Gibson, an attorney who represented the Colorado LGBT Bar Association and three other organizations in a filing in the case.
Common law marriage exists in only a handful of states, and several of those states already have recognized same-sex common-law marriages that predate marriage equality, said Cathy Sakimura, family law director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
“That question should be easily answered,” she said.
The second, more nuanced case considers what standards Colorado’s courts should use to determine whether a couple was in a common-law marriage when the marriage itself is disputed. This could happen during a breakup — if one person denies being in a common-law marriage — or during the handling of estates, if one person has died and the other person is trying to prove a common-law marriage in order to claim the other’s assets.
A 1987 case that set the standard for determining whether a couple is in a common-law marriage says courts should consider several factors, like whether the couple owned property together, shared bank accounts or filed joint tax returns, if the woman took the man’s last name, whether the couple has children with the man’s last name and whether the couple lived openly as married and presented themselves as married in their communities.
Some of those factors — like the requirement that couples lived openly as married — do not easily translate to same-sex relationships and should be adjusted to better reflect the realities of such relationships, Gibson said.
“We’d like to see the court refine that language to account for the reality that same-sex couples, both historically and presently, often couldn’t be completely open in their relationships because of the danger, discrimination and potential employment ramifications of being open about the relationship,” he said.
But Stephen Plog, attorney for one of the women in the case, argued that the state Supreme Court should not change the 1987 standard because it can be applied to same-sex couples without any adjustments.
“The danger is that same-sex partners who never intended to be married could be boxed in to being ‘married’ if you change (the standard) or adapt it for same-sex couples,” he said.
His client denies that she was ever in a common-law marriage and maintains she simply had a long-term, romantic relationship with her partner — a position that two lower courts agreed with, finding there was no marriage.
Ann Gushurst, attorney for that partner who is appealing the previous findings, said the couple was in fact married and the court’s standards for establishing common-law marriages are often wrongly applied to same-sex couples.
“In the case of same-sex marriages, trial courts have jumped through hoops to not find marriages when they absolutely would have for straight couples,” she said.
Gibson said the organizations he represents don’t want to set up two separate tests for same-sex and straight couples, but rather ensure that the one test that does exist is fair to both types of couples and that judges have clear guidance from the state Supreme Court on how to apply the law.
“So it’s no easier and no harder for a different-sex couple to show a common-law marriage than it is for a same-sex couple,” he said. “But to do that, you have to modify the test in some ways.”
One of the tests in the 1987 standard — considering whether couples had filed joint tax returns — was impossible for same-sex couples to do for years, he said.
“They never could have satisfied that factor before 2013, so that is an automatic thumb on the scale against a same-sex couple establishing hat they had a common-law marriage, and that’s not fair,” he said. “There shouldn’t be this imbalance built into the test.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Effort to reintroduce gray wolves forges ahead despite more Colorado sightings

Backers of a ballot measure to reintroduce gray wolves in Colorado say there ’ s no chance they ’ ll withdraw their initiative , despite a push from opponents after more reports of wolf sightings in Colorado .
“ We will be going to the ballot because the only way Colorado will ever have a self-sustaining gray wolf population again is through reintroduction , ” said Rob Edward of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund .
“ The people of Colorado have made it clear that they want a chance to have their say on this , ” he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give them that chance.
” Surveys over the years have showed widespread support for reintroduction efforts .
In an online survey by Colorado State University last year , 84 % of 734 residents said they would vote in favor of reintroduction .
However , Coloradans Protecting Wildlife , the group leading the opposition effort , has called the measure irresponsible , particularly amid a global pandemic that has hurt the state ’ s economy .
“ There ’ s a significant number of wolves in the state , and we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxpayer dollars working to force solutions on mother nature that she ’ s already figuring out , ” said Shawn Martini , a spokesperson for the campaign .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reported confirmed or probable wolf sightings in the state in 2004 , 2007 , 2009 , 2015 , 2019 and 2020 .
Unlike some other ballot efforts , the wolf reintroduction measure qualified for the ballot before the spread of the coronavirus made signature-gathering difficult , but the pandemic has still affected the campaigns both for and against it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3.8 million budget to $ 1 million .
Gray wolves are a protected endangered species in Colorado , and management currently falls to U.S .
Fish and Wildlife , though that is expected to change .
The ballot measure , if passed , would require reintroduction on designated lands to begin by Dec. 31 , 2023 .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife won ’ t take a stance on the ballot initiative .
“ It is not a question of ‘ want ’ or ‘ don ’ t want , ' ” Parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document on reintroduction .
“ We do anticipate they will eventually enter the state as some have already , and we are prepared for their arrival.
” The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission opposed reintroduction efforts in 2016 .
Coloradans Protecting Wildlife is concerned that the way reintroduction is being proposed will negatively affect the state ’ s tourism and agricultural industries as well as other endangered species and fragile ecosystems , said Martini , the vice president of advocacy at the Colorado Farm Bureau .
But Edward said effects on livestock are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reintroduction will look at compensating farmers who lose livestock to the wolves .
The money allocated for implementation won ’ t all be spent in 2021 .
“ If we ’ re going to have wolves in Colorado in a self-sustaining population doing what wolves do best and restoring the ecological dynamic of a healthy ecosystem , we need to reintroduce wolves , ” he said .
Colorado State University ’ s Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence points to research that indicates it ’ s hard to predict what would happen if wolves are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effects such as a reduction in prey would be more apparent in areas with higher densities of wolves .
On June 12 , Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported an increase in possible wolf sightings across Colorado , noting reports from North Park , Laramie River Valley , Grand County and the northwest corner of Colorado .
But it ’ s unclear if the wolves now living in Colorado will be enough to create a viable population , according to the CSU center .
A separate effort to reintroduce wolves through the legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many bills in the coronavirus-shortened end of the session .
The bill sponsored by Sen. Kerry Donovan , a Vail Democrat , had aimed to address some of the concerns coming from the agricultural community about management and compensation .

Backers of a ballot measure to reintroduce gray wolves in Colorado say there’s no chance they’ll withdraw their initiative, despite a push from opponents after more reports of wolf sightings in Colorado.
“We will be going to the ballot because the only way Colorado will ever have a self-sustaining gray wolf population again is through reintroduction,” said Rob Edward of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund.
“The people of Colorado have made it clear that they want a chance to have their say on this,” he added. “We’re going to give them that chance.”
Surveys over the years have showed widespread support for reintroduction efforts. In an online survey by Colorado State University last year, 84% of 734 residents said they would vote in favor of reintroduction.
However, Coloradans Protecting Wildlife, the group leading the opposition effort, has called the measure irresponsible, particularly amid a global pandemic that has hurt the state’s economy.
“There’s a significant number of wolves in the state, and we don’t think now is the time to waste taxpayer dollars working to force solutions on mother nature that she’s already figuring out,” said Shawn Martini, a spokesperson for the campaign.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reported confirmed or probable wolf sightings in the state in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2019 and 2020.
Unlike some other ballot efforts, the wolf reintroduction measure qualified for the ballot before the spread of the coronavirus made signature-gathering difficult, but the pandemic has still affected the campaigns both for and against it. Proponents of Initiative 107 reduced their expected $3.8 million budget to $1 million.
Gray wolves are a protected endangered species in Colorado, and management currently falls to U.S. Fish and Wildlife, though that is expected to change. The ballot measure, if passed, would require reintroduction on designated lands to begin by Dec. 31, 2023. Colorado Parks and Wildlife won’t take a stance on the ballot initiative.
“It is not a question of ‘want’ or ‘don’t want,'” Parks and Wildlife officials wrote in an informational document on reintroduction. “We do anticipate they will eventually enter the state as some have already, and we are prepared for their arrival.”
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission opposed reintroduction efforts in 2016.
Coloradans Protecting Wildlife is concerned that the way reintroduction is being proposed will negatively affect the state’s tourism and agricultural industries as well as other endangered species and fragile ecosystems, said Martini, the vice president of advocacy at the Colorado Farm Bureau.
But Edward said effects on livestock are expected to be minimal and part of reintroduction will look at compensating farmers who lose livestock to the wolves. The money allocated for implementation won’t all be spent in 2021.
“If we’re going to have wolves in Colorado in a self-sustaining population doing what wolves do best and restoring the ecological dynamic of a healthy ecosystem, we need to reintroduce wolves,” he said.
Colorado State University’s Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence points to research that indicates it’s hard to predict what would happen if wolves are reintroduced outside of national parks, but the effects such as a reduction in prey would be more apparent in areas with higher densities of wolves.
On June 12, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported an increase in possible wolf sightings across Colorado, noting reports from North Park, Laramie River Valley, Grand County and the northwest corner of Colorado. But it’s unclear if the wolves now living in Colorado will be enough to create a viable population, according to the CSU center.
A separate effort to reintroduce wolves through the legislative process ended last month after lawmakers sidelined many bills in the coronavirus-shortened end of the session. The bill sponsored by Sen. Kerry Donovan, a Vail Democrat, had aimed to address some of the concerns coming from the agricultural community about management and compensation.


thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Valor Christian girls basketball adds two standout prep transfers from Washington

Two of the top-rated high school girls basketball players from the state of Washington — Haley and Macey Huard — moved to Colorado this summer .
“ I ’ m excited because we have five amazing to-be seniors , so they ’ re going to come into a great team core , ” said Valor coach Jessika Caldwell , who confirmed the Huard sisters have enrolled at the school for the 2020-21 academic year .
“ I know that group will do an incredible job of welcoming both Haley and Macey into the fold to make that transition a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has received Division I scholarship interest .
She helped lead Eastlake ( Sammamish ) to a Class 4A Washington state championship in 2019 .
Her younger sister , Macey , is an incoming sophomore who earned first-team all-league honors last season for Class 1A Bear Creek ( Redmond ) and broke multiple school records .
Both players are 6-foot-1 shooting guards .
Haley was the No .
4 rated college prospect from Washington for the 2021 recruiting cycle , according to prepgirlshoops.com .
Macey checked in at No .
5 for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a little bit of mixed emotions , ” Haley Huard said of moving to Colorado .
“ It ’ s going to be hard to leave friends , a basketball team I played on for three years and won a state championship .
But I ’ m excited about the opportunity to grow my faith and to play my senior year with my little sister .
We ’ ve never played on the same team before.
” If the Huard name sounds familiar to sports fans , it ’ s because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brock Huard , a former NFL and University of Washington quarterback .
Their mother , Molly , also played college basketball at UW .
It made for epic family hoops games in the driveway growing up with the girls .
“ They get really heated and competitive , ” Haley Huard said .
“ It ’ s always fun.
” The family ’ s move to Colorado , Haley said , was created when Brock recently took on a larger role with Compassion International ; a Colorado-based nonprofit working to fight global child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valor , it means an already strong girls basketball program adds even more talent .
The Eagles won consecutive Class 4A state championships ( 2015-16 ) and reached the Final Four last season in Class 5A as the state tournament ’ s top overall seed before play was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Valor began outdoor team conditioning work this week at the school .
“ It was great to see them out on the field getting used to the altitude in Colorado , ” Caldwell said .

Two of the top-rated high school girls basketball players from the state of Washington — Haley and Macey Huard — moved to Colorado this summer.
That’s good news for the Valor Christian basketball program.
“I’m excited because we have five amazing to-be seniors, so they’re going to come into a great team core,” said Valor coach Jessika Caldwell, who confirmed the Huard sisters have enrolled at the school for the 2020-21 academic year. “I know that group will do an incredible job of welcoming both Haley and Macey into the fold to make that transition a lot easier.”
Incoming senior Haley Huard said she has received Division I scholarship interest. She helped lead Eastlake (Sammamish) to a Class 4A Washington state championship in 2019. Her younger sister, Macey, is an incoming sophomore who earned first-team all-league honors last season for Class 1A Bear Creek (Redmond) and broke multiple school records. Both players are 6-foot-1 shooting guards.
Haley was the No. 4 rated college prospect from Washington for the 2021 recruiting cycle, according to prepgirlshoops.com. Macey checked in at No. 5 for the class of 2023.
“It’s a little bit of mixed emotions,” Haley Huard said of moving to Colorado. “It’s going to be hard to leave friends, a basketball team I played on for three years and won a state championship. But I’m excited about the opportunity to grow my faith and to play my senior year with my little sister. We’ve never played on the same team before.”
If the Huard name sounds familiar to sports fans, it’s because the girls’ father is ESPN broadcast analyst Brock Huard, a former NFL and University of Washington quarterback. Their mother, Molly, also played college basketball at UW. It made for epic family hoops games in the driveway growing up with the girls.
“They get really heated and competitive,” Haley Huard said. “It’s always fun.”
The family’s move to Colorado, Haley said, was created when Brock recently took on a larger role with Compassion International; a Colorado-based nonprofit working to fight global child poverty through Christian ministry programs.
At Valor, it means an already strong girls basketball program adds even more talent. The Eagles won consecutive Class 4A state championships (2015-16) and reached the Final Four last season in Class 5A as the state tournament’s top overall seed before narrowly losing to Grandview in the semifinals. Valor began outdoor team conditioning work this week at the school.
“It was great to see them out on the field getting used to the altitude in Colorado,” Caldwell said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Tre Jones to the Nuggets? NBC Sports’ NBA mock draft has Duke guard coming to Denver.

Duke haters , I ’ m sorry , but a Blue Devils star could be heading to Denver , according to one mock draft .
Tre Jones — 20-year-old , 6-foot-3 guard — is projected as the Nuggets ’ pick at No .
21 , according to NBC Sports ’ latest NBA mock draft .
“ Jones is a really good passer , a terrific defender and the kind of point guard that checks all the cliche boxes about being a winner , a leader and a facilitator , ” NBC Sports ’ Rob Dauster writes .
“ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ACC Defensive Player of the Year .
His box score numbers were impressive , and his impact on basketball games goes well beyond the box score.
” Jones averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists as a sophomore last season for Duke .
As for his potential , Dauster writes : “ If Jones never gets any better , if this is who he is for the rest of his basketball career , he ’ s a backup point guard in the league until he doesn ’ t want to play anymore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , he could end up being a starting point guard.
” For the No .
1 overall pick , Golden State is projected to go with Memphis center James Wiseman .
Colorado forward Tyler Bey is slated to go to the Nets at No .
20 .
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Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is still in Serbia , sources say Nuggets franchise center Nikola Jokic has tested positive for the coronavirus and is currently back in Serbia , multiple league sources told The Denver Post .
Read more… Charlie Blackmon , two other Rockies test positive for coronavirus following workouts at Coors Field Rockies players Charlie Blackmon , Phillip Diehl and Ryan Castellani have all tested positive for coronavirus following recent workouts at Coors Field , major-league sources told The Denver Post .
Several Rockies have been working out at Coors Field this month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newman : Amid coronavirus and MLB ’ s bitter dispute with players , my love for the game has intensified , and simplified , in the best ways Having basically no live baseball at any level this spring made me relish the game more .
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Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets 60-game schedule , players agree to report to training starting July 1 + As Nuggets begin mandatory coronavirus testing , there ’ s a good chance team looks for insurance + University of Cincinnati removing Marge Schott ’ s name from stadium 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 .

Duke haters, I’m sorry, but a Blue Devils star could be heading to Denver, according to one mock draft.
Tre Jones — 20-year-old, 6-foot-3 guard — is projected as the Nuggets’ pick at No. 21, according to NBC Sports’ latest NBA mock draft.
“Jones is a really good passer, a terrific defender and the kind of point guard that checks all the cliche boxes about being a winner, a leader and a facilitator,” NBC Sports’ Rob Dauster writes. “He was the ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. His box score numbers were impressive, and his impact on basketball games goes well beyond the box score.”
Jones averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists as a sophomore last season for Duke.
As for his potential, Dauster writes: “If Jones never gets any better, if this is who he is for the rest of his basketball career, he’s a backup point guard in the league until he doesn’t want to play anymore. If he continues to develop his shot, however, he could end up being a starting point guard.”
For the No. 1 overall pick, Golden State is projected to go with Memphis center James Wiseman. Colorado forward Tyler Bey is slated to go to the Nets at No. 20.
— 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.
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Must-Read
Nuggets franchise center Nikola Jokic has tested positive for the coronavirus and is currently back in Serbia, multiple league sources told The Denver Post. Read more…
Rockies players Charlie Blackmon, Phillip Diehl and Ryan Castellani have all tested positive for coronavirus following recent workouts at Coors Field, major-league sources told The Denver Post. Several Rockies have been working out at Coors Field this month, including taking live at-bats. Read more…
Having basically no live baseball at any level this spring made me relish the game more. And though watching MLB do damage to itself with a posturing contest with the players amid a global pandemic has disappointed me as a baseball diehard, I’m as amped as can be that the sport is beginning to resume on a local level. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Baseball is back: MLB sets 60-game schedule, players agree to report to training starting July 1
+ As Nuggets begin mandatory coronavirus testing, there’s a good chance team looks for insurance
+ No charges in NASCAR noose incident involving Bubba Wallace
+ Minor league baseball teams sue insurance providers over denied coronavirus claims
+ Equipping teams during a pandemic a unique challenge
+ University of Cincinnati removing Marge Schott’s name from stadium
+ Orlando Pride withdraws from NWSL tourney after COVID-19 positives
+ Tom Brady continues group workouts despite NFLPA recommendation
+ Eli Manning wins football writers’ Good Guy Award
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--2020-06-24--Guest commentary: Schools must reopen for the health of children

As pediatricians , the health , well-being , and safety of Colorado children is foremost on our minds — especially now .
We applaud the efforts of our state ’ s teachers , as well as Gov .
Jared Polis , public health officials , and school superintendents as they work to identify plans on the safest way to educate our children this fall .
While we are relieved that COVID-19 has largely spared children in terms of illness , we have seen the troubling effects it has had on them in terms of isolation and loss of community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the important developmental , social , and educational engagement that schools provide .
With that in mind , we urge deliberate planning now for the physical reopening of schools in the fall , with a virtual option for immunocompromised children and families .
Sadly , over the past few months , we have seen increases in anxiety , depression , and suicidality among the children and adolescents we serve .
We have also seen increases in obesity , teen pregnancy , accidents , and food insecurity .
Children rely on schools for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutrition , physical activity , socialization , and the many small daily challenges and successes that help them grow .
Children with disabilities or special needs require services that are extraordinarily difficult to deliver remotely .
Additionally , we have grave concerns that the achievement gap is widening due to these school closures .
As such , we strongly support schools in their efforts to open their doors and classrooms to Colorado ’ s children this fall with appropriate steps to lessen risks for children , teachers , and support staff .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do know that it does not affect children as severely as adults , with children under 20 making up 7 % of cases in Colorado ( and only 2.4 % of cases in children under 9 years old ) and only 5.2 % of cases in the United States .
In addition , children who test positive for COVID are less likely to be hospitalized ( 0.6 % to 3.5 % nationwide ) , or to die ( 46 child deaths reported in the U.S. ) .
There is also emerging evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ‘ super spreaders ’ of coronavirus , transmitting the virus rarely with one another and even less to adults .
The data show that adults are the primary source of household infection .
Our decisions regarding school openings should be data-driven and based on facts .
It is crucial to recognize that the epidemiology for children is not the same as for adults .
The reopening guidelines for school districts should be based on the best available evidence , with flexibility for local conditions .
Like children , no two schools are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are important geographic variations .
Reasonable safeguards are necessary , and we must not be cavalier .
The spread of infection can be mitigated by wearing a mask when possible , frequent hand washing , appropriate disinfection and daily symptomatic checks .
The American Academy of Pediatrics Colorado urges a balanced , collaborative approach involving educators , public health officials , pediatric providers , mental health professionals , and parents .
In re-opening our schools , we need to both minimize risk and provide children with opportunities to learn in an environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and learning .
We want schools to know Colorado ’ s community of pediatric providers are here to help them and their students when it comes to COVID and other viral childhood illnesses .
We urge universal influenza vaccination of all staff and students as well .
Finally , AAP Colorado strongly recommends having at least one pediatric provider on whatever oversight board will be monitoring school re-openings to provide the most up-to-date specialized guidance focusing on child health , development , mental health , and special needs .
We are eager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and wellbeing of all children across our state and strongly urge back to school plans that provide our children the opportunity to return to their classrooms in-person this fall .
Dr. Meghan Treitz is a general academic pediatrician and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics , Colorado Chapter .
Dr. Rusha Lev is a practicing pediatrician , mother of four , and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics , Colorado Chapter .

As pediatricians, the health, well-being, and safety of Colorado children is foremost on our minds — especially now. We applaud the efforts of our state’s teachers, as well as Gov. Jared Polis, public health officials, and school superintendents as they work to identify plans on the safest way to educate our children this fall.
While we are relieved that COVID-19 has largely spared children in terms of illness, we have seen the troubling effects it has had on them in terms of isolation and loss of community, particularly stemming from the closure of schools and the important developmental, social, and educational engagement that schools provide. With that in mind, we urge deliberate planning now for the physical reopening of schools in the fall, with a virtual option for immunocompromised children and families.
Sadly, over the past few months, we have seen increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidality among the children and adolescents we serve. We have also seen increases in obesity, teen pregnancy, accidents, and food insecurity.
Children rely on schools for education, as well as community, nutrition, physical activity, socialization, and the many small daily challenges and successes that help them grow. Children with disabilities or special needs require services that are extraordinarily difficult to deliver remotely. Additionally, we have grave concerns that the achievement gap is widening due to these school closures. As such, we strongly support schools in their efforts to open their doors and classrooms to Colorado’s children this fall with appropriate steps to lessen risks for children, teachers, and support staff.
Although COVID19 is not yet well understood, we do know that it does not affect children as severely as adults, with children under 20 making up 7% of cases in Colorado (and only 2.4% of cases in children under 9 years old) and only 5.2% of cases in the United States. In addition, children who test positive for COVID are less likely to be hospitalized (0.6% to 3.5% nationwide), or to die (46 child deaths reported in the U.S.).
There is also emerging evidence that unlike other viruses, children are not ‘super spreaders’ of coronavirus, transmitting the virus rarely with one another and even less to adults. The data show that adults are the primary source of household infection. Our decisions regarding school openings should be data-driven and based on facts. It is crucial to recognize that the epidemiology for children is not the same as for adults.
The reopening guidelines for school districts should be based on the best available evidence, with flexibility for local conditions. Like children, no two schools are exactly the same, and we recognize there are important geographic variations. Reasonable safeguards are necessary, and we must not be cavalier. The spread of infection can be mitigated by wearing a mask when possible, frequent hand washing, appropriate disinfection and daily symptomatic checks.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Colorado urges a balanced, collaborative approach involving educators, public health officials, pediatric providers, mental health professionals, and parents. In re-opening our schools, we need to both minimize risk and provide children with opportunities to learn in an environment that encourages developmentally appropriate curiosity, exploration, and learning.
We want schools to know Colorado’s community of pediatric providers are here to help them and their students when it comes to COVID and other viral childhood illnesses. We urge universal influenza vaccination of all staff and students as well.
Finally, AAP Colorado strongly recommends having at least one pediatric provider on whatever oversight board will be monitoring school re-openings to provide the most up-to-date specialized guidance focusing on child health, development, mental health, and special needs.
We are eager to partner with Colorado schools to protect the health and wellbeing of all children across our state and strongly urge back to school plans that provide our children the opportunity to return to their classrooms in-person this fall.
Dr. Meghan Treitz is a general academic pediatrician and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Chapter.
Dr. Rusha Lev is a practicing pediatrician, mother of four, and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Chapter.


thedenverpost--2020-06-24--Denver weather: Hot day with little wind raises concerns about air quality in the metro area

Denver ’ s weather is heating up and and an air quality warning — an Ozone Action Day Alert — has been posted for the metro area through 4 p.m. Wednesday .
The high temperature in Denver is expected to hit 92 degrees on Wednesday under sunny skies , according to the National Weather Service .
There ’ s a 10 % chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. and winds should be light .
The Ozone Action Day Alert is posted for Douglas , Jefferson , Denver , western Arapahoe , western Adams , Broomfield , Boulder , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Regional Air Quality Council .
Hot weather and light winds will allow ozone to reach concentrations that are “ unhealthy for sensitive groups ” on Wednesday , according to the alert .
The highest concentrations of ozone will most likely be in western portions of the metro area ; from Chatfield State Park northward through Golden , Broomfield and into western Boulder .
Active children and adults , and people with lung disease , such as asthma , should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion , the alert urges .
On Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out again at 92 degrees , according to the weather service forecast .
The chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms , however , increases to 30 % and winds could be stronger , gusting to 23 mph .
On Friday in the city there ’ s a 50 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and the high temperature will top out at 80 degrees under partly sunny skies .

Denver’s weather is heating up and and an air quality warning — an Ozone Action Day Alert — has been posted for the metro area through 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The high temperature in Denver is expected to hit 92 degrees on Wednesday under sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service. There’s a 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. and winds should be light.
The Ozone Action Day Alert is posted for Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties, according to the Regional Air Quality Council.
Hot weather and light winds will allow ozone to reach concentrations that are “unhealthy for
sensitive groups” on Wednesday, according to the alert. The highest concentrations of ozone will most likely be in western portions of the metro area; from Chatfield State Park northward through Golden, Broomfield and into western Boulder.
Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, the alert urges.
On Thursday the high temperature in Denver will top out again at 92 degrees, according to the weather service forecast. The chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms, however, increases to 30% and winds could be stronger, gusting to 23 mph.
On Friday in the city there’s a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and the high temperature will top out at 80 degrees under partly sunny skies.


thedenverpost--2020-06-25--Shootout at Aurora pawnshop leaves two dead

A gunbattle at an Aurora pawnshop Wednesday left two men dead at a hospital .
Just before 4:30 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ at EZ Pawn , 797 Peoria St. , according to a news release from Aurora @ @ @ @ @ the store called police .
Two men found inside the store had been shot .
@ @ @ @ @ males were shooting at each other , ” police said .
“ There were no @ @ @ @ @ employees or bystanders.
” Police are not looking for additional suspects in the incident .
@ @ @ @ @ scene and investigators are reviewing surveillance camera footage from the business .
The men ’ @ @ @ @ @ immediately .
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call investigators at 303-739-6233 @ @ @ @ @ Stoppers at 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) .

A gunbattle at an Aurora pawnshop Wednesday left two men dead at a hospital.
Just before 4:30 p.m., officers responded to the shooting at EZ Pawn, 797 Peoria St., according to a news release from Aurora police. An employee at the store called police. Two men found inside the store had been shot.
“It appears that both males were shooting at each other,” police said. “There were no other injuries to any store employees or bystanders.”
Police are not looking for additional suspects in the incident. Weapons were recovered at the scene and investigators are reviewing surveillance camera footage from the business.
The men’s names were not released immediately. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call investigators at 303-739-6233, or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).


thedenverpost--2020-06-25--Kiszla: If Charlie Blackmon and Nikola Jokic can beat coronavirus, what do we have to worry about?

Charlie Blackmon , Nikola Jokic , Von Miller and all the cool kids in Denver sports are doing it .
If they can get COVID-19 and beat it , we can too .
Right ?
“ I like to say that I got coronavirus and I kicked its butt , ” Nuggets coach Michael Malone joked during a recent interview with CBS4 .
Well , if athletes are our role models and sports rank right up there with sex , drugs and all the fun stuff we Americans often value more than our health , we can skip this flattening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herd immunity works for all of us .
More than 124,000 coronavirus deaths in the United States ain ’ t no joke .
You ’ d think that grim statistic would be enough to scare this country straight , or at least cause Jokic to wear a mask when he ’ s hanging out with tennis star Novak Djokovic in Europe as a global pandemic rages on .
But no matter where I ’ ve gone lately , whether it was to hike a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park or to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , the peeps ’ reaction to this pandemic has caused me to wonder : How many Americans under age 50 actually take COVID-19 seriously ?
The stats suggest this is an illness that kills grandpas , minorities and diabetics at a frightening rate , but almost never people anywhere near as young and strong as Blackmon or Miller .
Is wearing a mask a telltale sign of being weak and scared ?
Or does that mask represent compassion and responsibility ?
What ’ s more , if you want to argue about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tyranny or the only thing capable of saving humankind from extinction , could you please do it at a safe social distance away from me , perhaps somewhere on the dark side of the moon ?
As medical experts and partisan politicians make up the rules of coronavirus engagement as they go along , are you a member of Team Compliance or Team Defiance ?
Am I stupid to enjoy chowing down a cheeseburger at my favorite Denver sports bar and want nothing more than to be in the stadium when the Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not only our toy box , but also serve as our community touchstone and often prove to be far ahead of the game , compared to those knuckleheads in Washington , D.C. , when addressing societal issues too big to be ignored or easily resolved .
For example : I would argue the coronavirus didn ’ t get real in America until March 11 , when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive and pro basketball shut down after the Nuggets played in Dallas .
NBA commissioner Adam Silver had a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than President Donald Trump from the jump , and that ’ s just as true today as it was more than three months ago .
As LeBron James prepares to lace up his sneakers and shoot a jumper in the face of a heavy-breathing defender , while major-league baseball intends on playing ball without benefit of a bubble , the message sports currently broadcast to Americans who desperately want to get out and play , even as COVID-19 cases spike in more than 20 states , speaks louder than when Dr. Anthony Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a virus not under control .
Here ’ s betting a lot of us will follow Bron ’ s lead rather than listen to what the good Doc says .
If James is going to take the court in Orlando to bang bodies for a rebound , there ’ s no way you ’ re going to stop teenagers from partying on Miami Beach .
Remember when the photo of “ Skinny Joker ” went viral , during his recent European vacation ?
I ’ d argue one image of Jokic smiling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as powerful as 10 appearances by Gov .
Jared Polis wearing a mask .
If Joker isn ’ t afraid of the big , bad coronavirus , why should we be ?
While the health protocols being imposed by professional leagues are well-intended , there ’ s another word just as apt for sports ’ new ’ Rona rules : cockamamie .
Why prohibit baseball players from spitting sunflower seeds on the diamond to protect their health , but allow them to risk illness while traveling from city to city for games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hidden logic in requiring NFL players who block and tackle at practice to stay six feet apart in the locker room , it somehow escapes my little brain .
After COVID-19 reared its ugly head and caused Djokovic to abandon a tennis tournament in Serbia that won ’ t be the last sporting event this calendar year to be rocked by the pandemic , he whined like a kid feeling unfairly persecuted for breaking the cookie jar while grabbing a snickerdoodle .
“ You can criticize us and say maybe this is maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to me to make the calls about what is right or wrong about health , ” said Djokovic , who ’ s 33 years old .
The young and strong never worry about culling the herd .

Charlie Blackmon, Nikola Jokic, Von Miller and all the cool kids in Denver sports are doing it. If they can get COVID-19 and beat it, we can too. Right?
“I like to say that I got coronavirus and I kicked its butt,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone joked during a recent interview with CBS4.
Well, if athletes are our role models and sports rank right up there with sex, drugs and all the fun stuff we Americans often value more than our health, we can skip this flattening the-curve-experiment and move directly to discovering how herd immunity works for all of us.
More than 124,000 coronavirus deaths in the United States ain’t no joke. You’d think that grim statistic would be enough to scare this country straight, or at least cause Jokic to wear a mask when he’s hanging out with tennis star Novak Djokovic in Europe as a global pandemic rages on.
But no matter where I’ve gone lately, whether it was to hike a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park or to stand in line at a liquor store in Florida, the peeps’ reaction to this pandemic has caused me to wonder:
How many Americans under age 50 actually take COVID-19 seriously? The stats suggest this is an illness that kills grandpas, minorities and diabetics at a frightening rate, but almost never people anywhere near as young and strong as Blackmon or Miller.
Is wearing a mask a telltale sign of being weak and scared? Or does that mask represent compassion and responsibility? What’s more, if you want to argue about whether a mask is an instrument of tyranny or the only thing capable of saving humankind from extinction, could you please do it at a safe social distance away from me, perhaps somewhere on the dark side of the moon?
As medical experts and partisan politicians make up the rules of coronavirus engagement as they go along, are you a member of Team Compliance or Team Defiance?
Am I stupid to enjoy chowing down a cheeseburger at my favorite Denver sports bar and want nothing more than to be in the stadium when the Broncos open the 2020 NFL season?
Sports are not only our toy box, but also serve as our community touchstone and often prove to be far ahead of the game, compared to those knuckleheads in Washington, D.C., when addressing societal issues too big to be ignored or easily resolved.
For example: I would argue the coronavirus didn’t get real in America until March 11, when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive and pro basketball shut down after the Nuggets played in Dallas. NBA commissioner Adam Silver had a more detailed plan to deal with the pandemic than President Donald Trump from the jump, and that’s just as true today as it was more than three months ago.
As LeBron James prepares to lace up his sneakers and shoot a jumper in the face of a heavy-breathing defender, while Major League Baseball intends on playing ball without benefit of a bubble, the message sports currently broadcast to Americans who desperately want to get out and play, even as COVID-19 cases spike in more than 20 states, speaks louder than when Dr. Anthony Fauci warns of a “disturbing surge” in a virus not under control.
Here’s betting a lot of us will follow Bron’s lead rather than listen to what the good Doc says. If James is going to take the court in Orlando to bang bodies for a rebound, there’s no way you’re going to stop teenagers from partying on Miami Beach.
Remember when the photo of “Skinny Joker” went viral, during his recent European vacation? I’d argue one image of Jokic smiling in a crowded gym without a mask is as powerful as 10 appearances by Gov. Jared Polis wearing a mask. If Joker isn’t afraid of the big, bad coronavirus, why should we be?
While the health protocols being imposed by professional leagues are well-intended, there’s another word just as apt for sports’ new ’Rona rules: cockamamie.
Why prohibit baseball players from spitting sunflower seeds on the diamond to protect their health, but allow them to risk illness while traveling from city to city for games? While perhaps there’s some hidden logic in requiring NFL players who block and tackle at practice to stay six feet apart in the locker room, it somehow escapes my little brain.
After COVID-19 reared its ugly head and caused Djokovic to abandon a tennis tournament in Serbia that won’t be the last sporting event this calendar year to be rocked by the pandemic, he whined like a kid feeling unfairly persecuted for breaking the cookie jar while grabbing a snickerdoodle.
“You can criticize us and say maybe this is maybe dangerous, but it’s not up to me to make the calls about what is right or wrong about health,” said Djokovic, who’s 33 years old.
The young and strong never worry about culling the herd.