thedenverpost--2020-07-03--Hickenlooper criticized for wearing Native American headdresses at Wyoming hunt

U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper has faced criticism in the days leading up to the primary election for attending , on at least five occasions , a Wyoming antelope hunt at which white men wear Native American headdresses .
Native American activists accused Hickenlooper , a former Democratic governor , of engaging in “ red face ” after photos from the 2018 One Shot Antelope Hunt spread online .
As part of the annual hunt , which dates back to 1939 and historically has involved only white men , hunters are given an “ Indian name ” and a medicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warbonnet and losers wear a woman ’ s headscarf .
“ Gov .
Hickenlooper displayed an unacceptable lack of judgement in choosing to participate in this event , while disrespecting indigenous women and appropriating traditional dress of Native peoples , ” wrote activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez in a recent open letter online .
After easily winning Tuesday ’ s Democratic primary , Hickenlooper will face Sen. Cory Gardner , a Yuma Republican , in November .
Ammar Moussa , a spokesman for Hickenlooper , says criticisms of Hickenlooper ’ s participation in the antelope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to misrepresent his respect for Native American people and their traditions .
Hickenlooper was the first Colorado governor to apologize for the Sand Creek Massacre , Moussa noted .
“ This was a longstanding , traditional hunt , ” Hickenlooper told Colorado Public Radio on Thursday .
“ The headdress was placed on my head by the hunt chief , Chief Shoyo .
Had I not allowed him to do that , he would have been offended .
It was a very complicated situation.
” He said he will not go to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized Eastern Shoshone Tribe of Wyoming preside over some elements of the One Shot Antelope Hunt closing ceremony , including the presentation of headdresses .
Alejandra Robinson , a spokeswoman for the tribe , said respected elders take part but there are mixed feelings about the ceremony among tribal members .
“ I would say most tribal members find it disrespectful to place a warbonnet on a hunt winner — as he is white — but there isn ’ t a big outcry or huge opposition , probably because it ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That ’ s me speculating.
” One detail that is unclear is whether women at the One Shot Antelope Hunt are still called “ squaws , ” now considered to be a racial slur .
Press reports suggest the term may have been used as recently as 2013 , when former Vice President Dick Cheney reportedly said losers must “ dance with an Indian squaw ” after the hunt .
Organizers of the event did not comment when asked if the word is still used .
“ Our people have enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One Shot and we have a lot of fun poking fun at the hunters by giving them official Shoshone Indian names and having the celebration after the hunt where we honor the successful hunters , ” said Arlen Shoyo , the Shoshone elder who takes part in the event .
The statement from Shoyo was provided by the Hickenlooper campaign .
A 2012 episode of “ Wyoming Chronicle , ” a public broadcasting show , shows Hickenlooper dressed in a pink headscarf and standing next to then-Wyoming Gov .
Matt Mead .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shuffle their feet alongside female tribal members in an apparent Native American dance .
“ It looks like he ’ s playing along with other non-Native men , making fun of and mocking Native women , ” said Crystal Echo Hawk , a Coloradan and CEO of IllumiNative , a nonprofit which combats negative narratives and stereotypes about Natives in media .
“ It is so deeply hurtful at a time when we are , as Native people , dealing with an epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic National Committee and the first Native American to be appointed a U.S. ambassador , called it “ a very bad look ” for Hickenlooper on Twitter .
And the Association of American Indian Affairs shared criticisms of Hickenlooper on its social media accounts as well .
Hickenlooper ’ s teams lost the hunt in 2011 , 2012 and 2015 but he was on a winning team in 2016 and 2018 , according to the event ’ s website .
His predecessor , former Democratic Gov .
Bill Ritter , competed in 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 15 Colorado governors , 11 competed in the antelope hunt at least once .
“ I ’ m a great believer that it is very important to be competitive on the little things , so you can collaborate and work together on the big things , ” Hickenlooper told an interviewer during the 2012 television episode , when referring to a long-running rivalry between the governors of Colorado and Wyoming .
Republican Bill Owens , who was in office from 1999 to 2007 , was the last Colorado governor to not attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Monday that his nonattendance was unrelated to the alleged “ red face ” behavior there .

U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper has faced criticism in the days leading up to the primary election for attending, on at least five occasions, a Wyoming antelope hunt at which white men wear Native American headdresses.
Native American activists accused Hickenlooper, a former Democratic governor, of engaging in “red face” after photos from the 2018 One Shot Antelope Hunt spread online. As part of the annual hunt, which dates back to 1939 and historically has involved only white men, hunters are given an “Indian name” and a medicine bag. Winners are presented with a warbonnet and losers wear a woman’s headscarf.
“Gov. Hickenlooper displayed an unacceptable lack of judgement in choosing to participate in this event, while disrespecting indigenous women and appropriating traditional dress of Native peoples,” wrote activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez in a recent open letter online.
After easily winning Tuesday’s Democratic primary, Hickenlooper will face Sen. Cory Gardner, a Yuma Republican, in November. Ammar Moussa, a spokesman for Hickenlooper, says criticisms of Hickenlooper’s participation in the antelope hunt are “deeply disappointing” attempts to misrepresent his respect for Native American people and their traditions. Hickenlooper was the first Colorado governor to apologize for the Sand Creek Massacre, Moussa noted.
“This was a longstanding, traditional hunt,” Hickenlooper told Colorado Public Radio on Thursday. “The headdress was placed on my head by the hunt chief, Chief Shoyo. Had I not allowed him to do that, he would have been offended. It was a very complicated situation.” He said he will not go to the hunt again.
Elders in the federally recognized Eastern Shoshone Tribe of Wyoming preside over some elements of the One Shot Antelope Hunt closing ceremony, including the presentation of headdresses. Alejandra Robinson, a spokeswoman for the tribe, said respected elders take part but there are mixed feelings about the ceremony among tribal members.
“I would say most tribal members find it disrespectful to place a warbonnet on a hunt winner — as he is white — but there isn’t a big outcry or huge opposition, probably because it’s been happening for years,” she said. “That’s me speculating.”
One detail that is unclear is whether women at the One Shot Antelope Hunt are still called “squaws,” now considered to be a racial slur. Press reports suggest the term may have been used as recently as 2013, when former Vice President Dick Cheney reportedly said losers must “dance with an Indian squaw” after the hunt. Organizers of the event did not comment when asked if the word is still used.
“Our people have enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship with the One Shot and we have a lot of fun poking fun at the hunters by giving them official Shoshone Indian names and having the celebration after the hunt where we honor the successful hunters,” said Arlen Shoyo, the Shoshone elder who takes part in the event. The statement from Shoyo was provided by the Hickenlooper campaign.
A 2012 episode of “Wyoming Chronicle,” a public broadcasting show, shows Hickenlooper dressed in a pink headscarf and standing next to then-Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead. The two, along with other hunt participants, shuffle their feet alongside female tribal members in an apparent Native American dance.
“It looks like he’s playing along with other non-Native men, making fun of and mocking Native women,” said Crystal Echo Hawk, a Coloradan and CEO of IllumiNative, a nonprofit which combats negative narratives and stereotypes about Natives in media. “It is so deeply hurtful at a time when we are, as Native people, dealing with an epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.”
Keith Michael Harper, a member of Democratic National Committee and the first Native American to be appointed a U.S. ambassador, called it “a very bad look” for Hickenlooper on Twitter. And the Association of American Indian Affairs shared criticisms of Hickenlooper on its social media accounts as well.
Hickenlooper’s teams lost the hunt in 2011, 2012 and 2015 but he was on a winning team in 2016 and 2018, according to the event’s website. His predecessor, former Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter, competed in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Of the past 15 Colorado governors, 11 competed in the antelope hunt at least once.
“I’m a great believer that it is very important to be competitive on the little things, so you can collaborate and work together on the big things,” Hickenlooper told an interviewer during the 2012 television episode, when referring to a long-running rivalry between the governors of Colorado and Wyoming.
Republican Bill Owens, who was in office from 1999 to 2007, was the last Colorado governor to not attend the hunt at least once. He said Monday that his nonattendance was unrelated to the alleged “red face” behavior there.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--“What economic slowdown?” Metro Denver home sales surge in June as demand outstrips supply

Homebuyers in metro Denver made up for lost time in June , closing on 5,581 homes and condos and putting another 7,676 under contract , according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors .
The number of homes closed on in June rose 57.3 % from May and is down only 4.1 % from June 2019 levels , despite the ongoing pandemic .
Pending sales , or the number of homes put under contract , shot up 16.25 % from May and are up 27.4 % over the past year .
“ What economic slowdown ?
We aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jill Schafer , chairwoman of the DMAR Market Trends Committee , said in comments accompanying the monthly report .
What the market is seeing , she said , is limited supply and buyers anxious to take advantage of 30-year mortgage rates nearing 3 % .
That has given sellers more power in every segment of the market , with the exception of homes costing more than $ 1 million , where buyers have gained the upper hand .
Sellers listed 7,364 new properties on the market last month , close to the 7,620 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did a year earlier .
Apparently , it wasn ’ t enough to satisfy buyers .
The number of active listings at the end of June in metro Denver was 6,383 , down 11 % from May and nearly a third lower than year-ago levels .
The drop was more pronounced with single-family homes , where the inventory at the end of June was 40.4 % below year-ago levels .
Mike DelPrete , a real estate tech strategist based in Boulder , said in an email that inventories of homes for sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % to 40 % last month .
Sellers aren ’ t in hiding , they just can ’ t match the demand .
“ A drop in active listings isn ’ t necessarily a problem , but it ’ s a significant disruption to the market dynamics of supply and demand .
If the amount of active buyers remains constant , and the available inventory drops , house prices will rise , ” he said .
The median price for a single-family home that sold in June in metro Denver was $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from May and 3.04 % from June 2019 , according to DMAR .
The median price for a condo or townhome that sold was $ 325,000 , flat with May and up 4.8 % over the past year .
The strong activity came despite a continued ban on open houses last month .
The latest revisions to the state ’ s public health order will once again allow them — with gloves , masks , proper social distancing , log sheets and OSHA-approved ventilation , Schafer said .
Given how quickly homes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirements , agents may be more inclined to pass on them , she said .

Homebuyers in metro Denver made up for lost time in June, closing on 5,581 homes and condos and putting another 7,676 under contract, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.
The number of homes closed on in June rose 57.3% from May and is down only 4.1% from June 2019 levels, despite the ongoing pandemic. Pending sales, or the number of homes put under contract, shot up 16.25% from May and are up 27.4% over the past year.
“What economic slowdown? We aren’t seeing it in real estate,” Jill Schafer, chairwoman of the DMAR Market Trends Committee, said in comments accompanying the monthly report.
What the market is seeing, she said, is limited supply and buyers anxious to take advantage of 30-year mortgage rates nearing 3%. That has given sellers more power in every segment of the market, with the exception of homes costing more than $1 million, where buyers have gained the upper hand.
Sellers listed 7,364 new properties on the market last month, close to the 7,620 they did in May and the 7,577 they did a year earlier.
Apparently, it wasn’t enough to satisfy buyers. The number of active listings at the end of June in metro Denver was 6,383, down 11% from May and nearly a third lower than year-ago levels. The drop was more pronounced with single-family homes, where the inventory at the end of June was 40.4% below year-ago levels.
Mike DelPrete, a real estate tech strategist based in Boulder, said in an email that inventories of homes for sales in metros across the U.S. were down 20% to 40% last month. Sellers aren’t in hiding, they just can’t match the demand.
“A drop in active listings isn’t necessarily a problem, but it’s a significant disruption to the market dynamics of supply and demand. If the amount of active buyers remains constant, and the available inventory drops, house prices will rise,” he said.
The median price for a single-family home that sold in June in metro Denver was $560,435, which is up 2.13% from May and 3.04% from June 2019, according to DMAR. The median price for a condo or townhome that sold was $325,000, flat with May and up 4.8% over the past year.
The strong activity came despite a continued ban on open houses last month. The latest revisions to the state’s public health order will once again allow them — with gloves, masks, proper social distancing, log sheets and OSHA-approved ventilation, Schafer said.
Given how quickly homes are selling anyway, and given the complicated requirements, agents may be more inclined to pass on them, she said.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--Ask Amy: Loyalty points don’t come with freelance work

Dear Amy : I did some contract work for a large corporation for three months last year , helping them to finish a large project .
Two weeks after starting there , I received a better offer from another company .
This offer had the possibility of going full time .
I turned the offer down because I had already made a commitment , and my boss would ’ ve been in a bind if I had left .
I told my boss about this and she thanked me for sticking around .
People praised my work and my boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later I applied for a full-time position with her company in another department , but I couldn ’ t get past the human resources screener .
My former boss ignored my emails asking her about this position , as well as my request to use her as a reference .
Out of all the people I worked with at her company , she ’ s the only one who refused a LinkedIn connection .
Should I send her an email , asking what ’ s going on , and why the change of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situations where I ’ ve received a better offer shortly after starting a new job , but loyalty is important to me and I always honor my commitments .
It ’ s a shame that others don ’ t reciprocate .
Dear Contractor : If you are a freelance contractor , your reputation ( and your paycheck ) rests on you completing the task for which you were hired .
Presumably , in accepting an assignment you have also tacitly agreed to a contract specifying the scope of the assignment .
Leaving before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freelance gig could lead you to being in breach .
The exception to this would be if you were offered a full-time position elsewhere .
If you couldn ’ t delay your start date , you might be forced to abandon your freelance assignment .
The reward for completing your assignment is that you were paid for the work you performed — not some imagined reciprocal arrangement where you are granted loyalty points for doing a good job .
That having been said , many a full-time position has grown from a freelance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peruse and pursue opportunities at companies where you have worked .
Yes , you could send another email to this manager , but NO , you should not frame this like , “ Why the change in attitude ?
” In your email , refresh the manager ’ s memory about who you are , and say , “ Sorry to be so persistent , but I ’ m interested in applying for a position in [ name the department ] .
I ’ m having trouble getting past the first round , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or suggestions that might help me to reach the right person.
” Dear Amy : I ’ m 52 years old , and have come to the realization that I just don ’ t like my family .
We ’ re getting to the point at which we will have to visit with people , mostly family from both my and my husband ’ s side .
I don ’ t want to see anyone , and I feel childish about it , but I just don ’ t like these people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of going ?
We ’ ve been able to use the “ quarantining ” response , but I think we ’ ll be in the green phase soon , and all bets are off .
Dear Help !
: You don ’ t say why you don ’ t like your family ( yours or his ) , but – given that you seem to not like a lot of people , you should at least spend some time in deep reflection to see if there are ways you contribute to the dynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at the age of 52 , you should not feel forced to spend time with anyone against your will .
You could start by sorting out your genuine obligations ( a family member ’ s illness , for instance ) , versus family pressure ( you “ having ” to go home for Thanksgiving because you ’ ve always done so in the past ) .
You should also be brave enough to create distance without relying on a handy pandemic to relieve you of spending time with people you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need excuses .
If you are pressured to visit someone , you can say , “ I just don ’ t want to do that right now.
” Dear Amy : I ’ m responding to the question from “ Exasperated Mom , ” who wondered how to motivate her teenagers to help around the house .
I told my teens they would have to do their own laundry .
For 10 days , there were no clean clothes .
Finally , I heard the oldest say to his brother , “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do this .
I think she ’ s serious .
”

Dear Amy: I did some contract work for a large corporation for three months last year, helping them to finish a large project. Two weeks after starting there, I received a better offer from another company. This offer had the possibility of going full time. I turned the offer down because I had already made a commitment, and my boss would’ve been in a bind if I had left. I told my boss about this and she thanked me for sticking around. People praised my work and my boss gave me a favorable review.
Months later I applied for a full-time position with her company in another department, but I couldn’t get past the human resources screener. My former boss ignored my emails asking her about this position, as well as my request to use her as a reference. Out of all the people I worked with at her company, she’s the only one who refused a LinkedIn connection.
Should I send her an email, asking what’s going on, and why the change of attitude?
I’ve had other situations where I’ve received a better offer shortly after starting a new job, but loyalty is important to me and I always honor my commitments. It’s a shame that others don’t reciprocate.
— The Contractor
Dear Contractor: If you are a freelance contractor, your reputation (and your paycheck) rests on you completing the task for which you were hired. Presumably, in accepting an assignment you have also tacitly agreed to a contract specifying the scope of the assignment. Leaving before you are done to accept a better-paying freelance gig could lead you to being in breach. The exception to this would be if you were offered a full-time position elsewhere. If you couldn’t delay your start date, you might be forced to abandon your freelance assignment.
The reward for completing your assignment is that you were paid for the work you performed — not some imagined reciprocal arrangement where you are granted loyalty points for doing a good job.
That having been said, many a full-time position has grown from a freelance assignment, and you are smart to peruse and pursue opportunities at companies where you have worked.
Yes, you could send another email to this manager, but NO, you should not frame this like, “Why the change in attitude?”
In your email, refresh the manager’s memory about who you are, and say, “Sorry to be so persistent, but I’m interested in applying for a position in [name the department]. I’m having trouble getting past the first round, and wonder if you have any ideas or suggestions that might help me to reach the right person.”
Dear Amy: I’m 52 years old, and have come to the realization that I just don’t like my family.
We’re getting to the point at which we will have to visit with people, mostly family from both my and my husband’s side.
I don’t want to see anyone, and I feel childish about it, but I just don’t like these people, so how do I elegantly get out of going?
We’ve been able to use the “quarantining” response, but I think we’ll be in the green phase soon, and all bets are off.
— Help!
Dear Help!: You don’t say why you don’t like your family (yours or his), but – given that you seem to not like a lot of people, you should at least spend some time in deep reflection to see if there are ways you contribute to the dynamic that you could perhaps change.
However, at the age of 52, you should not feel forced to spend time with anyone against your will. You could start by sorting out your genuine obligations (a family member’s illness, for instance), versus family pressure (you “having” to go home for Thanksgiving because you’ve always done so in the past).
You should also be brave enough to create distance without relying on a handy pandemic to relieve you of spending time with people you don’t like.
You don’t need excuses. If you are pressured to visit someone, you can say, “I just don’t want to do that right now.”
Dear Amy: I’m responding to the question from “Exasperated Mom,” who wondered how to motivate her teenagers to help around the house.
I told my teens they would have to do their own laundry. For 10 days, there were no clean clothes.
Finally, I heard the oldest say to his brother, “We’d better find out how to do this. I think she’s serious.”
— Great Memory!
Dear Great: Wonderful.
(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--Lakewood police ask for public’s help in finding missing 11-year-old boy

Police in Lakewood are looking for a missing 11-year-old boy who was last seen with his mother , who is @ @ @ @ @ custody order .
Aiden Casaus was last seen with his mother , 38-year-old Francheska Lee @ @ @ @ @ she picked him up at a friend ’ s house , police said in a @ @ @ @ @ not have custodial rights , according to police .
They most recently were known to @ @ @ @ @ Flores , who also uses the last name Bernal , has a warrant for her @ @ @ @ @ custody order .
Aiden is described as 4-foot-11 and about 80 pounds with dyed blonde @ @ @ @ @ Flores is about 4-foot-10 and 140 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ is asked to call Lakewood police at 303-987-7103 .

Police in Lakewood are looking for a missing 11-year-old boy who was last seen with his mother, who is wanted for violation of a custody order.
Aiden Casaus was last seen with his mother, 38-year-old Francheska Lee Flores, on Sunday when she picked him up at a friend’s house, police said in a news release.
Flores does not have custodial rights, according to police. They most recently were known to be in Colorado Springs.
Flores, who also uses the last name Bernal, has a warrant for her arrest for violation of a custody order.
Aiden is described as 4-foot-11 and about 80 pounds with dyed blonde hair and brown eyes. Flores is about 4-foot-10 and 140 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Lakewood police at 303-987-7103.


thedenverpost--2020-07-04--Rockies players report to Coors Field in better shape than expected, manager Bud Black says

The Rockies reported to summer camp Friday at Coors Field and manager Bud Black was pleased with what he saw .
The manager said that the players were “ maybe even in a little better ( shape ) than what the coaches and I thought they would be.
” The Rockies also are , apparently , in relatively good health regarding the coronavirus .
Three players , all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon and pitchers Phillip Diehl and Ryan Castellani , had all previously tested positive for COVID-19 .
But Black said that all of the players on the Rockies ’ 52-man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blackmon — are expected to practice Saturday when the team holds its first full-scale workouts .
Black added that Blackmon will have plenty of time to prepare for his job as Colorado ’ s starting right fielder before the 60-game season starts on July 23 or 24 .
Blackmon is also expected to see time as a designated hitter this year .
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Union announced Friday that 31 players tested positive for the virus , and said that seven staff members also tested positive .
The 38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected for the first set of results .
The Rockies took the field in three waves Friday , led by their pitchers .
“ It was a good day ’ s work on a day that we didn ’ t know , based on the testing protocols of the last three days , whether we were going to be able to do that based on getting the results back , ” Black said .
“ The results came back and we were able to assemble the players in quick fashion and they responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Kemp , who signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies this week , is in good shape , according to Black .
Kemp , 35 , played one season under Black in 2015 when Black managed San Diego .
“ I can tell you that he ’ s excited to be a Rockie , ” Black said .
“ He ’ s super pumped to be with this organization and with this group of guys .
We talked a little bit about expectations , and his expectations line up with ours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the team , he projects as a designated hitter and a right-handed bat off the bench .
Practice plans .
Black said that live batting practice featuring Rockies starting pitchers could begin as soon as Sunday .
As it looks now , right-handers German Marquez , John Gray , Antonio Senzatela , Chi Gonzalez and Jeff Hoffman , along with lefty Kyle Freeland , will all get early work against live hitting .
Right-hander Peter Lambert , whose spring training was curtailed because of forearm tightness , is on a tighter leash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will probably take it a little slower , ” Black said .
Clubhouse rules .
A number of teams , including the Boston Red Sox , have made renovations to their ballparks in order to accommodate players and provide social distancing due to the coronavirus .
At Boston ’ s Fenway Park , the Red Sox converted a number of luxury suites into mini-locker rooms , with each room accommodating two players .
Fenway opened in 1912 and its clubhouses are among the smallest in all of professional sports .
The Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They will be utilizing both the home and visitors clubhouses , a large utility room , and a large media area for dressing , training and meetings .
The club is also utilizing the home and visitors ’ weight rooms , bullpens and batting cages .

The Rockies reported to summer camp Friday at Coors Field and manager Bud Black was pleased with what he saw.
The manager said that the players were “maybe even in a little better (shape) than what the coaches and I thought they would be.”
The Rockies also are, apparently, in relatively good health regarding the coronavirus. Three players, all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon and pitchers Phillip Diehl and Ryan Castellani, had all previously tested positive for COVID-19. But Black said that all of the players on the Rockies’ 52-man player pool — with the exception of Blackmon — are expected to practice Saturday when the team holds its first full-scale workouts.
Black added that Blackmon will have plenty of time to prepare for his job as Colorado’s starting right fielder before the 60-game season starts on July 23 or 24. Blackmon is also expected to see time as a designated hitter this year.
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Union announced Friday that 31 players tested positive for the virus, and said that seven staff members also tested positive. The 38 positives represent 1.2% of 3,185 samples collected for the first set of results.
The Rockies took the field in three waves Friday, led by their pitchers.
“It was a good day’s work on a day that we didn’t know, based on the testing protocols of the last three days, whether we were going to be able to do that based on getting the results back,” Black said. “The results came back and we were able to assemble the players in quick fashion and they responded (outstandingly).”
Veteran outfielder Matt Kemp, who signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies this week, is in good shape, according to Black. Kemp, 35, played one season under Black in 2015 when Black managed San Diego.
“I can tell you that he’s excited to be a Rockie,” Black said. “He’s super pumped to be with this organization and with this group of guys. We talked a little bit about expectations, and his expectations line up with ours, which is great.”
If Kemp can make the team, he projects as a designated hitter and a right-handed bat off the bench.
Practice plans. Black said that live batting practice featuring Rockies starting pitchers could begin as soon as Sunday. As it looks now, right-handers German Marquez, John Gray, Antonio Senzatela, Chi Gonzalez and Jeff Hoffman, along with lefty Kyle Freeland, will all get early work against live hitting.
Right-hander Peter Lambert, whose spring training was curtailed because of forearm tightness, is on a tighter leash.
“Lambert is in that group that will probably take it a little slower,” Black said.
Clubhouse rules. A number of teams, including the Boston Red Sox, have made renovations to their ballparks in order to accommodate players and provide social distancing due to the coronavirus. At Boston’s Fenway Park, the Red Sox converted a number of luxury suites into mini-locker rooms, with each room accommodating two players. Fenway opened in 1912 and its clubhouses are among the smallest in all of professional sports.
The Rockies have no such problems at Coors Field. They will be utilizing both the home and visitors clubhouses, a large utility room, and a large media area for dressing, training and meetings. The club is also utilizing the home and visitors’ weight rooms, bullpens and batting cages.


thedenverpost--2020-07-04--Demonstrators at Aurora police station demand firing of officers involved in Elijah McClain’s death

Demonstrators marched Friday evening from the site of Aurora police ’ s violent apprehension of Elijah McClain last summer to the department ’ s District 1 station , where they declared they ’ ll peacefully stay until all of the officers involved in the 23-year-old ’ s death are fired .
The protesters surrounded the District 1 station at 13347 E. Montview Blvd.
, reading McClain ’ s last words over a megaphone and chanting “ I don ’ t see no no riot here !
Why are you in riot gear !
” at officers .
“ Let us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying pigs this time we have no intentions to storm this precinct at this time , ” an organizer speaking through a megaphone said .
“ We will make sure that every single person here tonight does not move from this spot surrounding the precinct until you publicly agree to fire Randy Roedema and Nathan Woodyard.
” The march followed the announcement by interim police Chief Vanessa Wilson that she had fired three officers , including two who posed for a photo reenacting a chokehold near a memorial to McClain , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 23-year-old ’ s death .
That officer , Jason Rosenblatt , was one of the three involved in McClain ’ s death , though he and Woodyard and Roedema previously had been cleared of wrongdoing .
All three were taken off street duty last month for their own safety , police said .
Rashad Williams said he lives down the street from where McClain , who ’ d committed no crime , was stopped by police responding to a report of a suspicious person .
“ I ’ m here because Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ It could have been me .
It has to stop.
” He also said he was sickened by the photo of the Aurora police officers reenacting the chokehold used on McClain .
“ It ’ s hard to imagine people don ’ t have empathy or compassion for a life lost , to make fun of a life lost.
” Pamela Howard said she was marching because she has a 19-year-old son and it could have been his life lost .
“ I can ’ t rest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t be OK until his murderers are arrested , ” she said .
“ He did nothing wrong .
He needs justice .
I wish we would have did this a long time ago.
” Friday evening ’ s march comes as McClain ’ s death last August — after being put in a chokehold by police and injected with the heavy sedative ketamine by paramedics — has become part of the national push for racial justice and police reform in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the Aurora Police Department ’ s main headquarters , where riot police used pepper spray in their efforts to push back the protesters — a move that came under heavy criticism and was defended by police officials .
In recent weeks , Gov .
Jared Polis has tapped the state ’ s attorney general to investigate the death and the FBI , U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for Colorado and the Department of Justice have publicly acknowledged they ’ ve been reviewing the case since last year to determine whether a federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Aurora is also preparing to hire a new third-party investigator to relaunch its independent probe of the department ’ s actions .

Demonstrators marched Friday evening from the site of Aurora police’s violent apprehension of Elijah McClain last summer to the department’s District 1 station, where they declared they’ll peacefully remain until all of the officers involved in the 23-year-old’s death are fired.
Protesters surrounded the District 1 station at 13347 E. Montview Blvd. on Friday night in what they called the “APD Occupation,” reading McClain’s last words over a loudspeakers and chanting “I don’t see no no riot here! Why are you in riot gear!” at officers.
“Let us make it clear to you and your lying pigs this time we have no intentions to storm this precinct at this time,” an unidentified organizer said through a megaphone, reading from the Party for Socialism & Liberation’s open letter to interim Aurora police Chief Vanessa Wilson.
“We will make sure that every single person here tonight does not move from this spot surrounding the precinct until you publicly agree to fire Randy Roedema and Nathan Woodyard.”
Though previously planned, the march followed the announcement by Wilson that she had fired three officers, including two who posed for a photo reenacting a chokehold near a memorial to McClain, and a third officer who received the picture mocking the 23-year-old’s death.
That officer, Jason Rosenblatt, was one of the three involved in McClain’s death, though he, Woodyard and Roedema previously had been cleared of wrongdoing. All three were taken off street duty last month for their own safety, police said.
Peaceful protest into the night
As night fell Friday, the protest was peaceful, with hundreds of people scattered around the outside of the station, sitting down on the lawn and pavement, playing music. Organizers encouraged people to invite their friends to come down, saying they weren’t going anywhere.
By 10 p.m., there still had been no show of force by Aurora police. Throughout the evening, the department periodically tweeted that the demonstrators “remain peaceful at District 1.”
A little after 11 p.m., Wilson spoke to one of the protest leaders from the Party for Socialism & Liberation in a phone call broadcast in part over the group’s megaphone. Of the demonstrators’ demands, Wilson said, “I do not have the power to fire these officers.”
Aurora police waited until 2:30 a.m. to order the crowd to disperse, announcing in a tweet: “Attention: #APDOccupation. You are blocking access to this building. You are ordered to leave the immediate area around the building and cross to the south side of Montview. Please move away in an orderly and peaceful manner.”
A half-hour later, the department tweeted: “Officers are trying to regain access to our building. The protesters are lighting fireworks and throwing things.”
Aurora police moved in on protesters, according to Denver 7News, but did not use pepper spray, as they had on demonstrators last weekend. By around 4:30 a.m., 7News reported, the situation appeared under control as police ordered the remaining demonstrators to leave the area.
“Elijah McClain matters”
Rashad Williams, one of the marchers, said he lives down the street from where McClain — who’d committed no crime — was stopped by police responding to a report of a suspicious person.
“I’m here because Black lives matter and Elijah McClain matters,” he said. “It could have been me. It has to stop.”
He also said he was sickened by the photo of the Aurora police officers reenacting the chokehold used on McClain. “It’s hard to imagine people don’t have empathy or compassion for a life lost, to make fun of a life lost.”
Pamela Howard said she was marching because she has a 19-year-old son and it could have been his life lost.
“I can’t rest. I can’t have peace. I can’t be OK until his murderers are arrested,” she said. “He did nothing wrong. He needs justice. I wish we would have did this a long time ago.”
More video from @ehernandez of Elijah McClain protesters outside Aurora PD District 1 station pic.twitter.com/FiG4LKzqzt — Matt Sebastian (@mattsebastian) July 4, 2020
Friday evening’s march comes as McClain’s death last August — after being put in a chokehold by police and injected with the heavy sedative ketamine by paramedics — has become part of the national push for racial justice and police reform in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
Last weekend, demonstrators assembled outside the Aurora Police Department’s main headquarters, where riot police used pepper spray in their efforts to push back the protesters — a move that came under heavy criticism and was defended by police officials.
In recent weeks, Gov. Jared Polis has tapped the state’s attorney general to investigate the death and the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado and the Department of Justice have publicly acknowledged they’ve been reviewing the case since last year to determine whether a federal civil rights investigation is warranted.
The city of Aurora is also preparing to hire a new third-party investigator to relaunch its independent probe of the department’s actions.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--Judge orders Bandimere Speedway to limit crowd size at Fourth of July race, fireworks show

A district court judge in Jefferson County has ordered Bandimere Speedway to comply with COVID-19 public health regulations limiting the number of people who can be in the stands during the race and fireworks show planned for the Fourth of July .
The judge on Thursday granted Jefferson County Public Health ’ s request for a temporary restraining order requiring the Morrison racetrack to comply with state public health orders for outdoor events , which limit crowd sizes to 175 people , require six feet of social distancing between attendees and bar food service .
“ We are pleased with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment further because it is still pending litigation , ” Ashley Sever , a spokeswoman for the health department , said in an email Friday .
Bandimere is scheduled to host the Brakes Plus Jet Car Nationals — which includes an evening fireworks show , one of the few in the metro area — on Saturday , according to its website .
Efforts by The Denver Post and other media to speak to Bandmere representatives this week have been unsuccessful .
News of the temporary restraining order was first reported Friday by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment call center will likely never meet COVID-driven demand , as 40,000 calls go unanswered weekly • Bandimere Speedway flouting COVID-19 restrictions by allowing too many fans , Jeffco officials say Mark Johnson , executive director of Jefferson County Public Health , previously had sent a letter to Bandimere alleging the track had been admitting too many fans in violation of state health orders meant to slow the spread of the new coronavirus .
Johnson said the racetrack has been selling tickets for all seats in all rows at its events , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He noted that some of the ticket packages come with buffet-style meals , also prohibited under the state health department ’ s rules over concerns diners will pass along the virus .
The letter from Jeffco Public Health ordered track officials to submit a plan to comply by 5 p.m. Wednesday .
They failed to do that .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

A district court judge in Jefferson County has ordered Bandimere Speedway to comply with COVID-19 public health regulations limiting the number of people who can be in the stands during the race and fireworks show planned for the Fourth of July.
The judge on Thursday granted Jefferson County Public Health’s request for a temporary restraining order requiring the Morrison racetrack to comply with state public health orders for outdoor events, which limit crowd sizes to 175 people, require six feet of social distancing between attendees and bar food service.
“We are pleased with the result, but can’t comment further because it is still pending litigation,” Ashley Sever, a spokeswoman for the health department, said in an email Friday.
Bandimere is scheduled to host the Brakes Plus Jet Car Nationals — which includes an evening fireworks show, one of the few in the metro area — on Saturday, according to its website.
Efforts by The Denver Post and other media to speak to Bandmere representatives this week have been unsuccessful. News of the temporary restraining order was first reported Friday by the Canyon Courier.
As of late Friday, the speedway had updated the event page for Saturday’s race, acknowledging the temporary restraining order and indicating the race and fireworks will go on with Jeffco Public Heath “monitoring social distancing guidelines that are in effect.”
Bandimere officials say that, because of the reduced capacity, the Fourth of July race is now sold out, and every other row in the grandstands will be left empty. Attendees also are urged to practice “self distancing,” and are warned that masks are optional and to expect there will be fans there not wearing them.
Mark Johnson, executive director of Jefferson County Public Health, previously had sent a letter to Bandimere alleging the track had been admitting too many fans in violation of state health orders meant to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Johnson said the racetrack has been selling tickets for all seats in all rows at its events, which would prevent any attempts at social distancing. He noted that some of the ticket packages come with buffet-style meals, also prohibited under the state health department’s rules over concerns diners will pass along the virus.
The letter from Jeffco Public Health ordered track officials to submit a plan to comply by 5 p.m. Wednesday. They failed to do that.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--Colorado Rapids’ Andre Shinyashiki on MLS is Back Tournament: “People are nervous”

Andre Shinyashiki is excited to play soccer again , but he can ’ t ignore what he ’ s been hearing out of Orlando .
As the Rapids get set to depart for the MLS is Back Tournament amid skyrocketing COVID-19 cases in central Florida , the 2019 MLS Rookie of the Year says there is growing unease throughout the league .
“ I ’ ve spoken to a lot of guys that are already in Orlando and it ’ s getting mixed reviews , ” Shinyashiki said .
“ I would be lying if I told you that everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are definitely problems right now with the situation and hopefully they ’ re fixed by the time the tournament starts.
” Colorado is expected to leave Sunday to join most of the league ’ s clubs already inside the MLS bubble at Walt Disney World Resort .
The competition is slated to kick off July 12 for Colorado , yet there are concerns the tournament may not even happen after coronavirus cases cropped up in and around the bubble .
FC Dallas already had nine players test positive for the virus after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems leaving their markets or have postponed flights due to positive tests .
Even the Rapids have had two players test positive for COVID-19 — each of whom need two negative tests in Denver before they can head to Orlando to quarantine and rejoin the club .
“ I think people are nervous , ” Shinyashiki said .
“ I don ’ t think this is the ideal scenario by any means , but given the circumstances I think it ’ s something that we ’ re going to have to do.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity for over a month .
They started with individual workouts , followed by small side training and now full team practices .
The only stoppage came when the club shut down their facility after two players tested positive for COVID-19 last week .
Shinyashiki said he felt safe and applauded the club for following protocols , but he ’ s unsure of how he will feel once in Florida .
“ The health and safety of our players is of the utmost importance to us and I think that ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very top of the organization , ” Rapids general manager Pádraig Smith told The Post .
“ We ’ ve worked very hard with the players to make sure that we create and sustain an environment in which they are healthy and safe.
” The prize for winning the competition will be a spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League and over $ 1 million .
If they make it to the final , the Rapids could spend nearly six weeks in the Orlando bubble .
MLS plans to continue their regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I have a lot of empathy for the guys on the team that have families , they ’ re going to have to leave their families behind , ” Shinyashiki said .
“ Maybe some guys don ’ t speak the language , maybe they have a kid that ’ s newborn or things like that , so I feel nervous for them , not necessarily for me because I ’ m young and healthy .
“ I ’ m not leaving anybody behind here in Denver .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus and how I ’ m gon na feel .
But at the end of the day , there ’ s not another option.
” MLS is Back begins July 8 , and the Rapids ’ first game is scheduled for July 12 against Real Salt Lake .

Andre Shinyashiki is excited to play soccer again, but he can’t ignore what he’s been hearing out of Orlando.
As the Rapids get set to depart for the MLS is Back Tournament amid skyrocketing COVID-19 cases in central Florida, the 2019 MLS Rookie of the Year says there is growing unease throughout the league.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of guys that are already in Orlando and it’s getting mixed reviews,” Shinyashiki said. “I would be lying if I told you that everybody’s saying they feel safe. There are definitely problems right now with the situation and hopefully they’re fixed by the time the tournament starts.”
Colorado is expected to leave Sunday to join most of the league’s clubs already inside the MLS bubble at Walt Disney World Resort.
The competition is slated to kick off July 12 for Colorado, yet there are concerns the tournament may not even happen after coronavirus cases cropped up in and around the bubble.
FC Dallas already had nine players test positive for the virus after they arrived. Other teams have had problems leaving their markets or have postponed flights due to positive tests. Even the Rapids have had two players test positive for COVID-19 — each of whom need two negative tests in Denver before they can head to Orlando to quarantine and rejoin the club.
“I think people are nervous,” Shinyashiki said. “I don’t think this is the ideal scenario by any means, but given the circumstances I think it’s something that we’re going to have to do.”
The Rapids have been training in some capacity for over a month. They started with individual workouts, followed by small side training and now full team practices. The only stoppage came when the club shut down their facility after two players tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Shinyashiki said he felt safe and applauded the club for following protocols, but he’s unsure of how he will feel once in Florida.
“The health and safety of our players is of the utmost importance to us and I think that’s a message that’s been echoed from the very top of the organization,” Rapids general manager Pádraig Smith told The Post. “We’ve worked very hard with the players to make sure that we create and sustain an environment in which they are healthy and safe.”
The prize for winning the competition will be a spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League and over $1 million. If they make it to the final, the Rapids could spend nearly six weeks in the Orlando bubble. MLS plans to continue their regular season following the conclusion of the tournament.
“I have a lot of empathy for the guys on the team that have families, they’re going to have to leave their families behind,” Shinyashiki said. “Maybe some guys don’t speak the language, maybe they have a kid that’s newborn or things like that, so I feel nervous for them, not necessarily for me because I’m young and healthy.
“I’m not leaving anybody behind here in Denver. It’s more about the nervousness of actually getting the virus and how I’m gonna feel. But at the end of the day, there’s not another option.”
MLS is Back begins July 8, and the Rapids’ first game is scheduled for July 12 against Real Salt Lake.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--Experience Evergreen living in the brand-new condos at Bergen Place at Hiwan

Begin the next chapter of your life in the stunning new condominiums at Bergen Place at Hiwan .
These just-built residences , listed by LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty brokers , Heather Graham and Sean Endsley , starting at $ 490,000 , are the perfect place to call your own mountain escape .
The never-before-lived-in condominium units are turn-key and maintenance-free , a rare combination in the coveted Foothills community .
Bergen Place at Hiwan offers four thoughtfully designed floor plans to choose from .
The spacious floor plans and modern mountain contemporary aesthetic create an inviting and relaxing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your own .
Fine finishes such as quartz and granite countertops , chic light fixtures , and electric fireplaces elevate the living experience here .
What ’ s more , all residences include private patios or decks , air conditioning , high-speed internet , private direct-access garages , and high-end fixtures and finishes .
Few condominium communities can compare to Bergen Place at Hiwan .
Bergen Place at Hiwan is located in North Evergreen ’ s Bergen Park in Hiwan , a short drive from the Rocky Mountains and the metropolitan city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living and close access to shopping , dining , and recreation .
Enjoy a variety of trails , open spaces , and recreational activities just steps outside of your private entry front door .
Skip the car and take a leisurely stroll to the nearby shops , grocery stores , and other retailers .
Be sure to take advantage of the local yoga studios , hiking trails , sculpture walks , and art galleries that make this area so desirable .
“ When it comes to maintenance-free mountain living , there is nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Graham .
“ These brand-new homes are the perfect opportunity for homebuyers to find serenity in a colorful , Colorado community without having to worry about upkeep.
” Take a virtual tour of the incredible condos at Bergen Place at Hiwan today by visiting bergenplaceathiwan.com .
For more information about Bergen Place at Hiwan and for help selling your current home , please contact Heather Graham directly at 720.201.4187 or Sean Endsley at 303.895.4663 .
For all of your real estate needs , contact LIV Sotheby ’ s International Realty by calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

Begin the next chapter of your life in the stunning new condominiums at Bergen Place at Hiwan. These just-built residences, listed by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty brokers, Heather Graham and Sean Endsley, starting at $490,000, are the perfect place to call your own mountain escape.
The never-before-lived-in condominium units are turn-key and maintenance-free, a rare combination in the coveted Foothills community. Bergen Place at Hiwan offers four thoughtfully designed floor plans to choose from. The spacious floor plans and modern mountain contemporary aesthetic create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere you’ll want to call your own. Fine finishes such as quartz and granite countertops, chic light fixtures, and electric fireplaces elevate the living experience here. What’s more, all residences include private patios or decks, air conditioning, high-speed internet, private direct-access garages, and high-end fixtures and finishes.
Few condominium communities can compare to Bergen Place at Hiwan. Bergen Place at Hiwan is located in North Evergreen’s Bergen Park in Hiwan, a short drive from the Rocky Mountains and the metropolitan city of Denver. These residences offer both mountain living and close access to shopping, dining, and recreation. Enjoy a variety of trails, open spaces, and recreational activities just steps outside of your private entry front door. Skip the car and take a leisurely stroll to the nearby shops, grocery stores, and other retailers. Be sure to take advantage of the local yoga studios, hiking trails, sculpture walks, and art galleries that make this area so desirable.
“When it comes to maintenance-free mountain living, there is nothing like Bergen Place at Hiwan,” said Graham. “These brand-new homes are the perfect opportunity for homebuyers to find serenity in a colorful, Colorado community without having to worry about upkeep.”
Take a virtual tour of the incredible condos at Bergen Place at Hiwan today by visiting bergenplaceathiwan.com. For more information about Bergen Place at Hiwan and for help selling your current home, please contact Heather Graham directly at 720.201.4187 or Sean Endsley at 303.895.4663. For all of your real estate needs, contact LIV Sotheby’s International Realty by calling 303.893.3200 or by visiting livsothebysrealty.com.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--NFL Journal: If college football moves to spring ’21, top prospects have easy decision

As I remain optimistic the NFL regular season will start on time and the Broncos will host Tennessee on Sept. 14 , college football fans should have no such level of confidence .
The recent spikes of coronavirus in California , Texas and Florida , just to name three states , has prompted athletic directors and conference commissioners to float the idea of playing football in the spring 2021 .
A fine goal because that will help schools — even if no fans are allowed to fill the football stadiums — keep their non-revenue sports afloat .
But it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of play .
If you ’ re Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence , Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell , LSU receiver Ja ’ Marr Chase or Miami defensive end Greg Rousseau , there is no point in playing next spring .
Why play in May 2021 after the NFL Draft , which is traditionally held in late April ?
Why play after you ’ ve been drafted ?
Let ’ s take Lawrence .
His body of work over two years ( one national championship and one semifinal appearance ) is enough .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down of college football to be considered the top prospect .
Instead of playing , he can get drafted and immediately join his new NFL team ’ s offseason program .
For players who are projected to be drafted in the first three rounds , it makes little sense to risk sustaining an injury that would keep them on the sideline when NFL camps open in July 2021 .
The positive is players who are considered back-of-an-NFL-roster prospects will get more playing time and NFL scouts will be able to offer a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives up .
The groundswell to remove the Redskins nickname went from figurative snowball to avalanche in a matter of days .
Owner Dan Snyder basically raised the white flag Friday when the team said they are starting a “ thorough review of the team ’ s name.
” Translation : The Redskins will be no more .
How about the Washington Warriors ?
That would be my pick .
And keep the burgundy and gold colors .
The Redskins put out their statement and it was pathetic to see some keyboard jockeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Redskins ” was used and why coach Ron Rivera provided a quote instead of taking a victory lap .
The reason for Rivera ’ s quote is he is the de factor voice of the organization since the team hasn ’ t replaced president Bruce Allen .
I covered the Redskins from 2004-11 and understood how much Snyder wanted to keep the name , but the final — and biggest — turning point came Thursday when FedEx asked for change .
Its founder , Fred Smith , owns a stake of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message to season ticket holders on Friday , the Green Bay Packers said Lambeau Field ’ s capacity will be “ significantly reduced ” this year and face coverings will be required .
The Broncos are still formulating their strategy .
They have communicated with season ticket holders about their options and are expected to release their plan within the next few weeks .
Footnotes .
It remains interesting that Broncos safety Justin Simmons hasn ’ t signed his franchise tag yet .
At signing , his $ 11.441 million salary is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 to reach a long-term contract agreement .
Signing the tag doesn ’ t prevent contract talks .
… On Tuesday , Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles declined my interview request through his agent .
On Wednesday , he tweeted a video of himself training , including dunking a basketball .
It was only his second tweet of 2020 .
… Some in the media took glee in the preseason schedule being reduced by two games , although nothing is official yet .
Boo to them .
Yes , preseason games are sloughs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valuable insight into the depth chart and helps grinding beat writers develop new story ideas .
Yes , I ’ ll miss a full preseason .
… One idea being floated is having teams travel on game-day .
Bad idea .
That should be avoided in case of weather and aircraft delays .
Plus , the Broncos have five trips to the Eastern Time zone ( Pittsburgh , New York Jets , New England , Atlanta and Carolina ) and those should be Saturday trips .

As I remain optimistic the NFL regular season will start on time and the Broncos will host Tennessee on Sept. 14, college football fans should have no such level of confidence.
The recent spikes of coronavirus in California, Texas and Florida, just to name three states, has prompted athletic directors and conference commissioners to float the idea of playing football in the spring 2021.
A fine goal because that will help schools — even if no fans are allowed to fill the football stadiums — keep their non-revenue sports afloat. But it could have a major impact on the quality of play.
If you’re Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell, LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase or Miami defensive end Greg Rousseau, there is no point in playing next spring.
Why play in May 2021 after the NFL Draft, which is traditionally held in late April?
Why play after you’ve been drafted?
Let’s take Lawrence. His body of work over two years (one national championship and one semifinal appearance) is enough. He doesn’t need to play another down of college football to be considered the top prospect. Instead of playing, he can get drafted and immediately join his new NFL team’s offseason program.
For players who are projected to be drafted in the first three rounds, it makes little sense to risk sustaining an injury that would keep them on the sideline when NFL camps open in July 2021.
The positive is players who are considered back-of-an-NFL-roster prospects will get more playing time and NFL scouts will be able to offer a more complete evaluation of said players.
Snyder gives up. The groundswell to remove the Redskins nickname went from figurative snowball to avalanche in a matter of days. Owner Dan Snyder basically raised the white flag Friday when the team said they are starting a “thorough review of the team’s name.”
Translation: The Redskins will be no more. How about the Washington Warriors? That would be my pick. And keep the burgundy and gold colors.
The Redskins put out their statement and it was pathetic to see some keyboard jockeys on Twitter counting the number of times “Redskins” was used and why coach Ron Rivera provided a quote instead of taking a victory lap. The reason for Rivera’s quote is he is the de factor voice of the organization since the team hasn’t replaced president Bruce Allen.
I covered the Redskins from 2004-11 and understood how much Snyder wanted to keep the name, but the final — and biggest — turning point came Thursday when FedEx asked for change. Its founder, Fred Smith, owns a stake of the team.
Packers’ plan. In a message to season ticket holders on Friday, the Green Bay Packers said Lambeau Field’s capacity will be “significantly reduced” this year and face coverings will be required.
The Broncos are still formulating their strategy. They have communicated with season ticket holders about their options and are expected to release their plan within the next few weeks.
Footnotes. It remains interesting that Broncos safety Justin Simmons hasn’t signed his franchise tag yet. At signing, his $11.441 million salary is guaranteed. The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term contract agreement. Signing the tag doesn’t prevent contract talks. … On Tuesday, Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles declined my interview request through his agent. On Wednesday, he tweeted a video of himself training, including dunking a basketball. It was only his second tweet of 2020. … Some in the media took glee in the preseason schedule being reduced by two games ,although nothing is official yet. Boo to them. Yes, preseason games are sloughs to watch, but it does provide valuable insight into the depth chart and helps grinding beat writers develop new story ideas. Yes, I’ll miss a full preseason. … One idea being floated is having teams travel on game-day. Bad idea. That should be avoided in case of weather and aircraft delays. Plus, the Broncos have five trips to the Eastern Time zone (Pittsburgh, New York Jets, New England, Atlanta and Carolina) and those should be Saturday trips.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--AL MVP Trout still doesn’t feel comfortable about this year

ANAHEIM , Calif. — Reigning American League MVP Mike Trout participated in the Los Angeles Angels first workout of summer camp , but said before Friday ’ s practice that he hasn ’ t made a final decision on playing this year .
Trout and his wife , Jessica , are expecting the couple ’ s first child in August .
The outfielder said his mindset is to play in the virus-delayed season , but a lot will hinge on how he feels the next couple weeks .
“ Honestly , I still don ’ t feel that comfortable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going to be tough .
I don ’ t want to test positive .
I don ’ t want to bring it back to my wife .
If I test positive and we have the baby , I have to be there .
That ’ s my first child .
If I or Jess don ’ t see the baby for 14 days , we ’ re going to be upset .
“ It ’ s a tough situation we ’ re in .
I have to play it by ear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to happen with the number of positive tests , ” he said .
The three-time AL MVP continues to have discussions with general manager Billy Eppler and manager Joe Maddon .
Trout wore an N-95 mask throughout the two-hour workout at Angel Stadium .
Trout did leave open the possibility of possibly not playing until the baby arrives .
Maddon , in his first season with the Angels after four years with the Chicago Cubs , said he had a good conversation with Trout last night and that he empathizes with everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s truth matters right now .
That ’ s the one thing I have appealed to our guys , ” Maddon said .
“ There ’ s so much buried information I ’ ve encouraged everyone to think for themselves .
I ’ m appealing to our guys to be as informed as they can and then arrive at their own truth .
Tell me what they feel .
”

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Reigning American League MVP Mike Trout participated in the Los Angeles Angels first workout of summer camp, but said before Friday’s practice that he hasn’t made a final decision on playing this year.
Trout and his wife, Jessica, are expecting the couple’s first child in August. The outfielder said his mindset is to play in the virus-delayed season, but a lot will hinge on how he feels the next couple weeks.
“Honestly, I still don’t feel that comfortable,” he said. “It’s going to be tough. I don’t want to test positive. I don’t want to bring it back to my wife. If I test positive and we have the baby, I have to be there. That’s my first child. If I or Jess don’t see the baby for 14 days, we’re going to be upset.
“It’s a tough situation we’re in. I have to play it by ear. You don’t know what is going to happen with the number of positive tests,” he said.
The three-time AL MVP continues to have discussions with general manager Billy Eppler and manager Joe Maddon. Trout wore an N-95 mask throughout the two-hour workout at Angel Stadium.
Trout did leave open the possibility of possibly not playing until the baby arrives.
Maddon, in his first season with the Angels after four years with the Chicago Cubs, said he had a good conversation with Trout last night and that he empathizes with everything he is facing.
“Everybody’s truth matters right now. That’s the one thing I have appealed to our guys,” Maddon said. “There’s so much buried information I’ve encouraged everyone to think for themselves. I’m appealing to our guys to be as informed as they can and then arrive at their own truth. Tell me what they feel.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--Aurora police chief fires 3 officers as part of Elijah McClain photo investigation

Aurora ’ s interim police chief on Friday fired two officers who posed for a photo reenacting a chokehold at the site of Elijah McClain ’ s violent arrest , and terminated a third officer who received the picture mocking the 23-year-old ’ s death last summer .
Jason Rosenblatt , the officer who received that photo and a second image , was one of the three officers involved in McClain ’ s death , but later was cleared of criminal or departmental wrongdoing .
“ We are ashamed , we are sickened , and we are angry about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Vanessa Wilson said at a news conference .
“ While the allegations of this internal affairs case are not criminal , they are a crime against humanity and decency .
To even think about doing such a thing is beyond comprehension and it is reprehensible.
” Officers Erica Marrero and Kyle Dittrich were fired for posing for the photos in October with officer Jaron Jones , who resigned Tuesday after learning he would be terminated .
The official cause for firing all of the officers : conduct unbecoming .
Wilson said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via text and “ replied with the inappropriate comment ‘ ha ha.
’ ” “ I am disgusted to my core , ” Wilson said .
The photos , released Friday , were taken Oct. 20 near a memorial for McClain .
Dittrich , Marrero and Jones had just completed a call for service in the area .
Dittrich took the photos , then texted them to Rosenblatt and Nathan Woodyard , two of the three officers involved in McClain ’ s death , according to the internal investigation file .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they sent the photos hoping to “ cheer up a friend , ” she said .
Woodyard was part of the investigation but wasn ’ t disciplined because he didn ’ t reply to the text and deleted the photos , Wilson said , adding that the officer told her he was “ devastated by this and disgusted.
” Dittrich told internal affairs investigators that the chokehold photo was intended to cheer up Woodyard , according to documents released Friday .
“ I thought it would be funny if we took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , referring to the roadside memorial to McClain .
“ …Officer Jaron Jones put his arm around my head kind of in a half buddy-buddy , but also sort of as homage to the carotid control hold.
” Wilson denied the officers a chance to appear before the department ’ s Independent Review Board .
“ Nothing was going to change my mind on termination , ” she said .
“ It is a privilege , not a right , to wear this badge.
” Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said he agreed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the city must act beyond the firings , including completing the independent investigation into McClain ’ s death .
“ We must ensure that we have the answers our community needs , city leadership needs , and most importantly , Elijah ’ s family deserves , ” he said in a statement .
“ We will have a police department that reflects our community ’ s demographics , values and culture .
We can not and will not accept anything less .
This is an important step in that process , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue in order to restore trust.
” Wilson on Friday responded to a question about whether the culture of the Aurora Police Department is broken .
“ We have made a lot of mistakes , ” she said .
“ We addressed those mistakes , and we will continue to address those mistakes .
It means transparency and also holding officers accountable… the culture has been reset.
” Wilson first acknowledged the internal investigation into the officers Monday after CBS Denver reported that multiple officers posed for photos in which they pretended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the 1900 block of Billings Street in Aurora , where McClain was stopped by police on Aug. 24 .
That same chokehold method was used by police on McClain before a paramedic injected him with the heavy sedative ketamine .
He died days later .
The officers had been on paid administrative leave since June 25 , when Wilson said she first learned about the photographs .
In a statement posted on Facebook , the Aurora Police Association , the union representing the department ’ s officers , alleged the internal investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ due process .
“ It appears that interim Chief Wilson ’ s participation in the chief selection process drove her decision making in this case , ” the union ’ s board wrote .
“ The appearance of impropriety is obvious.
” Wilson said she met with McClain ’ s mother , Sheneen McClain , on Friday to show her the photos .
McClain ’ s family and community members gathered after the interim chief ’ s news conference at the location where police arrested McClain “ to express their outrage at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mari Newman said in a statement .
“ APD ’ s conduct is no different than that of white supremacists of at the height of the Jim Crow South who snapped smiling pictures of themselves at the scenes of brutal , lethal lynchings of black men , keeping the images of torture as souvenirs or even turning them into postcards to send to friends , ” Newman said .
Newman and Sheneen McClain both held iced teas , as Elijah had the night he was stopped by police walking in that area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation and the death should be fired and they should not be allowed in any other department , ” Newman said .
Sheneen McClain did not speak , but Newman added that she ’ s worried about the police union ’ s criticism of the chief ’ s decision to fire the officers .
“ When the Aurora Police Association withdraws support of somebody for firing officers , we know we ’ ve got a police department that ’ s rotten to the core , ” Newman said .
Dozens of people stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violently arrested last year , chanting his name .
They held his picture , homemade signs , candles and iced tea .
“ It ’ s not about bad apples because bad apples come from rotten trees , ” speaker Elisabeth Epps said .
“ They stood by and let this happen .
You can not reform your way out of this… They want kinder , gentler policing .
No .
We want no policing.
” McClain ’ s death has turned into a national rallying cry against police brutality in the wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an encounter with Minneapolis police five weeks ago .
Last weekend , thousands rallied outside Aurora ’ s police headquarters and another demonstration was planned for Friday evening .
As protests mounted , Gov .
Jared Polis , in an unprecedented move , appointed Attorney General Phil Weiser as special prosecutor to investigate the case and potentially bring charges against the officers .
Meanwhile , a coalition of federal authorities revealed this week that since last year they have been looking into whether there are grounds for a federal civil rights investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third-party investigator to delve into the officers ’ actions last August .
The three officers who arrested McClain — Rosenblatt , Woodyard and Randy Roedema — were cleared of criminal wrongdoing and internal policy violations .
They were taken off street duty last month for their own safety , a police spokesperson previously confirmed .

Aurora’s interim police chief on Friday fired two officers who posed for a photo reenacting a chokehold at the site of Elijah McClain’s violent arrest, and terminated a third officer who received the picture mocking the 23-year-old’s death last summer.
Jason Rosenblatt, the officer who received that photo and a second image, was one of the three officers involved in McClain’s death, but later was cleared of criminal or departmental wrongdoing.
“We are ashamed, we are sickened, and we are angry about what I have to share,” interim Chief Vanessa Wilson said at a news conference. “While the allegations of this internal affairs case are not criminal, they are a crime against humanity and decency. To even think about doing such a thing is beyond comprehension and it is reprehensible.”
Officers Erica Marrero and Kyle Dittrich were fired for posing for the photos in October with officer Jaron Jones, who resigned Tuesday after learning he would be terminated. The official cause for firing all of the officers: conduct unbecoming.
Wilson said she fired Rosenblatt because he received the photos via text and “replied with the inappropriate comment ‘ha ha.’ ”
“I am disgusted to my core,” Wilson said.
The photos, released Friday, were taken Oct. 20 near a memorial for McClain. Dittrich, Marrero and Jones had just completed a call for service in the area. Dittrich took the photos, then texted them to Rosenblatt and Nathan Woodyard, two of the three officers involved in McClain’s death, according to the internal investigation file.
During the investigation, the officers explained to Wilson that they sent the photos hoping to “cheer up a friend,” she said.
Woodyard was part of the investigation but wasn’t disciplined because he didn’t reply to the text and deleted the photos, Wilson said, adding that the officer told her he was “devastated by this and disgusted.”
Dittrich told internal affairs investigators that the chokehold photo was intended to cheer up Woodyard, according to documents released Friday.
“I thought it would be funny if we took a photo there,” Dittrich told investigators, referring to the roadside memorial to McClain. “…Officer Jaron Jones put his arm around my head kind of in a half buddy-buddy, but also sort of as homage to the carotid control hold.”
Wilson denied the officers a chance to appear before the department’s Independent Review Board.
“Nothing was going to change my mind on termination,” she said. “It is a privilege, not a right, to wear this badge.”
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said he agreed with Wilson’s decision, but added that the city must act beyond the firings, including completing the independent investigation into McClain’s death.
“We must ensure that we have the answers our community needs, city leadership needs, and most importantly, Elijah’s family deserves,” he said in a statement. “We will have a police department that reflects our community’s demographics, values and culture. We cannot and will not accept anything less. This is an important step in that process, and it’s a process that will continue in order to restore trust.”
Wilson on Friday responded to a question about whether the culture of the Aurora Police Department is broken.
“We have made a lot of mistakes,” she said. “We addressed those mistakes, and we will continue to address those mistakes. It means transparency and also holding officers accountable… the culture has been reset.”
Wilson first acknowledged the internal investigation into the officers Monday after CBS Denver reported that multiple officers posed for photos in which they pretended to use a carotid chokehold on each other near the 1900 block of Billings Street in Aurora, where McClain was stopped by police on Aug. 24.
That same chokehold method was used by police on McClain before a paramedic injected him with the heavy sedative ketamine. He died days later.
The officers had been on paid administrative leave since June 25, when Wilson said she first learned about the photographs.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Aurora Police Association, the union representing the department’s officers, alleged the internal investigation was conducted too hastily and violated officers’ due process. “It appears that interim Chief Wilson’s participation in the chief selection process drove her decision making in this case,” the union’s board wrote. “The appearance of impropriety is obvious.”
Wilson said she met with McClain’s mother, Sheneen McClain, on Friday to show her the photos.
“Bad apples come from rotten trees”
McClain’s family and community members gathered after the interim chief’s news conference at the location where police arrested McClain “to express their outrage at the city of Aurora,” attorney Mari Newman said in a statement.
“APD’s conduct is no different than that of white supremacists of at the height of the Jim Crow South who snapped smiling pictures of themselves at the scenes of brutal, lethal lynchings of black men, keeping the images of torture as souvenirs or even turning them into postcards to send to friends,” Newman said.
Newman and Sheneen McClain both held iced teas, as Elijah had the night he was stopped by police walking in that area.
“All officers involved in the photo situation and the death should be fired and they should not be allowed in any other department,” Newman said.
Sheneen McClain did not speak, but Newman added that she’s worried about the police union’s criticism of the chief’s decision to fire the officers.
“When the Aurora Police Association withdraws support of somebody for firing officers, we know we’ve got a police department that’s rotten to the core,” Newman said.
Dozens of people stood in the spot where Elijah McClain was violently arrested last year, chanting his name. They held his picture, homemade signs, candles and iced tea.
“It’s not about bad apples because bad apples come from rotten trees,” speaker Elisabeth Epps said. “They stood by and let this happen. You cannot reform your way out of this… They want kinder, gentler policing. No. We want no policing.”
Investigations at every level
McClain’s death has turned into a national rallying cry against police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s death in an encounter with Minneapolis police five weeks ago. Last weekend, thousands rallied outside Aurora’s police headquarters and another demonstration was planned for Friday evening.
As protests mounted, Gov. Jared Polis, in an unprecedented move, appointed Attorney General Phil Weiser as special prosecutor to investigate the case and potentially bring charges against the officers.
Meanwhile, a coalition of federal authorities revealed this week that since last year they have been looking into whether there are grounds for a federal civil rights investigation.
And Aurora city leaders are deciding on a third-party investigator to delve into the officers’ actions last August.
The three officers who arrested McClain — Rosenblatt, Woodyard and Randy Roedema — were cleared of criminal wrongdoing and internal policy violations. They were taken off street duty last month for their own safety, a police spokesperson previously confirmed.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--July Fourth weekend will test Americans’ discipline

The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled , beaches and bars closed , and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans ’ self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak .
With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states , governors have ordered the wearing of masks in public , and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home .
Even then , they were told to keep their backyard cookouts small .
Health experts agree this will be a pivotal moment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeper mess .
The fear is that a weekend of crowded pool parties , picnics and parades will fuel the surge .
“ We ’ re not going to be arresting people for having gatherings , but we ’ re certainly going to discourage it , ” said Dr. Jeff Duchin , public health director for Seattle and King County .
Those who decide they must gather with a small group of family members need to be careful , he said : “ Don ’ t share utensils , don ’ t share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and forth , because you ’ re passing that virus around as well.
” The warnings were sounded after a Memorial Day weekend that saw many people emerge from stay-at-home orders to go to the beach , restaurants and family gatherings .
Since then , confirmed infections per day in the U.S. have rocketed to an all-time high , more than doubling .
The U.S. set another record on Friday with 52,300 newly reported cases , according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
Arizona , California , Florida and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite it all , there will still be fireworks and community events scattered across the nation , with many taking social distancing into account .
In Ohio , Upper Arlington ’ s July Fourth parade will take a much longer route through its neighborhoods so residents can watch without crowding the streets .
“ We ’ re calling it the front porch parade , ” said organizer Sam Porter .
“ We can ’ t just not do something.
” Fireworks will be launched from four spots across Albuquerque , New Mexico , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home instead of gathering in a single place .
President Donald Trump was set to travel to South Dakota on Friday for a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore before returning to the nation ’ s capital for military flyovers Saturday and a mile-long pyrotechnics display show on the National Mall that his administration promises will be the biggest in recent memory .
Up to 300,000 face masks will be given away but not required .
The big party will go on over objections from Washington ’ s mayor .
“ Ask yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Ask yourself , can you anticipate or know who all is going to be around you ?
If you go downtown , do you know if you ’ re going to be able to social distance ?
” Mayor Muriel Bowser said .
Beaches that had been open for the traditional start of summer over Memorial Day weekend will be off-limits in many places this time , including South Florida , Southern California and the Texas Gulf Coast .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans who do go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though not in the water .
With professional pyrotechnic displays canceled , authorities are bracing for wildfires and injuries caused by Americans shooting off fireworks at home .
Sales of fireworks have been booming in what some sellers say may reflect a desire for a little excitement among people cooped up for so long .
Jamie Parrott , a pediatric neurologist in Columbia , South Carolina , said he intends to stay home with his grandchildren , setting off fireworks and eating hamburgers , because that ’ s the safer course for older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor ordered bars in some beach towns to close ahead of the holiday , saying people were getting complacent about masks and social distancing .
The Jersey shore town of Wildwood canceled its fireworks , and the Lake Erie resort village of Put-in-Bay in Ohio did the same after health officials linked a small number of coronavirus cases to bars on the island .
After hearing Michigan ’ s governor warn about the need to be smart amid an uptick of cases , Mary Halley of Jonesville said her family canceled plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We had some disappointed kids , but we knew as a family we couldn ’ t do that , ” she said .
The problem , she said , is that too many people aren ’ t listening to the experts .
“ Even in my small , little town , there are lot of people who didn ’ t comply with the orders , ” she said .
Dr. Don Williamson , head of the Alabama Hospital Association , said he is “ really , really worried about the Fourth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely determine the trend for Alabama for the rest of the summer , ” he said .
Associated Press reporters from around the world contributed to this report .

The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans’ self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak.
With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states, governors have ordered the wearing of masks in public, and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home. Even then, they were told to keep their backyard cookouts small.
Health experts agree this will be a pivotal moment in determining whether the nation slides into a deeper mess. The fear is that a weekend of crowded pool parties, picnics and parades will fuel the surge.
“We’re not going to be arresting people for having gatherings, but we’re certainly going to discourage it,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, public health director for Seattle and King County.
Those who decide they must gather with a small group of family members need to be careful, he said: “Don’t share utensils, don’t share objects, don’t pass them back and forth, because you’re passing that virus around as well.”
The warnings were sounded after a Memorial Day weekend that saw many people emerge from stay-at-home orders to go to the beach, restaurants and family gatherings. Since then, confirmed infections per day in the U.S. have rocketed to an all-time high, more than doubling.
The U.S. set another record on Friday with 52,300 newly reported cases, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Arizona, California, Florida and Texas have been hit especially hard.
Despite it all, there will still be fireworks and community events scattered across the nation, with many taking social distancing into account. In Ohio, Upper Arlington’s July Fourth parade will take a much longer route through its neighborhoods so residents can watch without crowding the streets.
“We’re calling it the front porch parade,” said organizer Sam Porter. “We can’t just not do something.”
Fireworks will be launched from four spots across Albuquerque, New Mexico, so that people can ooh and aah from home instead of gathering in a single place.
President Donald Trump was set to travel to South Dakota on Friday for a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore before returning to the nation’s capital for military flyovers Saturday and a mile-long pyrotechnics display show on the National Mall that his administration promises will be the biggest in recent memory. Up to 300,000 face masks will be given away but not required.
The big party will go on over objections from Washington’s mayor.
“Ask yourself, do you need to be there? Ask yourself, can you anticipate or know who all is going to be around you? If you go downtown, do you know if you’re going to be able to social distance?” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Beaches that had been open for the traditional start of summer over Memorial Day weekend will be off-limits in many places this time, including South Florida, Southern California and the Texas Gulf Coast.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans who do go to the beach to wear face coverings, though not in the water.
With professional pyrotechnic displays canceled, authorities are bracing for wildfires and injuries caused by Americans shooting off fireworks at home. Sales of fireworks have been booming in what some sellers say may reflect a desire for a little excitement among people cooped up for so long.
Jamie Parrott, a pediatric neurologist in Columbia, South Carolina, said he intends to stay home with his grandchildren, setting off fireworks and eating hamburgers, because that’s the safer course for older people like himself.
“We’ll muddle through,” he said.
Delaware’s governor ordered bars in some beach towns to close ahead of the holiday, saying people were getting complacent about masks and social distancing. The Jersey shore town of Wildwood canceled its fireworks, and the Lake Erie resort village of Put-in-Bay in Ohio did the same after health officials linked a small number of coronavirus cases to bars on the island.
After hearing Michigan’s governor warn about the need to be smart amid an uptick of cases, Mary Halley of Jonesville said her family canceled plans for a weekend outing on Lake Michigan.
“We had some disappointed kids, but we knew as a family we couldn’t do that,” she said.
The problem, she said, is that too many people aren’t listening to the experts. “Even in my small, little town, there are lot of people who didn’t comply with the orders,” she said.
Dr. Don Williamson, head of the Alabama Hospital Association, said he is “really, really worried about the Fourth of July.”
“I think that will likely determine the trend for Alabama for the rest of the summer,” he said.
___
Associated Press reporters from around the world contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-07-03--Colorado State football records zero positive COVID-19 tests after resuming voluntary workouts

The Colorado State football team did not record any positive COVID-19 cases through its first round of testing with the Rams back in Fort Collins for voluntary workouts , athletic director Joe Parker said .
CSU tested three main groups in June that arrived on campus in different phases : returning players who stayed in Colorado during the coronavirus pandemic , returning players traveling from out-of-state and first-year players in the program .
CSU has tested more than 125 student-athletes across multiple sports with zero positive results , the school announced .
“ It brings a smile to your face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of students who comes back in can change those outcomes entirely , ” Parker said .
“ You ’ ve got to be diligent .
We ’ ve been working with an education program and social normalizing program , just to get the students to understand that life is different now .
They ’ ve got to monitor their behavior , control where they ’ re at , who they ’ re exposed to , and what they ’ re doing .
It ’ s an ongoing process.
” Parker added that voluntary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place indoors with the school utilizing outdoor space in and around Canvas Stadium .
CSU began its phased approach this week of returning men ’ s basketball and volleyball teams to Fort Collins .
However , several international student-athletes are still working to come back .
Parker said CSU is prepared when or if it does receive a positive test with safety protocols that include self-quarantine and contact tracing .
The Rams have also joined a nationwide push to encourage sports fans to wear masks to reduce community outbreak risks that could ultimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What we ’ re seeing is the value in wearing masks , ” said Terry DeZeeuw , senior CSU associate athletic director for health and performance .
“ As the pandemic has progressed , I think you ’ ve seen the evolution of the importance of it .
It ’ s something that ’ s been built into our policy since Day 1 .
… Anytime they ’ re reporting into our facilities in proximity with other individuals , we expect masks , and that ’ s going to be the culture we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build out plans for what fall sports will look like , that will become part of the norm .
”

The Colorado State football team did not record any positive COVID-19 cases through its first round of testing with the Rams back in Fort Collins for voluntary workouts, athletic director Joe Parker said.
CSU tested three main groups in June that arrived on campus in different phases: returning players who stayed in Colorado during the coronavirus pandemic, returning players traveling from out-of-state and first-year players in the program.
CSU has tested more than 125 student-athletes across multiple sports with zero positive results, the school announced.
“It brings a smile to your face, but you know the next group of students who comes back in can change those outcomes entirely,” Parker said. “You’ve got to be diligent. We’ve been working with an education program and social normalizing program, just to get the students to understand that life is different now. They’ve got to monitor their behavior, control where they’re at, who they’re exposed to, and what they’re doing. It’s an ongoing process.”
Parker added that voluntary Rams football workouts have yet to take place indoors with the school utilizing outdoor space in and around Canvas Stadium.
CSU began its phased approach this week of returning men’s basketball and volleyball teams to Fort Collins. However, several international student-athletes are still working to come back. Parker said CSU is prepared when or if it does receive a positive test with safety protocols that include self-quarantine and contact tracing.
The Rams have also joined a nationwide push to encourage sports fans to wear masks to reduce community outbreak risks that could ultimately derail the college football season.
“What we’re seeing is the value in wearing masks,” said Terry DeZeeuw, senior CSU associate athletic director for health and performance. “As the pandemic has progressed, I think you’ve seen the evolution of the importance of it. It’s something that’s been built into our policy since Day 1. … Anytime they’re reporting into our facilities in proximity with other individuals, we expect masks, and that’s going to be the culture we expect with all athletics. As you build out plans for what fall sports will look like, that will become part of the norm.”