thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Post Premium: Our best stories for the week of May 11-17

Like so much of our society , Colorado ’ s communities of faith have felt the sharp sting of the coronavirus pandemic .
Denver-area churches , synagogues and mosques report contributions are down in this time of great need , fueled both by their inability to bring people together for large-scale services and the fact that so many of their congregants have seen their own lives upended by the virus ’ s grave economic toll .
Today , reporter Tiney Ricciardi takes a closer look at how Colorado ’ s houses of worship are grappling with this threat to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting staff and budgets , and others scaling back key community programs .
But there is hope , too , in faith , and metro-area religious leaders are finding innovative ways to connect with their communities remotely , employing high-tech solutions that may well outlast the pandemic itself .
And there is an urgency to stay intact , as one rabbi told Ricciardi , to ensure these houses of worship are there to welcome their congregants back when it ’ s once again safe .
Coronavirus is taking a financial toll on Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious leaders still have faith .
Five in-depth looks at Colorado in the age of coronavirus Colorado doctors and researchers are studying whether fluids donated by people who recovered from the new coronavirus could give others a better chance of surviving , although one doctor warns that it isn ’ t a long-term solution .
The experimental treatment involves giving plasma — the liquid part of blood — from COVID-19 survivors to people who are seriously ill from the new coronavirus .
The idea is that the antibodies in the survivors ’ plasma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ immune systems .
Different antibodies react to a specific type of virus , bacterium or toxin , and some can neutralize their target , while some signal other immune cells to eat the invader .
Read more from Meg Wingerter RELATED : Nearly 1,200 people in Colorado have died with COVID-19 in their systems , health officials say Colorado ’ s pro-vaccine bill sounds like an easy sell in a pandemic .
Here ’ s why it ’ s not .
Of the more than 350 bills left on the vine when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps none is more relevant now than the one that attempts to tighten vaccine exemptions in an effort to boost the state ’ s worst-in-the-nation child immunization rates .
“ I think it couldn ’ t be more clear now that vaccinations save lives , ensure the ongoing health of the community , ” said Republican state Sen. Kevin Priola of Brighton , a sponsor of the bill .
“ And we see the role that prevention plays in keeping our economy strong.
” Read more from Alex Burness As coronavirus deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 fatalities are publicly reported Colorado ’ s health department changed the way it publicly reports coronavirus deaths Friday , introducing a second category of fatalities after its methods came under scrutiny — including by a state representative who ’ s calling for the agency ’ s chief to be investigated .
How COVID-19 deaths are counted has become politically divisive , with critics claiming the numbers are inflated and medical experts saying deaths may actually be undercounted .
Still , the number of deaths is a crucial data point that informs public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health officials ’ response to the crisis .
Read more from Jessica Seaman and Alex Burness RELATED : Deaths in Colorado jumped nearly 20 % during first 2 months of coronavirus pandemic , state data shows A Colorado nursing home devastated by coronavirus ordered PPE that never arrived .
FEMA got blamed , and things got messy .
On April 24 , Shelly Griffith received some bad news via email .
The CEO of the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center outside Fort Morgan desperately needed more personal protection equipment , including gowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she expected to arrive that week in a nearly $ 15,000 order being shipped from China .
Read more from Sam Tabachnik CHSAA task force created to discuss how Colorado high schools can resume sports , activities Its spring seasons canceled at the end of April by the coronavirus pandemic , the Colorado High School Activities Association is already looking ahead to what it can to do resume athletics and activities next school year .
To that end , the association has created a task force to discuss when , if and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the state .
Read more from Matt Schubert RELATED : Keeler : Brian Mullan , ex-Rapids midfielder , now battling coronavirus on the front lines A few more important stories from the past week + 125 Colorado breweries are all making the same beer to raise money during the pandemic + The near future of Colorado ’ s restaurants could depend on our biggest asset : the outdoors + Frodo Baggins for president ?
Colorado argues electors ’ freedom before U.S. Supreme Court + Colorado universities coming to aid of undocumented students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stimulus + Camping can resume at Colorado state parks .
Here ’ s what you need to know .
+ Antisemitic incidents in Colorado continue to rise as attacks against American Jews reach all-time highs , new report shows + More symptoms , no slam-dunk drugs : What we now know — and still don ’ t know — about the coronavirus + What might college in Colorado look like this fall ?
Mix of in-person and online , single dorm rooms , spread-out desks See more great photos like this on The @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Like so much of our society, Colorado’s communities of faith have felt the sharp sting of the coronavirus pandemic.
Denver-area churches, synagogues and mosques report contributions are down in this time of great need, fueled both by their inability to bring people together for large-scale services and the fact that so many of their congregants have seen their own lives upended by the virus’s grave economic toll.
Today, reporter Tiney Ricciardi takes a closer look at how Colorado’s houses of worship are grappling with this threat to their fiscal well-being, which has left some cutting staff and budgets, and others scaling back key community programs.
But there is hope, too, in faith, and metro-area religious leaders are finding innovative ways to connect with their communities remotely, employing high-tech solutions that may well outlast the pandemic itself.
And there is an urgency to stay intact, as one rabbi told Ricciardi, to ensure these houses of worship are there to welcome their congregants back when it’s once again safe.
— Matt Sebastian, senior editor/enterprise
Five in-depth looks at Colorado in the age of coronavirus
Colorado doctors and researchers are studying whether fluids donated by people who recovered from the new coronavirus could give others a better chance of surviving, although one doctor warns that it isn’t a long-term solution.
The experimental treatment involves giving plasma — the liquid part of blood — from COVID-19 survivors to people who are seriously ill from the new coronavirus. The idea is that the antibodies in the survivors’ plasma will give a boost to sick patients’ immune systems. Different antibodies react to a specific type of virus, bacterium or toxin, and some can neutralize their target, while some signal other immune cells to eat the invader. Read more from Meg Wingerter
RELATED: Nearly 1,200 people in Colorado have died with COVID-19 in their systems, health officials say
Of the more than 350 bills left on the vine when Colorado paused its legislative session March 14, perhaps none is more relevant now than the one that attempts to tighten vaccine exemptions in an effort to boost the state’s worst-in-the-nation child immunization rates.
“I think it couldn’t be more clear now that vaccinations save lives, ensure the ongoing health of the community,” said Republican state Sen. Kevin Priola of Brighton, a sponsor of the bill. “And we see the role that prevention plays in keeping our economy strong.” Read more from Alex Burness
RELATED: Coronavirus blasts $3.3 billion hole in Colorado budget
Colorado’s health department changed the way it publicly reports coronavirus deaths Friday, introducing a second category of fatalities after its methods came under scrutiny — including by a state representative who’s calling for the agency’s chief to be investigated.
How COVID-19 deaths are counted has become politically divisive, with critics claiming the numbers are inflated and medical experts saying deaths may actually be undercounted. Still, the number of deaths is a crucial data point that informs public understanding of the pandemic’s severity and health officials’ response to the crisis. Read more from Jessica Seaman and Alex Burness
RELATED: Deaths in Colorado jumped nearly 20% during first 2 months of coronavirus pandemic, state data shows
On April 24, Shelly Griffith received some bad news via email.
The CEO of the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center outside Fort Morgan desperately needed more personal protection equipment, including gowns, masks and sanitizing wipes, which she expected to arrive that week in a nearly $15,000 order being shipped from China. Read more from Sam Tabachnik
RELATED: Experimental coronavirus drug remdesivir being distributed in Colorado
Its spring seasons canceled at the end of April by the coronavirus pandemic, the Colorado High School Activities Association is already looking ahead to what it can to do resume athletics and activities next school year.
To that end, the association has created a task force to discuss when, if and how those programs can return to high schools throughout the state. Read more from Matt Schubert
RELATED: Keeler: Brian Mullan, ex-Rapids midfielder, now battling coronavirus on the front lines
A few more important stories from the past week
+ 125 Colorado breweries are all making the same beer to raise money during the pandemic
+ The near future of Colorado’s restaurants could depend on our biggest asset: the outdoors
+ Frodo Baggins for president? Colorado argues electors’ freedom before U.S. Supreme Court
+ Colorado universities coming to aid of undocumented students, others not eligible for federal coronavirus stimulus
+ Camping can resume at Colorado state parks. Here’s what you need to know.
+ Antisemitic incidents in Colorado continue to rise as attacks against American Jews reach all-time highs, new report shows
+ More symptoms, no slam-dunk drugs: What we now know — and still don’t know — about the coronavirus
+ Coloradans recovering from addiction fight isolation during coronavirus pandemic
+ Colorado water roller coaster leads to drought, fire risk and weaker-than-average streamflow
+ What might college in Colorado look like this fall? Mix of in-person and online, single dorm rooms, spread-out desks
Photo of the week
See more great photos like this on The Denver Post’s Instagram account.


thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Top Workplaces 2020: A list of the 150 businesses that made the cut

The Denver Post ’ s annual Top Workplaces competition , like many events this spring , was postponed because of @ @ @ @ @ awards night , originally scheduled for early this month , will be held sometime in @ @ @ @ @ time , the top three workplaces in each of the three size divisions will be @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ re now naming all 150 Top Workplaces for 2020 , listed below @ @ @ @ @ .

The Denver Post’s annual Top Workplaces competition, like many events this spring, was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The awards night, originally scheduled for early this month, will be held sometime in the fall. At that time, the top three workplaces in each of the three size divisions will be announced.
In the meantime, we’re now naming all 150 Top Workplaces for 2020, listed below in alphabetical order by category.
Large-sized Category (36)
Accenture
American Financing
Booz Allen Hamilton
Breckenridge Grand Vacations
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
CACI International Inc.
Charles Schwab & Co.
Clinica Campesina/Family Health Services
Craig Hospital
DaVita Inc.
DSST Public Schools
Edward Jones
Encore Electric Inc.
Fidelity Investments
FirstBank
Greystar
Gusto
Jefferson Center For Mental Health
Keysight Technologies
Martin Marietta Materials
Mental Health Center of Denver
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
Nelnet Inc.
Nutrien/Nutrien Ag Solutions
OnDeck Capital, Inc.
Pinnacol Assurance
Progressive Insurance
RingCentral
Rose Medical Center
Salesforce
Saunders Construction Inc.
Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc.
UCHealth
USAA
Vivage Senior Living
Zillow Group
Medium-sized Category (49)
8z Real Estate
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Aimco
AllHealth Network
Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric
Brown and Caldwell
Burns & McDonnell
Coalfire Systems Inc.
Conga
Cornerstone Home Lending
Custom Made Meals
Delta Dental of Colorado
Donor Alliance Inc.
Encompass Health
ezCater
Extraction Oil & Gas, Inc.
Fransen Pittman General Contractors
General Air Service & Supply
GSA Region 8
Guild Education
Haselden Construction
ICAT
Lohmiller and Company
LONG Building Technologies
Madison & Company Properties
The MITRE Corporation
Mortenson Construction
New York Life Insurance Company
OpenTable
Personal Capital
Physician Health Partners
Ping Identity Corp.
PorchLight Real Estate Group
Power Home Remodeling Group
RE/MAX Professionals
Renewal by Andersen
Risas Dental Management LLC
Security Service Federal Credit Union
SEMA Construction Inc.
Slalom Consulting
SpotX
Stryker Corporation
Syncroness Inc.
Tallgrass Energy
Visiting Angels of Denver
Weifield Group Contracting
Wireless Vision
Workplace ELEMENTS
Xactly Corporation
Small-sized Category (65)


thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Coronavirus is taking a financial toll on Colorado’s houses of worship. But religious leaders still

Coronavirus is taking a financial toll on Colorado’s houses of worship. But religious leaders still have faith.

The holy month of Ramadan is typically one of the most prosperous times of the year for mosques and other Islamic institutions .
It ’ s a time when Muslims come together for nightly prayers and offer zakat , or donations to support their houses of worship , community and the poor .
Part of what makes this season so special is celebrating together as a congregation during prayer and iftar , the meal shared after sundown , said Iman Jodeh , spokeswoman for the Colorado Muslim Society , the region ’ s largest mosque .
That spirit of community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its roughly 3,000 parishioners to give .
But this year , Ramadan started on the evening of April 23 — during the thick of the coronavirus pandemic and two weeks before stay-at-home orders in the metro area expired .
Since the Denver mosque closed on March 12 , it ’ s seen a “ significant ” drop in community contributions , Jodeh said , even as it ’ s begun promoting PayPal and other online options .
“ It ’ s incredibly difficult , ” she said of fundraising .
“ That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s religious institutions have been suffering financially since the public health crisis forced them to discontinue in-person worship and educational programs .
Churches , synagogues and mosques have been quick to move services and offering plates online , but faith leaders say the economic hardship imposed on their members is trickling down .
Representatives from several institutions told The Denver Post they are constantly reevaluating their budgets to adapt in this time of financial uncertainty .
While they declined to reveal specific losses , some acknowledged they were forced to make cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their primary goal is doing whatever necessary to offer continued support to their communities during this difficult time and welcome them back once limits on in-person gatherings are lifted .
Though some churches have begun gradually welcoming parishioners back , those contacted by The Post said most are waiting for a directive from Gov .
Jared Polis about the soonest — and safest — timeline to reinstate onsite services .
“ If we do not have some kind of relief for houses of worship , you ’ re going to see a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Jodeh said .
“ While we are not there yet , thankfully , it is something that we are monitoring , and something we are taking step by step , day by day.
” Donations are down across the board at the 149 Catholic churches under the purview of the Archdiocese of Denver , said spokesman Mark Haas , though the extent to which they are varies from parish to parish .
Decreases in revenue have triggered a 20 % reduction in staff at Archdiocese , plus additional furloughs and pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization .
Although some Denver-area Catholic churches began welcoming worshippers back for Sunday Mass in limited capacities on May 9 , offerings haven ’ t yet made up the deficit .
“ By no means was it even close to making up for the last two months , ” Haas said .
“ With so many people having either lost their jobs , lost hours/income at their jobs , or just facing an uncertain future , even when we return to full Masses , we are anticipating that donations will remain below average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Long-term , that could spell more layoffs or force the Archdiocese to consolidate parish communities , he said .
At Trinity United Methodist Church in Capitol Hill , weekly revenue dipped as much as 30 % in March , according to senior pastor Ken Brown .
That rebounded in April , however , thanks to what he calls “ the Easter surprise.
” “ Weekly offerings were only down 2 % in April compared to 30 % in March .
I ’ m incredibly encouraged , ” Brown said .
The church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection Program loan , which will help retain staff during the pandemic .
But there are still many unknown factors , Brown said , including when Trinity might reopen its doors for in-person services .
“ We don ’ t know how deep this is reaching people economically , ” he said , “ but we are cautiously optimistic .
And , of course , we believe in our faith.
” Temple Emanuel in Denver ’ s Hilltop neighborhood employs a dues-based model , which allows members to give what they can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Rabbi Joe Black .
The synagogue also hosts Shwayder Camp for Jewish youth on the slopes of Mount Evans , which attracts 500 to 600 attendees each summer and brings in revenue through registrations fees .
For the first time in 72 years , the camp will not open this summer .
The synagogue also rents out the campsite to other organizations and hosts services for High Holy Days there , but those prospects are in limbo as well .
“ It ’ s a significant hit that we ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no choice , ” Black said .
“ We made that decision , it was a painful one.
” While the coronavirus pandemic has caused financial uncertainty for religious organizations , it ’ s also moved them to find innovative solutions .
Scott Bloyer , lead pastor of Elevation Christian Church in Aurora , is working to form a nonprofit organization called One Person Inc. , which will be related to but separate from his church .
That ’ s because , in his experience , many businesses hesitate to donate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new entity will enable those parties to give and help Elevation expand ministry programs , such as its market that offers free groceries to those in need and an initiative that helps newly-released prisoners reacclimate to society .
Bloyer is also weighing the prospect of doing drive-in sermons for Elevation ’ s 250-plus members .
“ The American community of faith has relied on their buildings too much , ” he said .
“ This is forcing us to be way more creative.
” Since religious services have been adapted to digital platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely maintain virtual ways for members to stay involved .
For example , Bloyer wants to start an online Bible study , so couples with young children can attend without having to worry about child care .
Trinity United Methodist recently began offering a virtual membership , which has inspired people across the country to join the congregation , said pastor Brown .
Because of that , the church will continue to broadcast its sermons online .
Few , however , see these options as replacements for in-person communion — and not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the Colorado Muslim Society are immigrants and refugees who come to the mosque for a sense familiarity and community , Jodeh said .
In times of strife , Catholics often gravitate toward their faith by literally going to church and praying as a community , Haas said .
And that ’ s perhaps the most important reason to stay fiscally responsible during this pandemic , said Rabbi Black — to ensure houses of worship can open their doors and welcome patrons back when it ’ s safe to do so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing people ’ s faces in person and being able to , God willing , someday give someone a big hug , ” Black said .

The holy month of Ramadan is typically one of the most prosperous times of the year for mosques and other Islamic institutions. It’s a time when Muslims come together for nightly prayers and offer zakat, or donations to support their houses of worship, community and the poor.
Part of what makes this season so special is celebrating together as a congregation during prayer and iftar, the meal shared after sundown, said Iman Jodeh, spokeswoman for the Colorado Muslim Society, the region’s largest mosque. That spirit of community is, in part, what inspires its roughly 3,000 parishioners to give.
But this year, Ramadan started on the evening of April 23 — during the thick of the coronavirus pandemic and two weeks before stay-at-home orders in the metro area expired. Since the Denver mosque closed on March 12, it’s seen a “significant” drop in community contributions, Jodeh said, even as it’s begun promoting PayPal and other online options.
“It’s incredibly difficult,” she said of fundraising. “That’s being conservative.”
Many of Colorado’s religious institutions have been suffering financially since the public health crisis forced them to discontinue in-person worship and educational programs. Churches, synagogues and mosques have been quick to move services and offering plates online, but faith leaders say the economic hardship imposed on their members is trickling down.
Representatives from several institutions told The Denver Post they are constantly reevaluating their budgets to adapt in this time of financial uncertainty. While they declined to reveal specific losses, some acknowledged they were forced to make cuts or furlough staff.
But all maintained their primary goal is doing whatever necessary to offer continued support to their communities during this difficult time and welcome them back once limits on in-person gatherings are lifted.
Though some churches have begun gradually welcoming parishioners back, those contacted by The Post said most are waiting for a directive from Gov. Jared Polis about the soonest — and safest — timeline to reinstate onsite services.
“If we do not have some kind of relief for houses of worship, you’re going to see a high increase of these places closing doors permanently,” Jodeh said. “While we are not there yet, thankfully, it is something that we are monitoring, and something we are taking step by step, day by day.”
Making painful decisions
Donations are down across the board at the 149 Catholic churches under the purview of the Archdiocese of Denver, said spokesman Mark Haas, though the extent to which they are varies from parish to parish. Decreases in revenue have triggered a 20% reduction in staff at Archdiocese, plus additional furloughs and pay reductions, reaching every department within the organization.
Although some Denver-area Catholic churches began welcoming worshippers back for Sunday Mass in limited capacities on May 9, offerings haven’t yet made up the deficit.
“By no means was it even close to making up for the last two months,” Haas said. “With so many people having either lost their jobs, lost hours/income at their jobs, or just facing an uncertain future, even when we return to full Masses, we are anticipating that donations will remain below average for months and even years to come.”
Long-term, that could spell more layoffs or force the Archdiocese to consolidate parish communities, he said.
At Trinity United Methodist Church in Capitol Hill, weekly revenue dipped as much as 30% in March, according to senior pastor Ken Brown. That rebounded in April, however, thanks to what he calls “the Easter surprise.”
“Weekly offerings were only down 2% in April compared to 30% in March. I’m incredibly encouraged,” Brown said.
The church was also approved for a federal Payment Protection Program loan, which will help retain staff during the pandemic. But there are still many unknown factors, Brown said, including when Trinity might reopen its doors for in-person services.
“We don’t know how deep this is reaching people economically,” he said, “but we are cautiously optimistic. And, of course, we believe in our faith.”
Temple Emanuel in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood employs a dues-based model, which allows members to give what they can to support community outreach and educational programs, said Rabbi Joe Black.
The synagogue also hosts Shwayder Camp for Jewish youth on the slopes of Mount Evans, which attracts 500 to 600 attendees each summer and brings in revenue through registrations fees. For the first time in 72 years, the camp will not open this summer.
The synagogue also rents out the campsite to other organizations and hosts services for High Holy Days there, but those prospects are in limbo as well.
“It’s a significant hit that we’re going to have to take, but we had no choice,” Black said. “We made that decision, it was a painful one.”
Finding creative solutions
While the coronavirus pandemic has caused financial uncertainty for religious organizations, it’s also moved them to find innovative solutions.
Scott Bloyer, lead pastor of Elevation Christian Church in Aurora, is working to form a nonprofit organization called One Person Inc., which will be related to but separate from his church. That’s because, in his experience, many businesses hesitate to donate to religious organizations, Bloyer said.
The new entity will enable those parties to give and help Elevation expand ministry programs, such as its market that offers free groceries to those in need and an initiative that helps newly-released prisoners reacclimate to society.
Bloyer is also weighing the prospect of doing drive-in sermons for Elevation’s 250-plus members.
“The American community of faith has relied on their buildings too much,” he said. “This is forcing us to be way more creative.”
Since religious services have been adapted to digital platforms, many congregations said they’ll likely maintain virtual ways for members to stay involved. For example, Bloyer wants to start an online Bible study, so couples with young children can attend without having to worry about child care.
Trinity United Methodist recently began offering a virtual membership, which has inspired people across the country to join the congregation, said pastor Brown. Because of that, the church will continue to broadcast its sermons online.
Few, however, see these options as replacements for in-person communion — and not just because of the financial prospects.
Many members of the Colorado Muslim Society are immigrants and refugees who come to the mosque for a sense familiarity and community, Jodeh said. In times of strife, Catholics often gravitate toward their faith by literally going to church and praying as a community, Haas said.
And that’s perhaps the most important reason to stay fiscally responsible during this pandemic, said Rabbi Black — to ensure houses of worship can open their doors and welcome patrons back when it’s safe to do so.
“I am most looking forward to seeing people’s faces in person and being able to, God willing, someday give someone a big hug,” Black said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Affordable housing orgs say Coloradans will need at least $291 million in rent and mortgage assistan

Affordable housing orgs say Coloradans will need at least $291 million in rent and mortgage assistance this year

A coalition of Colorado affordable-housing organizations with an up-close view of the desperate situation some low-income families has an emergency plan that it believes could help stave off a potential mass eviction and foreclosure crisis if state and local leaders can find the money for it .
It ’ s a plan that comes with a more than $ 291 million price tag and as ticking clock .
Gov .
Jared Polis ’ moratorium on foreclosures and evictions expires May 31 .
“ With many households receiving insufficient income or federal assistance to cover current bills and pay for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the month , thousands may be in danger of being evicted just as we as a state begin the recovery process , ” reads the letter , sent by the 15-member Neighborhood Development Collaborative to Polis and other state officials earlier this month .
The group ’ s plan calls for more than $ 196.5 million to support nearly 82,000 renters it projects will not have sufficient money for their landlords when the moratorium lifts .
More than $ 94.5 million would be dedicated to the 31,500 or so people or families the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay their mortgages .
That adds up to $ 291 million in direct housing assistance needs .
Beyond that , the group projects another $ 2.8 million will be needed to pay for additional housing counselors across the state and to support housing service providers like Habitat for Humanity Colorado .
By granting mortgage forbearance to some of the families living in the 1,600 homes it oversees , that organization is expected to lose close to $ 1 million over the next two months , the letter says .
Many other housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly , executive director of collaborative member Del Norte Neighborhood Development , said his organization is burning through reserves because of COVID-19-related expenses .
Those include providing personal protective equipment to service providers , more frequent deep cleanings and bringing in on-site security at two buildings to check visitor IDs for potential contact tracing .
Del Norte ’ s tenants include people with HIV and AIDS and people with disabilities that were formerly homeless , Kelly said .
Del Norte has seen a huge uptick in demand for the temporary rental and utility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distributes on behalf of the city of Denver .
After fielding 132 applications in February , Del Norte and its partners at the Northeast Denver Housing Center received 729 in April .
And that ’ s just for half of the city .
Brothers Redevelopment also distributes some funding , Kelly said .
“ We think that it ’ s just started , to tell you the truth , ” Kelly said of the demand .
Neighborhood Development Collaborative executive director Jonathan Cappelli , says the coalition ’ s estimates for how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving targets .
The organization has data from nonprofit housing providers like Del Norte about tenants ’ needs but the arithmetic includes trying to figure out how many low-wage workers are among the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who have filed for unemployment over the last three months .
“ All of these assumptions are based on trying to figure out whether or not people will be able to get enough other benefits or employment starting up quickly enough to help them , ” he said .
The coalition ’ s estimates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eviction Defense Project released an analysis on April 13 that estimated roughly 460,000 Coloradans could face evictions related to the pandemic .
At that time unemployment claims related to the pandemic were less than a quarter of the more than 450,000 that have been filed in the state to date .
Adding to the urgency , the pandemic-fueled housing crisis is playing out on top of the state ’ s existing housing crisis .
The Colorado Division of Housing already counts 280,000 low-income households in the state as severely cost-burdened .
That means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their income to keeping a roof over their heads .
“ It is pretty obvious that the greatest needs right now are in business protection to get people employed and back to work .
Then keeping them in housing , ” Cappelli said .
“ If you don ’ t do that then our existing housing crisis turns into something really , really bad.
” The Neighborhood Development Collaborative was born out of the Great Recession .
Many members of the group say federal aid came to slowly during that crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaborative ’ s goal with its letter was to be proactive .
It identified potential funding sources that , so far , have not been dedicated elsewhere .
That includes $ 6.3 million in community development block grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that the Colorado Division of Housing is considering how to allocate .
It ’ s the first of what is expected to be at least two rounds of funding from HUD .
A draft plan for how that money will be spent is expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Tuesday , Alison George , the director of the Division of Housing , said last week .
The collaborative is hoping that a third of that money will be spent on the needs it highlighted .
A response letter from the Division of Housing and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs sent May 7 indicated it could be even more than that with $ 3.8 million going to mortgage and rental assistance .
George , whose department is fielding funding requests from across the state , is also worried about families being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave when various eviction moratoria lift .
The division last week released a model repayment agreement its is hoping landlords use as a guide to spread out the pain of past due rent and fees .
Goerge is acutely aware of the urgency of the situation .
“ Decisions are going to need to made earlier that we are going to have all of the information together , ” she said .
The first wave of HUB block grants would only provide a sliver of the support the Neighborhood Development Collaborative believes is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighted in the letter is the state ’ s $ 1.6 billion in Coronavirus Relief Fund the federal government is sending to Colorado .
Cappelli and his partners are realistic .
They know the state is facing a mountain of needs including backfilling state and local budgets that are suddenly millions or billions of dollars short .
As highlighted in the letter , if the state could even send $ 160 million from that fund to local jurisdictions for housing support it could be packaged with other state and federal funding sources to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state of Colorado is looking to backfill its budget .
How can you not be sympathetic to that ?
” Kelly said .
“ I would say what we really need is more funds from the feds .
Sooner rather than later.
” Aaron Miripol , president and CEO of Neighborhood Development Collaborative member organization the Urban Land Conservancy , points out that the group ’ s estimates would not solve the state ’ s housing problems long-term .
The combined $ 294 million in housing assistance and support for services providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the year .
The letter also includes a series of policy proposals around housing including providing property tax relief and protecting existing sources of funding for housing in the state .
Urban Land Conservancy specializes in land banking .
It works with developers to build income-restricted apartments on properties the organization owns and contracts with partners to operate them under the terms of long-term ground leases that mandate the affordable rents stay intact .
Today 199 affordable apartments are under construction on two Urban Land Conservancy parcels , one at 38th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 5330 W. 11th Ave. in Lakewood .
The organization hopes its development partners will be able to break ground later this year on a 150-unit affordable apartment complex in Denver ’ s Elyria-Swansea neighborhood .
If a silver lining does emerge from the pandemic , Miripol hopes it will be that nonprofit housing organizations like his will be able to buy up market-rate apartment properties and preserve than as affordable long-term .
That would provide more opportunities for cost-burdened renters to move into affordable housing .
The state is 130,000 residences short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing needed for the state ’ s lowest-income residents , according to information gathered by the coalition , and that was before COVID-19 started wreaking havoc of jobs and incomes .
“ I think because there is such a dearth of actually affordable housing I think absolutely we need to be producing more units , ” Mriripol said .
“ That ’ s critical .
”

A coalition of Colorado affordable-housing organizations with an up-close view of the desperate situation some low-income families are facing has an emergency plan that it believes could help stave off a potential mass eviction and foreclosure crisis if state and local leaders can find the money for it.
It’s a plan that comes with a more than $291 million price tag and a ticking clock. Gov. Jared Polis’ moratorium on foreclosures and evictions expires May 31.
“With many households receiving insufficient income or federal assistance to cover current bills and pay for a large housing bill at the end of the month, thousands may be in danger of being evicted just as we as a state begin the recovery process,” reads the letter, sent by the 15-member Neighborhood Development Collaborative to Polis and other state officials earlier this month.
The group’s plan calls for more than $196.5 million to support nearly 82,000 renters it projects will not have sufficient money for their landlords when the moratorium lifts. More than $94.5 million would be dedicated to the 31,500 or so people or families the group believes won’t be able to pay their mortgages. That adds up to $291 million in direct housing assistance needs.
Beyond that, the group projects another $2.8 million will be needed to pay for additional housing counselors across the state and to support housing service providers like Habitat for Humanity Colorado. By granting mortgage forbearance to some of the families living in the 1,600 homes it oversees, that organization is expected to lose close to $1 million over the next two months, the letter says. Many other housing nonprofits are facing steep shortfalls.
Marvin Kelly, executive director of collaborative member Del Norte Neighborhood Development, said his organization is burning through reserves because of COVID-19-related expenses. Those include providing personal protective equipment to service providers, more frequent deep cleanings and bringing in on-site security at two buildings to check visitor IDs for potential contact tracing. Del Norte’s tenants include people with HIV and AIDS and people with disabilities that were formerly homeless, Kelly said.
Del Norte has seen a huge uptick in demand for the temporary rental and utility assistance, or TRUA, funding it distributes on behalf of the city of Denver. After fielding 132 applications in February, Del Norte and its partners at the Northeast Denver Housing Center received 729 in April. And that’s just for half of the city. Brothers Redevelopment also distributes some funding, Kelly said.
“We think that it’s just started, to tell you the truth,” Kelly said of the demand.
Neighborhood Development Collaborative executive director Jonathan Cappelli, says the coalition’s estimates for how many households will need support are based on moving targets. The organization has data from nonprofit housing providers like Del Norte about tenants’ needs but the arithmetic includes trying to figure out how many low-wage workers are among the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who have filed for unemployment over the last three months.
“All of these assumptions are based on trying to figure out whether or not people will be able to get enough other benefits or employment starting up quickly enough to help them,” he said.
The coalition’s estimates are also relatively conservative. The volunteer-run COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project released an analysis on April 13 that estimated roughly 460,000 Coloradans could face evictions related to the pandemic. At that time unemployment claims related to the pandemic were less than a quarter of the more than 450,000 that have been filed in the state to date.
Adding to the urgency, the pandemic-fueled housing crisis is playing out on top of the state’s existing housing crisis.
The Colorado Division of Housing already counts 280,000 low-income households in the state as severely cost-burdened. That means those people put at least 50% of their income to keeping a roof over their heads.
“It is pretty obvious that the greatest needs right now are in business protection to get people employed and back to work. Then keeping them in housing,” Cappelli said. “If you don’t do that then our existing housing crisis turns into something really, really bad.”
The Neighborhood Development Collaborative was born out of the Great Recession. Many members of the group say federal aid came to slowly during that crisis. Taking lessons from that experience, the collaborative’s goal with its letter was to be proactive. It identified potential funding sources that, so far, have not been dedicated elsewhere.
That includes $6.3 million in community development block grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that the Colorado Division of Housing is considering how to allocate. It’s the first of what is expected to be at least two rounds of funding from HUD.
A draft plan for how that money will be spent is expected to be posted for public comment on either Monday or Tuesday, Alison George, the director of the Division of Housing, said last week.
The collaborative is hoping that a third of that money will be spent on the needs it highlighted. A response letter from the Division of Housing and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs sent May 7 indicated it could be even more than that with $3.8 million going to mortgage and rental assistance.
George, whose department is fielding funding requests from across the state, is also worried about families being hit with massive debt in a single wave when various eviction moratoria lift. The division last week released a model repayment agreement its is hoping landlords use as a guide to spread out the pain of past due rent and fees. Goerge is acutely aware of the urgency of the situation.
“Decisions are going to need to made earlier that we are going to have all of the information together,” she said.
The first wave of HUB block grants would only provide a sliver of the support the Neighborhood Development Collaborative believes is needed. The bigger pot of money highlighted in the letter is the state’s $1.6 billion in Coronavirus Relief Fund the federal government is sending to Colorado.
Cappelli and his partners are realistic. They know the state is facing a mountain of needs including backfilling state and local budgets that are suddenly millions or billions of dollars short. As highlighted in the letter, if the state could even send $160 million from that fund to local jurisdictions for housing support it could be packaged with other state and federal funding sources to address the chasm of need.
“The state of Colorado is looking to backfill its budget. How can you not be sympathetic to that?” Kelly said. “I would say what we really need is more funds from the feds. Sooner rather than later.”
Aaron Miripol, president and CEO of Neighborhood Development Collaborative member organization the Urban Land Conservancy, points out that the group’s estimates would not solve the state’s housing problems long-term. The combined $294 million in housing assistance and support for services providers would only meet needs projected through the end of the year. The letter also includes a series of policy proposals around housing including providing property tax relief and protecting existing sources of funding for housing in the state.
Urban Land Conservancy specializes in land banking. It works with developers to build income-restricted apartments on properties the organization owns and contracts with partners to operate them under the terms of long-term ground leases that mandate the affordable rents stay intact. Today 199 affordable apartments are under construction on two Urban Land Conservancy parcels, one at 38th and Walnut streets in Denver and another at 5330 W. 11th Ave. The organization hopes its development partners will be able to break ground later this year on a 150-unit affordable apartment complex in Denver’s Elyria-Swansea neighborhood.
If a silver lining does emerge from the pandemic, Miripol hopes it will be that nonprofit housing organizations like his will be able to buy up market-rate apartment properties and preserve than as affordable long-term. That would provide more opportunities for cost-burdened renters to move into affordable housing.
The state is 130,000 residences short of demand when it comes to affordable housing needed for the state’s lowest-income residents, according to information gathered by the coalition, and that was before COVID-19 started wreaking havoc of jobs and incomes.
“I think because there is such a dearth of actually affordable housing I think absolutely we need to be producing more units,” Mriripol said. “That’s critical.”
Updated May 17, 2020 at 11:46 a.m. Because of an error by a reporter, this story original misidentified the city in which the affordable apartment project under construction at 5330 W. 11th Ave. is located. It is in Denver.


thedenverpost--2020-05-17--NFL Journal: Courtland Sutton confident young Broncos offense can deal with not having on-field time

NFL Journal: Courtland Sutton confident young Broncos offense can deal with not having on-field time before camp

Back in normal times for the NFL , like last year , the Broncos would be getting ready to start organized team activities , the first chance to do 11-on-11 on-field work .
But the coronavirus pandemic has closed the doors of team facilities , and the offseason program is likely over before it started .
So what is a young offense like the Broncos ’ missing by not having OTAs ?
“ You miss the huddle calls and you miss being able to hear ( quarterback ) Drew ( Lock ) call out a play in the huddle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” receiver Courtland Sutton said .
“ That ’ s something that is so underrated .
“ I think people see us at games and it looks so smooth , but that ’ s over a time of practice and before you even get to ( training ) camp .
The OTAs that we ’ re not getting , those are reps that are quality.
” Sutton said he was told the Broncos ran “ 300-and-something plays in OTAs , ” last year .
“ Being able to do that part as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ It does set you back , but I have faith in the coaches and preparing every ( position ) room .
I have faith that we , as players , have taken every opportunity we can with this and running with it so when we do get a chance to be on the field , it ’ s not going to be something that could take a whole week to get people acclimated.
” The OTAs would have been especially important for the Broncos .
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to a young group of players : Sutton and running back Phillip Lindsay ( third year ) , Lock and tight end Noah Fant ( second year ) , new veterans Graham Glasgow ( right guard ) and Melvin Gordon ( running back ) , and the rookies , including center Lloyd Cushenberry and receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler .
“ I think we do have enough teachers and vets who will take guys under their wings and help them , ” Sutton said .
Draft pick contracts .
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s draft picks , but there is no rush since the rookies are allowed to participate in the virtual offseason program without a contract .
According to the industry website Spotrac , the slotted values for the draft picks ( all four-year contracts ) : Jeudy $ 15,192,974 , Hamler $ 7,137,128 , Michael Ojemudia $ 4,751,392 , Cushenberry $ 4,655,988 , McTelvin Agim $ 4,533,744 , Albert Okwuegbunam $ 4,044,042 , Justin Strnad $ 3,532,772 , Netane Muti $ 3,500,791 , Tyrie Cleveland $ 3,370,490 and Derrek Tuszka $ 3,370,490 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with Wisconsin media members on Friday , Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was asked about first-round quarterback Jordan Love .
“ I think it was more the surprise of the pick based on my own feelings of wanting to play into my 40s and really the realization that it does change the controllables a little bit because as much as I feel confident in my abilities and what I can accomplish and what we can accomplish , there are some new factors that are out of my control , ” Rodgers said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ start and finish ( my career ) with the same organization — just as it has with many other players over the years , may not be a reality at this point.
” Briefly .
In Weeks 2 and 4 , the Broncos will cross two time zones to play at Pittsburgh and the New York Jets on short weeks .
The rest of the league does it twice combined — Green Bay at San Francisco on a Thursday and Las Vegas ( following a home Monday game ) plays at New England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fountain who played at CSU-Pueblo , re-signed Friday to be the Rams ’ long snapper .
He took over the job in December 2017 and will be working with a new special teams coordinator ( John Bonamego ) and a new kicker ( to be determined ) .
… Of all the old NFL games being televised the last two months , the 1994 Week 1 New England-Miami game was great .
The Dolphins won 39-35 and quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe ( Patriots ) and Dan Marino ( Dolphins ) combined for 894 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up on YouTube .
… New England tight end Dalton Keene , who attended Chatfield High School in Littleton , signed his rookie deal last week ( four years- $ 4,499,405 , including a signing bonus of $ 832,296 ) .
… ESPN ’ s “ Monday Night Football ” booth is vacated .
Louis Riddick should be a no-brainer to be one ( and maybe only ) commentator .

Back in normal times for the NFL, like last year, the Broncos would be getting ready to start organized team activities, the first chance to do 11-on-11 on-field work.
But the coronavirus pandemic has closed the doors of team facilities, and the offseason program is likely over before it started.
So what is a young offense like the Broncos’ missing by not having OTAs?
“You miss the huddle calls and you miss being able to hear (quarterback) Drew (Lock) call out a play in the huddle and us breaking the huddle and lining up,” receiver Courtland Sutton said. “That’s something that is so underrated.
“I think people see us at games and it looks so smooth, but that’s over a time of practice and before you even get to (training) camp. The OTAs that we’re not getting, those are reps that are quality.”
Sutton said he was told the Broncos ran “300-and-something plays in OTAs,” last year.
“Being able to do that part as an offense is so huge,” he said. “It does set you back, but I have faith in the coaches and preparing every (position) room. I have faith that we, as players, have taken every opportunity we can with this and running with it so when we do get a chance to be on the field, it’s not going to be something that could take a whole week to get people acclimated.”
The OTAs would have been especially important for the Broncos.
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is installing a new system and teaching it to a young group of players: Sutton and running back Phillip Lindsay (third year), Lock and tight end Noah Fant (second year), new veterans Graham Glasgow (right guard) and Melvin Gordon (running back), and the rookies, including center Lloyd Cushenberry and receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler.
“I think we do have enough teachers and vets who will take guys under their wings and help them,” Sutton said.
Draft pick contracts. The Broncos have not signed any of last month’s draft picks, but there is no rush since the rookies are allowed to participate in the virtual offseason program without a contract.
According to the industry website Spotrac, the slotted values for the draft picks (all four-year contracts): Jeudy $15,192,974, Hamler $7,137,128, Michael Ojemudia $4,751,392, Cushenberry $4,655,988, McTelvin Agim $4,533,744, Albert Okwuegbunam $4,044,042, Justin Strnad $3,532,772, Netane Muti $3,500,791, Tyrie Cleveland $3,370,490 and Derrek Tuszka $3,370,490.
Rodgers’ response. During a conference call with Wisconsin media members on Friday, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was asked about first-round quarterback Jordan Love.
“I think it was more the surprise of the pick based on my own feelings of wanting to play into my 40s and really the realization that it does change the controllables a little bit because as much as I feel confident in my abilities and what I can accomplish and what we can accomplish, there are some new factors that are out of my control,” Rodgers said. “And so my sincere desire to start and finish (my career) with the same organization — just as it has with many other players over the years, may not be a reality at this point.”
Briefly. In Weeks 2 and 4, the Broncos will cross two time zones to play at Pittsburgh and the New York Jets on short weeks. The rest of the league does it twice combined — Green Bay at San Francisco on a Thursday and Las Vegas (following a home Monday game) plays at New England. … Morgan Fox, a native of Fountain who played at CSU-Pueblo, re-signed Friday to be the Rams’ long snapper. He took over the job in December 2017 and will be working with a new special teams coordinator (John Bonamego) and a new kicker (to be determined). … Of all the old NFL games being televised the last two months, the 1994 Week 1 New England-Miami game was great. The Dolphins won 39-35 and quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe (Patriots) and Dan Marino (Dolphins) combined for 894 yards passing and nine touchdowns. Look it up on YouTube. … New England tight end Dalton Keene, who attended Chatfield High School in Littleton, signed his rookie deal last week (four years-$4,499,405, including a signing bonus of $832,296). … ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” booth is vacated. Louis Riddick should be a no-brainer to be one (and maybe only) commentator.


thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Denver weather: Hottest weather of the year next week

It ’ s hard to believe it snowed in Denver less than a month ago .
After a seasonably mild weekend , Denver area temperatures are set to approach 90 degrees on both Monday and Tuesday , potentially marking Denver ’ s first official 90-degree reading of the year .
Denver ’ s average first 90-degree day falls on June 10 , so a 90-degree reading next week would fall about three weeks earlier than the long-term average .
After a relatively cool Saturday with highs topping out around 70 , temperatures will start to climb in earnest on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By Monday , though , a big ridge of high pressure will begin to pump up the heat , though temperatures should stay just shy of the daily record of 93 degrees set May 18 , 1996 .
If Denver hits 90 degrees on Tuesday , it would tie a daily record for May 19 .
Showers and storms will gradually begin to knock back temperatures though , starting on Tuesday night .
Highs will slide back into the 80s by Wednesday , and right around 80 degrees for both Thursday and @ @

It’s hard to believe it snowed in Denver less than a month ago.
After a seasonably mild weekend, Denver area temperatures are set to approach 90 degrees on both Monday and Tuesday, potentially marking Denver’s first official 90-degree reading of the year.
Denver’s average first 90-degree day falls on June 10, so a 90-degree reading next week would fall about three weeks earlier than the long-term average.
After a relatively cool Saturday with highs topping out around 70, temperatures will start to climb in earnest on Sunday, with a high of around 80. By Monday, though, a big ridge of high pressure will begin to pump up the heat, though temperatures should stay just shy of the daily record of 93 degrees set May 18, 1996.
If Denver hits 90 degrees on Tuesday, it would tie a daily record for May 19.
Showers and storms will gradually begin to knock back temperatures though, starting on Tuesday night. Highs will slide back into the 80s by Wednesday, and right around 80 degrees for both Thursday and Friday.


thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Colorado doctors using donated plasma to treat coronavirus patients

Colorado doctors and researchers are studying whether fluids donated by people who recovered from the new coronavirus could give others a better chance of surviving , although one doctor warns that it isn ’ t a long-term solution .
The experimental treatment involves giving plasma — the liquid part of blood — from COVID-19 survivors to people who are seriously ill from the new coronavirus .
The idea is that the antibodies in the survivors ’ plasma will give a boost to sick patients ’ immune systems .
Different antibodies react to a specific type of virus , bacterium or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target , while some signal other immune cells to eat the invader .
Normally , new treatments have to go through a rigorous process to prove they work and don ’ t cause harm .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is allowing expanded use of donated plasma for people who are severely sick with COVID-19 , though .
Research is ongoing , but so far there appears to be a benefit from using what ’ s known as convalescent plasma , at least in some situations , said Dr. Kyle Annen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children ’ s Hospital Colorado .
Children ’ s is one of the blood banks in the Denver area collecting and distributing convalescent plasma .
“ It seems the evidence is slowly building that this is a benefit in COVID , ” she said .
This type of treatment showed some success during the 1918 influenza epidemic and the outbreak of SARS , another coronavirus that killed more than 700 people in 2003 , said Dr. Michael Joyner , a Mayo Clinic consultant who is leading the research into convalescent plasma .
Mayo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the FDA to arrange permission for hospitals to give plasma to patients under certain circumstances , he said .
The FDA is allowing patients who are seriously ill , or whose doctors determine their conditions are deteriorating enough that they will become seriously ill , to receive one or two units of donated convalescent plasma .
Patients also have to be at least 18 and able to understand that the treatment is experimental , said Dr. David Beckham , an associate professor in the infectious diseases division on the University of Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have had previous bad reactions to plasma therapies or who have a condition that make receiving more fluid dangerous , like a severe heart or kidney problem , might not qualify .
Other types of plasma therapy can produce side effects ranging from a slight fever to plummeting blood pressure , though severe bad reactions are rare , Beckham said .
Still , it ’ s important to make sure this type of plasma is as safe as any other type , and to establish if there are other risks , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own immune response , he said .
So far , 16 Denver-area hospitals have enrolled about 50 people in a study to determine if the treatment is safe and get some sense if it ’ s effective , Beckham said .
They need about 200 patients before they start comparing those who got the treatment to similar people who didn ’ t , he said .
If the early data looks good , they ’ ll study more patients to determine who benefits , and how best to give the plasma .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what will help these patients and what won ’ t , ” he said .
Dr. Alan Miller , assistant chief medical director of research and chief medical director of oncology at SCL Health , said SCL ’ s hospitals in Colorado and Kansas have treated more than 50 people with convalescent plasma .
Nationwide , about 7,500 patients have received the therapy , and early data suggests it works better before patients need a ventilator or are experiencing organ failure , he said .
Johns Hopkins University is leading a separate trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any advantage in giving plasma with antibodies to people who were exposed to the virus but aren ’ t sick enough to be hospitalized , Miller said .
It ’ s possible that future studies will determine plasma works better in combination with certain drugs , or that the antibodies should be concentrated and not given with full plasma , he said .
“ Right now we ’ re starting the very basic ways of doing it , ” he said .
Different blood centers have slightly different rules for who can donate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swab test proving the donor had COVID-19 , while others will accept an antibody test , given after the donor recovered .
Donors must wait until they ’ re symptom-free for at least 14 days before giving plasma , Annen said .
When a person donates plasma , a machine removes the red and white blood cells and returns them to the donor .
The liquid portion , which contains antibodies , then goes to patients .
Donors also have to meet all normal blood donation criteria , such as weighing at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
People who have blood type AB are especially in demand , because their plasma doesn ’ t contain antibodies that could attack the blood cells of a person with a different type , Annen said .
They also are trying to prioritize donors who have never been pregnant , because a mother ’ s body will sometimes develop antibodies to parts of the father ’ s immune system , and those could attack an unlucky plasma recipient whose immune system was similar to the father ’ s , she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ verify that their plasma contains the level of antibodies recommended by the FDA , Annen said .
Studies are ongoing to determine if that ’ s the right threshold , she said .
At first , collections were slow , but now they ’ ve collected enough to meet local demand and send some to hospitals in Chicago and Utah that haven ’ t been able to collect enough , Annen said .
Dr. Rebecca Boxer , medical director of clinical trials at Kaiser Permanente Colorado ’ s Institute for Health Research , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who recovered from COVID-19 and are in generally good health to see if they ’ re interested in donating plasma .
Healthy people can donate plasma as often as once a week , Boxer said .
As many as 10 % of people who have had COVID-19 may not develop antibodies , so if someone ’ s plasma shows no antibodies , they wouldn ’ t be asked to donate again , she said .
Others are collecting plasma to try to develop a second-generation treatment .
Vlasta Hakes , director of corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that owns Biomat USA plasma donation centers in Colorado , said the plasma they collect won ’ t go for immediate patient care .
The plan is to extract the antibodies from many donors ’ plasma and use them to make a treatment that can be standardized and tested .
The treatments people receive after possible exposure to tetanus or rabies are based the same idea , she said .
“ Right now our goal is to collect enough plasma to make the medicine for a clinical trial , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ donated plasma , Dr. Nahid Bhadelia , medical director of the Special Pathogens Unit at Boston University ’ s School of Medicine , said on a call with reporters .
For example , drugmakers were able to clone antibodies taken from Ebola survivors , meaning they could give those antibodies to infected people without needing a constant supply of donors , she said .
Miller cautioned against seeing plasma , or any of the drugs being studied for COVID-19 , as the solution to the pandemic .
With no treatment proved to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep practicing social distancing and to wear a mask to limit the virus ’ spread , he said .
Despite all the work being done on plasma therapy , Beckham said he doesn ’ t expect it to be a long-term solution .
Right now , it ’ s something that might help patients while other labs work on more targeted approaches like a vaccine or antiviral drug , he said .
“ I see it as a bridge , ” he said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent @ @ @ @ @

Colorado doctors and researchers are studying whether fluids donated by people who recovered from the new coronavirus could give others a better chance of surviving, although one doctor warns that it isn’t a long-term solution.
The experimental treatment involves giving plasma — the liquid part of blood — from COVID-19 survivors to people who are seriously ill from the new coronavirus. The idea is that the antibodies in the survivors’ plasma will give a boost to sick patients’ immune systems. Different antibodies react to a specific type of virus, bacterium or toxin, and some can neutralize their target, while some signal other immune cells to eat the invader.
Normally, new treatments have to go through a rigorous process to prove they work and don’t cause harm. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is allowing expanded use of donated plasma for people who are severely sick with COVID-19, though.
Research is ongoing, but so far there appears to be a benefit from using what’s known as convalescent plasma, at least in some situations, said Dr. Kyle Annen, medical director of the transfusion service at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Children’s is one of the blood banks in the Denver area collecting and distributing convalescent plasma.
“It seems the evidence is slowly building that this is a benefit in COVID,” she said.
This type of treatment showed some success during the 1918 influenza epidemic and the outbreak of SARS, another coronavirus that killed more than 700 people in 2003, said Dr. Michael Joyner, a Mayo Clinic consultant who is leading the research into convalescent plasma. Mayo Clinic is the umbrella group that worked with the FDA to arrange permission for hospitals to give plasma to patients under certain circumstances, he said.
The FDA is allowing patients who are seriously ill, or whose doctors determine their conditions are deteriorating enough that they will become seriously ill, to receive one or two units of donated convalescent plasma. Patients also have to be at least 18 and able to understand that the treatment is experimental, said Dr. David Beckham, an associate professor in the infectious diseases division on the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus. People who have had previous bad reactions to plasma therapies or who have a condition that make receiving more fluid dangerous, like a severe heart or kidney problem, might not qualify.
Other types of plasma therapy can produce side effects ranging from a slight fever to plummeting blood pressure, though severe bad reactions are rare, Beckham said. Still, it’s important to make sure this type of plasma is as safe as any other type, and to establish if there are other risks, such as interfering with the body’s own immune response, he said.
So far, 16 Denver-area hospitals have enrolled about 50 people in a study to determine if the treatment is safe and get some sense if it’s effective, Beckham said. They need about 200 patients before they start comparing those who got the treatment to similar people who didn’t, he said. If the early data looks good, they’ll study more patients to determine who benefits, and how best to give the plasma.
“We’re still trying to understand what will help these patients and what won’t,” he said.
Dr. Alan Miller, assistant chief medical director of research and chief medical director of oncology at SCL Health, said SCL’s hospitals in Colorado and Kansas have treated more than 50 people with convalescent plasma. Nationwide, about 7,500 patients have received the therapy, and early data suggests it works better before patients need a ventilator or are experiencing organ failure, he said.
Johns Hopkins University is leading a separate trial to figure out if there’s any advantage in giving plasma with antibodies to people who were exposed to the virus but aren’t sick enough to be hospitalized, Miller said. It’s possible that future studies will determine plasma works better in combination with certain drugs, or that the antibodies should be concentrated and not given with full plasma, he said.
“Right now we’re starting the very basic ways of doing it,” he said.
Donors needed, especially with AB blood
Different blood centers have slightly different rules for who can donate. Some want to see a positive swab test proving the donor had COVID-19, while others will accept an antibody test, given after the donor recovered. Donors must wait until they’re symptom-free for at least 14 days before giving plasma, Annen said.
When a person donates plasma, a machine removes the red and white blood cells and returns them to the donor. The liquid portion, which contains antibodies, then goes to patients. Donors also have to meet all normal blood donation criteria, such as weighing at least 110 pounds and being in general good health.
People who have blood type AB are especially in demand, because their plasma doesn’t contain antibodies that could attack the blood cells of a person with a different type, Annen said. They also are trying to prioritize donors who have never been pregnant, because a mother’s body will sometimes develop antibodies to parts of the father’s immune system, and those could attack an unlucky plasma recipient whose immune system was similar to the father’s, she said.
After a person has donated, staff verify that their plasma contains the level of antibodies recommended by the FDA, Annen said. Studies are ongoing to determine if that’s the right threshold, she said.
At first, collections were slow, but now they’ve collected enough to meet local demand and send some to hospitals in Chicago and Utah that haven’t been able to collect enough, Annen said.
Dr. Rebecca Boxer, medical director of clinical trials at Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s Institute for Health Research, said Kaiser is reaching out to people who recovered from COVID-19 and are in generally good health to see if they’re interested in donating plasma.
Healthy people can donate plasma as often as once a week, Boxer said. As many as 10% of people who have had COVID-19 may not develop antibodies, so if someone’s plasma shows no antibodies, they wouldn’t be asked to donate again, she said.
Building a longer-term strategy
Others are collecting plasma to try to develop a second-generation treatment. Vlasta Hakes, director of corporate affairs for Grifols, a Spanish company that owns Biomat USA plasma donation centers in Colorado, said the plasma they collect won’t go for immediate patient care. The plan is to extract the antibodies from many donors’ plasma and use them to make a treatment that can be standardized and tested. The treatments people receive after possible exposure to tetanus or rabies are based the same idea, she said.
“Right now our goal is to collect enough plasma to make the medicine for a clinical trial,” she said.
There is precedent for developing treatments from donated plasma, Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, medical director of the Special Pathogens Unit at Boston University’s School of Medicine, said on a call with reporters. For example, drugmakers were able to clone antibodies taken from Ebola survivors, meaning they could give those antibodies to infected people without needing a constant supply of donors, she said.
Miller cautioned against seeing plasma, or any of the drugs being studied for COVID-19, as the solution to the pandemic. With no treatment proved to be effective, it’s important to keep practicing social distancing and to wear a mask to limit the virus’ spread, he said.
Despite all the work being done on plasma therapy, Beckham said he doesn’t expect it to be a long-term solution. Right now, it’s something that might help patients while other labs work on more targeted approaches like a vaccine or antiviral drug, he said.
“I see it as a bridge,” he said.
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thedenverpost--2020-05-17--Improving Investor Behavior: Fear is a very powerful emotion

After almost 45 years as a financial adviser , one realizes that there ’ s truth behind the phrase , “ Reality is made up of circles , but we see straight lines.
” Market cycles , crises , and investor behavior are all echoes of things we ’ ve seen in the past and will likely experience again in the future .
No doubt the COVID-19 crisis impacts us all , and while it may feel like something completely new , it really isn ’ t .
This is especially true when focusing on finance .
You ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Spanish Flu of 1918 .
While there are many parallels , this event was long ago .
With so many innovations and improvements in the meantime , it ’ s hard to wrap your head around their similarities and differences .
The “ what-ifs ” prevail .
What if they had better hospitals ?
What if they had better testing , doctors , technology ?
So , for comparison ’ s sake , let ’ s consider more recent events .
My career includes four large fear-driven market “ crises ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1987 , Y2K in 1999 , the World Trade Center attacks in 2001 , and the recession in 2008 .
Though these events are all unique , they were all the same in many ways .
With the perspective time has provided , we can say these events : • Were driven by fear of the unknown .
• Were impactful in many ways not immediately apparent at the time .
• Were seemingly an end to “ the way it ’ s always been.
” • Were going to endanger the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of these ultimately resulted in those fears , they did represent a significant buying opportunity for long-term investors .
I don ’ t draw these comparisons to make light of the current situation .
Each of these events altered the course and landscape of our country .
We lost lives , jobs , savings and sleep .
Yet our country has always performed best when the chips are down .
That ’ s when we pull together to do what must be done , and it can be an excellent opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fear is a difficult emotion to tame .
It goes against our innate nature of fight or flight .
Deep down in our subconscious is a warning bell developed over thousands of years designed to keep us alive and out of harm ’ s way .
Combined with the herd mentality ( my neighbor is stocking up on toilet paper , so maybe I should too ) , and we get situations quickly spiraling out of control .
Consider how this applies to each of the events listed above .
Oct. 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 23 % in the Dow Jones , the largest single-day percentage drop in the history of the market .
The cause ?
Investors utilizing computers designed to provide “ portfolio insurance ” that , when triggered by a decline , would sell assets .
The computers took over , selling begets selling , and what do you have at the end of the day ?
A mess .
Only when someone unplugged the computers and human judgment and reason took hold , did things calm down .
Three months later , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The last quarter of 1999 had people in a frenzy .
Convinced the computers we all relied on for everything from piloting aircraft to monitoring our library checkouts would not be able to reconcile the rollover of their internal calendars from 99 to 00 at midnight , people started to panic .
They filled bathtubs with water , sold all their stock , and returned their library books lest they owe 100 years of late fees .
The attacks on 9/11 had a much more significant impact on our country than the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the effects more lasting .
We are reminded of this lingering fear every time we step in an airport and pass through TSA screening .
Immediately following the attacks , few wanted to travel for fear of another attack .
The market closed for an entire week .
From 2008-09 the market indices saw a broad decline of about 57 % thanks to a financial system that was overleveraged , overbought ( mostly real estate ) , and entirely over its skis .
The fear was the system itself wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embedded itself so profoundly , there would be no way out .
Yet , liquidity returned to the markets , and they began to function again .
From March of 2009 until this past February 2020 , the S & P 500 delivered an annualized rate of return of 16.7 % .
On Feb. 19 this year , the index stood some five times higher than the March 2009 temporary trough in just 11 years .
Now we have COVID , and it feels very different .
The speed at which everything has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing about a third of its value in a little over a month .
The change in employment from record lows to record highs is staggering .
The response from both the Government and Federal Reserve is so massive , it is difficult to comprehend .
But the more things change , the more they stay the same .
People are afraid , and perhaps rightly so .
But as investors , we can not let fear drive our investment decisions .
There ’ s a reason most elevators aren ’ t made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people would be terrified to watch as they ’ re buzzed up and down floors .
Instead , our nature prefers to get in , push a button , and just be told when we ’ re at our level .
We don ’ t need to see it happen ; heck we don ’ t want to see it happen .
All we want is to know the system works , and that we ’ ll make it to the 23rd floor without having to climb all those stairs .
In March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In April , it rose 12.6 percent .
Twelve stories down and then back up would be very stressful if we saw the elevator working .
Our system works .
It always has .
Sure , it ’ s broken down a time or two , but America is the best repair company in the world .
It may seem difficult for us to imagine that one day COVID-19 will be a distant memory .
It will join those “ black swan events ” about which people write financial Armageddon books .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fact , rather an observation of human nature and behavior .
We seem to have these periodic , unpredictable , unknown times when we are rattled temporarily , then march higher to new levels of productivity , progress , and accomplishment .
What has rattled you the most over the past eight weeks ?
What new lessons have you learned ?
Are there new things that you trust , or things that you don ’ t ?
What I do trust is that when the economy is freed up again to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million American consumers as well as the other seven billion people around the world , the economic advance will resume .
We ’ ve learned a lot in the past two months , and we ’ ll learn more .
We rise to meet challenges .
This time will be no different .
I would never bet against America .
Steve Booren is the founder of Prosperion Financial Advisors in Greenwood Village .
He is the author of “ Intelligent Investing : Your Guide to a Growing Retirement Income , ” published in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forbes to its 2020 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for Colorado .

After almost 45 years as a financial adviser, one realizes that there’s truth behind the phrase, “Reality is made up of circles, but we see straight lines.” Market cycles, crises, and investor behavior are all echoes of things we’ve seen in the past and will likely experience again in the future. No doubt the COVID-19 crisis impacts us all, and while it may feel like something completely new, it really isn’t. This is especially true when focusing on finance.
You’ve likely heard the comparisons of this crisis to the Spanish Flu of 1918. While there are many parallels, this event was long ago. With so many innovations and improvements in the meantime, it’s hard to wrap your head around their similarities and differences. The “what-ifs” prevail. What if they had better hospitals? What if they had better testing, doctors, technology?
So, for comparison’s sake, let’s consider more recent events. My career includes four large fear-driven market “crises” that come to mind: Black Monday in 1987, Y2K in 1999, the World Trade Center attacks in 2001, and the recession in 2008. Though these events are all unique, they were all the same in many ways.
With the perspective time has provided, we can say these events:
Were driven by fear of the unknown.
Were impactful in many ways not immediately apparent at the time.
Were seemingly an end to “the way it’s always been.”
Were going to endanger the “American way of life.”
While none of these ultimately resulted in those fears, they did represent a significant buying opportunity for long-term investors.
I don’t draw these comparisons to make light of the current situation. Each of these events altered the course and landscape of our country. We lost lives, jobs, savings and sleep. Yet our country has always performed best when the chips are down. That’s when we pull together to do what must be done, and it can be an excellent opportunity to purchase assets from those overcome by fear.
Fear is a difficult emotion to tame. It goes against our innate nature of fight or flight. Deep down in our subconscious is a warning bell developed over thousands of years designed to keep us alive and out of harm’s way. Combined with the herd mentality (my neighbor is stocking up on toilet paper, so maybe I should too), and we get situations quickly spiraling out of control. Consider how this applies to each of the events listed above.
Oct. 19, 1987, saw a decline of about 23% in the Dow Jones, the largest single-day percentage drop in the history of the market. The cause? Investors utilizing computers designed to provide “portfolio insurance” that, when triggered by a decline, would sell assets. The computers took over, selling begets selling, and what do you have at the end of the day? A mess. Only when someone unplugged the computers and human judgment and reason took hold, did things calm down. Three months later, the market was back in positive territory.
The last quarter of 1999 had people in a frenzy. Convinced the computers we all relied on for everything from piloting aircraft to monitoring our library checkouts would not be able to reconcile the rollover of their internal calendars from 99 to 00 at midnight, people started to panic. They filled bathtubs with water, sold all their stock, and returned their library books lest they owe 100 years of late fees.
The attacks on 9/11 had a much more significant impact on our country than the previous examples. The outcome was more serious, and the effects more lasting. We are reminded of this lingering fear every time we step in an airport and pass through TSA screening. Immediately following the attacks, few wanted to travel for fear of another attack. The market closed for an entire week.
From 2008-09 the market indices saw a broad decline of about 57% thanks to a financial system that was overleveraged, overbought (mostly real estate), and entirely over its skis. The fear was the system itself wouldn’t survive; that the rottenness had embedded itself so profoundly, there would be no way out. Yet, liquidity returned to the markets, and they began to function again. From March of 2009 until this past February 2020, the S&P 500 delivered an annualized rate of return of 16.7%. On Feb. 19 this year, the index stood some five times higher than the March 2009 temporary trough in just 11 years.
Now we have COVID, and it feels very different. The speed at which everything has happened feels surreal, with the market losing about a third of its value in a little over a month. The change in employment from record lows to record highs is staggering. The response from both the Government and Federal Reserve is so massive, it is difficult to comprehend.
But the more things change, the more they stay the same.
People are afraid, and perhaps rightly so. But as investors, we cannot let fear drive our investment decisions. There’s a reason most elevators aren’t made of glass. If they were, people would be terrified to watch as they’re buzzed up and down floors. Instead, our nature prefers to get in, push a button, and just be told when we’re at our level. We don’t need to see it happen; heck we don’t want to see it happen. All we want is to know the system works, and that we’ll make it to the 23rd floor without having to climb all those stairs. In March, the market declined 12.5%. In April, it rose 12.6 percent. Twelve stories down and then back up would be very stressful if we saw the elevator working.
Our system works. It always has. Sure, it’s broken down a time or two, but America is the best repair company in the world. It may seem difficult for us to imagine that one day COVID-19 will be a distant memory. It will join those “black swan events” about which people write financial Armageddon books. This is not a prediction nor a statement of fact, rather an observation of human nature and behavior. We seem to have these periodic, unpredictable, unknown times when we are rattled temporarily, then march higher to new levels of productivity, progress, and accomplishment.
What has rattled you the most over the past eight weeks? What new lessons have you learned? Are there new things that you trust, or things that you don’t?
What I do trust is that when the economy is freed up again to serve the needs and desires of the 330 million American consumers as well as the other seven billion people around the world, the economic advance will resume. We’ve learned a lot in the past two months, and we’ll learn more. We rise to meet challenges. This time will be no different. I would never bet against America.
Steve Booren is the founder of Prosperion Financial Advisors in Greenwood Village. He is the author of “Intelligent Investing: Your Guide to a Growing Retirement Income,” published in March 2019 and was recently named by Forbes to its 2020 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-19--Broncos new No. 1 cornerback A.J. Bouye hasn’t lost the chip he had as an undrafted college free age

Broncos new No. 1 cornerback A.J. Bouye hasn’t lost the chip he had as an undrafted college free agent

In his eighth year in the NFL , A.J .
Bouye hasn ’ t lost the prove-you-wrong mindset he ’ s had since coming into the league with Houston in 2013 as an undrafted free agent from Central Florida .
The Broncos traded with Jacksonville for the cornerback in the offseason , and the 2017 All-Pro selection is hungry to make another statement at his next professional stop .
“ Leaving Houston , I was told I was a one-year wonder , ” Bouye said .
“ After whatever happened in Houston , I ended up becoming an All-Pro .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ success ) was because of the scheme .
“ It ’ s just always in my mind that I ’ m going to have to prove somebody wrong .
I embrace that .
I love it .
That ’ s what helps me get up early in the morning , even going into year eight , acting like I ’ m coming into the league and just grinding.
” The 28-year-old arrives in Denver projected to be a centerpiece of a secondary that finished 11th in the NFL last season allowing 225.6 pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return both starting safeties , Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons , with Bouye headlining a revamped cornerback corps following Chris Harris ‘ departure to the Chargers in free agency .
Bouye is projected to be the Broncos ’ No .
1 cornerback , replacing Harris .
Bryce Callahan , who missed all of 2019 with a foot injury , will likely be the other outside corner in the base package , and he ’ ll move to cover the slot in sub-packages .
Draft pick Michael Ojemudia is the early favorite to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foursome of Isaac Yiadom , De ’ Vante Bausby , Davaonte Harris and Duke Dawson are likely competing for other roster spots .
But Bouye said he won ’ t feel the pressure of being the leader in the cornerback room , or having to replace a four-time Pro Bowler such as Harris , who was the last remaining member of Denver ’ s “ No-Fly Zone ” secondary that featured prominently in the team ’ s Super Bowl 50 victory .
“ I don ’ t really listen to the outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the day , it ’ s a new year , ” Bouye said .
“ I have to focus on what I have to do to be the best .
I can ’ t focus on trying to live up to someone else who ’ s not even here anymore.
” Bouye , who has 14 career interceptions , said he learned a lot about himself as a football player and as a leader following Jacksonville ’ s trade of No .
1 cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Rams last October .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my opportunity and I made a lot of plays with that , and I just kept building the confidence from that ( role ) , ” Bouye said .
“ That ’ s the role I ’ m ready to take on in Denver.
” Jackson said the addition of Bouye — in conjunction with a trade for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jurrell Casey and Bradley Chubb ‘ s return from a knee injury — has buoyed the defense ’ s confidence .
“ We had a great group last year , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we added–A.J .
Bouye , Jurrell — and obviously getting Chubb back also , those are great pickups for us , ” Jackson said .
“ I think the sky is the limit for us .
”

In his eighth year in the NFL, A.J. Bouye hasn’t lost the prove-you-wrong mindset he’s had since coming into the league with Houston in 2013 as an undrafted free agent from Central Florida.
The Broncos traded with Jacksonville for the cornerback in the offseason, and the 2017 All-Pro selection is hungry to make another statement at his next professional stop.
“Leaving Houston, I was told I was a one-year wonder,” Bouye said. “After whatever happened in Houston, I ended up becoming an All-Pro. (Critics) always said (my success) was because of the scheme.
“It’s just always in my mind that I’m going to have to prove somebody wrong. I embrace that. I love it. That’s what helps me get up early in the morning, even going into year eight, acting like I’m coming into the league and just grinding.”
The 28-year-old arrives in Denver projected to be a centerpiece of a secondary that finished 11th in the NFL last season allowing 225.6 pass yards allowed per game. The Broncos return both starting safeties, Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons, with Bouye headlining a revamped cornerback corps following Chris Harris‘ departure to the Chargers in free agency.
Bouye is projected to be the Broncos’ No. 1 cornerback, replacing Harris. Bryce Callahan, who missed all of 2019 with a foot injury, will likely be the other outside corner in the base package, and he’ll move to cover the slot in sub-packages. Draft pick Michael Ojemudia is the early favorite to be the No. 3 cornerback, while the foursome of Isaac Yiadom, De’Vante Bausby, Davaonte Harris and Duke Dawson are likely competing for other roster spots.
But Bouye said he won’t feel the pressure of being the leader in the cornerback room, or having to replace a four-time Pro Bowler such as Harris, who was the last remaining member of Denver’s “No-Fly Zone” secondary that featured prominently in the team’s Super Bowl 50 victory.
“I don’t really listen to the outside noise and comparisons because at the end of the day, it’s a new year,” Bouye said. “I have to focus on what I have to do to be the best. I can’t focus on trying to live up to someone else who’s not even here anymore.”
Bouye, who has 14 career interceptions, said he learned a lot about himself as a football player and as a leader following Jacksonville’s trade of No. 1 cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Rams last October.
“When Jalen left, that was my opportunity and I made a lot of plays with that, and I just kept building the confidence from that (role),” Bouye said. “That’s the role I’m ready to take on in Denver.”
Jackson said the addition of Bouye — in conjunction with a trade for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jurrell Casey and Bradley Chubb‘s return from a knee injury — has buoyed the defense’s confidence.
“We had a great group last year, and the addition of some of the guys that we added–A.J. Bouye, Jurrell — and obviously getting Chubb back also, those are great pickups for us,” Jackson said. “I think the sky is the limit for us.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-19--Man shot dead Friday in Douglas County is identified

A man who was shot dead in Douglas County last week has been identified .
Fletcher Lou Bodnar , 36 @ @ @ @ @ a residence in the Villages at Castle Pines , according to the Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ manner of his death , to be determined by the county coroner office , is @ @ @ @ @ 33 , was arrested Friday night on suspicion of second-degree murder for the shooting which @ @ @ @ @ Ovida Place .
The sheriff ’ s office said in a news release that Bodnar @ @ @ @ @ to each other ” and that a disturbance happened just before the shooting .
Details @ @ @ @ @ disturbance were not released .
Wogan also was held on suspicion of possession of weapons @ @ @ @ @

A man who was shot dead in Douglas County last week has been identified.
Fletcher Lou Bodnar, 36, was killed Friday in a residence in the Villages at Castle Pines, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The cause and manner of his death, to be determined by the county coroner office, is pending.
Dominique Wogan, 33, was arrested Friday night on suspicion of second-degree murder for the shooting which happened in 300 block of Ovida Place.
The sheriff’s office said in a news release that Bodnar and Wogan “were known to each other” and that a disturbance happened just before the shooting. Details on the nature of the disturbance were not released.
Wogan also was held on suspicion of possession of weapons by a previous offender.