thedenverpost--2020-07-25--No virus bill yet: White House, GOP at odds over jobless aid

WASHINGTON — Negotiations over a new COVID-19 rescue bill were in flux Friday after the White House floated cutting an unemployment benefits boost to as little as $ 100 and President Donald Trump turned to a new priority , adding money to build a new FBI headquarters .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home , promising a Republican proposal would be ready on Monday .
Outraged Democrats warned that time was being wasted on GOP infighting as the virus worsens , jobless aid expires and the death toll rises .
“ We call upon Leader McConnell to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a statement .
During a head-spinning week of start-and-stop efforts , McConnell abruptly halted the rollout of the Republicans ’ $ 1 trillion plan , which was supposed to provide a counter-offer to the Democrats ’ $ 3 trillion bill in an opening bid for negotiations .
Trump was forced to abandon his push for a payroll tax break , which his party opposed , and the White House turned to new priorities .
As Republicans struggled , the nation ’ s infections topped 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to nearly 145,000 , and the $ 600 unemployment benefit boost for millions of out-of-work Americans was on track to expire .
As McConnell shut down the Senate , he promised to return with “ a strong , targeted piece of legislation aimed directly at the challenges we face right now.
” The GOP leader , who is up for reelection in November alongside Trump , dashed home to Kentucky for an event with the nation ’ s drug czar , Jim Carroll , in a part of Appalachia confronting opioid addiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 crisis , McConnell said in Ashland , Kentucky , “ This has been one heck of a challenge for everybody in the country .
Hopefully we can come together behind some package we can agree on in the next few weeks.
” One sticking point for Republicans trying to resolve their differences with the White House is how to cut the $ 600 weekly jobless benefit boost that is expiring .
Republicans largely believe the add-on , which had been approved in an earlier aid bill , is too much and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In some situations , the boost gives the unemployed more money than if they were working .
Under McConnell ’ s plan , senators proposed cutting it to $ 200 and then transitioning over the next few months to a new system more closely linked to a state ’ s own payment levels .
An administration official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks said the White House viewed the Senate GOP ’ s proposal as too “ cumbersome ” and the $ 200 boost as too high .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said Thursday , including dropping the add-on to $ 100 .
Democrats warned time was running out .
The benefit officially expires July 31 , but due to the way states process unemployment payments , the cutoff is effectively Saturday .
Rep. Richie Neal , D-N.J. , chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee , said the nation is on “ the eve of an economic catastrophe.
” The U.S. registered its 18th straight week of new jobless claims topping 1 million , with an unemployment rate at 11 percent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Recession .
A new AP-NORC poll said half of Americans laid off now believe their jobs will not return .
“ People need the sustenance of day-to-day life , ” Neal said at the Capitol .
He said the extra aid not only helps cash-strapped families , but is key to fueling the economy as Americans go without paychecks .
“ The recovery is going to be slow , ” he said .
The unemployment debate is only one of many issues dividing Republicans as they enter negotiations with Democrats over how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis and devastating economic fallout .
McConnell ’ s emerging CARES Act II , named after the earlier effort , was expected to include a fresh round of direct $ 1,200 cash payments to many Americans , a repeat of the money sent in spring , along with $ 105 billion to help reopen schools , $ 25 billion for virus testing and McConnell ’ s top priority of a liability shield to protect businesses , hospitals and others against COVID-19 lawsuits .
Trump was pushing the payroll tax cut , but Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it because they say it does little to help out-of-work Americans .
It would also pull revenue away from the tax that funds Social Security and Medicare .
The president relented , but the White House also inserted new priorities — rethinking the jobless benefit and Trump ’ s preference for a new building to replace the FBI ’ s aging J. Edgar Hoover Building in downtown Washington , across the street from the Trump hotel .
“ This is disarray , ” Pelosi said Friday at the Capitol .
Next steps are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Capitol with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and others .
“ We had expected to be working throughout this weekend , ” the Democratic leaders said .
“ It is simply unacceptable that Republicans have had this entire time to reach consensus among themselves and continue to flail.
” Associated Press writer Bruce Schreiner in Kentucky contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — Negotiations over a new COVID-19 rescue bill were in flux Friday after the White House floated cutting an unemployment benefits boost to as little as $100 and President Donald Trump turned to a new priority, adding money to build a new FBI headquarters.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home, promising a Republican proposal would be ready on Monday. Outraged Democrats warned that time was being wasted on GOP infighting as the virus worsens, jobless aid expires and the death toll rises.
“We call upon Leader McConnell to get serious,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a statement.
During a head-spinning week of start-and-stop efforts, McConnell abruptly halted the rollout of the Republicans’ $1 trillion plan, which was supposed to provide a counter-offer to the Democrats’ $3 trillion bill in an opening bid for negotiations. Trump was forced to abandon his push for a payroll tax break, which his party opposed, and the White House turned to new priorities.
As Republicans struggled, the nation’s infections topped 4 million, deaths rose by several thousand, to nearly 145,000, and the $600 unemployment benefit boost for millions of out-of-work Americans was on track to expire.
As McConnell shut down the Senate, he promised to return with “a strong, targeted piece of legislation aimed directly at the challenges we face right now.”
The GOP leader, who is up for reelection in November alongside Trump, dashed home to Kentucky for an event with the nation’s drug czar, Jim Carroll, in a part of Appalachia confronting opioid addiction and skyrocketing overdose deaths.
As for the COVID-19 crisis, McConnell said in Ashland, Kentucky, “This has been one heck of a challenge for everybody in the country. Hopefully we can come together behind some package we can agree on in the next few weeks.”
One sticking point for Republicans trying to resolve their differences with the White House is how to cut the $600 weekly jobless benefit boost that is expiring.
Republicans largely believe the add-on, which had been approved in an earlier aid bill, is too much and becoming a disincentive for returning to work. In some situations, the boost gives the unemployed more money than if they were working. Under McConnell’s plan, senators proposed cutting it to $200 and then transitioning over the next few months to a new system more closely linked to a state’s own payment levels.
An administration official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks said the White House viewed the Senate GOP’s proposal as too “cumbersome” and the $200 boost as too high.
A number of different solutions were being discussed, the official said Thursday, including dropping the add-on to $100.
Democrats warned time was running out. The benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff is effectively Saturday.
Rep. Richie Neal, D-N.J., chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, said the nation is on “the eve of an economic catastrophe.”
The U.S. registered its 18th straight week of new jobless claims topping 1 million, with an unemployment rate at 11 percent, higher than during last decade’s Great Recession. A new AP-NORC poll said half of Americans laid off now believe their jobs will not return.
“People need the sustenance of day-to-day life,” Neal said at the Capitol. He said the extra aid not only helps cash-strapped families, but is key to fueling the economy as Americans go without paychecks. “The recovery is going to be slow,” he said.
The unemployment debate is only one of many issues dividing Republicans as they enter negotiations with Democrats over how best to respond to the prolonged coronavirus crisis and devastating economic fallout.
McConnell’s emerging CARES Act II, named after the earlier effort, was expected to include a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to many Americans, a repeat of the money sent in spring, along with $105 billion to help reopen schools, $25 billion for virus testing and McConnell’s top priority of a liability shield to protect businesses, hospitals and others against COVID-19 lawsuits.
Trump was pushing the payroll tax cut, but Senate Republicans didn’t want to include it because they say it does little to help out-of-work Americans. It would also pull revenue away from the tax that funds Social Security and Medicare.
The president relented, but the White House also inserted new priorities — rethinking the jobless benefit and Trump’s preference for a new building to replace the FBI’s aging J. Edgar Hoover Building in downtown Washington, across the street from the Trump hotel.
“This is disarray,” Pelosi said Friday at the Capitol.
Next steps are uncertain after days of closed-door GOP negotiations at the Capitol with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and others.
“We had expected to be working throughout this weekend,” the Democratic leaders said.
“It is simply unacceptable that Republicans have had this entire time to reach consensus among themselves and continue to flail.”
___
Associated Press writer Bruce Schreiner in Kentucky contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-07-25--Trevor Story ignoring negative predictions about Rockies in 2020

One of Rockies manager Bud Black ’ s favorite words during summer camp was “ bullish , ” as in , “ We ’ re really bullish on our young bullpen.
” The national media , however , is pessimistic about the Rockies ’ chances to be a contender .
Even with the playoffs expanded to 16 teams in a 60-game season , FanGraphs ’ ZiPS projections pencils in the Rockies with a 26-34 record and five games back of the final National League playoff spot .
In ESPN ’ s power rankings , the Rockies come in 23rd with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arenado , Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon put up big percentages even for them , as the Rox ’ s league-average starters do just enough to get the offense ’ s early leads to a resurgent bullpen , and Colorado wins 33 games to grab an NL wild-card slot.
” Sports Illustrated has the Rockies ranked 22nd , and MLB.com has them 23rd .
Story , the all-star shortstop , was asked if the Rockies ignore the negative predictions or if they put a chip on their shoulders .
“ A little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Story said .
“ We know that people aren ’ t talking about us and that ’ s all right .
The game ’ s not won by talking or doing anything like that .
We ’ re just going to let our play do the talking .
“ I don ’ t think we need outside motivation other than what we have in this locker room to do what we want to do and we really truly believe that we can do it .
We feel like ‘ Why not us ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s time to show it.
” Good to go .
Outfielder David Dahl , a first-time all-star last season , knows he must take extra precautions during the coronavirus pandemic .
Dahl had his spleen removed in 2015 after a violent on-field collision , and his wife , Jacquelyn , is pregnant with the couple ’ s first child .
That gave him pause , but he ’ s feeling more comfortable now .
“ I just wanted to see how the protocols and everything played out during summer camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me being high risk and with my wife , Jacquelyn , getting pregnant , I just wanted to make sure we ’ re being taken care of … and safe .
“ So far , so good .
You know , I think the testing is going well .
Guys and the guys ’ families are doing a good job of limiting their exposure and being smart .
I ’ m excited to get going now .
I was definitely nervous coming in , but I ’ m a lot more relieved.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridich , speaking on “ High Heat ” on MLB Network , was asked about his relationship with star third baseman Nolan Arenado , who , during the offseason , said he felt “ disrespected ” by Bridich .
“ It ’ s fine , it ’ s professional , ” Bridich said .
“ We are focused every day on the task at hand .
And we are certainly unified in making the most of this season .
The whole team is unified in making the most of this season.
” Bridich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball expanding the playoffs to 16 teams for 2020 .
“ I think it ’ s a good idea overall , ” he said .
“ If we can , as a baseball community , get to the point of postseason , then I think for the baseball community that will be a victory in itself , with the way the ( coronavirus ) is acting right now around the country.
” Texas time .
The Rockies have plenty of ties to the Lone Star state .
Pitcher Daniel Bard ( Houston ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Texas-Arlington ) , first base coach Ron Gideon ( Hallsville ) , outfielder Sam Hilliard ( Mansfield ) and Story ( Irving ) are all Texas natives .
On Deck Rockies RHP Jon Gray ( 11-8 , 3.84 ERA in 2019 ) at Rangers LHP Mike Minor ( 14-10 , 3.59 ) 2:05 p.m. , Saturday , Globe Life Field TV : AT & T SportsNet Radio : KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM Gray is making his first big-league start since Aug. 16 after suffering a stress fracture in his left foot that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rangers once , giving up six runs on six hits in five innings on June 17 , 2018 , at Texas as the Rockies lost , 13-12 .
Gray would like to perform better on the road , where he ’ s 18-23 with a 4.56 ERA in his career .
Minor is coming off an all-star season , but he has not fared particularly well vs. Colorado .
He ’ s made seven career starts and two relief appearances against the Rockies , going 3-2 with a 5.24 ERA and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set career highs in wins ( 14 ) , strikeouts ( 200 ) and innings pitched ( 208 1/3 ) .
Trending : Nolan Arenado entered Friday night ’ s 2020 season opener tied with Carlos González for fourth in franchise history with 227 home runs .
Charlie Blackmon ’ s 172 home runs are tied with Andres Galarraga for eighth-most in franchise history .
At issue : The Rockies have to play better on the road .
Period .
They were 28-53 away from Coors Field last season , a .346 winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in franchise history .

One of Rockies manager Bud Black’s favorite words during summer camp was “bullish,” as in, “We’re really bullish on our young bullpen.”
The national media, however, is pessimistic about the Rockies’ chances to be a contender.
Even with the playoffs expanded to 16 teams in a 60-game season, FanGraphs’ ZiPS projections pencils in the Rockies with a 26-34 record and five games back of the final National League playoff spot.
In ESPN’s power rankings, the Rockies come in 23rd with the following best-case scenario: “Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon put up big percentages even for them, as the Rox’s league-average starters do just enough to get the offense’s early leads to a resurgent bullpen, and Colorado wins 33 games to grab an NL wild-card slot.”
Sports Illustrated has the Rockies ranked 22nd, and MLB.com has them 23rd.
Story, the all-star shortstop, was asked if the Rockies ignore the negative predictions or if they put a chip on their shoulders.
“A little bit of both, I think,” Story said. “We know that people aren’t talking about us and that’s all right. The game’s not won by talking or doing anything like that. We’re just going to let our play do the talking.
“I don’t think we need outside motivation other than what we have in this locker room to do what we want to do and we really truly believe that we can do it. We feel like ‘Why not us?’ We have a very talented group and it’s time to show it.”
Good to go. Outfielder David Dahl, a first-time all-star last season, knows he must take extra precautions during the coronavirus pandemic. Dahl had his spleen removed in 2015 after a violent on-field collision, and his wife, Jacquelyn, is pregnant with the couple’s first child.
That gave him pause, but he’s feeling more comfortable now.
“I just wanted to see how the protocols and everything played out during summer camp,” he said. “With me being high risk and with my wife, Jacquelyn, getting pregnant, I just wanted to make sure we’re being taken care of … and safe.
“So far, so good. You know, I think the testing is going well. Guys and the guys’ families are doing a good job of limiting their exposure and being smart. I’m excited to get going now. I was definitely nervous coming in, but I’m a lot more relieved.”
Bridich on Arenado. General manager Jeff Bridich, speaking on “High Heat” on MLB Network, was asked about his relationship with star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who, during the offseason, said he felt “disrespected” by Bridich.
“It’s fine, it’s professional,” Bridich said. “We are focused every day on the task at hand. And we are certainly unified in making the most of this season. The whole team is unified in making the most of this season.”
Bridich also said he likes the idea of baseball expanding the playoffs to 16 teams for 2020.
“I think it’s a good idea overall,” he said. “If we can, as a baseball community, get to the point of postseason, then I think for the baseball community that will be a victory in itself, with the way the (coronavirus) is acting right now around the country.”
Texas time. The Rockies have plenty of ties to the Lone Star state. Pitcher Daniel Bard (Houston), pitching coach Steve Foster (Dallas, Texas-Arlington), first base coach Ron Gideon (Hallsville), outfielder Sam Hilliard (Mansfield) and Story (Irving) are all Texas natives.
On Deck
Rockies RHP Jon Gray (11-8, 3.84 ERA in 2019) at Rangers LHP Mike Minor (14-10, 3.59)
2:05 p.m., Saturday, Globe Life Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Gray is making his first big-league start since Aug. 16 after suffering a stress fracture in his left foot that required surgery. Gray has only faced the Rangers once, giving up six runs on six hits in five innings on June 17, 2018, at Texas as the Rockies lost, 13-12. Gray would like to perform better on the road, where he’s 18-23 with a 4.56 ERA in his career. Minor is coming off an all-star season, but he has not fared particularly well vs. Colorado. He’s made seven career starts and two relief appearances against the Rockies, going 3-2 with a 5.24 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. Last season, Minor set career highs in wins (14), strikeouts (200) and innings pitched (208 1/3).
Trending: Nolan Arenado entered Friday night’s 2020 season opener tied with Carlos González for fourth in franchise history with 227 home runs. Charlie Blackmon’s 172 home runs are tied with Andres Galarraga for eighth-most in franchise history.
At issue: The Rockies have to play better on the road. Period. They were 28-53 away from Coors Field last season, a .346 winning percentage that is tied for the fifth-worst in franchise history.
Pitching probables
Sunday: Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (11-11, 6.71) at Rangers Corey Kluber (2-3, 5.80), 12:35 p.m., ATTRM
Monday: Off
Tuesday: Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (11-6.71) at A’s TBD, 7:40 p.m.


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Colorado joins lawsuit against Trump for trying to leave some immigrants out of the Census count

Colorado has joined more than two dozen other state and local governments in suing the Trump administration for trying to @ @ @ @ @ country illegally from being counted in the U.S. Census .
States and local governments want @ @ @ @ @ possible because the census determines how many U.S. House of Representative seats each state has @ @ @ @ @ .
The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in the southern district of New @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution gives Congress final authority over the census , not the president , according @ @ @ @ @ accurate count of the Census , and proper apportionment pursuant to the Constitution , ensures @ @ @ @ @ of critical federal funding for our schools , infrastructure , and other important projects , @ @ @ @ @ Polis in a news release .

Colorado has joined more than two dozen other state and local governments in suing the Trump administration for trying to ban immigrants living in the country illegally from being counted in the U.S. Census.
States and local governments want as many people counted as possible because the census determines how many U.S. House of Representative seats each state has and determines Electoral College votes.
The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in the southern district of New York. The lawsuit argues the Constitution gives Congress final authority over the census, not the president, according to NPR.
“An accurate count of the Census, and proper apportionment pursuant to the Constitution, ensures Colorado will receive our share of critical federal funding for our schools, infrastructure, and other important projects,” said Gov. Jared Polis in a news release.


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Denver gives Colorado State Patrol authority to enforce city’s camping ban on state property

The Colorado State Patrol soon will have authority to enforce Denver ’ s camping ban just as Gov .
Jared Polis said Thursday that he would welcome the removal of those living on state property including in the shadow of the Colorado Capitol .
The words stung people who are living in Lincoln Park , just across from the Capitol , and who are bracing for police or troopers to pull the rug out from under their feet once more .
Many living in the park told The Denver Post on Friday that it ’ s not as though they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rather , they say they ’ re victims of circumstance with no place else to go .
“ Put yourselves in our position , consider everything we go through on a daily basis , ” said Sherika Oge , who said she has been camping in Lincoln Park for about six weeks .
“ It may look like we all hang out and party all day , but this has become somewhat of a foundation for us , ” Oge said .
“ It ’ s helped people begin to restabilize.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily , balancing the concerns and frustrations of neighbors and the needs of those with no place else to go .
At one turn , officials may offer addiction and mental health services but then they ’ ll break up the encampments with cleanups , more commonly known as sweeps .
The camps move around the city from day to day , including one outside the governor ’ s mansion that was in place Thursday but gone by Friday afternoon .
The city ’ s controversial urban camping ban is being argued in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nonprofit organization to establish Denver ’ s first sanctioned encampment .
That new camp — estimated to hold 60 people — will allow city officials to more aggressively enforce the camping ban , Mayor Michael Hancock has said .
At the same time the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that municipalities avoid breaking up illegal encampments during the coronavirus pandemic unless there is a safe place for those living on the streets to go .
Still , city officials have made it clear they want the camps gone .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , and they will , ” said Mike Strott , a spokesperson for Hancock .
It ’ s unclear when Denver officials will take action , he said .
Denver Department of Safety Director Murphy Robinson signed an order Thursday that will allow state troopers to enforce municipal codes through Oct. 22 .
That means troopers can write tickets to people violating Denver ordinances , and troopers will be allowed to remove campsites near the Capitol and the governor ’ s mansion .
Denver ’ s safety department and the city attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies , including the police department ’ s use of force regulations , before they began enforcing the camping ban and other city laws .
Although state troopers previously had authority over state property , troopers had to work with DPD to issue citations .
This order gives them the ability to do so on their own , said Kelli Christensen , spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety .
State patrol will continue to coordinate significant enforcement with Denver ’ s safety department , according to order .
Oge sighed as she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homelessness in downtown Denver , avoiding eye contact and shifting from one foot to the other as she spoke .
“ Now we ’ re going to be thrown back into an unstable situation , ” Oge said , noting she has no other place to go .
While living in the encampment downtown , Oge said she could store what little belongings she owns so she could apply for jobs .
“ It sucks having to go talk to a prospective employer with your tent on your back , carrying your sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You might as well not even walk into the interview.
” Others had harsher words for the governor ’ s statements .
Andrew Espinoza , who has been camping in the park for a few months off and on , swore when asked about it .
“ They ’ ve got to put us somewhere , ” he said .
William Pittman and his wife Merrissa Pittman acknowledged that the park is a mess .
Even so , some scoured the area with rakes , clearing trash .
“ The cops did this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the clutter on the ground .
Shuffling needles taken from a tin box of illicit sundries , Merrissa Pittman said she and her husband try to keep areas clean wherever they go .
They don ’ t camp in Lincoln Park but they spend most days there .
Polis ’ comments are just an excuse for police to harass the homeless , Merrissa Pittman said .
“ I may do drugs , but I still watch my mouth around kids , ” he said .
“ I still watch out for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mother to tell her I love her and miss her .
”

The Colorado State Patrol soon will have authority to enforce Denver’s camping ban just as Gov. Jared Polis said Thursday that he would welcome the removal of those living on state property including in the shadow of the Colorado Capitol.
The words stung people who are living in Lincoln Park, just across from the Capitol, and who are bracing for police or troopers to pull the rug out from under their feet once more. Many living in the park told The Denver Post on Friday that it’s not as though they want to sleep in tents downtown. Rather, they say they’re victims of circumstance with no place else to go.
“Put yourselves in our position, consider everything we go through on a daily basis,” said Sherika Oge, who said she has been camping in Lincoln Park for about six weeks.
“It may look like we all hang out and party all day, but this has become somewhat of a foundation for us,” Oge said. “It’s helped people begin to restabilize.”
The encampments are something Denver officials struggle with daily, balancing the concerns and frustrations of neighbors and the needs of those with no place else to go. At one turn, officials may offer addiction and mental health services but then they’ll break up the encampments with cleanups, more commonly known as sweeps. The camps move around the city from day to day, including one outside the governor’s mansion that was in place Thursday but gone by Friday afternoon.
The city’s controversial urban camping ban is being argued in the courts and officials are working with a nonprofit organization to establish Denver’s first sanctioned encampment. That new camp — estimated to hold 60 people — will allow city officials to more aggressively enforce the camping ban, Mayor Michael Hancock has said.
At the same time the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that municipalities avoid breaking up illegal encampments during the coronavirus pandemic unless there is a safe place for those living on the streets to go.
Still, city officials have made it clear they want the camps gone.
“The intention is for these encampments to come down, and they will,” said Mike Strott, a spokesperson for Hancock.
It’s unclear when Denver officials will take action, he said.
Denver Department of Safety Director Murphy Robinson signed an order Thursday that will allow state troopers to enforce municipal codes through Oct. 22. That means troopers can write tickets to people violating Denver ordinances, and troopers will be allowed to remove campsites near the Capitol and the governor’s mansion.
Denver’s safety department and the city attorney’s office will train troopers on policies, including the police department’s use of force regulations, before they began enforcing the camping ban and other city laws.
Although state troopers previously had authority over state property, troopers had to work with DPD to issue citations. This order gives them the ability to do so on their own, said Kelli Christensen, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety. State patrol will continue to coordinate significant enforcement with Denver’s safety department, according to order.
Oge sighed as she heard about the latest efforts to address homelessness in downtown Denver, avoiding eye contact and shifting from one foot to the other as she spoke.
“Now we’re going to be thrown back into an unstable situation,” Oge said, noting she has no other place to go.
While living in the encampment downtown, Oge said she could store what little belongings she owns so she could apply for jobs.
“It sucks having to go talk to a prospective employer with your tent on your back, carrying your sleeping bag,” she said. “You might as well not even walk into the interview.”
Others had harsher words for the governor’s statements.
Andrew Espinoza, who has been camping in the park for a few months off and on, swore when asked about it.
“They’ve got to put us somewhere,” he said.
William Pittman and his wife Merrissa Pittman acknowledged that the park is a mess. Even so, some scoured the area with rakes, clearing trash.
“The cops did this,” one man said, nodding at the clutter on the ground.
Shuffling needles taken from a tin box of illicit sundries, Merrissa Pittman said she and her husband try to keep areas clean wherever they go. They don’t camp in Lincoln Park but they spend most days there.
Polis’ comments are just an excuse for police to harass the homeless, Merrissa Pittman said.
William Pittman nodded.
“I may do drugs, but I still watch my mouth around kids,” he said. “I still watch out for people when I can. I still call my mother to tell her I love her and miss her.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Jason Dunn: The less-sensational story behind the federal agents in Portland and Opperation LeGend

As the chief federal law enforcement official in Colorado , I have watched with keen interest what is happening in Portland , Oregon , regarding the use of federal law enforcement personnel .
I have also followed closely the announcement this week by President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr that they will be sending law enforcement personnel into cities where violent crime has been skyrocketing .
Unfortunately , there has been a conflation of what is happening in Portland — protecting federal property — with the traditional crime-fighting initiatives the Department of Justice has engaged in for decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about both .
As Coloradans , we would be well-served to take a collective deep breath , tone down the rhetoric , and try to better understand both what has actually happened in Portland and what is actually being proposed elsewhere .
But first , let ’ s be clear about Colorado .
As Colorado ’ s U.S. attorney , my job is to protect Coloradans by enforcing federal criminal law .
I have spoken with our federal agency partners here , and we are all committed to ensuring that federal law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawful manner , as it always has been .
And while I am hopeful that the need for greater federal resources never arises , Colorado has my pledge that if such a need does arise , it will be done only in cooperation with the relevant state and local law enforcement agencies .
As I often say , we have the gold standard of federal-state-local partnership here in Colorado .
I intend to keep it that way .
Now , let ’ s talk about Portland .
Over the past few weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks on federal employees and the destruction of federal property .
I have spoken with my counterpart there and he reports the widespread use of rocks , lasers , slingshots loaded with ball-bearings , explosives , and other methods to assault federal employees .
There are also nightly attempts by rioters to storm federal buildings and destroy them .
Unfortunately , the size and scale of the violence has so overwhelmed the men and women ordinarily tasked with protecting those employees and buildings that they have asked for help from Washington .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other agencies came to assist .
In the last few days , there have been various allegations about the conduct of these agents , including charges that anonymous law enforcement officers are wandering the city , whisking away innocent citizens in unmarked vehicles to secret government locations for interrogation .
Others allege instances of excessive use of force by officers staged around federal buildings .
While it is apparently true that those federal agents , like virtually all state and local police agencies , have used unmarked vehicles , the other claims are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground .
According to the head of the Customs and Border Patrol , all of their agents wear multiple insignia designating them as police or identifying their agency , and these agents have strict protocols limiting arrests to those engaging in direct violence against federal employees or federal property in and around the federal courthouse .
In fact , dozens of such arrests have been made .
There is also no credible indication that federal agents have been more broadly wandering the streets of Portland looking for agitators or taking people anywhere other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal detainees are taken .
And in the very small number of cases where agents have been accused of acting outside their authority , those incidents are being reviewed by the Inspector General for the respective agencies .
Time and due process will tell if any laws or procedures were broken .
If so , those responsible will be held accountable .
Those are the facts about Portland .
Next , there has been much discussion about the president ’ s and the attorney general ’ s announcement this week of Project LeGend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dollars will be targeted and deployed to those cities where violent crime ( murders , armed robberies , bank robberies , etc . )
has exploded in recent months .
In Chicago , where 373 people have been murdered so far this year , the administration has pledged hundreds of agents from the FBI , ATF , DEA , and other agencies , as well as $ 9.3 million for the hiring of 75 local sheriff ’ s deputies .
While the Chicago mayor originally opposed federal intervention , she now welcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proposal .
In short , Project LeGend will help address the recent spike in violent crime occurring in many communities across our nation .
That is very different than what is being done in Portland to protect federal employees and property .
If done properly , both serve a valid purpose .
Nonetheless , many state and local officials in Colorado and elsewhere have incorrectly described the recent proposal as an effort to send in “ paramilitary forces ” ( or even the military ) to quash lawful demonstrations .
Perhaps unintentionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misunderstanding : The New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and The Denver Post all ran headlines this week about the president ’ s proposal under a photograph of camouflaged and masked law enforcement personnel engaging demonstrators in Portland .
Viewed together , this perpetuates the misperception about what is being proposed and heightens public anxiety .
Ultimately , bringing in law enforcement to areas that need support is a good thing , whether it be to defend public property or to help address the jump in violent crime across our nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have my assurance that federal law enforcement in Colorado will continue to operate in accordance with the law , and will strive to work cooperatively with state and local authorities to make Colorado a safer and better place .
Jason Dunn currently serves as the United States attorney for the District of Colorado .
He oversees the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters involving the United States government in Colorado .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by email or mail .

As the chief federal law enforcement official in Colorado, I have watched with keen interest what is happening in Portland, Oregon, regarding the use of federal law enforcement personnel. I have also followed closely the announcement this week by President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr that they will be sending law enforcement personnel into cities where violent crime has been skyrocketing.
Unfortunately, there has been a conflation of what is happening in Portland — protecting federal property — with the traditional crime-fighting initiatives the Department of Justice has engaged in for decades. The result has been widespread confusion about both. As Coloradans, we would be well-served to take a collective deep breath, tone down the rhetoric, and try to better understand both what has actually happened in Portland and what is actually being proposed elsewhere.
But first, let’s be clear about Colorado. As Colorado’s U.S. attorney, my job is to protect Coloradans by enforcing federal criminal law. I have spoken with our federal agency partners here, and we are all committed to ensuring that federal law enforcement activity in Colorado is conducted in a lawful manner, as it always has been. And while I am hopeful that the need for greater federal resources never arises, Colorado has my pledge that if such a need does arise, it will be done only in cooperation with the relevant state and local law enforcement agencies. As I often say, we have the gold standard of federal-state-local partnership here in Colorado. I intend to keep it that way.
Now, let’s talk about Portland. Over the past few weeks, lawful protests there have devolved into violent attacks on federal employees and the destruction of federal property. I have spoken with my counterpart there and he reports the widespread use of rocks, lasers, slingshots loaded with ball-bearings, explosives, and other methods to assault federal employees. There are also nightly attempts by rioters to storm federal buildings and destroy them. Unfortunately, the size and scale of the violence has so overwhelmed the men and women ordinarily tasked with protecting those employees and buildings that they have asked for help from Washington. In keeping with standard practice, personnel from other agencies came to assist.
In the last few days, there have been various allegations about the conduct of these agents, including charges that anonymous law enforcement officers are wandering the city, whisking away innocent citizens in unmarked vehicles to secret government locations for interrogation. Others allege instances of excessive use of force by officers staged around federal buildings.
While it is apparently true that those federal agents, like virtually all state and local police agencies, have used unmarked vehicles, the other claims are contradicted by the actual evidence on the ground. According to the head of the Customs and Border Patrol, all of their agents wear multiple insignia designating them as police or identifying their agency, and these agents have strict protocols limiting arrests to those engaging in direct violence against federal employees or federal property in and around the federal courthouse.
In fact, dozens of such arrests have been made. There is also no credible indication that federal agents have been more broadly wandering the streets of Portland looking for agitators or taking people anywhere other than back to the courthouse where all federal detainees are taken. And in the very small number of cases where agents have been accused of acting outside their authority, those incidents are being reviewed by the Inspector General for the respective agencies. Time and due process will tell if any laws or procedures were broken. If so, those responsible will be held accountable.
Those are the facts about Portland.
Next, there has been much discussion about the president’s and the attorney general’s announcement this week of Project LeGend, under which federal law enforcement resources and dollars will be targeted and deployed to those cities where violent crime (murders, armed robberies, bank robberies, etc.) has exploded in recent months. In Chicago, where 373 people have been murdered so far this year, the administration has pledged hundreds of agents from the FBI, ATF, DEA, and other agencies, as well as $9.3 million for the hiring of 75 local sheriff’s deputies. While the Chicago mayor originally opposed federal intervention, she now welcomes it after gaining a better understanding of the proposal.
In short, Project LeGend will help address the recent spike in violent crime occurring in many communities across our nation. That is very different than what is being done in Portland to protect federal employees and property. If done properly, both serve a valid purpose.
Nonetheless, many state and local officials in Colorado and elsewhere have incorrectly described the recent proposal as an effort to send in “paramilitary forces” (or even the military) to quash lawful demonstrations. Perhaps unintentionally, the media itself has exacerbated this misunderstanding: The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Denver Post all ran headlines this week about the president’s proposal under a photograph of camouflaged and masked law enforcement personnel engaging demonstrators in Portland. Viewed together, this perpetuates the misperception about what is being proposed and heightens public anxiety.
Ultimately, bringing in law enforcement to areas that need support is a good thing, whether it be to defend public property or to help address the jump in violent crime across our nation. And as the U.S. attorney, you have my assurance that federal law enforcement in Colorado will continue to operate in accordance with the law, and will strive to work cooperatively with state and local authorities to make Colorado a safer and better place.
Jason Dunn currently serves as the United States attorney for the District of Colorado. He oversees the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters involving the United States government in Colorado.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Pac-12 ADs: Revised football schedule built with time in mind; spring football remains “up on the sh

Pac-12 ADs: Revised football schedule built with time in mind; spring football remains “up on the shelf”

The Pac-12 plans to lean into its greatest asset when it comes to playing football this fall , according to two athletic directors who addressed the issue publicly in the past 48 hours .
“ Time is the most important variable that we have , ” Washington State ’ s Pat Chun said during a video conference Friday .
“ The scheduling models we are looking provide us some time , as well as the decision to delay the start of fall sports.
” The schedule model expected to be released next week will feature flexibility on both ends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to produce a legitimate season .
As the Hotline reported Thursday , the model calls for 10 conference games , season openers on Sept. 19 , multiple bye weeks and options for the Pac-12 championship .
The title game in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas could be as early as Dec. 4 and as late as the weekend of Dec. 18-19 , thereby providing additional windows at the end of the regular schedule for makeup games .
Meanwhile , Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke said on Wednesday that he wants to “ exhaust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall .
In theory , the conference could delay the start of the season until late October and still play eight games before the championship weekend on Dec. 18-19 .
But that approach would require patience on the part of the presidents and positive news in the fight to contain coronavirus .
“ When is the exact time ( for a decision ) ?
What is the date ?
I don ’ t have that answer , because the environment changes day-to-day , ” Chun said .
“ But we ’ ve made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that allow us time , and hopefully we can see those models through.
” Chun said he is “ cautiously optimistic ” about football this fall and pointed to the relatively low numbers of positive tests among Pac-12 athletes ( compared to other conferences ) .
Chun added that he feels “ great ” about the prospect of WSU having fall sports , partly because “ we ’ re isolated here.
” At the southern end of the conference , Heeke told ‘ Eye on the Ball ‘ , a Tucson radio show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fall season — and that the conference hasn ’ t seriously considered playing in the spring .
“ This scheduling thing is focused on the fall , ” he said .
“ We want this to happen in the fall .
“ We have not entertained a spring schedule , really .
That ’ s always there .
It ’ s kind of up on the shelf .
We know it ’ s there and we can move to it , but let ’ s exhaust every ounce of possibilities for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the pivot to a conference-only schedule was the ability to “ ensure consistent testing … The best way to create the absolute safest environment was to control it with a conference-only schedule.
” He also spoke candidly about the challenges of keeping the players healthy in campus environments full of distractions and high-risk interactions — like Greek Row .
“ If we want to play , if they want to participate in the things that they love , there ’ s a responsibility that they need to exhibit , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do , ” Heeke said .
“ They have to accept a different lifestyle if they want that .
If they ’ re unwilling to do that , this is not going to work .
If fraternities or sororities or people want to go out and do things and not think about the greater good , it ’ s not going to work .
We ’ re going to close down schools.
” Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert !
— just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
Click here .
And thanks for your loyalty .
*** Send suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect @ @ @ @ @ @

The Pac-12 plans to lean into its greatest asset when it comes to playing football this fall, according to two athletic directors who addressed the issue publicly in the past 48 hours.
“Time is the most important variable that we have,” Washington State’s Pat Chun said during a video conference Friday.
“The scheduling models we are looking provide us some time, as well as the decision to delay the start of fall sports.”
The schedule model expected to be released next week will feature flexibility on both ends, giving the conference the best possible chance to produce a legitimate season.
As the Hotline reported Thursday, the model calls for 10 conference games, season openers on Sept. 19, multiple bye weeks and options for the Pac-12 championship.
The title game in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas could be as early as Dec. 4 and as late as the weekend of Dec. 18-19, thereby providing additional windows at the end of the regular schedule for makeup games.
Meanwhile, Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke said on Wednesday that he wants to “exhaust every ounce of possibilities” for the fall.
In theory, the conference could delay the start of the season until late October and still play eight games before the championship weekend on Dec. 18-19.
But that approach would require patience on the part of the presidents and positive news in the fight to contain coronavirus.
“When is the exact time (for a decision)? What is the date? I don’t have that answer, because the environment changes day-to-day,” Chun said.
“But we’ve made decisions and we’ve built models that allow us time, and hopefully we can see those models through.”
Chun said he is “cautiously optimistic” about football this fall and pointed to the relatively low numbers of positive tests among Pac-12 athletes (compared to other conferences).
Chun added that he feels “great” about the prospect of WSU having fall sports, partly because “we’re isolated here.”
At the southern end of the conference, Heeke told ‘Eye on the Ball‘, a Tucson radio show, that he’s optimistic about a fall season — and that the conference hasn’t seriously considered playing in the spring.
“This scheduling thing is focused on the fall,” he said. “We want this to happen in the fall.
“We have not entertained a spring schedule, really. That’s always there. It’s kind of up on the shelf. We know it’s there and we can move to it, but let’s exhaust every ounce of possibilities for the fall.”
Heeke said a key factor in the pivot to a conference-only schedule was the ability to “ensure consistent testing … The best way to create the absolute safest environment was to control it with a conference-only schedule.”
He also spoke candidly about the challenges of keeping the players healthy in campus environments full of distractions and high-risk interactions — like Greek Row.
“If we want to play, if they want to participate in the things that they love, there’s a responsibility that they need to exhibit, there’s accountability, there are things they have to do,” Heeke said.
“They have to accept a different lifestyle if they want that. If they’re unwilling to do that, this is not going to work. If fraternities or sororities or people want to go out and do things and not think about the greater good, it’s not going to work. We’re going to close down schools.”
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert! — just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--CHSAA making adjustments, waiting for state response before announcing reopening plan

While several states have released plans for the resumption of high school athletics , the Colorado High School Activities Association remains in a relative holding pattern as it waits for state officials to approve its return-to-play plan .
“ There ’ s no pressure from the CHSAA office in terms of when those decisions will be made , ” CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said .
“ After having to cancel a season in the spring , I am willing to wait for all of the state ’ s officials to vet our plans so we can move forward and provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate.
” Blanford-Green said the process has been collaborative but recent spikes in COVID-19 cases in Colorado have forced CHSAA to resubmit parts of its plan for review .
Specifically , the review panel wanted to look at the implementation of guidelines for risk minimization in certain sports .
For example , in the original plan participants were not forced to wear a mask for indoor competitions .
However , following Governor Jared Polis ’ July 16 announcement of the mandatory mask mandate while indoors , CHSAA had to go back and revise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the wait , and Blanford-Green wants to make sure the complete plan is released in one piece to avoid as much confusion as possible .
And while there have been discussions around the extension of CHSAA ’ s competitive season , Blanford-Green said the plan is still for all athletics and activities to happen in the 2020-21 school year .
“ Our state officials have been open and very responsive , ” she said .
“ I want them to tweak our plans if they ’ re not aligned .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us communication on .
Those have been resubmitted and we ’ re really excited about the progress and how our plans have been fast tracked.
” Blanford-Green also reiterated that as a state organization , CHSAA ’ s return-to-play plan must fall within the guidelines of the governor ’ s office , the Department of Education and the Department of Health before it can be approved .
Boys ’ golf will begin on time , Aug. 3 , but the other 28 sports CHSAA oversees need to wait until state officials finish examining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re all waiting , but I just really feel optimistic that we ’ re not going to be waiting long , ” Blanford-Green said .
“ Because as educational plans are being introduced , I just think that the athletic plans will follow shortly behind .
But there ’ s no pressure .
“ We just want our plan to be vetted for safety and sustainability to make it through the 2020-21 school year .
”

While several states have released plans for the resumption of high school athletics, the Colorado High School Activities Association remains in a relative holding pattern as it waits for state officials to approve its return-to-play plan.
“There’s no pressure from the CHSAA office in terms of when those decisions will be made,” CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said. “After having to cancel a season in the spring, I am willing to wait for all of the state’s officials to vet our plans so we can move forward and provide hope and optimism for our kids to participate.”
Blanford-Green said the process has been collaborative but recent spikes in COVID-19 cases in Colorado have forced CHSAA to resubmit parts of its plan for review. Specifically, the review panel wanted to look at the implementation of guidelines for risk minimization in certain sports.
For example, in the original plan participants were not forced to wear a mask for indoor competitions. However, following Governor Jared Polis’ July 16 announcement of the mandatory mask mandate while indoors, CHSAA had to go back and revise its plan.
These changes have been part of the wait, and Blanford-Green wants to make sure the complete plan is released in one piece to avoid as much confusion as possible. And while there have been discussions around the extension of CHSAA’s competitive season, Blanford-Green said the plan is still for all athletics and activities to happen in the 2020-21 school year.
“Our state officials have been open and very responsive,” she said. “I want them to tweak our plans if they’re not aligned. That’s what they’ve given us communication on. Those have been resubmitted and we’re really excited about the progress and how our plans have been fast tracked.”
Blanford-Green also reiterated that as a state organization, CHSAA’s return-to-play plan must fall within the guidelines of the governor’s office, the Department of Education and the Department of Health before it can be approved. Boys’ golf will begin on time, Aug. 3, but the other 28 sports CHSAA oversees need to wait until state officials finish examining the return to play plan.
“We’re all waiting, but I just really feel optimistic that we’re not going to be waiting long,” Blanford-Green said. “Because as educational plans are being introduced, I just think that the athletic plans will follow shortly behind. But there’s no pressure.
“We just want our plan to be vetted for safety and sustainability to make it through the 2020-21 school year.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Get Cooking: Americans put the tomato in ketchup

Is it “ catsup ” or “ ketchup ” ?
Around the world , “ ketchup ” is the more common spelling of the tomato-based condiment , although you ’ ll see “ catsup ” pop up every now and then and everywhere .
In Australia , they make things simple ( good on them ) and call it “ tomato sauce.
” Mrs. Isabella Beeton ’ s “ The Book of Household Management , ” the quintessential Victorian guide to all things domestic in Britain in the mid-1800s , uses both spellings when discussing a mushroom-based sauce then called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the fungi .
Centuries ago , it started out as kê-tsiap in China and kecap in Indonesia and was nothing we would recognize , not only for its complete lack of tomatoes , but also because it was a flavoring based in salted , fermented and pickled fish that was more like the super-funky ancient Roman sauce , garum , than any of Heinz ’ s 57 varieties of anything .
In 1711 , Charles Lockyer , a bookkeeper with the South Sea Company of Britain , wrote “ An Account of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ Soy comes in Tubbs from Jappan , and the best Ketchip comes from Tonquin , ” what is now Tonkin in northern Vietnam but was part of China in Lockyer ’ s day .
This fish sauce appealed to the British who quite took to it , replacing the fish heads and viscera with other foods such as mushrooms ( see Mrs. Beeton ) , walnuts and oysters .
British cookbooks of the 1700s and early 1800s are replete with recipes for various ketchups ( or katchops ) , condiments or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserving , pickling , fermenting or salting sundry foods ( mostly to draw out the liquids from them ) , all strongly flavored with an array of spices such as mace , ginger , cloves , nutmeg , peppercorns , even horseradish .
It wasn ’ t until after our independence from Britain that Americans , inheriting these various fruit and vegetable ketchups from Colonial cooking , married them with our infatuation with the tomato .
And we were off , creating one of our more-loved contemporary condiments ( mayonnaise is first ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
While a Philadelphia scientist named James Mease published the first recipe in the United States for “ tomato ketchup ” in 1812 , it was what we would recognize as Prego or Ragú .
Not until another Pennsylvanian , Henry J. Heinz of Pittsburgh , took an interest in the sauce in the late 19th century did we get what we know today as “ ketchup.
” There were ketchups aplenty when Heinz took up the task , but they didn ’ t appeal to the masses .
Heinz fixed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoilage ; more sugar , to balance the sourness of the vinegar .
He insisted on only the ripest of tomatoes to achieve both bulk and a vibrant red color .
Prior to Heinz ’ s tinkering , industrial or mass-produced ( not kitchen or homemade ) tomato ketchups were cooked with tomatoes that could be transported safely , that is underripe or even green tomatoes .
They made a runny , sickly-looking ketchup .
It ’ s not too far-fetched to assert that , due to the volume of his sales and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heinz not only changed the way that tomatoes were raised in the field but also may have influenced the way foods in the U.S. were processed ( for example , with increased levels of “ hidden ” sweetness ) .
In any case , tomato ketchup forever appeals mainly because it rings all the right bells of what we want to taste or savor .
In truth , it has all five tastes .
It is salty , sweet , sour ( acidic ) , and both bitter and umami ( these latter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As it always has , even back to its ancient Asian days , ketchup pairs happily with , even uplifts , our starchy foods ( yay , French fries ) and proteins ( hello , hamburger ) .
Artisanal or small-batch ketchups abound these days , though none appear a threat to the hegemony of H. J. Heinz Co. ( from which 97 % of American homes have a bottle in the refrigerator ) .
Today ’ s recipe comes from a Denver restaurant now sadly closed , Bang !
, of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homemade ketchup was the rave .
Its recipe lives on at the restaurant ’ s still-active Facebook page , from which it is taken here .
Ketchup From Denver ’ s Bang !
restaurant ( now closed ) .
Makes about 1 pint .
Directions Place all ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil .
Turn down to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes .
The vegetables , raisins and chile should be very soft and the liquids should be reduced .
Cool .
Blend in batches until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sieve or china cap .
Keeps for weeks in the refrigerator .
Note : A slightly different version of this recipe appeared as “ Small Batch Bang !
’ s Homemade Ketchup ” on the television food series “ Diners , Drive-Ins and Dives.
” The measurements were the same , the only variations being cider instead of champagne vinegar and the omission of the ground cloves .
Also , depending on the moisture content of your ingredients , you may find it necessary to add an additional ¼ cup water .

Is it “catsup” or “ketchup”?
Yes.
Around the world, “ketchup” is the more common spelling of the tomato-based condiment, although you’ll see “catsup” pop up every now and then and everywhere. In Australia, they make things simple (good on them) and call it “tomato sauce.”
Mrs. Isabella Beeton’s “The Book of Household Management,” the quintessential Victorian guide to all things domestic in Britain in the mid-1800s, uses both spellings when discussing a mushroom-based sauce then called “CATSUP, or KETCHUP” made from the fungi.
Centuries ago, it started out as kê-tsiap in China and kecap in Indonesia and was nothing we would recognize, not only for its complete lack of tomatoes, but also because it was a flavoring based in salted, fermented and pickled fish that was more like the super-funky ancient Roman sauce, garum, than any of Heinz’s 57 varieties of anything.
In 1711, Charles Lockyer, a bookkeeper with the South Sea Company of Britain, wrote “An Account of the Trade in India,” saying that “Soy comes in Tubbs from Jappan, and the best Ketchip comes from Tonquin,” what is now Tonkin in northern Vietnam but was part of China in Lockyer’s day.
This fish sauce appealed to the British who quite took to it, replacing the fish heads and viscera with other foods such as mushrooms (see Mrs. Beeton), walnuts and oysters. British cookbooks of the 1700s and early 1800s are replete with recipes for various ketchups (or katchops), condiments or sauces all, which are turns on preserving, pickling, fermenting or salting sundry foods (mostly to draw out the liquids from them), all strongly flavored with an array of spices such as mace, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, peppercorns, even horseradish.
It wasn’t until after our independence from Britain that Americans, inheriting these various fruit and vegetable ketchups from Colonial cooking, married them with our infatuation with the tomato.
And we were off, creating one of our more-loved contemporary condiments (mayonnaise is first; salsa, second; ketchup, third).
While a Philadelphia scientist named James Mease published the first recipe in the United States for “tomato ketchup” in 1812, it was what we would recognize as Prego or Ragú. Not until another Pennsylvanian, Henry J. Heinz of Pittsburgh, took an interest in the sauce in the late 19th century did we get what we know today as “ketchup.”
There were ketchups aplenty when Heinz took up the task, but they didn’t appeal to the masses. Heinz fixed that. He added more vinegar to prevent spoilage; more sugar, to balance the sourness of the vinegar. He insisted on only the ripest of tomatoes to achieve both bulk and a vibrant red color.
Prior to Heinz’s tinkering, industrial or mass-produced (not kitchen or homemade) tomato ketchups were cooked with tomatoes that could be transported safely, that is underripe or even green tomatoes. They made a runny, sickly-looking ketchup.
It’s not too far-fetched to assert that, due to the volume of his sales and his dominance in the condiment market, Heinz not only changed the way that tomatoes were raised in the field but also may have influenced the way foods in the U.S. were processed (for example, with increased levels of “hidden” sweetness).
In any case, tomato ketchup forever appeals mainly because it rings all the right bells of what we want to taste or savor. In truth, it has all five tastes. It is salty, sweet, sour (acidic), and both bitter and umami (these latter two from the long-cooked tomatoes).
As it always has, even back to its ancient Asian days, ketchup pairs happily with, even uplifts, our starchy foods (yay, French fries) and proteins (hello, hamburger).
Artisanal or small-batch ketchups abound these days, though none appear a threat to the hegemony of H. J. Heinz Co. (from which 97% of American homes have a bottle in the refrigerator).
Today’s recipe comes from a Denver restaurant now sadly closed, Bang!, of the Highland district. While open, its homemade ketchup was the rave. Its recipe lives on at the restaurant’s still-active Facebook page, from which it is taken here.
Ketchup
From Denver’s Bang! restaurant (now closed). Makes about 1 pint.
Ingredients
2 Roma or plum tomatoes, ripe
¾ cup raisins
1 dried guajillo chile, seeded and stemmed
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup champagne vinegar
1 garlic clove, whole
¼ cup yellow onion, peeled, chopped
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup water
Directions
Place all ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes. The vegetables, raisins and chile should be very soft and the liquids should be reduced. Cool.
Blend in batches until very smooth. Strain through a fine sieve or china cap. Keeps for weeks in the refrigerator.
Note: A slightly different version of this recipe appeared as “Small Batch Bang!’s Homemade Ketchup” on the television food series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The measurements were the same, the only variations being cider instead of champagne vinegar and the omission of the ground cloves. Also, depending on the moisture content of your ingredients, you may find it necessary to add an additional ¼ cup water.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Feds will stay in Portland until attacks end, U.S. attorney says

PORTLAND , Ore. — U.S. militarized officers will remain in Portland until attacks on a federal courthouse cease , a top official said Monday after another night of violence .
And more officers may soon be on the way .
“ It is not a solution to tell federal officers to leave when there continues to be attacks on federal property and personnel , ” U.S. Attorney Billy Williams said .
” We are not leaving the building unprotected to be destroyed by people intent on doing so.
” Local and state officials said the federal officers are unwelcome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ five other major U.S. cities appealed Monday to Congress to make it illegal for the federal government to deploy militarized agents to cities that don ’ t want them .
“ This administration ’ s egregious use of federal force on cities over the objections of local authorities should never happen , ” the mayors of Portland , Seattle , Chicago , Kansas City , Albuquerque , New Mexico , and Washington wrote to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate .
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Secretary Chad Wolf to discuss a cease-fire and removal of heightened federal forces from Portland .
The city has had nightly protests for two months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May .
President Donald Trump said he sent federal agents to Portland to halt the unrest , but state and local officials said they are making the situation worse .
Trump ’ s deployment of the federal officers over the July 4 weekend stoked the Black Lives Matter movement .
The number of nightly protesters had dwindled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deployment , and now has swelled to the thousands .
Early Monday , U.S. agents repeatedly fired tear gas , flash bangs and pepper balls at protesters outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland .
Some protesters had climbed over the fence surrounding the courthouse , while others shot fireworks , banged on the fence and projected lights on the building .
Trump said on Twitter that federal properties in Portland “ wouldn ’ t last a day ” without the presence of the federal agents .
The majority of people participating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But a few have been pelting officers with objects and trying to tear down fencing protecting the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse .
Williams , whose office is inside the courthouse , called on peaceful protesters , community and business leaders and people of faith to not allow violence to occur in their presence and to leave downtown before violence starts .
He said federal agents have made 83 arrests .
Demonstrations in support of racial justice and police reform in other cities around the U.S. were marred by violence over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Oakland , California , courthouse ; vehicles were set ablaze in Richmond , Virginia ; an armed protester was shot and killed in Austin , Texas ; and two people were shot and wounded in Aurora , Colorado , after a car drove through a protest .
The U.S .
Marshals Service has lined up about 100 people they could send to hotspots , either to strengthen forces or relieve officers who have been working for weeks , agency spokesperson Drew Wade said .
Kris Cline , principal deputy director of Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Portland and teams from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice discuss what force is needed every night .
Cline refused to discuss the number of officers currently present or if more would be arriving .
Some protesters have accused Wheeler of hypocrisy for speaking out against the federal presence because , under his watch , Portland police have used tear gas and other riot-control weapons on protesters , including peaceful ones .
Cline said Portland police should take over the job of dispersing protesters from the courthouse area from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland Police Bureau were able to do what they typically do , they would be able to clear this out for this disturbance and we would leave our officers inside the building and not be visible , ” Cline said .
He said relations between the federal officers , some of whom live in Portland , and city police were good .
Portland police responded Sunday evening to a shooting at a park close to the site of the protests .
Two people were detained and later released , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in a private vehicle and was treated for a non-life-threatening wound .
Also late Sunday , police said someone pointed out a bag in the same park , where officers found loaded rifle magazines and Molotov cocktails .
The shooting was not related to the items , police said .
Associated Press writer Mike Balsamo contributed to this report from Washington .
Selsky reported from Salem , Oregon .

PORTLAND, Ore. — U.S. militarized officers will remain in Portland until attacks on a federal courthouse cease, a top official said Monday after another night of violence. And more officers may soon be on the way.
“It is not a solution to tell federal officers to leave when there continues to be attacks on federal property and personnel,” U.S. Attorney Billy Williams said. ”We are not leaving the building unprotected to be destroyed by people intent on doing so.”
Local and state officials said the federal officers are unwelcome.
Meanwhile, the mayors of Portland and five other major U.S. cities appealed Monday to Congress to make it illegal for the federal government to deploy militarized agents to cities that don’t want them.
“This administration’s egregious use of federal force on cities over the objections of local authorities should never happen,” the mayors of Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Washington wrote to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty late called for a meeting with Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf to discuss a cease-fire and removal of heightened federal forces from Portland.
The city has had nightly protests for two months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May. President Donald Trump said he sent federal agents to Portland to halt the unrest, but state and local officials said they are making the situation worse.
Trump’s deployment of the federal officers over the July 4 weekend stoked the Black Lives Matter movement. The number of nightly protesters had dwindled to perhaps less than 100 right before the deployment, and now has swelled to the thousands.
Early Monday, U.S. agents repeatedly fired tear gas, flash bangs and pepper balls at protesters outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland. Some protesters had climbed over the fence surrounding the courthouse, while others shot fireworks, banged on the fence and projected lights on the building.
Trump said on Twitter that federal properties in Portland “wouldn’t last a day” without the presence of the federal agents.
The majority of people participating in the daily demonstrations have been peaceful. But a few have been pelting officers with objects and trying to tear down fencing protecting the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse.
Williams, whose office is inside the courthouse, called on peaceful protesters, community and business leaders and people of faith to not allow violence to occur in their presence and to leave downtown before violence starts. He said federal agents have made 83 arrests.
Demonstrations in support of racial justice and police reform in other cities around the U.S. were marred by violence over the weekend. Protesters set fire to an Oakland, California, courthouse; vehicles were set ablaze in Richmond, Virginia; an armed protester was shot and killed in Austin, Texas; and two people were shot and wounded in Aurora, Colorado, after a car drove through a protest.
The U.S. Marshals Service has lined up about 100 people they could send to hotspots, either to strengthen forces or relieve officers who have been working for weeks, agency spokesperson Drew Wade said.
Kris Cline, principal deputy director of Federal Protective Service, said an incident commander in Portland and teams from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice discuss what force is needed every night.
Cline refused to discuss the number of officers currently present or if more would be arriving.
Some protesters have accused Wheeler of hypocrisy for speaking out against the federal presence because, under his watch, Portland police have used tear gas and other riot-control weapons on protesters, including peaceful ones.
Cline said Portland police should take over the job of dispersing protesters from the courthouse area from the federal officers.
“If the Portland Police Bureau were able to do what they typically do, they would be able to clear this out for this disturbance and we would leave our officers inside the building and not be visible,” Cline said.
He said relations between the federal officers, some of whom live in Portland, and city police were good.
Portland police responded Sunday evening to a shooting at a park close to the site of the protests. Two people were detained and later released, police said. The person who was shot went to the hospital in a private vehicle and was treated for a non-life-threatening wound.
Also late Sunday, police said someone pointed out a bag in the same park, where officers found loaded rifle magazines and Molotov cocktails. The shooting was not related to the items, police said.
Associated Press writer Mike Balsamo contributed to this report from Washington. Selsky reported from Salem, Oregon.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Rockies’ Tim Collins opts out of 2020 season; Michael Toglia joins Colorado’s player pool

The Rockies added first base prospect Michael Toglia , their first-round pick in the 2019 draft , to their 2020 @ @ @ @ @ brings the Rockies ’ total player pool to 56 players , with 30 of them @ @ @ @ @ .
Prospects , such as Toglia , third-baseman/outfield Ryan Vilade and infielder Colten Welker , @ @ @ @ @ satellite squad ” working out in Denver at Coors Field and Metropolitan State University of @ @ @ @ @ Pepsi Center as a clubhouse .
Also , Rockies veteran non-roster left-handed relief pitcher Tim @ @ @ @ @ satellite camp and won ’ t pitch this season .
Though it ’ s presumed @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus pandemic , the Rockies did not confirm that as the reason @ @ @ @ @ who is 12-17 with a 3.60 ERA in 275 big-league games with the Royals , @ @ @ @ @ not make the 30-man roster out of summer camp .

The Rockies added first base prospect Michael Toglia, their first-round pick in the 2019 draft, to their 2020 player pool. The addition brings the Rockies’ total player pool to 56 players, with 30 of them on the active big-league roster.
Prospects, such as Toglia, third-baseman/outfield Ryan Vilade and infielder Colten Welker, are members of the “satellite squad” working out in Denver at Coors Field and Metropolitan State University of Denver, while using the Pepsi Center as a clubhouse.
Also, Rockies veteran non-roster left-handed relief pitcher Tim Collins has withdrawn from the satellite camp and won’t pitch this season. Though it’s presumed that Collins will not play because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Rockies did not confirm that as the reason.
Collins, 30, who is 12-17 with a 3.60 ERA in 275 big-league games with the Royals, Nationals and Cubs, did not make the 30-man roster out of summer camp.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Bryan Shaw blames Coors Field and Denver’s mile-high altitude for poor Rockies run

Veteran right-handed reliever Bryan Shaw , released by the Rockies on July 17 , had a 5.61 ERA in two seasons pitching for Colorado and looked like a shell of the pitcher he was in Cleveland , where he ’ d posted a 3.11 ERA and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 387 appearances over five seasons .
Shaw , now pitching for the Seattle Mariners , blames Coors Field and Denver ’ s mile-high altitude .
“ I got there and the sliders didn ’ t work , ” he told The Seattle Times .
“ It didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to tinker with it .
We tried to change it .
We tried to do different stuff and it just basically fell by the wayside .
“ So , basically , I became a cutter-primary ( pitcher ) with kind of a little cement-mixer slider that didn ’ t really do anything .
I think that attributed a lot to the adverse results that I had .
Stemming from that , we tried to do some different things to create that movement on the slider and create different stuff in the mechanical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with everything a little bit .
It just kind of snowballed there .
”

Veteran right-handed reliever Bryan Shaw, released by the Rockies on July 17, had a 5.61 ERA in two seasons pitching for Colorado and looked like a shell of the pitcher he was in Cleveland, where he’d posted a 3.11 ERA and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 387 appearances over five seasons.
Shaw, now pitching for the Seattle Mariners, blames Coors Field and Denver’s mile-high altitude.
“I got there and the sliders didn’t work,” he told The Seattle Times. “It didn’t matter what we did. We tried to tinker with it. We tried to change it. We tried to do different stuff and it just basically fell by the wayside.
“So, basically, I became a cutter-primary (pitcher) with kind of a little cement-mixer slider that didn’t really do anything. I think that attributed a lot to the adverse results that I had. Stemming from that, we tried to do some different things to create that movement on the slider and create different stuff in the mechanical side which then kind of just messed with everything a little bit. It just kind of snowballed there.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Two Aurora police officers shot in Denver taken to a local hospital

Two Aurora police officers were shot on Monday evening in Denver and taken to a local hospital .
The shooting @ @ @ @ @ of Argonne Street , according to Denver police .
Police are at the scene in @ @ @ @ @ , just south of Green Valley Ranch Boulevard and east of Tower Road .
Both @ @ @ @ @ injuries , Aurora police said .
The Aurora officers were pursuing a robbery suspect at @ @ @ @ @ , according to Denver7 .
A robbery suspect has been shot and is expected to @ @ @ @ @ be updated .

Two Aurora police officers, part of a crime task force, were shot on Monday evening in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch area in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect who was also shot, police said.
#APDAlert Officers are on scene with @DenverPolice regarding an OIS on Argonne. 2 Aurora Police Officers have been shot and transported to the hospital. Updates will be here. pic.twitter.com/pjOQzGrYFw — Aurora Police Dept. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@AuroraPD) July 28, 2020
The shooting happened in the 4700 block of Argonne Street, according to Denver police.
ALERT:#Denver officers are investigating an officer involved shooting in the 4700 block of Argonne St. Updates will be posted as they become available. pic.twitter.com/x82DiBdV6W — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) July 27, 2020
The two Aurora officers shot are SWAT members on assignment with the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, said Denver Division Chief of Patrol Ron Thomas at a news briefing.
The task force, at about 5:30 p.m., was following multiple suspects in recent armed robberies of metro area convenience stores, Thomas said. The task force attempted to contact the suspects in the area of East 47th Avenue and Andes Street and a suspect took off running.
The fleeing suspect tried to “forcefully” take a vehicle during his flight and that’s when shots were “exchanged,” Thomas said.
Both of the officers have non-life-threatening injuries, Aurora police said.
The suspect is in critical condition at Denver Health Medical Center.


thedenverpost--2020-07-28--Man suspected of killing two dogs in Teller County is arrested in Centennial

A man suspected of killing his roommate ’ s dogs in Teller County has been arrested in Arapahoe County .
@ @ @ @ @ , was arrested late Sunday night at the Days Inn Motel , 9719 E. Geddes @ @ @ @ @ to the Teller County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Dieringer was wanted on a July @ @ @ @ @ felony counts of aggravated animal abuse .
Dieringer allegedly beat to death a 7-year-old Australian @ @ @ @ @ as well as killed and dismembered another dog named Hayoda .
Dieringer is being held @ @ @ @ @ on a $ 10,000 bond .

A man suspected of killing his roommate’s dogs in Teller County has been arrested in Arapahoe County.
Matthew Stephen Dieringer, 30, was arrested late Sunday night at the Days Inn Motel, 9719 E. Geddes Ave., Centennial, according to the Teller County Sheriff’s Office. Dieringer was wanted on a July 20 arrest warrant for two felony counts of aggravated animal abuse.
Dieringer allegedly beat to death a 7-year-old Australian cattle dog named Suka, as well as killed and dismembered another dog named Hayoda.
Dieringer is being held at the Arapahoe County jail on a $10,000 bond.


thedenverpost--2020-07-27--Kiszla: Hate to burst Broncos Country’s bubble, but this NFL season appears headed for coronavirus t

Kiszla: Hate to burst Broncos Country’s bubble, but this NFL season appears headed for coronavirus trouble

The Major League Baseball season could crumble and 150,000 Americans can die , but maybe this country won ’ t truly take COVID-19 seriously until it wipes out our national religion : the NFL .
Baseball has gone sideways quicker than an errant pitch toward home plate by Dr. Anthony Fauci .
Truth be known , when a coronavirus outbreak forced the Miami Marlins to postpone their home opener Monday , I ’ m not sure if 10 people in their home town really cared .
But football is life here in Broncos Country .
Can you imagine the angst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver to say “ No game today ” on any given NFL Sunday ?
I ’ m not a worrywart itching to shut down football season before it even has a chance to begin .
I ’ m merely a realist who believes the NFL has been living the same ignorant denial that has smacked baseball upside the head only one weekend into the now shaky MLB season .
For too long , the NFL has pretended the coronavirus will magically disappear by July … or September … or Christmas .
Who needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a miracle ?
Or so we ’ ve been told at least 20 times by the president in charge of the mess this country can ’ t seem to escape .
Despite Broncos management ’ s best efforts to keep players and coaches healthy , the notion that grown men who wear a Denver uniform are going to live voluntarily under self-imposed house arrest like football monks for the last five months of this year without being forced to retreat inside a bubble seems like naïve folly , at best .
As it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces the Broncos to shut down operations in the days immediately before the Chargers visit in November , what is Denver going to do ?
Take a forfeit against a division rival ?
While any weekend without NFL football on television would be tough medicine for America to swallow , would it be crazy to suggest the league reconfigure the regular-season schedule now , giving every team a bye week in October , November and December to make allowances for the possibility of make-up games ?
In a country so smug in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide network with the capability to get COVID-19 test results back in a timely fashion to thousands of working-class Americans , Nuggets forward Paul Millsap , who ’ s paid a $ 30 million salary to play basketball , recently skipped a mandatory test while confined to the NBA bubble .
While we desperately want baseball to give us back a piece of normalcy , whenever a Rockies pitcher got in jam down in Texas over the weekend , Rockies manager Bud Black had trouble keeping a mask on his face in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to condemn either Millsap or Black , who are both fine human beings , but to illustrate a point .
In America , we mean well .
The road to more than 50,000 new cases nationwide per day is paved with good intentions .
But we can ’ t be bothered to take the virus seriously until it smacks us upside the head .
So we keep on rolling the dice , because gambling with our health doesn ’ t take as much effort as rolling up our sleeves to tackle this pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless we all view them as mandatory gear .
Tests are pretty much worthless unless the results are readily available in 48 hours or less .
You want to see the Rockies shock the baseball world and make the playoffs ?
Dream of being an eyewitness as Drew Lock throws a touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy to beat Tennessee on a gorgeous Monday night in September ?
Hey , I ’ m with you 100 percent .
Sports are my life , not to mention my livelihood .
But the Rona don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vaccine , playing sports outside a bubble is asking for trouble .

The Major League Baseball season could crumble and 150,000 Americans can die, but maybe this country won’t truly take COVID-19 seriously until it wipes out our national religion: the NFL.
Baseball has gone sideways quicker than an errant pitch toward home plate by Dr. Anthony Fauci. Truth be known, when a coronavirus outbreak forced the Miami Marlins to postpone their home opener Monday, I’m not sure if 10 people in their home town really cared.
But football is life here in Broncos Country. Can you imagine the angst in these parts if the pandemic forced Denver to say “No game today” on any given NFL Sunday?
I’m not a worrywart itching to shut down football season before it even has a chance to begin. I’m merely a realist who believes the NFL has been living the same ignorant denial that has smacked baseball upside the head only one weekend into the now shaky MLB season.
For too long, the NFL has pretended the coronavirus will magically disappear by July … or September … or Christmas. Who needs science when you’re banking on a miracle? Or so we’ve been told at least 20 times by the president in charge of the mess this country can’t seem to escape.
Despite Broncos management’s best efforts to keep players and coaches healthy, the notion that grown men who wear a Denver uniform are going to live voluntarily under self-imposed house arrest like football monks for the last five months of this year without being forced to retreat inside a bubble seems like naïve folly, at best.
As it stands now, if a coronavirus outbreak forces the Broncos to shut down operations in the days immediately before the Chargers visit in November, what is Denver going to do? Take a forfeit against a division rival?
While any weekend without NFL football on television would be tough medicine for America to swallow, would it be crazy to suggest the league reconfigure the regular-season schedule now, giving every team a bye week in October, November and December to make allowances for the possibility of make-up games?
In a country so smug in our American exceptionalism we have yet to construct a nationwide network with the capability to get COVID-19 test results back in a timely fashion to thousands of working-class Americans, Nuggets forward Paul Millsap, who’s paid a $30 million salary to play basketball, recently skipped a mandatory test while confined to the NBA bubble.
While we desperately want baseball to give us back a piece of normalcy, whenever a Rockies pitcher got in jam down in Texas over the weekend, Rockies manager Bud Black had trouble keeping a mask on his face in the dugout.
I mention this not to condemn either Millsap or Black, who are both fine human beings, but to illustrate a point.
In America, we mean well. The road to more than 50,000 new cases nationwide per day is paved with good intentions. But we can’t be bothered to take the virus seriously until it smacks us upside the head.
So we keep on rolling the dice, because gambling with our health doesn’t take as much effort as rolling up our sleeves to tackle this pandemic together. Masks are a flimsy defense unless we all view them as mandatory gear. Tests are pretty much worthless unless the results are readily available in 48 hours or less.
You want to see the Rockies shock the baseball world and make the playoffs?
Dream of being an eyewitness as Drew Lock throws a touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy to beat Tennessee on a gorgeous Monday night in September?
Hey, I’m with you 100 percent. Sports are my life, not to mention my livelihood.
But the Rona don’t care. Until there’s a vaccine, playing sports outside a bubble is asking for trouble.


thedenverpost--2020-07-27--Maturity gives 3-star DL Ryan Williams opportunity with CU Buffs

The thought of playing college football never crossed the mind of Ryan Williams two years ago .
In fact , the Shadow Creek ( Texas ) High School senior hadn ’ t given much attention at all to his post-graduation plans .
“ I didn ’ t know what I was really going to do , ” he said .
An encouraging father and motivating coaches helped Williams mature physically and mentally , however , and now he ’ s eager to become a Colorado Buffalo .
Last Friday , the 6-foot-5 , 260-pound defensive lineman , who has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest prep prospect to verbally commit to CU for the 2021 recruiting class .
“ It was a stress reliever , ” said Williams , who is on track to become the first in his family to play college football .
“ It was very exciting for my family and me and my friends .
We had a whole big party.
” Committing to CU was worth a celebration because of how far Williams has come in the past few years .
Inspired by his older brother , Williams played youth football , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that point .
He had a growth spurt before eighth grade , however , and said he stopped playing and became lazy .
“ I just lost interest and my dad said I can really do something with my height , so I might as well make it worth it , ” he said .
“ I ’ m trash at basketball so I chose football.
” He played as a freshman , but admitted , “ I wasn ’ t really feeling football and I was not caring and not coming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that changed , as he got with a trainer and was pushed by Shadow Creek defensive line coach Kevin Drones – whose oldest son , Kyron , is Shadow Creek ’ s quarterback , recently committing to Baylor .
“ They really get all the lazy and childishness out of me , ” Williams said .
“ My trainer really got that out of me and when Drones got out there , he really got it out of me .
He wasn ’ t playing those games .
“ They felt like I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like I could go somewhere and do something instead of sitting on my butt all day … and not doing anything active .
They did extra work with me in the summer .
Then I had the older guys helping me .
Then I just learned how to do it on my own and stop being lazy.
” About a year ago , Williams began to realize he had potential to play beyond high school and in 2019 , he helped the Sharks go 16-0 and win the Class 5A Division I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I scholarship offer from Texas Southern on May 27 and then got an offer from CU two days later .
Several other schools have expressed interest .
“ I ’ m amazed and all my coaches are amazed at how much I ’ ve grown since freshman year .
Williams is still growing and could potentially play several spots on the Buffs ’ defensive line .
“ ( CU defensive line coach Chris Wilson ) thinks I can play all over , ” Williams said .
“ But it really don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , I ’ ll do my best.
” Although he hasn ’ t been to CU , Williams said he and his family loved the virtual visit he had with the Buffs .
They were impressed with the athletic and academic aspects of CU , as well as the relationships he ’ s developing with the Buffs .
“ The main thing was they treated me like family , ” Williams said .
Williams is the ninth player to commit to CU for 2021 and the third defensive lineman , joining end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and tackle Tyas Martin ( Jacksonville , Ark. )
.
Defensive lineman Jordan Berry , who signed with the Buffs in December , was denied admission to school , according to CU , and he will not join the team this year .
… With Berry no longer on the roster , the Buffs have a projected 83 scholarship players this year , two below the NCAA maximum of 85 .

The thought of playing college football never crossed the mind of Ryan Williams two years ago.
In fact, the Shadow Creek (Texas) High School senior hadn’t given much attention at all to his post-graduation plans.
“I didn’t know what I was really going to do,” he said.
An encouraging father and motivating coaches helped Williams mature physically and mentally, however, and now he’s eager to become a Colorado Buffalo. Last Friday, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman, who has a 3-star rating from 247Sports.com, became the latest prep prospect to verbally commit to CU for the 2021 recruiting class.
“It was a stress reliever,” said Williams, who is on track to become the first in his family to play college football. “It was very exciting for my family and me and my friends. We had a whole big party.”
Committing to CU was worth a celebration because of how far Williams has come in the past few years.
Inspired by his older brother, Williams played youth football, but he was a short kid at that point. He had a growth spurt before eighth grade, however, and said he stopped playing and became lazy.
“I just lost interest and my dad said I can really do something with my height, so I might as well make it worth it,” he said. “I’m trash at basketball so I chose football.”
He played as a freshman, but admitted, “I wasn’t really feeling football and I was not caring and not coming to practice.”
Before his sophomore year, that changed, as he got with a trainer and was pushed by Shadow Creek defensive line coach Kevin Drones – whose oldest son, Kyron, is Shadow Creek’s quarterback, recently committing to Baylor.
“They really get all the lazy and childishness out of me,” Williams said. “My trainer really got that out of me and when Drones got out there, he really got it out of me. He wasn’t playing those games.
“They felt like I had potential in me and they just felt like I could go somewhere and do something instead of sitting on my butt all day … and not doing anything active. They did extra work with me in the summer. Then I had the older guys helping me. Then I just learned how to do it on my own and stop being lazy.”
About a year ago, Williams began to realize he had potential to play beyond high school and in 2019, he helped the Sharks go 16-0 and win the Class 5A Division I championship.
Williams got his first Division I scholarship offer from Texas Southern on May 27 and then got an offer from CU two days later. Several other schools have expressed interest.
“I’m amazed and all my coaches are amazed at how much I’ve grown since freshman year.
Williams is still growing and could potentially play several spots on the Buffs’ defensive line.
“(CU defensive line coach Chris Wilson) thinks I can play all over,” Williams said. “But it really don’t matter. Whenever he wants to put me, I’ll do my best.”
Although he hasn’t been to CU, Williams said he and his family loved the virtual visit he had with the Buffs. They were impressed with the athletic and academic aspects of CU, as well as the relationships he’s developing with the Buffs.
“The main thing was they treated me like family,” Williams said.
Williams is the ninth player to commit to CU for 2021 and the third defensive lineman, joining end Allan Baugh (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and tackle Tyas Martin (Jacksonville, Ark.).
Notable
Defensive lineman Jordan Berry, who signed with the Buffs in December, was denied admission to school, according to CU, and he will not join the team this year. … With Berry no longer on the roster, the Buffs have a projected 83 scholarship players this year, two below the NCAA maximum of 85.