thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Poll: U.S. House race between Boebert and Mitsch Bush in western Colorado is tied

A closely watched congressional contest in western and southern Colorado is tied , according to a poll conducted in early August and released Thursday .
The survey of 400 likely voters in the 3rd Congressional District found Diane Mitsch Bush , a Democrat , with 43 % support and Lauren Boebert , a Republican , with 42 % .
Four percent of voters were undecided and three other candidates split the remaining 11 % .
The massive 3rd District , which spans all of the Western Slope , along with southern Colorado and Pueblo , hasn ’ t elected a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bush lost by eight points there to Rep. Scott Tipton , R-Cortez , in 2018 .
But Boebert ’ s shocking primary win over Tipton on June 30 has placed the race in the crosshairs of national Democratic groups , which see an opportunity to flip the seat , and has Republicans on the defensive .
A poll showing a tied race is certain to jolt national onlookers and could lead to an increase in outside spending .
Thursday ’ s poll was conducted by GQR , which has a B rating from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly Democratic .
The poll was conducted from Aug. 3-6 and has a margin of error of about 5 % .
It is the first poll released publicly in the 3rd District race .
More surprising than the poll ’ s congressional race results is that it found a tie in the presidential race among likely district voters as well , with President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden at 48 % support each .
The 3rd District favored Trump by a 12-point margin in 2016 .
In its 105-year history , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Republicans but has favored Republicans in recent decades .
Since 1993 , only one Democrat has represented it : John Salazar between 2005 and 2011 .
“ Regardless of any nonsense polls Diane Mitsch Bush and her handlers in D.C. cook up , this is a solidly conservative district that will not elect a socialist , ” said National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Bob Salera .
“ Lauren Boebert will be the next member of Congress from the 3rd District .
”

A closely watched congressional contest in western and southern Colorado is tied, according to a poll conducted in early August and released Thursday.
The survey of 400 likely voters in the 3rd Congressional District found Diane Mitsch Bush, a Democrat, with 43% support and Lauren Boebert, a Republican, with 42%. Four percent of voters were undecided and three other candidates split the remaining 11%.
The massive 3rd District, which spans all of the Western Slope, along with southern Colorado and Pueblo, hasn’t elected a Democrat in a dozen years. Mitsch Bush lost by eight points there to Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, in 2018.
But Boebert’s shocking primary win over Tipton on June 30 has placed the race in the crosshairs of national Democratic groups, which see an opportunity to flip the seat, and has Republicans on the defensive. A poll showing a tied race is certain to jolt national onlookers and could lead to an increase in outside spending.
Thursday’s poll was conducted by GQR, which has a B rating from FiveThirtyEight and has a record of leaning slightly Democratic. It was sponsored by the Mitsch Bush campaign, was conducted from Aug. 3-6 and has a margin of error of about 5%. It is the first poll released publicly in the 3rd District race.
More surprising than the poll’s congressional race results is that it found a tie in the presidential race among likely district voters as well, with President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden at 48% support each. The 3rd District favored Trump by a 12-point margin in 2016.
In its 105-year history, the 3rd District has alternated often between Democrats and Republicans but has favored Republicans in recent decades. Since 1993, only one Democrat has represented it: John Salazar between 2005 and 2011.
“Regardless of any nonsense polls Diane Mitsch Bush and her handlers in D.C. cook up, this is a solidly conservative district that will not elect a socialist,” said National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Bob Salera. “Lauren Boebert will be the next member of Congress from the 3rd District.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Denver weather: Hot, dry pattern continues along with air quality concerns

Hot , dry weather continues a dominant pattern along the Front Range , elevating fire dangers as smoke from the Western Slope fires raise air quality health concerns .
The weather pattern will continue its run through the weekend in Denver and northeastern Colorado , although there will be a chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday , according to the National Weather Service forecast .
What little stormy weather arises , however , will likely produce just light precipitation .
In Denver on Thursday skies will be sunny and the high temperature will hit 96 degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Action Day for multiple pollutants through 4 p.m. Thursday .
The posting is for : Douglas , Jefferson , Denver , western Arapahoe , western Adams , Broomfield , Boulder , Larimer , and Weld counties .
Western Slope wildfires — Grizzly Creek and Pine Gulch — have been producing massive smoke plumes that have been drifting east into the Front Range and the metro area .
Ozone and Fine Particulate concentrations , because of the fires , could reach the Unhealthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air quality will be a concern in the metro area and north along the I-25 corridor to Longmont and west into the foothills .
Friday in Denver will be another hot and dry day with a high temperature of 97 degrees and winds gusting to 21 mph , the weather service said .
On Saturday there ’ s a 10 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms as the high temp tops out at 96 degrees , according to the weather service .
Sunday ’ s forecast calls for a chance of afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a high near 92 degrees .

Hot, dry weather continues a dominant pattern along the Front Range, elevating fire dangers as smoke from the Western Slope fires raise air quality health concerns.
The weather pattern will continue its run through the weekend in Denver and northeastern Colorado, although there will be a chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service forecast. What little stormy weather arises, however, will likely produce just light precipitation.
In Denver on Thursday skies will be sunny and the high temperature will hit 96 degrees, according to the weather service.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Action Day for multiple pollutants through 4 p.m. Thursday. The posting is for: Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties.
Western Slope wildfires — Grizzly Creek and Pine Gulch — have been producing massive smoke plumes that have been drifting east into the Front Range and the metro area. Ozone and Fine Particulate concentrations, because of the fires, could reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Thursday. Air quality will be a concern in the metro area and north along the I-25 corridor to Longmont and west into the foothills.
Friday in Denver will be another hot and dry day with a high temperature of 97 degrees and winds gusting to 21 mph, the weather service said.
On Saturday there’s a 10% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms as the high temp tops out at 96 degrees, according to the weather service. Sunday’s forecast calls for a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, mostly sunny skies and a high near 92 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Ask Amy: In grief, you learn who your friends are

Dear Amy : My 90-year-old mom died recently , and right before she died , she told us that her deceased sister had had a baby out of wedlock when she was a teen .
I had my DNA tested , and I looked into this .
Sure enough , I found my new first cousin .
My question is : Should I tell my three cousins that they have a half-sister ?
My husband says no , because my aunt took the secret to her grave for a reason and he thinks it will change their opinion of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had a half-sibling , I would sure like to know about it .
What do you think I should do ?
— In the Know Dear In the Know : Your aunt took this secret to her grave .
Your mother took this secret almost to her grave .
Why don ’ t you speed up the trajectory and take this secret now to its rightful holders — your cousins ?
Family secrets are so insidious ; please don ’ t perpetuate this .
Even though there has been a stigma attached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aunt ’ s generation ) , please , don ’ t attach shame to this .
Your aunt went through a rough experience .
You could assume that she paid dearly for it .
Yes , this will change your cousins ’ opinion of their mother , but , quite possibly , in a positive way .
Knowing the truth should deepen their compassion for her .
It may also answer some lingering questions they have had .
You can not predict how your cousins will react .
You should move forward with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right to hold onto a secret that affects them , possibly in profound ways .
You need only ask yourself how you would feel if other family members knew something so large and important about your mother ’ s life , and failed to tell you .
Dear Amy : My husband of 29 years recently died after a long illness .
“ Marlene ” has been my friend for almost 40 years .
I called her to tell her about my husband ’ s death , and she offered me no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and to this day — she has not called , texted , emailed , or sent a condolence card .
I have been blessed with a group of friends who are kind and have been very supportive during my bereavement .
Marlene is the only one who has not .
I feel like telling her off in an email , but I really have no interest in continuing a friendship with her .
Should I just let it go ?
Dear Grieving : I ’ m very sorry for your loss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The best way for you to let it go , however , might be to express yourself in an email .
Your motivation should not be to punish “ Marlene , ” but to tell her how you feel .
She may respond by apologizing , by becoming defensive , or by blaming you for some ancient slight or a time of inattention that you have long forgotten .
She might not respond at all .
Illness and bereavement are huge life challenges that can sometimes offer insight and clarity in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when you ’ ve suffered a great loss , you do learn who your friends are .
Dear Amy : “ Worried Aunt ” wrote to you about refusing to be a part of her niece ’ s life as long as her niece stayed with her violently abusive partner .
I have been a prosecutor handling domestic violence cases for over 15 years .
I have encountered many , many family members and close friends of abuse victims .
You urged Worried not to let her anger at the abuser cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her niece and the niece ’ s infant child .
I could not agree more .
It is extremely important for concerned family members or friends of a person ensnared in an abusive relationship to maintain a loving , supportive connection with the victim .
They should make clear that they do not support the abuser or the relationship — but that they will be there for the victim , no matter what .
To do otherwise plays directly into the abuser ’ s hands .
One of the main goals of abusers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from outside sources of love and support , in order to better control and dominate , putting them at greater risk .
Worried should remain an ongoing source of love and support for her niece , which in turn will give the niece a lifeboat if/when she chooses to extricate herself from the relationship .
Dear Prosecutor : Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insight .

Dear Amy: My 90-year-old mom died recently, and right before she died, she told us that her deceased sister had had a baby out of wedlock when she was a teen.
I had my DNA tested, and I looked into this. Sure enough, I found my new first cousin.
My question is: Should I tell my three cousins that they have a half-sister?
My husband says no, because my aunt took the secret to her grave for a reason and he thinks it will change their opinion of their mother.
But I think that if I had a half-sibling, I would sure like to know about it.
What do you think I should do?
— In the Know
Dear In the Know: Your aunt took this secret to her grave.
Your mother took this secret almost to her grave.
Why don’t you speed up the trajectory and take this secret now to its rightful holders — your cousins?
Family secrets are so insidious; please don’t perpetuate this.
Even though there has been a stigma attached to teen pregnancy (certainly in your aunt’s generation), please, don’t attach shame to this. Your aunt went through a rough experience. You could assume that she paid dearly for it.
Yes, this will change your cousins’ opinion of their mother, but, quite possibly, in a positive way. Knowing the truth should deepen their compassion for her. It may also answer some lingering questions they have had.
You cannot predict how your cousins will react. You should move forward with the understanding that you do not have the right to hold onto a secret that affects them, possibly in profound ways. You need only ask yourself how you would feel if other family members knew something so large and important about your mother’s life, and failed to tell you.
Dear Amy: My husband of 29 years recently died after a long illness.
“Marlene” has been my friend for almost 40 years. I called her to tell her about my husband’s death, and she offered me no words of sympathy. After that call — and to this day — she has not called, texted, emailed, or sent a condolence card.
I have been blessed with a group of friends who are kind and have been very supportive during my bereavement. Marlene is the only one who has not.
I feel like telling her off in an email, but I really have no interest in continuing a friendship with her.
Should I just let it go?
— Grieving
Dear Grieving: I’m very sorry for your loss.
Yes, you should let this go. The best way for you to let it go, however, might be to express yourself in an email. Your motivation should not be to punish “Marlene,” but to tell her how you feel. She may respond by apologizing, by becoming defensive, or by blaming you for some ancient slight or a time of inattention that you have long forgotten. She might not respond at all.
Illness and bereavement are huge life challenges that can sometimes offer insight and clarity in their wake.
Among other large life lessons, when you’ve suffered a great loss, you do learn who your friends are.
Dear Amy: “Worried Aunt” wrote to you about refusing to be a part of her niece’s life as long as her niece stayed with her violently abusive partner.
I have been a prosecutor handling domestic violence cases for over 15 years. I have encountered many, many family members and close friends of abuse victims.
You urged Worried not to let her anger at the abuser cause her to cut off her relationship with her niece and the niece’s infant child.
I could not agree more. It is extremely important for concerned family members or friends of a person ensnared in an abusive relationship to maintain a loving, supportive connection with the victim.
They should make clear that they do not support the abuser or the relationship — but that they will be there for the victim, no matter what.
To do otherwise plays directly into the abuser’s hands. One of the main goals of abusers is to isolate and separate their victims from outside sources of love and support, in order to better control and dominate, putting them at greater risk.
Worried should remain an ongoing source of love and support for her niece, which in turn will give the niece a lifeboat if/when she chooses to extricate herself from the relationship.
— DV Prosecutor, Alaska
Dear Prosecutor: Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insight.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Nuggets coach Michael Malone on injured starters Will Barton, Gary Harris: “We hope we can get them

Nuggets coach Michael Malone on injured starters Will Barton, Gary Harris: “We hope we can get them back”

Almost five weeks since the Nuggets arrived in Orlando , the team still has no definitive timeframe for the returns of regular starters Gary Harris and Will Barton .
And with just one seeding game left before the start of next week ’ s playoffs , Nuggets coach Michael Malone hasn ’ t projected much optimism about an imminent return for either one of his veterans .
“ If and when they are cleared to play , we ’ ll slowly work them back in , but obviously we are very deep into this Orlando bubble , ” Malone said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss to the Clippers .
“ Three scrimmages , tonight will be our seventh seeding game and the playoffs start come Monday .
When they get cleared to play , we ’ ll try to get them back in there and try to re-integrate them back into the rotation.
” Harris has been dealing with a nagging hip strain , while Barton ’ s right knee evidently didn ’ t respond well to the 18 minutes he played in a scrimmage against Orlando on July 27th .
ESPN ’ s Doris Burke said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players were out on the court warming up prior to the Clippers game .
Wednesday ’ s loss to Los Angeles locked in the No .
3 seed and a first-round matchup against the Utah Jazz .
At issue is that neither player has played an actual NBA game in more than five months , and it ’ s unrealistic to think Malone would thrust either player back into a prominent role quickly .
As Malone has said , the Nuggets ’ train can ’ t wait for them to get healthy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Porter Jr. at small forward likely means there ’ s only one starting spot available if and when they return .
“ They mean a lot to us , and we hope we can get them back , ” Malone said .
“ And we ’ ll just take it one day at a time in regards to when we can get them back .
But as far as right now , they ’ re out.
” The Nuggets have already dealt with more than their share of adversity in the form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malone has made it clear that he ’ s not trying to be “ coldblooded , ” as he ’ s said , but that his team doesn ’ t have the luxury to dwell on their injuries .
“ Definitely worried and concerned about Gary and Will because I ’ ve been with those guys for five years and I know it ’ s killing them not to be able to play and participate , ” Malone said .
Earlier this week , a TNT report indicated the team was “ hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malone ’ s comments on Wednesday make that seem unlikely .
Without Harris in the lineup , Torrey Craig has been the starting two guard , and when they do return , he ’ d be the obvious choice to come off the bench .
But in his role , Craig has made a tangible impact from defensive stops to hustle plays .
“ I think Torrey is a blue collar guy , ” Malone said .
“ Torrey makes winning plays .
He makes hustle plays , and I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that.
” Considering the skilled wing players in the West that the Nuggets would likely have to go through , Craig ’ s tenacity and effort could be invaluable .
Harris ’ defense , which had been equally as valuable before the break , would give the Nuggets quality depth on the wing .
Until Malone gets a positive indication from the team ’ s trainers , the Nuggets have no choice but to carry on without them .

Almost five weeks since the Nuggets arrived in Orlando, the team still has no definitive timeframe for the returns of regular starters Gary Harris and Will Barton.
And with just one seeding game left before the start of next week’s playoffs, Nuggets coach Michael Malone hasn’t projected much optimism about an imminent return for either one of his veterans. Both were ruled out of Friday’s final seeding game vs. the Raptors.
“If and when they are cleared to play, we’ll slowly work them back in, but obviously we are very deep into this Orlando bubble,” Malone said Wednesday, prior to the Nuggets’ loss to the Clippers. “Three scrimmages, (Wednesday) will be our seventh seeding game and the playoffs start come Monday. When they get cleared to play, we’ll try to get them back in there and try to re-integrate them back into the rotation.”
Harris has been dealing with a nagging hip strain, while Barton’s right knee evidently didn’t respond well to the 18 minutes he played in a scrimmage against Orlando on July 27.
ESPN’s Doris Burke said on Wednesday’s broadcast that both players were out on the court warming up prior to the Clippers game. Wednesday’s loss to Los Angeles locked in the No. 3 seed and a first-round matchup against the Utah Jazz.
At issue is that neither player has played an actual NBA game in more than five months, and it’s unrealistic to think Malone would thrust either player back into a prominent role quickly. As Malone has said, the Nuggets’ train can’t wait for them to get healthy. Not to mention, the emergence of Michael Porter Jr. at small forward likely means there’s only one starting spot available if and when they return.
“They mean a lot to us, and we hope we can get them back,” Malone said. “And we’ll just take it one day at a time in regards to when we can get them back. But as far as right now, they’re out.”
The Nuggets have already dealt with more than their share of adversity in the form of other injuries and late arrivals. Malone has made it clear that he’s not trying to be “coldblooded,” as he’s said, but that his team doesn’t have the luxury to dwell on their injuries.
“Definitely worried and concerned about Gary and Will because I’ve been with those guys for five years and I know it’s killing them not to be able to play and participate,” Malone said. Earlier this week, a TNT report indicated the team was “hopeful” of a Friday return, but the team ruled them out Thursday afternoon.
Without Harris in the lineup, Torrey Craig has been the starting two guard, and when they do return, he’d be the obvious choice to come off the bench. But in his role, Craig has made a tangible impact from defensive stops to hustle plays.
“I think Torrey is a blue collar guy,” Malone said. “Torrey makes winning plays. He makes hustle plays, and I don’t think you can ever have enough of that.”
Considering the skilled wing players in the West that the Nuggets would likely have to go through, Craig’s tenacity and effort could be invaluable. Harris’ defense, which had been equally as valuable before the break, would give the Nuggets quality depth on the wing.
Until Malone gets a positive indication from the team’s trainers, the Nuggets have no choice but to carry on without them.


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Nuggets fall to Clippers, lock in Jazz as first-round playoff opponent

Clarity , as the playoffs approach , is almost always in short supply .
The Nuggets , though , got it Wednesday night as a result of their 124-111 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers .
By virtue of the loss , the Nuggets locked themselves into the No .
3 seed and will face the No .
6 Utah Jazz in the first round of next week ’ s NBA playoffs .
For the second consecutive game , the Nuggets rested their starters for the majority of the fourth quarter , seemingly content with their work .
Had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still contested Los Angeles for the No .
2 seed , which would ’ ve meant a first-round date with Dallas .
After Wednesday played out , they ’ ll take their chances against division rival Utah come next week .
Nikola Jokic was tremendous on offense in his 28 minutes , finishing with 17 points , 13 assists and seven rebounds .
Jokic was ruthlessly efficient against an overwhelmed Clippers frontcourt that Denver could see in a potential second-round matchup .
Michael Porter Jr. added 11 points and five rebounds in 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his third game since returning from injury , had 10 points and six assists .
After so many injuries while in Orlando , the Nuggets never had any intention of pushing any of their key players .
But with just one game left before the playoffs , Nuggets coach Michael Malone was frustrated over his team ’ s porous defense .
“ Right now , we have the worst defense in the bubble , by a mile , ” Malone said .
“ We need guys that can guard .
Too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We just get beat way too easy at the point of the ball.
” Denver ’ s defense fell apart in the third quarter , allowing 40 points behind a torrent of 3-pointers .
Their best answer was Jerami Grant , who poured in 15 of his 25 points in that quarter alone .
Not only was his defense sorely needed to slow Kawhi Leonard , but his transition opportunities helped fuel the Nuggets ’ offense .
His return energized Denver ’ s second unit after he missed Monday ’ s game against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite Los Angeles ’ onslaught , the Nuggets held a tenuous 92-90 lead going into the fourth quarter .
Leonard and fellow All-Star Paul George were brilliant on both ends of the floor , combining for 53 points and five steals .
“ I thought it was a great first half for us tonight and it was a very bad second half , ” Malone said .
“ They turned up the pressure , they got into us , they took us out of our offense , and they got whatever they wanted.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the bubble , Porter continued to make his argument for a starting position once the postseason arrives next week .
It ’ s likely that ’ s where Malone is leaning considering regular starters Gary Harris and Will Barton remain sidelined with injuries .
“ Michael is slowly but surely understanding , ‘ Who am I playing with ?
And the quicker I understand who I ’ m playing with , the easier the offense will be , ’ ” Malone said of his star rookie .
“ If you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you need three scorers .
You can ’ t rely on just two people .
We did that a lot last year and that put a tremendous amount of pressure and demand on Nikola , especially .
We welcome Michael ’ s offensive output , and he ’ s starting to figure things out in our read-and-react offense.
” As the start of the playoffs inch closer , nothing is more important to the Nuggets than having their health .
Grant ’ s return was a welcome , energetic addition as Malone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive versatility would be paramount in any potential playoff series against either of the Los Angeles teams .
With health in mind , Malone approached Wednesday ’ s game much the same way he did the Lakers ’ game .
He didn ’ t want to overburden any of his starters , while still trying to find some semblance of chemistry that was previously robbed by injuries .
“ Yeah , it ’ s a very similar situation as the Laker game , ” Malone said .
Against the Lakers , the Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed a rare zone defense .
“ Use these as opportunities to get better , to try some things that we can potentially use moving forward , ” Malone said .
If injuries force his hand that could mean more Bol Bol , whose comfort on the court is growing .
In one stunning first-half sequence , Bol picked off a pass , dribbled the length of the court and finished off an indefensible dunk .
Jokic ’ s dominant first half was exactly why some view the Clippers as a more favorable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even with their star wings .
Jokic bullied his way to 15 points and was , as usual , the team ’ s primary facilitator en route to a 58-50 halftime lead .
Of his six first-half assists , none were prettier than his full-court heave to Porter that bypassed any unnecessary dribbling .
Porter added nine points and a few promising defensive moments , while Murray chipped in 10 points and two 3-pointers .

Clarity, as the playoffs approach, is almost always in short supply.
The Nuggets, though, got it Wednesday night as a result of their 124-111 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. By virtue of the loss, the Nuggets locked themselves into the No. 3 seed and will face the No. 6 Utah Jazz in the first round of next week’s NBA playoffs.
For the second consecutive game, the Nuggets rested their starters for the majority of the fourth quarter, seemingly content with their work. Had the Nuggets won, they could’ve still contested Los Angeles for the No. 2 seed, which would’ve meant a first-round date with Dallas. After Wednesday played out, they’ll take their chances against division rival Utah come next week.
Nikola Jokic was tremendous on offense in his 28 minutes, finishing with 17 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds. Jokic was ruthlessly efficient against an overwhelmed Clippers frontcourt that Denver could see in a potential second-round matchup. Michael Porter Jr. added 11 points and five rebounds in 25 minutes, while Jamal Murray, playing in his third game since returning from injury, had 10 points and six assists.
After so many injuries while in Orlando, the Nuggets never had any intention of pushing any of their key players. But with just one game left before the playoffs, Nuggets coach Michael Malone was frustrated over his team’s porous defense.
“Right now, we have the worst defense in the bubble, by a mile,” Malone said. “We need guys that can guard. Too many guys right now are just matadors. We just get beat way too easy at the point of the ball.”
Denver’s defense fell apart in the third quarter, allowing 40 points behind a torrent of 3-pointers. Their best answer was Jerami Grant, who poured in 15 of his 25 points in that quarter alone. Not only was his defense sorely needed to slow Kawhi Leonard, but his transition opportunities helped fuel the Nuggets’ offense. His return energized Denver’s second unit after he missed Monday’s game against the Lakers with a sore knee. Despite Los Angeles’ onslaught, the Nuggets held a tenuous 92-90 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Leonard and fellow All-Star Paul George were brilliant on both ends of the floor, combining for 53 points and five steals.
“I thought it was a great first half for us tonight and it was a very bad second half,” Malone said. “They turned up the pressure, they got into us, they took us out of our offense, and they got whatever they wanted.”
In Denver’s seventh game in the bubble, Porter continued to make his argument for a starting position once the postseason arrives next week. It’s likely that’s where Malone is leaning considering regular starters Gary Harris and Will Barton remain sidelined with injuries.
“Michael is slowly but surely understanding, ‘Who am I playing with? And the quicker I understand who I’m playing with, the easier the offense will be,’” Malone said of his star rookie. “If you want to win big, especially in the playoffs, you need three scorers. You can’t rely on just two people. We did that a lot last year and that put a tremendous amount of pressure and demand on Nikola, especially. We welcome Michael’s offensive output, and he’s starting to figure things out in our read-and-react offense.”
As the start of the playoffs inch closer, nothing is more important to the Nuggets than having their health. Grant’s return was a welcome, energetic addition as Malone managed his starters’ minutes. His defensive versatility would be paramount in any potential playoff series against either of the Los Angeles teams.
With health in mind, Malone approached Wednesday’s game much the same way he did the Lakers’ game. He didn’t want to overburden any of his starters, while still trying to find some semblance of chemistry that was previously robbed by injuries.
“Yeah, it’s a very similar situation as the Laker game,” Malone said. Against the Lakers, the Nuggets experimented with Murray in the post and deployed a rare zone defense.
“Use these as opportunities to get better, to try some things that we can potentially use moving forward,” Malone said.
If injuries force his hand that could mean more Bol Bol, whose comfort on the court is growing. In one stunning first-half sequence, Bol picked off a pass, dribbled the length of the court and finished off an indefensible dunk.
Jokic’s dominant first half was exactly why some view the Clippers as a more favorable potential second-round opponent than the Lakers, even with their star wings. Jokic bullied his way to 15 points and was, as usual, the team’s primary facilitator en route to a 58-50 halftime lead. Of his six first-half assists, none were prettier than his full-court heave to Porter that bypassed any unnecessary dribbling.
Porter added nine points and a few promising defensive moments, while Murray chipped in 10 points and two 3-pointers.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Kiszla: New normal in Broncos Country? Failure. Pressure’s on coach Vic Fangio to change culture.

The new normal in Broncos Country is failure .
That ’ s why coach Vic Fangio is the person at Dove Valley with the most pressure on him , as the Broncos begin the real nitty-gritty of training camp , with 14 scant practices to get up to speed prior to the season-opener against Tennessee .
Whether you consider a football team as a business or a family , the coronavirus has made it tougher to hang together and put the collective good ahead of looking out for No .
1 .
So what awaits Fangio is a leadership challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than his X ’ s and O ’ s , what will determine if Uncle Vic can guide Denver back to the playoffs is the ability to build trust and a winning culture during these COVID-19 times , which make everything from team meetings to player development more difficult .
“ I always like to say : ‘ The great ones can I & A , ’ which means improvise and adjust , ” said Fangio , during a recent video conference with reporters .
“ We want to be a bunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at improvising and adjusting .
There ’ s no wiggle room.
” Fair or not , there is precious little wiggle room for the second-year coach .
While you can make a case roster upgrades give Denver a shot to finish with a 10-6 record , the margin for error is small on a team that ’ s young at quarterback , thin in the offensive line and needs linebacker Von Miller to return to dominating form at age 31 .
So it ’ s also possible to see how the Broncos could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the previous three Denver coaches that had a losing record through two seasons ?
Ask Vance Joseph , Josh McDaniels and Wade Phillips .
Hey , I like Uncle Vic .
He ’ s no-nonsense , harbors no hidden agendas and sees no reason to sugarcoat anything .
But Fangio is also nobody ’ s idea of warm and fuzzy .
In a year when the pandemic has literally driven us all farther apart , hugs are considered a health risk and Zoom calls make human interaction feel more sterile , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to draw a smiley face on a team that desperately needs reasons to feel good about itself ?
The Broncos are a proud franchise , dragged down by failure .
Failure to make the playoffs .
When postseason appearances by the Broncos are fewer and farther between than presidential elections , isn ’ t that the definition of four bad years ?
Failure to score .
Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur , here ’ s hoping Lock proves more adept at finding the end zone than Joe Flacco , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to beat the dreaded Chiefs .
The insult of having to listen to that awful tomahawk chop adds to the injury of nine consecutive losses to Kansas City .
Failure to communicate long-term financial commitment to young team leaders .
Can ’ t safety Justin Simmons or running back Phillip Lindsay get any love around here ?
Failure to negotiate peace among bickering Bowlen children .
But let ’ s give Beth and Brittany credit .
They were practicing social-distancing long before it became a thing .
See you both in court next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The Broncos are trying to overhaul their culture .
Habitual failure must be broken .
Will the locker room trust Fangio as a man that not only has his players ’ back , but knows the way back to glory ?
When I asked front-office honcho John Elway last month if the team might be wiser to measure progress early in the season by some metric other than wins and losses , he chuckled , knowing full well neither demanding fans nor knuckleheads like me grade the Broncos on a curve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ win .
That ’ s ultimately the bottom line , ” Elway replied , before sticking the needle gently in me with a little sarcasm .
“ You guys are always so generous to say : ‘ You know , it ’ s time to build , so we ’ ll give them time.
’ ” Elway hired Fangio for the coach ’ s defensive acumen , and expects defense to carry the team until Lock can get on the same page with rookie receiver Jerry Jeudy while the offensive line meshes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win football games .
If you look on the defensive side , for the most part , with the players and veterans that we ’ ve added to the defensive side , with the veterans that have been here with another year of understanding Vic ’ s defense and what it ’ s about , we ’ re going to have to lean on the defense .
We have veterans on the defensive side that we can rely on as we grow as an offense .
That ’ s the hope , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d love to see us come out and score 40 points against Tennessee on Monday night .
I ’ m not saying that can ’ t happen , but with the youth we have , it ’ s going to take some time.
” Win now ?
From the jump ?
When the Broncos open the season in precisely one month ?
That ’ s a tall order .
But it ’ s what Elway expects .
Best of luck to you , Uncle Vic .

The new normal in Broncos Country is failure.
That’s why coach Vic Fangio is the person at Dove Valley with the most pressure on him, as the Broncos begin the real nitty-gritty of training camp, with 14 scant practices to get up to speed prior to the season-opener against Tennessee.
Whether you consider a football team as a business or a family, the coronavirus has made it tougher to hang together and put the collective good ahead of looking out for No. 1.
So what awaits Fangio is a leadership challenge as much as a football problem. More than his X’s and O’s, what will determine if Uncle Vic can guide Denver back to the playoffs is the ability to build trust and a winning culture during these COVID-19 times, which make everything from team meetings to player development more difficult.
“I always like to say: ‘The great ones can I&A,’ which means improvise and adjust,” said Fangio, during a recent video conference with reporters. “We want to be a bunch of great ones here, and excel at improvising and adjusting. There’s no wiggle room.”
Fair or not, there is precious little wiggle room for the second-year coach. While you can make a case roster upgrades give Denver a shot to finish with a 10-6 record, the margin for error is small on a team that’s young at quarterback, thin in the offensive line and needs linebacker Von Miller to return to dominating form at age 31.
So it’s also possible to see how the Broncos could finish 6-10. You know what happened to the previous three Denver coaches that had a losing record through two seasons? Ask Vance Joseph, Josh McDaniels and Wade Phillips.
Hey, I like Uncle Vic. He’s no-nonsense, harbors no hidden agendas and sees no reason to sugarcoat anything. But Fangio is also nobody’s idea of warm and fuzzy.
In a year when the pandemic has literally driven us all farther apart, hugs are considered a health risk and Zoom calls make human interaction feel more sterile, is gruff Uncle Vic the right football coach to draw a smiley face on a team that desperately needs reasons to feel good about itself?
The Broncos are a proud franchise, dragged down by failure.
Failure to make the playoffs. When postseason appearances by the Broncos are fewer and farther between than presidential elections, isn’t that the definition of four bad years?
Failure to score. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, here’s hoping Lock proves more adept at finding the end zone than Joe Flacco, Case Keenum or Paxton Lynch.
Failure to beat the dreaded Chiefs. The insult of having to listen to that awful tomahawk chop adds to the injury of nine consecutive losses to Kansas City.
Failure to communicate long-term financial commitment to young team leaders. Can’t safety Justin Simmons or running back Phillip Lindsay get any love around here?
Failure to negotiate peace among bickering Bowlen children. But let’s give Beth and Brittany credit. They were practicing social-distancing long before it became a thing. See you both in court next year, ladies.
Get the idea? The Broncos are trying to overhaul their culture. Habitual failure must be broken. Will the locker room trust Fangio as a man that not only has his players’ back, but knows the way back to glory?
When I asked front-office honcho John Elway last month if the team might be wiser to measure progress early in the season by some metric other than wins and losses, he chuckled, knowing full well neither demanding fans nor knuckleheads like me grade the Broncos on a curve.
“Bottom line, we have to win. That’s ultimately the bottom line,” Elway replied, before sticking the needle gently in me with a little sarcasm. “You guys are always so generous to say: ‘You know, it’s time to build, so we’ll give them time.’”
Elway hired Fangio for the coach’s defensive acumen, and expects defense to carry the team until Lock can get on the same page with rookie receiver Jerry Jeudy while the offensive line meshes.
“We have to figure out how to win football games. If you look on the defensive side, for the most part, with the players and veterans that we’ve added to the defensive side, with the veterans that have been here with another year of understanding Vic’s defense and what it’s about, we’re going to have to lean on the defense. We have veterans on the defensive side that we can rely on as we grow as an offense. That’s the hope,” Elway said.
“I’d love to see us come out and score 40 points against Tennessee on Monday night. I’m not saying that can’t happen, but with the youth we have, it’s going to take some time.”
Win now? From the jump? When the Broncos open the season in precisely one month? That’s a tall order. But it’s what Elway expects.
Best of luck to you, Uncle Vic.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Suncor boiler fails, causing spike in air pollution at Commerce City oil refinery

Hours before a community meeting to mull the best use of money from Suncor Energy ’ s $ 9 million legal settlement for air pollution problems at its oil refinery north of Denver , a boiler inside the refinery failed Thursday , leading to flaring and elevated emissions that prompted an emergency response .
Suncor managers notified Colorado health officials and local leaders that the company was conducting air monitoring to measure pollutants in nearby communities after the event “ resulted in flaring and emissions exceedances.
” “ As we stabilize and bring the units back online , there may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Suncor bulletin said .
The refinery along Sand Creek in Commerce City has been plagued with pollution problems , and the evening meeting was designed to hear residents ’ views on possible environmental improvement projects using a $ 2.6 million share of the money Suncor paid the state following prior violations of pollution limits .
Suncor ’ s 80-acre industrial site is one of about 65 refineries in the nation that process more than 100,000 barrels of crude oil a year .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s operating permit .
Suncor emits more than 800,000 tons a year of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and other pollutants , including sulfur dioxide , hydrogen sulfide , ozone-forming volatile organic compounds , nitrogen oxides and particulates , according to state records .
The company is required to report problems that lead to elevated pollution , and state air quality regulators for more than seven years have sought penalties for elevated emissions of sulfur dioxide and other toxic gases and repeatedly have ordered Suncor to correct deficiencies .
CDPHE officials on Thursday didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queries .
Suncor ’ s manager did not respond to an email .
“ It is ironic that we have yet another incident on the very day that Commerce City is hosting a virtual meeting on how to use the SEP ( supplemental environmental projects ) funds from Suncor .
… What else can we do ?
” Adams County Commissioner Steve O ’ Dorisio said .
“ We need our need our local governments , neighborhoods , state regulators and Suncor to shift from responding to problems to preventing problems , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety of our children depends ending this constant cycle of problem-apology-repeat.
” In March , Colorado officials announced the legal settlement to “ reset ” a pattern of problems at the refinery .
For more than a decade , residents in surrounding Denver , Commerce City and unincorporated Adams County neighborhoods have been raising concerns .
A couple weeks after that announcement , an equipment failure at the refinery led to a burst of hydrogen sulfide and other pollution , triggering a company alarm and forcing a partial shutdown .
State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d investigate and possibly seek future penalties , and they ordered Suncor to hire a third-party consultant to determine root causes of repeated equipment failures .
It was unclear whether that analysis was done and what it concluded .

Hours before a community meeting to mull the best use of money from Suncor Energy’s $9 million legal settlement for air pollution problems at its oil refinery north of Denver, a boiler inside the refinery failed Thursday, leading to flaring and elevated emissions that prompted an emergency response.
Suncor managers notified Colorado health officials and local leaders that the company was conducting air monitoring to measure pollutants in nearby communities after the event “resulted in flaring and emissions exceedances.”
“As we stabilize and bring the units back online, there may be additional flaring and emissions,” a Suncor bulletin said.
The refinery along Sand Creek in Commerce City has been plagued with pollution problems, and the evening meeting was designed to hear residents’ views on possible environmental improvement projects using a $2.6 million share of the money Suncor paid the state following prior violations of pollution limits.
Suncor’ runs the refinery on an 80-acre industrial site. It is one of about 65 refineries in the nation that process crude oil. The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment sets limits on pollution as part of Suncor’s operating permit. Suncor emits more than 800,000 tons a year of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ozone-forming volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and particulates, according to state records.
The company is required to report problems that lead to elevated pollution, and state air quality regulators for more than seven years have sought penalties for elevated emissions of sulfur dioxide and other toxic gases and repeatedly have ordered Suncor to correct deficiencies.
CDPHE officials on Thursday didn’t immediately respond to Denver Post queries. Suncor’s manager did not respond to an email.
“It is ironic that we have yet another incident on the very day that Commerce City is hosting a virtual meeting on how to use the SEP (supplemental environmental projects) funds from Suncor. … What else can we do?” Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio said.
“We need our need our local governments, neighborhoods, state regulators and Suncor to shift from responding to problems to preventing problems,” O’Dorisio said. “The health and safety of our children depends ending this constant cycle of problem-apology-repeat.”
In March, Colorado officials announced the legal settlement to “reset” a pattern of problems at the refinery. For more than a decade, residents in surrounding Denver, Commerce City and unincorporated Adams County neighborhoods have been raising concerns.
A couple weeks after that announcement, an equipment failure at the refinery led to a burst of hydrogen sulfide and other pollution, triggering a company alarm and forcing a partial shutdown.
State officials said at the time said they’d investigate and possibly seek future penalties, and they ordered Suncor to hire a third-party consultant to determine root causes of repeated equipment failures. It was unclear whether that analysis was done and what it concluded.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Elegant in Erie: As Oakwood’s very successful Erie Highlands runs out of room, two designer show hom

Elegant in Erie: As Oakwood’s very successful Erie Highlands runs out of room, two designer show homes come on the market

Nobody could have guessed when Oakwood Homes launched its master-planned Erie Highlands neighborhood overlooking the town of Erie , that six buyers would spend more than $ 1 million to be there before its final homes were sold .
All of those sales were relatively recent — as Oakwood now moves to close out the community , putting its two designer show homes on the market ; each of them with views of the Indian Peaks , and each with finished walkout basement space that greatly enhances their experience .
All of the factors that turned Erie Highlands into such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years are playing into those final opportunities , says Ryan Delp , Regional Sales Manager for Oakwood .
“ Everyone wants to be in Erie now , ” he adds .
Reasons why include the commuter setting — 25 minutes from downtown Denver ; 20 minutes from Boulder ’ s tech campuses , from where even at the prices Oakwood ’ s designs have hit recently , they look like dollar values just in their size and features .
And then there is Erie ’ s own dining scene in its historic downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool and clubhouse ( it ’ s reopened now , and you can arrange a socially distanced tour ) ; trails and parks including a new one being completed now ; and the great school scene here .
Erie High , two minutes east , has an 8-for-10 rating with GreatSchools.org ; higher still in college prep and student progress ; and new Soaring Heights PK-thru-8 , just as close .
Oakwood is staging special open houses for the two show homes , today and tomorrow , 11-to-1 , including for a 5-bedroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lake Court , with four baths , a 3-car ‘ smart garage , ’ a custom deck overlooking the view , and over 4,700 square feet of finished area , including on the walkout .
As a closeout special , Oakwood ’ s taken the price down from $ 995,000 to $ 950,000 .
You ’ ll also tour a family-sized Broadmoor 2-story plan , six bedrooms and four baths , over 4,300 finished square feet including a spectacular master with ‘ car wash ’ shower , plus a covered deck and 3-car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at $ 1,155,000 but has been reduced to $ 1,035,000 for the closeout .
Delp notes that Erie Highlands has hit those high prices because of a lower density feel than some other new communities show .
That ’ s also fueled a strong resale market in the neighborhood .
Both homes will benefit from Oakwood ’ s early adoption of fiber-optic wiring technology for Erie Highlands .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

Nobody could have guessed when Oakwood Homes launched its master-planned Erie Highlands neighborhood overlooking the town of Erie, that six buyers would spend more than $1 million to be there before its final homes were sold.
Closeout of Oakwood’s Erie Highlands What: Model show home sale at Erie Highlands, closing out after rapid sales in the popular town of Erie. Ranch plan, also family-sized 2 story, both with finished walkout lower levels. Clubhouse, pool
Model show home sale at Erie Highlands, closing out after rapid sales in the popular town of Erie. Ranch plan, also family-sized 2 story, both with finished walkout lower levels. Clubhouse, pool Where: 68 Pear Lake Ct, Erie; from Denver take I-25 north past 470, 4 miles to Exit 232, Erie Pkwy; head west 3 miles to Summit Pkwy, turn south. Or from Boulder, head east on Arapahoe, 7 mi, left on U.S 287 1.5 mi. to Isabelle, right 4 miles (becomes Erie Pkwy) to Summit Pkwy
68 Pear Lake Ct, Erie; from Denver take I-25 north past 470, 4 miles to Exit 232, Erie Pkwy; head west 3 miles to Summit Pkwy, turn south. Or from Boulder, head east on Arapahoe, 7 mi, left on U.S 287 1.5 mi. to Isabelle, right 4 miles (becomes Erie Pkwy) to Summit Pkwy Price: From $397,900, Villas from mid-$500s
From $397,900, Villas from mid-$500s When: Special open house Sat. Aug. 15 & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Special open house Sat. Aug. 15 & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Phone: 303-486-8834
303-486-8834 More Info: OakwoodHomeCO.com
All of those sales were relatively recent — as Oakwood now moves to close out the community, putting its two designer show homes on the market; each of them with views of the Indian Peaks, and each with finished walkout basement space that greatly enhances their experience.
All of the factors that turned Erie Highlands into such a popular area over the past few years are playing into those final opportunities, says Ryan Delp, Regional Sales Manager for Oakwood. “Everyone wants to be in Erie now,” he adds.
Reasons why include the commuter setting — 25 minutes from downtown Denver; 20 minutes from Boulder’s tech campuses, from where even at the prices Oakwood’s designs have hit recently, they look like dollar values just in their size and features.
And then there is Erie’s own dining scene in its historic downtown, a mile north; a nice pool and clubhouse (it’s reopened now, and you can arrange a socially distanced tour); trails and parks including a new one being completed now; and the great school scene here.
Erie High, two minutes east, has an 8-for-10 rating with GreatSchools.org; higher still in college prep and student progress; and new Soaring Heights PK-thru-8, just as close.
Oakwood is staging special open houses for the two show homes, today and tomorrow, 11-to-1, including for a 5-bedroom Saint Regis ranch design at 68 Pear Lake Court, with four baths, a 3-car ‘smart garage,’ a custom deck overlooking the view, and over 4,700 square feet of finished area, including on the walkout.
As a closeout special, Oakwood’s taken the price down from $995,000 to $950,000.
You’ll also tour a family-sized Broadmoor 2-story plan, six bedrooms and four baths, over 4,300 finished square feet including a spectacular master with ‘car wash’ shower, plus a covered deck and 3-car garage. It was to be listed at $1,155,000 but has been reduced to $1,035,000 for the closeout.
Delp notes that Erie Highlands has hit those high prices because of a lower density feel than some other new communities show. That’s also fueled a strong resale market in the neighborhood.
Both homes will benefit from Oakwood’s early adoption of fiber-optic wiring technology for Erie Highlands.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--71-year-old jogger dies when hit by automobile in Aurora

A 71-year-old jogger died Thursday when she was hit by a vehicle in Aurora .
The incident happened about 9 @ @ @ @ @ East Yale Avenue and South Abilene Street , Aurora police said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ vehicle was northbound on Abilene and made a left turn onto westbound Yale , police @ @ @ @ @ had the right of way and was in the crosswalk when she was struck .
@ @ @ @ @ scene , and investigators do not suspect that drugs or alcohol played a role .
@ @ @ @ @ the 21st death because of traffic incidents this year in Aurora , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ in auto-pedestrian incidents .
An investigation is ongoing .
Anyone who saw the collision , @ @ @ @ @ footage of the incident , is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 @

A 71-year-old jogger died Thursday when she was hit by a vehicle in Aurora.
The incident happened about 9 a.m. at the intersection of East Yale Avenue and South Abilene Street, Aurora police said in a news release.
The driver of the vehicle was northbound on Abilene and made a left turn onto westbound Yale, police said. The woman jogging had the right of way and was in the crosswalk when she was struck. The driver remained at the scene, and investigators do not suspect that drugs or alcohol played a role.
Thursday’s fatality is the 21st death because of traffic incidents this year in Aurora, police said. Eight of the deaths were in auto-pedestrian incidents.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone who saw the collision, or who has dash camera footage of the incident, is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Grass fire in Cherry Creek State Park likely caused by a hot bullet

An 8-acre grass fire on the south side of Cherry Creek State Park on Thursday afternoon likely was sparked by @ @ @ @ @ nearby shooting range , according to fire investigators .
No one was injured and no @ @ @ @ @ fire , which has been 100 % contained , according to South Metro Fire Rescue @ @ @ @ @ , a full service public outdoor range , is operated at the park .
Click @ @ @ @ @ buttons to change what wildfires are shown .
Map data is automatically updated by government @ @ @ @ @ events .
Incident types are numbered 1-5 — a type 1 incident is a large @ @ @ @ @ and critical infrastructure , a type 5 incident is a small wildfire with few personnel @ @ @ @ @ about incident types at the bottom of this page .

An 8-acre grass fire on the south side of Cherry Creek State Park on Thursday afternoon likely was sparked by a hot bullet from a nearby shooting range, according to fire investigators.
Update – The fire is 100% contained at 8 acres. No structures damaged and no injuries. Investigators are on scene working to determine the cause. Thank you to @AuroraFireDpt and @Buckley_AFB Fire Dept. for mutual aid assistance and @CPW_NE Rangers for all your help. pic.twitter.com/YYU8xfXftP — South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO) August 13, 2020
No one was injured and no structures were destroyed in the fire, which has been 100% contained, according to South Metro Fire Rescue.
The Family Shooting Center, a full service public outdoor range, is operated at the park.
Wildfire map
Click markers for details, use buttons to change what wildfires are shown. Map data is automatically updated by government agencies and could lag real-time events. Incident types are numbered 1-5 — a type 1 incident is a large, complex wildfire affecting people and critical infrastructure, a type 5 incident is a small wildfire with few personnel involved. Find more information about incident types at the bottom of this page.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Fauci: Schools should be outdoors as much as possible

School districts developing their plans for reopening for the new academic year should find ways to offer as many outdoor activities as possible , from classes to recess and lunchtime , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert recommended in an online discussion Thursday .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , also suggested in his Facebook Live chat with Rhode Island Gov .
Gina Raimondo that , on school buses , windows should remain open and students wear their masks as much as possible .
“ Get as much outdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the superspreader events that have occurred , they ’ re almost always inside , ” he said , citing major outbreaks at nursing homes , meatpacking warehouses , prisons and weddings and other social events .
And when asked by Raimondo what his recommendation would be for reopening schools , Fauci said states shouldn ’ t take an all-or-nothing approach .
Communities with low virus levels should be allowed to open for in-person classes , while those with higher case counts should focus on remote learning until the rate declines , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open schools , do what you need to do , ” Fauci said .
“ Close the bars .
Wear your masks .
Because when you do that , you will bring the infections down.
” Fauci , who has , at times , found himself at odds with Republican President Donald Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic , also praised Rhode Island ’ s efforts to keep its virus caseload relatively low .
“ You are starting from a very good place , ” he said , noting Rhode Island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a testing positive rate of less than 5 % for the virus .
Raimondo , a Democrat , on Wednesday delayed the start of school in Rhode Island from Aug. 31 to Sept. 14 as virus cases continue to rise in the state and elsewhere .
More than 1,000 people have died in Rhode Island from COVID-19 , and the state has had more than 20,000 positive cases of the virus since the pandemic started .
In an online discussion hosted by Brown University last week , Fauci urged states to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upticks in COVID-19 cases .
He also said he ’ s “ cautiously optimistic ” a COVID-19 vaccine could be developed soon , but acknowledged the chances it would be highly effective are “ not great.
” Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

School districts developing their plans for reopening for the new academic year should find ways to offer as many outdoor activities as possible, from classes to recess and lunchtime, the nation’s top infectious disease expert recommended in an online discussion Thursday.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also suggested in his Facebook Live chat with Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo that, on school buses, windows should remain open and students wear their masks as much as possible.
“Get as much outdoors as you can. If you look at the superspreader events that have occurred, they’re almost always inside,” he said, citing major outbreaks at nursing homes, meatpacking warehouses, prisons and weddings and other social events.
And when asked by Raimondo what his recommendation would be for reopening schools, Fauci said states shouldn’t take an all-or-nothing approach.
Communities with low virus levels should be allowed to open for in-person classes, while those with higher case counts should focus on remote learning until the rate declines, he said.
“If you want to open schools, do what you need to do,” Fauci said. “Close the bars. Wear your masks. Because when you do that, you will bring the infections down.”
Fauci, who has, at times, found himself at odds with Republican President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, also praised Rhode Island’s efforts to keep its virus caseload relatively low.
“You are starting from a very good place,” he said, noting Rhode Island is considered among the lowest-risk states, with a testing positive rate of less than 5% for the virus.
Raimondo, a Democrat, on Wednesday delayed the start of school in Rhode Island from Aug. 31 to Sept. 14 as virus cases continue to rise in the state and elsewhere.
More than 1,000 people have died in Rhode Island from COVID-19, and the state has had more than 20,000 positive cases of the virus since the pandemic started.
In an online discussion hosted by Brown University last week, Fauci urged states to take quick action to stamp out even slight upticks in COVID-19 cases.
He also said he’s “cautiously optimistic” a COVID-19 vaccine could be developed soon, but acknowledged the chances it would be highly effective are “not great.”
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--New MLS team will be called St. Louis City SC

ST. LOUIS — The newest Major League Soccer team will be called St. Louis City SC when it debuts in 2023 , team officials announced Thursday .
The team ’ s name and logo were unveiled nearly a year after the city was given an MLS franchise .
St. Louis City SC will join Sacramento as the 29th and 30th teams when they begin play .
The name was selected from more than 6,000 submissions .
The team colors will be “ City Red , ” “ River Blue , ” “ Energy Yellow , ” and “ Arch Steel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representation of the St. Louis Gateway Arch .
The team will have the only majority female-led ownership group in MLS , led by Carolyn Kindle Betz , president of Enterprise Holdings Foundation .
“ Our desire from Day One has been to be bigger than soccer and to become part of the fabric of St. Louis and a symbol of our future .
This is a significant step forward for our club – and our region , ” Kindle Betz said in a news release .
The franchise in March received $ 5.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for the construction of a soccer complex on the western edge of downtown .
The team was scheduled to debut in 2022 , but the process was delayed in part by the coronavirus pandemic .

ST. LOUIS — The newest Major League Soccer team will be called St. Louis City SC when it debuts in 2023, team officials announced Thursday.
The team’s name and logo were unveiled nearly a year after the city was given an MLS franchise. St. Louis City SC will join Sacramento as the 29th and 30th teams when they begin play. The name was selected from more than 6,000 submissions.
The team colors will be “City Red,” “River Blue,” “Energy Yellow,” and “Arch Steel Gray.” The logo will include a representation of the St. Louis Gateway Arch.
The team will have the only majority female-led ownership group in MLS, led by Carolyn Kindle Betz, president of Enterprise Holdings Foundation.
“Our desire from Day One has been to be bigger than soccer and to become part of the fabric of St. Louis and a symbol of our future. This is a significant step forward for our club – and our region,” Kindle Betz said in a news release.
The franchise in March received $5.7 million in state tax credits to help pay for the construction of a soccer complex on the western edge of downtown.
The team was scheduled to debut in 2022, but the process was delayed in part by the coronavirus pandemic.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Grubauer or Francouz? Avalanche have goalie flexibility facing back-to-back playoff games

Jared Bednar has what you might call a good goaltender problem .
Who should Bednar start in net between Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz for the Stanley Cup playoffs ?
On Aug. 5 , in their 4-0 round-robin victory against the Dallas Stars , Colorado ’ s head coach explained what made his answer appear difficult .
“ Frankie was awesome , ” Bednar said .
“ To be honest with you , Gruby was awesome the other night.
” Grubauer , the starter all regular season when healthy , proved why he should start again in a Game 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His shutout performance was mostly overshadowed , though , with only 14 saves against a slow-moving but opportunistic Coyotes attack .
“ The key for us is making sure that we ’ re not giving up the home run play or having breakdowns that are causing Grade-A chances against , ” Bednar said .
“ We had a few ( on Wednesday ) .
Gruby didn ’ t have to make a lot of saves , but he made some key saves for us at key times.
” In a condensed playoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Colorado ’ s goaltender gluttony seems especially advantageous .
Bednar won ’ t reveal his starter until each game day , although the option to play Grubauer one night , and Francouz the next , is certainly available .
“ We were aware there could be a potential back-to-back in this series after seeing it in the qualifying rounds , ” Bednar said .
“ We feel really confident in both of our goalies and to be able to have the option to go to one guy or another guy , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a plus.
” No matter who suits up in net , Colorado ’ s goaltenders can expect a similar Arizona game plan moving forward with likely minutes-long droughts of facing a shot on goal .
Don ’ t fall asleep at the proverbial wheel .
“ Those games aren ’ t easy , but the guys did a really good job in front of me of keeping those pucks to the outside and letting me see every single shot , ” Grubauer said .
“ I ’ d rather take those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against than 50 shots again , for sure.
” Added Avs rookie Cale Makar : “ Especially as a D-man , knowing they can whisk away any big shots at key moments is awesome .
Kudos to them .
They ’ ve been incredible this entire time since we ’ ve been here.
” Who will be in Colorado ’ s net for Game 2 on Friday ?
With a day of rest , expect Grubauer to get the nod .
But goalie flexibility allows for a potential surprise .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to start as quickly as we can to give our guys the time they need to prepare , ” Bednar said .
“ But we also want to look at our schedule , make sure that we have a short-term plan , and stay flexible depending on performance.
” A statistical comparison between Colorado Avalanche goalies Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz from the 2019-20 regular season as the team prepares for Game 2 on Friday of its first-round playoff series against the Arizona Coyotes .

Jared Bednar has what you might call a good goaltender problem.
Who should Bednar start in net between Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz for the Stanley Cup playoffs? On Aug. 5, in their 4-0 round-robin victory against the Dallas Stars, Colorado’s head coach explained what made his answer appear difficult.
“Frankie was awesome,” Bednar said. “To be honest with you, Gruby was awesome the other night.”
Grubauer, the starter all regular season when healthy, proved why he should start again in a Game 1 victory Wednesday against Arizona (3-0). His shutout performance was mostly overshadowed, though, with only 14 saves against a slow-moving but opportunistic Coyotes attack.
“The key for us is making sure that we’re not giving up the home run play or having breakdowns that are causing Grade-A chances against,” Bednar said. “We had a few (on Wednesday). Gruby didn’t have to make a lot of saves, but he made some key saves for us at key times.”
In a condensed playoff format, with back-to-back games on Friday/Saturday, Colorado’s goaltender gluttony seems especially advantageous. Bednar won’t reveal his starter until each game day, although the option to play Grubauer one night, and Francouz the next, is certainly available.
“We were aware there could be a potential back-to-back in this series after seeing it in the qualifying rounds,” Bednar said. “We feel really confident in both of our goalies and to be able to have the option to go to one guy or another guy, especially on a back-to-back, I think it’s a plus.”
No matter who suits up in net, Colorado’s goaltenders can expect a similar Arizona game plan moving forward with likely minutes-long droughts of facing a shot on goal. Don’t fall asleep at the proverbial wheel.
“Those games aren’t easy, but the guys did a really good job in front of me of keeping those pucks to the outside and letting me see every single shot,” Grubauer said. “I’d rather take those games where you have like 10 shots against than 50 shots again, for sure.”
Added Avs rookie Cale Makar: “Especially as a D-man, knowing they can whisk away any big shots at key moments is awesome. Kudos to them. They’ve been incredible this entire time since we’ve been here.”
Who will be in Colorado’s net for Game 2 on Friday? With a day of rest, expect Grubauer to get the nod. But goalie flexibility allows for a potential surprise.
“We’ll make our decision on who is going to start as quickly as we can to give our guys the time they need to prepare,” Bednar said. “But we also want to look at our schedule, make sure that we have a short-term plan, and stay flexible depending on performance.”
PROTECT THE NET
A statistical comparison between Colorado Avalanche goalies Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz from the 2019-20 regular season as the team prepares for Game 2 on Friday of its first-round playoff series against the Arizona Coyotes.
Regular season games played
Grubauer: 36
Francouz: 34
Save percentage
Francouz: .923
Grubauer: .916
Goals against average
Francouz: 2.41
Grubauer: 2.63
Shutouts


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Garage fire in Douglas County quickly spreads to home

A garage fire in Douglas County spread to the adjacent residence Thursday afternoon , and firefighters doused the blaze before @ @ @ @ @ and surrounding vegetation .
There were no reports of injuries , according to South Metro @ @ @ @ @ broke out about 2 p.m. at 7661 Deer Trail Drive , Parker .
The property @ @ @ @ @ and wild grasses .
A recent run of dry , hot weather has raised wildfire @ @ @ @ @ to stop the fire before it made a run through surrounding properties .
The cause @ @ @ @ @ investigation .

A garage fire in Douglas County spread to the adjacent residence Thursday afternoon, and firefighters doused the blaze before it spread to other homes and surrounding vegetation.
There were no reports of injuries, according to South Metro Fire Rescue.
This is what SMFR’s Battalion Chief saw when he arrived at the house fire on Deertrail Dr. just after 2 pm. A fully engulfed garage was spreading to the home and surrounding vegetation. No injuries occurred and firefighters prevented spreading flames from damaging nearby homes. pic.twitter.com/JMRMX91gPD — South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO) August 13, 2020
The fire broke out about 2 p.m. at 7661 Deer Trail Drive, Parker. The property is surrounded by tall trees and wild grasses.
A recent run of dry, hot weather has raised wildfire concerns. Firefighters were able to stop the fire before it made a run through surrounding properties.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.


thedenverpost--2020-08-13--Sibling rivalry: Serena beats Venus to take 31st meeting

LEXINGTON , Ky. — There was zero interaction between the two , not even a furtive glance , when Venus Williams walked past Serena Williams in the Top Seed Open ’ s warmup area Thursday before their 31st matchup as pros .
Moments later , both headed to the court , each wearing a face covering — Serena sporting a leopard print design , Venus with a light blue medical mask — and were greeted not by the roars of an appreciative audience but basically by silence .
Zero fanfare because , well , there are zero fans at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the onset of the coronavirus pandemic .
When the match began , though , everything seemed normal : hard hitting , big serving .
Serena came back and won the last four games to beat her older sister , Venus , 3-6 , 6-3 , 6-4 in a second-round match — 22½ years after the first between the two .
Folks could be seen laying on the ground to peek through the opening at the bottom of the fence at the back of the court .
“ It definitely felt more relaxed than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Open , ” said Serena , who now leads the all-in-the-family series 19-12 .
” But it still is not like the practice courts.
” When it ended , the siblings simply tapped rackets .
No handshake or hug , owing to rules about social distancing .
Another sign of the times : There was a “ Black Lives Matter ” stencil on the wall behind the baseline .
It was a back-and-forth contest , with each woman appearing to move out in front until the other pulled even .
Make no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the first set , Serena questioned an overrule by the chair umpire that granted Venus an ace .
“ This was a real match with real points and real consequences , ” said Venus , who owns seven Grand Slam singles titles , 16 fewer than Serena ’ s 23 .
Serena broke right away and led 2-0 , but Venus responded by grabbing five games in a row on the way to taking the opening set .
Then Serena regrouped to win the second .
With the temperature at 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule was in effect , so there was a 10-minute break after the second set .
Venus took advantage , leaving the court , but Serena stayed put .
In the third , Venus went ahead 4-2 thanks to a three-game run .
Naturally , Serena came back , earning the break for a 5-4 lead with the help of one of Venus ’ 11 double-faults and closing it with a running , down-the-line backhand from wide of the doubles alley that capped a 12-stroke exchange .
“ I just ran out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it felt like , ” Venus said .
Venus is 40 , and Serena turns 39 next month , making their combined age the highest in a WTA match since 2004 , when Martina Navratilova , 47 , played Amy Frazier , 31 .
The top-seeded Serena next faces American wild-card entry Shelby Rogers , a 6-2 , 7-5 winner over Canadian qualifier Leylah Fernandez .
Jil Teichmann advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-2 , 6-2 victory over No .
5 seed Yulia Putintseva .
Teichmann now plays CiCi Bellis , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @

LEXINGTON, Ky. — There was zero interaction between the two, not even a furtive glance, when Venus Williams walked past Serena Williams in the Top Seed Open’s warmup area Thursday before their 31st matchup as pros.
Moments later, both headed to the court, each wearing a face covering — Serena sporting a leopard print design, Venus with a light blue medical mask — and were greeted not by the roars of an appreciative audience but basically by silence. Zero fanfare because, well, there are zero fans at the first tennis tournament in the U.S. since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
When the match began, though, everything seemed normal: hard hitting, big serving. Serena came back and won the last four games to beat her older sister, Venus, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a second-round match — 22½ years after the first between the two.
Folks could be seen laying on the ground to peek through the opening at the bottom of the fence at the back of the court.
“It definitely felt more relaxed than the stadium at Wimbledon or at the U.S. Open,” said Serena, who now leads the all-in-the-family series 19-12. ”But it still is not like the practice courts.”
When it ended, the siblings simply tapped rackets. No handshake or hug, owing to rules about social distancing. Another sign of the times: There was a “Black Lives Matter” stencil on the wall behind the baseline.
It was a back-and-forth contest, with each woman appearing to move out in front until the other pulled even. Make no mistake: The competitive juices were flowing. In the first set, Serena questioned an overrule by the chair umpire that granted Venus an ace.
“This was a real match with real points and real consequences,” said Venus, who owns seven Grand Slam singles titles, 16 fewer than Serena’s 23.
Serena broke right away and led 2-0, but Venus responded by grabbing five games in a row on the way to taking the opening set. Then Serena regrouped to win the second.
With the temperature at 90 degrees and high humidity, the heat rule was in effect, so there was a 10-minute break after the second set. Venus took advantage, leaving the court, but Serena stayed put.
In the third, Venus went ahead 4-2 thanks to a three-game run. Naturally, Serena came back, earning the break for a 5-4 lead with the help of one of Venus’ 11 double-faults and closing it with a running, down-the-line backhand from wide of the doubles alley that capped a 12-stroke exchange.
“I just ran out of time there, is kind of what it felt like,” Venus said.
Venus is 40, and Serena turns 39 next month, making their combined age the highest in a WTA match since 2004, when Martina Navratilova, 47, played Amy Frazier, 31.
The top-seeded Serena next faces American wild-card entry Shelby Rogers, a 6-2, 7-5 winner over Canadian qualifier Leylah Fernandez.
Jil Teichmann advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over No. 5 seed Yulia Putintseva. Teichmann now plays CiCi Bellis, who eliminated Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-2.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--U.S. retail sales regain pre-virus pace but slowdown is likely

WASHINGTON — Americans increased their retail purchases by 1.2 % in July , with solid gains in appliances and clothing , restoring sales to their level before the viral pandemic erupted in March .
Sales at retail stores and restaurants have now risen for three straight months , after enormous plunges in March and April , when the pandemic suddenly shuttered businesses and paralyzed the economy .
Still , much of that spending has been fueled by government relief spending that had put more money in people ’ s pockets but has since expired .
With Americans ’ overall income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in spending and a weakening of economic growth .
Roughly 28 million laid-off workers are no longer receiving a $ 600-a-week federal unemployment check that they had received in addition to their state benefit but that expired last month .
In addition , a $ 1,200 stimulus check that was sent to many Americans in April and May likely won ’ t be repeated .
Negotiations in Congress on a new economic relief package have collapsed in rancor and show no sign of restarting anytime soon .
Many retailers have said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clothes and other non-discretionary items in the spring and early summer .
Retail sales include only about one-third of all consumer spending .
The rest involves services — from haircuts and gym memberships to movie tickets and hotel rooms — all of which were hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic and have yet to recover In the April-June quarter , consumer spending collapsed by a record amount , causing the economy to shrink at a previously unheard-of annual rate of 32.9 % .
Economists have forecast that growth is rebounding in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual rate , though that pace would still leave the economy far below pre-pandemic levels .
The government ’ s figures mask a huge shakeout in the retail industry , with Americans pulling sharply back on in-person shopping and spending more online .
More than 40 retailers have filed for bankruptcy protection this year , about half of them since the pandemic .
That ’ s about double the number for all of 2019 .
Many of these retailers had been ailing before the pandemic .
But analysts envision another wave of retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some companies that were financially healthy before the virus struck .
In recent weeks , Ann Taylor ’ s parent company declared bankruptcy .
So did the Lord & Taylor department store chain and the discount store chain Stein Mart , which had been in business for 112 years .
Stein Mart cited the resurgence of coronavirus cases in Florida , Texas and California as a key factor in its bankruptcy filing .
The company has many stores in those states , a fact that hurt customer traffic and drained its cash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami had closed in March , reopened in May and then enjoyed strong sales and traffic in June , according to Mauro Olivieri , the mall ’ s general manager of the upscale outdoor mall .
When the virus resurged in July , local mandates forced it to close indoor dining .
Yet the mall has since recaptured more than half its normal levels of traffic .
“ Because we are an open-air center , people are feeling more comfortable in returning to regular shopping patterns , ” Olivieri added .
President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would replace the now-lapsed $ 600 a week in federal jobless aid with $ 300 a week from a disaster relief fund .
Yet that would require the states to establish a separate payment system that would likely take weeks .
In the meantime , the loss of the $ 600 will cut recipients ’ income , on average , by one-half to three-quarters .
That prospect has unnerved Tia Ferguson .
A 40-year-old substitute teacher in Columbus , Ohio , Ferguson was laid off in March .
Beginning in June , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unemployment benefit and the $ 600 federal check .
It ’ s unclear when she might be recalled to work , and she is reluctant in the meantime to teach in person until after a vaccine is approved .
A diabetes and asthma patient , she worries about the risks of returning to the classroom .
Ferguson ’ s husband earns income as an auto mechanic but is still building a business that he recently started .
The couple has taken to reducing their three kids ’ video game time to save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid now just $ 171 , Ferguson has cut back on groceries and gone on Facebook to find information on food pantries .
“ I don ’ t know when I ’ ll have a steady stream of income that ’ s even close to what I was making , ” she said .

Christopher S. Rugaber, Anne D'Innocenzio

WASHINGTON — Americans increased their retail purchases by 1.2% in July, with solid gains in appliances and clothing, restoring sales to their level before the viral pandemic erupted in March.
Sales at retail stores and restaurants have now risen for three straight months, after enormous plunges in March and April, when the pandemic suddenly shuttered businesses and paralyzed the economy.
Still, much of that spending has been fueled by government relief spending that had put more money in people’s pockets but has since expired. With Americans’ overall income likely shrinking, economists expect a potential drop in spending and a weakening of economic growth.
Roughly 28 million laid-off workers are no longer receiving a $600-a-week federal unemployment check that they had received in addition to their state benefit but that expired last month. In addition, a $1,200 stimulus check that was sent to many Americans in April and May likely won’t be repeated. Negotiations in Congress on a new economic relief package have collapsed in rancor and show no sign of restarting anytime soon.
Many retailers have said the supplemental unemployment aid had helped spur sales of clothes and other non-discretionary items in the spring and early summer.
Retail sales include only about one-third of all consumer spending. The rest involves services — from haircuts and gym memberships to movie tickets and hotel rooms — all of which were hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic and have yet to recover
In the April-June quarter, consumer spending collapsed by a record amount, causing the economy to shrink at a previously unheard-of annual rate of 32.9%. Economists have forecast that growth is rebounding in the July-September quarter at a roughly 20% annual rate, though that pace would still leave the economy far below pre-pandemic levels.
The government’s figures mask a huge shakeout in the retail industry, with Americans pulling sharply back on in-person shopping and spending more online. More than 40 retailers have filed for bankruptcy protection this year, about half of them since the pandemic. That’s about double the number for all of 2019.
Many of these retailers had been ailing before the pandemic. But analysts envision another wave of retail bankruptcies in coming months that would include some companies that were financially healthy before the virus struck.
In recent weeks, Ann Taylor’s parent company declared bankruptcy. So did the Lord & Taylor department store chain and the discount store chain Stein Mart, which had been in business for 112 years.
Stein Mart cited the resurgence of coronavirus cases in Florida, Texas and California as a key factor in its bankruptcy filing. The company has many stores in those states, a fact that hurt customer traffic and drained its cash.
The upscale outdoor CityPlace Doral mall in Miami had closed in March, reopened in May and then enjoyed strong sales and traffic in June, according to Mauro Olivieri, the mall’s general manager of the upscale outdoor mall. When the virus resurged in July, local mandates forced it to close indoor dining.
Yet the mall has since recaptured more than half its normal levels of traffic.
“Because we are an open-air center, people are feeling more comfortable in returning to regular shopping patterns,” Olivieri added.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would replace the now-lapsed $600 a week in federal jobless aid with $300 a week from a disaster relief fund. Yet that would require the states to establish a separate payment system that would likely take weeks. In the meantime, the loss of the $600 will cut recipients’ income, on average, by one-half to three-quarters.
That prospect has unnerved Tia Ferguson. A 40-year-old substitute teacher in Columbus, Ohio, Ferguson was laid off in March. Beginning in June, she managed to receive both her state’s unemployment benefit and the $600 federal check. It’s unclear when she might be recalled to work, and she is reluctant in the meantime to teach in person until after a vaccine is approved. A diabetes and asthma patient, she worries about the risks of returning to the classroom.
Ferguson’s husband earns income as an auto mechanic but is still building a business that he recently started. The couple has taken to reducing their three kids’ video game time to save on electricity.
With her weekly jobless aid now just $171, Ferguson has cut back on groceries and gone on Facebook to find information on food pantries.
“I don’t know when I’ll have a steady stream of income that’s even close to what I was making,” she said.
___
D’Innocenzio reported from New York.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Newly-released body cam video captures crowd’s horror during George Floyd arrest

MINNEAPOLIS — Newly released body-camera video from a third officer involved in George Floyd ’ s arrest captures for the first time the growing horror of onlookers who repeatedly pleaded with the officers to get off Floyd .
The video made available Thursday comes from fired Officer Tou Thao , one of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of Floyd , a handcuffed Black man .
Floyd died after a white officer , Derek Chauvin , pressed his knee against Floyd ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes on a south Minneapolis street May 25 as Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The death sparked massive protests across the U.S. and beyond against racial injustice and police brutality .
Thao held back a crowd of nearly a dozen bystanders , many taping the scene with their cellphones , as Chauvin pinned Floyd with his knee .
Two other officers , Thomas Lane and J. Kueng , held down Floyd , who was suspected of passing a counterfeit $ 20 bill at a convenience store .
In Thao ’ s video , a Black man wearing a Northside Boxing Club sweatshirt yells at Chauvin to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck , Bro ” and asks Thao “ you gon na keep him like that , ” motioning toward Floyd .
“ You gon na let him kill that man in front of you , Bro ?
” he asks Thao .
“ Bro , he ’ s not even ( expletive ) moving right now , Bro.
” Thao orders the crowd onto the sidewalk .
At one point he tells the onlookers , “ This is why you don ’ t do drugs , kids.
” When a woman who identifies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of uniform , Thao yells at her , “ Back off !
” She asks if the officers have checked Floyd ’ s pulse .
“ Let me see a pulse , ” she demands of the police .
“ Check his pulse , ” the man says .
“ You bogus , Bro .
‘ Don ’ t do drugs , ’ Bro ?
… You call what he ’ s doing OK ?
” The crowd grows more agitated .
“ What the ( expletive ) are you doing ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s dying.
” When the man approaches Thao with his phone , Thao shoves him back toward the sidewalk , yelling , “ Get out of the street !
” Prosecutors submitted Thao ’ s body cam footage earlier this week .
On Monday , body cam video from two of the other officers , Lane and Kueng , was released under a judge ’ s order .
That footage , along with Thao ’ s video , shows Floyd pleading with the officers as they struggle to place him in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe and called out for his mother before passing out .
He was pronounced dead at a hospital that evening , his death sparking protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world .
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder and manslaughter .
Lane , Kueng and Thao are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter .
All four officers were fired and are scheduled for trial in March .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison , whose office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judge to have all four officers tried jointly .
Defense attorneys have until Sept. 8 to respond .
The next court hearing for the four is scheduled for Sept. 11 .

MINNEAPOLIS — Newly released body-camera video from a third officer involved in George Floyd’s arrest captures for the first time the growing horror of onlookers who repeatedly pleaded with the officers to get off Floyd.
The video made available Thursday comes from fired Officer Tou Thao, one of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of Floyd, a handcuffed Black man. Floyd died after a white officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes on a south Minneapolis street May 25 as Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. The death sparked massive protests across the U.S. and beyond against racial injustice and police brutality.
Thao held back a crowd of nearly a dozen bystanders, many taping the scene with their cellphones, as Chauvin pinned Floyd with his knee. Two other officers, Thomas Lane and J. Kueng, held down Floyd, who was suspected of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store.
In Thao’s video, a Black man wearing a Northside Boxing Club sweatshirt yells at Chauvin to “get off of his (expletive) neck, Bro” and asks Thao “you gonna keep him like that,” motioning toward Floyd.
“You gonna let him kill that man in front of you, Bro?” he asks Thao. “Bro, he’s not even (expletive) moving right now, Bro.”
Thao orders the crowd onto the sidewalk. At one point he tells the onlookers, “This is why you don’t do drugs, kids.”
When a woman who identifies herself as a Minneapolis firefighter arrives out of uniform, Thao yells at her, “Back off!” She asks if the officers have checked Floyd’s pulse.
“Let me see a pulse,” she demands of the police.
“Check his pulse,” the man says. “You bogus, Bro. ‘Don’t do drugs,’ Bro? … You call what he’s doing OK?”
The crowd grows more agitated. “What the (expletive) are you doing?” a young woman yells. “He’s dying.”
When the man approaches Thao with his phone, Thao shoves him back toward the sidewalk, yelling, “Get out of the street!”
Prosecutors submitted Thao’s body cam footage earlier this week. On Monday, body cam video from two of the other officers, Lane and Kueng, was released under a judge’s order. That footage, along with Thao’s video, shows Floyd pleading with the officers as they struggle to place him in the squad car in the moments before his death.
Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe and called out for his mother before passing out. He was pronounced dead at a hospital that evening, his death sparking protests against racial injustice and police brutality around the world.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Lane, Kueng and Thao are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four officers were fired and are scheduled for trial in March.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is prosecuting the case, has asked the judge to have all four officers tried jointly. Defense attorneys have until Sept. 8 to respond.
The next court hearing for the four is scheduled for Sept. 11.


thedenverpost--2020-08-14--Broncos training camp 2020 live blog: Real-time updates from UCHealth Training Center

Broncos Insider : Denver ’ s only consistency at right tackle over the last half-decade has been inconsistency

Race for Broncos roster spots intensifies for young players after first preseason game: “There is a sense of urgency”