thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Rapids Mailbag: Kei Kamara’s uneven play, backline issues and MLS is Back fallout

Denver Post Rapids reporter Jake Shapiro posts his Rapids Mailbag periodically during the season .
You can pose a Rapids- or MLS-related question for the Rapids Mailbag here .
Follow Jake for more daily updates on Twitter .
Five games into the season and we ’ ve looked anywhere from great to abysmal — mostly somewhere in between .
What should fans expect on the field when the season restarts Aug. 22 ?
The backline of 2020 doesn ’ t seem as solid as that of the second half of 2019 .
What ’ s the issue and how does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early , but Kei Kamara looked more like a pure poacher In the MLS is Back Tournament than the all-around boss he was in 2019 .
Has he lost a step ?
It ’ s not official that the season will start in late August , though it is heavily rumored .
At any rate , when the Rapids come back they will be a wildcard .
In watching the other clubs in MLS is Back , many may have concluded that the Rapids may have more holes than initially thought .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sample size small .
Still , there are rightful worries about this club ’ s playoffs hopes .
Colorado is currently in line for a playoff spot with a lot of games to be played .
Looking at the West , it ’ s hard to say where the Rapids fit in .
Overall , I believe the club to still be feisty , with some upgrades from last year , but some holes that are starting to take shape .
The backline has been an issue , no doubt .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club started a different mix every game .
Colorado has run into a bit of an issue with Drew Moor being sat for a part of MLS is Back , Auston Trusty not forcing his way into the lineup and Keegan Rosenberry missing his first game in over a year .
Continuity has to be a big factor , particularly with a new keeper in William Yarbrough .
It ’ s too soon to say Kamara has lost a step .
He was playing in the high humidity and blazing temperatures of central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game of the competition , he came off the bench and the team was undermanned the entire time he was on the field .
Why was Namli playing on the wing in the last 2 matches in Orlando ?
Has Rubio made the case that he should be a regular starter ?
I thought Diego Rubio made a case to start this season as the lead striker after his double-digit output in 2019 .
He looked great in Florida but did not produce a goal .
He probably has to score before they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wonder what would happen if a team gave him three or more games of guaranteed starts , because he ’ s been solid for every club he ’ s played for .
Younes Namli played on the wing to free up the center for Rubio since they like him more as a false nine with higher wingers .
This takes some of Namli ’ s passing out of the equation , but it ’ s a reality with their roster makeup right now .
We keep seeing Padraig Smith say he wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so is that the minimum expectation from leadership ?
What about the poor showing at MLS is Back and how this impacts what the front office considers a successful season ?
The Rapids care about all competitions and especially with MLS is Back given that the games they played counted toward the table .
The Rapids ’ conservative showing in their 2019 US Open Cup loss to New Mexico left a sour taste in Smith ’ s mouth .
It probably had some impact on Conor Casey not getting the coaching position full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from COVID-caused stops with expanded playoffs .
If the Rapids were to miss an expanded postseason this year , ownership would have some tough decisions to make about the current regime .
It ’ s hard to say what MLS is Back means in a larger perspective other than a poor three-game regular-season stretch , all against conference opponents .

Denver Post Rapids reporter Jake Shapiro posts his Rapids Mailbag periodically during the season.
You can pose a Rapids- or MLS-related question for the Rapids Mailbag here. Follow Jake for more daily updates on Twitter.
Five games into the season and we’ve looked anywhere from great to abysmal — mostly somewhere in between. What should fans expect on the field when the season restarts Aug. 22? The backline of 2020 doesn’t seem as solid as that of the second half of 2019. What’s the issue and how does it get fixed? It’s early, but Kei Kamara looked more like a pure poacher In the MLS is Back Tournament than the all-around boss he was in 2019. Has he lost a step?
— Eugene Burke, Denver
It’s not official that the season will start in late August, though it is heavily rumored. At any rate, when the Rapids come back they will be a wildcard. In watching the other clubs in MLS is Back, many may have concluded that the Rapids may have more holes than initially thought.
The competition was highly erratic and the three-game sample size small. Still, there are rightful worries about this club’s playoffs hopes. Colorado is currently in line for a playoff spot with a lot of games to be played. Looking at the West, it’s hard to say where the Rapids fit in. Overall, I believe the club to still be feisty, with some upgrades from last year, but some holes that are starting to take shape.
The backline has been an issue, no doubt. In the first seven matches of 2019, the club started a different mix every game. Colorado has run into a bit of an issue with Drew Moor being sat for a part of MLS is Back, Auston Trusty not forcing his way into the lineup and Keegan Rosenberry missing his first game in over a year. Continuity has to be a big factor, particularly with a new keeper in William Yarbrough.
It’s too soon to say Kamara has lost a step. He was playing in the high humidity and blazing temperatures of central Florida. In the Rapids’ second game of the competition, he came off the bench and the team was undermanned the entire time he was on the field.
Why was Namli playing on the wing in the last 2 matches in Orlando? Has Rubio made the case that he should be a regular starter?
— Mark Weatherley, Boulder
I thought Diego Rubio made a case to start this season as the lead striker after his double-digit output in 2019. He looked great in Florida but did not produce a goal. He probably has to score before they put him in the lineup full-time. I wonder what would happen if a team gave him three or more games of guaranteed starts, because he’s been solid for every club he’s played for.
Younes Namli played on the wing to free up the center for Rubio since they like him more as a false nine with higher wingers. This takes some of Namli’s passing out of the equation, but it’s a reality with their roster makeup right now.
We keep seeing Padraig Smith say he wants to be a perennial playoff team, so is that the minimum expectation from leadership? What about the poor showing at MLS is Back and how this impacts what the front office considers a successful season?
— Jacob, Westminster
The Rapids care about all competitions and especially with MLS is Back given that the games they played counted toward the table. The Rapids’ conservative showing in their 2019 US Open Cup loss to New Mexico left a sour taste in Smith’s mouth. It probably had some impact on Conor Casey not getting the coaching position full time.
Most every league has come back from COVID-caused stops with expanded playoffs. If the Rapids were to miss an expanded postseason this year, ownership would have some tough decisions to make about the current regime. It’s hard to say what MLS is Back means in a larger perspective other than a poor three-game regular-season stretch, all against conference opponents.


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--With loan money gone, restaurants are at mercy of coronavirus

NEW YORK — The check has arrived and beleaguered restaurant owners across America are looking down on their empty wallets .
Government covronavirus loans in the spring helped eating establishments rehire laid-off employees and ride out the pandemic ’ s initial surge and wave of shutdown orders .
But that Paycheck Protection Program money has now been spent at many restaurants , leaving them in the same precarious position they were in during outbreak ’ s early days : Thousands of restaurants are being forced to close down again on mandates from state and local officials combating the virus ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and West .
And even in parts of the country where the outbreak appears contained , restaurants ’ revenue is far below normal because social distancing requirements — and wary diners — mean fewer tables , fewer customers and limited hours .
John Pepper used a PPP loan to pay employees and reopen four of his eight Boloco restaurants when Massachusetts lifted its shutdown order in early May .
But with the money spent and business at the restaurants down as much as 70 % , Pepper had to again close two locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the virus outbreak is down to 50 .
“ A lot of this is out of our hands at this point , ” Pepper says .
“ At this moment , I don ’ t see getting my full payroll back.
” Congress is debating another relief bill that potentially will have more help for small businesses , but even with more loan or grant money , restaurants will remain at the mercy of the virus that has decimated their business .
The virus ’ s resurgence has prompted officials in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to order restaurants shut again .
In the Northeast and other parts of the country where infection rates appear more stable , no one expects limits on inside dining to be lifted anytime soon .
Restaurants generally have a low profit margin , between 5 % and 6 % , and they achieve that only if they have a full house virtually every day , says Sean Kennedy , executive vice president for the trade group National Restaurant Association .
They also tend to have only about two weeks of cash on hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales are down .
“ They aren ’ t designed to have an on-off switch .
They ’ re designed to be used seven days a week , 14 to 15 hours a day at 100 % of capacity , ” Kennedy says .
Gerry Cea was forced to shut his Miami restaurant , Cafe Prima Pasta , from March into May when the outbreak first began .
Now , he has again closed the dining room as local officials try to contain the virus ; the Miami/Dade area is one of Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cea is still able to serve customers outside , but the intense South Florida heat and frequent summer rains are limiting him to about 40 diners a night instead of the hundreds he served before the pandemic hit .
And Cea is mindful that the peak hurricane season is still to come .
“ With the PPP money we received , we were able to pay 48 employees but that has run out now , so we are left with very few alternatives ” for funding , Cea says .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , even if it ’ s a loan that must be repaid .
In the meantime , Cea says , “ the only reason we are pretty much surviving is because we own the building , ” he says .
The pandemic has devastated an industry that expected to have nearly $ 900 billion in sales this year .
Before the outbreak , the Labor Department counted 12 million workers in restaurants and bars , and nearly two-thirds worked at small businesses with fewer than 500 workers .
In April , employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been cut by nearly half as establishments across the country were closed .
Restaurants were among the small businesses the Paycheck Protection Program was intended to help , but some owners say it was of limited use .
The program so far has given about $ 42 billion in loans to restaurants , bars and lodging companies .
But many restaurants burned through loans quickly because the original terms of the program required them to use the money within eight weeks in order to get loan forgiveness .
Many establishments couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work anyway .
Then when they reopened with revenue limited by social distancing , they couldn ’ t afford their full payrolls .
Congress changed the spending requirement to 24 weeks in early June , but that was too late for many restaurants .
It ’ s not yet known what small business help will be in any upcoming relief package , although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has mentioned the possibility that small businesses with big revenue declines could get a second PPP loan .
But restaurants need a long-term solution that addresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , allowing families that get food stamp assistance to use their benefits in restaurants .
“ We ’ re going to be limping along or shutting down altogether ” without long-term help , Kennedy says .
Stephanie Williams still hasn ’ t fully reopened two of her Bennu Coffee shops in Austin , Texas , and continues to operate with curbside service and delivery only ; a third location that opened over the weekend does have socially distanced seating .
Williams has spent the PPP money she got in early May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with revenue at one store down by half and the other by nearly two-thirds , Williams had to let 20 staffers go again .
“ We assumed at the end of eight weeks , this will be over .
But here in Texas , things are drastically worse than when we shut down in March , ” Williams says .
Like other states where the virus is resurgent , Texas saw cases increase after it ended shutdown orders in early May .
Even in areas where the virus appears stable and restaurants can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling .
Wolf ’ s Ridge Brewing , a Columbus , Ohio , restaurant and brewery , has had to close its dining room and return to takeout and delivery , having used its PPP money and not having enough revenue due to social distancing .
“ What the PPP did was put us in a position where we brought people back before we had enough business to support them , ” co-founder Bob Szuter says .
He ’ s trying to figure out new ways to bring in revenue , focusing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until it ’ s safe to have a full dining room .
Jason Brauner ’ s restaurant , Bourbon Bistro , exhausted its PPP loan , is operating at 50 % of capacity and not making enough to cover its expenses .
Brauner is worried that the virus ’ s resurgence will force the Louisville , Kentucky , establishment to close ; he had shut completely for two weeks in March before switching to curbside service and then gradually reopened .
He ’ s paid his full staff throughout .
Brauner is hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he ’ d welcome another PPP loan .
A separate economic injury disaster loan from the SBA give him some breathing room , but also presents a dilemma .
Like many restaurant owners , Brauner worries about carrying long-term debt when the future is uncertain .
“ I ’ m almost tempted to give it back , ” he says .
“ We just have to see how it all plays out .
”

NEW YORK — The check has arrived and beleaguered restaurant owners across America are looking down on their empty wallets.
Government covronavirus loans in the spring helped eating establishments rehire laid-off employees and ride out the pandemic’s initial surge and wave of shutdown orders.
But that Paycheck Protection Program money has now been spent at many restaurants, leaving them in the same precarious position they were in during outbreak’s early days: Thousands of restaurants are being forced to close down again on mandates from state and local officials combating the virus’s resurgence, particularly in the South and West.
And even in parts of the country where the outbreak appears contained, restaurants’ revenue is far below normal because social distancing requirements — and wary diners — mean fewer tables, fewer customers and limited hours.
John Pepper used a PPP loan to pay employees and reopen four of his eight Boloco restaurants when Massachusetts lifted its shutdown order in early May. But with the money spent and business at the restaurants down as much as 70%, Pepper had to again close two locations. The staff of 125 he had before the virus outbreak is down to 50.
“A lot of this is out of our hands at this point,” Pepper says. “At this moment, I don’t see getting my full payroll back.”
Congress is debating another relief bill that potentially will have more help for small businesses, but even with more loan or grant money, restaurants will remain at the mercy of the virus that has decimated their business.
The virus’s resurgence has prompted officials in California, Texas, Florida and other states to order restaurants shut again. In the Northeast and other parts of the country where infection rates appear more stable, no one expects limits on inside dining to be lifted anytime soon.
Restaurants generally have a low profit margin, between 5% and 6%, and they achieve that only if they have a full house virtually every day, says Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for the trade group National Restaurant Association. They also tend to have only about two weeks of cash on hand, making them highly vulnerable when their sales are down.
“They aren’t designed to have an on-off switch. They’re designed to be used seven days a week, 14 to 15 hours a day at 100% of capacity,” Kennedy says.
Gerry Cea was forced to shut his Miami restaurant, Cafe Prima Pasta, from March into May when the outbreak first began. Now, he has again closed the dining room as local officials try to contain the virus; the Miami/Dade area is one of Florida’s hit hardest by the virus.
Cea is still able to serve customers outside, but the intense South Florida heat and frequent summer rains are limiting him to about 40 diners a night instead of the hundreds he served before the pandemic hit. And Cea is mindful that the peak hurricane season is still to come.
“With the PPP money we received, we were able to pay 48 employees but that has run out now, so we are left with very few alternatives” for funding, Cea says. He’s hoping for more help from the government, even if it’s a loan that must be repaid.
In the meantime, Cea says, “the only reason we are pretty much surviving is because we own the building,” he says.
The pandemic has devastated an industry that expected to have nearly $900 billion in sales this year. Before the outbreak, the Labor Department counted 12 million workers in restaurants and bars, and nearly two-thirds worked at small businesses with fewer than 500 workers. In April, employment in restaurants and bars of all sizes had been cut by nearly half as establishments across the country were closed.
Restaurants were among the small businesses the Paycheck Protection Program was intended to help, but some owners say it was of limited use.
The program so far has given about $42 billion in loans to restaurants, bars and lodging companies. But many restaurants burned through loans quickly because the original terms of the program required them to use the money within eight weeks in order to get loan forgiveness. Many establishments couldn’t reopen but paid staffers not to work anyway. Then when they reopened with revenue limited by social distancing, they couldn’t afford their full payrolls. Congress changed the spending requirement to 24 weeks in early June, but that was too late for many restaurants.
It’s not yet known what small business help will be in any upcoming relief package, although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has mentioned the possibility that small businesses with big revenue declines could get a second PPP loan.
But restaurants need a long-term solution that addresses their particular needs, Kennedy says. For example, allowing families that get food stamp assistance to use their benefits in restaurants.
“We’re going to be limping along or shutting down altogether” without long-term help, Kennedy says.
Stephanie Williams still hasn’t fully reopened two of her Bennu Coffee shops in Austin, Texas, and continues to operate with curbside service and delivery only; a third location that opened over the weekend does have socially distanced seating. Williams has spent the PPP money she got in early May — she had recalled furloughed workers but with revenue at one store down by half and the other by nearly two-thirds, Williams had to let 20 staffers go again.
“We assumed at the end of eight weeks, this will be over. But here in Texas, things are drastically worse than when we shut down in March,” Williams says. Like other states where the virus is resurgent, Texas saw cases increase after it ended shutdown orders in early May.
Even in areas where the virus appears stable and restaurants can have inside dining, they’re struggling. Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, a Columbus, Ohio, restaurant and brewery, has had to close its dining room and return to takeout and delivery, having used its PPP money and not having enough revenue due to social distancing.
“What the PPP did was put us in a position where we brought people back before we had enough business to support them,” co-founder Bob Szuter says. He’s trying to figure out new ways to bring in revenue, focusing more on the brewery side of the business until it’s safe to have a full dining room.
Jason Brauner’s restaurant, Bourbon Bistro, exhausted its PPP loan, is operating at 50% of capacity and not making enough to cover its expenses. Brauner is worried that the virus’s resurgence will force the Louisville, Kentucky, establishment to close; he had shut completely for two weeks in March before switching to curbside service and then gradually reopened. He’s paid his full staff throughout.
Brauner is hoping to get a grant from the city and he’d welcome another PPP loan. A separate economic injury disaster loan from the SBA give him some breathing room, but also presents a dilemma. Like many restaurant owners, Brauner worries about carrying long-term debt when the future is uncertain.
“I’m almost tempted to give it back,” he says. “We just have to see how it all plays out.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Denver weather: Hot with a chance of thunderstorms in the metro area

It ’ s going to be a hot one Monday with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching a high of @ @ @ @ @ metro area , according to the National Weather Service .
There ’ s a 50 @ @ @ @ @ 3 p.m. with a slight wind of 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ % in the evening with a low of 62 .
Winds could reach up to @ @ @ @ @ forecast is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday with highs of 91 and 88 , respectively @ @ @ @ @ % chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and lows of 62 in the evening on @ @ @

It’s going to be a hot one Monday with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching a high of 90 degrees in the Denver metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
There’s a 50% chance of thunderstorms after 3 p.m. with a slight wind of 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.
Thunderstorm chances fall to 30% in the evening with a low of 62. Winds could reach up to 18 mph.
A similar forecast is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday with highs of 91 and 88, respectively. There will be 50% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and lows of 62 in the evening on both days.


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Ask Amy: Pandemic porch-drinking pal needs push

Dear Amy : Prior to the pandemic , I met up with an old friend of nearly 20 years three or four nights a week at a local watering hole .
We would also watch football together on Sundays at my house .
When the pandemic hit , we all self-quarantined : Me with my college-aged daughter and him by himself .
We kept in touch , and when I would order groceries , I would get him food , and deliver it to his back door .
Restrictions were loosened , and we have both tested negative ( so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But now he takes an Uber to my house every night for “ porch drinking , ” which consists of him drinking large amounts of whiskey ( which he brings ) and retelling the same stories .
This has been going on for six weeks , every night .
One night he came over while I was sleeping , and started drinking and smoking on my back porch .
He arrives with no invitation , and when I have questioned him , he has said he will “ never grace me with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , lo and behold , there he is again , with no memory of the previous conversation .
One time I sent him away , and he then claimed he was visiting relatives in another state the next day .
Instead , he showed up at my house .
I liked the previous arrangement , at a neutral location .
I could go to the bar if I wanted to , when I wanted to , and leave when I wanted .
Now I feel trapped in my own home .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your friend seems to have passed through the neighborly sloppy porch-drinker phase and is now parked at the belligerent/blackout drunk stage .
In the course of coaxing him off of your porch , you can tell him the truth about his drinking and urge him to seek help .
Because he is belligerent and forgetful at night when he is drunk , you should lay down the law during the day .
Tell him , “ I have something important to say .
You can not come over to my house unless I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried about your drinking .
I want you to know that if you show up uninvited , I ’ m going to take you home right away.
” And then when this scenario presents itself , follow through .
If your friend seems dangerously drunk and ill , you should take him to the hospital ( or call 911 ) .
Alcoholics Anonymous offers an impressive array of online meetings , so it is now possible to virtually attend a meeting , any hour of the day or night .
People who want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aa-intergroup.org for more information .
Dear Amy : For the last four years , a group of friends from high school have gathered for an annual weekend getaway .
I have always been invited , but due to life events ( grad school , a newborn baby , or financial constraints ) , I have always graciously declined .
I was finally at a point where I was excited to attend this year ’ s outing .
Time passed with no invitation , so I reached out to the friend who organizes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the spots were filled , but if somebody dropped out , I could join .
Not only did I not receive an invite , but I found out that their group is much larger this year , with outside friends of the group getting invited .
Am I wrong to feel hurt and left out by my friends here , or did the previous four years of declining the trip excuse them ?
I am now questioning my friendship with these guys .
Dear Left Out : Life presents many opportunities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
You have never attended this annual event , and it seems most likely that the people who do attend commit to it early .
There is nothing “ wrong ” with attendees inviting guests .
All of this is up to the organizer .
I suggest that you keep in closer touch in order to get back on the primary guest list for next year .
Dear Amy : Like “ Isolated , ” I have a medical condition that makes it necessary to isolate during the pandemic .
My remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trivia , which we play via Zoom .
I can ’ t tell you how much I look forward to this weekly two-hour activity .
Another group of friends picked a book to read and we have met virtually , to discuss it .
These activities are literally keeping me sane .
— Plan It , and They Will Come Dear Plan It : Deal me in !

Dear Amy: Prior to the pandemic, I met up with an old friend of nearly 20 years three or four nights a week at a local watering hole. We would also watch football together on Sundays at my house.
When the pandemic hit, we all self-quarantined: Me with my college-aged daughter and him by himself. We kept in touch, and when I would order groceries, I would get him food, and deliver it to his back door.
Restrictions were loosened, and we have both tested negative (so has my daughter) for the coronavirus. But now he takes an Uber to my house every night for “porch drinking,” which consists of him drinking large amounts of whiskey (which he brings) and retelling the same stories.
This has been going on for six weeks, every night. One night he came over while I was sleeping, and started drinking and smoking on my back porch.
He arrives with no invitation, and when I have questioned him, he has said he will “never grace me with his presence again.” But the next day, lo and behold, there he is again, with no memory of the previous conversation.
One time I sent him away, and he then claimed he was visiting relatives in another state the next day. Instead, he showed up at my house.
I liked the previous arrangement, at a neutral location. I could go to the bar if I wanted to, when I wanted to, and leave when I wanted. Now I feel trapped in my own home.
What should I do?
— Trapped
Dear Trapped: Your friend seems to have passed through the neighborly sloppy porch-drinker phase and is now parked at the belligerent/blackout drunk stage. In the course of coaxing him off of your porch, you can tell him the truth about his drinking and urge him to seek help.
Because he is belligerent and forgetful at night when he is drunk, you should lay down the law during the day. Tell him, “I have something important to say. You cannot come over to my house unless I invite you. I’m very worried about your drinking. I want you to know that if you show up uninvited, I’m going to take you home right away.” And then when this scenario presents itself, follow through.
If your friend seems dangerously drunk and ill, you should take him to the hospital (or call 911).
Alcoholics Anonymous offers an impressive array of online meetings, so it is now possible to virtually attend a meeting, any hour of the day or night. People who want to give sobriety a try should check aa-intergroup.org for more information.
Dear Amy: For the last four years, a group of friends from high school have gathered for an annual weekend getaway.
I have always been invited, but due to life events (grad school, a newborn baby, or financial constraints), I have always graciously declined.
I was finally at a point where I was excited to attend this year’s outing. Time passed with no invitation, so I reached out to the friend who organizes the event, who told me that all of the spots were filled, but if somebody dropped out, I could join.
Not only did I not receive an invite, but I found out that their group is much larger this year, with outside friends of the group getting invited.
Am I wrong to feel hurt and left out by my friends here, or did the previous four years of declining the trip excuse them?
I am now questioning my friendship with these guys.
— Left Out
Dear Left Out: Life presents many opportunities to feel bad, if you try hard enough. You have never attended this annual event, and it seems most likely that the people who do attend commit to it early. There is nothing “wrong” with attendees inviting guests. All of this is up to the organizer.
I suggest that you keep in closer touch in order to get back on the primary guest list for next year.
Dear Amy: Like “Isolated,” I have a medical condition that makes it necessary to isolate during the pandemic.
My remote friends and I have discovered online bar trivia, which we play via Zoom. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to this weekly two-hour activity. Another group of friends picked a book to read and we have met virtually, to discuss it. These activities are literally keeping me sane.
— Plan It, and They Will Come
Dear Plan It: Deal me in!
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Denver City Council approves 0.25% sales tax increase, sending it to November ballot

Denver City Council passed a measure to the November ballot Monday which would increase the city ’ s sales tax rate by a quarter of a percent to fund renewable energy goals over the coming decades .
If approved by voters , the tax would charge shoppers an extra 2.5 cents on every $ 10 purchase of goods and services .
Food , water , fuel and medical supplies , among other necessities , would be exempt from the tax .
The proposed tax increase comes at the recommendation of the recently formed Denver Climate Action Task Force and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first year , according to the group ’ s recommendations .
Cash from the increase would have to be spent creating jobs in the areas of renewable and clean energy technology and management of natural resources ; on solar power , battery storage and other renewable energy technologies ; neighborhood-based environmental and climate justice programs , and other environmentally friendly programs , the bill states .
Not only would the cash be used for green initiatives , but it would also be used to directly benefit communities of color and lower income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-standing , environmentally harmful practices in Denver and around the country , said Councilman Jolon Clark .
The money could be used to subsidize the installation of solar panels on low-income homes to reduce or eliminate utility bills while also cutting the city ’ s reliance on fossil fuels , for example , he said .
The move should have been made decades ago , Clark said .
And while a proposal to increase taxes during a pandemic might not be popular , the cost of inaction will only increase .
“ Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this goes up higher and higher and the threat to the most vulnerable communities in our city goes up , ” Clark said .
The measure will replace a different measure placed on the ballot by Resilient Denver , which would have instead raised cash for environmentally friendly programs by increasing utility bills based on electricity and natural gas usage , Clark said .
If approved , Clark said the tax would not expire after any set amount of time .

Denver City Council passed a measure to the November ballot Monday which would increase the city’s sales tax rate by a quarter of a percent to fund renewable energy goals over the coming decades.
If approved by voters, the tax would charge shoppers an extra 2.5 cents on every $10 purchase of goods and services. Food, water, fuel and medical supplies, among other necessities, would be exempt from the tax.
The proposed tax increase comes at the recommendation of the recently formed Denver Climate Action Task Force and would raise an estimated $36 million in its first year, according to the group’s recommendations.
Cash from the increase would have to be spent creating jobs in the areas of renewable and clean energy technology and management of natural resources; on solar power, battery storage and other renewable energy technologies; neighborhood-based environmental and climate justice programs, and other environmentally friendly programs, the bill states.
Not only would the cash be used for green initiatives, but it would also be used to directly benefit communities of color and lower income communities, which are disproportionately hurt by long-standing, environmentally harmful practices in Denver and around the country, said Councilman Jolon Clark. The money could be used to subsidize the installation of solar panels on low-income homes to reduce or eliminate utility bills while also cutting the city’s reliance on fossil fuels, for example, he said.
The move should have been made decades ago, Clark said. And while a proposal to increase taxes during a pandemic might not be popular, the cost of inaction will only increase.
“Every day that we wait the price tag on this goes up higher and higher and the threat to the most vulnerable communities in our city goes up,” Clark said.
The measure will replace a different measure placed on the ballot by Resilient Denver, which would have instead raised cash for environmentally friendly programs by increasing utility bills based on electricity and natural gas usage, Clark said.
If approved, Clark said the tax would not expire after any set amount of time.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Michael Porter Jr.’s text messages to Nuggets coach Michael Malone fueled 37-point eruption: “Stick

Michael Porter Jr.’s text messages to Nuggets coach Michael Malone fueled 37-point eruption: “Stick with me”

After Saturday ’ s demoralizing loss to Miami , Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. was in need of a pick-me-up .
He wasn ’ t proud of the effort he gave against the Heat , and with so many Nuggets players out due to injury , he knew he had far more to offer his team than what he showed .
In particular , he needed that message to land with coach Michael Malone .
After all , Malone is the one charged with overseeing his development and who holds the keys to his playing time .
Before Monday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Porter erupted for a career-high 37 points to go along with 12 rebounds , the precocious rookie sent Malone three text messages , in essence , asking him to trust him .
“ In between games , it was , I got three texts from Michael , hitting me up , saying ‘ I have to be better , I can do better , stick with me , ’ ” Malone said .
“ All those things .
I said , ‘ Michael , I ’ m not going anywhere , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re a hell of a young player , and you ’ re going to continue to grow.
’ ” The exchange evidently did wonders for Porter , whose “ bubble ” debut of 11 points and one rebound was underwhelming at best , and concerning at worst .
Porter ’ s body language , in particular , suggested frustration .
“ I just told him that I knew I could bring a lot more , ” Porter said .
“ I didn ’ t bring the energy and I didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last game .
And that can never be the case .
I just told him that I know that .
And especially with Jamal ( Murray ) and Gary ( Harris ) and Will ( Barton ) out , I got to be a guy that steps up and kind of takes on more of a role .
I told him that I understand that and that it wouldn ’ t happen again.
” If Porter ’ s mindset holds , not only does it change the potential for the Nuggets this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only a week ago , after Porter made his scrimmage debut against Orlando , he said he didn ’ t want to “ blend in ” and wanted to be instrumental in helping the Nuggets win a championship .
Acknowledging his mistakes was a strong first step .
Monday ’ s eruption began with a new attitude .
Porter said he recognizes his place with the Nuggets , which , unlike in high school , doesn ’ t mean shouldering all the scoring burden .
“ On this team , I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Porter said .
“ I can ’ t focus on that .
All I got to focus on is bringing the energy and effort and locking in on defense and the rest will take care of itself .
Most of my buckets , especially in the first half , were off of just cutting , playing hard , effort , rebounding and then my teammates would find me.
” In fact , the majority of his first-half points were the result of off-ball cutting and playing off the gravity Nikola Jokic creates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later in the game and in overtime , Denver ’ s all-star center finished with 30 points , 12 rebounds and 10 assists of his own .
“ He ’ s a big target , he ’ s strong , ” Jokic said .
“ It is kind of easy , when he gets open , it ’ s easy to find him.
” Said Porter of the duo ’ s budding chemistry : “ First of all , I love playing with Jok .
I think he is learning to play with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oklahoma City ’ s defense , Porter ’ s easy jumper started to drop .
It became obvious that his previous career-high , a 25-point burst in Indiana , didn ’ t stand a chance .
At times throughout the year , Malone has been hard on Porter .
He ’ s challenged him to engage on defense and focus on stopping the ball rather than filling it up on the other end .
But he ’ s also said publicly , numerous times , that he feels he has unlimited potential .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heat wasn ’ t close to what Porter displayed against the Thunder .
“ My biggest disappointment with Michael in the Miami game was the rebounding , ” said Malone of Porter ’ s lone rebound .
“ We ’ ve all grown accustomed to seeing Michael rebounding at an elite level , and tonight he did that .
That ’ s who he is .
He ’ s got tremendous size , length , he can score the ball , he ’ s got soft touch , he does so in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also rebound at a very high level , and tonight we saw all those things put together.
” The point is , Porter was equally capable of having his breakout “ bubble ” game on Saturday as he was on Monday .
But the adjustment had to start with himself .
“ Obviously this is what I have been working for , ” Porter said .
“ I never wanted to , obviously , be like an average player .
I am going to keep working until I get better and better .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work that I have put in over the break pay off , it feels really good .
”

After Saturday’s demoralizing loss to Miami, Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. was in need of a pick-me-up.
He wasn’t proud of the effort he gave against the Heat, and with so many Nuggets players out due to injury, he knew he had far more to offer his team than what he showed.
In particular, he needed that message to land with coach Michael Malone. After all, Malone is the one charged with overseeing his development and who holds the keys to his playing time.
Before Monday’s game against Oklahoma City, where Porter erupted for a career-high 37 points to go along with 12 rebounds, the precocious rookie sent Malone three text messages, in essence, asking him to trust him.
“In between games, it was, I got three texts from Michael, hitting me up, saying ‘I have to be better, I can do better, stick with me,’” Malone said. “All those things. I said, ‘Michael, I’m not going anywhere, I’m gonna stay with you. You’re a hell of a young player, and you’re going to continue to grow.’”
The exchange evidently did wonders for Porter, whose “bubble” debut of 11 points and one rebound was underwhelming at best, and concerning at worst. Porter’s body language, in particular, suggested frustration.
“I just told him that I knew I could bring a lot more,” Porter said. “I didn’t bring the energy and I didn’t bring the effort and enthusiasm the last game. And that can never be the case. I just told him that I know that. And especially with Jamal (Murray) and Gary (Harris) and Will (Barton) out, I got to be a guy that steps up and kind of takes on more of a role. I told him that I understand that and that it wouldn’t happen again.”
If Porter’s mindset holds, not only does it change the potential for the Nuggets this year, but it raises his individual ceiling. Only a week ago, after Porter made his scrimmage debut against Orlando, he said he didn’t want to “blend in” and wanted to be instrumental in helping the Nuggets win a championship. Acknowledging his mistakes was a strong first step.
Monday’s eruption began with a new attitude. Porter said he recognizes his place with the Nuggets, which, unlike in high school, doesn’t mean shouldering all the scoring burden.
“On this team, I don’t have to do that,” Porter said. “I can’t focus on that. All I got to focus on is bringing the energy and effort and locking in on defense and the rest will take care of itself. Most of my buckets, especially in the first half, were off of just cutting, playing hard, effort, rebounding and then my teammates would find me.”
In fact, the majority of his first-half points were the result of off-ball cutting and playing off the gravity Nikola Jokic creates. Though Jokic’s onslaught came later in the game and in overtime, Denver’s all-star center finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists of his own.
“He’s a big target, he’s strong,” Jokic said. “It is kind of easy, when he gets open, it’s easy to find him.”
Said Porter of the duo’s budding chemistry: “First of all, I love playing with Jok. I think he is learning to play with me.”
After the cutting softened up Oklahoma City’s defense, Porter’s easy jumper started to drop. It became obvious that his previous career-high, a 25-point burst in Indiana, didn’t stand a chance.
At times throughout the year, Malone has been hard on Porter. He’s challenged him to engage on defense and focus on stopping the ball rather than filling it up on the other end. But he’s also said publicly, numerous times, that he feels he has unlimited potential. And what Malone saw Saturday against the Heat wasn’t close to what Porter displayed against the Thunder.
“My biggest disappointment with Michael in the Miami game was the rebounding,” said Malone of Porter’s lone rebound. “We’ve all grown accustomed to seeing Michael rebounding at an elite level, and tonight he did that. That’s who he is. He’s got tremendous size, length, he can score the ball, he’s got soft touch, he does so in a very efficient manner, but he can also rebound at a very high level, and tonight we saw all those things put together.”
The point is, Porter was equally capable of having his breakout “bubble” game on Saturday as he was on Monday. But the adjustment had to start with himself.
“Obviously this is what I have been working for,” Porter said. “I never wanted to, obviously, be like an average player. I am going to keep working until I get better and better. To see these little steps and see the work that I have put in over the break pay off, it feels really good.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Colorado sees drop in new COVID-19 cases after 6 weeks of increases

The number of new coronavirus cases in Colorado dropped 18 % last week , marking the first week-over-week decline since confirmed infections began increasing in the state a month-and-a-half ago .
The state health department recorded 3,243 new COVID-19 cases between July 27 and Sunday , down from 3,961 cases the prior week .
The drop in new cases comes after Colorado saw infections rise for six consecutive weeks following a long decline , as more residents left their homes whlie the state reopened , which can increase the chances of exposure to the novel coronavirus .
Colorado also is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate at which COVID-19 tests come back positive .
The former is an indicator of the severity of the pandemic , while the latter provides insight into the transmission of the disease within the community .
Despite the decline in confirmed cases , last week ’ s total remains elevated and is on the same level as the week of July 13 , when there were 3,299 newly confirmed cases .
Before COVID-19 infections started increasing again , the state recorded just 1,135 new cases the week of June 8 , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health and Environment .
Gov .
Jared Polis last week said he thinks Colorado is starting to see the effects of the statewide order requiring individuals to wear masks when in public indoor spaces , along with his directives to close bars again and set the last call for alcohol at 10 p.m. for restaurants and other establishments that can stay open because they also serve food .
“ We can certainly say we ’ re no longer seeing that same rate of increase that we saw several weeks ago , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we ’ re very hopeful that in the days ahead that these extra measures that Coloradans are taking to stay safe will pay off in terms of making all of our lives a little bit safer and allowing for more robust economic recovery.
” Hospitalizations , which increased in late June and in July , also continue their two-week decline .
On Monday , the state ’ s hospitals were treating 209 people with COVID-19 , which was down from 221 the previous day , according to the Colorado Hospital Association .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ late April , Colorado ’ s daily coronavirus hospitalizations began inching upward from a low of 126 in late June , peaking at 275 in late July — never approaching the mid-April high of 888 .
The positivity rate for Colorado ’ s COIVD-19 tests , which began climbing again in early June and slid slightly above 5 % in mid-July , also has dropped since that summer peak .
As of the week of July 26 , the number of tests coming back positive was 4.04 % , according to the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advises the rate of coroanvirus tests coming back positive , which indicates how much the virus is spreading in a community , should be 5 % or lower for at least two weeks before governments proceed with reopenings .
Nineteen more people were confirmed Monday to have died recently from COVID-19 , bringing the number of people killed by the virus in Colorado to 1,710 .
Since March , a total of 1,844 people have died with the disease in their system , though not necessarily directly due to the virus , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

The number of new coronavirus cases in Colorado dropped 18% last week, marking the first week-over-week decline since confirmed infections began increasing in the state a month-and-a-half ago.
The state health department recorded 3,243 new COVID-19 cases between July 27 and Sunday, down from 3,961 cases the prior week.
The drop in new cases comes after Colorado saw infections rise for six consecutive weeks following a long decline, as more residents left their homes while the state reopened, which can increase the chances of exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Colorado also is seeing a decline in hospitalizations and the rate at which COVID-19 tests come back positive. The former is an indicator of the severity of the pandemic, while the latter provides insight into the transmission of the disease within the community.
Despite the decline in confirmed cases, last week’s total remains elevated and is on the same level as the week of July 13, when there were 3,299 newly confirmed cases. Before COVID-19 infections started increasing again, the state recorded just 1,135 new cases the week of June 8, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Gov. Jared Polis last week said he thinks Colorado is starting to see the effects of the statewide order requiring individuals to wear masks when in public indoor spaces, along with his directives to close bars again and set the last call for alcohol at 10 p.m. for restaurants and other establishments that can stay open because they also serve food.
“We can certainly say we’re no longer seeing that same rate of increase that we saw several weeks ago,” the governor said during a briefing. “And we’re very hopeful that in the days ahead that these extra measures that Coloradans are taking to stay safe will pay off in terms of making all of our lives a little bit safer and allowing for more robust economic recovery.”
Hospitalizations, which increased in late June and in July, also continue their two-week decline. On Monday, the state’s hospitals were treating 209 people with COVID-19, which was down from 221 the previous day, according to the Colorado Hospital Association.
Following a long decline that started in late April, Colorado’s daily coronavirus hospitalizations began inching upward from a low of 126 in late June, peaking at 275 in late July — never approaching the mid-April high of 888.
The positivity rate for Colorado’s COVID-19 tests, which began climbing again in early June and slid slightly above 5% in mid-July, also has dropped since that summer peak. As of the week of July 26, the number of tests coming back positive was 4.04%, according to the state health department.
The World Health Organization advises the rate of coronavirus tests coming back positive, which indicates how much the virus is spreading in a community, should be 5% or lower for at least two weeks before governments proceed with reopenings.
Nineteen more people were confirmed Monday to have died recently from COVID-19, bringing the number of people killed by the virus in Colorado to 1,710. Since March, a total of 1,844 people have died with the disease in their system, though not necessarily directly due to the virus, according to state health department.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Comcast, NBC Sports app violated blackout rules broadcasting Avalanche seeding game

Comcast violated blackout rules in carrying the Avalanche ’ s first seeding game on its NHL Center Ice platform Sunday .
The game against the St. Louis Blues was also shown on the NBC Sports app , which was subject to black out as well .
Comcast owns NBCUniversal and is in a highly publicized business feud with Altitude Sports , which had exclusive rights to Sunday ’ s game in the Denver area .
Among the area ’ s “ big three ” television providers , Altitude is currently only available on DirecTV , with Comcast and Dish Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the regional sports network .
Comcast , which is also involved in court litigation with Altitude , said carrying Sunday ’ s game was “ human error ” with entering blackout restriction codes .
“ We ’ re taking appropriate protections to prevent that from happening in the future , ” Comcast spokeswoman Leslie Oliver told The Post .
Comcast deferred questions about the NBCSports app violation to NBC , and an NBC executive wrote in a statement : “ It was human error , and we are taking appropriate measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement to The Post , Altitude ’ s CEO Matthew Hutchings said : The NHL informed us last evening that Comcast had shown the Avalanche versus Blues game to its subscribers on the outer market Center Ice package within the Denver area .
The league indicated that it had been a mistake on Comcast ’ s part , and said that Comcast assured the NHL that Comcast had addressed the situation so that it will not happen again .
We understand that the Avs/Blues game was also made available by NBC/Comcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metro area .
By NHL rules , that too should have been unavailable .
NBC SportsNet has the ability to ensure that games are only being shown where it is permitted by NHL rules to distribute the games .
It ’ s ironic that these mishaps occurred in a market where Comcast continues to refuse to carry Altitude on the same terms and conditions that other distributors have agreed upon .
As to the rules , there appears to be a misconception that Altitude Sports is blacking out games in the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the Denver area , as it has for the past sixteen years .
Both Comcast and Dish Network have refused to negotiate deals that would allow their customers to watch the Avalanche games on Altitude .
The NHL enforces an exclusive regional area for home broadcasts throughout all 31 markets that have teams .
By the NHL ’ s rules , NBC SportNet ’ s telecasts of NHL games aren ’ t shown in the home market of any of those teams .
Altitude Sports is not blacking out these games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its distributors that cover the NHL-designated home market .
Aside from its obligations to telecast the games , Altitude does not have the right or the authority to create a blackout , and even if it could lift a blackout , Altitude would be prohibited by its agreements with its other distributors from doing so .
We encourage Comcast and DISH Network to enter into a deal that would return Altitude , the Nuggets , and the Avalanche to their hometown fans .

Comcast violated blackout rules in carrying the Avalanche’s first seeding game on its NHL Center Ice platform Sunday.
The game against the St. Louis Blues was also shown on the NBC Sports app, which was subject to black out as well.
Comcast owns NBCUniversal and is in a highly publicized business feud with Altitude Sports, which had exclusive rights to Sunday’s game in the Denver area.
Among the area’s “big three” television providers, Altitude is currently only available on DirecTV, with Comcast and Dish Network unable to make a carriage rights deal with the regional sports network.
Comcast, which is also involved in court litigation with Altitude, said carrying Sunday’s game was “human error” with entering blackout restriction codes.
“We’re taking appropriate protections to prevent that from happening in the future,” Comcast spokeswoman Leslie Oliver told The Post.
Comcast deferred questions about the NBCSports app violation to NBC, and an NBC executive wrote in a statement: “It was human error, and we are taking appropriate measures to prevent this from happening again.”
In a statement to The Post, Altitude’s CEO Matthew Hutchings said: The NHL informed us last evening that Comcast had shown the Avalanche versus Blues game to its subscribers on the outer market Center Ice package within the Denver area. The league indicated that it had been a mistake on Comcast’s part, and said that Comcast assured the NHL that Comcast had addressed the situation so that it will not happen again. We understand that the Avs/Blues game was also made available by NBC/Comcast on the NBC Sports App within the Denver metro area. By NHL rules, that too should have been unavailable. NBC SportsNet has the ability to ensure that games are only being shown where it is permitted by NHL rules to distribute the games. It’s ironic that these mishaps occurred in a market where Comcast continues to refuse to carry Altitude on the same terms and conditions that other distributors have agreed upon.
As to the rules, there appears to be a misconception that Altitude Sports is blacking out games in the region. Altitude Sports continues to televise Avalanche games within the Denver area, as it has for the past sixteen years. Both Comcast and Dish Network have refused to negotiate deals that would allow their customers to watch the Avalanche games on Altitude. The NHL enforces an exclusive regional area for home broadcasts throughout all 31 markets that have teams. By the NHL’s rules, NBC SportNet’s telecasts of NHL games aren’t shown in the home market of any of those teams. Altitude Sports is not blacking out these games. Altitude Sports signs agreements with the team and its distributors that cover the NHL-designated home market. Aside from its obligations to telecast the games, Altitude does not have the right or the authority to create a blackout, and even if it could lift a blackout, Altitude would be prohibited by its agreements with its other distributors from doing so.
We encourage Comcast and DISH Network to enter into a deal that would return Altitude, the Nuggets, and the Avalanche to their hometown fans.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--Rockies’ relievers Diaz and Estevez have to reduce late-game traffic

Playing traffic cop is not the role you want for your late-game relievers .
But that ’ s what ’ s been happening in the early going for the Rockies .
Overall , the bullpen ’ s numbers are solid .
Entering Monday night ’ s game , Colorado ’ s 4.50 bullpen ERA ranked 16th in the majors , while its 3.12 walks per nine innings ( ninth fewest ) and 10.4 strikeouts per nine ( ninth most ) were good signs .
Toss out injured closer Wade Davis ’ meltdown in Friday ’ s home opener vs. San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs allowed in an 8-7 loss — and the bullpen numbers are even better .
Davis is now on the injured list with a strained right shoulder ( manager Bud Black had no update Monday ) and right-hander Scott Oberg , Davis ’ heir apparent , has likely been lost for the season because of a recurrence of blood clots in his right arm .
That leaves hard-throwing right-handers Jairo Diaz and Carlos Estevez as the ninth-inning men .
“ Whoever is going out there at this point is going to have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said before Monday night ’ s game vs. San Francisco at Coors Field .
“ We have to keep on attacking hitters , get ahead , throw strikes and make them chase our stuff.
” Estevez entered Monday ’ s game with a 1.69 ERA , 1.31 WHIP , .238 batting average against and two walks vs. four strikeouts .
Diaz , who earned a save Sunday , had yet to allow a run this season and had seven strikeouts vs. only one walk .
Opponents were batting only .235 against him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than once .
In the second game of the season at Texas , he gave up a hit and plunked a batter in the eighth inning before escaping with two strikeouts and a pop fly .
Pitching in the eighth inning prior to Davis ’ blown save against the Padres , Diaz gave up two hits but rescued himself with three strikeouts .
When asked if he and Diaz need to “ clean it up , ” Estevez replied , “ Of course , I agree with that .
We hold each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to get a lot better .
I think short season , we have to get that done as soon as possible.
” Stretch play .
First baseman Daniel Murphy , who was not very adept at scooping throws to the bag last season , has looked much better so far this season .
He worked on getting in better shape and it ’ s showed .
“ I definitely feel like I ’ m more mobile , ” he said , adding that the Rockies ’ decision to have him play closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ ‘ Murph ’ was one of those guys that played off the bag a great deal , and last year I think it worked against him and against us , ” manager Bud Black said .
“ So we came to the baseball decision this year to move Murph a little closer .
I think overall it ’ s helped his footwork , it ’ s helped him receive throws .
I think he gets to set up just a little bit early .
That ’ s been beneficial for him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dirt.
” The Rockies , however , are going against baseball ’ s current trend .
“ A lot of teams like that coverage because the analytics tell you the farther your first baseman gets off the bag , the better chance you have to defend the whole field , ” Black said .
“ But I think we ’ re seeing the rewards of having ‘ Murph ’ closer in a lot of other areas.
” Nolan ’ s almost Nolan .
Star third baseman Nolan Arenado took early batting practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his early-season slump .
After going 0-for-4 in Colorado ’ s win over San Diego on Sunday , Arenado had a .226 average and a .512 OPS .
Entering Monday ’ s game , the slugger had not hit a home run in 67 at-bats , dating back to Sept. 20 when he hit a homer off Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw in Los Angeles .
Black , of course , is confident Arenado is on the verge of busting out .
“ It ’ s just a matter of time , ” Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments ago that there are a lot of pitchers that are going to have to pay for this .
And it could happen as early as tonight .
“ You saw it today .
Early work , great work ethic .
It ’ s just a matter of time .
It just takes a couple of knocks and just feeling good in the box.
” Marquez has pitched like an ace in the early going , striking out 14 in two starts vs. only four walks and posting an 0.86 WHIP .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night ’ s game with a 2.00 ERA , the best in the majors .
The Giants have hit Marquez hard , batting .327 with a 1.017 OPS against him .
Hunter Pence is 5-for-12 with two homers against Marquez .
The right-hander , however , pitched one of the greatest games in Rockies history on April 14 , 2019 , at San Francisco .
Marquez threw the first complete-game , one-hit shutout in franchise history , ending Colorado ’ s eight-game losing streak .
The Giants are likely going to start Gausman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to announce his starter until the day of the game .
Trending : Rockies slugging shortstop Trevor Story is in some good company .
According to Statcast , his nine home runs of 450 feet or longer are tied with Philadelphia ’ s Bryce Harper for fourth-most in the majors since 2017 .
Leading the pack is the Yankees ’ Giancarlo Stanton with 15 , followed by the Yankees ’ Aaron Judge ( 13 ) and the Rangers ’ Joey Gallo ( 13 ) .
At issue : Left-hander James Pazos looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he pitched late in Sunday ’ s game vs. San Diego .
He allowed four runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning .
Pitching probables Wednesday : Giants TBD at Rockies RHP Jon Gray ( 0-0 , 2.61 ) , 6:40 p.m. , ATTRM Thursday : Giants TBD at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland ( 2-0 , 1.50 ) , 1:10 p.m. , ATTRM Friday : Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela ( 2-0 , 2.45 ) at Mariners LHP Yusei Kikuchi ( 0-0 , 4.66 ) , 7:40 p.m. , ATTRM

Playing traffic cop is not the role you want for your late-game relievers. But that’s what’s been happening in the early going for the Rockies.
Overall, the bullpen’s numbers are solid. Entering Monday night’s game, Colorado’s 4.50 bullpen ERA ranked 16th in the majors, while its 3.12 walks per nine innings (ninth fewest) and 10.4 strikeouts per nine (ninth most) were good signs. Toss out injured closer Wade Davis’ meltdown in Friday’s home opener vs. San Diego — two home runs and four runs allowed in an 8-7 loss — and the bullpen numbers are even better.
Davis is now on the injured list with a strained right shoulder (manager Bud Black had no update Monday) and right-hander Scott Oberg, Davis’ heir apparent, has likely been lost for the season because of a recurrence of blood clots in his right arm.
That leaves hard-throwing right-handers Jairo Diaz and Carlos Estevez as the ninth-inning men.
“Whoever is going out there at this point is going to have to get the job done,” Estevez said before Monday night’s game vs. San Francisco at Coors Field. “We have to keep on attacking hitters, get ahead, throw strikes and make them chase our stuff.”
Estevez entered Monday’s game with a 1.69 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, .238 batting average against and two walks vs. four strikeouts.
Diaz, who earned a save Sunday, had yet to allow a run this season and had seven strikeouts vs. only one walk. Opponents were batting only .235 against him, but he’s flirted with fire more than once. In the second game of the season at Texas, he gave up a hit and plunked a batter in the eighth inning before escaping with two strikeouts and a pop fly. Pitching in the eighth inning prior to Davis’ blown save against the Padres, Diaz gave up two hits but rescued himself with three strikeouts.
When asked if he and Diaz need to “clean it up,” Estevez replied, “Of course, I agree with that. We hold each other accountable and I know we are going to get a lot better. I think short season, we have to get that done as soon as possible.”
Stretch play. First baseman Daniel Murphy, who was not very adept at scooping throws to the bag last season, has looked much better so far this season. He worked on getting in better shape and it’s showed.
“I definitely feel like I’m more mobile,” he said, adding that the Rockies’ decision to have him play closer to the bag is paying off.
“‘Murph’ was one of those guys that played off the bag a great deal, and last year I think it worked against him and against us,” manager Bud Black said. “So we came to the baseball decision this year to move Murph a little closer. I think overall it’s helped his footwork, it’s helped him receive throws. I think he gets to set up just a little bit early. That’s been beneficial for him to scoop a number of balls out of the dirt.”
The Rockies, however, are going against baseball’s current trend.
“A lot of teams like that coverage because the analytics tell you the farther your first baseman gets off the bag, the better chance you have to defend the whole field,” Black said. “But I think we’re seeing the rewards of having ‘Murph’ closer in a lot of other areas.”
Nolan’s almost Nolan. Star third baseman Nolan Arenado took early batting practice Monday afternoon in an attempt to buck his early-season slump. After going 0-for-4 in Colorado’s win over San Diego on Sunday, Arenado had a .226 average and a .512 OPS. Entering Monday’s game, the slugger had not hit a home run in 67 at-bats, dating back to Sept. 20 when he hit a homer off Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw in Los Angeles.
Black, of course, is confident Arenado is on the verge of busting out.
“It’s just a matter of time,” Black said. “I told Nolan just moments ago that there are a lot of pitchers that are going to have to pay for this. And it could happen as early as tonight.
“You saw it today. Early work, great work ethic. It’s just a matter of time. It just takes a couple of knocks and just feeling good in the box.”
On Deck
Giants RHP Kevin Gausman (0-0, 5.40 ERA) at Rockies RHP German Marquez (1-1, 1.54)
6:40 p.m. Tuesday, Coors Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Marquez has pitched like an ace in the early going, striking out 14 in two starts vs. only four walks and posting an 0.86 WHIP. He leads a Rockies rotation that entered Monday night’s game with a 2.00 ERA, the best in the majors. The Giants have hit Marquez hard, batting .327 with a 1.017 OPS against him. Hunter Pence is 5-for-12 with two homers against Marquez. The right-hander, however, pitched one of the greatest games in Rockies history on April 14, 2019, at San Francisco. Marquez threw the first complete-game, one-hit shutout in franchise history, ending Colorado’s eight-game losing streak. The Giants are likely going to start Gausman, but manager Gabe Kapler is choosing not to announce his starter until the day of the game.
Trending: Rockies slugging shortstop Trevor Story is in some good company. According to Statcast, his nine home runs of 450 feet or longer are tied with Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper for fourth-most in the majors since 2017. Leading the pack is the Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton with 15, followed by the Yankees’ Aaron Judge (13) and the Rangers’ Joey Gallo (13).
At issue: Left-hander James Pazos looked rusty in his first action of 2020 when he pitched late in Sunday’s game vs. San Diego. He allowed four runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning.
Pitching probables
Wednesday: Giants TBD at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (0-0, 2.61), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM
Thursday: Giants TBD at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-0, 1.50), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM
Friday: Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-0, 2.45) at Mariners LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-0, 4.66), 7:40 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Body found in Brighton lake is that of a 42-year-old man

The body of a 42-year-old man was found Monday afternoon in a Brighton lake , police said .
Officers responded @ @ @ @ @ the area of East Bridge and Telluride streets on a report of a body in @ @ @ @ @ to a news release .
Police said there was no obvious sign of trauma or @ @ @ @ @ that an investigation is ongoing .
The man ’ s name was not release on @ @

The body of a 42-year-old man was found Monday afternoon in a Brighton lake, police said.
Officers responded at about 2 p.m. to the area of East Bridge and Telluride streets on a report of a body in a nearby lake, according to a news release.
Police said there was no obvious sign of trauma or injury to the victim and that an investigation is ongoing. The man’s name was not release on Monday.


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Teen shot dead at large gathering in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood is identified

A 16-year-old male who was shot dead early Saturday morning in Denver has been identified .
Diego Gonzales-Vigil was shot @ @ @ @ @ West Virginia Avenue and taken to Denver Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ Office of the Medical Examiner .
His cause of death is a gunshot wound and @ @ @ @ @ a homicide .
Police said five people , including Gonzales-Vigil , were shot at a @ @ @ @ @ s Westwood neighborhood .
Three men and a girl who were shot are expected to @ @ @ @ @ Monday afternoon , police had not made an arrest in the case .

A 16-year-old male who was shot dead early Saturday morning in Denver has been identified.
Diego Gonzales-Vigil was shot in the 3300 block of West Virginia Avenue and taken to Denver Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, according to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner. His cause of death is a gunshot wound and his manner of death is a homicide.
Police said five people, including Gonzales-Vigil, were shot at a large gathering in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood. Three men and a girl who were shot are expected to survive.
As of late Monday afternoon, police had not made an arrest in the case.


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Man accused of shooting two people during Elijah McClain protest charged with attempted first-degree

Man accused of shooting two people during Elijah McClain protest charged with attempted first-degree murder

The Arapahoe County District Attorney charged a 23-year-old with four counts of attempted first-degree murder and other felonies for firing a revolver into a crowd of people at a protest last month on Interstate 225 in Aurora .
Samuel Alvin Young , of Wheat Ridge , also faces two counts of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury and two counts of first-degree assault extreme indifference , according to an 18th Judicial District Attorney ’ s Office news release .
Young allegedly fired a revolver at a Jeep that drove through a crowd blocking the interstate during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McClain on July 25 .
No one was hit by the Jeep .
Two protesters , however , were hit by the gunfire .
One man was shot in the leg and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital .
Another man suffered a graze wound to his head and was taken by a private vehicle to a hospital .
Police have impounded the Jeep involved in the incident , as evidence in the case .
Aurora police on Monday said an investigation is ongoing although they have not made an arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the incident and identified himself as the person of interest in the case after police released pictures on social media .
Young is free on a $ 75,000 bond .
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14 .

The Arapahoe County District Attorney charged a 23-year-old with four counts of attempted first-degree murder and other felonies for firing a revolver into a crowd of people at a protest last month on Interstate 225 in Aurora.
Samuel Alvin Young, of Wheat Ridge, also faces two counts of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury and two counts of first-degree assault extreme indifference, according to an 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office news release.
Young allegedly fired a revolver at a Jeep that drove through a crowd blocking the interstate during a protest over the death of Elijah McClain on July 25. No one was hit by the Jeep.
Two protesters, however, were hit by the gunfire. One man was shot in the leg and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Another man suffered a graze wound to his head and was taken by a private vehicle to a hospital.
Police have impounded the Jeep involved in the incident, as evidence in the case. Aurora police on Monday said an investigation is ongoing although they have not made an arrest.
Young called Aurora police the day after the incident and identified himself as the person of interest in the case after police released pictures on social media. Young is free on a $75,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14.


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Nikola Jokic’s triple-double, Michael Porter Jr.’s career-high 37 fuel Nuggets over Thunder in overt

Nikola Jokic’s triple-double, Michael Porter Jr.’s career-high 37 fuel Nuggets over Thunder in overtime

On the afternoon of Michael Porter Jr. ’ s Orlando eruption , with the tantalizing 6-foot-10 stretch forward pouring in a career-high 37 points to go along with 12 rebounds , Nikola Jokic reminded everyone who ’ s in charge of the Nuggets ’ “ bubble ” fate .
Jokic tossed the Nuggets on his so-called skinny shoulders and carried them over the Thunder in overtime , 121-113 , Monday afternoon .
The victory was Denver ’ s first since March 9 , and improved its record to 44-23 .
With six games remaining before the playoffs , the Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seed .
Jokic , who dominated the overtime period with his rebounding , energy and effort , finished with 30 points , 12 rebounds and 10 assists .
After Porter shattered his previous career-high of 25 , Jokic ensured Denver wasn ’ t going to lose .
“ We needed it , ” Jokic said .
“ Just to , the guys that are here , this is I think their 24th day , 27th day that they are here , they are working .
This is my third week , so the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has kind of paid off a little bit .
But , of course , this is our goal to win the game.
” Added Nuggets coach Michael Malone : “ I think it ’ s valuable and important for us to get a win , a division win , against a good team .
To feel good about ourselves .
We ’ ve been down here for like 28 days , I don ’ t even know what the exact number is .
Days are just kind of , days and days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day it is anymore.
” As disorienting as the “ bubble ” has been , Malone ’ s wry sense of humor hasn ’ t gone anywhere .
“ And obviously , to win an overtime game on the road , in front of a really tough crowd , is always something we look forward to , ” he quipped .
For the second game in the row , the Nuggets were without regular starters Jamal Murray ( hamstring ) , Gary Harris ( hip ) and Will Barton ( knee ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Nuggets replaced their injured starters with Porter , Torrey Craig and Monte Morris .
While no update was given as to the return dates of Murray , Harris and Barton , Malone said all three would “ probably ” remain on the bench even if Monday ’ s contest had been a playoff game .
That ’ s been the first indication of the severity of their collective ailments .
But in place of Murray , Morris ’ steady play was invaluable down the stretch .
He finished with 17 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half , Jokic asserted himself in the third quarter and forced the issue against an Oklahoma City frontcourt he ’ s historically dominated .
Not only was Jokic calling for the ball and funneling the offense , but his defensive activity and energy was apparent .
While Porter momentarily cooled , Jokic demanded the ball and repeatedly got to the free-throw line .
The performance was reminiscent of Jokic ’ s play last postseason , when in his playoff debut he carried the Nuggets to the verge of the conference finals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chris Paul , who finished with 23 points and eight assists .
Given everything that ’ s gone wrong for the Nuggets amid their NBA restart in Orlando , Malone came into Monday ’ s game declaring he was far more concerned with his team ’ s performance than whatever the Thunder had in store .
With persistent turnover issues going back to the scrimmages , Malone challenged his team to play a cleaner game .
He also wanted to see a more consistent effort .
“ This is all about us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City is a very good team .
I actually voted for Billy Donovan to be Coach of the Year .
I think they ’ ve had an outstanding season .
… Nobody expected much of them .
“ With that being said , we ’ re going to be without a bunch of key players once again , so I ’ m just worried about us , ” he added .
“ Can we find a way to improve ?
Our challenge today is can we have a much more sustained effort , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for as close to 48 minutes as possible .
I want to see our guys compete .
I want to see our guys play harder.
” For the most part , they did .
Their defensive effort , evident via six first-half steals , was noteworthy .
But the Thunder took a 51-50 lead into halftime after the Nuggets ’ 3-point defense was exposed yet again .
Oklahoma City buried seven 3-pointers in the first two quarters after the Nuggets got torched Saturday against Miami in similar fashion .
Porter , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points and nine rebounds , carrying Denver ’ s offense with his spacing and movement .

Not so fast, rookie.
On the afternoon of Michael Porter Jr.’s Orlando eruption, with the tantalizing 6-foot-10 stretch forward pouring in a career-high 37 points to go along with 12 rebounds, Nikola Jokic reminded everyone who’s in charge of the Nuggets’ “bubble” fate.
Jokic tossed the Nuggets on his so-called skinny shoulders and carried them over the Thunder in overtime, 121-113, Monday afternoon. The victory was Denver’s first since March 9, and improved its record to 44-23. With six games remaining before the playoffs, the Nuggets remain comfortably in the No. 3 seed.
Jokic, who dominated the overtime period with his rebounding, energy and effort, finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. After Porter shattered his previous career-high of 25, Jokic ensured Denver wasn’t going to lose.
“We needed it,” Jokic said. “Just to, the guys that are here, this is I think their 24th day, 27th day that they are here, they are working. This is my third week, so the guys are putting the work in, it has kind of paid off a little bit. But, of course, this is our goal to win the game.”
Added Nuggets coach Michael Malone: “I think it’s valuable and important for us to get a win, a division win, against a good team. To feel good about ourselves. We’ve been down here for like 28 days, I don’t even know what the exact number is. Days are just kind of, days and days, I don’t know what day it is anymore.”
As disorienting as the “bubble” has been, Malone’s wry sense of humor hasn’t gone anywhere.
“And obviously, to win an overtime game on the road, in front of a really tough crowd, is always something we look forward to,” he quipped.
For the second game in the row, the Nuggets were without regular starters Jamal Murray (hamstring), Gary Harris (hip) and Will Barton (knee). And, for the second consecutive game, the Nuggets replaced their injured starters with Porter, Torrey Craig and Monte Morris. While no update was given as to the return dates of Murray, Harris and Barton, Malone said all three would “probably” remain on the bench even if Monday’s contest had been a playoff game.
That’s been the first indication of the severity of their collective ailments.
But in place of Murray, Morris’ steady play was invaluable down the stretch. He finished with 17 points in 39 minutes.
After a quiet first half, Jokic asserted himself in the third quarter and forced the issue against an Oklahoma City frontcourt he’s historically dominated. Not only was Jokic calling for the ball and funneling the offense, but his defensive activity and energy was apparent. While Porter momentarily cooled, Jokic demanded the ball and repeatedly got to the free-throw line.
The performance was reminiscent of Jokic’s play last postseason, when in his playoff debut he carried the Nuggets to the verge of the conference finals.
Oklahoma City was led by the tenacity of Chris Paul, who finished with 23 points and eight assists.
Given everything that’s gone wrong for the Nuggets amid their NBA restart in Orlando, Malone came into Monday’s game declaring he was far more concerned with his team’s performance than whatever the Thunder had in store. With persistent turnover issues going back to the scrimmages, Malone challenged his team to play a cleaner game. He also wanted to see a more consistent effort.
“This is all about us,” Malone said. “Oklahoma City is a very good team. I actually voted for Billy Donovan to be Coach of the Year. I think they’ve had an outstanding season. … Nobody expected much of them.
“With that being said, we’re going to be without a bunch of key players once again, so I’m just worried about us,” he added. “Can we find a way to improve? Our challenge today is can we have a much more sustained effort, across the board, offensively, defensively for as close to 48 minutes as possible. I want to see our guys compete. I want to see our guys play harder.”
For the most part, they did. Their defensive effort, evident via six first-half steals, was noteworthy.
But the Thunder took a 51-50 lead into halftime after the Nuggets’ 3-point defense was exposed yet again. Oklahoma City buried seven 3-pointers in the first two quarters after the Nuggets got torched Saturday against Miami in similar fashion.
Porter, though, erupted in the first half with 20 points and nine rebounds, carrying Denver’s offense with his spacing and movement.


thedenverpost--2020-08-03--Effort to expunge criminal records in Colorado turns in signatures

Proponents of creating a new process to expunge low-level nonviolent criminal offenses turned in petitions to the Colorado Secretary of State ’ s Office on Monday , the deadline for measures seeking a spot on the November ballot .
Representatives did not return a request for comment so it ’ s not known how many signatures they gathered .
At least 124,632 valid voter signatures are needed to qualify for the ballot .
Individuals who ’ ve completed their criminal sentences , were not convicted , or were granted clemency would be eligible for expungement .
Eligible offenses would include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug petty offenses , class 1 and 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses as well as some other misdemeanor and felony offenses .
The process would set time limits for expungement and create fees for participants , with an alternative program for those deemed indigent .
The money would go toward state programs , including a fallen first responders grant program , an agricultural education scholarship program and a state school supply grant program .
Initiative 200 joins four ballot initiatives that turned in petitions last week to be reviewed by the Secretary of State @ @ @ @

Proponents of creating a new process to expunge low-level nonviolent criminal offenses turned in petitions to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office on Monday, the deadline for measures seeking a spot on the November ballot.
Representatives did not return a request for comment so it’s not known how many signatures they gathered. At least 124,632 valid voter signatures are needed to qualify for the ballot.
Individuals who’ve completed their criminal sentences, were not convicted, or were granted clemency would be eligible for expungement. Eligible offenses would include class 1 and 2 petty offenses, drug petty offenses, class 1 and 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses as well as some other misdemeanor and felony offenses.
The process would set time limits for expungement and create fees for participants, with an alternative program for those deemed indigent. The money would go toward state programs, including a fallen first responders grant program, an agricultural education scholarship program and a state school supply grant program.
Initiative 200 joins four ballot initiatives that turned in petitions last week to be reviewed by the Secretary of State’s Office.


thedenverpost--2020-08-04--“A line in the sand”: Both sides dig in on coronavirus relief bill

WASHINGTON — Negotiators on a huge coronavirus relief bill reported slight progress after talks resumed in the Capitol , with issues like food for the poor and aid to schools struggling to reopen safely assuming a higher profile in the talks .
Multiple obstacles remain , including an impasse on extending a $ 600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit , funding for the U.S .
Postal Service and aid to renters facing eviction .
Democratic negotiators spoke of progress Monday but Republicans remain privately pessimistic .
“ We are really getting an understanding of each side ’ s position .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues moving closer together , ” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. After the meeting , Pelosi told her Democratic colleagues on a call that she ’ s hopeful a deal could be reached this week but doesn ’ t know if it ’ s possible , according to a Democratic aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private discussion .
Neither side has budged from their positions , with Democrats demanding an extension of the $ 600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit that ’ s credited with propping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer any aid to states to prevent furloughs , layoffs and cuts to services .
Both will have to compromise before a deal can be agreed to .
“ The $ 600 unemployment insurance benefit is essential because there are no jobs to go back to , ” House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on MSNBC on Tuesday morning .
“ We ’ ve got to help out everyday Americans .
That ’ s a line in the sand.
” Senate Republicans facing reelection in this fall ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious for an agreement .
Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas , said Monday that the chamber should not go on recess without passing the huge relief measure , and Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , offered a jobless benefit proposal that ’ s more generous than a pending GOP alternative .
Both are facing closer-than-hoped reelection bids in states that should be easy holds for Republicans .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , a lead negotiator for President Donald Trump , said Monday that “ we continue to make a little bit of progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insistent on a small-bore approach centered on extending the supplemental unemployment benefit and leaving other items for later .
A GOP move to advance a slimmed-down relief package has been a recent point of conflict , with Democrats insisting there must be a comprehensive deal .
“ We ’ re open to a bigger package if we can reach an agreement , ” Mnuchin said .
On the Senate floor , McConnell , R-Ky. , re-upped his complaint that Democrats are taking too tough a line .
McConnell is not a direct participant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an important force in closing out any potential agreement .
Speaking to reporters after the two-hour session , Democratic negotiators pressed the case for additional food aid , funding for the Postal Service , and the $ 600-per-week jobless benefit that lapsed last week .
The benefit has helped sustain consumer demand over recent months as the coronavirus has wrought havoc .
Pelosi wants to extend it through January at a $ 400 billion-plus cost , while Republicans are proposing an immediate cut to $ 200 and then replacing the benefit with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide 70 % of a worker ’ s “ replacement wage.
” “ It was productive , we ’ re moving down the track .
We still have our differences , we are trying to have a clearer understanding of what the needs are , and the needs are that millions of children in our country are food insecure , ” Pelosi said .
Most members of the Democratic-controlled House have left Washington and won ’ t return until there is an agreement to vote on , but the GOP-held Senate is trapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t see how we can go home and tell people we ’ ve failed , so I think that ’ s going to be a lot of pressure on everybody to come up with something , ” said Cornyn , a close ally of McConnell .
“ It really is a matter of will .
It ’ s not a matter of substance at this point .
This is just a painful period between people finally deciding OK , we want a deal , and then what that deal will ultimately look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another round of $ 1,200 direct payments and changes to the Paycheck Protection Program to permit especially hard-hit businesses to obtain another loan under generous forgiveness terms .
On unemployment , Pelosi said she ’ d consider reducing the $ 600 benefit for people in states with lower unemployment rates .
Republicans want to cut the benefit to encourage beneficiaries to return to work and say it is bad policy since it pays many jobless people more money than they made at their previous jobs .
Graham is among the Republicans who most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it passed in March , But on Monday , he said that he wants to replace it with a system ensuring 100 % of replacement wages , meaning the government would try to pay people as much to not work as to work .
The House passed a $ 3.5 trillion measure in May , but Republicans controlling the Senate have demanded a slower approach , saying it was necessary to take a “ pause ” before passing additional legislation .
Since they announced that strategy , however , coronavirus caseloads have spiked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow .
The Senate GOP draft measure carries a $ 1.1 trillion price tag , according to an estimate by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget .
Republicans have not released any estimates of their own .
Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — Negotiators on a huge coronavirus relief bill reported slight progress after talks resumed in the Capitol, with issues like food for the poor and aid to schools struggling to reopen safely assuming a higher profile in the talks.
Multiple obstacles remain, including an impasse on extending a $600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit, funding for the U.S. Postal Service and aid to renters facing eviction. Democratic negotiators spoke of progress Monday but Republicans remain privately pessimistic.
“We are really getting an understanding of each side’s position. And we’re making some progress on certain issues moving closer together,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
After the meeting, Pelosi told her Democratic colleagues on a call that she’s hopeful a deal could be reached this week but doesn’t know if it’s possible, according to a Democratic aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private discussion.
Neither side has budged from their positions, with Democrats demanding an extension of the $600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit that’s credited with propping up the economy. Republicans have yet to offer any aid to states to prevent furloughs, layoffs and cuts to services. Both will have to compromise before a deal can be agreed to.
“The $600 unemployment insurance benefit is essential because there are no jobs to go back to,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on MSNBC on Tuesday morning. “We’ve got to help out everyday Americans. That’s a line in the sand.”
Senate Republicans facing reelection in this fall’s turbulent political environment are among those most anxious for an agreement. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Monday that the chamber should not go on recess without passing the huge relief measure, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., offered a jobless benefit proposal that’s more generous than a pending GOP alternative. Both are facing closer-than-hoped reelection bids in states that should be easy holds for Republicans.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a lead negotiator for President Donald Trump, said Monday that “we continue to make a little bit of progress” and that the administration is not insistent on a small-bore approach centered on extending the supplemental unemployment benefit and leaving other items for later. A GOP move to advance a slimmed-down relief package has been a recent point of conflict, with Democrats insisting there must be a comprehensive deal.
“We’re open to a bigger package if we can reach an agreement,” Mnuchin said.
On the Senate floor, McConnell, R-Ky., re-upped his complaint that Democrats are taking too tough a line. McConnell is not a direct participant in the talks but is likely to be an important force in closing out any potential agreement.
Speaking to reporters after the two-hour session, Democratic negotiators pressed the case for additional food aid, funding for the Postal Service, and the $600-per-week jobless benefit that lapsed last week. The benefit has helped sustain consumer demand over recent months as the coronavirus has wrought havoc. Pelosi wants to extend it through January at a $400 billion-plus cost, while Republicans are proposing an immediate cut to $200 and then replacing the benefit with a cumbersome system that would attempt to provide 70% of a worker’s “replacement wage.”
“It was productive, we’re moving down the track. We still have our differences, we are trying to have a clearer understanding of what the needs are, and the needs are that millions of children in our country are food insecure,” Pelosi said.
Most members of the Democratic-controlled House have left Washington and won’t return until there is an agreement to vote on, but the GOP-held Senate is trapped in the capital.
“I can’t see how we can go home and tell people we’ve failed, so I think that’s going to be a lot of pressure on everybody to come up with something,” said Cornyn, a close ally of McConnell. “It really is a matter of will. It’s not a matter of substance at this point. This is just a painful period between people finally deciding OK, we want a deal, and then what that deal will ultimately look like.”
Areas of agreement already include another round of $1,200 direct payments and changes to the Paycheck Protection Program to permit especially hard-hit businesses to obtain another loan under generous forgiveness terms.
On unemployment, Pelosi said she’d consider reducing the $600 benefit for people in states with lower unemployment rates. Republicans want to cut the benefit to encourage beneficiaries to return to work and say it is bad policy since it pays many jobless people more money than they made at their previous jobs.
Graham is among the Republicans who most aggressively protested the $600 benefit when it passed in March, But on Monday, he said that he wants to replace it with a system ensuring 100% of replacement wages, meaning the government would try to pay people as much to not work as to work.
The House passed a $3.5 trillion measure in May, but Republicans controlling the Senate have demanded a slower approach, saying it was necessary to take a “pause” before passing additional legislation. Since they announced that strategy, however, coronavirus caseloads have spiked and the economy has absorbed an enormous blow.
The Senate GOP draft measure carries a $1.1 trillion price tag, according to an estimate by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Republicans have not released any estimates of their own.
Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.