thedenverpost--2020-07-02--Colorado’s COVID-19 outbreaks shifting from nursing homes to retail outlets, restaurants

Colorado reported only one new outbreak in a long-term care facility in the last week of June , as the state ’ s COVID-19 epidemic continues to shift .
Nursing homes , assisted living facilities and group homes initially were hit hard by the novel coronavirus ’ arrival in the state .
Outbreaks in facilities where older people and those with severe medical needs live close together contributed to a high death toll in March and April .
Over the last two months , however , Colorado ’ s coronavirus outbreaks have shifted to locations that don ’ t concentrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail stores and restaurants .
This week , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported the smallest increase in deaths related to outbreaks since it began reporting them in April .
Six people had died of COVID-19 from known outbreaks since June 24 , bringing the total to 956 .
The previous week also had set a record low , with 26 new deaths .
The state also reported 321 new cases linked to outbreaks in the past week , and 22 facilities that had been newly hit .
An additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning the state health department doesn ’ t believe the virus is still spreading there .
Currently , Colorado is experiencing a two-week increase in new COVID-19 infections , which , while not nearly as severe as what states like Texas , Florida and Arizona are seeing , led Gov .
Jared Polis this week to order bars and nightclubs to once again close .
Colorado ’ s public health department declares an outbreak when there are two or more confirmed COVID-19 cases in a facility within a 14-day period .
Locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to close to the public .
Instead , state and local health authorities work with them to help control the outbreaks .
Retail outlets that have experienced COVID-19 outbreaks include six King Soopers stores , a number of fast food outlets including McDonalds and Chick-Fil-A restaurants , and big box stores like Walmart , Costco and Home Depot .
( For more details and locations , see The Denver Post ’ s searchable version of the state outbreak list . )
In April , the state reported 111 outbreaks at long-term care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % of all outbreaks .
In May , those facilities accounted for less than one-third of new outbreaks , and in June they dropped to about 11 % .
Some of the reason that long-term care facilities accounted for such a large percentage of early outbreaks is that they were the first the state documented , state health department spokesman Ian Dickson said .
They started with residential facilities in late March and began tracking other sites on April 10 , he said .
“ We do think that earlier in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ canaries in the coal mine ’ because they have more people at higher risk living closer together , ” he said .
“ As disease transmission increased , we began to detect more non-residential outbreaks.
” The situation has improved for long-term care facilities as access to protective equipment has improved , Dickson said .
He also credited policies like requiring emergency plans , paying more for residents covered by Medicaid , restricting visitation to long-term care facilities in mid-March and testing all nursing home employees starting in late May .
Outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants and other manufacturing hit their highest levels in May , before receding somewhat in June .
The number of outbreaks in restaurants , offices and construction sites increased each month this spring , perhaps reflecting workplaces reopening as the state loosened restrictions .
The rise in those numbers may reflect a combination of increased testing and that essential businesses continued to operate during the stay-at-home order , Dickson said .
Long-term care facilities have been the site of all of Colorado ’ s deadliest outbreaks , though the virus has still caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest outbreaks still deemed active are : Cherry Creek Nursing Center and Pikes Peak Center also were among the facilities with the most deaths from their outbreaks .
Others with at least 20 deaths were :

Colorado reported only one new outbreak in a long-term care facility in the last week of June, as the state’s COVID-19 epidemic continues to shift.
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities and group homes initially were hit hard by the novel coronavirus’ arrival in the state. Outbreaks in facilities where older people and those with severe medical needs live close together contributed to a high death toll in March and April.
Over the last two months, however, Colorado’s coronavirus outbreaks have shifted to locations that don’t concentrate vulnerable people together, like offices, retail stores and restaurants.
This week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported the smallest increase in deaths related to outbreaks since it began reporting them in April. Six people had died of COVID-19 from known outbreaks since June 24, bringing the total to 956. The previous week also had set a record low, with 26 new deaths.
The state also reported 321 new cases linked to outbreaks in the past week, and 22 facilities that had been newly hit. An additional 32 facilities’ outbreaks were declared resolved, meaning the state health department doesn’t believe the virus is still spreading there.
Currently, Colorado is experiencing a two-week increase in new COVID-19 infections, which, while not nearly as severe as what states like Texas, Florida and Arizona are seeing, led Gov. Jared Polis this week to order bars and nightclubs to once again close.
Colorado’s public health department declares an outbreak when there are two or more confirmed COVID-19 cases in a facility within a 14-day period. Locations with outbreaks are not required by the state to close to the public. Instead, state and local health authorities work with them to help control the outbreaks.
Retail outlets that have experienced COVID-19 outbreaks include six King Soopers stores, a number of fast food outlets including McDonalds and Chick-Fil-A restaurants, and big box stores like Walmart, Costco and Home Depot. (For more details and locations, see The Denver Post’s searchable version of the state outbreak list.)
In April, the state reported 111 outbreaks at long-term care facilities, which accounted for more than 80% of all outbreaks. In May, those facilities accounted for less than one-third of new outbreaks, and in June they dropped to about 11%.
Some of the reason that long-term care facilities accounted for such a large percentage of early outbreaks is that they were the first the state documented, state health department spokesman Ian Dickson said. They started with residential facilities in late March and began tracking other sites on April 10, he said.
“We do think that earlier in the pandemic, residential health care settings were ‘canaries in the coal mine’ because they have more people at higher risk living closer together,” he said. “As disease transmission increased, we began to detect more non-residential outbreaks.”
The situation has improved for long-term care facilities as access to protective equipment has improved, Dickson said. He also credited policies like requiring emergency plans, paying more for residents covered by Medicaid, restricting visitation to long-term care facilities in mid-March and testing all nursing home employees starting in late May.
Outbreaks related to retail stores, food processing plants and other manufacturing hit their highest levels in May, before receding somewhat in June. The number of outbreaks in restaurants, offices and construction sites increased each month this spring, perhaps reflecting workplaces reopening as the state loosened restrictions.
The rise in those numbers may reflect a combination of increased testing and that essential businesses continued to operate during the stay-at-home order, Dickson said.
Long-term care facilities have been the site of all of Colorado’s deadliest outbreaks, though the virus has still caused considerable pain in other workplaces.
The largest outbreaks still deemed active are:
Sterling Correctional Facility: 603 cases, three deaths
603 cases, three deaths Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center, Denver: 396 cases, zero deaths
396 cases, zero deaths JBS meatpacking plant, Greeley: 282 cases, six deaths
282 cases, six deaths Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs: 155 cases, 26 deaths
155 cases, 26 deaths Cherry Creek Nursing Center, Aurora: 149 cases, 34 deaths
Cherry Creek Nursing Center and Pikes Peak Center also were among the facilities with the most deaths from their outbreaks. Others with at least 20 deaths were:


thedenverpost--2020-07-02--Rockies Mailbag: What are Colorado’s future plans for first base?

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
The Rockies have not had a solid first baseman since Todd Helton retired .
They lost the opportunity to use DJ LeMahieu .
They did not draft for this position .
What are their plans to fill first base ?
— Judy Frieman , Denver Judy , this is an annual question and concern .
But please remember that the Rockies did select a first baseman last year in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Toglia , a first baseman out of UCLA , with the 23rd overall pick .
The club is very high on him .
He ’ s a solid defender and a switch-hitter with power .
Last summer , at Class A short-season Boise , Toglia produced a .248/.369/.483 slash line with 16 extra-base hits ( nine home runs ) in 176 plate appearances before he was shut down in early August .
He appeared to be on a relatively fast track toward the majors until the coronavirus pandemic shut down all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he be the next Todd Helton ?
Probably not .
But he does have a chance to be an impact player .
With the July Fourth weekend fast approaching , MLB has a golden opportunity to redeem itself from a disastrous delay of the 2020 season .
How about a total public apology on national TV by the commissioner , each of the teams ’ player reps and each of the teams ’ owners ?
Greed is never a winner !
And last but not least , have the Houston Astros return the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosper !
— Bruce Hellerstein , Denver Bruce , I ’ m letting you vent , but you know what you ask for is never going to happen .
I understand fans ’ frustrations but I also have to say that there are some principles at stake here .
Facing the coronavirus pandemic , the players never backed away from their belief that they were owed a full prorated salary based on the number of games played .
They stuck by their decision and they stuck together .
In my view , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brunt of the responsibility for such a short season .
With both of Colorado ’ s MiLB teams heading to the history books , is either ownership group thinking about trying the independent league route ?
And as far as MLB is concerned this season , I can live with the DH in both leagues and relief pitchers facing three batters , but the California tiebreaker comes across rinky-dink .
I know there ’ s some minor league data on it .
How has it been received ?
— Gregory Weiss , Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question regarding the Grand Junction Rockies and the Rocky Mountain Vibes ( the Brewers ’ affiliate in Colorado Springs ) , I reached out to my colleague , Kyle Newman , for the answer to your question .
He ’ s done yeoman ’ s work covering the sweeping changes to minor league baseball , including a story in Wednesday ’ s Denver Post .
Kyle tells me that the passionate , hardcore baseball fans in Grand Junction , long the site of the Junior College World Series , are unlikely to embrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , remember that Rockies owner Dick Monfort is the principle owner of the Grand Junction Rockies , and he ’ s not going to field an independent league team .
As for an independent team coming in to replace the Vibes , Newman thinks that possibility could exist as a baseball “ entertainment option ” for Colorado Springs .
As for the “ California tie-breaker , ” that will be instituted this season .
I ’ ll be honest and say that I have not had the chance to ask any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine , access for media has been very limited during the coronavirus pandemic .
But it ’ s a question I will ask going forward .
What is your sense of likelihood that Colton Welker can bounce back after a disappointing 2019 ?
How do you think he is regarded within the organization at this point ?
— Derek , Grand Junction Derek , I was a little surprised that Welker was not included in the original list of the 52 players in the Rockies player pool for the 60-game season .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be one of the players who works out with the team at the satellite camp in Albuquerque .
I think the organization still holds him in high regard and considers him a talented prospect with the potential to be a good major league hitter .
Welker was impressive through the first three levels of Colorado ’ s system , never posting an OPS below .850 .
But he dealt with an injured shoulder last season at Double-A Hartford and was limited to 98 games .
Welker was still able to slash .252/.313/.408 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was doubtful he would have risen above Triple-A this season — if there had been a minor league season .
Welker veered away from his natural swing a bit , trying to get a more impactful launch angle , but he seemed to rediscover his swing during the Rockies ’ abbreviated spring training .
Here is an interesting , very positive scouting report on Welker from the Last Word On Baseball .
I saw that Ubaldo Jimenez isn ’ t on the Rockies ’ player pool list .
Is this the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see him back in a Colorado ( or any other ) uniform in the future ?
— Gunnar , Fort Collins Gunnar , Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said that it was his decision , not Jimenez ’ s decision , to not include Jimenez in the pool .
Bridich indicated that Jimenez ’ two years away from big-league baseball , and the fact that the Rockies had a lot of other pitchers they were interested in , were the major reasons for a difficult decision .
Jimenez lives in the Dominican Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have not talked to him about his future plans .
I don ’ t know if he is going to retire or not .
I have not seen that he ’ s signed with any other team .
I think his chances of pitching for the Rockies this season were slim but I hate to jump to the conclusion that his career is over .
I read recently ( Wall Street Journal , June 19 ) that most teams dumped their minor league players when the virus derailed baseball , apparently to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Exceptions mentioned were the Minnesota Twins and KC Royals , which retained their minor league prospects .
As a result , those teams were able to sign more undrafted free agents who were reluctant to join organizations that had shown no loyalty to their minor leaguers .
Question : How did the Rockies handle their minor league players after the shutdown , and how did it affect signing free agents following the abbreviated five-round draft ?
— Paul L. Albright , Boulder Paul , the Rockies have agreed to pay their minor-league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The question now is what to do with those players .
That issue remains in flux , with the possibility of a late-summer or early fall camp or even an expanded Arizona Fall League .
Right now , however , the Rockies are making a number of contingency plans .
We ran a story on Monday detailing the current situation .
Patrick , I know there are a lot of more important issues going on within baseball and with COVID-19 , but has the netting at Coors Field been extended from the dugouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvements that are of interest ?
Just looking toward the future and time that fans can return to in-person game attendance .
— John , Arvada John , I ’ m told that , yes , netting to protect fans has been extended .
The question now is when will fans be allowed back into Coors Field ?
We don ’ t know the answer to that question .
The Rockies also totally rebuilt the playing field at Coors .
Here is the opening to the story I wrote in April : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awaits the Rockies at Coors Field .
Mark Razum and his crew made sure of that .
A sixth-month rebuild of the playing surface at Coors was finished in March in preparation for the scheduled home opener last Friday .
The coronavirus pandemic wiped out that game , and there is no telling when baseball will return .
But when it does , the infield will be smooth and the outfield an emerald-green carpet.
” Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rockies Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.
The Rockies have not had a solid first baseman since Todd Helton retired. They lost the opportunity to use DJ LeMahieu. They did not draft for this position. What are their plans to fill first base?
— Judy Frieman, Denver
Judy, this is an annual question and concern. But please remember that the Rockies did select a first baseman last year in the first round of the draft. They picked Michael Toglia, a first baseman out of UCLA, with the 23rd overall pick. The club is very high on him. He’s a solid defender and a switch-hitter with power.
Last summer, at Class A short-season Boise, Toglia produced a .248/.369/.483 slash line with 16 extra-base hits (nine home runs) in 176 plate appearances before he was shut down in early August.
He appeared to be on a relatively fast track toward the majors until the coronavirus pandemic shut down all of minor league baseball this spring. Will he be the next Todd Helton? Probably not. But he does have a chance to be an impact player.
With the July Fourth weekend fast approaching, MLB has a golden opportunity to redeem itself from a disastrous delay of the 2020 season. How about a total public apology on national TV by the commissioner, each of the teams’ player reps and each of the teams’ owners? Greed is never a winner!
And last but not least, have the Houston Astros return the 2017 World Series trophy. Cheaters never prosper!
— Bruce Hellerstein, Denver
Bruce, I’m letting you vent, but you know what you ask for is never going to happen.
I understand fans’ frustrations but I also have to say that there are some principles at stake here.
Facing the coronavirus pandemic, the players never backed away from their belief that they were owed a full prorated salary based on the number of games played. They stuck by their decision and they stuck together.
In my view, the owners, and Manfred, bear the brunt of the responsibility for such a short season.
With both of Colorado’s MiLB teams heading to the history books, is either ownership group thinking about trying the independent league route? And as far as MLB is concerned this season, I can live with the DH in both leagues and relief pitchers facing three batters, but the California tiebreaker comes across rinky-dink. I know there’s some minor league data on it. How has it been received?
— Gregory Weiss, Denver
Gregory, in regard to your first question regarding the Grand Junction Rockies and the Rocky Mountain Vibes (the Brewers’ affiliate in Colorado Springs), I reached out to my colleague, Kyle Newman, for the answer to your question. He’s done yeoman’s work covering the sweeping changes to minor league baseball, including a story in Wednesday’s Denver Post.
Kyle tells me that the passionate, hardcore baseball fans in Grand Junction, long the site of the Junior College World Series, are unlikely to embrace an unaffiliated, independent team. Plus, remember that Rockies owner Dick Monfort is the principle owner of the Grand Junction Rockies, and he’s not going to field an independent league team.
As for an independent team coming in to replace the Vibes, Newman thinks that possibility could exist as a baseball “entertainment option” for Colorado Springs.
As for the “California tie-breaker,” that will be instituted this season. I’ll be honest and say that I have not had the chance to ask any of the Rockies about it. As you can imagine, access for media has been very limited during the coronavirus pandemic. But it’s a question I will ask going forward.
What is your sense of likelihood that Colton Welker can bounce back after a disappointing 2019? How do you think he is regarded within the organization at this point?
— Derek, Grand Junction
Derek, I was a little surprised that Welker was not included in the original list of the 52 players in the Rockies player pool for the 60-game season. I do think, however, that he will be one of the players who works out with the team at the satellite camp in Albuquerque.
I think the organization still holds him in high regard and considers him a talented prospect with the potential to be a good major league hitter.
Welker was impressive through the first three levels of Colorado’s system, never posting an OPS below .850. But he dealt with an injured shoulder last season at Double-A Hartford and was limited to 98 games. Welker was still able to slash .252/.313/.408 for the Hartford Yard Goats, but it was doubtful he would have risen above Triple-A this season — if there had been a minor league season.
Welker veered away from his natural swing a bit, trying to get a more impactful launch angle, but he seemed to rediscover his swing during the Rockies’ abbreviated spring training.
Here is an interesting, very positive scouting report on Welker from the Last Word On Baseball.
I saw that Ubaldo Jimenez isn’t on the Rockies’ player pool list. Is this the end of his comeback attempt or can you see him back in a Colorado (or any other) uniform in the future?
— Gunnar, Fort Collins
Gunnar, Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said that it was his decision, not Jimenez’s decision, to not include Jimenez in the pool. Bridich indicated that Jimenez’ two years away from big-league baseball, and the fact that the Rockies had a lot of other pitchers they were interested in, were the major reasons for a difficult decision.
Jimenez lives in the Dominican Republic and is difficult to reach, so I have not talked to him about his future plans. I don’t know if he is going to retire or not. I have not seen that he’s signed with any other team. I think his chances of pitching for the Rockies this season were slim but I hate to jump to the conclusion that his career is over.
I read recently (Wall Street Journal, June 19) that most teams dumped their minor league players when the virus derailed baseball, apparently to avoid paying them $400 weekly stipends. Exceptions mentioned were the Minnesota Twins and KC Royals, which retained their minor league prospects. As a result, those teams were able to sign more undrafted free agents who were reluctant to join organizations that had shown no loyalty to their minor leaguers. Question: How did the Rockies handle their minor league players after the shutdown, and how did it affect signing free agents following the abbreviated five-round draft?
— Paul L. Albright, Boulder
Paul, the Rockies have agreed to pay their minor-league players through the end of July. The question now is what to do with those players. That issue remains in flux, with the possibility of a late-summer or early fall camp or even an expanded Arizona Fall League. Right now, however, the Rockies are making a number of contingency plans.
We ran a story on Monday detailing the current situation.
Patrick, I know there are a lot of more important issues going on within baseball and with COVID-19, but has the netting at Coors Field been extended from the dugouts to the foul poles? Any other improvements that are of interest? Just looking toward the future and time that fans can return to in-person game attendance.
— John, Arvada
John, I’m told that, yes, netting to protect fans has been extended. The question now is when will fans be allowed back into Coors Field? We don’t know the answer to that question.
The Rockies also totally rebuilt the playing field at Coors. Here is the opening to the story I wrote in April:
“The green, green grass of home awaits the Rockies at Coors Field. Mark Razum and his crew made sure of that. A sixth-month rebuild of the playing surface at Coors was finished in March in preparation for the scheduled home opener last Friday. The coronavirus pandemic wiped out that game, and there is no telling when baseball will return. But when it does, the infield will be smooth and the outfield an emerald-green carpet.”
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.


thedenverpost--2020-07-02--Lauren Boebert’s upset win sets up unpredictable race in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District

By ousting a five-term Republican congressman in this week ’ s primary , Lauren Boebert may have handed Democrats their best shot in years at taking back Colorado ’ s 3rd Congressional District .
At least that ’ s what they hope , judging by a national Democratic committee ’ s almost gleeful attempt — after her primary victory Tuesday over U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton — to write off the far-right firebrand as a “ QAnon conspiracy theorist.
” But in the strange elixir of 2020 politics , political analysts and insiders in the Western Slope district say Boebert , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who disputes Democrats ’ characterization , shouldn ’ t be dismissed .
Even fellow Democrats say their nominee , Diane Mitsch Bush , 70 , a former lawmaker and Routt County commissioner , brings her own political liabilities .
She lost to Tipton two years ago by 8 percentage points , despite outspending him .
“ One thing ( Tipton ’ s primary loss ) shows is that in a time when people are really justifiably anxious for lots of reasons , our window of possibilities in politics is perhaps a little broader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , ” said Paul DeBell , an assistant professor of political science at Fort Lewis College in Durango .
There ’ s one certainty : The 3rd District , in which handicappers had favored Tipton for re-election , just got a whole lot more unpredictable — even as it ’ s certain to elect a woman to Congress for the first time .
The race already is getting more national attention and may see an infusion of spending on both sides .
Democratic and Republican House campaign committees that hadn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars into the race were out with analyses Wednesday predicting their side would navigate the change in circumstances successfully .
“ The Republicans replaced ( Tipton ) with someone with virtually no name ID outside of the Republican Party , ” said Sal Pace , a longtime Democratic fixture in Pueblo who himself lost to Tipton in 2012 , predicting an advantage for Mitsch Bush .
“ Diane does have good name ID , and that ’ s why the last two election cycles she won primaries against tough candidates.
” But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the primary vote , county GOP Chair Kevin McCarney theorized that Mitsch Bush ’ s experience in local and state office might not provide the same boost it normally does .
“ This year that ’ s also a disadvantage , ” he said .
“ I think it ’ s going to be a tough race , but I think Lauren can win.
” Boebert tied herself strongly to President Donald Trump despite his endorsement of Tipton , and that could play well among his many fans across the mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been falling in recent months , posing a risk .
“ Unaffiliated voters are a really important piece of the puzzle here in Colorado , ” DeBell said .
“ How will they break ?
They ’ ll break differently for Boebert than they would for Tipton , ” he added , and her fortunes could depend in large part on Trump ’ s in November .
The 3rd District is nearly as large in land area as New York state and swoops from northwest Colorado to the southeast plains , taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the San Luis Valley and Pueblo .
It includes both conservative and liberal strongholds , but some of the latter — especially Pueblo — have trended more conservative in recent years .
Running again to represent that varied terrain is Mitsch Bush , who defeated Ridgway business owner James Iacino in the Democratic primary with 61 % of the vote .
Mitsch Bush ’ s campaign focuses heavily on economic and environmental issues , and Republicans suggest she ’ s too liberal to win in a red-leaning district .
Boebert , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote against Tipton , is a mother of four boys in Rifle who first drew attention in recent years for her ownership of a restaurant , Shooters Grill , whose waitresses open-carry guns .
In the spring , she ran afoul of Garfield County authorities when she reopened Shooters in violation of public health orders related to the coronavirus pandemic .
Boebert calls herself pro-freedom and rails against socialism , saying she ’ d fight liberals to defend American values .
During the primary she built support in part by appearing on conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her remarks during the primary already are coming under scrutiny — including comments in May that appeared supportive of the debunked “ QAnon ” conspiracy .
That theory , which took root originally on internet message boards , alleges , among other things , that government officials are working secretly to undermine Trump and that officials and celebrities are members of a child sex trafficking ring .
Asked about it on an online show , Boebert first said she was familiar with QAnon but added , “ that ’ s more my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a little fringe.
” But when asked if she thought “ Q is a bad thing ” by the interviewer , Boebert replied : “ No , honestly , everything that I ’ ve heard of Q , I hope that this is real — because it only means America is getting stronger and better , and people are returning to conservative values .
… If this is real , then it could be really great for our country.
” Asked to clarify her remarks Wednesday , her campaign provided a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s idea of a “ deep state ” but added , “ I don ’ t follow QAnon.
” The general election , so far , is shaping up to be a race between a conservative who delights in a focus on red-meat issues for the base and a Democrat seen by some in her own party as a strong fundraiser but weak campaigner .
Last year , national and local Democrats , eyeing a more competitive dynamic against Tipton , tried unsuccessfully to recruit several Democratic state lawmakers into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongholds such as Pueblo may hold the key for Mitsch Bush .
“ I do think the Republicans nominated the right person for a Democrat to run up the numbers in Pueblo , ” he said .
“ The Republican nominee is not talking about bread-and-butter issues.
” State Sen. Kerry Donovan , a Vail Democrat who ’ d faced appeals to run , said her sense is that the district ’ s November voters will want a moderate candidate .
“ So will the Democrat be able to fill that desire ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican candidate too far right to also fill that desire ?
” But Republicans point to Boebert ’ s ability to connect with voters and her outsider status as assets .
Montrose County Republican chairman Ray Langston said he sees two challenges for her : raising money and winning over Tipton ’ s supporters .
“ She ’ s a little firecracker .
I think she ’ s going to do well , and I believe the Republican Party will get behind her , ” said Langston , who supported Tipton but is @ @ @ @

By ousting a five-term Republican congressman in this week’s primary, Lauren Boebert may have handed Democrats their best shot in years at taking back Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
At least that’s what they hope, judging by a national Democratic committee’s almost gleeful attempt — after her primary victory Tuesday over U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton — to write off the far-right firebrand as a “QAnon conspiracy theorist.”
But in the strange elixir of 2020 politics, political analysts and insiders in the Western Slope district say Boebert, 33, a savvy gun rights activist who disputes Democrats’ characterization, shouldn’t be dismissed.
Even fellow Democrats say their nominee, Diane Mitsch Bush, 70, a former lawmaker and Routt County commissioner, brings her own political liabilities. She lost to Tipton two years ago by 8 percentage points, despite outspending him.
“One thing (Tipton’s primary loss) shows is that in a time when people are really justifiably anxious for lots of reasons, our window of possibilities in politics is perhaps a little broader than sometimes we might give politics credit for,” said Paul DeBell, an assistant professor of political science at Fort Lewis College in Durango.
There’s one political certainty: The 3rd District, in which handicappers had favored Tipton for re-election, just got a whole lot more unpredictable — even as it’s certain to elect a woman to Congress for the first time.
The race already is getting more national attention and may see an infusion of spending on both sides. Democratic and Republican House campaign committees that hadn’t previously anticipated putting any general election ad dollars into the race were out with analyses Wednesday predicting their side would navigate the change in circumstances successfully.
“The Republicans replaced (Tipton) with someone with virtually no name ID outside of the Republican Party,” said Sal Pace, a longtime Democratic fixture in Pueblo who himself lost to Tipton in 2012, predicting an advantage for Mitsch Bush. “Diane does have good name ID, and that’s why the last two election cycles she won primaries against tough candidates.”
But in Mesa County, where Boebert won 64% of the primary vote, county GOP Chair Kevin McCarney theorized that Mitsch Bush’s experience in local and state office might not provide the same boost it normally does.
“This year that’s also a disadvantage,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a tough race, but I think Lauren can win.”
Boebert tied herself strongly to President Donald Trump despite his endorsement of Tipton, and that could play well among his many fans across the mostly rural 3rd District. But his standing has been falling in recent months, posing a risk.
“Unaffiliated voters are a really important piece of the puzzle here in Colorado,” DeBell said. “How will they break? They’ll break differently for Boebert than they would for Tipton,” he added, and her fortunes could depend in large part on Trump’s in November.
Large, varied rural district
The 3rd District is nearly as large in land area as New York state and swoops from northwest Colorado to the southeast plains, taking in Grand Junction, Durango, most of the San Luis Valley and Pueblo. It includes both conservative and liberal strongholds, but some of the latter — especially Pueblo — have trended more conservative in recent years.
Running again to represent that varied terrain is Mitsch Bush, who defeated Ridgway business owner James Iacino in the Democratic primary with 61% of the vote. Mitsch Bush’s campaign focuses heavily on economic and environmental issues, and Republicans suggest she’s too liberal to win in a red-leaning district.
Boebert, who won nearly 55% of the primary vote against Tipton, is a mother of four boys in Rifle who first drew attention in recent years for her ownership of a restaurant, Shooters Grill, whose waitresses open-carry guns. In the spring, she ran afoul of Garfield County authorities when she reopened Shooters in violation of public health orders related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Boebert calls herself pro-freedom and rails against socialism, saying she’d fight liberals to defend American values. During the primary she built support in part by appearing on conservative radio shows across the state.
Some of her remarks during the primary already are coming under scrutiny — including comments in May that appeared supportive of the debunked “QAnon” conspiracy. That theory, which took root originally on internet message boards, alleges, among other things, that government officials are working secretly to undermine Trump and that officials and celebrities are members of a child sex trafficking ring.
Asked about it on an online show, Boebert first said she was familiar with QAnon but added, “that’s more my mom’s thing — she’s a little fringe.”
But when asked if she thought “Q is a bad thing” by the interviewer, Boebert replied: “No, honestly, everything that I’ve heard of Q, I hope that this is real — because it only means America is getting stronger and better, and people are returning to conservative values. … If this is real, then it could be really great for our country.”
Asked to clarify her remarks Wednesday, her campaign provided a statement from Boebert that affirmed her support of Trump’s idea of a “deep state” but added, “I don’t follow QAnon.”
Which candidate fits the district?
The general election, so far, is shaping up to be a race between a conservative who delights in a focus on red-meat issues for the base and a Democrat seen by some in her own party as a strong fundraiser but weak campaigner. Last year, national and local Democrats, eyeing a more competitive dynamic against Tipton, tried unsuccessfully to recruit several Democratic state lawmakers into the race.
Pace said building support in strongholds such as Pueblo may hold the key for Mitsch Bush.
“I do think the Republicans nominated the right person for a Democrat to run up the numbers in Pueblo,” he said. “The Republican nominee is not talking about bread-and-butter issues.”
State Sen. Kerry Donovan, a Vail Democrat who’d faced appeals to run, said her sense is that the district’s November voters will want a moderate candidate.
“So will the Democrat be able to fill that desire?” she said. “Is the Republican candidate too far right to also fill that desire?”
But Republicans point to Boebert’s ability to connect with voters and her outsider status as assets. Montrose County Republican chairman Ray Langston said he sees two challenges for her: raising money and winning over Tipton’s supporters.
“She’s a little firecracker. I think she’s going to do well, and I believe the Republican Party will get behind her,” said Langston, who supported Tipton but is happy to pivot.


thedenverpost--2020-07-02--Tim Tebow could benefit from 60-game MLB season with National League DH, roster rules

The 2020 Major League Baseball season got hit hard when the coronavirus pandemic shuttered sports across America in March .
With the NHL and NBA set to finish the 2019-20 seasons , baseball is looking to start theirs with opening day taking place July 23 or 24 .
Now that the American Legion-style summer schedule set , one player might benefit from the short season ’ s unique rules : Tim Tebow .
Yes , Tebow is still an outfielder in the New York Mets organization .
With the cancellation of all minor league games this year , his best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he gets the call to Citi Field .
Even though Tebow isn ’ t currently on the Mets ’ 60-man pool roster , he could still get called up if needed — though his chances are slim to none , with slim having one foot out the door .
The only reason we may see this happen is due to the designated hitter being approved for use in the National League .
Baseball purists are upset about the changes commissioner Rob Manfred has made over the years , but watching Tebow play MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I were a betting man , and with sports betting legalized here in Colorado , I would make sure to put some coin down on a first game homer from Tebow in 2020 .
Just don ’ t bet on Tebow playing in the field , as he is not known for his glove .
The former Heisman Trophy winner looks like Magellan without a map in the outfield .
With the season already lost , # Tebow2020 might not be a bad idea for the Metropolitans .
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The 2020 Major League Baseball season got hit hard when the coronavirus pandemic shuttered sports across America in March.
With the NHL and NBA set to finish the 2019-20 seasons, baseball is looking to start theirs with opening day taking place July 23 or 24.
Now that the American Legion-style summer schedule set, one player might benefit from the short season’s unique rules: Tim Tebow. Yes, Tebow is still an outfielder in the New York Mets organization. With the cancellation of all minor league games this year, his best hope to play pro ball is if he gets the call to Citi Field.
Even though Tebow isn’t currently on the Mets’ 60-man pool roster, he could still get called up if needed — though his chances are slim to none, with slim having one foot out the door.
The only reason we may see this happen is due to the designated hitter being approved for use in the National League. Baseball purists are upset about the changes commissioner Rob Manfred has made over the years, but watching Tebow play MLB games would be a joy.
If I were a betting man, and with sports betting legalized here in Colorado, I would make sure to put some coin down on a first game homer from Tebow in 2020. Just don’t bet on Tebow playing in the field, as he is not known for his glove. The former Heisman Trophy winner looks like Magellan without a map in the outfield.
With the season already lost, #Tebow2020 might not be a bad idea for the Metropolitans.
— Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post
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thedenverpost--2020-07-02--Fourth of July forecast: Storms, flood threat for Front Range

You ’ ve been warned : The Fourth of July forecast isn ’ t looking as good as it could along the Front Range .
While many fireworks displays are already canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic , any remaining outdoor displays across Colorado could be in jeopardy due to slow-moving showers and thunderstorms .
The threat of flooding is also elevated this weekend .
Temperatures will likely reach 90 degrees or above in Denver on Friday , Saturday and Sunday , and there is a chance for afternoon showers and storms on all three days .
More significantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fourth of July ( and on Friday and Sunday ) will have an added heavy rain and flood risk to them .
The jet stream will be well north of Colorado this weekend , and with lighter winds at the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere , there won ’ t be much pushing along storms that do develop .
Meanwhile , a southeasterly wind will draw up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico .
That moisture could well maximize on Saturday as a ridge of high pressure strengthens over the Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setup could be compared to a train car off a track ; a lack of steering currents mean that this weekend ’ s storms will likely sit and douse areas for a prolonged period .
That ’ s different from more typical eastern Colorado afternoon thunderstorms , which tend to move relatively quickly .
“ These storms will be slow moving and capable of producing moderate to heavy rain , ” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote on Tuesday about the possible Fourth of July storms .
“ This will cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours on Saturday.
” Slow-moving storms will also be in place across the mountains as well , though the highest risk for stormy weather will be along the Continental Divide and points east .
If you are camping this weekend , flood-prone and low-lying spots near creeks , streams and rivers should probably be avoided .
Historically , Denver ’ s chances of seeing wet weather on the Fourth of July are relatively slim .
Only about a quarter ( 26 % ) of Denver ’ s Fourth of Julys have featured measurable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fourth did feature nearly a quarter inch of rainfall from an afternoon storm .
Denver ’ s average high on the Fourth of July is 87 degrees , with an average low of 59 .
This year looks to be warmer than that , though stormy weather could be the big weather story this weekend .

You’ve been warned: The Fourth of July forecast isn’t looking as good as it could along the Front Range.
While many fireworks displays are already canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, any remaining outdoor displays across Colorado could be in jeopardy due to slow-moving showers and thunderstorms. The threat of flooding is also elevated this weekend.
Temperatures will likely reach 90 degrees or above in Denver on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and there is a chance for afternoon showers and storms on all three days.
More significantly, any storms that do develop on the Fourth of July (and on Friday and Sunday) will have an added heavy rain and flood risk to them.
The jet stream will be well north of Colorado this weekend, and with lighter winds at the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere, there won’t be much pushing along storms that do develop.
Meanwhile, a southeasterly wind will draw up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. That moisture could well maximize on Saturday as a ridge of high pressure strengthens over the Four Corners.
This weekend’s thunderstorm setup could be compared to a train car off a track; a lack of steering currents mean that this weekend’s storms will likely sit and douse areas for a prolonged period. That’s different from more typical eastern Colorado afternoon thunderstorms, which tend to move relatively quickly.
“These storms will be slow moving and capable of producing moderate to heavy rain,” the National Weather Service office in Boulder wrote on Tuesday about the possible Fourth of July storms. “This will cause flooding concerns to increase into the evening hours on Saturday.”
Slow-moving storms will also be in place across the mountains as well, though the highest risk for stormy weather will be along the Continental Divide and points east. If you are camping this weekend, flood-prone and low-lying spots near creeks, streams and rivers should probably be avoided.
Historically, Denver’s chances of seeing wet weather on the Fourth of July are relatively slim. Only about a quarter (26%) of Denver’s Fourth of Julys have featured measurable precipitation, though last year’s Fourth did feature nearly a quarter inch of rainfall from an afternoon storm.
Denver’s average high on the Fourth of July is 87 degrees, with an average low of 59. This year looks to be warmer than that, though stormy weather could be the big weather story this weekend.


thedenverpost--2020-07-02--Ask Amy: Job interviews by phone are not an easy call

Dear Amy : I ’ m about to have my second phone interview .
Pre-pandemic , when interviews were in person , I took great pride in showing off my good people skills and confident demeanor .
I enjoyed courteously greeting my interviewers , flashing a big smile , and delivering a solid handshake .
I spent many years in customer service so I know how to smile over the phone , but how do I compensate for all the other stuff ?
Do you have any advice for tackling phone interviews ?
Dear Living : My own experience with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was receding long before the pandemic hit .
Depending on the career , typically job candidates are expected to take online personality tests , write essays describing the color of their parachute , and then go through at least two phone interviews — before graduating to a Skype call .
And yes , it can be very challenging to hit all the right notes when you can ’ t rely on facial expressions and body language .
My advice is that you do your homework , researching the company you wish to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Understand and write down key metrics applicable to the job .
Connect with the interviewer ( if possible ) on LinkedIn or other social media .
Have your resume printed out and in front of you .
Bring notes to the call .
Start by listening — the person interviewing you will set the stage .
Keep any personal anecdotes short .
Relate specific positive job experiences that will enhance your application ( “ I dealt with a version of that at my previous company .
Here ’ s what we did… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( sigh ) your greatest weakness or most regrettable failure .
( Note : “ I care too much and work too hard ” is not an answer . )
Ask an industry-specific question based on your research ( or on something the interviewer has told you ) .
Connect any outside applicable experiences that may be interesting , memorable , or quirky ( I used to be a lounge singer – and no matter my professional qualifications , this is what interviewers are always most curious about ) .
End the call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has really been a pleasure to talk to you ; what are the next steps in the process ?
” Wait a couple of hours and send a ( short ) “ thank you ” email , referencing back to at least one detail from the interview .
Express your sincere enthusiasm for the position .
End with “ I look forward to hearing from you.
” And then – the waiting begins .
Dear Amy : I am currently engaged to a man I would call my Prince Charming .
I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would get that happy girl crush all over again .
The problem is , I ’ m scared of getting married .
Before him , I was previously engaged and got dumped four months before our wedding .
I do want to get married to him , but I ’ m scared that I will be reliving the whole thing over again .
Also , we don ’ t live together , as I am also scared about moving in together due to what happened before him .
What should I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can understand that as long as you let your previous experience control you , you are basically letting your ex live your life for you .
The idea is to learn from your experiences and mistakes , without having to relive them on a loop .
For now , take marriage off the table – removing the pressure that seems to be weighing you down .
Being left is definitely personally traumatic ( been there , got the T-shirt ) .
Counseling would help you to own your fears , without making your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that no one is guaranteed a fairy tale , but the way toward a happy ending commences one step at a time .
You could perhaps make some progress if you agreed to stay with your fiance for a two-week trial ( having an end-date for cohabitation might make the first step easier ) .
Dear Amy : “ Untexted in Texas ” said that her husband texted an old friend from high school many times a day .
My ex-wife texts me frequently , even though she ’ s happily re-married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known each other for almost 40 years and she cares how I ’ m doing , especially since I live alone .
If “ Untexted ” has a good relationship with her husband , she should trust him until he gives her a reason to not trust him .
If she doesn ’ t have a good relationship , she should work on that first .
Dear Texted : “ Untexted ” ’ s husband gave her a good reason not to trust him , by being secretive about his texting habit .

Dear Amy: I’m about to have my second phone interview.
Pre-pandemic, when interviews were in person, I took great pride in showing off my good people skills and confident demeanor. I enjoyed courteously greeting my interviewers, flashing a big smile, and delivering a solid handshake. I spent many years in customer service so I know how to smile over the phone, but how do I compensate for all the other stuff?
Do you have any advice for tackling phone interviews?
— Living the New Normal
Dear Living: My own experience with job hunting is that the in-person interview was receding long before the pandemic hit. Depending on the career, typically job candidates are expected to take online personality tests, write essays describing the color of their parachute, and then go through at least two phone interviews — before graduating to a Skype call. And yes, it can be very challenging to hit all the right notes when you can’t rely on facial expressions and body language.
My advice is that you do your homework, researching the company you wish to join and the job description of the position. Understand and write down key metrics applicable to the job. Connect with the interviewer (if possible) on LinkedIn or other social media.
Have your resume printed out and in front of you. Bring notes to the call.
Start by listening — the person interviewing you will set the stage. Keep any personal anecdotes short.
Relate specific positive job experiences that will enhance your application (“I dealt with a version of that at my previous company. Here’s what we did…”).
Be prepared to discuss (sigh) your greatest weakness or most regrettable failure. (Note: “I care too much and work too hard” is not an answer.)
Ask an industry-specific question based on your research (or on something the interviewer has told you).
Connect any outside applicable experiences that may be interesting, memorable, or quirky (I used to be a lounge singer – and no matter my professional qualifications, this is what interviewers are always most curious about).
End the call on a positive note: “It has really been a pleasure to talk to you; what are the next steps in the process?”
Wait a couple of hours and send a (short) “thank you” email, referencing back to at least one detail from the interview. Express your sincere enthusiasm for the position. End with “I look forward to hearing from you.”
And then – the waiting begins.
Dear Amy: I am currently engaged to a man I would call my Prince Charming.
I love him. When I see him, I would get that happy girl crush all over again.
The problem is, I’m scared of getting married.
Before him, I was previously engaged and got dumped four months before our wedding.
I do want to get married to him, but I’m scared that I will be reliving the whole thing over again.
Also, we don’t live together, as I am also scared about moving in together due to what happened before him. What should I do?
— Worried
Dear Worried: I hope you can understand that as long as you let your previous experience control you, you are basically letting your ex live your life for you.
The idea is to learn from your experiences and mistakes, without having to relive them on a loop. For now, take marriage off the table – removing the pressure that seems to be weighing you down.
Being left is definitely personally traumatic (been there, got the T-shirt). Counseling would help you to own your fears, without making your fiancé pay.
It is a true fact that no one is guaranteed a fairy tale, but the way toward a happy ending commences one step at a time. You could perhaps make some progress if you agreed to stay with your fiance for a two-week trial (having an end-date for cohabitation might make the first step easier).
Dear Amy: “Untexted in Texas” said that her husband texted an old friend from high school many times a day.
My ex-wife texts me frequently, even though she’s happily re-married to someone else. We’ve known each other for almost 40 years and she cares how I’m doing, especially since I live alone.
If “Untexted” has a good relationship with her husband, she should trust him until he gives her a reason to not trust him. If she doesn’t have a good relationship, she should work on that first.
— Texted
Dear Texted: “Untexted”’s husband gave her a good reason not to trust him, by being secretive about his texting habit.
(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--2020-07-03--Kiszla: The maddening case of why Nuggets coach Michael Malone doesn’t play Michael Porter Jr.

When idle hours pass as slowly as weeks , 114 days can seem like eternity .
Are the 114 days since the NBA was shut down by a nasty virus sufficient time for Nuggets coach Michael Malone to remember the forgotten man on the Denver bench ?
When the Nuggets get back in business , will Porter get meaningful work in the NBA playoffs ?
“ Mike has got all the talent in the world , ” Malone said .
So why do the Nuggets let Porter consistently collect dust on the bench ?
It drives me nuts .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pros , there are few things a coach dislikes more than griping about playing time .
So forgive me for sounding like a helicopter parent Porter doesn ’ t need , as I shout : Put him in , coach !
How ’ s MPJ going to get better if he doesn ’ t play ?
Give the kid a chance !
I thump a big bass drum so incessantly for Porter the ears of Malone probably ache .
But Malone knows I respect his coaching .
So I laud him for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But enough of the pleasantries .
Let ’ s get back to griping .
Why the Nuggets organization refuses to see Porter has more raw talent than anybody on the roster not named Nikola Jokic is so baffling as to border on basketball malpractice .
“ There ’ s a good chance he ’ s going to get a chance to play in these playoffs , ” Malone said .
“ And I ’ ll look forward to see how he handles that , being his first time going through it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a chance ?
A chance of a chance ?
Well , that ’ s encouraging , even if there were so many qualifiers in Malone ’ s response , his evaluation of Porter sounded more calculated than enthusiastic to my ears .
Here ’ s the vibe I get : Although Porter celebrated his 22nd birthday earlier this week , making him young by NBA standards , the Nuggets do seem to treat him more like a child than a man .
A child that has yet to earn the coach ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I suspect run deeper than the defensive lapses that cause Malone ire .
While members of the organization humbly brag about how savvy it was to gamble on Porter ’ s immense talent and sketchy injury history with the 14th overall pick of the 2018 draft , after more than two years , the Nuggets continue to use him as cautiously as a 1988 Plymouth Reliant station wagon .
OK for short jaunts to the grocery store .
But reliable for the long , bumpy road that is the NBA postseason ?
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of guard Gary Harris , a defensive specialist whose D is overrated inside the Pepsi Center and whose shooting has often been a liability , the coach hesitates to offer Porter a full-scale endorsement as a major contributor when the Nuggets resume play Aug. 1 .
“ It ’ s tough to say anything right now , because I haven ’ t seen any of our players play in three months , ” replied Malone , when I tried to get a grip on Porter ’ s place in a crowded frontcourt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grant and Mason Plumlee .
“ Michael Porter , going into the all-star break , was playing great basketball for us .
Hurt his ankle , obviously , in the Milwaukee game .
Then coming out of the break , never returned to the form he had been playing at , in large part because of that injury not allowing him to play to his capabilities.
” The lone month in which Porter was given regular playing time was January , when he averaged 21.4 minutes , 12.3 points and 6.9 rebounds while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from beyond the 3-point arc for a team whose shooting is known to be spotty .
Denver ’ s record in January : 11-4 .
When the NBA resumes play in the Florida bubble , Malone should treat the eight games remaining in the regular-season schedule as a full-scale experiment for MPJ .
Give him 20 minutes .
Every game .
Without fail .
Let Porter play through mistakes and find out if he can be the X-factor in the playoffs for a team whose odds of winning a championship are a longshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most coaches is to lean on veteran players when the going gets tough , the status of contracts with Millsap , Grant and Plumlee makes their futures in Denver murky , at best .
While the Nuggets stubbornly try to rationalize a $ 90 million investment in Millsap until the very end and also show Grant enough love to make him seriously consider re-upping with the team for next season , it ’ s easy for Porter ’ s minutes to get lost in the shuffle .
The Nuggets , however , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , rather than a team built to win a championship now .
Porter is the future of this team .
Let ’ s get on with it .

When idle hours pass as slowly as weeks, 114 days can seem like eternity. Are the 114 days since the NBA was shut down by a nasty virus sufficient time for Nuggets coach Michael Malone to remember the forgotten man on the Denver bench?
Michael Porter Jr.
Remember him?
When the Nuggets get back in business, will Porter get meaningful work in the NBA playoffs?
“Mike has got all the talent in the world,” Malone said.
So why do the Nuggets let Porter consistently collect dust on the bench? It drives me nuts. How about you?
From the peewees to the pros, there are few things a coach dislikes more than griping about playing time. So forgive me for sounding like a helicopter parent Porter doesn’t need, as I shout:
Put him in, coach! How’s MPJ going to get better if he doesn’t play? Give the kid a chance!
I thump a big bass drum so incessantly for Porter the ears of Malone probably ache. But Malone knows I respect his coaching. So I laud him for his patience with my whining about MPJ.
But enough of the pleasantries. Let’s get back to griping. Why the Nuggets organization refuses to see Porter has more raw talent than anybody on the roster not named Nikola Jokic is so baffling as to border on basketball malpractice.
“There’s a good chance he’s going to get a chance to play in these playoffs,” Malone said. “And I’ll look forward to see how he handles that, being his first time going through it.”
So you’re saying there’s a chance? A chance of a chance? Well, that’s encouraging, even if there were so many qualifiers in Malone’s response, his evaluation of Porter sounded more calculated than enthusiastic to my ears.
Here’s the vibe I get: Although Porter celebrated his 22nd birthday earlier this week, making him young by NBA standards, the Nuggets do seem to treat him more like a child than a man. A child that has yet to earn the coach’s trust and respect, for reasons I suspect run deeper than the defensive lapses that cause Malone ire.
While members of the organization humbly brag about how savvy it was to gamble on Porter’s immense talent and sketchy injury history with the 14th overall pick of the 2018 draft, after more than two years, the Nuggets continue to use him as cautiously as a 1988 Plymouth Reliant station wagon. OK for short jaunts to the grocery store. But reliable for the long, bumpy road that is the NBA postseason?
While Malone regularly goes to the wall in support of guard Gary Harris, a defensive specialist whose D is overrated inside the Pepsi Center and whose shooting has often been a liability, the coach hesitates to offer Porter a full-scale endorsement as a major contributor when the Nuggets resume play Aug. 1.
“It’s tough to say anything right now, because I haven’t seen any of our players play in three months,” replied Malone, when I tried to get a grip on Porter’s place in a crowded frontcourt rotation that includes Paul Millsap, Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee.
“Michael Porter, going into the all-star break, was playing great basketball for us. Hurt his ankle, obviously, in the Milwaukee game. Then coming out of the break, never returned to the form he had been playing at, in large part because of that injury not allowing him to play to his capabilities.”
The lone month in which Porter was given regular playing time was January, when he averaged 21.4 minutes, 12.3 points and 6.9 rebounds while making 48 percent of his field-goal attempts from beyond the 3-point arc for a team whose shooting is known to be spotty. Denver’s record in January: 11-4.
When the NBA resumes play in the Florida bubble, Malone should treat the eight games remaining in the regular-season schedule as a full-scale experiment for MPJ. Give him 20 minutes. Every game. Without fail.
Let Porter play through mistakes and find out if he can be the X-factor in the playoffs for a team whose odds of winning a championship are a longshot 30-1.
While the natural inclination of most coaches is to lean on veteran players when the going gets tough, the status of contracts with Millsap, Grant and Plumlee makes their futures in Denver murky, at best. While the Nuggets stubbornly try to rationalize a $90 million investment in Millsap until the very end and also show Grant enough love to make him seriously consider re-upping with the team for next season, it’s easy for Porter’s minutes to get lost in the shuffle.
The Nuggets, however, are a team building for the next five years, rather than a team built to win a championship now.
Porter is the future of this team.
Let’s get on with it.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--NFL to play Black anthem before national anthem, AP source says

“ Lift Ev ’ ry Voice and Sing ” will be performed live or played before “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” prior to each NFL game during Week 1 and the league is considering putting names of victims of police brutality on helmet decals or jersey patches , a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press .
The person said the league is working collaboratively with players to recognize victims of systemic racism throughout the season in a variety of ways .
The person spoke to the AP on Thursday on condition of anonymity because discussions between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing .
Additional plans include the use of educational programs and storytelling about the victims and their families similar to the league ’ s PSA on Botham Jean released in January and the Super Bowl commercial on Corey Jones featuring his cousin , former NFL star Anquan Boldin .
“ Lift Ev ’ ry Voice and Sing ” is traditionally known as the Black anthem .
It ’ ll be played first when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans to kick off the NFL regular season on Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans will be in attendance Week 1 or at all this season because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The league is considering asking fans to sign a waiver and wear masks , according to a person familiar with those conversations .
The NFL announced last month it is committing $ 250 million over 10 years to social justice initiatives , targeting systemic racism and supporting “ the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans.
” Following the nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd , NFL Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted greatly by a players ’ video seeking NFL action .

“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” will be performed live or played before “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to each NFL game during Week 1 and the league is considering putting names of victims of police brutality on helmet decals or jersey patches, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press.
The person said the league is working collaboratively with players to recognize victims of systemic racism throughout the season in a variety of ways. The person spoke to the AP on Thursday on condition of anonymity because discussions between the league and the NFL Players Association are ongoing.
Additional plans include the use of educational programs and storytelling about the victims and their families similar to the league’s PSA on Botham Jean released in January and the Super Bowl commercial on Corey Jones featuring his cousin, former NFL star Anquan Boldin.
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” is traditionally known as the Black anthem. It’ll be played first when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans to kick off the NFL regular season on Sept. 10.
It’s uncertain whether fans will be in attendance Week 1 or at all this season because of the coronavirus pandemic. The league is considering asking fans to sign a waiver and wear masks, according to a person familiar with those conversations.
The NFL announced last month it is committing $250 million over 10 years to social justice initiatives, targeting systemic racism and supporting “the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans.”
Following the nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell denounced racism in a video prompted greatly by a players’ video seeking NFL action.


thedenverpost--2020-07-02--As coronavirus surges, Pac-12 prepares for all football scenarios, including a spring season

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Thursday that the conference is prepared to pivot quickly to alternate football scenarios in the event a 12-game regular season can not start on time because of the coronavirus surge .
That possibility seemingly is growing more real by the week .
“ I was cautiously optimistic … but the last couple weeks have changed everyone ’ s outlook because of the extent to which restarting the economy and loosening restrictions has led to significant outbreaks , ” Scott told the Hotline .
“ I still want to be cautiously optimistic , but if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s response and behavior , which results in a quick flattening of the curve and a decrease in the spread of the virus , that would lead to a much more pessimistic view about our campuses being able to open and our ability to play college sports.
” Scott speaks “ practically every morning ” with other Power Five commissioners and indicated the conferences have remained aligned in their outlooks and planning for the fall .
Thus far , the Power Five has declined to place a “ hard and fast deadline ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It could be in the next week that we make a clear pivot , or three weeks from now — either individual schools , conferences or the collective , ” Scott said .
“ Or we could keep putting one foot in front of the other and things start to look better.
” The Pac-12 has modeled what Scott described as “ very solid scenarios ” for the season , including : — Moving the season to the spring “ We could turn on a dime because of all the legwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott said , adding that other Power Five conference are having similar conversations internally .
And yes , there have been discussions at the highest levels of Pac-12 power — among the presidents and chancellors — about the potential for some teams to compete this fall and some to shut down .
“ There are scenarios where we move as a conference together , ” Scott said , “ and scenarios where not everyone can but most can .
“ To be clear , I ’ m not saying we would go in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underscore that we ’ re looking at everything.
” Ultimately , the decision hinges on the broader state of affairs on campus .
The Pac-12 has maintained throughout the sports shutdown that it would only field football teams in the fall if the campuses were deemed safe for student activity .
Scott ’ s cautious optimism in May was rooted in a series of announcements by Pac-12 presidents that they intended to open campus , with many using a hybrid model of in-person and online instruction .
But the coronavirus surges in Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have darkened the mood .
Arizona president Robert Robbins said last week that if current conditions persisted , he wouldn ’ t open campus for the fall .
On Monday , the Wildcats announced they had paused their football re-entry process — the only Pac-12 program thus far to suspend voluntary workouts .
The issue wasn ’ t an internal outbreak : Arizona has tested 83 athletes , with only one positive .
Rather , Robbins was concerned about rising coronavirus prevalence in Pima County .
Unlike the NBA , college football programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubble .
The greatest risk lies away from football functions — when they are on campus and in the community .
“ There is growing data that suggests playing sports may not be that risky , given what we see from European soccer and some studies , ” Scott said .
“ The much bigger issue is what the student athletes , and all students , are doing when they ’ re back on campus.
” Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert !
— just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
Click here .
And thanks for your loyalty .
*** Send suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Thursday that the conference is prepared to pivot quickly to alternate football scenarios in the event a 12-game regular season cannot start on time because of the coronavirus surge.
That possibility seemingly is growing more real by the week.
“I was cautiously optimistic … but the last couple weeks have changed everyone’s outlook because of the extent to which restarting the economy and loosening restrictions has led to significant outbreaks,” Scott told the Hotline.
“I still want to be cautiously optimistic, but if there’s no change in society’s response and behavior, which results in a quick flattening of the curve and a decrease in the spread of the virus, that would lead to a much more pessimistic view about our campuses being able to open and our ability to play college sports.”
Scott speaks “practically every morning” with other Power Five commissioners and indicated the conferences have remained aligned in their outlooks and planning for the fall.
Thus far, the Power Five has declined to place a “hard and fast deadline” for a decision on the regular season.
“It could be in the next week that we make a clear pivot, or three weeks from now — either individual schools, conferences or the collective,” Scott said.
“Or we could keep putting one foot in front of the other and things start to look better.”
The Pac-12 has modeled what Scott described as “very solid scenarios” for the season, including:
— Playing all 12 games as scheduled
— A delayed start
— Conference-only schedules
— Moving the season to the spring
“We could turn on a dime because of all the legwork we’ve put in,” Scott said, adding that other Power Five conference are having similar conversations internally.
And yes, there have been discussions at the highest levels of Pac-12 power — among the presidents and chancellors — about the potential for some teams to compete this fall and some to shut down.
“There are scenarios where we move as a conference together,” Scott said, “and scenarios where not everyone can but most can.
“To be clear, I’m not saying we would go in that direction. I just want to underscore that we’re looking at everything.”
Ultimately, the decision hinges on the broader state of affairs on campus.
The Pac-12 has maintained throughout the sports shutdown that it would only field football teams in the fall if the campuses were deemed safe for student activity.
Scott’s cautious optimism in May was rooted in a series of announcements by Pac-12 presidents that they intended to open campus, with many using a hybrid model of in-person and online instruction.
But the coronavirus surges in Arizona and Southern California, in particular, have darkened the mood.
Arizona president Robert Robbins said last week that if current conditions persisted, he wouldn’t open campus for the fall.
On Monday, the Wildcats announced they had paused their football re-entry process — the only Pac-12 program thus far to suspend voluntary workouts.
The issue wasn’t an internal outbreak: Arizona has tested 83 athletes, with only one positive.
(Those results mirror data from other schools.)
Rather, Robbins was concerned about rising coronavirus prevalence in Pima County.
Unlike the NBA, college football programs cannot put their players in a bubble. The greatest risk lies away from football functions — when they are on campus and in the community.
“There is growing data that suggests playing sports may not be that risky, given what we see from European soccer and some studies,” Scott said.
“The much bigger issue is what the student athletes, and all students, are doing when they’re back on campus.”
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert! — just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


thedenverpost--2020-07-02--Colorado Air National Guard to conduct jet flyovers to celebrate July 4

The Colorado Air National Guard will conduct fighter jet flyovers across the state Saturday in celebration of July 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ will fly F-16s out of Aurora ’ s Buckley Air Force Base , according to @ @ @ @ @ It is truly a privilege to support our local communities in their Independence Day celebrations @ @ @ @ @ Micah Fesler , commander of the 140th Wing , said in the release .
“ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ sound of freedom ’ and take a moment to reflect on the things that @ @ @ @ @ as well as the powerful words drafted into our Declaration of Independence.
” The aircraft @ @ @ @ @ the above locations .
The flyovers are conducted at no additional cost to taxpayers and @ @ @ @ @ , the release said .
Coloradans are urged to wear face coverings and maintain social @ @ @ @ @ .

The Colorado Air National Guard will conduct fighter jet flyovers across the state Saturday in celebration of July 4.
Pilots with the 140th Wing will fly F-16s out of Aurora’s Buckley Air Force Base, according to a news release.
“It is truly a privilege to support our local communities in their Independence Day celebrations,” Air Force Col. Micah Fesler, commander of the 140th Wing, said in the release. “We hope Coloradans hear the ‘sound of freedom’ and take a moment to reflect on the things that unite us a Nation, as well as the powerful words drafted into our Declaration of Independence.”
Locations and approximate times of aircraft flyovers include:
Monument, 9:51 a.m.
Lake City, 10:32 a.m.
Redstone, 10:42 a.m.
Westminster, 11:14 a.m.
Parker, 11:19 a.m.
The aircraft also will be visible between the above locations.
The flyovers are conducted at no additional cost to taxpayers and serve as training for pilots, the release said. Coloradans are urged to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing while observing the flyovers.