thedenverpost--2020-05-28--Officials report no injuries after shots fired near Colorado Capitol where hundreds gathered to dema

Officials report no injuries after shots fired near Colorado Capitol where hundreds gathered to demand justice for George Floyd

Officials are reporting shots were fired at the Colorado State Capitol where several hundred people gathered Thursday evening to demand justice for George Floyd , a man who died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers .
Colorado State Patrol spokesman Gary Cutler said he was not aware of any injuries .
Denver police spokesman Kurt Barnes said officers have confirmed six or seven shots were fired toward the capitol about 5:35 p.m .
There were no known injuries as of 6 p.m .
He said the initial 911 caller was standing at the intersection of 15th Street and West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear exactly from where the shots were fired , Barnes said .
Police did not have anybody in custody or know the motive of the shooter , Barnes said .
“ We do believe that the shots were towards the capitol , but we do not at this point have any correlation to the protest or the protestors , ” Barnes said .
The protest split into at least two groups , and one split off just before 7 p.m. and marched toward Interstate 25 where they blocked traffic in both directions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move , and footage from a television helicopter showed people running .
Denver police closed Broadway and Lincoln Street around the Capitol and I-25 in the area of 15th Street because of the demonstrations .
Motorists were asked to use alternate routes .
Rep. Leslie Herod tweeted that a shot had been fired at 5:38 p.m. By then , the majority of protesters were on the move toward the 16th Street Mall .
Herod reported hearing multiple gunshots .
“ State Patrol is on scene .
They told us all to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear the scene , ” Herod said .
“ They ( the shots ) came from down by the RTD bus stop , up towards the Capitol .
I did not see who shot , I was not looking at that .
It was multiple shots .
“ They shot into a crowd of people protesting police brutality .
it ’ s an act of violence against our community.
” State Rep. Jonathan Singer said he was with Herod watching the protest on the west side of the Capitol building .
Singer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots were fired , but that he ’ s certain it was between 5:30 p.m. and 5:43 p.m. “ I would say we probably heard about seven or eight shots come , probably one block west of us , by the bus stop at Colfax and Lincoln .
Honestly , we saw a lot of people running .
I did not see a shooter.
” The protesters left the state Capitol grounds and began marching down Colfax Avenue to the 16th Street Mall .
Police , however , stopped them at 20th Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another group of protesters were reported on the 16th Street Mall while a few lingered at the State Capitol .
The protest started at 5 p.m. with people carrying posters that read , “ Black Lives Matter , ” and chanted “ Hey , hey !
Ho , ho !
Racist police have got to go , ” as they stood on the Capitol steps .
Many wore masks because of public health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ It ’ s too easy to say we ’ re in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Black people are at risk every day just living.
” Joel Britton , a protester , had just arrived at the Capitol when the shots were fired .
“ People were scattering and running inside the Capitol building , ” he said .
The protest , called Justice for George Floyd , Breonna Taylor and Sean Reed & Others , was organized on Facebook by two women and nearly 700 people have replied that they plan to attend .
The post called for a peaceful protest with the following guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not engage with them .
We do not want anyone to go to jail , get hurt or murdered .
• Wear masks and try to practice social distancing .
( IF you have extra masks , please bring them ) .
• Watch for signs of mental or health distress .
We want everyone to return home safely .
• Remember , it is our duty to fight for our freedom .
Floyd died Monday during an arrest in Minneapolis where a police officer kneeled on his neck for almost eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop because he couldn ’ t breathe .
Four officers involved in the arrest have been fired .
For two nights , protests have rocked the city with fires and looting .
Protests Wednesday night in Los Angeles closed a major freeway .
Just as the protest began , the Denver Police Department tweeted a message from Chief Paul Pazen , who extended sympathy to Floyd ’ s family .
The message also explained that the Minneapolis officers ’ method of restraining Floyd would be a violation of Denver ’ s use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of force used by the Minneapolis police officers in the video are inexcusable and contrary to how we train officers , ” Pazen ’ s statement said .
“ Treating those we serve with respect is of the utmost importance to me as chief and those who make up the Denver Police Department .
The Denver Police Department values the sanctity of life and is committed to respecting and protecting the dignity , safety and rights of our community members.
” Denver police officers on the scene wore their regular street uniforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus .
However , they began donning riot gear once the shots were fire

Noelle Phillips, Tiney Ricciardi, Alex Burness, Saja Hindi, Elise Schmelzer

What started as a small, peaceful protest in Denver, demanding justice for George Floyd, escalated into chaos Thursday evening after someone fired gunshots near the Capitol, sending demonstrators scattering across the city as police shot tear gas canisters and pepper spray.
Tension built throughout the night as protesters and police clashed in the heart of the city. Video shared on social media showed a driver striking a demonstrator in the street near the Capitol, footage that Gov. Jared Polis later said left him “absolutely shocked.”
The crowds grew larger as the night progressed, and, at around 9:15 p.m., Denver police fired tear gas and pepper spray to disperse hundreds who remained on the Capitol lawn. People ran in all directions through Capitol Hill and Civic Center to escape the fumes.
By 11 p.m., Denver police reported that all downtown streets had reopened, except for 13th and Lincoln streets, where officers were “monitoring smaller groups of protesters.”
But protesters threw fireworks at cops, prompting another round of tear gas around 12:30 a.m. The crowd then sprinted down Broadway to 12th Street where police again gained control.
The crowd dwindled and the streets were getting quiet around 1:30 a.m.
The demonstrators had gathered at the state Capitol to call for justice on behalf of Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died Monday as officers pinned him to the ground — including one who kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes. Protests have rocked Minneapolis for three nights, and have spread to other cities across the U.S.
The state legislature’s Democratic leadership announced before midnight that neither the Senate nor the House of Representatives would meet for scheduled sessions on Friday or Saturday, the state Capitol shut down by protests just three days after legislators returned from a 2 1/2-month coronavirus-imposed break.
House Majority Leader Alec Garnett said the shutdown of the legislature is intended to “allow space for protests that we expect to continue on Friday and into the weekend.”
In Denver just after 11 p.m., police stood on the corners of Colfax Avenue and Broadway, where a large group of demonstrators chanted “I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe!” One officer was seen using a spray bottle to deploy gas at a protester who got near the police. Officers also fired gas and pepper balls toward the group.
Gas filled the westernmost section of Civic Center Park as police tried to push people out of the area.
Just after midnight, a crowd of about 150 people remained at 12th Street and Broadway, chanting and yelling at Denver police officers.
Tyler Stevens, of Denver, said he was at the Capitol when shots were fired about 30 minutes into the protest. Police escorted people into the building for protection.
“We stand with Minneapolis, like my sign says,” Stevens said. “If nothing’s going to change, there are people around the whole country who are going to stand up.”
A few protesters were arrested, but Kurt Barnes, a Denver police spokesman, said he did not know an exact number or what they were arrested for.
Graffiti was painted on the building’s steps, doors and walls. Windows of a police car and a state senator’s truck were smashed.
Officers confirmed six or seven shots were fired about 5:35 p.m. toward the Capitol, Barnes said. There were no known injuries. He said the initial 911 caller was standing at the intersection of 15th Street and West Colfax Avenue. It was not immediately clear from where exactly the shots were fired, Barnes said.
Police did not have anybody in custody or know the motive of the shooter, Barnes said.
“We do believe that the shots were toward the Capitol, but we do not at this point have any correlation to the protest or the protesters,” Barnes said.
About the time shots were fired, the protesters had started marching, winding down Colfax Avenue to the 16th Street Mall and into LoDo.
Police briefly held protesters in place at Coors Field. However, when people began to move, the march splintered into different groups.
Just before 7 p.m. a few dozen marched onto I-25, where they blocked traffic in both directions. Police fired pepper spray to get them to move, and footage from a television helicopter showed people running.
Gwen Kubik, a Capitol Hill resident who joined the protest, said they saw a man get hit “square in the head” with tear gas. Kubik also felt the sting.
“It started as a dry cough, and then it starts to get in your eyes, like if you ever touched your eyes with a hot pepper,” Kubick said. “That was my first time experiencing tear gas personally, but I know to bring milk from some organizations I’m part of online.”
At the Capitol, protesters surrounded a police car, and officers used nonlethal weapons to move people. One witness tweeted a video of a car running over at least three protesters on Lincoln Street before speeding away. The pedestrians did not appear to be seriously injured.
Denver police closed Broadway and Lincoln Street around the Capitol and I-25 in the area of 15th Street because of the demonstrations.
State Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, was watching the protesters when she heard the gunshots.
“State Patrol is on scene. They told us all to get down and run. They worked to clear the scene,” Herod said. “They (the shots) came from down by the RTD bus stop, up toward the Capitol. I did not see who shot; I was not looking at that. It was multiple shots.
“They shot into a crowd of people protesting police brutality. It’s an act of violence against our community.”
State Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, said he was with Herod watching the protest on the west side of the Capitol when he heard the shots.
“I would say we probably heard about seven or eight shots come, probably one block west of us, by the bus stop at Colfax and Lincoln. Honestly, we saw a lot of people running. I did not see a shooter.”
The protest started at 5 p.m. with people carrying posters that read “Black Lives Matter” and chanting “Hey, hey! Ho, ho! Racist police have got to go” as they stood on the Capitol steps. Many wore masks because of public health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s too easy to say we’re in a pandemic,” Kira Pratt of Denver said. “Black people are at risk every day just living.”
Joel Britton, a protester, had just arrived at the Capitol when the shots were fired.
“People were scattering and running inside the Capitol,” he said.
The protest, called “Justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Sean Reed & Others,” was organized on Facebook by two women, who called for a peaceful demonstration.
Denver’s protests followed violent protests in Minneapolis, where people set fires and looted business. Protests Wednesday night in Los Angeles closed a major freeway.
Just as the protest began, the Denver Police Department tweeted a message from Chief Paul Pazen, who extended sympathy to Floyd’s family. The message also explained that the Minneapolis officers’ method of restraining Floyd would be a violation of Denver’s use-of-force policy.
“The actions and type of force used by the Minneapolis police officers in the video are inexcusable and contrary to how we train officers,” Pazen’s statement said. “Treating those we serve with respect is of the utmost importance to me as chief and those who make up the Denver Police Department. The Denver Police Department values the sanctity of life and is committed to respecting and protecting the dignity, safety and rights of our community members.”
Denver police officers at the scene wore their regular street uniforms along with face masks to protect them from the virus. However, they began donning riot gear once the shots were fired.
As the night wore on, the crowds grew larger. One group headed toward a police substation near Colfax Avenue and Washington Street, where people reportedly threw rocks at the building. But police in riot gear pushed them back onto Colfax.
Mayor Michael Hancock tweeted that he understood why people were angry over Floyd’s death but asked them to march in peace.
“Responding to violence with violence will only lead to more violence,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Denver police investigate fatal stabbing

Denver police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred Thursday night in the 1500 Block of S. Broadway .
An @ @ @ @ @ stabbed during an altercation , ” a tweet from Denver police said .
One man @ @ @ @ @ incident was not connected with the George Floyd protests , police told The Denver Post @ @ @ @ @ that the incident is being investigated as a homicide and anyone with information is asked @ @ @ @ @ 720-913-7867 .

Denver police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred Thursday night in the 1500 block of South Broadway.
An adult male experiencing homelessness was stabbed during an altercation, according to Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen. The chief spoke on the subject during a news conference Friday regarding the George Floyd protests.
Allen Menendez,47, is being held for investigation of first-degree murder. Police identified Menendez as a suspect based on statements from three witnesses, according to a Denver Police Department arrest affidavit.
The incident was not connected with the protests, police told The Denver Post Thursday evening and Pazen confirmed.
DPD says this death investigation has nothing to do with the protests, but not further information at this time. https://t.co/qORHynPxW6 — Elizabeth Hernandez (@ehernandez) May 29, 2020
Authorities say that the incident is being investigated as a homicide and anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Broncos film room: Netane Muti’s combination of power, agility make him worthy sixth-round gamble

Fresno State entered the 2017 Hawaii Bowl against Houston with an offensive line that was equal parts durable and dependable .
The five-man unit combined to miss no starts and allowed just nine sacks ( for 62 yards ) in 13 games , including meetings against two college football heavyweights ( Alabama and Washington ) and two matchups against a Boise State team that finished 11-3 .
But facing Houston meant planning for defensive tackle/one-man wrecking crew Ed Oliver , who as a sophomore already possessed many of the traits that would make him the ninth overall pick to Buffalo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it meant utilizing new Broncos guard Netane Muti — a sixth-round pick in April ’ s draft .
Muti ’ s strength was legendary at Fresno State and carried over to the combine , where he put up 44 reps on the 225-pound bench press .
It was the highest total since Dontari Poe also did 44 reps eight years ago .
But it was the 6-foot-3 , 315-pound Muti ’ s lateral movement — not considered one of his top traits in the pre-draft process — that was especially important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houston .
Take , for example , a play from Fresno State ’ s fifth offensive possession .
The first four drives ended punt , interception , punt and punt and produced five total yards .
Quarterback Marcus McMaryion lined up in the shotgun , took the snap and faked a jet sweep to receiver Jamire Jordan .
As he did so , Muti pulled from his left guard spot to the opposite end of the formation to block defensive end Nick Thurman .
McMaryion had time and the result was an 11-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a touchdown .
Fresno State ’ s next possession began in similar fashion .
McMaryion was in the shotgun .
At the snap , he faked a hand-off to the running back and Muti again pulled to the right side .
McMaryion rolled that direction and completed a pass for nine yards .
And midway through the third quarter , Fresno State dialed up the same play design as Muti blocked Thurman while McMaryion completed a 17-yard pass to tight end Jared Rice to set up another touchdown .
The Bulldogs knew that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take simple drop-backs was a path to nowhere .
So they schemed runs to the outside and moved the pocket to limit Oliver ’ s disruptiveness ( he totaled four tackles , including two for loss , and no sacks ) .
Muti was a key piece of the game plan .
Muti ’ s agility was the most surprising revelation about his game tape , but not the only thing that stood out about his performance .
In 88 offensive plays , Muti effectively sealed off the defensive lineman in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit a lineman and moved on to the second level to block a linebacker … displayed tremendous strength to set his feet and anchor in pass protection ( no quarterback disruptions allowed ) … and unleashed a few vicious hits , including one that knocked Oliver noticeably off balance .
Muti was responsible for a few short runs when he couldn ’ t get enough push and occasionally showed poor technique by reaching and grabbing with his hands ( an issue that resurfaced in later games ) .
But Oliver was the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season when he started all 14 games , and there ’ s no doubt he passed it .
The problem : Muti has only played in five games since then .
Muti started two games in 2018 before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon ( his second such injury in college ) and left in the second half of last year ’ s third game with a Lisfranc injury .
Can Muti remain healthy with the Broncos ?
Impossible to say right now , but it ’ s always concerning when an offensive lineman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if Muti can stay on the field , the Broncos may have gotten one of this year ’ s better Day 3 picks .
Muti is expected to work behind starting right guard Graham Glasgow and left guard Dalton Risner , but he does have experience at left tackle .
He started the first two games of 2018 there , including a loss at Minnesota when he ruptured his Achilles on Fresno State ’ s 29th offensive snap .
Prior to that injury , Muti did a solid job against defensive end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a seventh-round pick by the New York Giants in April ) , handling his pass-rushing moves and once planting him into the ground .
Muti was booked for one bad run play but had a clean sheet in pass protection before he was injured early in the third quarter .
One year later , Muti was back at left guard in a double-overtime loss against Minnesota and showed some good and some bad while playing all 62 offensive snaps .
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The good : Muti moved well to the second level and picked up several combo blocks … pulled and pancaked linebacker Thomas Barber on a run play … continued to create good leverage against defensive linemen to turn and seal them off to open running lanes .
The bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for holding on the third snap of the game .
Two plays later , he could have been flagged again for holding but the flag went on the defensive lineman for tripping .
He allowed one sack and another QB pressure .
The sack was the result of good coverage as defensive end Sam Renner got to quarterback Jorge Reyna in 3.5 seconds .
Muti was also flagged for taking off his helmet following a touchdown in the first overtime , though that was an error borne out of excitement .
Had Muti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Minnesota and play a full season last year , it ’ s likely he would have been a Day 2 selection ( rounds 2-3 ) .
His technique needs to be refined , particularly how he uses his hands , but the power and movement he displayed first against Houston and later in two games against Minnesota were the traits of an NFL starting-caliber guard .
Can Muti eventually get back to that level ?
His injury history certainly gives pause .
But with Glasgow and Risner already in place , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .

Fresno State entered the 2017 Hawaii Bowl against Houston with an offensive line that was equal parts durable and dependable.
The five-man unit combined to miss no starts and allowed just nine sacks (for 62 yards) in 13 games, including meetings against two college football heavyweights (Alabama and Washington) and two matchups against a Boise State team that finished 11-3.
But facing Houston meant planning for defensive tackle/one-man wrecking crew Ed Oliver, who as a sophomore already possessed many of the traits that would make him the ninth overall pick to Buffalo in 2019.
It meant getting creative. And it meant utilizing new Broncos guard Netane Muti — a sixth-round pick in April’s draft.
Muti’s strength was legendary at Fresno State and carried over to the combine, where he put up 44 reps on the 225-pound bench press. It was the highest total since Dontari Poe also did 44 reps eight years ago. But it was the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Muti’s lateral movement — not considered one of his top traits in the pre-draft process — that was especially important in pulling off a 33-27 win over Houston.
Take, for example, a play from Fresno State’s fifth offensive possession. The first four drives ended punt, interception, punt and punt and produced five total yards.
Quarterback Marcus McMaryion lined up in the shotgun, took the snap and faked a jet sweep to receiver Jamire Jordan. As he did so, Muti pulled from his left guard spot to the opposite end of the formation to block defensive end Nick Thurman. McMaryion had time and the result was an 11-yard completion on a drive that ended with a touchdown.
Fresno State’s next possession began in similar fashion. McMaryion was in the shotgun. At the snap, he faked a hand-off to the running back and Muti again pulled to the right side. McMaryion rolled that direction and completed a pass for nine yards.
And midway through the third quarter, Fresno State dialed up the same play design as Muti blocked Thurman while McMaryion completed a 17-yard pass to tight end Jared Rice to set up another touchdown.
The Bulldogs knew that running up the middle and having McMaryion take simple drop-backs was a path to nowhere. So they schemed runs to the outside and moved the pocket to limit Oliver’s disruptiveness (he totaled four tackles, including two for loss, and no sacks). Muti was a key piece of the game plan.
Muti’s agility was the most surprising revelation about his game tape, but not the only thing that stood out about his performance.
In 88 offensive plays, Muti effectively sealed off the defensive lineman in front of him to open running lanes … regularly hit a lineman and moved on to the second level to block a linebacker … displayed tremendous strength to set his feet and anchor in pass protection (no quarterback disruptions allowed) … and unleashed a few vicious hits, including one that knocked Oliver noticeably off balance.
Muti was responsible for a few short runs when he couldn’t get enough push and occasionally showed poor technique by reaching and grabbing with his hands (an issue that resurfaced in later games). But Oliver was the biggest test of Muti’s redshirt freshman season when he started all 14 games, and there’s no doubt he passed it.
The problem: Muti has only played in five games since then.
Muti started two games in 2018 before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon (his second such injury in college) and left in the second half of last year’s third game with a Lisfranc injury.
Can Muti remain healthy with the Broncos? Impossible to say right now, but it’s always concerning when an offensive lineman has problems with his feet. However, if Muti can stay on the field, the Broncos may have gotten one of this year’s better Day 3 picks.
Muti is expected to work behind starting right guard Graham Glasgow and left guard Dalton Risner, but he does have experience at left tackle. He started the first two games of 2018 there, including a loss at Minnesota when he ruptured his Achilles on Fresno State’s 29th offensive snap.
Prior to that injury, Muti did a solid job against defensive end Carter Coughlin (22 1/2 career sacks and a seventh-round pick by the New York Giants in April), handling his pass-rushing moves and once planting him into the ground. Muti was booked for one bad run play but had a clean sheet in pass protection before he was injured early in the third quarter.
One year later, Muti was back at left guard in a double-overtime loss against Minnesota and showed some good and some bad while playing all 62 offensive snaps.
The good: Muti moved well to the second level and picked up several combo blocks … pulled and pancaked linebacker Thomas Barber on a run play … continued to create good leverage against defensive linemen to turn and seal them off to open running lanes.
The bad: Muti was caught grabbing and flagged for holding on the third snap of the game. Two plays later, he could have been flagged again for holding but the flag went on the defensive lineman for tripping. He allowed one sack and another QB pressure. The sack was the result of good coverage as defensive end Sam Renner got to quarterback Jorge Reyna in 3.5 seconds. Muti was also flagged for taking off his helmet following a touchdown in the first overtime, though that was an error borne out of excitement.
Had Muti been able to build on his game against Minnesota and play a full season last year, it’s likely he would have been a Day 2 selection (rounds 2-3). His technique needs to be refined, particularly how he uses his hands, but the power and movement he displayed first against Houston and later in two games against Minnesota were the traits of an NFL starting-caliber guard.
Can Muti eventually get back to that level? His injury history certainly gives pause. But with Glasgow and Risner already in place, it was worth a sixth-round pick to find out.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--A bright, comforting one-pot stew with West African roots

By Yewande Komolafe , The New York Times When I returned from Nigeria at the end of February , it was at the tail end of the Harmattan , a season when the winds from the north deposit the finest sand from the Sahara onto Lagos ’ every surface .
The city was hot and dry , and the markets were bursting with life .
I ’ m not a vegetarian , but in Lagos , nutrient-dense produce surrounded me , inviting me to cook with it .
I was grating coconut flesh to extract its milk , pickling star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bunches of palm-sized spinach greens straight from the backyard .
Back in Brooklyn , I am still cooking , but mostly from my pantry , using staples and hearty vegetables that I am stretching as far as my imagination allows .
I first made this spicy vegetarian yam and plantain curry on a hot night in Lagos , but I now find myself revisiting it again and again .
It is a brothy version of asaro , a rich stew made in kitchens and bukas , or roadside restaurants , across the south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimate comfort food .
Built around long-lasting hearty greens and root vegetables , the core components are West African yam and plantain , but you can substitute at will .
No yams ?
Use any potato that ’ ll hold up in a soup .
Yellow plantains instead of green ?
Use them , but drop them in toward the end of cooking .
And there is room for herbs , greens and any alliums you have on hand .
It is gluten-free and vegan , but it doesn ’ t have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bacon to give it heft , or a little flour to thicken the broth .
This asaro is a one-pot meal that makes plenty , so several meals will come of the washing , trimming and chopping required .
It ’ s the kind of stew you can heat and reheat , and the flavors intensify each time .
If you hold off on adding the greens until you ’ re ready to serve , you can refrigerate it up to a week , and it freezes beautifully , too .
The real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , warm-weather kind of stew that is a meal on its own or paired with any grilled meat or fish .
It ’ s a dish that reminds me of the last trip home I ’ ll be making for a while , and one that lends comfort in the meantime .
• 1/4 cup neutral oil , such as canola or grapeseed • 1 whole red habanero or Scotch bonnet chile , pierced all over with a knife • 1 ( 14-ounce ) can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices • 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces • 2 green ( unripe ) plantains ( about 1 pound total ) , peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces • 4 cups julienned hearty greens , such as dandelion greens , collards or lacinato kale , tough stems removed 1 .
Heat a medium pot , large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium .
Pour in the neutral oil , add the sliced shallots and cook , stirring frequently , until shallots are caramelized and golden brown , about 5 minutes .
Remove shallots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on paper towels or a cooling rack .
Season with salt and set aside .
2 .
Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the cooking oil out of the pot .
( Reserve extra oil for another use . )
Over medium-low heat , add the garlic , ginger and turmeric to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant , about 2 minutes .
Add the tomato paste and cook , stirring constantly , for an additional 2 minutes or until it begins to stick to the bottom of the pot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ add the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices , crushing the whole tomatoes with your hands as they go in .
Stir to combine ingredients and dissolve the tomato paste , then add 3 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat .
4 .
Once boiling , season with salt , reduce heat to medium , add the yams and simmer until the yams are just beginning to soften , about 10 minutes .
Add the plantains and cook until both are tender but hold their shape , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 to 18 minutes .
5 .
Stir in the coconut milk and red palm oil , if using , season with more salt and let simmer for another 10 minutes .
Add the greens and cook until tender , 2 to 3 minutes .
6 .
To serve , remove and discard the cooked chile .
Ladle the curry into bowls , top with the caramelized shallots , a scattering of basil and cilantro , and several squeezes of lime juice .

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Yewande Komolafe, The New York Times
When I returned from Nigeria at the end of February, it was at the tail end of the Harmattan, a season when the winds from the north deposit the finest sand from the Sahara onto Lagos’ every surface. The city was hot and dry, and the markets were bursting with life.
I’m not a vegetarian, but in Lagos, nutrient-dense produce surrounded me, inviting me to cook with it. I was grating coconut flesh to extract its milk, pickling star fruit and replenishing the salad bowl with bunches of palm-sized spinach greens straight from the backyard.
Back in Brooklyn, I am still cooking, but mostly from my pantry, using staples and hearty vegetables that I am stretching as far as my imagination allows. I first made this spicy vegetarian yam and plantain curry on a hot night in Lagos, but I now find myself revisiting it again and again. It is a brothy version of asaro, a rich stew made in kitchens and bukas, or roadside restaurants, across the south of Nigeria, and it is my ultimate comfort food.
Built around long-lasting hearty greens and root vegetables, the core components are West African yam and plantain, but you can substitute at will. No yams? Use any potato that’ll hold up in a soup. Yellow plantains instead of green? Use them, but drop them in toward the end of cooking. And there is room for herbs, greens and any alliums you have on hand. It is gluten-free and vegan, but it doesn’t have to be; add a little crayfish or bacon to give it heft, or a little flour to thicken the broth.
This asaro is a one-pot meal that makes plenty, so several meals will come of the washing, trimming and chopping required. It’s the kind of stew you can heat and reheat, and the flavors intensify each time. If you hold off on adding the greens until you’re ready to serve, you can refrigerate it up to a week, and it freezes beautifully, too. The real joy is that it is a lighter, warm-weather kind of stew that is a meal on its own or paired with any grilled meat or fish.
It’s a dish that reminds me of the last trip home I’ll be making for a while, and one that lends comfort in the meantime.
Recipe: Yam and Plantain Curry With Crispy Shallots
Total time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1/4 cup neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
4 medium shallots, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
Kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1 (2- to 3-inch) piece fresh ginger, grated (about 2 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 whole red habanero or Scotch bonnet chile, pierced all over with a knife
1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices
1 1/2 pounds white or orange yams, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 green (unripe) plantains (about 1 pound total), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 (13-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon red palm oil (optional)
4 cups julienned hearty greens, such as dandelion greens, collards or lacinato kale, tough stems removed
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 lime, sliced into wedges for squeezing
Directions
1. Heat a medium pot, large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium. Pour in the neutral oil, add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until shallots are caramelized and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove shallots from the oil and allow to drain on paper towels or a cooling rack. Season with salt and set aside.
2. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the cooking oil out of the pot. (Reserve extra oil for another use.) Over medium-low heat, add the garlic, ginger and turmeric to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 2 minutes or until it begins to stick to the bottom of the pot.
3. Drop in the chile and add the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices, crushing the whole tomatoes with your hands as they go in. Stir to combine ingredients and dissolve the tomato paste, then add 3 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Once boiling, season with salt, reduce heat to medium, add the yams and simmer until the yams are just beginning to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the plantains and cook until both are tender but hold their shape, and the liquid is slightly reduced and thickened, 15 to 18 minutes.
5. Stir in the coconut milk and red palm oil, if using, season with more salt and let simmer for another 10 minutes. Add the greens and cook until tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
6. To serve, remove and discard the cooked chile. Ladle the curry into bowls, top with the caramelized shallots, a scattering of basil and cilantro, and several squeezes of lime juice.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Denver weather: Prepare for a heat wave next week

Ready to trade Sunday ’ s umbrellas for sunscreen this weekend and into next week ?
Fresh off Denver ’ s rainiest day in nearly a year on Sunday and snow in the nearby foothills , temperatures will soar into the 80s and 90s by this weekend and into early next week .
While temperatures can climb to those levels this time of year , this looming heat wave comes fresh on the heels of an unusually chilly and unsettled spell just last weekend .
Snow was observed near Denver along the Palmer Divide and in some foothill communities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low 40s and a steady , soaking rain .
A big ridge of high pressure , though , will push in warmer and drier weather by this weekend , and it looks to last for a little while as well .
After a few afternoon showers and storms keep down temperatures a tad on both Friday and Saturday , the mercury will then really begin to soar , and low 90s look likely by early next week .
That same high pressure center will gradually migrate from the west , leading to scorching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phoenix and Las Vegas before it moves into Colorado this weekend .
“ Much more confidence in hot temperatures this weekend into early next week , with upper 80s to low 90s expected across the plains , ” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote in their Tuesday forecast discussion , speaking about next week ’ s forecast .
That could lead to near-record heat by early next week .
Next Monday ’ s record high is 96 degrees in Denver , and 93 next Tuesday .
Both daily records will probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if temperatures overperform a little bit .
Denver ’ s average high for late May is in the mid 70s , and that average rises into the upper 70s by the first week of June .
Get the sunscreen ready : hot , dry weather is just around the corner .

Ready to trade Sunday’s umbrellas for sunscreen this weekend and into next week?
Fresh off Denver’s rainiest day in nearly a year on Sunday and snow in the nearby foothills, temperatures will soar into the 80s and 90s by this weekend and into early next week.
While temperatures can climb to those levels this time of year, this looming heat wave comes fresh on the heels of an unusually chilly and unsettled spell just last weekend. Snow was observed near Denver along the Palmer Divide and in some foothill communities, while Denver itself saw temperatures in the low 40s and a steady, soaking rain.
A big ridge of high pressure, though, will push in warmer and drier weather by this weekend, and it looks to last for a little while as well. After a few afternoon showers and storms keep down temperatures a tad on both Friday and Saturday, the mercury will then really begin to soar, and low 90s look likely by early next week.
That same high pressure center will gradually migrate from the west, leading to scorching temperatures for places like Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas before it moves into Colorado this weekend.
“Much more confidence in hot temperatures this weekend into early next week, with upper 80s to low 90s expected across the plains,” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote in their Tuesday forecast discussion, speaking about next week’s forecast.
That could lead to near-record heat by early next week. Next Monday’s record high is 96 degrees in Denver, and 93 next Tuesday. Both daily records will probably hold, but they could be challenged if temperatures overperform a little bit.
Denver’s average high for late May is in the mid 70s, and that average rises into the upper 70s by the first week of June.
Get the sunscreen ready: hot, dry weather is just around the corner.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Williams considering plan to use the sun to power its oil, gas operations in Colorado, other states

Williams , a natural gas processing and transmission company , is looking at spending up to $ 400 million on solar energy to power its operations in Colorado and eight other states .
Williams , based in Tulsa , Okla. , said Thursday that it is identifying places where the installations would be economical and can be primarily located on company-owned land next to its facilities .
Williams spokesman Tom Droege said Colorado is the first state where the company will consider spots for solar installations .
He said the company is evaluating about a dozen sites in western Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Front Range .
A decision could be made by next month .
Altogether , Williams could develop about 400 megawatts worth of solar power across the nine states .
The installations are expected to start generating electricity in late 2021 .
Williams can make the investment in solar given the current market and state and federal tax incentives “ while continuing to enjoy the reliability that the grid provides via natural gas fired power generation , ” Alan Armstrong , the president and CEO , said in a statement .
“ Natural gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to add more renewable energy to the power grid in large volumes , ” Armstrong said .
“ It is a clean , affordable fuel that can quickly provide power when renewable energy sources are producing less due to the variability of sunlight and wind.
” Natural gas burns cleaner than coal , emitting at least 50 % less carbon dioxide when burned in an efficient gas plant .
It has been seen as a bridge to the use of more renewable energy .
However , concerns about methane emissions from oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wind and solar power have raised questions about expanding natural gas generation .
Methane , the main component of natural gas , is 84 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over about 20 years .
Methane doesn ’ t last as long in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide , which keeps trapping heat for a long time .
Industry officials say natural gas will continue to play a role in moving to cleaner energy .
The other states where Williams is thinking about using solar power are Alabama , Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , Ohio , Pennsylvania and Virginia .
Williams said it anticipates working out agreements with local utilities to sell excess solar power back onto the grid .
Williams owns and operates more than 30,000 miles of pipelines and handles approximately 30 % of the natural gas in the U.S .

Williams, a natural gas processing and transmission company, is looking at spending up to $400 million on solar energy to power its operations in Colorado and eight other states.
Williams, based in Tulsa, Okla., said Thursday that it is identifying places where the installations would be economical and can be primarily located on company-owned land next to its facilities.
Williams spokesman Tom Droege said Colorado is the first state where the company will consider spots for solar installations. He said the company is evaluating about a dozen sites in western Colorado and the Denver-Julesburg Basin on the northern Front Range. A decision could be made by next month.
Altogether, Williams could develop about 400 megawatts worth of solar power across the nine states. The installations are expected to start generating electricity in late 2021.
Williams can make the investment in solar given the current market and state and federal tax incentives “while continuing to enjoy the reliability that the grid provides via natural gas fired power generation,” Alan Armstrong,the president and CEO, said in a statement.
“Natural gas is key to our country’s ability to add more renewable energy to the power grid in large volumes,” Armstrong said. “It is a clean, affordable fuel that can quickly provide power when renewable energy sources are producing less due to the variability of sunlight and wind.”
Natural gas burns cleaner than coal, emitting at least 50% less carbon dioxide when burned in an efficient gas plant. It has been seen as a bridge to the use of more renewable energy.
However, concerns about methane emissions from oil and gas operations and dropping costs of wind and solar power have raised questions about expanding natural gas generation.
Methane, the main component of natural gas, is 84 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over about 20 years. Methane doesn’t last as long in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, which keeps trapping heat for a long time.
Industry officials say natural gas will continue to play a role in moving to cleaner energy.
The other states where Williams is thinking about using solar power are Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Williams said it anticipates working out agreements with local utilities to sell excess solar power back onto the grid.
Williams owns and operates more than 30,000 miles of pipelines and handles approximately 30% of the natural gas in the U.S.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Colorado Democrats’ gun reform agenda is latest COVID casualty

Colorado House Rep. Tom Sullivan had a gun bill drafted and ready to introduce before the 2020 legislative session even started in January .
But now , his legislation requiring lost or stolen firearms to be reported is headed toward the chopping block , along with nearly 300 other bills claimed by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sullivan , an Aurora Democrat , isn ’ t giving up on House Bill 1356 or another bill on secure storage of guns because he made a promise to his supporters that he would get them through this year .
But he also sees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only three weeks to get a budget and essential bills passed , Colorado House Democratic leaders say there isn ’ t time to debate changes to gun laws this year .
“ I had said at the beginning of the session that the session would be a failure if I couldn ’ t get a single Republican to vote on either of the two bills , ” Sullivan said .
“ It would be more of a failure if I don ’ t even get either of those bills to see the light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have required individuals to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours .
The first offense would draw a fine and the second a misdemeanor .
It ’ s a policy that Sullivan said Democrats and Republicans support , but the larger issue of gun control vs. gun rights is one that will continue beyond the pandemic .
“ The rest of society has accepted the fact that we have over 100 people die of gun violence and two-thirds of that are death by suicides .
They ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s unacceptable to me.
” Sullivan ’ s son , Alex , was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting .
Fighting back tears , Sullivan apologized to his supporters in an interview with The Post on Thursday afternoon .
He said he needs to — and will — find whatever it takes to convince leaders to put gun legislation at the forefront and introduce it on day one next year if it doesn ’ t get a vote this year .
Sullivan ’ s co-sponsor , Rep. Sonya Jaquez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to kill the bill is “ probably one of the hardest things I ’ ve ever had to do in my life.
” She , like Sullivan , is frustrated that the bill didn ’ t move forward because it was ready at the beginning of the session .
“ My promise is I ’ ll be back , if I can , ” said Jaquez Lewis , a pharmacist by trade .
“ If I ’ m able to get elected , this will be one of my first five bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be delayed.
” The gun loss or theft bill , along with the gun storage bill , House Bill 1355 , were assigned to the House State , Veterans and Military Affairs Committee where they are expected to be postponed indefinitely , or killed .
The secure storage bill would make unlawfully storing a firearm a misdemeanor .
This would apply to guns stored where a minor can access them without permission from their parent and those stored in the residence of a person who isn ’ t allowed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ component of the bill is educating the public .
House Speaker KC Becker , a Boulder Democrat , said she believes the gun bills are still a priority , but coronavirus “ has changed everything.
” “ That legislation always draws huge crowds , so that ’ s an issue , ” Becker said .
“ Also huge resistance .
And to get those bills that are starting in the House and that are currently in the House that have a long way to go , all done in a couple weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is just challenging.
” House Majority Leader Alec Garnett , D-Denver , said in a media briefing Thursday that of 370 bills in the system , only about 88 are moving forward .
Rep. Monica Duran , D-Wheat Ridge , and Rep. Kyle Mullica , D-Northglenn , are gun owners who said they believe the gun storage bill will save lives .
Duran said the gun debate isn ’ t going away , even during the pandemic , as gun sales have skyrocketed and crisis calls have increased .
Still , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring it back next year .
“ What ’ s more important is that we do this right and the message is right , ” she said .
Sen. Chris Hansen , D-Denver , also a sponsor of that bill , said it ’ s disappointing to postpone the gun bills , but it makes sense with the pandemic .
“ I think both of those bills were very reasonable approaches to try to improve public safety and I look forward to that debate next session , ” Hansen said .

Colorado House Rep. Tom Sullivan had a gun bill drafted and ready to introduce before the 2020 legislative session even started in January.
But now, his legislation requiring lost or stolen firearms to be reported is headed toward the chopping block, along with nearly 300 other bills claimed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sullivan, an Aurora Democrat, isn’t giving up on House Bill 1356 or another bill on secure storage of guns because he made a promise to his supporters that he would get them through this year. But he also sees the writing on the wall. With only three weeks to get a budget and essential bills passed, Colorado House Democratic leaders say there isn’t time to debate changes to gun laws this year.
“I had said at the beginning of the session that the session would be a failure if I couldn’t get a single Republican to vote on either of the two bills,” Sullivan said. “It would be more of a failure if I don’t even get either of those bills to see the light of day.”
Sullivan’s bill would have required individuals to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours. The first offense would draw a fine and the second a misdemeanor. It’s a policy that Sullivan said Democrats and Republicans support, but the larger issue of gun control vs. gun rights is one that will continue beyond the pandemic.
“The rest of society has accepted the fact that we have over 100 people die of gun violence and two-thirds of that are death by suicides. They’ve accepted that,” he said. “It’s unacceptable to me.”
Sullivan’s son, Alex, was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.
Fighting back tears, Sullivan apologized to his supporters in an interview with The Post on Thursday afternoon. He said he needs to — and will — find whatever it takes to convince leaders to put gun legislation at the forefront and introduce it on day one next year if it doesn’t get a vote this year.
Sullivan’s co-sponsor, Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, a Longmont Democrat, said having to kill the bill is “probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life.”
She, like Sullivan, is frustrated that the bill didn’t move forward because it was ready at the beginning of the session.
“My promise is I’ll be back, if I can,” said Jaquez Lewis, a pharmacist by trade. “If I’m able to get elected, this will be one of my first five bills. And this time, we won’t be delayed.”
The gun loss or theft bill, along with the gun storage bill, House Bill 1355, were assigned to the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee where they are expected to be postponed indefinitely, or killed.
The secure storage bill would make unlawfully storing a firearm a misdemeanor. This would apply to guns stored where a minor can access them without permission from their parent and those stored in the residence of a person who isn’t allowed to have a firearm. Sponsors say a large component of the bill is educating the public.
House Speaker KC Becker, a Boulder Democrat, said she believes the gun bills are still a priority, but coronavirus “has changed everything.”
“That legislation always draws huge crowds, so that’s an issue,” Becker said. “Also huge resistance. And to get those bills that are starting in the House and that are currently in the House that have a long way to go, all done in a couple weeks, with everything else we have going on, is just challenging.”
House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver, said in a media briefing Thursday that of 370 bills in the system, only about 88 are moving forward.
Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, are gun owners who said they believe the gun storage bill will save lives.
Duran said the gun debate isn’t going away, even during the pandemic, as gun sales have skyrocketed and crisis calls have increased. Still, she understands putting it on hold and plans to bring it back next year.
“What’s more important is that we do this right and the message is right,” she said.
Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, also a sponsor of that bill, said it’s disappointing to postpone the gun bills, but it makes sense with the pandemic.
“I think both of those bills were very reasonable approaches to try to improve public safety and I look forward to that debate next session,” Hansen said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--It’s official: Colorado has a new statewide weather record topping the bomb cyclone

After a lengthy assessment of station sites and observations , the Colorado Climate Center officially determined that Colorado set a new statewide pressure record during last March ’ s bomb cyclone .
On March 13th , 2019 , the barometric pressure in Lamar dropped down to 970.4 millibars , setting a new statewide record in the process .
“ A thorough investigation of available records indicated that ( 970.4 millibars ) was the lowest mean sea level pressure ( MSLP ) ever observed in Colorado at a trusted weather station , ” the Colorado Climate Center wrote in a detailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Based on the evaluation of the available information and evidence , the ( State Climate Extremes Committee , or SCEC ) determined the observation of 970.4 hPa to be valid and moved to establish an inaugural Colorado state record for lowest MSLP.
” The reason this new record is significant is that central pressure is , roughly , the measurement of the strength of a given storm .
The lower the central pressure , typically , the stronger the overall storm system – and that often means the stronger the winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low as 970 millibars are typically associated with that of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane , not a spring snowstorm .
Hurricanes and tropical systems gain their energy from warm tropical ocean water , while land-driven storms like the bomb cyclone get most of their power from temperature differences .
However , temperature differences over land hardly ever produce a storm as strong as the bomb cyclone .
The record-setting Lamar reading took place on the morning that the bomb cyclone moved through the state .
The storm was primarily noted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several inches of blizzard-driven snow along the Front Range and throughout central and eastern Colorado .
The lengthy Colorado Climate Center review process involved investigating the weather observation site , assessing historical records and determining whether or not past pressure readings were accurate or not .
Because this is the “ inaugural ” statewide pressure level record , the historical component of the assessment lengthened the amount of time it took to verify Lamar ’ s pressure reading as the new state record .
“ Because there has not previously been an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pressure observations are less consistent than for other variables such as temperature and precipitation , numerous methods were employed to identify whether this was the lowest recorded pressure at a station known to be valid , ” the report said .
The National Weather Service office in Pueblo also helped ensure the accuracy of the data .

After a lengthy assessment of station sites and observations, the Colorado Climate Center officially determined that Colorado set a new statewide pressure record during last March’s bomb cyclone.
On March 13th, 2019, the barometric pressure in Lamar dropped down to 970.4 millibars, setting a new statewide record in the process.
“A thorough investigation of available records indicated that (970.4 millibars) was the lowest mean sea level pressure (MSLP) ever observed in Colorado at a trusted weather station,” the Colorado Climate Center wrote in a detailed report on the record earlier this month. “Based on the evaluation of the available information and evidence, the (State Climate Extremes Committee, or SCEC) determined the observation of 970.4 hPa to be valid and moved to establish an inaugural Colorado state record for lowest MSLP.”
The reason this new record is significant is that central pressure is, roughly, the measurement of the strength of a given storm. The lower the central pressure, typically, the stronger the overall storm system – and that often means the stronger the winds associated with a storm.
Pressures as low as 970 millibars are typically associated with that of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane, not a spring snowstorm. Hurricanes and tropical systems gain their energy from warm tropical ocean water, while land-driven storms like the bomb cyclone get most of their power from temperature differences. However, temperature differences over land hardly ever produce a storm as strong as the bomb cyclone.
The record-setting Lamar reading took place on the morning that the bomb cyclone moved through the state. The storm was primarily noted for its winds, although it also dumped several inches of blizzard-driven snow along the Front Range and throughout central and eastern Colorado.
The lengthy Colorado Climate Center review process involved investigating the weather observation site, assessing historical records and determining whether or not past pressure readings were accurate or not.
Because this is the “inaugural” statewide pressure level record, the historical component of the assessment lengthened the amount of time it took to verify Lamar’s pressure reading as the new state record.
“Because there has not previously been an official record low pressure, and historical records of pressure observations are less consistent than for other variables such as temperature and precipitation, numerous methods were employed to identify whether this was the lowest recorded pressure at a station known to be valid,” the report said.
The National Weather Service office in Pueblo also helped ensure the accuracy of the data.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Guest commentary: Want to curb police brutality? Change the law

George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Marvin Booker in Denver .
The list of African Americans murdered by law enforcement goes on and on and on .
Colorado is far from immune from police violence directed at minorities .
Police brutality hasn ’ t increased .
Videoing brutal cops has increased and white America is finally seeing it .
As a life-long civil rights lawyer , for almost 25 years my firm has gone to federal court every day to try to get justice for our clients who suffered at the bloody hands of the few criminals wearing police badges .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wring their hands and cluck their tongues while they write checks for millions of taxpayer dollars to pay abused citizens off for their out of control police .
Why ?
The answer is clear – 100 % indemnification of bad cops by taxpayers .
Cops don ’ t pay for their violence , you the taxpayer pays .
On a civil rights suit , most cities are not legally bound to pay the settlement or damages incurred by their bad cops , yet they all do .
In Colorado , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 100,000 but cities routinely pay far more than that , including millions of dollars to bail out violent cops .
The routine goes like this : Cop beats/shoots/pepper sprays/tases a citizen in violation of the Constitution .
Citizen files an internal affairs complaint .
Internal affairs is an abject joke as it always works out well for the cops when they are investigated by the cops .
A civil rights lawsuit gets filed and the City settles .
The brutal cop has been exonerated by internal affairs so absolutely no discipline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angelic ’ cop has just settled the lawsuit for perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars .
The kicker is , the cop never pays a single penny of the settlement .
The cop is represented by high priced lawyers at taxpayer expense .
The City pays the settlement , the cop is not disciplined as the internal affairs whitewash machine has exonerated him/her and this same bad , violent cop is set loose to continue to rack up violent incident after violent incident and costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequence whatsoever imposed on bad cops .
They have no incentive to ever change their violent behavior .
If one cop lost a house , a car , a paycheck , police violence would absolutely plummet but the police lackeys in charge of Denver and other cities will never do that .
They whine that they don ’ t want police to be worried about a lawsuit when they are confronting a dangerous violent criminal .
Now , I ’ ll throw in the obligatory ‘ yes it ’ s a dangerous job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ etc.
’ My response is that following the Constitution is hard , but if you can ’ t do it , turn in your badge and gun .
A change in the law is needed to change police behavior .
I ’ m not saying no indemnification should occur as violent cops inflict grievous damage to people who deserve far more than most cops can pay .
Brutalized citizens deserve to collect from the city .
However , in order to deter the police , a small percentage of every settlement or damages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cop with no indemnification permitted by the government .
Once actual financial consequences occur , incidents of police brutality will plummet .
As long as taxpayers continue to foot the bill for violent cops , and internal affairs continues to whitewash police misconduct , violent , brutal police misconduct can be expected to continue unabated .
David Lane has been a civil rights attorney for 40 years and is a partner with the Denver law firm Killmer , Lane & Newman , LLP

George Floyd in Minneapolis. Marvin Booker in Denver. The list of African Americans murdered by law enforcement goes on and on and on. Colorado is far from immune from police violence directed at minorities.
Police brutality hasn’t increased. Videoing brutal cops has increased and white America is finally seeing it. As a life-long civil rights lawyer, for almost 25 years my firm has gone to federal court every day to try to get justice for our clients who suffered at the bloody hands of the few criminals wearing police badges.
City Council, like clueless parents, wring their hands and cluck their tongues while they write checks for millions of taxpayer dollars to pay abused citizens off for their out of control police. Why? The answer is clear – 100% indemnification of bad cops by taxpayers. Cops don’t pay for their violence, you the taxpayer pays. On a civil rights suit, most cities are not legally bound to pay the settlement or damages incurred by their bad cops, yet they all do. In Colorado, there is a law requiring indemnification up to a limit of $100,000 but cities routinely pay far more than that, including millions of dollars to bail out violent cops. The routine goes like this: Cop beats/shoots/pepper sprays/tases a citizen in violation of the Constitution. Citizen files an internal affairs complaint.
Internal affairs is an abject joke as it always works out well for the cops when they are investigated by the cops. A civil rights lawsuit gets filed and the City settles. The brutal cop has been exonerated by internal affairs so absolutely no discipline whatsoever is imposed but this same ‘angelic’ cop has just settled the lawsuit for perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The kicker is, the cop never pays a single penny of the settlement. The cop is represented by high priced lawyers at taxpayer expense. The City pays the settlement, the cop is not disciplined as the internal affairs whitewash machine has exonerated him/her and this same bad, violent cop is set loose to continue to rack up violent incident after violent incident and costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. In other words, there is absolutely no consequence whatsoever imposed on bad cops. They have no incentive to ever change their violent behavior. If one cop lost a house, a car, a paycheck, police violence would absolutely plummet but the police lackeys in charge of Denver and other cities will never do that.
They whine that they don’t want police to be worried about a lawsuit when they are confronting a dangerous violent criminal. Now, I’ll throw in the obligatory ‘yes it’s a dangerous job, a few bad apples etc. etc.’ My response is that following the Constitution is hard, but if you can’t do it, turn in your badge and gun. A change in the law is needed to change police behavior. I’m not saying no indemnification should occur as violent cops inflict grievous damage to people who deserve far more than most cops can pay.
Brutalized citizens deserve to collect from the city. However, in order to deter the police, a small percentage of every settlement or damages award should be the responsibility of the cop with no indemnification permitted by the government. Once actual financial consequences occur, incidents of police brutality will plummet. As long as taxpayers continue to foot the bill for violent cops, and internal affairs continues to whitewash police misconduct, violent, brutal police misconduct can be expected to continue unabated.
David Lane has been a civil rights attorney for 40 years and is a partner with the Denver law firm Killmer, Lane & Newman, LLP


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Peyton Manning on a broadcasting career — “I haven’t said no forever”

So , is Peyton Manning going to the broadcast booth ?
The question has hovered around the former Broncos quarterback ever since he retired .
This past March , he turned down a lucrative deal to join “ Monday Night Football , ” according to reports .
But what does the future hold ?
“ I haven ’ t said no forever , ” Manning said Tuesday on “ The Rich Eisen Show.
” He added : “ I ’ ve said no to this year and this doesn ’ t feel like the right time .
And I hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type deal , but that ’ s how I ’ ve approached this chapter .
I believe in taking it a year at a time.
” Manning said he still loves the game of football and frequents Broncos and Colts games .
“ I catch myself sort of analyzing the games in my head when I ’ m watching it , ” he said .
“ I kind of always did that as a player .
When you watch other games , you play the game in your mind .
I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now that I ’ m not playing.
” So what ’ s next ?
“ ( It ’ s ) not in the cards for me right now .
But can ’ t really say ‘ never forever , ' ” he said .
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In 88 offensive plays , Muti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of him to open running lanes … regularly hit a lineman and moved on to the second level to block a linebacker … displayed tremendous strength to set his feet and anchor in pass protection ( no quarterback disruptions allowed ) … and unleashed a few vicious hits , including one that knocked Oliver noticeably off balance .
Read more… Keeler : If Rockies and MLB don ’ t get their acts together , they ’ ll lose the best fans in the world — forever The Mike Trout number that should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the negotiating table isn ’ t $ 37.7 million , the man ’ s contracted 2020 salary .
Or $ 5.7 million , which is what the Major League Baseball owners ’ economic proposal would shave that bad boy down to .
Read more… CU Buffs chancellor Phil DiStefano : “ I believe we ’ re going to have football in the fall ” CU chancellor Phil DiStefano says the Buffs will be back playing football at Folsom Field this fall .
He ’ s just not sure , at this juncture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch it at Folsom with them .
Read more… + Rookie safety Douglas Coleman hopes knack for takeaways translates from Texas Tech to Broncos + Roy Halladay ’ s father takes issue with portrayal of son in ESPN ’ s reporting : “ They missed the story ” + Former Broncos QB Flacco “ embracing ” backup role with New York Jets 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 @

So, is Peyton Manning going to the broadcast booth?
The question has hovered around the former Broncos quarterback ever since he retired. This past March, he turned down a lucrative deal to join “Monday Night Football,” according to reports. But what does the future hold?
“I haven’t said no forever,” Manning said Tuesday on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
He's been courted (reportedly) with millions, so will we see Peyton Manning in the broadcast booth anytime soon? pic.twitter.com/Hcn0nBf0Kv — Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 26, 2020
He added: “I’ve said no to this year and this doesn’t feel like the right time. And I hate having this check with me next year type deal, but that’s how I’ve approached this chapter. I believe in taking it a year at a time.”
Manning said he still loves the game of football and frequents Broncos and Colts games.
“I catch myself sort of analyzing the games in my head when I’m watching it,” he said. “I kind of always did that as a player. When you watch other games, you play the game in your mind. I don’t do it quite to the extent now that I’m not playing.”
So what’s next? “(It’s) not in the cards for me right now. But can’t really say ‘never forever,'” he said.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Read
In 88 offensive plays, Muti effectively sealed off the defensive lineman in front of him to open running lanes … regularly hit a lineman and moved on to the second level to block a linebacker … displayed tremendous strength to set his feet and anchor in pass protection (no quarterback disruptions allowed) … and unleashed a few vicious hits, including one that knocked Oliver noticeably off balance. Read more…
The Mike Trout number that should scare every last one of them back to the negotiating table isn’t $37.7 million, the man’s contracted 2020 salary. Or $5.7 million, which is what the Major League Baseball owners’ economic proposal would shave that bad boy down to. Read more…
CU chancellor Phil DiStefano says the Buffs will be back playing football at Folsom Field this fall. He’s just not sure, at this juncture, if CU fans will be allowed to watch it at Folsom with them. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Rookie safety Douglas Coleman hopes knack for takeaways translates from Texas Tech to Broncos
+ Roy Halladay’s father takes issue with portrayal of son in ESPN’s reporting: “They missed the story”
+ Former Broncos QB Flacco “embracing” backup role with New York Jets
+ Loveland’s Laurin Krings named Gatorade Colorado softball player of the year.
+ NFL owners table onside kick alternative proposal.
+ Athletes wary about coronavirus, testing upon return.
+ US: Transgender sports inclusion violates others’ rights.
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--2020-05-29--Denver weather: Warm with chance for storms

High temperatures along the Front Range and Eastern Plains will climb into the high 80s on Friday , prompting a @ @ @ @ @ to ozone .
Those warm conditions , mixed with the possibility of severe weather in @ @ @ @ @ could make for an interesting weather day .
Scattered storms are possible in the high @ @ @ @ @ this afternoon and evening .
In Denver , there ’ s a 30 % chance @ @ @ @ @ , the National Weather Service in Boulder issued an Ozone Action Day Alert until 4 @ @ @ @ @ The highest concentrations of ozone are most likely for locations in the western portions of @ @ @ @ @ and northward along the Front Range and lower foothills through Boulder , Longmont , and @ @ @ @ @ the alert said .
The metro area will continue with this pattern of highs in @ @ @ @ @ with afternoon storms possible through Tuesday of next week , NWS expects .

High temperatures along the Front Range and Eastern Plains will climb into the high 80s on Friday, prompting a health warning for those sensitive to ozone.
Those warm conditions, mixed with the possibility of severe weather in the afternoon and evening, could make for an interesting weather day.
Scattered storms are possible in the high country and along the plains this afternoon and evening. In Denver, there’s a 30% chance for thunderstorms.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service in Boulder issued an Ozone Action Day Alert until 4 p.m. on Friday.
“The highest concentrations of ozone are most likely for locations in the western portions of the Denver Metro area, and northward along the Front Range and lower foothills through Boulder, Longmont, and western Fort Collins,” the alert said.
The metro area will continue with this pattern of highs in the 80s or low 90s with afternoon storms possible through Tuesday of next week, NWS expects.


thedenverpost--2020-05-30--Amazon offering temporary hires in Colorado something more permanent

Amazon went on a hiring spree in March and April , adding 175,000 seasonal positions nationally , including more than 4,600 in Colorado , as peopled stayed home and online purchases , especially for groceries , surged .
Amazon said Friday that it expects to offer permanent , full-time positions to 125,000 of the workers hired during the pandemic starting in June .
That will include more than 1,700 of the recent hires in Colorado , where Amazon employs 4,000 people statewide .
“ For those who wish to stay and grow with Amazon , more than 1,700 of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colorado .
These new roles are specifically for customer fulfillment and last-mile delivery .
Amazon expects to offer more full-time roles in the coming days , ” said Amazon spokeswoman Anne Laughlin in an email .
Colorado is looking at a retention rate of 37 % versus 70 % nationally among the surge workers hired .
The jobs come with a minimum wage of $ 15 an hour ; full medical , vision and dental insurance ; a 50 % 401 ( k ) match and paid parental leave .
Dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , including nine confirmed cases reported this week at a distribution facility in Aurora .
The company said it has spent $ 800 million on COVID-19 containment measures in the first half of the year .

Amazon went on a hiring spree in March and April, adding 175,000 seasonal positions nationally, including more than 4,600 in Colorado, as peopled stayed home and online purchases, especially for groceries, surged.
Amazon said Friday that it expects to offer permanent, full-time positions to 125,000 of the workers hired during the pandemic starting in June. That will include more than 1,700 of the recent hires in Colorado, where Amazon employs 4,000 people statewide.
“For those who wish to stay and grow with Amazon, more than 1,700 of these seasonal-to-permanent, full-time roles will be offered in Colorado. These new roles are specifically for customer fulfillment and last-mile delivery. Amazon expects to offer more full-time roles in the coming days,” said Amazon spokeswoman Anne Laughlin in an email.
Colorado is looking at a retention rate of 37% versus 70% nationally among the surge workers hired. The jobs come with a minimum wage of $15 an hour; full medical, vision and dental insurance; a 50% 401(k) match and paid parental leave.
Dozens of Amazon facilities have suffered COVID-19 outbreaks among workers, including nine confirmed cases reported this week at a distribution facility in Aurora. The company said it has spent $800 million on COVID-19 containment measures in the first half of the year.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Denver Public Schools unveils 3 plans to rotate students between in-class and online learning

Denver Public Schools unveiled three scheduling options for the fall on Friday , a set of plans that would dictate when students learn from home and when they learn in their classrooms .
The largest school district in the state asked for parental feedback to inform leaders how to best serve families easing into the adjusted school year following the pandemic ’ s disruption to education across the country .
“ We know that the ideal scenario is that health conditions improve , and we are back in our buildings every day with all of our students , ” DPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to parents .
“ These options are based on current health conditions and were developed in response to what we heard from you , that your top priority is health and wellness.
” The options split students into “ A ” and “ B ” groups , rotating when the groups are in their school buildings as a way to reduce class sizes and better meet social-distancing guidelines .
Option 1 has “ A ” group students learning in classrooms for two back-to-back days in a week followed by the “ B ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of the week would be reserved for in-person learning for students with high-priority needs , including children with disabilities and those in the early stages of learning English .
When students are not in their classrooms , they would be learning remotely — the method carried out by all Colorado K-12 schools from mid-March until the end of the academic year after school buildings were closed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 respiratory illness .
Option 2 alternates “ A ” and “ B ” days throughout the week , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person learning for high-priority students .
Option 3 would instead rotate groups by week , meaning the “ A ” group students would attend in-person learning four days a week for one week followed by the “ B ” group for four days the following week .
The fifth day of both weeks would be reserved for in-person learning for high-priority students , although DPS doesn ’ t know which day of the week this would occur .
DPS said siblings would be prioritized to be in the same group .
Entirely remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would prefer not to come back to their school buildings just yet , DPS said .
DPS families will receive a survey to gauge responses to the proposed schedule , which can be found through School Messenger , the district ’ s website and social media channels .
On Thursday , DPS issued the first glimpse into guidelines outlining what the school day may look like come fall , including smaller class sizes , daily health checks and a likely requirement that all students and staff wear masks while at school .

Denver Public Schools unveiled three scheduling options for the fall on Friday, a set of plans that would dictate when students learn from home and when they learn in their classrooms.
The largest school district in the state asked for parental feedback to inform leaders how to best serve families easing into the adjusted school year following the pandemic’s disruption to education across the country.
“We know that the ideal scenario is that health conditions improve, and we are back in our buildings every day with all of our students,” DPS Superintendent Susana Cordova wrote in an email to parents. “These options are based on current health conditions and were developed in response to what we heard from you, that your top priority is health and wellness.”
The options split students into “A” and “B” groups, rotating when the groups are in their school buildings as a way to reduce class sizes and better meet social-distancing guidelines.
Option 1 has “A” group students learning in classrooms for two back-to-back days in a week followed by the “B” group for two back-to-back days. One day of the week would be reserved for in-person learning for students with high-priority needs, including children with disabilities and those in the early stages of learning English.
When students are not in their classrooms, they would be learning remotely — the method carried out by all Colorado K-12 schools from mid-March until the end of the academic year after school buildings were closed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 respiratory illness.
Option 2 alternates “A” and “B” days throughout the week, with one day of the week reserved for in-person learning for high-priority students.
Option 3 would instead rotate groups by week, meaning the “A” group students would attend in-person learning four days a week for one week followed by the “B” group for four days the following week. The fifth day of both weeks would be reserved for in-person learning for high-priority students, although DPS doesn’t know which day of the week this would occur.
DPS said siblings would be prioritized to be in the same group.
Entirely remote learning will be offered for families who would prefer not to come back to their school buildings just yet, DPS said.
DPS families will receive a survey to gauge responses to the proposed schedule, which can be found through School Messenger, the district’s website and social media channels.
On Thursday, DPS issued the first glimpse into guidelines outlining what the school day may look like come fall, including smaller class sizes, daily health checks and a likely requirement that all students and staff wear masks while at school.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Colorado governor extends eviction, foreclosure protections for 15 days

Gov .
Jared Polis extended housing protections Friday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit Colorado , his office announced @ @ @ @ @ extended by 15 days an order limiting evictions , foreclosures , public utility disconnections and @ @ @ @ @ , the release said .
Polis also renewed two other executive orders .
One instructs @ @ @ @ @ Care Policy and Financing to provide additional cash to nursing homes and other group care @ @ @ @ @ risk of contracting the coronavirus .
That order “ ensures that Coloradans have access to @ @ @ @ @ health care facilities that facilities serving the elderly and disabled have the resources necessary to @ @ @ @ @ , ” the release said .
The final order extends the suspension of some requirements @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , authorizing signatures for ballot issues to be collected by mail or emailed @ @ @ @ @ It also suspends personal appearance requirements before notaries public , eases the path for marriage @ @ @ @ @ .

Gov. Jared Polis extended housing protections Friday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit Colorado, his office announced in a release.
He extended by 15 days an order limiting evictions, foreclosures, public utility disconnections and expediting unemployment insurance claim processing, the release said.
Polis also renewed two other executive orders.
One instructs the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to provide additional cash to nursing homes and other group care facilities responsible for populations at risk of contracting the coronavirus.
That order “ensures that Coloradans have access to a safe environment and adequate health care facilities that facilities serving the elderly and disabled have the resources necessary to protect their residents from COVID-19,” the release said.
The final order extends the suspension of some requirements for proposed ballot initiatives during the pandemic, authorizing signatures for ballot issues to be collected by mail or emailed, the release said. It also suspends personal appearance requirements before notaries public, eases the path for marriage licenses and expands telehealth services.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Rapids slowly advancing toward return to play as MLS considers options

There ’ s a hodgepodge of hurdles to clear , but Major League Soccer is on its way back .
The league announced Thursday that teams may begin voluntary small group training sessions so long as the practices do not conflict with local health protocols .
Clubs began individual workouts earlier this month , including the Colorado Rapids in mid-May .
While several ideas for a return to play have been floated , nothing yet has been announced .
What has been established is that several players , and the league , want to return to the pitch as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player on our team wants to get back playing as soon as possible and as safely as possible , ” Rapids veteran goalkeeper and team union rep Clint Irwin said in a conference call .
“ We ’ ve all been off longer than any time in our careers and I think you can tell by the participation at the voluntary workouts right now , we ’ re all itching to get back out there.
” MLS has been shut down since March 12 due to the coronavirus .
Some teams — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been cleared to start voluntary individual workouts due to local restrictions .
And the Rapids still don ’ t have all of their players in Denver — Jonathan Lewis was among those to leave the state to be with family .
“ We ’ re in the middle of a pandemic , but I do think a lot of people would be excited to play , ” Lewis told The Post over the phone .
“ We ’ re all raring to go , but at the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our futures as players , our health , our families .
You could be risking your life because if you catch this you don ’ t know what can happen later down the road or what kind of effects it can have on you , yourself as a player , or even people around you.
” The National Women ’ s Soccer League ( NWSL ) announced its plan to return to action on Wednesday .
The league has several teams that share ownership and/or stadiums with MLS teams .
They will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 in Salt Lake City , and are currently slated to be the first U.S. league in a team sport to resume play since the coronavirus halted games worldwide .
Among the most popular return-to-play scenarios reported by several outlets but not confirmed by MLS or the MLS Players Association would involve an in-season tournament in Orlando .
Teams would play a five-match group stage in games that would also count in the regular-season standings followed by a knockout stage .
Lewis said the scariest part for him is all the unknowns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the union to make sure there is enough testing so that everyone can be safe , especially in the tight confines of locker rooms .
Bundesliga ’ s thus far successful resumption of play has made many in MLS circles hopeful .
“ I think the Bundesliga gives the confidence to MLS players and we can return to play , ” Irwin said .
“ They have very good safety protocols in place that allow them to get tests and those protocols have been very effective .
”

There’s a hodgepodge of hurdles to clear, but Major League Soccer is on its way back.
The league announced Thursday that teams may begin voluntary small group training sessions so long as the practices do not conflict with local health protocols. Clubs began individual workouts earlier this month, including the Colorado Rapids in mid-May.
While several ideas for a return to play have been floated, nothing yet has been announced. What has been established is that several players, and the league, want to return to the pitch as soon as it is safe.
“Every player on our team wants to get back playing as soon as possible and as safely as possible,” Rapids veteran goalkeeper and team union rep Clint Irwin said in a conference call. “We’ve all been off longer than any time in our careers and I think you can tell by the participation at the voluntary workouts right now, we’re all itching to get back out there.”
MLS has been shut down since March 12 due to the coronavirus. Some teams — the Chicago Fire and San Jose Earthquakes — haven’t been cleared to start voluntary individual workouts due to local restrictions. And the Rapids still don’t have all of their players in Denver — Jonathan Lewis was among those to leave the state to be with family.
“We’re in the middle of a pandemic, but I do think a lot of people would be excited to play,” Lewis told The Post over the phone. “We’re all raring to go, but at the same time, we have to look out long term for our futures as players, our health, our families. You could be risking your life because if you catch this you don’t know what can happen later down the road or what kind of effects it can have on you, yourself as a player, or even people around you.”
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced its plan to return to action on Wednesday. The league has several teams that share ownership and/or stadiums with MLS teams. They will be playing a 25-game tournament beginning June 27 in Salt Lake City, and are currently slated to be the first U.S. league in a team sport to resume play since the coronavirus halted games worldwide.
Among the most popular return-to-play scenarios reported by several outlets but not confirmed by MLS or the MLS Players Association would involve an in-season tournament in Orlando. Teams would play a five-match group stage in games that would also count in the regular-season standings followed by a knockout stage.
Lewis said the scariest part for him is all the unknowns about the virus. Irwin has been working with the union to make sure there is enough testing so that everyone can be safe, especially in the tight confines of locker rooms. Bundesliga’s thus far successful resumption of play has made many in MLS circles hopeful.
“I think the Bundesliga gives the confidence to MLS players and we can return to play,” Irwin said. “They have very good safety protocols in place that allow them to get tests and those protocols have been very effective.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--Colorado hits highest COVID-19 testing number to date as state closes in on mass testing capabilitie

Colorado hits highest COVID-19 testing number to date as state closes in on mass testing capabilities

Colorado on Thursday topped its previous high-water mark for COVID-19 testing , as the state gets closer and closer to reaching the mass testing that public health experts say is needed to safely monitor the virus .
A combination of private facilities and the state-run lab tested 7,922 people on Thursday , state data shows .
The testing rate — 139.1 tests per 100,000 people per day — is getting close to the 152-tests-per-100,000 people pegged as the golden number for health officials to understand where the virus is spreading .
Gov .
Jared Polis on Tuesday said the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test 8,500 people per day .
One day after Colorado hospitals admitted their lowest number of COVID-19 patients since state health officials began tracking new admission , new patients rose back up to 34 on Wednesday , the latest available data .
That number is still far lower than mid-April , when some 250 people were being hospitalized with the new coronavirus each day .
And total hospitalizations continue to decrease.There have been 4,307 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March , though only 321 people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Friday afternoon , state data shows .
That ’ s the lowest level of hospitalizations since March 28 , when 307 people were in the hospital for COVID-19 .
More and more people continue to recover .
At least 55 individuals since Thursday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility , according to state data .
Still , fatalities from the virus continue to mount .
Colorado health officials on Friday reported 1,436 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , and that death-certificate data shows 1,181 fatalities were directly due to the virus .
That ’ s an increase of 15 deaths of people who had the virus and 13 additional fatalities tied directly to COVID-19 over Thursday ’ s tallies , though there ’ s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently revamped the way it reports deaths related to the new coronavirus , listing the total number of fatalities in which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate .
To date , 25,613 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus , though health officials have said they believe the true number is closer to 167,000 .
Officials have also confirmed outbreaks at 277 contained facilities across the state , including nursing homes , jails and factories .
That ’ s five more than the previous day .
The state health department announces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado on Thursday topped its previous high-water mark for COVID-19 testing, as the state gets closer and closer to reaching the mass testing that public health experts say is needed to safely monitor the virus.
A combination of private facilities and the state-run lab tested 7,922 people on Thursday, state data shows. The testing rate — 139.1 tests per 100,000 people per day — is getting close to the 152-tests-per-100,000 people pegged as the golden number for health officials to understand where the virus is spreading.
Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday said the state now has the supplies and capabilities to test 8,500 people per day.
One day after Colorado hospitals admitted their lowest number of COVID-19 patients since state health officials began tracking new admission, new patients rose back up to 34 on Wednesday, the latest available data. That number is still far lower than mid-April, when some 250 people were being hospitalized with the new coronavirus each day.
And total hospitalizations continue to decrease.There have been 4,307 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March, though only 321 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Friday afternoon, state data shows. That’s the lowest level of hospitalizations since March 28, when 307 people were in the hospital for COVID-19.
More and more people continue to recover. At least 55 individuals since Thursday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility, according to state data.
Still, fatalities from the virus continue to mount.
Colorado health officials on Friday reported 1,436 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the new coronavirus was first confirmed in the state, and that death-certificate data shows 1,181 fatalities were directly due to the virus.
That’s an increase of 15 deaths of people who had the virus and 13 additional fatalities tied directly to COVID-19 over Thursday’s tallies, though there’s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently revamped the way it reports deaths related to the new coronavirus, listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had the virus as well as the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate.
To date, 25,613 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus, though health officials have said they believe the true number is closer to 167,000.
Officials have also confirmed outbreaks at 277 contained facilities across the state, including nursing homes, jails and factories. That’s five more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-29--PHOTOS: Seniors graduate on Copper Mountain chairlift, receive diplomas from an extended ski

Head of School Travis Aldrich , right , hands graduate Will Bird , center , his diploma via a socially @ @ @ @ @ of Copper Mountain 's Super Bee ski lift on Friday .
Will 's mother , @ @ @ @ @ pictures of the event .
( Andy Cross , The Denver Post ) Peak School @ @ @ @ @ a truly moving affair this year .
The Frisco school celebrated commencement on Copper Mountain @ @ @ @ @ Friday morning , handing out diplomas to 14 graduates as they reached the top of @ @ @ @ @ ) mountain .
Graduates , who rode the lift with their families , were congratulated @ @ @ @ @ fellow grads and teachers .
Check out more outdoors photos on our Instagram .

Peak School’s senior graduation was a truly moving affair this year.
The Frisco school celebrated commencement on Copper Mountain’s Super Bee chairlift Friday morning, handing out diplomas to 14 graduates as they reached the top of a literal (and metaphorical) mountain.
Graduates, who rode the lift with their families, were congratulated on the way down by fellow grads and teachers.
Check out the photos on The Know Outdoors.